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Oct. 7, 2002 -- Some of this week's stories: New high-density forms of ice discovered Cancer society honors lab for contributions McFarlane to direct engineering technology 'Saturday Science' reaching out to students Triathletes run, ride and swim for a cause Fire drills to be more complex

New high-density forms of ice discovered

Researchers from Argonne and Oak Ridge national laboratories have discovered new forms of ice that some well-known theories of water predicted should not exist.

There are more than a dozen known forms of ice, including high-density and low-density amorphous, or non-crystalline, ice. Many scientists believe that high- and low-density amorphous ices are the low-temperature manifestations of two different states of liquid water, and that the transition between the ice forms is sudden (i.e. discontinuous in density).

However, Oak Ridge researcher Chris Tulk and Argonne researcher Chris Benmore (IPNS) and their colleagues from Argonne, the University of Guelph and the National Research Council of Canada have found at least three amorphous states of ice that exist between the high- and low-density forms.

"These newly discovered intermediate forms of amorphous ice seem to indicate that the transition from high-density to low-density amorphous ice is much more complex then we currently understand," said Tulk. "In fact, these data may well call into question several of the widely held modern structural and thermodynamic theories of liquid water."

The researchers came across this discovery while doing lengthy experiments with the high-density form of amorphous ice, which is made by squeezing "regular freezer" ice to 13,000 times atmospheric pressure in liquid nitrogen. While this high-density form of ice does not occur naturally on Earth it can exist in the colder regions of space. The researchers were measuring this high-density form of ice over a period of days when they observed the change to the new ice forms.

"We are the first people to discover and measure the structures of these new ice forms," said Argonne's Benmore. "Our results have a significant effect on the understanding of the many different states of water and ice and make it difficult to believe that a second critical point really exists in water --a widely accepted notion. It may have practical implications in other fields such as cryo-preservation of biomolecules."

The results of their study appear in the Aug. 23 edition of the journal Science. A perspective on the work written by Alan Soper of the United Kingdom's Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in the same issue of Science describes the scientific implications of the discovery and tells the ice story so far.

The high-density amorphous ice samples used in the study came from the National Research Council in Ottawa, Canada. Neutron diffraction studies of the samples were conducted at Argonne's Intense Pulsed Neutron Source. Complementary X-ray diffraction studies of the samples were conducted through BESSRC-CAT at Argonne's Advanced Photon Source (APS). "It was the reliability of the IPNS and intensity of the APS that really helped us closely monitor and characterize the formation of these new ices in real time," said Benmore.

Argonne is collaborating on the design and construction of research instruments for what will be the most powerful spallation source in the world for neutron scattering research, the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Tulk, an SNS employee, is currently stationed at Argonne as part of this project.

"If the Spallation Neutron Source-Intense Pulsed Neutron Source collaboration was not in place and so successfully integrated, I am certain that this important discovery would never have taken place. It was truly a team effort," said Tulk.

The other authors of the study are Jacob Urquidi and Joerg Neuefeind of Argonne, Dennis Klug of the National Research Council of Canada, and Bruno Tomberli and Peter Egelstaff of the University of Guelph.

--Donna Jones Pelkie

Cancer society honors lab for contributions

The Prairie Land Area and DuPage Area offices of the American Cancer Society recently presented representatives of the Argonne Combined Appeal (ACA) with a plaque in appreciation for Argonne-East's contributions.

Lynn C. Nimtz, Prairie Land Area Office's workplace giving manager, said Argonne is the largest monetary contributor to both offices. Last year's campaign raised nearly $59,000 for the American Cancer Society, second only to the amount raised for United Way-Chicago.

"We really appreciate the efforts your employees make," said Nimtz. "We may thank the board members of the ACA, but we want the employees to also realize that we really appreciate their generosity."

Connie Markiewicz (OCF), 2002 ACA co-chair, said it's important to continue supporting the health and welfare of the Chicago area. "The agencies rely on the generous support of the ACA participants," she said. "We're all proud to contribute to worthwhile causes."

The Argonne Combined Appeal, which continues through Oct. 31, gives employees an opportunity to support nonprofit health and welfare agencies. Details can be found on the ACA Web site.

McFarlane to direct engineering technology

Harold McFarlane has been appointed director of the Engineering Technology Division (ENT) at Argonne-West. In addition to his management responsibilities, he will play a key role in representing the laboratory to potential customers and partners.

McFarlane has been with Argonne for 35 years. He has 17 years of experience with fast reactor core design and validation. Prior to his recent appointment, he served as the associate director of ENT.

McFarlane has been a leader in the American Nuclear Society, and has more than 100 publications in the field of nuclear energy. In addition, he has received the Argonne Director's Award and the Distinguished Performance Award from the University of Chicago.

'Saturday Science' reaching out to students

The fall session of the Division of Educational Programs' Saturday Science Series begins Oct. 5. The first presentation will be "Proteins --Molecular Machines" by Lee Makowski, director of Argonne's Biosciences Division.

The series features interactive presentations on hot topics in science, math, engineering and technology aimed at middle school students. Participants interact with Argonne scientists and engineers to learn about their most exciting work and what it takes to become a science professional.

"Many students think science is boring and difficult," said DEP's Fred Hartline. "That's why we've made a special effort to select speakers who can connect with a young audience and convey their excitement about their work."

To participate in the program, students must be nominated by their science or math teachers. Only 30 nominees are selected to participate in the series. Teachers may nominate no more than one girl and one boy from each school. A parent or adult sponsor must attend the program with the student. "The program has filled to capacity in less than two weeks," said Hartline.

The schedule for the rest of the fall session is:

Saturday, Nov. 2 --"Visit the Advanced Photon Source" by Liz Moog (XFD) and APS staff.

Saturday, Dec. 7 --"Symmetry Magic" by Elaine Schulte (PHY).

Saturday, Jan. 11 --"From Light Bulbs to Lasers" by David Gosztola (CHM).

All sessions are from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Hartline said he hopes to run the series again in the spring and is looking for Argonne scientists, engineers and technicians who would enjoy talking to kids about their work.

For more information, contact Hartline at fhartline@dep.anl.gov or ext. 2-5704.

--Donna Jones Pelkie

Triathletes run, ride and swim for a cause

For athlete Scott Pinkerton (ECT), the bicycle crash that broke his left hand and injured his elbow was merely a speed-bump in Chicago's 20th annual Mrs. T's Triathlon.

"At the exact half-way point in the bike segment I crashed," Pinkerton said. "Coming out of the turn I was boxed in a bit by other racers, and when I swerved to avoid another person I went down. Luckily my bike was not damaged too badly and I was able to finish." Pinkerton said.

Four representatives from Argonne's ECT Division pushed their bodies to the limit in the triathlon, held Aug. 23-25 to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Pinkerton, Corby Schmitz, Corey Hall and Chris Poetzel successfully completed the three-part event.

"The finish line was the most rewarding portion of the race," Schmitz said. "I knew that I could complete a mile swim, 25-mile bike ride and a six-mile run individually, but put them together and it has this sense of an insurmountable task."

Schmitz, Hall and Poetzel are new to triathlons, but Pinkerton has participated in several, including three previous years at the Mrs. T's Chicago Triathlon. This year he convinced his colleagues to join him.

"Everyone else in my group was participating, and the challenge seemed reasonable at the time," Schmitz said. "It was only later that I discovered how much time and effort was necessary to complete this race."

Although training schedules vary by athlete, Pinkerton said most of the ECT participants began training about six months before the event, working out 10 to 15 times a week. Schmitz, for example, had swum 43 miles, run 215 miles and biked 660 miles by mid-August in preparation for the triathlon.

--Jennifer Ann Hutt

Fire drills to be more complex

This year's evacuation drills at Argonne-East will be more complex than in the past.

The events of Sept. 11, 2001, and lessons learned from this year's site-wide emergency exercise have revealed the need for new evacuation scenarios, said Gary Winner, Argonne-East emergency management officer.

Drills will take place in early October.

Road test

A speed monitor will be used at various locations around Argonne-East to gather information on traffic and speed patterns and to help determine future traffic safety needs.

The Office of Safeguards and Security, in conjunction with ESH/QA and the Traffic Safety Committee, will use the information gathered to enhance traffic safety and driver awareness. The monitor will not be used as an enforcement tool.

Exotic travel is seminar topic

Travel to destinations like South Africa, Prague, Vienna and China will be the topic of a seminar sponsored by the Argonne Credit Union Wednesday, Oct. 16, at noon in Argonne-East's Building 208, Conference Room 138A.

Global Holidays travel agency will detail upcoming trips for the winter and spring months, and show a film of a Danube River cruise.

All trips are available to Argonne Credit Union members, retirees, their families and friends. For information regarding these upcoming trips, visit the credit union office for a brochure or call Global Holidays' toll-free number: (800) 842-9023.

Argonne's retirement vendors will visit

Argonne-East during November to meet individually with employees and answer questions about their retirement plans and assets. Appointments last a half-hour.

To schedule an appointment, call the number listed.

Speakers Bureau

Argonne's Office of Public Affairs scheduled the following speakers between January and June.

D. Baurac (OPA) --Lexington Square of Lombard, "Overview of Argonne," May 7.

D. Carter (CMT) --American Chemical Society, Rockford College, "Fuel Cells: Electric Power for the 21st Century," May 22.

I. Charak (RAE) --Bolingbrook Rotary Club, "Nuclear Energy," May 21.

L. Collins (OPS) --Lisle Library, Jan. 7; Darien Lions Club, Mar. 14; Western Springs Rotary Club, Apr. 16; Downers Grove Evening Lions Club, May 15; "Has Terrorism Changed Our Lives?"

R. Ebeling (OPA) --Avery Coonley School, Downers Grove, Science Fair judging, Jan. 24.

D. Ettinger (DEP) --Jefferson Junior High, science fair judging, Jan. 30; St. Alphonsus/St. Patrick's School, Lemont, Invention Convention judging, Feb. 18

J. Greene (PHY) --Avery Coonley School, Downers Grove, Science Fair judging, Jan. 24; Jefferson Junior High, science fair judging, Jan. 30.

B. Kay (BIO) --Rotary Club of LaGrange, "We've Mapped the Human Genome! So What?" Jan. 11; Lisle Lions Club, "Living Longer and Healthier," June 3.

T. Krause (CMT) --Aurora Rotary Club, "Fuel Cells," June 24.

D. Lavey (OPS) --Thomas Ford Memorial Library, Western Springs, Jan. 17; Lockport Lions Club, Feb. 21; Criminology and Law Society at Marquette University, Milwaukee; Feb. 28; "Has Terrorism Changed Our Lives?"

J. Liljegren (ER) --Jefferson Junior High, science fair judging, Jan. 30

M. Luallen (ECT) --Friends of the New Lenox Library, "The Internet --A Road Map for Research," Feb. 20.

V. Maroni (CMT) --Jefferson Junior High, science fair judging, Jan. 30.

T. Mooney (UPD) --Westview Hills Middle School, science fair judging, Feb. 16.

L. Nodulman (HEP) --Jefferson Junior High, science fair judging, Jan. 30

C. Pereira (CMT) --American Chemical Society, Rockford College, "Fuel Processing for Fuel Cells," April 17.

E. Rexer (CHM) --Westview Hills Middle School, science fair judging, Feb. 16.

D. Thompson (PRO) --Gompers Junior High School, Joliet, science fair judging, Feb. 21.

Ar'Gang

NEW ARRIVALS

A girl, Amelia Paige, born August 16 to Michelle and Scott Bresnahan (PFS-CU); a girl, Elizabeth Ruth, born July 10 to Michele and Kevin Brown (IPD-TCS); a girl, Rita, born July 18 to Dimpy Pathria and Paul Fischer (MCS); a girl, Amanda Maryon, born May 17 to Kim and Bob Wilson (ASD); a girl, born June 13 to Jody and Edward Russell (APS).

Proud grandparents: a granddaughter, Olivia Faith, born July 19 to Sue (EQO) and Bob Ercoli (PFS); a granddaughter, Ava Alizabeth, born June 18 to Jo Ann Parnell (ES); a granddaughter, Tegan Ann Dresch, born May 20 to Jim and Judy Wozniak (RAE).

ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to Cheryl Zidel (MCS) on receiving her BA degree from North Central College in June; Joe Insley (MCS) who completed his masters degree in computer science from the University of Illinois at Chicago; Steve Butala (EQO) on receiving a certificate in web project management from the University of Chicago; Michael Vogt (MSD) on receiving his Ph.D. from IIT in June; Marjorie Brockman (OCF-PRO) was elected president of the Ladies Auxiliary of Darien VFW Post 2838.

ENGAGEMENTS/WEDDINGS

Congratulations to Sana Ann Paskhaver (IPD) on her June wedding to Kirill Sandler.

WELCOME

LEG welcomes Mark Langguth and Maria (Rene) Blasier.

FAREWELLS

Good luck to Gladys Dwyer (PFS-CU) and David Poyer (MSD) who have left the laboratory.

GET WELL

Get well to Victoria Jennings (PFS-CU) who is recovering from surgery.

TRANSFERS

Good luck to Charles Greenwood who transferred from PFS-CU to PFS-BS; Sheila Jungman who transferred from MSD to BIO;

PROMOTIONS

Promotions reported to Ar'Gang this month include: June Saragossa (PFS-CU) promoted to Acting Foreman.

CONDOLENCES

Our condolences to Judy Benigno (OPA) on the death of her father; Jim Lucas (PFS-GR) on the death of his mother and father-in-law; Michael Patrick (ES) on the death of his brother; Gary Edgel (OCF-PRO) on the death of his mother.

CONTRIBUTORS

Thanks to this issue's contributors: Judy Beumer (MCS), Sharon Giblin (LEG), Diana Grygiel (EQO), Lee Harris (MSD), Karen Kroczek (PFS), Patricia McUmber (ASD), Cathy Nelson (IPD), JoAnn Parnell (ES), and Sally Peters (OCF-PRO).

To contribute items for Ar'Gang, send an e-mail to Jessie McHenry (OPA) at jessiemchenry@anl.gov