Nuclear

Sodium n-propoxide and sodium iso-propoxides were synthesized and characterized. Thermal decomposition of these compounds was studied using thermogravimetric technique (TGA) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) under non-isothermal and isothermal conditions. Various analytical techniques namely atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), infrared spectroscopy (IR), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), elemental and volumetric analyses were employed to characterize these compounds and their decomposition residues. Kinetic parameters, namely, the activation energy and pre-exponential factor were deduced from the dynamic TGA and MS data. The activation energies derived from isothermal runs for the thermal decomposition of sodium n-propoxide and sodium iso-propoxide were 151.45 ± 2.16 and 128.07 ± 3.44 kJ mol À1 , respectively. Decomposition of sodium n-propoxide and sodium iso-propoxide results in the formation of gaseous products of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons leaving behind residue consisting of sodium carbonate, sodium hydroxide and free carbon.

An understanding of how drugs are transferred between mother and fetus during the gestational period is an important medical issue of relevance to both therapeutic drugs and drugs of abuse. Though there are several in vitro and in vivo methods to examine this issue, all have limitations. Furthermore, ethical and safety considerations generally preclude such studies in pregnant humans. PET and appropriately labeled compounds have the ability to provide information on both maternal-fetal drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. We present here a nonhuman primate animal model and the methodology for combining PET and MRI to identify fetal organs and to measure maternal and fetal isotope distribution using (18)F-FDG and a whole-body imaging protocol to demonstrate proof-of-principle.

The on-heating phase transformation temperatures up to the melting regime and the specific heat capacity of a reduced activation ferritic-martensitic steel (RAFM) with a nominal composition (wt%): 9Cr-0.09C-0.56Mn-0.23V-1W-0.063Ta-0.02N, have been measured using high temperature differential scanning calorimetry. The a-ferrite + carbides ? c-austenite transformation start and finish temperatures, namely Ac 1 , and Ac 3 , are found to be 1104 and 1144 K, respectively for a typical normalized and tempered microstructure. It is also observed that the martensite start (M S) and finish (M f) temperatures are sensitive to the austenitising conditions. Typical M S and M f values for the 1273 K normalized and 1033 K tempered samples are of the order 714 and 614 K, respectively. The heat capacity C P of the RAFM steel has been measured in the temperature range 473-1273 K, for different normalized and tempered samples. In essence, it is found that the C P of the fully martensitic microstructure is found to be lower than that of its tempered counterpart, and this difference begins to increase in an appreciable manner from about 800 K. The heat capacity of the normalized microstructure is found to vary from 480 to 500 J kg À1 K À1 at 500 K, where as that of the tempered steel is found to be higher by about, 150 J kg À1 K À1 .

Measurement of cardiac perfusion via agents such as 99mTc-sestamibi (Cardiolite; DuPont-Merck Pharmaceutical Co., Inc.) is widely used in clinical nuclear medicine for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. The monograph for 99mTc-sestamibi recommends at least 90% radiochemical purity (RCP) for clinical use. Various factors may influence the RCP of certain reagent kits. Some of these include the amount of activity added to the reagent kit, the generator ingrowth time, the generator manufacturer, the age of the eluate, and the age of the formulated kit. A D-optimal design with a 20-experiment run was devised to study the effects of these variables either alone or in combination on the RCP of 99mTc-sestamibi. The RCP was assessed by Baker-Flex thin-layer and high-performance liquid chromatographic methods, immediately and 6 h after reconstitution of the 99mTc-sestamibi. The results showed that 4 of the 5 variables studied were statistically significant predictors of the RCP. The ag...

Molecular imaging is the visualization, characterization, and measurement of biologic processes at the molecular and cellular levels in humans and other living systems (1). It comprises an emerging set of technologies that builds on advances in imaging procedures (e.g., PET, SPECT, MRI, ultrasound, optical, and photoacoustic), improved understanding of biology, and the development of molecularly targeted agents. These continuously expanding sets of imaging methods are often used in combination, and advances in data acquisition and analyses facilitate a more complete understanding of biology. Molecular imaging aims to improve our understanding of mammalian biology and lead to advances in patient care by providing targeted therapies that will enable personalized medicine and the imaging tools to assess outcome. Implementation of these new technologies in clinical care has many educational, technical, and regulatory challenges that must be overcome before molecular imaging reaches its full potential. The impact of molecular imaging has been significant in several disciplines, because it represents a paradigm shift in how scientists and clinicians can observe biology in real time and in a relatively noninvasive manner to enable the power of repeated measures in living organisms.

Prospective evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and both single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and planar bone scintigraphy was undertaken in 31 temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of 21 symptomatic patients. When compared with the results of subsequent arthrography, MRI (0.88) was more sensitive than SPECT (0.76) or planar (0.56) scintigraphy for detection of internal derangement of the TMJ. A diagnostic sensitivity of 0.96 was achieved when the results of either MRI or SPECT was considered evidence of internal joint derangement. Five symptomatic TMJs, clinically thought to be abnormal, were positive on SPECT but showed no evidence of anterior disk displacement at the time of arthrography. In such instances, SPECT may be detecting functionally significant altered joint mechanics that are not evident on anatomic imaging of the TMJ.

The Prospective Investigation of Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis (PIOPED) study of more than 700 patients is the largest existing study of the accuracy of lung scintigraphy in the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism. Perfusion scans were obtained in all patients and ventilation scans in almost all, using standardized techniques. Chest radiographs were obtained in all patients within 12 hr of the lung scan. Most patients underwent pulmonary arteriography. The images were interpreted according to a set of interpretive criteria which remained constant throughout the trial. A standardized, detailed description of each image set was derived by consensus of teams of two readers blinded to clinical and arteriographic findings. This communication reports the methods used to describe and categorize the ventilation-perfusion scintigrams obtained in patients who were enrolled in the PIOPED study. Scintigraphic technique is reviewed briefly, probability assessment is described and the scan descr...

This guideline summarizes the views of the Oncology Committee of the EANM and reflects recommendations for which the EANM cannot be held responsible. The recommendations should be taken in the context of good practice of nuclear medicine and do not substitute for national and international legal or regulatory provisions.

The results of post-irradiation examinations of a pressure tube of fuel channel No. G-12 of KANUPP have been described. A detailed study was made in Canada by AECL. A parallel investigation on its seven rings of about 50 mm length each was also carried out at PINSTECH. Visual inspection showed normal oxidation effects. Gamma spectrometry showed the presence of 95Zr and 95Nb. Microstructural study revealed the characteristic alpha plus a transformed beta phase structure.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate prospectively the sensitivity and specificity of scintimammography in the detection of both primary breast cancer and axillary lymph node involvement. Sixty-five consecutive women referred for a suspicious breast lesion on clinical examination and/or with abnormal mammographies suggestive of malignancies were studied with scintimammography using planar prone imaging (with a chest positioning device with semicircular lateral aperture on the imaging table) performed 15 min postinjection of 25-30 mCi 99mTc-sestamibi. Three planar views, right and left lateral prone and anterior supine thoracic views, were obtained (8-10 min/view). The entire breast and ipsilateral axillary region were included in the field of view. Excisional breast biopsy and/or fine needle aspiration cytology were performed in all patients within 4 wk after scintimammography. Axillary node dissection was also performed. The largest primary tumor measured 2 x 3 cm. There were ...

An alteration phase that formed during the corrosion of commercial oxide spent nuclear fuel has been characterized with analytical transmission electron microscopy (AEM). The phase is a Cs-Ba uranyl molybdate oxide hydrate that has an orthorhombic structure related to the alkaline earth uranyl oxide hydrates of the protasite-group minerals. On the basis of the compositional analysis and a proposed model of the structure, the ideal structural formula is (Cs0.8Bao.6)(UOE)5(MOOE)O4(OH) 6 • nH20 (where n is around 6). Low levels of strontium are also present in the phase. The estimated unit cell parameters are a = 0.754 nm, b = 0.654 nm, and c = 3.008 nm. Although many of the phases formed during corrosion of spent oxide fuel are similar to those observed in natural uraninite deposits, such as Pefia Blanca in Mexico, there are important differences owing to the presence of fission products in the spent fuel. Thus, accurate determination of corrosion processes in actual radioactive waste forms is important. This study suggests that the natural U-Mo deposits at Shelby, WY, and Bates Mountain Tuff, NV, may be good analogues for the long-term behavior of U-Mo phases formed due to spent fuel corrosion.

PET is a technique with a strong potential for use in drug evaluation and development. In particular, the distribution and pharmacokinetics of locally administered drugs may be advantageously explored noninvasively using labeled compounds. This pilot study was performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of PET for drug development and to determine the human biodistribution and kinetics of triamcinolone acetonide, labeled with 11C, formulated and nasally administered as Nasacort AQ nasal inhalant. Carbon-11-labeled triamcinolone acetonide was formulated as the commercial product, and PET scans of the heads of four volunteers were performed in a vertical orientation. Region-of-interest analysis with MRI coregistration was used to analyze the distribution and kinetics in nasal tissues. Deposition of the majority of the dose on target tissues was immediate. Penetration into sinuses was observed. There was moderate redistribution and slow migration of the drug through nasal passages to th...

Renal scintigraphy with [""Tcjdiethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and/or sodiumiodine-131-o-iodohippurate (HIP)was performed before and after an oral dose of captopril (50 mg) in 18 patients with renovascular hypertension (RVH) due to renal artery stenosis (RAS) and 18 controls. In every patient with RVH, captopril induced, enhanced or sustained abnormal findings on HIP scintigraphy depending on the degree of RAS. With DTPA scintigraphy, renal function decreased after captopril in ten kidneys with RVH-related RAS and adequate baseline renal function, but this phenomenon was not evident in 11 kidneys with RVH and poor renal function. Captopril did not influence HIP or DTPA studies of kidneys with patent renal arteries (patients after successful renal angioplasty, patients with essential hypertension, contralateral kidneys of patients with unilateral RVH) or ipsilateral kidneys with mild and subcriticai (<60%) RAS in patients without hypertension and/or normal renal vein renin activity. When HIP and DTPA scintigraphy were compared in the same patients, HIP demonstrated greater sensitivity and specificity than DTPA, particularly in patients with poor renal function. HIP scintigraphy before and after a single dose of captopril may provide a rapid sensitive and minimally invasive test for screening patients with hypertension. J NucÃ-Med 28:1383-1392,1987

A new methodology is proposed to correlate the upper shelf energy (USE) of full-size and subsize Charpy specimens of a nuclear reactor pressure vessel plate material. The methodology appears to be more satisfactory than those methodlogies proposed earlier. The USE was normalized by a normalization factor involving the dimensions of the Charpy specimen, the elastic stress concentration factor, and the plastic constraint at the notch root. The normalized values of the USE were found to be invariant with speciment size. In addition, it was also found that the ratio of the USE of unirradiated to that of irradiated materials was approximately the same for full-, half-, and third-size specimens. The ductile-to-brittle transition temperture (DBTT) increased due to irradiation at 150°C to a nominal fluence of 1.0 × 1019 n/cm2 (E >MeV) by 78, 83 and 70°C for full-, half-, and third-size specimens, respectively. These shifts in DBTT appeared to be independent of specimen size and notch geometry.

TO THE EDITOR: I read with interest the article of Zaidi (/ ) for quantifying thyroid volume using planar and SPECT scans. As the author correctly states, this technique is not applicable to clinical situations where there is a poor contrast and high background activity. A recent dissertation by Erdi (2 ), using the same technique, described by Mortelmans et al. and Otsu (4), indicated an average error between 70% and 230% using the gray level histogram method at 5:1 lesion-to-background ratio for a set of spheres (1-54 ml). The error arises because of the statistical method lacks the ability to distinguish between the peaks corresponding to the lesion and the background in the gray-level histogram when the contrast is low. Erdi (2) suggested methods to overcome this problem, such as using an edge-preserving smoothing filter described by Nagao and Matsuyama (5). However, even with the use of a filter, volume measurement error is in a 30% range.

Background. Nonuniform attenuation artifacts cause suboptimal specificity of stress single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion images. In phantoms, normal subjects, and patients suspected of having coronary artery disease (CAD), we evaluated a new hybrid attenuation correction (AC) system that combines x-ray computed tomography (CT) with conventional stress SPECT imaging.

Teaching file cases play an important role in the training of nuclear medicine residents; however, film-based teaching files have limitations, such as difficulty in accessing cases in a department with several remote clinical sites. The goal of this project was to develop a digital teaching file with the capability for local and remote (Internet) network access, with the additional requirements that viewing existing cases and addition of new cases be easy and simple. The teaching file software (TF-Web) utilizes applications developed for the World-Wide-Web in combination with locally developed programs for importing images, entering case information, indexing, searching, case selection and case editing. The time required to add cases to the TF-Web and to access existing cases from local and remote network sites as well as computer storage requirements were assessed. Cases entered in TF-Web may be viewed either with or without diagnoses and may be accessed with acceptable speed (2-14...

Gadolinium oxide homogeneously mixed with uranium oxide nuclear fuel is used as burnable poison in modem LWR. Solid solutions of UOz with Gd20, additions of between 5 and 10 wt% have been prepared according to the following routes: (a) mechanical mixing of both ceramic powders; (b) AUC and ADU coprecipitation. Microstructural analyses have been carried out by optical ceramography and electron microprobe for observation of heterogeneities. Sintered densities as well as O/U ratios of the ceramic pellets have also been measured.

This paper will describe the Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) inspections that were undertaken to the Trawsfynydd decommissioning site between September 2011 and July 2013. It will describe why the inspection was undertaken, what the requirements were and how this was achieved technically and commercially. It will also discuss some preliminary findings, the outputs from the inspection and some conclusions drawn from the entire project. Finally it will show how the project mapped against the Institute of Asset Management's (IAM) 'Key Principles' .

Transition metal ferrocyanides have important applications in the selective removal of radioactive caesium from low level and intermediate level radioactive liquid waste streams. The microcrystalline nature of these materials renders them useless for application in column mode operations. Special preparation procedures have been developed to prepare granular solids by in situ precipitation of metal ferrocyanides on organic anion exchangers, which is suitable for column mode operations. The elemental compositions of the metal ferrocyanides precipitated inside the pores of anion exchanger were determined by analysing the dissolved samples using ICP-AES system and flame photometer. From the XRD and EDX analyses and the elemental composition of the synthesized materials, the nature of the compound formed inside the anion exchanger was found to be cobalt ferrocyanide. From SEM analysis of the samples, the particle size of the cobalt ferrocyanide precipitated inside the anion exchanger was found to be much less than that of cobalt ferrocyanide precipitated outside. The efficiency of these materials for removal of Cs was evaluated by measuring the distribution coefficient (Kd), ion exchange capacity and kinetics of Cs uptake. The Kd of the materials loaded on anion exchanger was found to be of the order of 10 5 ml/g. The Cs uptake kinetics of the materials loaded on anion exchanger was slower than that of precipitated materials. The ion exchange capacity of the cobalt ferrocyanide loaded on anion exchanger was found to be much higher than that of the precipitated cobalt ferrocyanide.

The effective atomic numbers, Z eff of some glass systems with and without Pb have been calculated in the energy region of 1 keV-100 GeV including the K absorption edges of high Z elements present in the glass. Also, these glass systems have been compared with some standard shielding concretes and commercial window glasses in terms of mean free paths and total mass attenuation coefficients in the continuous energy range. Comparisons with experiments were also provided wherever possible for glasses. It has been observed that the glass systems without Pb have higher values of Z eff than that of Pb based glasses at some high energy regions even if they have lower mean atomic numbers than Pb based glasses. When compared with some standard shielding concretes and commercial window glasses, generally it has been shown that the given glass systems have superior properties than concretes and window glasses with respect to the radiation-shielding properties, thus confirming the availability of using these glasses as substitutes for some shielding concretes and commercial window glasses to improve radiation-shielding properties in the continuous energy region.

Cardiac positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is a well-validated, reimbursable means to assess myocardial perfusion, left ventricular function, and viability. Presently, there is a proliferation of PET instrumentation as well as an increase in educational programs that specifically address PET imaging. Technologists performing PET scans as well as physicians interpreting them should have a sound knowledge of recommended standards for the performance, interpretation, and quality control of cardiac PET in order to provide accurate and clinically relevant information to referring physicians, facilitating optimal patient management.

High-temperature solid state syntheses of monazite powders containing plutonium (III), plutonium (IV) and americium (III) were performed. Resulting powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction. Pu 3+ PO 4 was readily obtained as a single phase by heating a Pu 4+ O 2 -NH 4 H 2 PO 4 mixture under argon atmosphere. Traces of tetravalent plutonium phosphate Pu 4+ P 2 O 7 were detected when synthesized under air atmosphere. The incorporation of (Pu 4+ , Ca 2+ ) in the monazite structure was investigated under air and argon atmosphere. We showed that Pu 4+ is fully reduced in Pu 3+ under argon atmosphere whereas, under air, the compound with the formula Pu 3þ 0:4 Pu 4þ 0:3 Ca 2þ 0:3 PO 4 was obtained. Pure Am 3+ PO 4 was also synthesized under argon atmosphere. X-ray patterns revealed a complete amorphisation of the monazite structure at a relatively low cumulative alpha dose for 241 AmPO 4 .

Small biomolecules are typically radiolabeled with (18)F by binding it to a carbon atom, a process that usually is designed uniquely for each new molecule and requires several steps and hours to produce. We report a facile method wherein (18)F is first attached to aluminum as Al(18)F, which is then bound to a chelate attached to a peptide, forming a

UNLABELLED The preparation, characterization, and first biologic evaluation in rats of a novel class of monocationic (99m)Tc heart imaging agents are reported. The complexes are represented by the general formula [(99m)Tc(N)(PNP)(L)](+), where L is the monoanionic form of a dithiocarbamate ligand of the type [R(1)(R(2))-N-C(=S)S](-), PNP is a diphosphine ligand of the type [(R(3))(2)P-(CH(2))(2)](2)-N(R(4)), and R(1)-R(4) are organic functional groups. METHODS The new complexes were prepared by use of both liquid and freeze-dried formulations through a 2-step procedure. The first step involved the formation of the [TcN](2+) group through the reaction of (99m)TcO(4)(-) with succinic dihydrazide as a donor of nitride nitrogen atoms (N(3-)) in the presence of Sn(2+) ions. This step was followed by the simultaneous addition to the reaction solution of the ligand PNP and of the sodium salt of the dithiocarbamate ligand (NaL) to afford the final products, [(99m)Tc(N)(PNP)(L)](+). The chem...

A modified version of the concentration-dependent model (CDM) potential (A. Caro et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 95 (2005) [1] has been developed to study defects in Fe-Cr for different Cr concentrations. A comparison between this new potential and DFT results for a variety of point defect configurations is performed in order to test its reliability for radiation damage studies. The effect of Cr concentration on the vacancy formation energy in Fe-Cr alloys is analyzed in detail. This study shows a linear dependence of the vacancy formation energy on Cr concentration for values above 6% of Cr. However, the formation energy deviates from the linear interpolation in the region below 6% Cr concentration. In order to understand this behavior, the influence of the relative positions between Cr atoms and vacant sites on the vacancy formation energy has been studied.

Tensile testing has been performed at 25 and at 400 °C on two ferritic/martensitic steels (JFMS and HT-9) after irradiation in FFTF to up to 70 dpa at 373–433 °C. As observed in previous studies, this range of irradiation temperatures has a significant effect on hardening. The ...

The degradation in mechanical properties of Inconel 625 ammonia cracker tubes occurs during the service for long duration in heavy water plants. The present study brings out the possibility of using Poisson's ratio (derived from measurement of time of flight of ultrasonic waves) in combination with hardness measurements, as an effective non-destructive tool for assessment of in-service degradation of Inconel 625 cracker tubes and qualification of re-solution annealing heat treatment for their rejuvenation. Further, the study also indicates the feasibility of extending the life of some of the tubes beyond the presently followed 120 000 h, before they are taken up for re-solution annealing, without affecting their serviceability. However, further studies are required to identify quantitative criterion for Poisson's ratio and hardness values, for deciding on the basis for removal of the tubes for rejuvenation.

The book chapter is devoted to the peculiarities of European Union's policy in the area of nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful use of nuclear energy on various stages of European integration structures' evolution. The author analyses the subtleties of forming, development and implementation of the EU policy in this sphere in terms of regional context connected with the evolution of nuclear non-proliferation regime in Europe. It is possible to mark out trends in the EU nuclear policy thanks to the use of EU basic documents in the field of security and non-proliferation. The author also pays attention to Brussels' contribution to international nuclear projects. Based on the case study of the EU policy, it is shown that universal and regional norms of nuclear non-proliferation are naturally intertwined. EU position pertaining to the non-proliferation issues appears to be active and unified, regardless of turbulent external environment and certain internal disagreements within the Union. One can single out presence of a sophisticated system of organised structures and high degree of institutionalisation among the characteristic features of this direction in Brussels' policy. It enables one to draw a conclusion about successful functioning of the regional non-proliferation regime in Europe, irrespective of certain challenges. Apart from that, European Union plays a mediating role in this area.

In the Generation IV Materials Program cross-cutting task, irradiation and testing were carried out to address the issue of high temperature irradiation effects with selected current and potential candidate metallic alloys. The materials tested were (1) a high-nickel iron-base alloy (Alloy 800H); (2) a nickel-base alloy (Alloy 617); (3) two advanced nano-structured ferritic alloys (designated 14YWT and 14WT); and (4) a commercial ferritic-martensitic steel (annealed 9Cr-1MoV). Small tensile specimens were irradiated in rabbit capsules in the High-Flux Isotope Reactor at temperatures from about 550 to 700°C and to irradiation doses in the range 1.2-1.6 dpa. The Alloy 800H and Alloy 617 exhibited significant hardening after irradiation at 580°C; some hardening occurred at 660°C as well, but the 800H showed extremely low tensile elongations when tested at 700°C. Notably, the grain boundary engineered 800H exhibited even greater hardening at 580°C and retained a high amount of ductility. Irradiation effects on the two nano-structured ferritic alloys and the annealed 9Cr-1MoV were relatively slight at this low dose.

What happened, in the years leading up to Valentine's Day 2014, that made a canister of nuclear waste burst open and spew out fire underground at a US facility for the long-term disposal of radioactive military waste? According to one widely publicized scenario, a simple run-of-the-mill typo led to organic kitty litter mistakenly being used to soak up liquid in the drum instead of another kind of absorbent material. This ultimately led to a reaction that made heat and pressure build up in the drum, causing it to erupt. But was that "simple" clerical error symptomatic of a much deeper, system-wide problem-- involving a US Energy Department plan to rush the pace of nuclear waste disposal? What were the political, social, and financial elements involved in making Los Alamos' waste drum #68660 erupt that February night? What can be done to prevent similar accidents – which can have price tags of hundreds of millions of dollars or more – from happening again in the future? A cultural anthropologist spent 10 weeks onsite after the event, logging 43 interviews and trying to answer these questions. Here is what he found.

Recent research results obtained in Europe, Japan, China and the USA on reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steels are reviewed. The present status of different RAFM steel products (plate, powder HIPped steel, many types of fusion and diffusion welds, unirradiated and irradiated states) is sufficient to present a strong case for the use of the steels in ITER test blanket modules. For application in DEMO, more research is needed, including the use of the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF) in order to quantify the effects of large amounts of transmutation products, such as helium and hydrogen.

Niebotyczne koszty cywilnej energetyki jądrowej nie powinny odżegnywać od inwestycji w bloki jądrowe w Polce. Kluczem do ich zrealizowania może być skorzystanie z dodatkowych, nieoczywistych źródeł finansowania. Największą ciekawostką jest to, że wpływ na powodzenie energetyki jądrowej w Polsce będzie miał sposób finansowania i uregulowania… odpadów radioaktywnych oraz terenów pogórniczych.

Wall conditioning techniques applicable in the presence of permanent toroidal magnetic field will be required for the operation of ITER, in particular for recovery from disruptions, vent and air leak, isotopic ratio control, recycling control and mitigation of the tritium inventory build-up. Ion Cyclotron Wall Conditioning (ICWC) is one of the most promising options and has been the subject of considerable recent study on current tokamaks. This paper reports on the findings of such studies performed on European tokamaks, covering a range of plasma-facing materials: TORE SUPRA, TEXTOR, ASDEX Upgrade and JET.

Nükleer santral kazaları tüm gezegeni tehdit ediyor. Gelişmiş geçinen Rusya’sından, Japonyası’na, ABD’sinden Fransa’sına kadar,  herhangi bir kaza sonrası santralde çalıştırılan işçiden, bölge halkına ve hem o ülkenin hem yakın coğrafyadaki ülkelerin vatandaşlarının hem de kontamine olmuş ürünleri satın olmak zorunda bırakılan çok uzak ülkelerin tüketicilerine kadar herkes büyük yalanlar, bilgi saklamaları ve en temel sağlık haklarından dahi mahrum bırakılmaktadır.
Bütün bunları değerlendirmek için, üzerinden geçen makul sürelerle verilerin daha belirginleştiği Çernobil ve Fukişima kazalarında nasıl uygulandığını bu kitapta okuyacaksınız. Öylesine ki Japonya gibi bir ülkede, nükleer kazadan sonra yapılacak ilk iş olan iyot tabletlerin dağıtımı bile yapılmamıştır ve sonuçları daha şimdiden çok ağır olmuştur.

Peki Çernobil’de yaşananlar, Fukişima’da başarıya alışmış ve teknolojiye belki de dünyada en çok inanan Japonlara ders oldu mu? Kitap bu karşılaştırmanın da izini sürerek, bir yanıyla da güç sahiplerinin eğilimlerinin, sivil toplumun etkililiğinin, tıp camiasının örgütlüğünün, bilim insanlarının bağımsızlığının ve gazetecilerin cesaretinin önemini sorguluyor. Biz özellikle Türkiye’de artık çok iyi biliyoruz ki vatan hainliği ile sevgisi arasındaki çizgi, iktidarın tercihine kalmıştır. Bir şekilde her iki kazadan da en çok zararı görme ihtimali olan insanların, örtbas etmelere değil, sonuçlarıyla oynanmış raporlara değil, nükleer lobisinin finanse ettiği araştırmalara ve boş umutlara değil, güvenilir bilgilere ve desteğe ihtiyacı vardır. Kaldı ki bütün kazanın 300 yıla kadar sürecek etkilerini ortadan kaldırmak için, yine bu en çok zarar gören yurttaşların vergileri kullanılıyor.

Nükleer serpintinin cinsi, yarılanma ömrü ve bunların bitkiler, hayvanlar genel olarak doğal ekosistem üzerindeki etkileri ise insan merkezli düşünenlerin dahi ihmal edemeyeceği düzeydedir çünkü bunların çoğu dönüp dolaşıp besin ya da su olarak insanlar tarafından tüketilmektedir. Ancak dünyaya başka bir gözlükle bakmayı becerebilenler için, ömürleri çok kısa olan mavi kelebeklerin nasıl etkilendiği de önem taşır. Ömürlerinin kısalması, kanat uzunlukların azalmasının yanı sıra yeni nesillerdeki mutasyonlar, gelecek için çok kaygı vericidir.

İronik bir gelişme ise, nükleerden elde edeceğimiz enerji olmazsa yaşam durur sloganları atan lobicilerin söylediklerin tam tersine, kazadan sonra 17 adet nükleer güç santralini (toplam reaktör sayısı 48) kapatan, hem de bu kadar teknoloji ve elektrik bağımlısı bir ülke olan Japonya o zamandan beri nükleer enerjiye muhtaç olmadan yaşamıştır ve bugün de tekrar çalıştırılan 2 reaktör dışında nükleersiz yaşamaktadır.                     

Bütün bu kazaların bize öğrettiği bir önemli unsur ise, tıpkı küresel iklim değişikliği gibi, nükleer santraller de bulundukları devletlerin sorumluluğundan fazlasını, yani bütün gezegende yaşayanları ilgilendiriyor. Bu nedenle hangi ülkede yapılırsa yapılsın, yarın onun olumsuz etkilerine maruz kalacak tüm insanların bunlara direnmeye hakkı vardır.