bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous Preference Trend Mining for Optimal Product Design With Multiple Profit Cycles
Authors: Ma Jungmok , Kim Harrison M.
Published: February 2014

Product and design analytics is emerging as a promising area for the analysis of large-scale data and usage of the extracted knowledge for the design of optimal system. The continuous preference trend mining (CPTM) algorithm and application proposed in this study address some fundamental challenges in the context of product and design analytics. The first contribution is the development of a new predictive trend mining technique that captures a hidden trend of customer purchase patterns from accumulated transactional data. Unlike traditional, static data mining algorithms, the CPTM does not assume stationarity but dynamically extracts valuable knowledge from customers over time. By generating trend embedded future data, the CPTM algorithm not only shows higher prediction accuracy in comparison with well-known static models but also provides essential properties that could not be achieved with previously proposed models: utilizing historical data selectively, avoiding an over-fitting problem, identifying performance information of a constructed model, and allowing a numeric prediction. The second contribution is the formulation of the initial design problem which can reveal an opportunity for multiple profit cycles. This mathematical formulation enables design engineers to optimize product design over multiple life cycles while reflecting customer preferences and technological obsolescence using the CPTM algorithm. For illustration, the developed framework is applied to an example of tablet PC design in leasing market and the result shows that the determination of optimal design is achieved over multiple life cycles.
Physical Activity and Mortality Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in the United States
Authors: Wen Ming , Li Lifeng , Su Dejun
Published: February 2014

Background:

Physical activity (PA) has been routinely linked to lower all-cause mortality, yet extant research in the United States is primarily based on nonrepresentative samples. Evidence is scant on the relative and independent merits of leisure-time (LTPA) versus non-leisure-time (NLTPA) activities and how the PA-mortality link may vary across racial-ethnic-gender groups.

Methods:

Data were from Health and Retirement Study which began in 1992 collecting data on individuals aged 51–61 years who were subsequently surveyed once every 2 years. The current study assessed group-specific effects of LTPA and NLTPA measured in 1992 on mortality that occurred during the 1992–2008 follow-up period. Cox proportional hazard analyses were performed to examine the PA-mortality link.

Results:

Net of a wide range of controls, both LTPA and NLTPA showed a gradient negative relation with mortality. No gender-PA interaction effects were evident. Some interaction effects of PA with race-ethnicity were found but they were weak and inconsistent. The mortality reduction effects of PA seemed robust across racial-ethnic-gender groups.

Conclusions:

Regardless of personal background, PA is a major health promoting factor and should be encouraged in aging populations. More research is needed to assess relative merits of different types and domains of PA.
Effects of Physical Activity on Breast Cancer Prevention: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gonçalves Ana Katherine , Florêncio Gilzandra Lira Dantas , de Atayde Silva Maria José Maissonnete , Cobucci Ricardo Ney , Giraldo Paulo César , Cote Nancy Michelle
Published: February 2014

Background:

Observational studies have reported an association between physical activity and breast cancer risk reduction. This study aims to evaluate the effect of physical activity on breast cancer prevention.

Methods:

Articles were identified through literature available on Electronic databases (Pubmed, Embase, Scielo, Cochrane, CINAHL, Cancerlit, and Google Scholar) and manual searches. Case control and cohort studies were assessed for methodological quality, using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

Results:

Size, population, components, and characteristics of physical activity, and menopausal status were documented. Review Manager 5.1 performed analysis using the statistical method of Mantel-Haenszel. Fixed-effect analysis with dichotomous data, testing subgroups and calculating odds ratio with a confidence interval of 95% were used. Main results: 7 cohort studies and 14 case control studies were evaluated. Statistical evidence found that physical activity reduces the risk of breast cancer in case-control studies [OR = 0.84 (0.81–0.88)] (heterogeneity 72%) and cohort studies [OR = 0.61 (0.59–0.63)] (heterogeneity 100%).

Conclusion:

Physical activity seems to prevent breast cancer mainly in postmenopausal women.
How to Motivate Childcare Workers to Engage Preschoolers in Physical Activity
Authors: Gagné Camille , Harnois Isabelle
Published: February 2014

Background:

Data available indicate that numerous childcare workers are not strongly motivated to engage children aged 3–5 in physical activity. Using the theory of planned behavior as the main theoretical framework, this study has 2 objectives: to identify the determinants of the intention of childcare workers to engage preschoolers in physical activity and to identify the variables that could be used to develop an intervention to motivate childcare workers to support preschoolers’ physical activity.

Methods:

174 childcare workers from 60 childcare centers selected at random in 2 regions of Quebec completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing the constructs of the theory of planned behavior as well as past behavior, descriptive norm and moral norm.

Results:

Moral norm, perceived behavioral control and subjective norm explained 85% of the variance in intention to engage the children in physical activity.

Conclusions:

To motivate childcare workers, it is necessary that they perceive that directors, children’s parents and coworkers approve of their involvement in children’s physical activity. In addition, their ability to overcome perceived barriers (lack of time, loaded schedule, inclement weather) should be developed. Access to a large outdoor yard might also help motivate childcare workers.
Peer Influence and Physical Activity Behavior in Young Children: An Experimental Study
Authors: Barkley Jacob Edward , Salvy Sarah-Jeanne , Sanders Gabriel J. , Dey Shounak , Von Carlowitz Kyle-Patrick , Williamson Megan L.
Published: February 2014

Background:

There is evidence that the presence of a friend increases physical activity behavior in schoolaged children (≥ 8 years old) and in young adolescents. Little is known about the developmental trajectory of the effects of peer influences on children’s physical activity. Therefore, we sought to test the effect of the presence versus absence of a friend on physical activity in young children (≤ 6 years old).

Methods:

Physical activity was assessed, via accelerometery, in 3- to 6-year-old children, during 2 social conditions: alone and in the presence of a friend. During each condition, children were taken to a gymnasium and had free access to physical and sedentary activities for 30 minutes. In one condition children were tested alone (solo play), whereas in the other they were tested in the presence of a friend who had access to the same activities.

Results:

Children exhibited 54% greater (P < .02) average accelerometer counts during the friend condition (mean = 2629, SD = 1080 or 5.7 METs) than during the solo play condition (mean = 1707, SD = 1009 or 4.5 METs).

Conclusions:

The presence of a friend contributes to increased physical activity behavior in young children.
Association of Leisure-Time Physical Activity With Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Indian Men
Authors: Singhal Neha , Siddhu Anupa
Published: February 2014

Background:

The relationship between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is not clearly understood in Indian men. It is important to elucidate whether the duration or intensity of LTPA is responsible for increasing CRF. This will help in designing better physical activity intervention strategies for improving CRF in Indian men.

Methods:

Healthy nondiabetic urban Indian men with no history of coronary heart disease (CHD) were selected (n = 603; aged 22–64 years) and their energy intake and physical activity was determined using a questionnaire. Body fat (percent) was determined by leg-to-leg bioelectrical impedance analysis while CRF was measured on multistage, continuous treadmill test using Bruce protocol.

Results:

Intensity of physical activity (METs) emerged as the best independent predictor of CRF (β = 0.217; P < .001). Using univariate General Linear Model, it was found that CRF is more a function of LTPA intensity than LTPA duration, since LTPA duration was not related to CRF when controlled for LTPA intensity. However, LTPA intensity remained significantly associated with CRF even after adjustment for LTPA duration.

Conclusion:

LTPA of preferably higher intensity should be incorporated in the lifestyle to improve CRF and prevent CHD in Indian men.
Effects of Ready for Recess, An Environmental Intervention, on Physical Activity in Third-Through Sixth-Grade Children
Authors: Huberty Jennifer L. , Beets Michael W. , Beighle Aaron , Saint-Maurice Pedro F. , Welk Greg
Published: February 2014

Background:

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Ready for Recess, an elementary school recess intervention targeting staff training (ST) or providing recreational equipment (EQ) separately, and the combination (EQ+ST) on physical activity (PA).

Methods:

Participants were children attending 1 of 12 elementary schools (grades 3rd–6th) included in the study. Separate analytical models were used to evaluate the effects of the intervention conditions on children’s accelerometry and direct observation derived PA measures.

Results:

Boys and girls were measured using accelerometry (n = 667). Boys in EQ+ST increased their MVPA by 14.1% while ST decreased their MVPA by –13.5%. Girls in ST decreased their MVPA by –11.4%. Neither boys nor girls in EQ increased their time spent in MVPA. A total of 523 (boys) and 559 (girls) observations were collected. For boys’ and girls’ sedentary and vigorous activity there were no significant main effects for treatment condition, time, or treatment condition-by-time effects.

Conclusions:

Environmental modifications are only as strong as the staff that implements them. Supervision, if not interactive, may be detrimental to PA participation, especially in girls. Research related to staff training for encouragement and promotion of PA coupled with appropriate use of equipment during recess is warranted.
A clue in a colour? EBUS-TBNA in the analysis of isolated mediastinal lymphadenopathy
Authors: Ryan Daniel John , McPhillips Dympna , Bruzzi John , Breen David
Published: February 2014

A 52-year-old female patient with a background history of malignant melanoma was referred to the interventional pulmonology unit at Galway University Hospital for the investigation of possible intrathoracic recurrence. A CT of the thorax (CT thorax) demonstrated mediastinal lymphadenopathy at position 4R, right paratracheal region. An endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) revealed multiple enlarged lymph nodes at station 4R. The nodes were heterogeneous with solid and cystic elements. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) obtained a black material consistent with malignant melanoma. Multiple TBNA samples were obtained and the diagnosis was confirmed pathologically by the presence of multiple epithelioid pigmented cells on cell block analysis. This case report emphasises the value of EBUS in the assessment of metastatic disease and, in particular, how the gross appearance of the sample can be suggestive of the diagnosis.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal communities associated with maples (Acer spp.) in a common garden are influenced by season and host plant
Authors: Helgason Thorunn , Feng Huyuan , Sherlock David J. , Young J. Peter W. , Fitter Alastair H.
Published: February 2014

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are ubiquitous biotrophic root endophytes that form a significant link in macronutrient cycles. The AM fungi occupy two niches simultaneously, the intraradical niche, from which they gain carbon, and the bulk soil. We predict that AM community structure will vary through time, depending upon season and plant identity. In this study, we compared the AM fungal community colonising eight species of Acer L. (maple) grown in an arboretum. DNA from root samples was analysed using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (TRFLP) of AM fungal sequences. Three time points were sampled during the growing season, and ordination analysis showed this was the most important factor discriminating the TRFLP profiles. Analysis of each month separately showed that the host species was a significant factor in all samplings, but that the response of each species through time was different. This study demonstrates the dynamic nature of AM communities, and the importance of sampling habitats throughout the season to generate a complete picture of the AM community.
Genetic characterization of aTamarixspp. germplasm collection in Italy
Authors: Terzoli Serena , Abbruzzese Grazia , Beritognolo Isacco , Sabatti Maurizio , Valentini Riccardo , Kuzminsky Elena
Published: February 2014

Tamarix L. plants are tolerant to extreme environmental conditions and represent a resource for the recovery of marginal areas. The aim of this study is to develop a molecular method for species assignment and to characterize the genetic differentiation of Italian Tamarix populations. Blind sampling was performed and individuals were gathered without any regard for species identity from seven sites in Italy. If possible, flowers for species identification were collected, but 60% of samples remained unidentified. The genotypic profile of 17 microsatellite markers and a Bayesian statistical approach allowed the individuals to split among genetic entities rather than by their species identity. A clear assignment of Tamarix africana Poir. individuals was found, but this was not the case for Tamarix gallica L. and Tamarix canariensis Willd., whose individuals were clustered in a unique group (T. gallica-like). In T. africana, the Bayesian analysis of the genetic structure pointed out the existence of a unique gene pool, whereas according to principal coordinates analysis (PCOA) and FSTvalues, the populations from Lazio and Sardinia were more differentiated. All the analyses performed showed a differentiation between Sicily and peninsular Southern Italy in the T. gallica-like group. This study is the first to report the characterization of the natural genetic resources of Italian tamarisks and it suggests the absence of genetic differentiation between T. gallica and T. canariensis.
Predation costs of impaired chemosensory risk assessment on acid-impacted juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Elvidge Chris K. , Brown Grant E.
Published: February 2014

Weak levels of acidification (pH < 6.6) inhibit the ability of fishes to assess predation risk via interference with damage-released chemical alarm cues. While survival benefits associated with behavioural responses to alarm cues have been demonstrated under laboratory conditions, it remains largely unknown whether fishes under natural conditions experience similar benefits. Using hatchery-reared juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) as a model organism, we conducted a tethering experiment in reaches of neutral (pH ≥ 6.6) and acidic (pH < 6.6) salmon nursery streams, plus one additional stream that varied between pH classes. Despite exposure to fewer predatory fish species, similar availability of physical refugia, and similar threat from terrestrial predators, tethered fish in acidic streams were significantly more likely to be predated over the course of a trial than their counterparts in neutral streams. These results suggest that (i) in the absence of compensatory mechanisms, juvenile Atlantic salmon under acidic conditions may experience greater rates of predation as a result of impaired chemosensory risk assessment, and (ii) brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) appear to play the greatest role in limiting the survival of young-of-the-year (0+) salmon.
Change detection of storm runoff and sediment yield using hydrologic models following wildfire in a coastal redwood forest, California
Authors: Surfleet Christopher G. , Dietterick Brian , Skaugset Arne
Published: February 2014

This study attempted to detect changes in stormflow volumes, peakflows, and sediment loads using hydrologic models within the context of an uncertainty assessment following wildfire. In 2009, after 8 years of study, the Lockheed Fire burned the treatment and control watersheds of a paired watershed study in coastal California, USA, eliminating the ability to continue a paired watershed before–after control–intervention (BACI) study design. An alternative analysis was used to detect stormflow and sediment load changes due to the wildfire by comparing measured posttreatment stormflow and sediment load with simulated predisturbance responses predicted with the hydrologic models HBV-EC and DHSVM. High natural variability of stormflow and sediment measurements compounded with uncertainty associated with the hydrologic models and climate suggest that only large changes can be detected. The fire and subsequent salvage harvest created an approximately 9%–12% reduction in forest overstory canopy and a 70%–90% consumption of understory vegetation. No discernible changes in slopes of regression lines were detected between predisturbance and postfire stormflow volumes, peakflows, or sediment loads. No changes were detected in stormflow volume, peakflow, or sediment loads comparing pre- and post-fire vegetation inputs to the hydrologic model DHSVM. The lack of detected change in streamflow to accelerate stream channel erosion combined with low to moderate fire severity adjacent to stream channels most likely were the reasons for no detected postfire change to sediment loads.
Solution of the Dirac equation with some superintegrable potentials by the quadratic algebra approach
Authors: Aghaei S. , Chenaghlou A.
Published: February 2014

The Dirac equation with scalar and vector potentials of equal magnitude is considered. For the two-dimensional harmonic oscillator superintegrable potential, the superintegrable potentials of E8 (case (3b)), S4 and S2, the Schrödinger-like equations are studied. The quadratic algebras of these quasi-Hamiltonians are derived. By using the realization of the quadratic algebras in a deformed oscillator algebra, the structure function and the energy eigenvalues are obtained.
Modeling thermo-optic effect in large mode area double cladding photonic crystal fibers
Authors: Coscelli Enrico , Cucinotta Annamaria
Published: February 2014

The impact of thermally-induced refractive index changes on the single-mode (SM) properties of large mode area (LMA) photonic crystal fibers are thoroughly investigated by means of a full-vector modal solver with integrated thermal model. Three photonic crystal fiber designs are taken into account, namely the 19-cell core fiber, the large-pitch fiber (LPF) and the distributed modal filtering (DMF) fiber, to assess the effects of the interplay between thermal effects and the high-order mode (HOM) suppression mechanisms exploited in order to obtain effectively SM guiding. The results have shown significant differences in the way the SM regime is changed by the increase of heat load, providing useful hints for the design of LMA fibers for high power lasers.
High energy sub-nanosecond thulium-doped all-fiber amplifier
Authors: Hernandez Yves , Guillemet Sébastien
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we present the results obtained with a thulium-doped (Tm-doped) photonic crystal fiber (PCF) amplifier operating in the sub-nanosecond regime with three different sources. In all cases, 40 μJ per pulse could be generated in an all-fiber approach with a good spectral and spatial mode quality. This source is developed for pumping a subsequent optical parameter generators/optical parameter oscillators (OPG/OPA) conversion system based on a gallium arsenide (GaAs) quasi-phase matched crystal.
From resonances to fluctuations: A microscopic analysis of the cross-section for inelastic neutron scattering to a definite state
Authors: Firk F. W. K.
Published: February 2014

Thomas' approximation to the general R-matrix theory of Wigner and Eisenbud is used to study the development of fluctuations in the cross-section for inelastic neutron scattering, to a definite state, in the transition from the resonance region to the continuum. In standard analyses of Ericson fluctuations, averaging of all resonance parameters is carried out from the beginning. Here, no averaging is performed; it is therefore possible to study, in detail, the effects of variations in both the random distributions of the phases of interfering amplitudes associated with elastic and inelastic scattering and the statistical distributions of parameters of the underlying resonances. The present microscopic model is not limited to the study of nuclear reactions; studies of inelastic scattering associated with quantum dots in semiconductors at low temperature and electron–atom interactions that involve many overlapping resonances, require analyses of the kind reported.
The structure and properties of a sheathed, low reactivity silicon phthalocyanine and the potential for still more inert phthalocyanines
Authors: Yang Yang , Campana Charles F. , Cheng Gongzhen , Peng Xinzhan , Kenney Malcolm E.
Published: February 2014

The structure of a silicon phthalocyanine having a sheath composed of eight 1,4-isobutoxy, four bidentate 2,3-dibenzobarreleno substituents, and two trans-heptacyclopentylpentacyclooctasiloxy ligands has been determined by X-ray crystallography. The macrocycle in this compound is nearly completely covered by its sheath, but there is a channel in it which is large enough to give small diatomic molecules easy access to the macrocycle. In solution, transient channels exist in the sheath because of molecular vibrations. The structure of the compound also has been determined by a PM6 semi-empirical calculation. Except for one understandable difference, the results from this calculation are in good agreement with the results from the crystal determination. The van der Waals volume of the molecule has been determined from both the crystal and PM6 data by a Monte Carlo method. The amount of steric hindrance present in analogs of the compound in which its isobutoxy substituents are replaced by other alkoxy groups has been examined through calculations based on van der Waals volumes. Possible analogs of this sheathed molecule are suggested in which the sheath may be impenetrable to even small molecules and thus that are highly resistant to attack.
FIRST IMAGES FROM THE CRIPT MUON TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM
Authors: ARMITAGE J. , BOTTE J. , BOUDJEMLINE K. , ERLANDSON A. , ROBICHAUD A. , BUENO J. , BRYMAN D. , GAZIT R. , HYDOMAKO R. , LIU Z. , ANGHEL V. , GOLOVKO V. V. , JEWETT C. , JONKMANS G. , THOMPSON M. , CHARLES E. , GALLANT G. , DROUIN P-L. , WALLER D. , STOCKI T. J. , COUSINS T. , NOEL S.
Published: February 2014

The CRIPT Cosmic Ray Imaging and Passive Tomography system began data taking in September 2012. CRIPT is a “proof of principle” muon tomography system originally proposed to inspect cargo in shipping containers and to determine the presence of special nuclear materials. CRIPT uses 4 layers of 2 m x 2 m scintillation counter trackers, each layer measuring two coordinates. Two layers are used to track the incoming muon and two for the outgoing muon allowing the trajectories of the muon to be determined. The target volume is divided into voxels, and a Point of Closest Approach algorithm is used to determine the number of scattering events in each voxel, producing a 3D image. The system has been tested with various targets of depleted uranium, lead bricks, and tungsten rods. Data on the positional resolution has been taken and the intrinsic resolution is unfolded with the help of a simulation using GEANT4. The next steps include incorporation of data from the spectrometer section, which will assist in determining the muon's momentum and improve the determination of the density of the target.
FISSILE MATERIALS DETECTION VIA NEUTRON DIFFERENTIAL DIE-AWAY TECHNIQUE
Authors: BATYAEV V. F. , BOCHKAREV O. V. , SKLYAROV S. V.
Published: February 2014

This work is devoted to the differential die-away technique that is widely used for active detection of fissile materials via pulsed neutron generators. The technique allows direct detection of milligram quantities of uranium-235 and plutonium-239 in objects with volumes up to several cubic meters. Our group has demonstrated this technique, creating a special installation based on the commercially produced ING-07T pulsed neutron generator. The installation includes eight proportional 3 He -counters mounted inside a polyethylene moderator with a cadmium filter, as well as a polyethylene chamber into which a 70-liter container is loaded for inspection. Preliminary testing showed that the minimum detectable mass of unshielded uranium-235 is ∼3 mg, using a 5.108 n/s neutron yield and 8 min measurement time. When the container is filled with neutron absorbing materials, e.g., iron, the minimum detectable mass increases to ∼30 mg. Use of borated screens further increases the minimum mass that can be detected. The tested installation and/or its modifications can be used for control and detection of fissile materials in various applications from luggage inspection to control containers with nuclear fuel cycle radioactive wastes.
X-RAY TOMOGRAPHY STUDIES OF PREHISTORIC CERAMIC ARTIFACTS
Authors: PAVEL CARMEN , CONSTANTIN FLORIN , SUCIU COSMIN IOAN , BUGOI ROXANA
Published: February 2014

X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) is a powerful non-destructive technique that can yield interesting structural information not discernible through visual examination only. This paper presents the results of the CT scans of four objects belonging to the Romanian cultural heritage attributed to the Vinča, Cucuteni and Cruceni-Belegiš cultures. The study was performed with an X-ray tomographic device developed at the Department for Applied Nuclear Physics from Horia Hulubei National Institute for Nuclear Physics and Engineering in Măgurele, Romania. This apparatus was specially designed for archaeometric studies of low-Z artifacts: ceramic, wood, bone. The tomographic investigations revealed the internal configuration of the objects and provided information about the degree to which the previous manipulations affected the archaeological items. Based on the X-ray images resulting from the CT scans, hints about the techniques used in the manufacturing of the artifacts were obtained, as well as some indications useful for conservation/restoration purposes.
RESULTS FROM NOBLE GAS SCINTILLATION DETECTORS WITH SOLID STATE LIGHT READOUT
Authors: CHANDRA RICO , DAVATZ GIOVANNA , GENDOTTI ULISSE , CACCIA MASSIMO , CHMILL VALERY , MARTEMIYANOV SASHA , SANTORO ROMUALDO
Published: February 2014

A proof of concept is delivered regarding the performance and feasibility of using silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) solid state light readout devices in noble gas scintillation detectors. By immersing SiPMs directly in the scintillating gas, light collection values can be achieved that are highly competitive with those of PMT based detectors. The work further shows that pulse shape discrimination information is accessible even with the SiPM readout. This proof of concept opens the door for the design of highly rugged, low cost, high performance detectors.
CODED APERTURE THERMAL NEUTRON CAMERA WITH ASIC-BASED PAD READOUT
Authors: DIOSZEGI ISTVAN , SMITH GRAHAM C. , SCHAKNOWSKI NEIL A. , YU BO , FRIED JACK , SALWEN CYNTHIA , VANIER PETER E. , FORMAN LEON
Published: February 2014

A new generation of coded aperture neutron imagers is being developed at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The detector of the camera is a position sensitive thermal neutron chamber. The new device is a 3 He -filled ionization chamber, which uses only anode and cathode planes. The anode is composed of an array of individual pads. The charge is collected on each of the individual 5 × 5 mm2 anode pads, (48 × 48 in total corresponding to a 24 × 24 cm2 sensitive area) and read out by application specific integrated circuits. The new design has several advantages for the field of coded aperture applications compared to the previous generation of wire-grid based neutron detectors. Among these are the rugged design, lighter weight and use of non-flammable stopping gas. The pad-based readout is event by event, thus capable of high count rates, and can perform data analysis and imaging on an event by event basis. The spatial resolution of the detector can be better than the pixel size by using charge sharing between adjacent pads. In this paper, we will report on the development and performance of the new, prototype pad-based neutron camera and present the first pad-based coded aperture images of thermalized neutron sources.
CHARACTERISTICS AND FUNCTION OF AN ELECTRON ATTACHMENT SPECTROMETER: PULSE FORMATION TIME AND GAIN EFFECTS IN P-10 GAS
Authors: ORCHARD GLORIA M. , WAKER ANTHONY J.
Published: February 2014

An Electron Attachment Spectrometer (EAS) has been designed to measure electron attachment in air and other gases. The aim of the EAS is to observe how parameters such as the electric field, reduced electric field and type of gas can influence electron attachment. The overall objective of this work is to investigate if the gas-gain of a proportional counter can be optimized by minimizing electron attachment with oxygen to improve the measurement of tritium-in-air. Current research interests include the measurement of the time between the generation of the electron–ion pairs and arrival of the electrons at the wire anode. Additionally, the study of the multiplication properties of the detector as a function of pulse formation time, P-10 gas flow rate and electric field will be presented. The EAS is a cylinder with a length of approximately 92 mm and diameter of 41 mm comprised of cylindrical hollow brass electrodes and Teflon spacers. A uniform electric field within the tube is applied and guides electrons and/or ions towards their respective electrodes. A proportional counter with a 50 μm diameter wire anode is used to detect the electrons and/or ions created by an 241 Am source located at the opposite end.
PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT OF CZT DETECTORS BY LINE ELECTRODE GEOMETRY
Authors: ZHANG LAN , ZHANG WEI , LI JUN , LIU YANQING , LI YULAN , LI YUANJING , LIU YINONG , FU JIANQIANG , JIANG HAO , DENG ZHI , XUE TAO , LUO JIE
Published: February 2014

Due to their high efficiency and high energy resolution, applications of CdZnTe (CZT) detectors have spread into many areas such as room temperature detectors. To improve the performance and decrease the effects of hole trapping and crystal non-uniformity, special contact geometries are applied to the detectors, such as Coplanar, 3D pixel, Frisch grid, Capture and so on. In this paper, we introduce a new line electrode geometry to greatly improve CZT detector performance. A line anode collects electrons, while a planar cathode collects holes. Due to the low electric field close to the cathode and the low hole μτ value, this geometry is also a single charge sensitive structure. The calculated energy resolution of a 20 mm x 20 mm x 15 mm detector could be improved up to 1.51% for 662 keV gamma rays. Both simulations and experimental results are presented here.
SPES: EXOTIC BEAMS FOR NUCLEAR PHYSICS STUDIES
Authors: ANDRIGHETTO ALBERTO , MANZOLARO MATTIA , CORRADETTI STEFANO , SCARPA DANIELE , VASQUEZ JESU , ROSSIGNOLI MASSIMO , MONETTI ALBERTO , CALDEROLLA MICHELE , PRETE GIANFRANCO
Published: February 2014

The SPES project at Laboratori di Legnaro of INFN (Italy) is concentrating on the production of neutron-rich radioactive nuclei for nuclear physics experiments using uranium fission at a rate of 1013 fission/s. The emphasis on neutron-rich isotopes is justified by the fact that this vast territory has been little explored. The Radioactive Ion Beam (RIB) will be produced by the ISOL technique using proton induced fission on a direct target of UCx. The most critical element of the SPES project is the Multi-Foil Direct Target. Up to the present time, the proposed target represents an innovation in terms of its capability to sustain the primary beam power. This talk will present the status of the project financed by INFN, which is actually in the construction phase at Legnaro. In particular, developments related to the target and the ion-source activities using the surface ion source, plasma ion source, and laser ion source techniques will be reported.
LINAC-BASED PHOTONUCLEAR APPLICATIONS AT THE IDAHO ACCELERATOR CENTER
Authors: MAMTIMIN MAYIR , STAROVOITOVA VALERIIA N. , HARMON FRANK
Published: February 2014

In this paper, current Idaho Accelerator Center (IAC) activities based on the exploitation of high energy bremsstrahlung photons generated by linear electron accelerators will be reviewed. These beams are used to induce photonuclear interactions for a wide variety of applications in materials science, activation analysis, medical research, and nuclear technology. Most of the exploited phenomena are governed by the familiar giant dipole resonance cross section in nuclei. By proper target and converter design, optimization of photon and photoneutron production can be achieved, allowing radiation fields produced with both photons and neutrons to be used for medical isotope production and for fission product transmutation. The latter provides a specific application example that supports long-term fission product waste management. Using high-energy, highpower electron accelerators, we can demonstrate transmutation of radio-toxic, long-lived fission products (LLFP) such as 99Tc and 129I into short lived species. The latest experimental and simulation results will be presented.
ION BEAM MATERIALS ANALYSIS AND MODIFICATIONS AT keV TO MeV ENERGIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS
Authors: ROUT BIBHUDUTTA , DHOUBHADEL MANGAL S. , POUDEL PRAKASH R. , KUMMARI VENKATA C. , LAKSHANTHA WICKRAMAARACHCHIGE J. , MANUEL JACK E. , BOHARA GYANENDRA , SZILASI SZABOLCS Z. , GLASS GARY A. , MCDANIEL FLOYD D.
Published: February 2014

The University of North Texas (UNT) Ion Beam Modification and Analysis Laboratory (IBMAL) has four particle accelerators including a National Electrostatics Corporation (NEC) 9SDH-2 3 MV tandem Pelletron, a NEC 9SH 3 MV single-ended Pelletron, and a 200 kV Cockcroft-Walton. A fourth HVEC AK 2.5 MV Van de Graaff accelerator is presently being refurbished as an educational training facility. These accelerators can produce and accelerate almost any ion in the periodic table at energies from a few keV to tens of MeV. They are used to modify materials by ion implantation and to analyze materials by numerous atomic and nuclear physics techniques. The NEC 9SH accelerator was recently installed in the IBMAL and subsequently upgraded with the addition of a capacitive-liner and terminal potential stabilization system to reduce ion energy spread and therefore improve spatial resolution of the probing ion beam to hundreds of nanometers. Research involves materials modification and synthesis by ion implantation for photonic, electronic, and magnetic applications, micro-fabrication by high energy (MeV) ion beam lithography, microanalysis of biomedical and semiconductor materials, development of highenergy ion nanoprobe focusing systems, and educational and outreach activities. An overview of the IBMAL facilities and some of the current research projects are discussed.
CHALLENGES OF MAGNETIC MOMENT MEASUREMENTS WITH RARE ISOTOPE BEAMS
Authors: KUMBARTZKI G. J. , BENCZER-KOLLER N. , SHARON Y. Y.
Published: February 2014

Projectile excitation of rare isotopes provided as low-intensity beams has been used to measure g factors of low-lying states with life times in the picoseconds range. The experiments are perturbed angular correlation measurements utilizing the strong hyperfine fields in partially stripped projectile ions. So far, only a small number of published experiments have yielded modest results.
THE SIMULATION OF AN IMAGING GAMMA-RAY COMPTON BACKSCATTERING DEVICE USING GEANT4
Authors: FLECHAS D. , SARMIENTO L.G. , CRISTANCHO F. , FAJARDO E.
Published: February 2014

A gamma-backscattering imaging device dubbed Compton Camera, developed at GSI (Darmstadt, Germany) and modified and studied at the Nuclear Physics Group of the National University of Colombia in Bogotá, uses the back-to-back emission of two gamma rays in the positron annihilation to construct a bidimensional image that represents the distribution of matter in the field-of-view of the camera. This imaging capability can be used in a host of different situations, for example, to identify and study deposition and structural defects, and to help locating concealed objects, to name just two cases. In order to increase the understanding of the response of the Compton Camera and, in particular, its image formation process, and to assist in the data analysis, a simulation of the camera was developed using the GEANT4 simulation toolkit. In this work, the images resulting from different experimental conditions are shown. The simulated images and their comparison with the experimental ones already suggest methods to improve the present experimental device
EMERGENCY DOSIMETRY USING CERAMIC COMPONENTS IN PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Authors: KOUROUKLA E. C. , BAILIFF I. K. , TERRY I.
Published: February 2014

The rapid assessment of radiation dose to members of the public exposed to significant levels of ionizing radiation during a radiological incident presents a significant difficulty in the absence of planned radiation monitoring. However, within most personal electronic devices components such as resistors with alumina substrates can be found that have potentially suitable properties as solid state dosimeters using luminescence measurement techniques. The suitability of several types of ceramic-based components (e.g., resonators, inductors and resistors) has been previously examined using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and thermoluminescence (TL) techniques to establish their basic characteristics for the retrospective determination of absorbed dose. In this paper, we present results obtained with aluminum oxide surface mount resistors extracted from mobile phones that further extend this work. Very encouraging results have been obtained related to the measurement of luminescence sensitivity, dose response, reusability, limit of detection, signal reproducibility and known-dose recovery. However, the alumina exhibits a rapid loss of the latent luminescence signal with time following irradiation attributed to athermal (or anomalous) fading. The issues related to obtaining a reliable correction protocol for this loss and the detailed examinations required of the fading behavior are discussed.
MODULAR DETECTION SYSTEM FOR SPECIAL NUCLEAR MATERIAL (MODES_SNM)
Authors:   (for the MODES_SNM Collaboration), CHRISTODOULOU GEORGIOS
Published: February 2014

The MODES_SNM project, funded by the European Community within the scope of the FP7 security theme, explores new techniques for the design and demonstration of novel technologies for the detection of dangerous radioactive materials. Noble gas pressurized detectors are developed and optimized to build a human portable modular detector system to detect and identify illicit SNM. Since masked or shielded SNM is hard to detect, the MODES_SNM detector system will be sensitive to both fast and thermal neutrons and to photons emitted by the SNM. Thus, the project aims to increase the detection sensitivity of shielded SNM, to reduce the false alarm rate and to provide a mobile system to be used by both experts and non-experts in the field of radiation detection. The project now enters into its final phase towards the construction and characterization of a working prototype to be tested under laboratory conditions and in a real world environment.
Robust Ear Recognition via Nonnegative Sparse Representation of Gabor Orientation Information
Authors: Zhang Baoqing , Mu Zhichun , Zeng Hui , Luo Shuang
Published: February 2014

Orientation information is critical to the accuracy of ear recognition systems. In this paper, a new feature extraction approach is investigated for ear recognition by using orientation information of Gabor wavelets. The proposed Gabor orientation feature can not only avoid too much redundancy in conventional Gabor feature but also tend to extract more precise orientation information of the ear shape contours. Then, Gabor orientation feature based nonnegative sparse representation classification (Gabor orientation + NSRC) is proposed for ear recognition. Compared with SRC in which the sparse coding coefficients can be negative, the nonnegativity of NSRC conforms to the intuitive notion of combining parts to form a whole and therefore is more consistent with the biological modeling of visual data. Additionally, the use of Gabor orientation features increases the discriminative power of NSRC. Extensive experimental results show that the proposed Gabor orientation feature based nonnegative sparse representation classification paradigm achieves much better recognition performance and is found to be more robust to challenging problems such as pose changes, illumination variations, and ear partial occlusion in real-world applications.
Interpretation of ANA Indirect Immunofluorescence Test Outside the Darkroom Using NOVA View Compared to Manual Microscopy
Authors: Copple Susan S. , Jaskowski Troy D. , Giles Rashelle , Hill Harry R.
Published: February 2014

Objective.To evaluate NOVA View with focus on reading archived images versus microscope based manual interpretation of ANA HEp-2 slides by an experienced, certified medical technologist.Methods.369 well defined sera from: 44 rheumatoid arthritis, 50 systemic lupus erythematosus, 35 scleroderma, 19 Sjögren’s syndrome, and 10 polymyositis patients as well as 99 healthy controls were examined. In addition, 12 defined sera from the Centers for Disease Control and 100 random patient sera sent to ARUP Laboratories for ANA HEp-2 IIF testing were included. Samples were read using the archived images on NOVA View and compared to results obtained from manual reading.Results.At a 1 : 40/1 : 80 dilution the resulting comparison demonstrated 94.8%/92.9% positive, 97.4%/97.4% negative, and 96.5%/96.2% total agreements between manual IIF and NOVA View archived images. Agreement of identifiable patterns between methods was 97%, with PCNA and mixed patterns undetermined.Conclusion.Excellent agreements were obtained between reading archived images on NOVA View and manually on a fluorescent microscope. In addition, workflow benefits were observed which need to be analyzed in future studies.
High Prevalence of Antinuclear Antibodies in Children with Thyroid Autoimmunity
Authors: Segni Maria , Pucarelli Ida , Truglia Simona , Turriziani Ilaria , Serafinelli Chiara , Conti Fabrizio
Published: February 2014

Background. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are a hallmark of many autoimmune diseases and can be detected many years before disease onset. Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) are frequently associated with other organ- and non-organ-specific autoimmune disorders.Objectives. To assess the prevalence of ANA in pediatric patients with AITD and their clinical correlations.Methods. Ninety-three consecutive pediatric patients with AITD were enrolled (86 children with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and 7 with Graves’ disease). ANA, anti-double DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies, anti-extractable nuclear antigen (anti-ENA), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP), and rheumatoid factor (RF) was obtained. Signs and symptoms potentially related to rheumatic diseases in children were investigated by a questionnaire.Results. ANA positivity was found in 66/93 children (71%), anti-ENA in 4/93 (4.3%), anti-dsDNA in 1/93 (1.1%), RF in 3/93 (3.2%), and anti-CCP in none. No significant differences were found between the ANA-positive and ANA-negative groups with respect to age, sex, L-thyroxine treatment, or prevalence of other autoimmune diseases. Overall, parental autoimmunity was found in 23%.Conclusions. ANA positivity was demonstrated in 71% of children with AITD. ANA positivity was not related to overt immune-rheumatic diseases. However, because the positivity of ANA can occur even many years before the onset of systemic autoimmune diseases, prospective studies are warranted.
A Study about the Integration of the Elliptical Orbital Motion Based on a Special One-Parametric Family of Anomalies
Authors: López Ortí José Antonio , Marco Castillo Francisco José , Martínez Usó María José
Published: February 2014

This paper aimed to address the study of a new family of anomalies, called natural anomalies, defined as a one-parameter convex linear combination of the true and secondary anomalies, measured from the primary and the secondary focus of the ellipse, and its use in the study of analytical and numerical solutions of perturbed two-body problem. We take two approaches: first, the study of the analytical development of the basic quantities of the two-body problem to be used in the analytical theories of the planetary motion and second, the study of the minimization of the errors in the numerical integration by an appropriate choice of parameters in our family for each value of the eccentricity. The use of an appropriate value of the parameter can improve the length of the developments in the analytical theories and reduce the errors in the case of the numerical integration.
Archaeal Genome Guardians Give Insights into Eukaryotic DNA Replication and Damage Response Proteins
Authors: Shin David S. , Pratt Ashley J. , Tainer John A.
Published: February 2014

As the third domain of life, archaea, like the eukarya and bacteria, must have robust DNA replication and repair complexes to ensure genome fidelity. Archaea moreover display a breadth of unique habitats and characteristics, and structural biologists increasingly appreciate these features. As archaea include extremophiles that can withstand diverse environmental stresses, they provide fundamental systems for understanding enzymes and pathways critical to genome integrity and stress responses. Such archaeal extremophiles provide critical data on the periodic table for life as well as on the biochemical, geochemical, and physical limitations to adaptive strategies allowing organisms to thrive under environmental stress relevant to determining the boundaries for life as we know it. Specifically, archaeal enzyme structures have informed the architecture and mechanisms of key DNA repair proteins and complexes. With added abilities to temperature-trap flexible complexes and reveal core domains of transient and dynamic complexes, these structures provide insights into mechanisms of maintaining genome integrity despite extreme environmental stress. The DNA damage response protein structures noted in this review therefore inform the basis for genome integrity in the face of environmental stress, with implications for all domains of life as well as for biomanufacturing, astrobiology, and medicine.