[en] In order to select the optimal spectral composition and size for the reactor neutron beams applied to in vivo analysis and therapy in biomedical research it is necessary to determine the spatial slow-neutron flux distributions produced by the beam in the irradiated object and to calculate or measure the neutron dose equivalents of both the original spectrum and the moderated neutrons. In this study the maximum neutron dose equivalents are found by spectrometry of the prompt-γ emission from the interaction of neutrons with atomic nuclei in the irradiated object. Different spectral distributions were produced by using an unfiltered beam together with filters of quartz, cadmium, ¹⁰B, iron, aluminum, and sulfur. The phantom used was a tank filled with an aqueous solution of urea. Cadmium-containing organs were simulated. For in vivo neutron-activation analysis of human tissues at a depth of 2-5 cm it was found advisable to use neutrons of 20-40 keV mean energy with a beam area of at least 45 cm²

No abstract available

[en] Technique for applying prompt gamma spectroscopy to optimization of neutron beams with various spectral distributions in medical and biological studies is suggested. It is shown that neutrons of 20-40 keV mean energy with beam area of not less than 45 cm² are advisable to use for neutron radiation analysis in vivo of element composition of human tissues at 2-5 cm depth. Such neutron beams of sufficient intensity can be used for neutron capture tumor therapy. Radiation dose to irradiated zone is determined by neutron dose equivalent due to their elastic scattering on object surface, when using neutrons of mean energy more than 100 keV for neutron radiation analysis in vivo. Application of such neutrons for neutron capture therapy is impossible

No abstract available

[en] The competitiveness of elementary analysis on a research reactor depends, in many respects, on the provision of equipment which would permit the realization of the advantages of the analytical method. This paper describes the IR-8 reactor at the I.V. Kurchatov Institute of Atomic energy. In the design of the complex considerable attention was focused on automation and the radiation safety of the operations, which is of particular importance in the light of the large volumes of analysis

[en] Short communication

[en] A method of neutron activation analysis of bones in vitro for calcium, phosphorus, sodium, chlorine and magnesium with the use of reactor neutrons was proposed. The normal osseous tissue was the object of studies. Samples obtained from diaphyses of the femur, tibia, fibula and also from distal epiphysis of the femur, proximal epiphysis of the tibia and fibula were analysed. Osseous tissue samples were taken from 17 male cadavers aged 20-52. The mean indices of the concentration of the elements in the diaphyses and epiphyses of bones in various age groups, averaged values of concentrations for the entire age range and also the weighted mean content of these elements according to age groups were determined