bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of the eddy diffusion in the Venusian clouds from VeRa sulfuric acid observations
Authors: Dai Longkang , Shao Wencheng , Gu Hao , Sheng Zheng
Published: October 2023

Context. The vertical eddy diffusion coefficient (Kzz) characterizing the efficiency of vertical atmospheric mixing is essential for 1D planetary atmospheric modeling, but poorly constrained in the Venusian clouds, where our ability to observe tracer gases is limited. The Venusian clouds are mainly composed of H2SO4, which has significant mass cycles in this region. A critical process herein is that the H2SO4 vapor abundance in the middle and lower clouds of Venus is regulated by both condensation and eddy diffusion processes.

Aims. This study is devoted to proposing a novel approach to estimating the Venusian cloud Kzz, examining the variability of the cloud Kzz in both equatorial and polar regions, and evaluating the derived Kzz through the implementation of a 1D photochemical model.

Methods. The H2SO4 vapor data used in this study were obtained from observations conducted by Venus Express. A novel approach that relies on the premise that both eddy diffusion and condensation regulate the abundance of H2SO4 vapor was then applied to estimate the Venusian cloud Kzz. The global mean Kzz and its latitudinal variation were discussed. A 1D photochemistry-diffusion model was applied to evaluate the estimations.

Results. Our calculations indicate that the global mean Kzz reaches 5 × 108 cm2 s−1 in the lower clouds, which is an order of magnitude larger than several observation-based estimations and model results. It rapidly decreases as the altitude increases above 54 km. Equatorial Kzz is three times as large as polar Kzz at 48 km, while polar Kzz reaches its peak below 46.5 km, where equatorial Kzz rapidly decreases as the altitude decreases.

Conclusions. We provide an estimate of the Venusian cloud Kzz based on H2SO4 vapor observations. Significant latitudinal variations exist in the Venusian cloud Kzz.
Investigating the impact of quasar-driven outflows on galaxies at z ∼ 0.3–0.4
Authors: Hervella Seoane K. , Ramos Almeida C. , Acosta-Pulido J. A. , Speranza G. , Tadhunter C. N. , Bessiere P. S.
Published: October 2023

Aims. We present a detailed study of the kinematics of 19 type 2 quasars (QSO2s) with redshifts in the range 0.3 < z < 0.41 and [OIII] luminosities of L[OIII] > 108.5 L⊙. We aim to advance our understanding of the active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback phenomenon by correlating outflow properties with (i) young stellar populations (YSPs) with ages < 100 Myr, (ii) the optical morphology and the environment of the galaxies, and (iii) the radio luminosity.

Methods. We characterized the ionized gas kinematics using the [OIII]λ5007 Å emission line profiles detected in intermediate spectral resolution (R ∼ 1500–2500) optical spectra of the QSO2s. To do this, we employed three different outflow detection methods: multicomponent parametric, flux-weighted nonparametric, and peak-weighted nonparametric.

Results. We detect ionized outflows in 18 of the 19 QSO2s using the parametric analysis, and in all of them using the nonparametric methods. We find higher outflow masses using the parametric analysis (average log MOF(M⊙) = 6.47  ±  0.50), and higher mass rates and kinetic powers with the flux-weighted nonparametric method (MOF = 4.0  ±  4.4 M⊙ yr−1 and Ekin = 41.9  ±  0.6 erg s−1). However, when we use the parametric method and the maximum outflow velocities (vmax), we measure the highest outflow mass rates and kinetic energies (MOF = 23  ±  35 M⊙ yr−1 and log(Ekin) = 42.9  ±  0.6 erg s−1). We do not find any significant correlation between the outflow properties and the previously mentioned AGN and galaxy-wide properties.

Conclusions. Four of the five QSO2s without a YSP of age < 100 Myr show highly disturbed kinematics, whereas only 5 out of the 14 QSO2s with YSPs show similarly asymmetric [OIII] profiles. Despite the small sample size, this might be indicative of negative feedback. The lack of a correlation between the outflow properties and the galaxies optical morphologies might be due to their different dynamical timescales (millions of years in the case of the outflows versus billions of years in the case of galaxy mergers). Last, the small radio luminosity range covered by our sample, log(L5 GHz) = [22.1, 24.7] W Hz−1, may impede the detection of any correlation between radio emission and outflow properties.
Compressive strength optimization and life cycle assessment of geopolymer concrete using machine learning techniques
Authors: Onyelowe Kennedy C. , Kontoni Denise-Penelope N. , Oyewole Samuel , Apugo-Nwosu Tochukwu , Nasrollahpour Sepideh , Soleymani Atefeh , Pilla Sita Rama Murty , Jahangir Hashem , Dabbaghi Farshad
Published: October 2023

Fly ash-based geopolymer concrete is studied in this research work for its compressive strength, life cycle and environmental impact assessment contribution to the construction environment. This is in line with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals SDG9 and SDG11. However, the focus of this research paper is on the sustainability of geopolymer concrete and its overall environmental impact. The metaheuristic machine learning approaches have been deployed to predict the compressive strength (CS) of the GPC based on environmental impact considerations of the concrete constituent materials, which included fly ash, sodium silicate, sodium hydroxide, fine and coarse aggregates. The metaheuristic techniques include the k-Nearest Neighbour (kNN), support vector regression (SVR), and random forest regression (RFR), where all are optimized with the particle swarm (PSO). These metaheuristic techniques have been modified for this research work with new codes to enhance innovation in terms of run time and efficiency. The results of the life cycle assessment (LCA) evaluation of the GPC mixes based on the Ecoinvent 3 available in SimaPro and Eco-indicator 99 and CML 2001 modified in the framework of ReCiPe 2016 recent development show reduced potential of environmental acidification due to increased fly ash (FA) in the GPC mixes compared to previous results. The decisive CS and LCA predictive models, RFR-PSO and SVR-PSO respectively performed optimally above 90% and better than previous models from the literature. Overall, they present an innovative metaheuristic smart technology for the prediction of the GPC infrastructure behavior and performance integrity.
Was bewirken Biofaktoren bei Diabetes und diabetischen
Folgeerkrankungen?
Authors: Birkelbach Daniela , Kisters Klaus , Classen Hans Georg
Published: October 2023

Patienten mit einem Diabetes mellitus oder diabetischen Begleit- und
Folgeerkrankungen können neben der Basistherapie aus gesunder
Lebensweise und einer optimierten Glukoseeinstellung von einer zielgerichteten
Versorgung mit Biofaktoren wie Vitaminen und Mineralstoffen profitieren. Das
gilt insb. für Magnesium, Chrom und Zink sowie die Vitamine
B1 und B12.
Die schwarze Johannisbeere und Neuroprotektion
Authors: Böhm Udo
Published: October 2023

Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen zählen zu den Systemkrankheiten und sind
weit verbreitet. Basis für die Prävention und Therapie dieser
Krankheiten stellt die Lebensstilmedizin dar. Neue wissenschaftliche
Erkenntnisse bzgl. der Inhaltsstoffe, insb. der Anthocyane, und deren Wirkungen
rechtfertigen den Einsatz von schwarzen Johannisbeeren als Nutrazeutikum.
What really works in preventing fraud against organisations and do decision-makers really need to know?
Authors: Button Mark , Hock Branislav , Shepherd David , Gilmour Paul M.
Published: October 2023

An evidence base of what works using high-quality evaluations in tackling societal problems has become the norm in many spheres, including tackling traditional crime. Yet, as we show in the example of fraud faced by organisations, high-quality evaluations are not always possible, or even necessary for tackling problems effectively. Drawing on a review of over 400 research studies exploring the prevention of fraud, this paper finds a paucity of studies meeting the highest quality of standards of evaluation using the Maryland Scale. This is largely because of the barriers to implementing the Maryland Scale, given the challenges of measuring fraud, rather than because of a low quality of research per se. In the absence of high-quality evaluations, this paper uses a novel alternative to the Maryland scale to identify a range of effective tools that organisations can use to prevent fraud. Finally, the paper provides practical and theoretical reflections upon a broader problem of how and to what extent scientific evaluations of high-quality evidence are necessary in combating fraud effectively.
About magnetic properties of superfluid neutron matter with spin-triplet anisotropic p-wave pairing in superstrong magnetic fields and at supranuclear densities
Authors: Tarasov A. N.
Published: October 2023

Magnetic properties of a dense superfluid neutron matter (relevant to the physics in cores of magnetars, namely the strongly magnetized neutron stars) at supranuclear densities n > n0 (where n0 = 0.17 fm–3 is the saturation nuclear density) with generalized Skyrme effective forces (with three density-dependent terms) and with spin-triplet anisotropic p-wave pairing (similar to 3He-A in magnetic fields, i.e. with spin S = 1 and orbital moment L = 1 of anisotropic Cooper pairs of neutrons) in the presence of a superstrong magnetic field (exceeding the 1017 G) are studied within the framework of the non-relativistic generalized Fermi-liquid theory at zero temperature. The upper limit for the density range of a neutron matter is restricted by the magnitude 3n0 in order to avoid the account of relativistic corrections growing with density. The approximate general formula (valid for any parameterization of the Skyrme forces) is derived here analytically for the magnetic susceptibility (which contains additional correction depending nonlinearly on superstrong magnetic field H and on the density n) of a superfluid neutron matter in the limit of zero temperature. The obtained general formula for magnetic susceptibility is specified for the generalized BSk21 parameterization of the Skyrme forces and figures for corresponding values are plotted on the interval 1.5n0 ≤ n ≤ 3n0 and for superstrong magnetic fields 2⋅1017 G ≤ H ≤ 2⋅1018 G. It is established that the high-density ferromagnetic instability is removed in neutron matter with the generalized Skyrme forces (in particular, with the generalized BSk21 parameterization) not only in normal, but also in superfluid neutron matter with spin-triplet anisotropic p-wave pairing at supranuclear densities and in superstrong magnetic fields.
Coercivity enhancement of sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets by diffusing TbHx and Tb86Al7Co7 alloy
Authors: Liang Liwei , Wang Haifeng , Liu Renhui , Ma Pengfei
Published: October 2023

TbHx and Tb86Al7Co7 alloys were used as diffusion sources to enhance the coercivity of Nd-Fe-B magnets. The coercivity enhancement and microstructure of the magnets were examined after diffusion, and the results showed that the coercivity increased from the original 1525.1 to 2382.4 kA/m and 2274.9 kA/m in Tb86Al7Co7 and TbHx diffused magnets, respectively. This improvement in coercivity was attributed to the formation of a Tb-rich shell and a new NdTb-AlCo-grain-boundary phase. The Tb86Al7Co7 alloy had a higher diffusion efficiency and diffused deeper than the TbHx alloy due to the low melting point of the NdTb-AlCo-grain-boundary phase. The coercivity temperature coefficient of the magnets improved, increasing from the original −0.55%/K to −0.42%/K and −0.44%/K in Tb86Al7Co7 and TbHx diffused magnets, respectively. The Tb86Al7Co7 diffused magnet exhibited better thermal stability than the TbHx diffused magnet, which suggests that Nd-Fe-B magnets could potentially be used at considerably higher temperatures than they are now.
Disruption of the rice
4-DEOXYOROBANCHOL HYDROXYLASE
unravels specific functions of canonical strigolactones
Authors: Chen Guan-Ting Erica , Wang Jian You , Votta Cristina , Braguy Justine , Jamil Muhammad , Kirschner Gwendolyn K. , Fiorilli Valentina , Berqdar Lamis , Balakrishna Aparna , Blilou Ikram , Lanfranco Luisa , Al-Babili Salim
Published: October 2023

Strigolactones (SLs) regulate many developmental processes, including shoot-branching/tillering, and mediate rhizospheric interactions. SLs originate from carlactone (CL) and are structurally diverse, divided into a canonical and a noncanonical subfamily. Rice contains two canonical SLs, 4-deoxyorobanchol (4DO) and orobanchol (Oro), which are common in different plant species. The cytochrome P450 OsMAX1-900 forms 4DO from CL through repeated oxygenation and ring closure, while the homologous enzyme OsMAX1-1400 hydroxylates 4DO into Oro. To better understand the biological function of 4DO and Oro, we generated CRISPR/Cas9 mutants disrupted in
OsMAX1-1400
or in both
OsMAX1-900
and
OsMAX1-1400
. The loss of OsMAX1-1400 activity led to a complete lack of Oro and an accumulation of its precursor 4DO. Moreover,
Os1400
mutants showed shorter plant height, panicle and panicle base length, but no tillering phenotype. Hormone quantification and transcriptome analysis of
Os1400
mutants revealed elevated auxin levels and changes in the expression of auxin-related, as well as of SL biosynthetic genes. Interestingly, the
Os900/1400
double mutant lacking both Oro and 4DO did not show the observed
Os1400
architectural phenotypes, indicating their being a result of 4DO accumulation. Treatment of wild-type plants with 4DO confirmed this assumption. A comparison of the
Striga
seed germinating activity and the mycorrhization of
Os900, Os900/1400
, and
Os1400
loss-of-function mutants demonstrated that the germination activity positively correlates with 4DO content while disrupting
OsMAX1-1400
has a negative impact on mycorrhizal symbiosis. Taken together, our paper deciphers the biological function of canonical SLs in rice and reveals their particular contributions to establishing architecture and rhizospheric communications.
Breast cancer survivors’ experiences of pet ownership: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Currin-McCulloch Jennifer , Kogan Lori R. , Malone Amelia , Schwab Savannah , Cook Linda S.
Published: October 2023

Research suggests that the emotional bond shared with a pet can be particularly significant for those with declining physical health, yet little is known about breast cancer survivors’ experiences with pet ownership. The purpose of this study was to explore breast cancer survivors’ pet-related experiences including the benefits, challenges, and unmet needs. Adults (ages 18 and older), diagnosed with stages 0 (
in situ
)-IV breast cancer and currently the primary owner of at least one dog or cat for at least 6 months were recruited through cancer treatment and support organizations and pet and breast cancer social media outlets. An online, anonymous, cross-sectional, mixed method survey was developed that included seven open-ended prompts to explore the stressors and benefits breast cancer survivors encountered in caring for a pet during cancer treatment and survivorship, as well as their advice for medical providers and other breast cancer survivors. Breast cancer survivors (
n
= 221) responded to the online survey between July and November 2022. Researchers used the thematic analysis method to analyze salient themes in the data and descriptive statistics to summarize participants’ sociodemographic variables. The seven open-ended prompts resulted in four key themes:
my furry reason to keep fighting; seeking quality care resources; my pets are my family;
and
someone special is waiting for you
. Findings from this study suggest practical ways that medical and mental health providers and communities can enhance the well-being of survivors and support the invaluable relationships with their pets.
Laser surface texturing of dies in strip drawing of DP600 steel sheet
Authors: Shrivastava Archit , Kumar D. Ravi , Manikandan G. , Verma Rahul K.
Published: October 2023

Friction at the blank-die contact influences material flow, formability, and product surface quality in processes like deep drawing. Surface modification of the dies by laser texturing is a potential technique to alter the tribological characteristics at the interface during sliding of the sheet over the die surface in lubricated condition. In this work, the effect of laser surface texturing of dies has been investigated under high normal loads during strip drawing of dual phase (DP600) steel. The effect of texture parameters and process parameters on the interface friction between the strip and the dies has been studied. It has been found that the friction coefficient reduced, and the surface finish improved significantly with the textured dies when compared to the conventional die. This study emphasises the importance of surface modification of the dies by laser texturing for its potential application in sheet metal forming processes.
Complex role of strain engineering of lattice thermal conductivity in hydrogenated graphene-like borophene induced by high-order phonon anharmonicity
Authors: He Jia , Yu Cuiqian , Lu Shuang , Shan Shuyue , Zhang Zhongwei , Chen Jie
Published: October 2023

Strain engineering has been used as a versatile tool for regulating the thermal transport in various materials as a result of the phonon frequency shift. On the other hand, the phononic bandgap can be simultaneously tuned by the strain, which can play a critical role in wide phononic bandgap materials due to the high-order phonon anharmonicity. In this work, we investigate the complex role of uniaxial tensile strain on the lattice thermal conductivity of hydrogenated graphene-like borophene, by using molecular dynamics simulations with a machine learning potential. Our findings highlight a novel and intriguing phenomenon that the thermal conductivity in the armchair direction is non-monotonically dependent on the uniaxial armchair strain. Specifically, we uncover that the increase of phonon group velocity and the decrease of three-phonon scattering compete with the enhancement of four-phonon scattering under armchair strain, leading to the non-monotonic dependence. The enhanced four-phonon scattering originates from the unique bridged B–H bond that can sensitively control the phononic bandgap under armchair strain. This anomalous non-monotonic strain-dependence highlights the complex interplay between different mechanisms governing thermal transport in 2D materials with large phononic bandgaps. Our study offers valuable insights for designing innovative thermal management strategies based on strain.
Investigation of test methods for QC in dual-energy based contrast-enhanced digital mammography systems: I. Iodine signal testing
Authors: Cockmartin L , Bosmans H , Marshall N W
Published: October 2023

The technique of dual-energy contrast enhanced mammography (CEM) visualizes iodine uptake in cancerous breast lesions following an intravenous injection of a contrast medium. The CEM image is generated by recombining two images acquired in rapid succession: a low energy image, with a mean energy below the iodine K-edge, and a higher energy image. The first part of this study examines the use of both commercially available and custom made phantoms to investigate iodine imaging under different imaging conditions, with the focus on quality control (QC) testing. Four CEM equipped systems were included in the study, with units from Fujifilm, GE Healthcare, Hologic and Siemens-Healthineers. The CEM parameters assessed in part I were: (1) image signal as a function of iodine concentration, measured in breast tissue simulating backgrounds of varying thickness and adipose/glandular compositions; (2) normal breast texture cancellation in homogeneous and structured backgrounds; (3) visibility of iodinated structures. For all four systems, a linear response to iodine concentration was found but the degree to which this was independent of background composition differed between the systems. Good cancellation of the glandular tissue inserts was found on all the units. Visibility scores of iodinated targets were similar between the four systems. Specialized phantoms are needed to fully evaluate important CEM performance markers, such as system response to iodine concentration and the ability of the system to cancel background texture. An extensive evaluation of the iodine signal imaging performance is recommended at the Commissioning stage for a new CEM device.
Radiation-induced acoustic signal denoising using a supervised deep learning framework for imaging and therapy monitoring
Authors: Jiang Zhuoran , Wang Siqi , Xu Yifei , Sun Leshan , Gonzalez Gilberto , Chen Yong , Wu Q Jackie , Xiang Liangzhong , Ren Lei
Published: October 2023

Radiation-induced acoustic (RA) imaging is a promising technique for visualizing the invisible radiation energy deposition in tissues, enabling new imaging modalities and real-time therapy monitoring. However, RA imaging signal often suffers from poor signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), thus requiring measuring hundreds or even thousands of frames for averaging to achieve satisfactory quality. This repetitive measurement increases ionizing radiation dose and degrades the temporal resolution of RA imaging, limiting its clinical utility. In this study, we developed a general deep inception convolutional neural network (GDI-CNN) to denoise RA signals to substantially reduce the number of frames needed for averaging. The network employs convolutions with multiple dilations in each inception block, allowing it to encode and decode signal features with varying temporal characteristics. This design generalizes GDI-CNN to denoise acoustic signals resulting from different radiation sources. The performance of the proposed method was evaluated using experimental data of x-ray-induced acoustic, protoacoustic, and electroacoustic signals both qualitatively and quantitatively. Results demonstrated the effectiveness of GDI-CNN: it achieved x-ray-induced acoustic image quality comparable to 750-frame-averaged results using only 10-frame-averaged measurements, reducing the imaging dose of x-ray-acoustic computed tomography (XACT) by 98.7%; it realized proton range accuracy parallel to 1500-frame-averaged results using only 20-frame-averaged measurements, improving the range verification frequency in proton therapy from 0.5 to 37.5 Hz; it reached electroacoustic image quality comparable to 750-frame-averaged results using only a single frame signal, increasing the electric field monitoring frequency from 1 fps to 1k fps. Compared to lowpass filter-based denoising, the proposed method demonstrated considerably lower mean-squared-errors, higher peak-SNR, and higher structural similarities with respect to the corresponding high-frame-averaged measurements. The proposed deep learning-based denoising framework is a generalized method for few-frame-averaged acoustic signal denoising, which significantly improves the RA imaging’s clinical utilities for low-dose imaging and real-time therapy monitoring.
Gauge fixing in cosmological perturbations of Unimodular Gravity
Authors: Linares Cedeño Francisco X. , Nucamendi Ulises
Published: October 2023

With focus on the cosmological evolution of linear perturbations of matter and geometry, we calculate the equivalent expressions to that of the Newtonian and Synchronous gauges within the framework of Unimodular Gravity, being these two gauges commonly used and implemented in Boltzmann codes. An important aspect of our analysis is the inclusion of the energy-momentum current violation, as well as its perturbations. Moreover, for the first time we demonstrate that it is possible to fix both gauges consistently, although as it has been already noticed in previous literature, neither of them is recovered in the sense of the dynamics given in General Relativity for matter and metric fluctuations. Specifically, we show that since the unimodular constraint at the level of linear perturbations lead to only one degree of freedom of scalar modes of metric fluctuations, the dynamics in Unimodular Gravity forces to keep the anisotropic stress in the Newtonian gauge, whereas the cold dark matter comoving frame can not be set in the Synchronous gauge. The physical implications on the density contrast of cold dark matter is reviewed, and the Sachs-Wolfe effect is obtained and compared with previous results in the literature of cosmological perturbations in Unimodular Gravity.
Upgrading Neutron Imaging Facility at TRR-1/M1 Reactor
Authors: Pornroongruengchok Weerawat , Wonglee Sarinrat , Kotayee Sutasinee , Thongjerm Piyanud
Published: October 2023

The neutron imaging system at Thai Research Reactor 1/Modification 1 (TRR-1/M1) is located at Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology, Bangkok. It has been developed for research on non-destructive investigation using radiography and tomography techniques. The main instruments of the system consist of a neutron camera, a sample rotation system operated by in-house developed software, and a neutron shutter remotely controlled via a WIFI switch. In the first half of 2022, the TRR-1/M1 was temporarily shut down for annual maintenance. Meanwhile, additional shielding was installed in the imaging room for improving radiation safety. The current neutron camera was replaced with a new one to improve the imaging system performance. The camera performance, such as brightness and image quality, were investigated by varying the exposure time and imaging of the resolution test pattern, Siemens star, respectively. The results showed that the new camera set has higher brightness than the old one about 41% when compared to 70% grey value of 16 bit-format. The spatial resolution of 2D and 3D images were 0.59 mm and 1.37 mm, respectively. Moreover, the additional shields could reduce the radiation level around the reactor hall about 6-7 times. Then, neutron tomography using a new camera will be conducted to present the 3D visualization of various samples.
Introduction to Neutron Radiography Facilities at the Japan Research Reactor-3
Authors: Kurita K , Iikura H , Tsuchikawa Y , Kai T , Shinohara T , Odaira N , Ito D , Saito Y , Matsubayashi M
Published: October 2023

The Japan Research Reactor-3 (JRR-3) resumed its operations on February 26, 2021, and user program was restarted in July 2021. With the resumption of JRR-3 operation, two imaging facilities, the Thermal Neutron Radiography Facility (TNRF) and the Cold Neutron Radiography Facility (CNRF), have also resumed operations. At the TNRF, the imaging detection system, i.e. the cameras and light-tight boxes, has been updated, and the imaging performance has been investigated. The spatial resolution was measured using imaging plates at the CNRF. In this manuscript, we report the details of these two neutron facilities.
A work-horse neutron imaging station at the Laboratorio Energia Nucleare Applicata (LENA) in Pavia (Italy): Instrumental components and applications in the frame of the CHNet-NICHE INFN experiment.
Authors: Grazzi F , Cantini F , Sans-Planell O , Magalini M , Vigorelli L , Marcucci G , Clemenza M , Morigi M , Re A , Alloni D , Prata M , Gelli N
Published: October 2023

In this work, achieved results on the NICHE project (Neutron Imaging in Cultural HEritage) are presented. It fits in the frame of the Cultural Heritage Network (CHNet) of the Italian Nuclear Physics Institute (INFN), and is devoted to the development and usage of a new neutron imaging station on the thermal port of the 250 kW TRIGA Mark-II reactor installed in the Laboratorio Energia Nucleare Applicata (LENA) in Pavia (Italy). The application of neutron radiography to the diagnostic in the cultural heritage field is quite widespread among the research community since it is a non-invasive technique which allows for revealing of the inner structure of the investigated objects, the identification of different materials and their relative spatial distribution with a suitable level of resolution and contrast. We present here the status and progresses within the project: technical characteristics of the beamline and the imaging station component, measuring configuration, possible applications, and examples.
Flexible camera detector box design using 3D printers
Authors: Schillinger B , Geerits N , Jünger T , Matoušková J , Neuwirth T , Oppermann F , Sebold S , Sponar S
Published: October 2023

In the early days of electronic neutron imaging, the best available and most expensive components were used to build detectors. Experience has shown that only few parameters are truly important, so we have built a whole new line of specialized neutron imaging detectors based on astronomy cameras and 3D printed housings with external shielding. As an additional benefit, 3D printed housings produce no gammas on neutron capture, and provide nearly spot-free images. Plans and print files for 3D printed detectors are available for free on request.
Design and validation of a neutron double crystal monochromator for ICON
Authors: Kaestner A P , Schüpbach D , Malamud F , Busi M , Strobl M
Published: October 2023

Many applications using neutron imaging for materials science use diffraction-based contrast to explore and understand the condition of the samples. Diffraction-based methods require wavelength resolution. The neutron imaging instrument ICON at Paul Scherrer Institut has, until recently, only provided this functionality using a velocity selector. We designed a new double crystal monochromator (DCM) for the conditions at ICON as an option to meet the wavelength resolution demands of specific advanced methods such as diffraction contrast neutron imaging. The DCM can also be combined with the velocity selector. The device uses two pyrolitic graphite crystals as active components, allowing the selection of wavelengths in the interval 2–6 Å. This wavelength interval covers the main applications for wavelength-selective imaging considered at ICON. The device is designed for installation near the instrument shutter system. This position has the advantage that the effective field of view is maximized at the experiment position due to the beam divergence of the ICON. On the other hand, this position means that the beam displacement relative to the initial beam is relatively short. Thus, shielding is vital for the installation. We describe the device design and show the results from the first characterization experiments.
Diagnosis of the conservation status in archaeological objects from Museo de la Patagonia by using imaging complementary techniques
Authors: Schweickardt J M , Bradbury R , Bianchi Villelli M , Kardjilov N , Cantargi F , Vega N
Published: October 2023

We present the application of imaging complementary techniques to the interdisciplinary study of a selection of archaeological metal objects belonging to funerary assets from Patagonean Indigenous. This selection belongs to the archaeological collection “Andres Giai” which is under the care of the Museum of Patagonia, Bariloche, Argentina. It was regrettably left with no contextual data and most of the objects were kept in uncontrolled storage conditions over many years. Its general conservation status motivated the design and implementation of an interdisciplinary methodology to address a Conservation Plan considering the application of analytical techniques for materials in its approach. This work intends to achieve the first stage on this Plan, which consists in a suitable diagnosis of the conservation-status to specific and representative pieces of the Andrés Giai metal collection. We highlight the Diagnosis stage as the most important to determine accurate treatments for each object during any conservation plan. The diagnosis was carried out by implementing neutron and X-Ray tomography at the Helmholtz Zenturm Berlin, Germany. The results obtained allowed us to: study the distribution of corrosion products and other degradation products such as crusts; verify the presence of a metal core under these product, study the homogeneity of the thicknesses, and show characteristics of the internal surfaces. This information is vital for the proposal of tailored conservation treatments that allow guaranteeing sustainable interventions.
Digital radial radiography on radioactive waste packages using fission neutrons
Authors: Bücherl T , Rummel S , Gostomski Ch Lierse v.
Published: October 2023

Various methods for the non-destructive characterization of radioactive waste packages are applied in routine operation for identification and quantification of their radioactive inventory. As accuracy and precision play are an important role in the final documentation, an approach based on Bayesian statistics is presented for the evaluation of transmission data measured by digital radial radiography. The results of these data evaluations are probability density functions allowing to make predictions of the probability for a value a parameter can have. Furthermore a priori information can be easily considered in these evaluations. The applicability of the method is demonstrated by some elementary examples and shall act encouragingly for interested users for own investigations.
Development of in-situ Delayed Hydride Cracking tests using neutron imaging to study the H redistribution in Zr-2.5%Nb
Authors: Soria S.R. , Gomez A. , Grosse M. , Schulz M. , Santisteban J.R. , Vizcaino P.
Published: October 2023

Delayed Hydride Cracking (DHC) is a failure mechanism that occurs in Zr alloys under certain conditions of hydrogen concentration, temperature and stress gradient. In service, hydrogen produced by corrosion reaction can be incorporated in Zr alloys and if the solid solubility is exceeded, hydrogen precipitates as zirconium hydride. The presence of a stress concentrator, such as a crack, generates the hydrogen diffusion and precipitation to the high stress zone beginning the DHC process. In this work, in-situ DHC tests in air at 250°C were performed at ANTARES, the neutron imaging facility of the FRM-II reactor. Samples of Zr2.5%Nb produced from extruded tubes and pressure tubes were studied using a stress rig specially modified to perform DHC tests in the neutron beam. H redistribution during mechanical testing was followed in-situ by registering the changes in neutron transmission. The results were compared with the images obtained by light optical microscopy after the tests. The results highlight the capabilities of neutron imaging to analyze time-dependent H distribution during DHC crack growth.
Raman microscopy to characterize plasma-wall interaction materials: from carbon era to metallic walls
Authors: Pardanaud C , Martin C , Roubin P , Roussin G , Dellasega D , Passoni M , Lungu C , Porosnicu C , Dinca P , Radović I Bogdanović , Siketić Z , Pégourié B , Bernard E , Diez M , Hakola A ,   EUROfusion WP PFC contributors
Published: October 2023

Plasma-wall interaction in magnetic fusion devices is responsible for wall changes and plasma pollution with major safety issues. It is investigated both in situ and ex situ, especially by realizing large scale dedicated post-mortem campaigns. Selected parts of the walls are extracted and characterized by several techniques. It is important to extract hydrogen isotopes, oxygen or other element content. This is classically done by ion beam analysis and thermal desorption spectroscopy. Raman microscopy is an alternative and complementary technique. The aim of this work is to demonstrate that Raman microscopy is a very sensitive tool. Moreover, if coupled to other techniques and tested on well-controlled reference samples, Raman microscopy can be used efficiently for characterization of wall samples. Present work reviews long experience gained on carbon-based materials demonstrating how Raman microscopy can be related to structural disorder and hydrogen retention, as it is a direct probe of chemical bonds and atomic structure. In particular, we highlight the fact that Raman microscopy can be used to estimate the hydrogen content and bonds to other elements as well as how it evolves under heating. We also present state-of-the-art Raman analyses of beryllium- and tungsten-based materials, and finally, we draw some perspectives regarding boron-based deposits.
Asymmetric nanoparticle oxidation observed in-situ by the evolution of diffraction contrast
Authors: Poerwoprajitno Agus R , Baradwaj Nitish , Singh Manish Kumar , Carter C Barry , Huber Dale L , Kalia Rajiv , Watt John
Published: October 2023

The use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to observe real-time structural and compositional changes has proven to be a valuable tool for understanding the dynamic behavior of nanomaterials. However, identifying the nanoparticles of interest typically require an obvious change in position, size, or structure, as compositional changes may not be noticeable during the experiment. Oxidation or reduction can often result in subtle volume changes only, so elucidating mechanisms in real-time requires atomic-scale resolution or in-situ electron energy loss spectroscopy, which may not be widely accessible. Here, by monitoring the evolution of diffraction contrast, we can observe both structural and compositional changes in iron oxide nanoparticles, specifically the oxidation from a wüstite-magnetite (FeO@Fe3O4) core–shell nanoparticle to single crystalline magnetite, Fe3O4 nanoparticle. The in-situ TEM images reveal a distinctive light and dark contrast known as the ‘Ashby-Brown contrast’, which is a result of coherent strain across the core–shell interface. As the nanoparticles fully oxidize to Fe3O4, the diffraction contrast evolves and then disappears completely, which is then confirmed by modeling and simulation of TEM images. This represents a new, simplified approach to tracking the oxidation or reduction mechanisms of nanoparticles using in-situ TEM experiments.
Power quality improvement of hybrid renewable energy systems-based microgrid for statcom: hybrid-deep-learning model and mexican axoltl dingo optimizer (MADO)
Authors: Kumar Amit , Choudhary Jayanti
Published: October 2023

The power generation from HRES, such as PV, FC, and Battery, is heavily dependent on weather conditions, resulting in PQ problems like voltage fluctuations, swells, harmonics, and sags. Rapid adjustment is therefore increasingly necessary in energy transmission and distribution networks. To address these issues, this paper proposes the use of STATCOM for reactive power compensation to mitigate voltage sag, swell, fluctuations, and THD. The paper discusses the modeling of HRES (PV-FC-Battery) and evaluates the fixed operating limit of the system with the integration of STATCOM. The main objective is to optimize gain parameters of FOPID controllers-based STATCOM control circuit using a hybrid deep learning model that includes CNN and RNN, and a hybrid meta-heuristic optimization model to improve voltage stability and response given the irregular nature of HRES. The optimized FOPID controller is evaluated to mitigate PQ issues such as voltage swell, fluctuation, sag, and harmonics. The proposed meta-heuristic optimization model, MADO, is a combination of MAO and DOA. The proposed approach is evaluated using power flow and power quality analyses on the IEEE 9 bus system’s power.
A new proof of the Erdos-Kac central limit theorem
Authors: Cranston Michael , Mountford Thomas
Published: October 2023

In this paper we use the Riemann zeta distribution to give a new proof of the Erdös-Kac Central Limit Theorem. That is, if

ζ
(
s
)
=

∑

n
≥
1

1

n
s

\zeta (s)=\sum _{n\ge 1} \frac {1}{n^s}

,

s
>
1
,

s>1,

then we consider the random variable

X
s

X_s

with

P
(

X
s

=
n
)
=

1

ζ
(
s
)

n
s

,

P(X_s=n)=\frac {1}{\zeta (s)n^s},

n
≥
1.

n\ge 1.

In an earlier paper, the first author and Adrien Peltzer derived the analog of the Erdös-Kac Central Limit Theorem (CLT) for the number of distinct prime factors,

ω
(

X
s

)
,

\omega (X_s),

of

X
s

,

X_s,

as

s
↘
1.

s\searrow 1.

In this paper we show, by means of a Tauberian Theorem, how to obtain the Central Limit Theorem of Erdös-Kac for the uniform distribution from the result for the random variable

X
s

X_s

. We also apply the technique to the number of distinct prime divisors of

X
s

X_s

that lie in an arithmetic sequence and a local CLT of the type proved by Dixit and Murty [Hardy-Ramanujan J. 43 (2020), 17–23] as well a version of the CLT for irreducible divisors of a monic polynomial over a finite field.
Complete hypersurfaces with 𝑤-constant mean curvature in the unit spheres
Authors: Cheng Qing-Ming , Wei Guoxin
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we study

4
4

-dimensional complete hypersurfaces with

w
w

-constant mean curvature in the unit sphere. We give a lower bound of the scalar curvature for

4
4

-dimensional complete hypersurfaces with

w
w

-constant mean curvature. As a by-product, we give a new proof of the result of Deng-Gu-Wei [Adv. Math. 314 (2017), pp. 278–305] under the weaker topological condition.
Renin Inhibition and the Long-Term Renal Function in Patients With Hypertensive Emergency: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ueno Masaki , Fujii Wataru , Ono Wataru , Murata Hiroshi , Fujigaki Yoshihide , Shibata Shigeru
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

The rehospitalization rate in a hypertensive emergency is high, indicating the necessity for optimizing its long-term management. The role of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blockade in this disorder remains uncertain.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis involving 20 admitted patients who received aliskiren, a direct renin inhibitor (DRI), for the management of hypertensive emergency associated with elevated plasma renin activity (PRA). We analyzed the changes in blood pressure (BP), kidney function, and RAS activity in the subacute and chronic phases.

RESULTS

The use of DRI was associated with a marked reduction in PRA (median, from 25.0 to 1.2 ng/ml/h) and serum aldosterone levels (from 404 to 130 pg/ml) during the index admission. BP also decreased from 226/143 to 142/80 mm Hg. A comparison of clinical characteristics according to the renal function indicated that dialysis-dependent patients had higher aldosterone levels than non-dialysis-dependent patients at admission, despite comparable BP levels. After a median follow-up of 567 days in non-dialysis-dependent patients with DRI, eGFR levels were significantly increased from 14.3 to 23.1 ml/min/1.73 m2. PRA levels were consistently suppressed at 0.8 ng/ml/h. We found a significant correlation between the degree of PRA suppression and changes in eGFR (r = –0.58), indicating that the effective blockade of RAS is associated with the preservation of eGFR in the study subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

DRI can successfully suppress PRA in patients with high-renin hypertensive emergency in both subacute and chronic phases. An efficient RAS blockade is associated with preserved renal function in these patients.
Parietal cortical alpha/beta suppression during prospective memory retrieval
Authors: Villafane Barraza Viviana , Voegtle Angela , de Matos Mansur Bruno , Reichert Christoph , Nasuto Slawomir J , Sweeney-Reed Catherine M
Published: October 2023

Prospective memory (PM) impairment is among the most frequent memory complaints, yet little is known about the underlying neural mechanisms. PM for a planned intention may be achieved through strategic monitoring of the environment for cues, involving ongoing attentional processes, or through spontaneous retrieval. We hypothesized that parietal spectral power modulation accompanies prospectively encoded intention retrieval, irrespective of PM retrieval approach. A cognitively engaging arithmetic-based ongoing task (OGT) was employed to encourage spontaneous retrieval, with a focal, internally generated PM cue to eliminate OGT/PM trial differentiation based on perceptual or conceptual PM cue features. Two PM repetition frequencies were used to vary the extent of strategic monitoring. We observed a transient parietal alpha/beta spectral power reduction directly preceding the response, which was distinguishable on a single trial basis, as revealed by an OGT/PM trial classification rate exceeding 70% using linear discriminant analysis. The alpha/beta idling rhythm reflects cortical inhibition. A disengagement of task-relevant neural assemblies from this rhythm, reflected in alpha/beta power reduction, is deemed to increase information content, facilitate information integration, and enable engagement of neural assemblies in task-related cortical networks. The observed power reduction is consistent with the Dual Pathways model, where PM strategies converge at the PM retrieval stage.
Cortical origin of theta error signals
Authors: Herrera Beatriz , Sajad Amirsaman , Errington Steven P , Schall Jeffrey D , Riera Jorge J
Published: October 2023

A multi-scale approach elucidated the origin of the error-related-negativity (ERN), with its associated theta-rhythm, and the post-error-positivity (Pe) in macaque supplementary eye field (SEF). Using biophysical modeling, synaptic inputs to a subpopulation of layer-3 (L3) and layer-5 (L5) pyramidal cells (PCs) were optimized to reproduce error-related spiking modulation and inter-spike intervals. The intrinsic dynamics of dendrites in L5 but not L3 error PCs generate theta rhythmicity with random phases. Saccades synchronized the phases of the theta-rhythm, which was magnified on errors. Contributions from error PCs to the laminar current source density (CSD) observed in SEF were negligible and could not explain the observed association between error-related spiking modulation in L3 PCs and scalp-EEG. CSD from recorded laminar field potentials in SEF was comprised of multipolar components, with monopoles indicating strong electro-diffusion, dendritic/axonal electrotonic current leakage outside SEF, or violations of the model assumptions. Our results also demonstrate the involvement of secondary cortical regions, in addition to SEF, particularly for the later Pe component. The dipolar component from the observed CSD paralleled the ERN dynamics, while the quadrupolar component paralleled the Pe. These results provide the most advanced explanation to date of the cellular mechanisms generating the ERN.
Impella as a bridge-to-closure in post-infarction ventricular septal defect: a case series
Authors: Jalli Sandeep , Spinelli Kateri J , Kirker Eric B , Venkataraman Ashok , Abraham Jacob
Published: October 2023

Background

Post-infarction ventricular septal defect (PIVSD) is a rare, life-threatening complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Few studies report the use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) for the treatment of cardiogenic shock in this setting. We describe our experience using a microaxial, transvalvular device (Impella, Abiomed, Danvers, MA, USA) as a bridge-to-closure for PIVSD.

Case summary

We identified 13 patients from two centres with cardiogenic shock due to PIVSD who received an Impella device between January 2016 and February 2022. Nine patients were transferred from another hospital, three with MCS devices [two intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP), 1 Impella CP]. Eight patients received Impella 5.0, three received Impella 5.5 (one escalated from Impella CP), and two received Impella CP. The median time from AMI to Impella insertion was 5 (3–6) days. Five patients died on Impella support without an attempt to close the ventricular septum (VSD). Seven patients underwent successful VSD closure: six had surgical and one had percutaneous closure. One patient died during attempted percutaneous closure. Time from Impella insertion to VSD closure was 10.5 (7.8–14.0) days. Time from AMI to Impella was 5.0 (2.0–5.3) days in the group that survived to closure, and 6.0 (4.0–7.0) days in those who did not. Thirty-day mortality was 46%.

Discussion

Support with Impella improved clinical stability in most patients, yet multi-system organ failure leading to death occurred in many patients. Patients who survived closure had earlier time from AMI to Impella, underscoring that prompt recognition of PIVSD and initiation of MCS may improve survival to surgical or percutaneous closure.