Monday, May 25, 2020

21 Plutonium Facts (Pu or Atomic Number 94)

You probably know that plutonium is an element and that plutonium is radioactive, but what else do you know about it? Learn more with these fascinating facts. Fast Facts: Plutonium Name: PlutoniumElement Symbol: PuAtomic Number: 94Atomic Mass: 244 (for the most stable isotope)Appearance: A silvery-white solid metal at room temperature, which quickly oxidizes to dark gray in airElement Type: ActinideElectron Configuration:  [Rn] 5f6  7s2 Facts About Plutonium Here are 21 useful and interesting facts about plutonium: The element symbol for plutonium is Pu, rather than Pl, because this was a more amusing, easily remembered symbol.  The element was synthetically produced by Glenn T. Seaborg, Edwin M. McMillan, J.W. Kennedy, and A.C. Wahl at the University of California at Berkeley in 1940–1941. The researchers submitted news of the discovery and the proposed name and symbol to the journal Physical Review but withdrew it when it became apparent plutonium could be used for an atomic bomb. The elements discovery was kept secret until after World War II.Pure plutonium is a silvery-white metal, although it quickly oxidizes in air to a dull finish.The atomic number of plutonium is 94, meaning all atoms of plutonium have 94 protons.  It has an atomic weight around 244, a melting point of  640 degrees C (1183 degrees F), and a boiling point of  3228 degrees C (5842 degrees F).Plutonium oxide forms on the surface of plutonium exposed to air. The oxide is pyrophoric, so pieces of plutonium mig ht glow like embers as the outer coating burns. Plutonium is one of a handful of radioactive elements that glows in the dark, although the glow is from heat.Ordinarily, there are six allotropes, or forms, of plutonium. A seventh allotrope exists at high temperatures. These allotropes have different crystal structures and densities. Changes in environmental conditions readily cause plutonium to shift from one allotrope to another, making plutonium a difficult metal to machine. Alloying the element with other metals (e.g., aluminum, cerium, gallium) helps make it possible to work and weld the material.Plutonium displays colorful oxidation states in aqueous solution. These states tend not to be stable, so plutonium solutions may spontaneously change oxidation states and colors.  The colors of the oxidation states are as follows:Pu(III) is lavender or violet.​Pu(IV) is golden brown.Pu(V) is pale pink.Pu(VI) is orange-pink.Pu(VII) is green. Note this oxidation state is uncommon. The 2 oxidation state also occurs in complexes.Unlike most substances, plutonium increases in density as it melts. The increase in density is about 2.5%. Near its melting point, liquid plutonium also exhibits higher-than-usual viscosity and surface tension for a metal.Plutonium is used in radioisotope thermoelectric generators, which are used to power spacecraft. The element has been used in nuclear weapons, including the Trinity test and the bomb that was dropped on Nagasaki. Plutonium-238 was once used to power heart pacemakers.Plutonium and its compounds are toxic and accumulate in bone marrow. Inhalation of plutonium and its compounds increases the risk of lung cancer, although many people have inhaled substantial amounts of plutonium yet didnt develop lung cancer. Inhaled plutonium is said to have a metallic taste.Criticality accidents involving plutonium have occurred. The amount of plutonium required for critical mass is about one-third that necessary for uranium-235. Pluton ium in solution is more likely to form critical mass than solid plutonium because the hydrogen in water acts as a moderator.Plutonium is not magnetic. Other members of the element group stick to magnets, but plutonium can have a variable number of electrons in its valence shell, which makes it difficult for the unpaired electrons to align in a magnetic field.The element name follows the trend of uranium and neptunium being named for planets outward from the Sun. Plutonium is named for the dwarf planet Pluto.Plutonium is not a good conductor of electricity or heat, unlike some metals.The alpha form of plutonium is hard and brittle, while the delta form is soft and ductile.Plutonium occurs naturally in the Earths crust in uranium ores, but it is very rare. The main source of the element is synthesis in reactors from uranium-238.Plutonium is a member of the actinide element group, which makes it a type of transition metal.

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Essay on Transgenic Animal with Human DNA - 563 Words

Selective breeding has been around for centuries to improve the flaws of animals. In recent years, scientists have enhanced selective breeding into a whole new evolution of â€Å"transgenic† techniques where the genetic information of another organism is inserted into their genome (Bemis Jo 2011). Despite the fact that transgenic animals are used to study diseases, there are some that argues that transgenic animals are disrespecting the rights of animals. This essay will further outline the both sides of transgenic animal with the question ‘Should transgenic animal with human DNA be permitted?’. The arguments for this includes animal used as a disease model, animal milk, animals’ rights and the side effect of xenotransplantation. There†¦show more content†¦University of California, Davis claimed that they have seen promising results from infant pigs that are fed with transgenic goats milk (ibid 2014). It is said that those pigs health improved after consuming transgenic milk and no faults were found in transgenic goats offspring (ibid 2014). In contrast with the benefits of transgenic animal, some argue that transgenic animal is exploiting animals rights. Animals had to live their life with pain and suffering from deformities and human diseases as they are studied and experimented by breeding animals that consists disease (Animal Liberation 2014). Kelsey Mosher, Pheonix Animal Liberation Squad member and Arizona State University graduate of kinesiology said, â€Å"Were a group of individuals working towards the end of exploitation of animals in every sense† (Armao M 2013). Later on, she added â€Å"Its wrong to submit an individual, regardless of their race, gender, nationality or species, to an experiment without their consent† (ibid 2013). She regarded that animals, although different species from us should be treated the same. For years, scientist have been trying to successfully conduct xenotransplantation, however it did not show promising results. Animals such as primate and pigs are the common animals used in xenotransplantation. Xenotransplantation is where the organism of a transgenic animal with human organism is transplanted into a human body. On October 26, 1984, xenotransplantation tookShow MoreRelatedEssay about Genetic Manipulation or Genetic Engineering952 Words   |  4 Pagesvarious forms of genetic manipulation, including transgenic organisms, cloning, and gene therapy etc. Transgenic organisms, also known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), are organisms that possess a foreign gene in its genome. This is achieved through recombinant DNA technology, which involves either the combining of DNA from different genomes or the insertion of foreign DNA into a genome. The production of transgenic organisms, particularly animals, is a highly controversial topic and its advantagesRead MoreT he Animals Of The Pigs1653 Words   |  7 PagesThe pigs as shown above in the picture with glowing green snouts are genetically engineered animals known as transgenic animals. Canadian council on animal care (CCAC) defines transgenic animal as â€Å"an animal in which there has been a deliberate modification of its genome†1. Method of Genetic Engineering to produce pigs with glowing green snouts: These transgenic pigs were produced using a technique called DNA microinjection2. For the very first time, 10 piglets with glowing green snouts were producedRead MoreThe Discovery, Process, And Applications Of Transgenic Bacteria1416 Words   |  6 PagesTransgenic bacteria, or genetically modified bacteria, is a type of recombinant DNA organism which uses bacteria as the host for inserting an exogenous gene. This biotechnology has been most widely utilized in medication with a great contribution to the progress of today’s medical science and pharmacy. This research paper introduces the discovery, process, and applications of transgenic bacteria. Furthermore, its advantages, disadvantages, and future directions will also be discussed. In 1953,Read MoreLarge Animal Models For Neururodegenerative Diseases Case Study1695 Words   |  7 PagesLarge animal models for neurodegenerative diseases Numerous human genetic disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases, occur because of genetic mutations in human cells. New genome editing tools – as of 2014 - such as transcription activator-like endonucleases (TALENs) or CRISPR/Cas9 further ease the precise generation of non-human primates (NHP) models for human diseases. Several of these NHP models displayed clinical manifestations like those of human disorders, in comparison with rodent modelsRead MoreThe Advantages and Disadvantages of Genetic Manipulation: Transgenic Animals738 Words   |  3 PagesThe Advantages and Disadvantages of Genetic Manipulation: Transgenic Animals Introduction Over the last few years, technology has been constantly developing; it has developed to the point where manipulating genes are possible; mainly used to benefit both ourselves and the society. Genetic Manipulation also commonly known as genetic engineering or genetic modification, according to the dictionary, is defined as the ‘scientific alteration of the structure of genetic material in a living organismRead MoreIs the Use of Transgeneric Organisms Essential to the Advancement of Therapeutic Medicine?1315 Words   |  6 Pagesagriculture and industry. Genetically Modified or transgenic organisms are organisms that have been genetically altered in a specific way for a particular purpose. It is now possible for scientists to exchange genes from one species of organism to another. This process is performed when certain characteristics of one organism are desired in another organism of a different species. For example a pig could be genetically engineered so that it will produce human insulin for those suffering from diabetes. AlsoRead MoreA Study On The Protective Immunity928 Words   |  4 PagesIn this study, the CRPV/HLA-A2.1 transgenic rabbit model was used to assess the protective immunity generated by DNA vaccines delivered using the gene gun, the tattoo gun or the microneedle system. The focus was to determine whether the tattoo gun and the microneedle delivery systems were useful DNA vaccination alternatives to the gene gun. Our laboratory has successfully utilized the gene gun in our DNA vaccination studies for both protective and therapeutic purposes (17,34). However, the gene gunRead MoreGenetic Engineering : Genetically Modified Organisms Essay1293 Words   |  6 Pagesas recombinant DNA technology/genetic modification is a science that employs molecular biology techniques so as to modify or alter the genome of an organism. It involves manipulation of an organism’s genome directly by use of biotechnology. Typically, deoxyribonucleic a cid (DNA), which is an exogenous genetic material, is inserted in the host genome. This is done by isolating and copying the genetic material in question using a method known as molecular cloning so as to generate a DNA sequence. ThatRead MoreThe Potential of Transgenic Organism889 Words   |  4 PagesA Transgenic Organism is an organism that’s genetic material has been transformed using a technique called genetic engineering. This modification contains the mutation, insertion, or deletion of genes. When there is an insertion of genes, they are most commonly from a different species, this is known as horizontal gene transfer. Another way genes can be transferred is in nature, when exogenous DNA (DNA originating outside an organism that has been introduced into the organism) gets through the organismsRead MoreGenetic Engineering : The Field Of Biomedical Research1710 Words   |  7 Pagesexperimental practice used in the world of biomedical research. This practice refers to humans modifying an animals’ genetic component in order to express a particular trait (Dale et al). The scientific community calls the animals produced by this practice as transgenic animals in order to distinguish between its wild type relative. This innovative technology paved ways for medical breakthroughs, along with the expansion of human understanding towards the mechanisms of prevalent diseases. As a result, research

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Einhard s The Life Of Charlemagne - 878 Words

Einhard’s The Life of Charlemagne is one of several prominent texts from Mediaeval Europe. The main focus of the text is on the life of Charlemagne, the Frankish king from the Carolingian dynasty. Under his rule, the Frankish kingdom experiences an extensive period of prosperity and growth, especially in intellectually related areas since Charlemagne himself is a well-known patron of the arts (#). Hence, Charlemagne is the ruler often credited for the â€Å"Roman revival† across Mediaeval Europe. In order to ensure that Charlemagne’s glorious reign will leave its mark in history, all of Charlemagne’s works and accomplishments are accounted for Einhard’s book. As expressed in the preface of the book, Einhard’s intention is to document the life of the greatest king that is often overlooked in other texts (*). Four essential facts are noted in The Life of Charlemagne: 1) The prevalence of alliances foreign relations 2) Cultural revolution throu gh public works endorsement of the arts 3) Promotion of the Christian faith 4) Public reforms throughout the state. The Frankish kingdom rises as the dominant post-Roman European entity through the political and economical stabilization of the state with the use of foreign alliances. Emperor Charlemagne is said to have close relations with Kings of Persia, Scotland, and Constantinople (*). Prosperity in the Frankish kingdom is due to the frequent correspondences that exist between these European states, further promoting the flow ofShow MoreRelatedThe Life of Charlemagne by Einhard1388 Words   |  6 Pages Charlemagne is described by Janet Nelson as being a role model for Einhard. Einhard himself writes in the first paragraph of The Life of Charlemagne, â€Å"After I decided to write about the life, character and no small part of the accomplishments of my lord and foster father, Charles, that most excellent and deservedly famous king, I determined to do so with as much brevity as I could.† I feel that these are sincere words about the man who cared for Einhard. I feel that Einhard’s purpose for writingRead MoreThe Life Of Charlemagne By The Frankish Scholar Einhard1227 Words   |  5 PagesThe Life of Charlemagne, written by the Frankish scholar Einhard, is a biography on the personal life and achievements of Charlemagne, a ruler of the Franks and the king of Italy. He ruled from 774-800. Einhard, a male Frankish scholar, was born to noble parents in the Main Valley, around 770 A.D. He was educated in the monastery of Fulda, and shortly after sent to the palace school of Charlemagne in Aachen. Eventually becoming a personal adviser and a close friend to the king of the Franks, he influencedRead MoreThe Life Of Charlemagne By Einhard965 Words   |  4 PagesThe Life of Charlemagne is an edited version from the original book Two Lives of Charlemagne. The author of the original biography is Einhard, who was his close friend and younger contemporary. He wrote this biography, after his death in 814 CE to honor Charlemagne and his contributions to the Frankish dynasty. In the historical context Charlemagne is believed to have contributed largely in flourishing the Carolingian Empire. In the book, The Life of Charlemagne, Einhard describes Charlemagne’s personalRead MoreThe King Of The Frankish1509 Words   |  7 PagesCharlemagne, also known as Karl I or Charles the great [1] was the king of the Frankish (the Germanic peoples of France, west Germany and North Italy). He took the throne in 768 A.D after the death of his father Pepin the short, with his brother Carloman as co-ruler. He became king of Italy in 774 after his conquest of the Lombard kingdoms and after 800 A.D he was proclaimed the ‘Emperor of the Romans’ by the Pope Leo III. This marks the peak of the Carolingian empire that Charlemagne founded [2]Read MoreCharlemagne Or Charles The Great1525 Words   |  7 PagesCharlemagne or Charles the Great, (747-814) was one of the most significant people during the Middle Ages, playing a key role in defining the shape and character of Medieval Europe. Considered the ‘Father of Europe’, Charlemagne reigned as King of the Franks (768-814) and became the first Holy Roman Emperor (800-814). He created a great empire as he dramatically expanded the Frankish Kingdom in a series of conquests that united most of Western Europe for the first time since the Roman Empire. HeRead MoreReligion And Its Influence On Religion1313 Words   |  6 Pagesto its people, and finding reason for life. Religious in fluence on kingship seems to be an almost universal concept in human history. The acceptance of religion has changed many kings’ lives, for the better. All throughout history, religion has expressed the answer to our deepest questions that we ask. It has been dedicated to be centrally place in the lives of all civilizations and cultures. Religion had a great influence on how Ashoka, Clovis and Charlemagne ruled their people. Ashoka was bornRead MoreCharlemagne : The King Of The Frankish1515 Words   |  7 Pages Charlemagne (Charles the great, Karl 1) Charlemagne, also known as Karl I or Charles the great [1] was the king of the Frankish (the Germanic peoples of France, west Germany and North Italy). He took the throne in 768 A.D after the death of his father Pepin the short, with his brother Carloman as co-ruler. He became king of Italy in 774 after his conquest of the Lombard kingdoms and after 800 A.D he was proclaimed the ‘Emperor of the Romans’ by the Pope Leo III. This marks the peak of the CarolingianRead MoreEssay on Charlemagne2032 Words   |  9 PagesCharlemagne The two lives of Charlemagne as told by Einhard and Notker the Stammerer are very different accounts of the life of the great Emperor. Einhard gives us a historical overview of the life of Charlemagne who lived from 742 to 814 A.D. Charlemagne was also known as Charles the Great and the King of the Franks.Charles was one of four children born to Pepin the Short, A Mayor of the Palace of the Carolingian Empire. He had one brother, Carloman and two sisters, Gisela and Pepin.SinceRead MoreCharlemagne King Of The Franks1809 Words   |  8 PagesCharlemagne King of the Franks Born in about 742, Charlemagne was the son of King Pepin III (known as Pepin the Short). Pepin and his brother together ruled the Franks, whose kingdom included parts of present-day France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. Upon Pepin s death in 768, Charlemagne and his brother Carloman inherited the kingdom. When Carloman died three years later, Charlemagne became the sole ruler. Charlemagne, also known as Charles the great was a ruler in times of turmoilRead MoreCharlemagne And The Carolingian Renaissance1677 Words   |  7 PagesNaomi Spiegelman Professor Rui de Sousa Medieval Civilization - Section 01 27 September 2017 Charlemagne and the Carolingian Renaissance The Carolingian Empire was not at full fruition when Charlemagne rose to power, it was quite the contrary. In the eighth century, the lands covered by what is now known as France and Belgium, as well as part of Germany made up the Frankish state ruled by the kings of the Merovingian line. The Merovingian empire was weak and in a steady decline; the majority of

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Responding Non-Defensively to Criticism free essay sample

Proper communication is an important part of everyday life and crucial to a successful work environment. This is the second article in a three-part series that offers tips to help avoid miscommunication. Results, not intentions, are the true measures of successful criticism. The person hearing the criticism cant hear your intentions. She can hear only your words. Completing a mental checklist before offering constructive criticism can help you match your words to your intentions. Identify your motive before you speak. Reasons for positive criticism include your commitment to and concern for another person and a sense of responsibility to do things correctly. Reasons for negative criticism include poor self-esteem an attempt to build yourself up at someone elses expense or a defense or excuse for your own failures. If we listen to the criticism, however judgmental it sounds, and figure out whether we think it applies to us or not, then we dont have to retaliate immediately and intensify the conflict. We will write a custom essay sample on Responding Non-Defensively to Criticism or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Later, during the same conversation, or perhaps even at another time, we can ask the other person (if we are sincerely curious and not point-proving) Do you think your sarcasm (for example) contributed in any way to how I reacted? Or, Do you think you ever (for example) have double standards-or do you think you dont? We can bring up related issues, if we create a transition period and deal first with the one our partner brought up. To remain non-defensive, we must separate how we take accountability ourselves from whether or not the other person chooses to do so at any given moment. When we need to prove our partner is as bad as we are or worse, we are neck-deep in the muck of power struggle. In non-defensive communication, we address Ginger Hansen Page 2 the issue the other person has brought up trusting that we can bring up our own issue later. Doing so can give both partner a hearing aid? Perceptions and self control are key in attempting to respond no defensively to criticism. In accord with our text book this article suggests that we take control of yourself and thick before we speak. The 8 different types of non defensive responses that can be used independently for a single criticism are as follows: 1. Ask for specifics. 2. Guess about the specifics. 3. Paraphrase what the criticizer just stated. 4. Ask the critic what he wants. 5. Inquire about the negative impact of the behavior. 6. Ask if anything else is wrong. 7. Agree with the truth. 8. Agree with the critic’s perception. I feel all the different studies performed on this issue are valid but further studies need to be performed suggesting methods to strengthen our struggles in the ever so difficult task of responding non defensive to criticism and not just automatically retaliating and fueling the fire of criticism. That will only invite an even more in-depth disagreement which can result in a knock down drag out fight. Just stop! Consider the alternative and look at where they are coming from, what has triggered it, and are it even valid.