INTERFACE — Argonne researchers have directly visualized, in three dimensions, ion site distributions at the mineral-water interface using a technique called X-ray standing wave (XSW) imaging.

`XSW' imaging probes solid-liquid interfaces

By Donna Jones Pelkie

Argonne researchers have taken the guesswork out of determining structures at the interface between minerals and water. They have directly visualized, in three dimensions, ion site distributions at the mineral-water interface using a technique called X-ray standing wave (XSW) imaging.

Their finding demonstrates a new capability for revealing complex reactions at mineral-water interfaces that previously could be understood only through more indirect approaches. Their work is published in the April 10 issue of Surface Science Letters.

Solid-liquid interface structure is essential to many natural and technological processes. The interaction of mineral surfaces with fluids controls rock weathering, evolution of petroleum reservoirs and ore deposits, and the transport and remediation of contaminants in groundwater aquifers. "Our long-term goal is to learn how to use X-rays to `see' geochemical processes in action at the molecular level," said Paul Fenter (ER).

XSW, in contrast to X-ray crystallography, measures both the amplitude and phase information that completely describe the molecular-scale structure of interest.

In standard crystallography only the amplitudes can be measured and consequently an elaborate approach is needed to determine the structure. "We are the first to show that images of the atom site distributions can be directly obtained with XSW," Fenter said. "In this case of adsorption at the mineral-water interface, we were able to fully resolve ion-specific sorption sites and distinguish different coordination environments for each ion."

The XSW imaging approach allows scientists to streamline the tedious process of structure determination. "With XSW imaging," Fenter said, "data acquisition and analysis can be completed in less than 24 hours. Previously, surface structure determination would take weeks or months to complete."

Authors on the report, in addition to Fenter, are Zhan Zhang (Northwestern University), Likwan Cheng (ER), Neil Sturchio (ER and the University of Illinois at Chicago), Michael Bedzyk (MSD and Northwestern University), Michael Machesky (Illinois Water Survey), and David Wesolowski (Oak Ridge National Laboratory).

The research was conducted at the Basic Energy Sciences Synchrotron Radiation Center at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne. The APS, which produces the most brilliant X-rays for research in the Western Hemisphere, is ideal for this type of research. "The APS brilliance allows us to illuminate a small, nearly-perfect region of a larger imperfect crystal and still be able to do the measurement," said Fenter.

This project was supported by the Department of Energy's Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Chemical Sciences, Geosciences and Biosciences.

Argonne employees to receive ethics policy update

Argonne is taking a number of steps to strengthen its ethics program and better convey its high expectations regarding employee behavior.

The laboratory's new Statement of Conduct, which updates the former Code of Ethics policy, will be provided electronically to all employees. The Statement of Conduct has four important principles: observe high ethical standards, comply with applicable laws and policies, ask questions and report concerns. Every employee must complete the electronic form to identify any conflicts of interest and acknowledge having reviewed the Statement of Conduct.

The laboratory wants all employees to be aware of their ethical responsibilities, and if in doubt, to ask questions to seek clarification and guidance. Information is available in the Human Resources Policy and Procedure Manual. In addition, the laboratory is issuing a series of brochures with guidance on various topics related to the Statement of Conduct. Employees who need more information after reading the brochures should consult with their management, Human Resources or the Legal Department.

Argonne encourages employees to report any ethics or compliance concerns related to the operation of the laboratory. Employees already may report concerns to their management, Human Resources, the Legal Department, the DOE Chicago Operations Office Employee Concerns Program or the DOE Office of Inspector General. Two additional means are now available to report concerns.

Employees may e-mail Deputy Laboratory Director Don Joyce, who will serve as Argonne's ethics and compliance officer in addition to his other responsibilities. Contact him at ethicsofficer @anl.gov. In addition, the new Argonne Ethics and Compliance Line is a dedicated toll-free telephone number for employees to report any concerns; call 877-587-2449. This service is available 24 hours a day, and calls may be made anonymously.

Researchers to discuss LDRD work

A mini-symposium on the results of Laboratory- Directed Research and Development (LDRD) projects will be held from 2 - 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 27, in Argonne-East's Building 201, Conference Room 190A and B. All employees whose schedules permit are welcome to attend the presentations, which will include:

"Time-Resolved X-Tomography of Highly Transient Fuel Sprays" by Jin Wang (XFD)

"Development Toward a VUV FEL at the APS" by Stephen Milton (XFD)

"Fluxoid Manipulation by Josephson Vortices: New Opportunity for Vortex Logic" by Alexei Koshelev (MSD)

"Transmission Multilayer Optics for Sub-Ten-Nanometer Focusing of Hard X-Rays" by Brian Stephenson (MSD)

"Separative Bioreactor Model: Using ph-Controlled Electrodeionization" by YuPo Lin (ES)

"Metabolome Analysis from Aptamer Biochips" by Michelle Arora (ES)

ACA makes additional
donations to area agencies

By Evelyn Brown

The Argonne Combined Appeal Steering Committee contributed $1,000 each to three local agencies. Director Hermann Grunder presented the checks to two of the agencies on March 22; the other was presented by the ACA steering committee during a visit to that agency on April 1.

The Downers Grove Walk-In Ministry of Hope received $1,000 to help provide living assistance to homeless, underemployed and unemployed residents of DuPage County. Residents who qualify for benefits receive vouchers that can be redeemed for food, shelter, transportation and other basics. Last year, the ministry provided $52,000 worth of assistance. The projected need for 2004 is more than $80,000.

Another agency, the Northern Illinois Food Bank, links national food manufacturers and local food-distribution agencies, including food pantries and soup kitchens. An affiliate of America's Second Harvest, the food bank distributes more than 800,000 pounds of food each month for 275 agencies in 12 northern Illinois counties.

The Southside Pregnancy Crisis Center was funded to provide health care, education and material assistance to expectant mothers unable to provide for themselves because they are too young or poor. The center served 2,330 women in 2003, and is currently helping more than 200 per month in 2004. 

"Your agencies provide critical services to the many needy people in our community," Grunder told the directors of the Southside Pregnancy Crisis Center and the Downers Grove Walk-In Ministry of Hope at a March 22 presentation. "I admire your hard work and dedication and that of your employees and volunteers. It is remarkable." After hearing the plight of impoverished families in the Chicago area, Grunder also made a personal contribution. 

Present at the presentation were 2004 ACA Chair Cheryl Drugan (IPD), 2003 ACA Co-Chair Bryan Schmidt (IPD), and ACA steering committee members Sheila Rossi (BIO) and Joe Kilar (CIS).

"These contributions are made on behalf of ACA contributors out of funds raised to run the 2003 campaign," said Schmidt. Hat sales and the annual ACA raffle pay to run the campaign so that all of the money contributed by Argonne employees goes to the employees' agencies of choice.

Formerly, leftover money purchased thank-you gifts for those pledging a day's pay or more, but two years ago the ACA Steering Committee decided to use the money to make additional contributions to help the community. Agencies receiving these special contributions include the University of Chicago Ronald McDonald House in 2002 and the Greater Chicago Food Depository in 2003.

The ACA Web page provides more information about these groups. Donations to ACA agencies can be made any time during the year.

Books, journals can now be ordered via PARIS

Argonne divisions can now use PARIS (Argonne's Procurement and Requisition Integrated System) to order books, reports, maps, translations, and journal or magazine subscriptions. Once submitted through PARIS, all division orders are routed to the Information and Publishing Division for ordering.

Argonne divisions should use PARIS instead of the Publication Request Form (TIS-32 paper form). In PARIS, select code 7610 to order a book, report, map, or translation, or a single issue of a journal. Use PARIS code 7630 to order a journal or magazine subscription.

Argonne divisions need to use PARIS for ordering publications by May 15. Because non-Argonne organizations on site do not have access to PARIS, IPD will continue to honor purchase orders from these organizations using the TIS-32 form with an authorized signature.

This new PARIS capability resulted from a joint project between IPD, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Computing and Instrumentation Solutions Division.

For help with book, report, map and translation orders (PARIS code 7610), call Angie Monczynski (IPD) at ext. 2-5618. Call Nancy Wunderlich (IPD) at ext. 2-4270 for help with journal or magazine orders (PARIS code 7630).

Club plans Cinco de Mayo
party, Cougars trip

The Argonne Club has many upcoming events including:

A Cinco de Mayo party Thursday, May 6, at Argonne-East's Building 617 Lower Level from 4:30 - 8 p.m. Adult beverages and food will be available; a 50-50 raffle will be drawn. All visitors must be badged by the Argonne Information Center prior to 4 p.m. For more information, contact the Argonne Club at argonneclub@anl.gov or visit the Web site.

"Buy one, get one free" ticket passes are available to Hollywood Blvd. theater through the Argonne Club. Hollywood Blvd. theater is the Chicago area's first full-service, fully integrated restaurant, bar and movie theater.

Theater attendees must be 21 or older unless they are viewing a family matinee program on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Visit the Hollywood Blvd. Web site for details and show times. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children. The theater is located at 75th Street and Lemont Road in Woodridge.

For passes or more information, contact Susan Grask at ext. 2-3531 or sgrask@argonnecu.org.

The Argonne Employee Picnic is set for Saturday, July 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers are needed to run the picnic games. Volunteers are vital to the success of the picnic, and the experience has proved to be rewarding for past volunteers. All volunteers will receive a T-shirt.

Employees interested in volunteering for the picnic can visit the Argonne Picnic Volunteers Web site and select the game and time of their choice. For more information, contact Argonne Club at argonneclub@anl.gov.

Cafeteria offers new `value menu'

Based on the results from the recent cafeteria survey, Gucken-heimer will offer a "value menu" beginning Monday, April 26.

The value menu will include reduced portions at reduced prices, combination value meals and budget buys. Additional changes will be introduced in the near future.

Suggestions for continued improvements are always welcome. Contact Food Service Director Peter Berman in person or by phone at ext. 2-5225.

Ask the directorate

Q. When our budgets are approved for each fiscal year, how do we let employees know they've been signed and whether they are flat or up/down?

A. The DOE budget each year consists of many different appropriations. In FY 2004, for example, there were 13, of which two provided most of Argonne's funding: Interior and Energy & Water.  These two were signed by the president in November and December, respectively, along with four other appropriations, but the others took longer. The status of each bill and funding is provided to the associate laboratory director offices for dissemination to division directors, program managers and financial representatives. 

Argonne also receives funding from other federal agencies and private sponsors. The overall status of our financial picture is provided to management and associate laboratory directors on a regular basis. Projections for FY2004 funding reflect a slight increase for Argonne over last year.

The financial status of any individual program or division should be discussed with the appropriate division director.

Employees may submit questions to askthedirectorate @anl.gov or fax them to 2-5274.

NE's Bauer to speak on transmutation

The retirees and the Center for Reactor Information will meet Friday, April 30, at 12:15 p.m. for lunch in Argonne-East's Building 213 Cafeteria, Private Dining Rooms A and B.  The speaker will be Ted Bauer (NE), who will speak on "Schemes for Processing and Transmuting Spent Nuclear Fuel that are Beneficial to a Geologic Repository."

Bauer will describe results from an ongoing study of various chemical separation and transmutation schemes. He will show how the impact on a geological repository depends on how efficiently certain elements are separated, and discuss how the benefits might be achieved.

Skin cancer screening set for April 28

Skin cancer screenings will be conducted at Argonne-East Wednesday, April 28, by Edward J. Keuer, M.D., board certified dermatologist.

Cost is $70; checks can be made payable to Preventures Company. Receipts can be submitted to employee's flexible spending account for reimbursement.

For more information or to register, contact the Medical Department at ext. 2-2800.

Hispanic/Latino Club bake sale set

The Hispanic/Latino Club will hold a bake sale from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Monday, April 26, in Argonne-East's Building 212, Conference Room A157.

For more information, contact Vanessa Mendez (OTT) at ext. 2-5152.

Service Award dinner photos now available

Employees honored at the recent Service Awards Dinner can order photo prints from that evening.

One 4x6-inch color print is complimentary. Additional prints in 4x6, 5x7 and 8x10-inch formats are $10, $15 and $20, respectively.

Proof sheets from the Service Awards Dinner will be posted in the Building 213 Cafeteria through Monday, May 3, along with order forms. Completed order forms can be left in the drop box or mailed to Debra Ritchie (IPD), Building 222, Room C127.

For more information, call ext. 2-7451 or ext. 2-3771

Technology expo to show new products

A technology expo at Argonne-East Tuesday, April 27, will showcase new products from many vendors.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., exhibitors will be available in the Building 213 Cafeteria Lobby and Dining Rooms. A complete list of exhibitors and a pre-registration form is available online.

The expo is free and open to all interested employees. A complimentary lunch will be served to all pre-registered attendees. Complimentary refreshments will be served to all visitors. For more information, contact Kevin Glatstein at (800) 878-2940, ext. 220, or kevin@fbcdb.com.

The expo is sponsored by the DOE Office of the Chief Information Officer.

Ar'Gang

NEW ARRIVALS

A girl, Sarah Colleen, born Feb. 16 to Todd and Angela O'Riley (EQO-RAP); a girl, Alison Elizabeth Beryl, born April 22, 2003, to Beck and Ian Tilbrook (CIS); a boy, James Henry, born March 26 to Tetyana and Jim Sienicki (NE); a girl, Kimberly Grace, born March 16 to Tamara and Geoff Waldschmidt (ASD-RF); a boy, Nathan Walter, born Feb. 17 to Lisa and Chris Utschig-Johnson (CMT); a boy, Benjamin Robert, born March 12 to Lisa and Dan Applegate (CMT).

ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to Paul Vanderwall (PFS-B&G) who received a Pacesetter Award.

ENGAGEMENTS/WEDDINGS

Congratulations to Patty Gutzeit (SCD) and Dick Combs (OTT) on their August 2003 wedding.

WELCOME

XFD welcomes Alex Didenko. PFS-CU welcomes Rodney Currie and Lisa Coffel. ES welcomes Don Hillebrand. OCF-PRO welcomes Jayme Hernandez, Cindy Leicht, Tracy Lozano and Janell Wesolowski. EAD welcomes Rosangela Wacaser, Linda Reeves and Timothy Reeves.

TRANSFERS

Good luck to Rhonda Zezulka who transferred from OCF-PRO to MSD.

FAREWELL

Good luck to Pauline Ordanez (PFS-CU), Erica Emry (EAD), Elena Thomas (EAD-DC), Dave Vincelette (EAD-CO) and Anthony White (PFS-CU) who have left the laboratory.

PROMOTIONS

Promotions reported to Ar'Gang this month include: Michael Wang (ES) promoted to systems assessment section manager. Anne Frankowski (OCF-PRO) promoted to subcontracts/property supervisor. Gordon Wantroba (PFS-CU) promoted to janitor group leader.

GET WELL

Get well to Wesley Owens, Norzella Owens, Bonnie Bullock and Terry Allocco (all PFS-CU).

CONDOLENCES

Condolences to Michele Nelson (IPD) on the death of her father; Angie McKay (C&PA) on the death of her grandfather; Joe and Bruno Fieramosca (both IPNS) on the death of their mother; Greg Hillman (ES) on the death of his brother-in-law; Chris Saricks (ES) on the death of his father-in-law; Dan Andrekus (CMT) on the death of his grandmother; Lysbeth Rizzi (CMT) on the death of her brother.

CONTRIBUTORS

Thanks to this issue's contributors: Lori Greenwood (EAD), Brea Grischkat (NE), Diana L. Grygiel (EQO), Georgianne Lamb (PFS), Pat McUmber (ASD), Cathy Nelson (IPD), Carolyn Peters (IPNS), Sally Peters (OCF-PRO), Faith Ruppert (CMT), Tina Joy Stanton-Piersanti (CIS), and Kim Tomasko (ES).