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PubMed2003

Thermal hazard assessment of AN and AN-based explosives.

Ammonium nitrate (AN) is an essential ingredient in most fertilizers. It is also widely used in the commercial explosives industry. In this latter application, it is mostly mixed with fuel oil to form the most popular commercial explosive: ANFO. In both the fertilizer and the explosive industry, aqueous AN solutions (ANS) of various concentrations are processed. These solutions also form the basis of ammonium nitrate emulsion explosives (also called ammonium nitrate emulsions or ANE), which are produced either in bulk or in packaged form. For all these AN-based products, quantities of the order of 20,000kg are being manufactured, transported, stored, and processed at elevated temperatures and/or elevated pressures. Correspondingly, major accidents involving overheating of large quantities of these products have happened in several of these operations. In comparison, convenient laboratory quantities to investigate thermal decomposition properties are generally less than 1kg. As a result, in order to provide information applicable to real-life situations, any laboratory study must use techniques that minimize heat losses from the samples to their environment. In the present study, two laboratory-scale calorimeters providing an adiabatic environment were used: an accelerating rate calorimeter (ARC) and an adiabatic Dewar calorimeter (ADC). Experiments were performed on pure AN, ANFO, various ANS systems, and typical bulk and packaged ANE systems. The effects of sample mass, atmosphere, and formulation on the resulting onset temperatures were studied. A comparison of the results from the two techniques is provided and a proposed method to extrapolate these results to large-scale inventories is examined.

Atmosphere↗
PubMed2002

Explosives detection using prompt-gamma neutron activation and neural networks.

This work describes a study of the application of a neural network to determine the presence of explosives using the neutron capture prompt gamma-ray spectra of the substances as patterns which were simulated via Monte Carlo N-particle transport code, version 4B. After the training of the neural networks, it was possible to determine the presence of the C-4 explosive, even when they were occluded by several materials. The neural network was a powerful tool, able to recognize prompt gamma-ray explosive patterns in spite of the presence of occluding materials. Besides that, the network was able to generalize, identify the presence of explosive in cases in which it had not been trained. In that way, it was revealed as a potential tool for in situ inspection systems.

Explosions↗
PubMed2005

Evaluation of late functional results of patients treated with free muscle flaps for heel defects caused by land-mine explosions.

BACKGROUND: High-energy land-mine explosions cause extensive soft-tissue and bone defects in the heel area, which mostly require free flap coverage. In this article, the authors present the long-term functional outcomes of 72 patients who had free muscle flap reconstructions for composite heel defects caused by land-mine explosions. METHODS: The composite heel defects of 72 male patients caused by land-mine explosions were reconstructed by means of free muscle flaps. The mean follow-up was 6.5 years (range, 1 to 12 years). Each patient completed a questionnaire rating his level of satisfaction. Dynamic foot pressure distribution testing, three-dimensional motion analysis, and dynamic electromyography were performed for all patients. The data were compared with the control group of 20 volunteers. Statistical analysis was performed by Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon tests. RESULTS: Dynamic pressure distribution tests revealed significantly higher pressure and load in the injured feet of the patients (p < 0.05). Three-dimensional motion analysis showed restricted range of motion at the ankle joints of the injured extremity (p < 0.05). Seventeen patients were able to stand as long as the control group; the mean standing time for the others was 2.85 hours per day (range, 36 minutes to 5.32 hours). Many of the patients (71 percent) declared their satisfaction of having their own feet instead of prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: This is the longest series documenting the long-term functional results of patients injured by land mines who were treated with free muscle flaps. Reconstructive options should be preferred to amputation procedures in extensive tissue loss caused by land-mine explosion where possible.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

A photoluminescence-based field method for detection of traces of explosives.

We report a photoluminescence-based field method for detecting traces of explosives. In its standard version, the method utilizes a commercially available color spot test kit for treating explosive traces on filter paper after swabbing. The colored products are fluorescent under illumination with a laser that operates on three C-size flashlight batteries and delivers light at 532 nm. In the fluorescence detection mode, by visual inspection, the typical sensitivity gain is a factor of 100. The method is applicable to a wide variety of explosives. In its time-resolved version, intended for in situ work, explosives are tagged with europium complexes. Instrumentation-wise, the time-resolved detection, again visual, can be accomplished in facile fashion. The europium luminescence excitation utilizes a laser operating at 355 nm. We demonstrate the feasibility of CdSe quantum dot sensitization of europium luminescence for time-resolved purposes. This would allow the use of the above 532 nm laser.

Azocines↗
PubMed2001

Homicide by improvised explosive device made out of firecrackers.

Explosion is a phenomenon resulting from a sudden release of energy dissipated by: (1) blast wave; (2) translocation of objects; and (3) generation of heat. There are different types of explosive devices varying from sophisticated military bombs to simple firecrackers. These are made from various kinds of explosive materials. Sophisticated bombs are used in war and military operations to kill one's enemies, while simple firecrackers are meant for expressing joy and celebration. Here, the author reports an unusual case of homicide by the manufacture of an improvised explosive device from simple firecrackers. In India, these firecrackers are widely and freely available all over the country. The case highlights the fatal hazard resulting from easy access to these potentially dangerous devices, apart from the environmental pollution produced by their large scale use at the time of festivals in this country.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Bladder explosion during uninterrupted transurethral resection of the prostate. A case report and an experimental model.

A bladder explosion during transurethral resection with intraperitoneal rupture of the bladder is reported. Immediate operative repair was successful and the final result satisfactory. Gas formed during in vitro and in vivo prostatic resections was analysed by means of an oxygen electrode and gascromatographs. Hydrogen was dominant but oxygen and several explosive hydrocarbons were demonstrated. The gas formed in vitro was highly explosive. Oxygen content in gas formed in vivo was considerably lower. Admixture of atmospheric air during transurethral resection increases the risk of explosion and should be avoided and the air pocket in the bladder be kept at an absolute minimum.

Explosions↗
PubMed2000

Method for characterization of adhesion properties of trace explosives in fingerprints and fingerprint simulations.

The near inevitable transfer of explosive particulate matter through fingerprints makes it possible to detect concealed explosives through surface sampling. Repeatable and well-characterized fingerprint simulation facilitates quantitative comparison between particulate sampling methods for subsequent detection of trace explosive residues. This study employs a simple, but reproducible sampling system to determine the accuracy of a fingerprint simulation. The sampling system uses a gas jet to entrain particles from a substrate and the resulting airborne particles are then aspirated onto a Teflon filter. A calibrated Barringer IonScan 400 ion mobility spectrometer was used to determine the mass of explosive material collected on the filter. The IonScan 400 was calibrated with known masses of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). The resulting calibration curve is in good agreement with that obtained by Garofolo et al. (1994) for an earlier model of the instrument. The collection efficiency of the sampling system was measured for three particle sizes (8.0. 10.0, and 13.0 microm) using spherical polystyrene particles laced with known quantities of TNT. Collection efficiency ranged from less than 1% for the larger particles to 5% for the smaller particles. Particle entrainment from the surface was monitored with dark field imaging of the remaining particles. The sampling system was then applied to two C4 test samples--a fingerprint transfer and a dry Teflon transfer. Over 100 ng of RDX was collected from the dry transfer sample, while less than 1 ng was collected from the fingerprint transfer. Possible explanations for this large difference are presented based on the system calibration.

Adhesiveness↗
PubMed1975

A portable explosives identification kit for field use.

This study has shown the feasibility of using a miniaturized TLC kit for the presumptive identification of explosives in the field. The process of TLC field screening of a post-explosion site is nondestructive, resolves constituent explosives from interfering backgrounds, and increases the residence time of isolated specimens in the adsorbed state for subsequent substantive identification by trace methods of instrumental analyses. The cost of the modified Kodak kit for explosives identification (excluding the microscope) is approximately +150. The stock items, such as the fluorescent silica gel sheets, Cab-O-Sil, and solvents, are of nominal cost. The kit is relatively simple to use and personnel with a minimal technical background can be trained in its use.

Chromatography, Thin Layer↗
PubMed2000

[Clinical analysis of 106 cases of inhalation injury induced by gas explosion].

OBJECTIVE: To review the management of inhalation injury induced by gas explosion in our department, so as to draw some experience and lessons for future work. METHODS: One hundred and six cases of inhalation injury induced by gas explosion were analyzed in terms of the characteristics of and therapeutic methods for the disease. RESULTS: The injury induced by gas explosion was very complicated with high incidences of compound injuries, severe inhalation injury and systemic infection. In addition, respiratory dysfunction occurred very quickly and severely at early postburn stage, which could easily develop to respiratory failure. The latter could ultimately lead patients to death due to improper management. CONCLUSION: In order to raise cure rate of the inhalation injury induced by gas explosion, airway obstruction should be cleared immediately and fiberbronchoscopy and respirator should be employed as soon as possible to help remove endotracheal obstruction and to maintain effective gas exchange. In addition, correct pulmonary resuscitation and continuous blood gas analysis were advocated.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Postmortem findings in 22 victims due to two grain silo explosions in France.

In 1982 and 1997 there were explosions of barley-containing silos in France, one in Metz (1982) and the other in Blaye (1997). There were a total of 25 victims, including 23 fatalities (12 in Metz and 11 in Blaye). In each case there was one survivor. This report is a retrospective study of 22 victims (11 at each site); all of them had multiple lesions due to the explosion and the immediate aftermath. The lesions demonstrated direct involvement of the blast effect associated with silo destruction, the heat from the explosion, the effects of toxic gases and asphyxia. The forensic pathologist is an important member of the emergency response team. This team has the responsibility for initially assessing the damage and for identifying the victims. The role of the forensic pathologist is therefore essential and they should be included in emergency planning to facilitate the initial assessment, shorten the time taken to identify the victims and improve safety procedures. Although dust explosions in agro-business plants are occurring more frequently, postmortem data are rare.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Determination of explosives in environmental water samples by solid-phase microextraction-liquid chromatography.

When explosives are present in natural aqueous media, their concentration is usually limited to trace levels. A preconcentration step able to remove matrix interferences and to enhance sensitivity is therefore necessary. In the present study, we evaluated solid-phase microextraction (SPME) technique for the recovery of nine explosives from aqueous samples using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV). Several parameters, including adsorption and desorption time, coating type, rate of stirring, salt addition, and pH, were optimized to obtain reproducible data with good accuracy. Carbowax coating was the only adsorbent found capable of adsorbing all explosives including nitramines. Method detection limits (MDL) were found to range from 1 to 10 microg/L, depending on the analyte. SPME/HPLC-UV coupling was then applied to the analysis of natural ocean and groundwater samples and compared to conventional solid-phase extraction (SPE/HPLC-UV). Excellent agreement was observed between both techniques, but with an analysis time around five times shorter, SPME/HPLC-UV was considered to be applicable for quantitative analysis of explosives.

Adsorption↗
PubMed1983

Death or injury caused by explosion.

Explosions may have varied energy sources, reasons for occurring, and ways of injuring or killing. Careful analysis of the explosion scene, coupled with an equally careful examination of surgical or autopsy material as the result of an explosion, contributes greatly to the investigation. Surgical or autopsy material suspected of having been injured by explosion should be carefully photographed and x-rayed, swabbed with chloroform-soaked swabs, then swabs soaked in 0.1N hydrochloric acid, cleaned meticulously while collecting only surface fragments, photographed and x-rayed again, and then searched extensively for fragments.

Blast Injuries↗
PubMed1982

Ocular trauma from lead-acid vehicle battery explosions.

Ocular trauma caused by lead-acid car battery explosions has been seen in a number of cases presenting to the major teaching hospitals in Adelaide. Injuries range from superficial acid burns to penetrating eye injury and retinal haemorrhage. The cause of the explosions has been ignition of the hydrogen-oxygen gas mixture generated by lead-acid batteries. The risk of explosion is known to battery manufacturing and distributing bodies and methods of avoiding explosions are well known to the industry. It is suggested that efforts should be made to design safe car batteries, and that there is an urgent need to educate the public to the risks involved with the present batteries.

Acids↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The results of the simultaneous explosion of the Zaria and Plamia special grenades].

New light-and-sound shells Zaria and Plamia used by operative workers of organs of the Ministry of Home Affairs of Russia are characterized by all properties typical of explosives. If they are improperly stored and subjects who should not have access to them handle them, explosions may occur involving destruction of buildings and injuries to people with all signs typical of an explosion (exposure to blast shock wave, high temperature, secondary bodily injuries). Forensic medical examination of subjects dead from explosion revealed extensive thermal burns, ruptures of viscera, craniocerebral injuries, separation and crushing of the limbs, bruises, abrasions, wounds caused by fragments of building and articles in the rooms.

Autopsy↗
PubMed2006

The prevalence and correlates of DSM-IV intermittent explosive disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication.

CONTEXT: Little is known about the epidemiology of intermittent explosive disorder (IED). OBJECTIVE: To present nationally representative data on the prevalence and correlates of DSM-IV IED. DESIGN: The World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to assess DSM-IV anxiety disorders, mood disorders, substance use disorders, and impulse control disorders. SETTING: The National Comorbidity Survey Replication, a face-to-face household survey carried out in 2001-2003. PARTICIPANTS: A nationally representative sample of 9282 people 18 years and older. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Diagnoses of DSM-IV IED. RESULTS: Lifetime and 12-month prevalence estimates of DSM-IV IED were 7.3% and 3.9%, with a mean 43 lifetime attacks resulting in 1359 dollars in property damage. Intermittent explosive disorder-related injuries occurred 180 times per 100 lifetime cases. Mean age at onset was 14 years. Sociodemographic correlates were uniformly weak. Intermittent explosive disorder was significantly comorbid with most DSM-IV mood, anxiety, and substance disorders. Although the majority of people with IED (60.3%) obtained professional treatment for emotional or substance problems at some time in their life, only 28.8% ever received treatment for their anger, while only 11.7% of 12-month cases received treatment for their anger in the 12 months before interview. CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent explosive disorder is a much more common condition than previously recognized. The early age at onset, significant associations with comorbid mental disorders that have later ages at onset, and low proportion of cases in treatment all make IED a promising target for early detection, outreach, and treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Divergence pattern of animal gene families and relationship with the Cambrian explosion.

There are many gene families that are specific to multicellular animals. These have either diverged from ancestral genes that are shared with fungi and/or plants or evolved from an ancestral gene unique to animals. The evolution of gene families involved in cell-cell communication and developmental control has been studied to establish whether the number of member genes increased dramatically immediately prior to or in concert with the Cambrian explosion. A molecular phylogeny-based analysis of several animal-specific gene families has revealed that gene diversification by duplication occurred during two active periods interrupted by a long intervening quiescent period. Intriguingly, the Cambrian explosion is situated in the silent period, indicating that there is no direct link between the first burst of gene diversification and the Cambrian explosion itself. The importance of gene recruitment as a possible molecular mechanism for morphological diversity, and its possible role for the Cambrian explosion, are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Successive transposition explosions in Drosophila melanogaster and reverse transpositions of mobile dispersed genetic elements.

Transposition outbursts occur in the destabilized Drosophila melanogaster strain ct carrying a mutation in the locus cut induced by an insertion of mdg4. While the distribution of mobile genetic elements remained unchanged in the great majority of germ cells, in a few cells numerous transpositions had occurred involving mdg (copia-like), fold-back and P-elements. We used in situ hybridization to analyze the distribution of five families of mdg elements in the X-chromosome during several consequent mutational changes in D. melanogaster. Each of them was accompanied by many changes in mdg localization, all of which occurred in one and the same cell. Thus, we could observe the series consisting of up to five successive transposition explosions leading to an almost complete change in the distribution of the mdg elements tested. We also found that in the course of successive transposition explosions, mdg elements often inserted into those sub-sections of the X-chromosome where they had previously been located. This phenomenon, designated as reverse directed transposition, was studied in more detail on insertion into the locus yellow. The rate of reverse transposition of the same mdg element to the corresponding locus was 10-100 times as high as that of primary insertion. In some cases, ;the transposon shuttle' into and out of the locus was observed. The existence of ;transposition memory' partially explains the specificity of mdg localization in closely related strains as well as the co-ordinated behaviour of different mdg elements in independent transposition explosions. The evolutionary significance of transposition explosions and directed reverse transposition (transposon shuttle) is discussed.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Assessment of the effectiveness of composting for the reduction of toxicity and mutagenicity of explosive-contaminated soil.

Composting is being developed as an economical method for remediating explosive-contaminated soils and has been found to reduce the concentrations of target contaminants such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). However, whether environmental safety is improved by composting can be determined only by assessing the effects of the treated material on living organisms. In this study two bioassays, the Mutatox assay and the earthworm acute toxicity test, were used to evaluate the effectiveness of a pilotscale composting demonstration in reducing environmental hazard. Explosive-contaminated soil was collected from a military installation and amended for composting in two adiabatic reactors. The unamended soil was lethal to all exposed earthworms, as were both amended replicates, prior to composting. Serial dilutions of the finished composts with artificial soil had earthworm 14-day LC50 values of 35.7 and 100% finished compost: artificial soil. Extracts of the initial materials were also toxic to bacteria in the Mutatox assay. Dilutions of those extracts to sublethal concentrations revealed a low level of mutagenicity. Extracts of the finished composts indicated reduced bacterial toxicity, but the mutagenicity was markedly increased by composting. The reduction in lethality reflected the attenuation of explosives caused by composting, as indicated by chemical analysis. However, the increased mutagenicity was a result that would not have been indicated by chemical analysis alone and is inferred to be the result of the formation of mutagenic metabolites of explosives during composting and their incomplete degradation.

Animals↗