bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symbiotic Zooxanthellae Drive the δ13C Changes of Tridacna gigas Shell in the Southern South China Sea
Authors: Ma Xiaolin , Yan Hong , Ma Wentao , Jin Xiaobo , Zhang Hongrui , Dang Haowen , Zhang Yuehuan
Published: May 2023

The carbon isotope (δ13C) in marine biogenic carbonate is a valuable tool for comprehending the marine carbon cycle. However, the absence of monthly resolved δ13C records before the instrumental era (since 1850) hinders us to fully understand the global carbon cycle. In this study, we present a δ13C record from a modern Tridacna gigas shell (δ13Cshell) collected from the southern South China Sea (SCS) with an average resolution of ∼10 days. The δ13C record illustrates seasonal and interannual cycles which are superimposed by long‐term decreasing trend. We investigate the environmental controls influencing the δ13Cshell on different time scales. We suggest that more positive δ13Cshell values observed during the juvenile stage (first 8–10 years), which correspond to a high growth rate, can be attributed to 13C enrichment of the internal dissolved inorganic carbon pool. This resulted from the exponential increase of symbiotic zooxanthellae, and preferential 12C sequestration by the accelerated buildup of productive tissues. On the interannual time scale, changes in δ13Cshell were likely affected by both internal (vital effect) and external processes (sea water δ13C), as well as being disturbed by the super El Niño‐La Niña event. Seasonal changes of δ13Cshell were mainly dominated by the intensity of photosynthesis and respiration of symbiotic zooxanthellae, which depend on the seasonal solar irradiance variations in association with precipitation and the South Asian summer monsoon. Our study sheds light on the controlling factors of δ13Cshell variations on seasonal timescale and the long‐term trend, providing insight into the carbon cycle over geological history.
Into the Wild Blue Yonder
Authors: Micalizio Caryl-Sue
Published: May 2023

Fieldwork takes scientists from the eye of a hurricane to the depths of the sea.
Impairment of rigidity sensing caused by mutant TP53 gain of function in osteosarcoma
Authors: Luo Ming , Huang Mingyang , Yang Ningning , Zhu Yufan , Huang Peng , Xu Zhujun , Wang Wengang , Cai Lin
Published: May 2023

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant pediatric bone tumor and is characterized by high heterogeneity. Studies have revealed a wide range of phenotypic differences among OS cell lines in terms of their in vivo tumorigenicity and in vitro colony-forming abilities. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of these discrepancies remains unclear. The potential role of mechanotransduction in tumorigenicity is of particular interest. To this end, we tested the tumorigenicity and anoikis resistance of OS cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. We utilized a sphere culture model, a soft agar assay, and soft and rigid hydrogel surface culture models to investigate the function of rigidity sensing in the tumorigenicity of OS cells. Additionally, we quantified the expression of sensor proteins, including four kinases and seven cytoskeletal proteins, in OS cell lines. The upstream core transcription factors of rigidity-sensing proteins were further investigated. We detected anoikis resistance in transformed OS cells. The mechanosensing function of transformed OS cells was also impaired, with general downregulation of rigidity-sensing components. We identified toggling between normal and transformed growth based on the expression pattern of rigidity-sensing proteins in OS cells. We further uncovered a novel TP53 mutation (R156P) in transformed OS cells, which acquired gain of function to inhibit rigidity sensing, thus sustaining transformed growth. Our findings suggest a fundamental role of rigidity-sensing components in OS tumorigenicity as mechanotransduction elements through which cells can sense their physical microenvironment. In addition, the gain of function of mutant TP53 appears to serve as an executor for such malignant programs.
Rapid evolution of A(H5N1) influenza viruses after intercontinental spread to North America
Authors: Kandeil Ahmed , Patton Christopher , Jones Jeremy C. , Jeevan Trushar , Harrington Walter N. , Trifkovic Sanja , Seiler Jon P. , Fabrizio Thomas , Woodard Karlie , Turner Jasmine C. , Crumpton Jeri-Carol , Miller Lance , Rubrum Adam , DeBeauchamp Jennifer , Russell Charles J. , Govorkova Elena A. , Vogel Peter , Kim-Torchetti Mia , Berhane Yohannes , Stallknecht David , Poulson Rebecca , Kercher Lisa , Webby Richard J.
Published: May 2023

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses of clade 2.3.4.4b underwent an explosive geographic expansion in 2021 among wild birds and domestic poultry across Asia, Europe, and Africa. By the end of 2021, 2.3.4.4b viruses were detected in North America, signifying further intercontinental spread. Here we show that the western movement of clade 2.3.4.4b was quickly followed by reassortment with viruses circulating in wild birds in North America, resulting in the acquisition of different combinations of ribonucleoprotein genes. These reassortant A(H5N1) viruses are genotypically and phenotypically diverse, with many causing severe disease with dramatic neurologic involvement in mammals. The proclivity of the current A(H5N1) 2.3.4.4b virus lineage to reassort and target the central nervous system warrants concerted planning to combat the spread and evolution of the virus within the continent and to mitigate the impact of a potential influenza pandemic that could originate from similar A(H5N1) reassortants.
Fibroblasts are a site of murine cytomegalovirus lytic replication and Stat1-dependent latent persistence in vivo
Authors: Sitnik Katarzyna M. , Krstanović Fran , Gödecke Natascha , Rand Ulfert , Kubsch Tobias , Maaß Henrike , Kim Yeonsu , Brizić Ilija , Čičin-Šain Luka
Published: May 2023

To date, no herpesvirus has been shown to latently persist in fibroblastic cells. Here, we show that murine cytomegalovirus, a β-herpesvirus, persists for the long term and across organs in PDGFRα-positive fibroblastic cells, with similar or higher genome loads than in the previously known sites of murine cytomegalovirus latency. Whereas murine cytomegalovirus gene transcription in PDGFRα-positive fibroblastic cells is almost completely silenced at 5 months post-infection, these cells give rise to reactivated virus ex vivo, arguing that they support latent murine cytomegalovirus infection. Notably, PDGFRα-positive fibroblastic cells also support productive virus replication during primary murine cytomegalovirus infection. Mechanistically, Stat1-deficiency promotes lytic infection but abolishes latent persistence of murine cytomegalovirus in PDGFRα-positive fibroblastic cells in vivo. In sum, fibroblastic cells have a dual role as a site of lytic murine cytomegalovirus replication and a reservoir of latent murine cytomegalovirus in vivo and STAT1 is required for murine cytomegalovirus latent persistence in vivo.
A previously uncharacterized Factor Associated with Metabolism and Energy (FAME/C14orf105/CCDC198/1700011H14Rik) is related to evolutionary adaptation, energy balance, and kidney physiology
Authors: Petersen Julian , Englmaier Lukas , Artemov Artem V. , Poverennaya Irina , Mahmoud Ruba , Bouderlique Thibault , Tesarova Marketa , Deviatiiarov Ruslan , Szilvásy-Szabó Anett , Akkuratov Evgeny E. , Pajuelo Reguera David , Zeberg Hugo , Kaucka Marketa , Kastriti Maria Eleni , Krivanek Jan , Radaszkiewicz Tomasz , Gömöryová Kristína , Knauth Sarah , Potesil David , Zdrahal Zbynek , Ganji Ranjani Sri , Grabowski Anna , Buhl Miriam E. , Zikmund Tomas , Kavkova Michaela , Axelson Håkan , Lindgren David , Kramann Rafael , Kuppe Christoph , Erdélyi Ferenc , Máté Zoltán , Szabó Gábor , Koehne Till , Harkany Tibor , Fried Kaj , Kaiser Jozef , Boor Peter , Fekete Csaba , Rozman Jan , Kasparek Petr , Prochazka Jan , Sedlacek Radislav , Bryja Vitezslav , Gusev Oleg , Adameyko Igor
Published: May 2023

In this study we use comparative genomics to uncover a gene with uncharacterized function (1700011H14Rik/C14orf105/CCDC198), which we hereby nameFAME(Factor Associated with Metabolism and Energy). We observe thatFAMEshows an unusually high evolutionary divergence in birds and mammals. Through the comparison of single nucleotide polymorphisms, we identify gene flow ofFAMEfrom Neandertals into modern humans. We conduct knockout experiments on animals and observe altered body weight and decreased energy expenditure inFameknockout animals, corresponding to genome-wide association studies linkingFAMEwith higher body mass index in humans. Gene expression and subcellular localization analyses reveal that FAME is a membrane-bound protein enriched in the kidneys. Although the gene knockout results in structurally normal kidneys, we detect higher albumin in urine and lowered ferritin in the blood. Through experimental validation, we confirm interactions between FAME and ferritin and show co-localization in vesicular and plasma membranes.
Epidemiological inference for emerging viruses using segregating sites
Authors: Park Yeongseon , Martin Michael A. , Koelle Katia
Published: May 2023

Epidemiological models are commonly fit to case and pathogen sequence data to estimate parameters and to infer unobserved disease dynamics. Here, we present an inference approach based on sequence data that is well suited for model fitting early on during the expansion of a viral lineage. Our approach relies on a trajectory of segregating sites to infer epidemiological parameters within a Sequential Monte Carlo framework. Using simulated data, we first show that our approach accurately recovers key epidemiological quantities under a single-introduction scenario. We then apply our approach to SARS-CoV-2 sequence data from France, estimating a basic reproduction number of approximately 2.3-2.7 under an epidemiological model that allows for multiple introductions. Our approach presented here indicates that inference approaches that rely on simple population genetic summary statistics can be informative of epidemiological parameters and can be used for reconstructing infectious disease dynamics during the early expansion of a viral lineage.
Thermal-optical mechanical waves of the microelongated semiconductor medium with fractional order heat time derivatives in a rotational field
Authors: Alsisi Abdulhamed , El-Sapa Shreen , El-Bary Alaa A. , Lotfy Khaled
Published: May 2023

Outlined here is an innovative method for characterizing a layer of microelongated semiconductor material under excitation. Fractional time derivatives of a heat equation with a rotational field are used to probe the model during photo-excitation processes. Micropolar-thermoelasticity theory, which the model implements, introduces the microelongation scalar function to characterize the processes occurring inside the microelements. When the microelongation parameters are considered following the photo-thermoelasticity theory, the model investigates the interaction scenario between optical-thermo-mechanical waves under the impact of rotation parameters. During electronic and thermoelastic deformation, the key governing equations have been reduced to dimensionless form. Laplace and Fourier's transformations are used to solve this mathematical problem. Isotropic, homogeneous, and linear microelongated semiconductor medium's general solutions to their respective fundamental fields are derived in two dimensions (2D). To get complete solutions, several measurements must be taken at the free surface of the medium. As an example of numerical modeling of the important fields, we will use the silicon (Si) material’s physicomechanical characteristics. Several comparisons were made using different values of relaxation time and rotation parameters, and the results were graphically shown.
Facile synthesis of Ag@Fe3O4/ZnO nanomaterial for label-free electrochemical detection of methemoglobin in anemic patients
Authors: Alam Ayub , Fatima Batool , Shafi Sameera , Sarwar Zohaib , Hussain Dilshad , Jawad Shan E Zahra , Majeed Saadat , Imran Muhammad , Najam-ul-Haq Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Methemoglobinemia (MetHb, Fe3+) is a chronic disease arising from the unequal distribution of oxyhemoglobin (HbFe2+, OHb) in the blood circulatory system. The oxidation of standard oxyhemoglobin forms methemoglobin, causing cyanosis (skin bluish staining). Methemoglobin cannot bind the pulmonary gaseous ligands such as oxygen (O2) and carbon monoxide (CO). As an oxidizing agent, the biochemical approach (MetHb, Fe3+) is modified in vitro by sodium nitrite (NaNO2). The silver-doped iron zinc oxide (Ag@Fe3O4/ZnO) is hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by analytical and spectroscopic techniques for the electrochemical sensing of methemoglobin via cyclic voltammetry (CV). Detection parameters such as concentration, pH, scan rate, electrochemical active surface area (ECSA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are optimized. The linear limit of detection for Ag@Fe3O4/ZnO is 0.17 µM. The stability is determined by 100 cycles of CV and chronoamperometry for 40 h. The serum samples of anemia patients with different hemoglobin levels (Hb) are analyzed using Ag@Fe3O4/ZnO modified biosensor. The sensor's stability, selectivity, and response suggest its use in methemoglobinemia monitoring.
Elucidation of HHEX in pancreatic endoderm differentiation using a human iPSC differentiation model
Authors: Ito Ryo , Kimura Azuma , Hirose Yurie , Hatano Yu , Mima Atsushi , Mae Shin-Ichi , Keidai Yamato , Nakamura Toshihiro , Fujikura Junji , Nishi Yohei , Ohta Akira , Toyoda Taro , Inagaki Nobuya , Osafune Kenji
Published: May 2023

For pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-based regenerative therapy against diabetes, the differentiation efficiency to pancreatic lineage cells needs to be improved based on the mechanistic understanding of pancreatic differentiation. Here, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying pancreatic endoderm differentiation by searching for factors that regulate a crucial pancreatic endoderm marker gene, NKX6.1. Unbiasedly screening an siRNA knockdown library, we identified a candidate transcription factor, HHEX. HHEX knockdown suppressed the expression of another pancreatic endoderm marker gene, PTF1A, as well as NKX6.1, independently of PDX1, a known regulator of NKX6.1 expression. In contrast, the overexpression of HHEX upregulated the expressions of NKX6.1 and PTF1A. RNA-seq analysis showed decreased expressions of several genes related to pancreatic development, such as NKX6.1, PTF1A, ONECUT1 and ONECUT3, in HHEX knockdown pancreatic endoderm. These results suggest that HHEX plays a key role in pancreatic endoderm differentiation.
Biomineralization of coral sand by Bacillus thuringiensis isolated from a travertine cave
Authors: Xiao Yao , Deng Huafeng , Li Jianlin
Published: May 2023

Travertine is a typical product of microbial mineralization in the nature and its mineral composition is mainly calcite and aragonite. In this paper, Bacillus thuringiensis, a kind of mineralize bacterium is extracted from the travertine crystal to cenment coral sand, and the reinforcement effect of microbial induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) technology on coral sand under different cementation times is studied. Firstly, the culture conditions are optimized in nine pairs of trials, including urea content, microbial inoculation, shaker speed and incubation time. Under the optimal culture conditions, the coral sand is cemented by soaking method. With the increase of reinforcement times, the permeability coefficient of the sand sample is reduced to 10−4 cm/s, and the shear strength is increased by more than 130%. Compared with Sporosarcina pasteurii, the cohesion and internal friction angle of the coral sand column cemented by Bacillus thuringiensis are increased by more than 50% and 10%, respectively. The area distribution of T2 spectrum shows that with the increase of the number of cementation, the amplitude of the main peak decreases, indicating that the large pores are better filled, the number of medium and small pores are also reduced, and the pore area is significantly reduced, with the amplitude of about 44%. The above experiments verified that microorganism in travertine could also be used in MICP technology, and even achieve better reinforcement effect. It also provides a new way and idea for the selection of mineralized bacteria by MICP technology.
Microsatellite markers reveal genetic diversity and population structure of Portunus trituberculatus in the Bohai Sea, China
Authors: Duan Baohua , Kang Tongxu , Wan Haifu , Liu Weibiao , Zhang Fenghao , Mu Shumei , Guan Yueqiang , Li Zejian , Tian Yang , Kang Xianjiang
Published: May 2023

The swimming crab, Portunus trituberculatus, is one of the main aquaculture species in Chinese coastal regions due to its palatability and high economic value. To obtain a better understanding of the genetic diversity of P. trituberculatus in the Bohai Sea, the present study used 40 SSR loci to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of 420 P. trituberculatus individuals collected from seven populations in the Bohai Sea. Genetic parameters revealed a low level of genetic diversity in the cultured population (SI = 1.374, He = 0.687, and PIC = 0.643) in comparison with wild populations (SI ≥ 1.399, He ≥ 0.692, and PIC ≥ 0.651). The genetic differentiation index (Fst) and gene flow (Nm) ranged from 0.001 to 0.060 (mean: 0.022) and 3.917 to 249.750 (mean: 31.289) respectively, showing a low differentiation among the seven populations of P. trituberculatus. Population structure analysis, phylogenetic tree, and principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that the seven groups of P. trituberculatus were divided into four subpopulations (K = 4), but the correlation between genetic structure and geographical distribution was not obvious. These results are expected to provide useful information for the fishery management of wild swimming crabs.
A portable Raspberry Pi-based spectrometer for on-site spectral testing
Authors: Zhu Lin , Yang Shuwei , Xiao Zhibo , Huang Huachuan , Yan Keding , Wang Shouyu
Published: May 2023

A portable Raspberry Pi-based spectrometer with a size of 118 mm × 92 mm × 84 mm and home-built software has been designed. It could reach a high spectral resolution within the visible band and provide spectral detection with high accuracy.
Ultrafast photoisomerization mechanism of azaborine revealed by nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Jeong Sangmin , Park Eunji , Kim Joonghan , Kim Kyung Hwan
Published: May 2023

Our non-adiabatic molecular dynamics simulations exploring the photoisomerization mechanism of azaborine demonstrates its distinct photochemical properties, as observed in experimental research, including the exclusive formation of the Dewar isomer.
Multi-interfacial charge polarization for enhancing the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhao Di , Hou Mengyun , Feng Wuyi , Song Pengyu , Sun Kaian , Zheng Lirong , Liu Shoujie , Zhang Jiatao , Cao Minhua , Chen Chen
Published: May 2023

A combination of theoretical calculations and electrochemical analysis uncovers that multi-interfacial charge polarization of MoP, MoS2and NC in carbon defect locations could improve the HER performance in both acidic and alkaline media.
Carboxamide functionality grafted entangled Co(ii) framework as a unique hydrogen-bond-donor catalyst in solvent-free tandem deacetalization-Knoevenagel condensation with pore-fitting-mediated size-selectivity
Authors: Mondal Partha Pratim , Seal Nilanjan , Singh Manpreet , Neogi Subhadip
Published: May 2023

Pore-wall decked carboxamide groups in an entangled bipillar-layer Co(ii) framework act as unprecedented two-point hydrogen-bonding centres to drive tandem deacetalization-Knoevenagel condensation in a solvent-free and size-selective fashion.
Atomic strain and catalytic properties of formate oxidation and dehydrogenation in AgPd nanoalloys
Authors: Jin Tao , Guo Longfei , Tang Quan , Wang Junpeng , Pan Bowei , Li Zhen , Wang Chongyang , Shan Shuang , Chen Fuyi
Published: May 2023

The atomic strains of AgPd nanoalloy was mapped to investigate the potential correlation between enhanced surface reactivity and structural properties. The compressive strain can significantly improve reactivity of FDH and FOR.
Ac-l-methionine-catalyzed, nitrite-triggered cycloaddition reactions between bromides and alkynes/alkenes: step-economical reactions for modular synthesis
Authors: Liu Shuangrong , Ying Zhimin , Zhu Qi , Zhong Xiuwen , Cen Jie , Wu You , Yu Yongping , Shao Jiaan , Chen Wenteng
Published: May 2023

The development of modular, chemically diverse and regioselective reactions for expanding the cycloaddition reaction toolbox hinges heavily on a strict functional 1,3-dipole and dipolarophile pairing exploration.
Dioxygen-triggered oxidation of benzylic C–H bonds: insight on the synergistic effect of Cu–Fe bimetallic oxide
Authors: Singha Aniruddha , Kothari Anil Chandra , Bal Rajaram , Chowdhury Biswajit
Published: May 2023

A cubic Fe–Cu bimetallic oxide with excellent redox property was fabricated. It exhibited good aerobic benzylic C–H oxidation performance under ambient conditions, highlighting new opportunities to produce aromatic ketones.
Monoarsine-protected icosahedral cluster [Au13(AsPh3)8Cl4]+: comparative studies on ligand effect and surface reactivity with its stibine analogue
Authors: Yu Jiu-Hong , Yuan Zhi-Rui , Xu Jing , Wang Jin-Gui , Azam Mohammad , Li Tian-Duo , Li Ying-Zhou , Sun Di
Published: May 2023

The arsine-protected cluster [Au13(AsPh3)8Cl4]+ holds greater potential to enable a better trade-off between catalytic stability and activity, whilst it is also surface reactive and suitable for further derivatization by ligand exchange.
Highly efficient light harvesting of a Eu(iii) complex in a host–guest film by triplet sensitization
Authors: Miyazaki Shiori , Goushi Kenichi , Kitagawa Yuichi , Hasegawa Yasuchika , Adachi Chihaya , Miyata Kiyoshi , Onda Ken
Published: May 2023

Very high photoluminescence intensity of a Eu(iii) complex is achieved using a host–guest system. The intensity is 400 times larger than that of the Eu(iii) complex itself.
Tunable properties and composition of ZnO films supported on metal surfaces
Authors: Song Yizhen , Mendes Paulo C. D. , Kozlov Sergey M.
Published: May 2023

The composition, electronic structure, and chemical properties of ZnOxHy films can be engineered by the choice of underlying metal support.
Semantic‐aware visual consistency network for fused image harmonisation
Authors: Yu Huayan , Huang Hai , Zhu Yueyan , Chen Aoran
Published: May 2023

With a focus on integrated sensing, communication, and computation (ISCC) systems, multiple sensor devices collect information of different objects and upload it to data processing servers for fusion. Appearance gaps in composite images caused by distinct capture conditions can degrade the visual quality and affect the accuracy of other image processing and analysis results. The authors propose a fused‐image harmonisation method that aims to eliminate appearance gaps among different objects. First, the authors modify a lightweight image harmonisation backbone and combined it with a pretrained segmentation model, in which the extracted semantic features were fed to both the encoder and decoder. Then the authors implement a semantic‐related background‐to‐foreground style transfer by leveraging spatial separation adaptive instance normalisation (SAIN). To better preserve the input semantic information, the authors design a simple and effective semantic‐aware adaptive denormalisation (SADE) module. Experimental results demonstrate that the authors’ proposed method achieves competitive performance on the iHarmony4 dataset and benefits from the harmonisation of fused images with incompatible appearance gaps.
Large-scale velocity-coherent filaments in the SEDIGISM survey: Association with spiral arms and the fraction of dense gas
Authors: Ge Y. , Wang K. , Duarte-Cabral A. , Pettitt A. R. , Dobbs C. L. , Sánchez-Monge A. , Neralwar K. R. , Urquhart J. S. , Colombo D. , Durán-Camacho E. , Beuther H. , Bronfman L. , Rigby A. J. , Eden D. , Neupane S. , Barnes P. , Henning T. , Yang A. Y.
Published: May 2023

Context. Filamentary structures in the interstellar medium are closely related to star formation. It is possible that the dense gas mass fraction (DGMF) or clump formation efficiency in large-scale filaments determine whether or not they end up hosting star formation activity.

Aims. We aim to automatically identify large-scale filaments, as well as characterizing them, investigating their association with Galactic structures, and studying their DGMFs.

Methods. We used a modified minimum spanning tree (MST) algorithm to chain parsec-scale 13CO clumps previously extracted from the Structure, Excitation, and Dynamics of the Inner Galactic InterStellar Medium (SEDIGISM) survey. The MST connects nodes in a graph such that the sum of edge lengths is at a minimum. A modified MST also ensures the velocity coherence between nodes, so that the identified filaments are coherent in position-position-velocity (PPV) space.

Results. We generated a catalog of 88 large-scale (>10 pc) filaments in the inner Galactic plane (with −60° < l < 18° and |b| < 0.5°). These SEDIGISM filaments are larger and less dense than MST filaments previously identified from the Bolocam Galactic Plane Survey (BGPS) and the APEX Telescope Large Area Survey of the Galaxy (ATLASGAL). We find that eight of the filaments run along spiral arms and can be regarded as the “bones” of the Milky Way. We also found three bones associated with the Local spur in PPV space. By compiling 168 large-scale filaments with available DGMF across the Galaxy, namely, an order of magnitude more than previously investigated, we find that DGMFs are not correlated with Galactic location. We also find that bones have higher DGMFs than other filaments.
Neutron-induced inelastic γ-production cross sections on 58,60,64Ni
Authors: Boromiza Marian , Olacel Adina , Borcea Catalin , Dessagne Philippe , Henning Greg , Kerveno Maëlle , Negret Alexandru , Nyman Markus , Oprea Andreea , Plompen Arjan
Published: May 2023

This paper reports partial results of a (n, n’γ) measurement on nickel. The inelastic channel was measured using the Gamma Array for Inelastic Neutron Scattering (GAINS) spectrometer at the 100-m measurement cabin of the Geel Electron Linear Accelerator (GELINA) neutron source of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (EC-JRC) in Geel, Belgium. Using γ spectroscopy, we were able to extract angle-integrated production cross sections for several γ rays but we report here only the results for the main transition in 58Ni. We discuss however in detail the observed discrepancy between our data and other experiments (especially the work of Voss et al.). We also shortly comment on the quality of the neutron-target optical model potential in describing the inelastic data in this mass region. The calculations were performed using the talys 1.9 code in the default settings.
Zirconium Nuclear Data Campaign: Measurement of 90Zr (n, γ) cross section
Authors: Brown Jesse M. , Guber Klaus H. , Paradela Carlos , Schillebeeckx Peter , Kopecky Stefan
Published: May 2023

The isotopes of Zr with A = [90, 91, 92, 94] make up more than 97% of naturally occurring Zr and are important to many nuclear applications such as nuclear reactors. One of the attractive qualities of naturally occurring Zr isotopes is that they have a low σγ/σt ratio at most neutron energies. Thus, they improve the neutron economy in reactors by preferentially scattering neutrons rather than absorbing them. This same quality also presents a challenge to measuring the capture cross section, σγ, of Zr isotopes. The ENDF/B-VIII.0 library has a relative uncertainty of approximately 10–20% for incident neutron energies < 0.1 MeV and an uncertainty greater than 20% for energies > 0.1 MeV for the majority of natural Zr isotopes. This motivated the Nuclear Criticality Safety Program to embark on a campaign to accurately measure and evaluate these Zr isotopes. In this work, we demonstrate energy-dependent neutron capture cross section measurements for the first enriched sample to be measured: 90Zr.
Method to Compare Fission-to-Scattering Ratios using Uranium-238
Authors: Daskalakis Adam M. , Lewis Amanda M. , Rapp Michael J. , Barry Devin P. , Blain Ezekiel J. , Block Robert C. , Danon Yaron
Published: May 2023

A novel method was developed to separate the 238U fission contribution measured in quasi-differential time-of-flight scattering experiments in order to isolate the elastic and inelastic events. Pulse height distributions from in-beam measurements were used to generate response functions, which were used to reconstruct the 238U prompt fission neutron spectra. This method was validated by reconstructing the measured 252Cf spontaneous fission pulse height distribution. Monte Carlo calculations were used to model the experiment. Good agreement was observed between the measured and calculated 238U fission contribution.
Nuclear structure data obtained by the (nth,2γ) reaction
Authors: Jovancevic Nikola , Knezevic David , Stieghorst Christian , Revay Zsolt , Krmar Miodrag
Published: May 2023

The determination of nuclear structure parameters such as gamma transitions, level scheme, nuclear level density and radiative strength functions is one of the most important tasks in low-energy nuclear physics. The two-step gamma cascades method based on detection of gamma coincidences following neutron capture, ie. the (n,2γ) reaction has been proven to give spectroscopic data and data concerning level density and radiative strength function. This method allows for the study of the dynamics of interaction and inter-transition between Fermi-and Bose-states of the nucleus near the neutron binding energy. There is an essential difference between these intranuclear processes from those in classical and high-temperature superfluidity, which is determined by a shape of the investigated nucleus, the nucleon parity in it, existence of nucleons of different types (protons and neutrons) etc. Two-step gamma cascades technique has so far been successfully applied for 45 nuclei in the mass region 28<A<200. Brief description of the method will be included here with examples from the recent research
An assessment of neutron resonance data for mid-mass isotopes
Authors: Benstead James , McClymont Will , Stevenson Paul
Published: May 2023

A survey has been conducted of the resonance data available in the major evaluated libraries for a range of mid-mass isotopes. Although many isotopes have data derived from experimental measurements and rigorous analyses, the data for some others, particularly for isotopes that are unstable, are purely theoretically generated, e.g. via the use of the TARES code.

A subsequent project has developed a suite of automated tools to rapidly inspect the resonance data available for a specified isotope. These tools calculate a range of values and distributions for the available data (e.g. cumulative number of resonances versus neutron energy) and use a comparison against expected theoretical values (e.g. a Porter-Thomas distribution) to suggest their physical validity or otherwise.

The motivation for this study, the tools developed, and results for a number of isotopes, are presented in this paper.
Double-humped barrier effects in the R-matrix for fitting of fissile isotope
Authors: Leal Luiz , Bouland Olivier , Noguère Gilles
Published: May 2023

The Reich--Moore approach has been extensively used in the resolved resonance energy range (RRR) for a wide range of isotopes. The approximation was suggested for cross-section representation of fissile isotopes since experimental fission width distribution according to given resonance spin and parity showed that only a few degrees of freedom (DoF) was involved during the fission process. Experimental cross-section data in RRR were successfully reproduced, and the interference in fission channels were well described. The fitting of the fission cross-section data was done according to one or two fission channels for a given resonance spin (J) and parity (π). Using the two-fission channel representation, channel interference effects observed on cross-section data for fissile heavy isotopes were adequately treated but only on a phenomenological basis. Indeed, this approach is physically unsatisfactory since no fission penetrability is involved in reduced fission channel width evaluation, and therefore no actual connection between R-matrix fission channel widths and Aage Bohr transition fission channels can be made neither in terms of individual barrier height or by the shape. This paper intends to address model deficiency by including ‘fluctuating’ fission barrier penetrability as a function of resonance spin and parity.
Nuclear reaction model for deuterons below 150 MeV/n in FLUKA
Authors: Salvat-Pujol Francesc
Published: May 2023

The lack of a dedicated model for nuclear reactions of deuterons at energies below 150 MeV/n has been a long-standing shortcoming of the general-purpose radiation-transport code FLUKA, preventing its use in applications either driven by deuteron beams or where reinteracting secondary deuterons play a significant role. A dedicated modelling effort has been undertaken to overcome this limitation. In this contribution, the essential ingredients of FLUKA’s novel model for low-energy deuteron nuclear inelastic interactions are briefly described, including nucleon stripping to the continuum, nucleon transfer to discrete states, and elastic break-up. The resulting model has been extensively benchmarked against experimental data prior to its inclusion in FLUKA v4-2.0.
Four-dimensional Langevin approach to ﬁssion with Cassini shape parameterization
Authors: Okada Kazuki , Wada Takahiro , Carjan Nicolae
Published: May 2023

We apply the Cassini shape parameterization to the dynamical study of actinide ﬁssion using the multi-dimensional Langevin equation. The fragment mass distributions for ﬁssion of 236U and 256, 258 Fm are calculated with the 4D Langevin equation. The 4D collective space is formed by adding either α3 or α6 to the basic 3D {α, α1, α4} space. We investigate the role of α3 and α6 by comparing the results of 4D (α3 or α6) with that of 3D. For 236U and 256Fm, where asymmetric ﬁssion is predominant, the fragment mass distributions calculated in the 4D (α3) space are in good agreement with experimental data. On the other hand, for 258Fm, which is characterized by symmetric ﬁssion, 4D (α6) is eﬀective for describing the shape of compact symmetric fragments. We demonstrate the advantages of the Cassini shape parameterization for the dynamical study of actinide ﬁssion.
Spectral averaged cross sections as a probe to a high energy tail of 235U PFNS
Authors: Schulc Martin , Kostal Michal , Capote Roberto , Simon Jan , Czakoj Tomas , Novak Evzen
Published: May 2023

The systematic evaluations of spectrum averaged cross sections of dosimetric reactions over a broad range of energies were performed in 252Cf (spontaneous fission) and 235U(nth,f) neutron fields. The neutron sources used in this study were LR-0, VR-1 zero power research light water reactors, LVR-15 10 MW research light water reactor, and 252Cf neutron source with emission specified precisely by the manganese sulphate bath. All spectral averaged cross sections were inferred from measured reaction rates which were derived from gamma spectrometry. These gamma spectrometry measurements were performed using a single detector in all cases. The ratios of 252Cf and 235U spectral averaged cross sections can be used to specify the high energy tail of the 235U prompt fission neutron spectrum as the 252Cf spontaneous fission spectrum is considered as a standard. Furthermore, ratios are independent of cross section uncertainties since uncertainties in the cross sections are eliminated. Theoretical models of fission can be tested based on our measurements. The calculations were performed in MCNP6.2 transport code using different prompt fission neutron spectra and IRDFF-II cross sections for threshold reactions. The ratios are in good agreement using only ENDF/B-VIII.0 235U prompt fission neutron spectrum suggesting it to be harder than in other evaluations.
miniBELEN: A modular neutron counter for (𝜶, 𝒏) reactions
Authors: Mont-Geli N. , Tarifeño-Saldivia A. , Fraile L.M. , Viñals S. , Perea A. , Pallàs M. , Cortés G. , Nácher E. , Tain J.L. , Alcayne V. , Algora A. , Balibrea-Correa J. , Benito J. , Borge M.J.G. , Briz J.A. , Calviño F. , Cano-Ott D. , De Blas A. , Domingo-Pardo C. , Fernández B. , Garcia R. , García G. , Gómez-Camacho J. , González-Romero E.M. , Guerrero C. , Lerendegui-Marco J. , Llanos M. , Martínez T. , Mendoza E. , Murias J.R. , Orrigo S.E.A. , Pérez de Rada A. , Pesudo V. , Plaza J. , Quesada J.M. , Sánchez A. , Sánchez-Tembleque V. , Santorelli R. , Tengblad O. , Udías J.M. , Villamarín D.
Published: May 2023

miniBELEN is a modular and transportable neutron moderated counter with a nearly flat neutron detection efficiency up to 10 MeV. Modularity implies that the moderator can be reassembled in different ways in order to obtain different types of response. The detector has been developed in the context of the Measurement of Alpha Neutron Yields (MANY) collaboration, which is a scientific effort aiming to carry out measurements of (𝛼, 𝑛) production yields, reaction cross-sections and neutron energy spectra. In this work we present and discuss several configurations of the miniBELEN detector. The experimental validation of the efficiency calculations using 252Cf sources and the measurement of the 27Al(𝛼, 𝑛) 30P reaction is also presented.
Neutron Filtering System for Neutron Capture Cross Section Measurement at the ANNRI beamline of MLF/J-PARC
Authors: Rovira Gerard , Kimura Atsushi , Nakamura Shoji , Endo Shunsuke , Iwamoto Osamu , Iwamoto Nobuyuki , Katabuchi Tatsuya , Kodama Yu , Nakano Hideto , Hori Jun-ichi , Shibahara Yuji , Kazushi Terada
Published: May 2023

A neutron filtering system has been designed and implemented in the Accurate Neutron-Nucleus Reaction Measurement Instrument (ANNRI) beamline in the Materials and Life Science (MLF) facility of the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC) to bypass the effect of the double-bunch mode of JPARC by molding the incident neutron flux into quasi-monoenergetic neutron beams. Filter assemblies using Fe, Si and Cr as filter materials were analyzed by means of experimental analysis, together with Monte Carlo simulations. The characteristics of the filtered neutron beam are presented and discussed alongside its viability in future applications for neutron cross-section measurements in the keV neutron region.
A benchmark study of large-angle neutron scattering cross section of tungsten using two shadow bars technique at 14 MeV
Authors: Rosidah Maemunah Indah , Araki Sota , Miyazawa Rio , Fukui Kazuki , Tamaki Shingo , Kusaka Sachie , Irwanto Dwi , Waris Abdul , Su’ud Zaki , Sato Fuminobu , Murata Isao
Published: May 2023

In fusion reactor design, neutron leaks intensively from blanket material through a gap. In this streaming phenomenon, backscattering cross section is known to be very crucial. In the present study, the author's team carried out a new experiment for benchmarking the large angle scattering cross section of tungsten using a DT neutron source of OKTAVIAN facility, Osaka University, Japan. Tungsten-containing material is under consideration as the radiation shield in a fusion reactor. The experimental geometry consists of a DT neutron source, two shadow bars, niobium foil, and a tungsten target. Four irradiations were performed at a neutron energy of 14 MeV using DT neutrons to extract only the contribution of large angle scattering cross section. By using two shadow bars, room return contribution was effectively suppressed. Consequently, only backscattering neutrons were measured by using a niobium foil. In the present benchmark study, obtained experimental data were compared with numerical calculations by MCNP6 using various nuclear data libraries, including JENDL-4.0, JENDL-5, JEFF-3.3, and ENDF/B-VIII.
From 232Th(n, n’γ) cross sections to level production and total neutron inelastic scattering cross sections
Authors: Dari Bako Nicolas , Kerveno Maëlle , Dessagne Philippe , Borcea Catalin , Boromiza Marian , Capote Roberto , Claeys François , Dupuis Marc , Henning Greg , Negret Alexandru , Nyman Markus , Olacel Adina , Party Eliot , Plompen Arjan
Published: May 2023

To probe the neutron inelastic scattering off 232Th, an experiment took place at the EC-JRC Geel conducted with the experimental setup GRAPhEME to detect emitted γ-rays. The prompt γ-ray spectroscopy method was used and 70 experimental 232Th(n, n’γ) cross sections were obtained from the experimental data. Combining these cross sections, nuclear-structure data available in databases and hypotheses to complete the latter, neutron inelastic level production cross sections in 232Th and the total inelastic cross section were calculated. For the first time, the total inelastic cross section of an actinide nucleus was derived on the total neutron energy range from experimental data only. Comparisons of (n, n’) cross section data with evaluated data reveal a good agreement between them all above 300 keV of neutron energy. TALYS calculations are compatible but lower than the evaluated data.
Validation of calculational determination of 18O(p,n) secondary neutron field
Authors: Zmeškal Marek , Košt’ál Michal , Czakoj Tomáš , Šimon Jan , Zach Václav , Lebeda Ondřej , Matěj Zdeněk
Published: May 2023

Cyclotrons used to produce medical isotopes are relatively widespread. Nowadays, it is popular to place small and compact accelerators directly in hospitals. This approach simplifies handling of the produced radiopharmaceuticals, but it imposes strict radiation safety measures during production. For optimal utilization of isotope production cyclotrons, the exact knowledge of leakage neutron field is essential due to the deep penetration ability of the high energy neutrons and the accompanied secondary radiation production. Our paper presents measurement of the neutron leakage spectra for various angles from an open target assembly at the cyclotron U-120M at NPI of CAS. These spectra are compared with data obtained from a compact medical cyclotron IBA Cyclone 18/9 in UJV Rez and also with activation measurements of reactions with different threshold energies. All data were also compared with calculations made with different Monte Carlo codes using both models and data libraries. The preliminary results show significant disagreement between experiments and theoretical predictions. These findings could have implications not only to the nuclear data community but also to the production accelerators operators at the licensing stage.
GIDI+: A GNDS 2.0 suite of C++ APIs to access nuclear and atomic data for use in radiation transport codes
Authors: Beck Bret , Mattoon Caleb , Gert Godfree
Published: May 2023

GIDI+ is a C++ package that reads GNDS formatted nuclear reaction and structure data, and photo-atomic reaction data as needed by radiation transport codes. As of version 3.25, GIDI+ supports reading GNDS 2.0 formatted data. GNDS is a new extensible hierarchy that has been internationally adopted as the new standard for storing nuclear and photo-atomic data, replacing ENDF-6 which has been the standard since the 1960’s. GIDI+ 3.25 supports the GNDS 2.0 map file which can contain a list of all GNDS data needed to make a complete nuclear reaction data library as needed by radiation transport codes. GIDI+ has functions that make it easy to obtain multi-group data from a GNDS file, including summed data (e.g., summing multi-group reaction cross sections to obtain the total multi-group cross section). In addition, the MCGIDI sub-package of GIDI+ can be used by Monte Carlo transport codes to look up data (e.g., cross section, deposition energy) as a function of projectile energy and material temperature. The MCGIDI sub-package can use either GNDS multi-groupor continuous energy data. MCGIDI also has functions for sampling a reaction from a GNDS reactionSuite and functions for sampling a reaction’s outgoing particle energy and angular data. Recent work on GIDI+ includes: supporting GNDS 2.0, speeding up load times and adding support for URR probability tables. GIDI+ is currently implemented in LLNL’s Mercury [4] (Monte Carlo) and Ardra [5] (deterministic) radiation transport codes. An effort to update GEANT4 to use the latest GIDI+ is underway and should be completed by March 2023. GIDI+ is released under the MIT license and can be found at github.com/LLNL/gidiplus.
Effect of electropulsing treatment on the precipitation behavior of MnS in sulfur-containing microalloyed 49MnVS3 steel
Authors: Ying Guomin , Yang Wei , Wang Wanlin , Zeng Jie
Published: May 2023

An experimental investigation has been conducted with respect to the influence of electropulsing treatment (EPT) on the 2D and 3D morphologies, distribution, number and size of MnS precipitates in the high-sulfur micro-alloyed 49MnVS3 steel. After the application of electric current pulse with a peak pulsed voltage of 30 V, the microstructure was refined due to the increasing nucleation rate of particles in liquid steel. Moreover, compared with the untreated steel with spherical MnS randomly distributed in the matrix, the MnS precipitates moved directionally to aggregate on the bottom and top surfaces of the ingot in order to minimize the free energy of the system in case of EPT. For untreated steel samples, the number of MnS was 409 (bottom), 579 (middle) and 437 (top), while that of the treated samples were 226 (bottom), 38 (middle) and 224 (top) in the scanning area of 2.65 × 107 µm2 with ASPEX. The number of MnS with small size decreased while the large-size MnS increased with the application of EPT.
Optimization of price, lot size and backordered level in an EPQ inventory model with rework process
Authors: Taleizadeh Ata Allah , Naghavi-Alhoseiny Mohabat-Sadat , Cárdenas-Barrón Leopoldo Eduardo , Amjadian Alireza
Published: May 2023

In traditional inventory models, the demand rate normally is considered as a constant value, while in marketing and pricing, it is dependent on the selling price. The present study introduces a new type of economic production quantity (EPQ) inventory model. This production-inventory model is among the aspects that make the management of inventories more realistic and practical for managers. The pricing policy, planned backorders, and the rework process are included in the EPQ inventory model. The main contribution is that, in the EPQ inventory model, the price serves as a critical factor that affects the size of demand to maximize total long-term profit. The primarily objective is to determine the optimum selling price, discrete values for the optimal lot size, and the level of optimal backorders so that the total profit is maximized. To accomplish the optimal value for the decision variables an algorithm is developed. The proposed algorithm provides an accurate solution for production managers to jointly decide on lot size, backorder size, and selling price. In addition, a numerical example is solved using real industry data. The results affirm that the total profit obtained using the production-inventory model increases significantly in comparison with the current situation. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis is carried out in order to describe the practical application of the suggested production-inventory model.