bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drought stress memory in a germplasm of synthetic and common wheat: antioxidant system, physiological and morphological consequences
Authors: Amini Azadeh , Majidi Mohammad Mahdi , Mokhtari Niloofar , Ghanavati Mehdi
Published: May 2023

Plants have evolved mechanisms of adaptation to fluctuations in their environmental conditions that have been given the term “stress memory”. Synthetic wheat offers new hope for breeders to restore useful genes lost during the genetic bottleneck. We aimed to test whether drought priming and seed priming could improve drought tolerance in a diverse germplasm of synthetic and common wheat under field conditions. In this research, 27 wheat genotypes (including 20 synthetics, 4 common local and 3 common exotic bread wheat) were field evaluated under four water environments. These treatments included: 1) normal condition (N), plants were irrigated when 40% of the total available soil water was depleted from the root-zone, 2) seed priming-secondary stress (SD2), only water stress was applied at anthesis when 90% of the total available soil water was depleted and seeds were planted for evaluating, 3) primary stress- secondary stress (D1D2), primary water stress was applied at jointing stage when 70% of the total available soil water was depleted then secondary water stress was applied at the anthesis stage when 90% of the total available soil water was depleted, and 4) secondary stress (D2) only water stress was applied at the anthesis when 90% of the total available soil water was depleted. Our results indicated that improved efficient enzymatic antioxidant system leads to less yield reduction in D1D2 treatment. However, the positive effects of drought priming were more pronounced in drought primed (D1D2) than seed primed treatment (SD2). Synthetic wheat genotypes had a significant superiority in terms of yield, yield components and drought tolerance compared to common wheat genotypes. Nevertheless, the response of genotypes to stress memory was very different. Drought sensitive genotypes had better response to stress memory. Superior genotypes were identified as high yield and drought tolerant genotypes which can be used for future studies.
Phase I randomized, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled study of a SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine PTX-COVID19-B
Authors: Martin-Orozco Natalia , Vale Noah , Mihic Alan , Amor Talya , Reiter Lawrence , Arita Yuko , Samson Reuben , Hu Queenie , Gingras Anne-Claude , Sorenson Bradley Thomas , Marcusson Eric Gates , Patel Piyush
Published: May 2023

Access to vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 virus was limited in poor countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, a low-cost mRNA vaccine, PTX-COVID19-B, was produced and evaluated in a Phase 1 trial. PTX-COVID19-B encodes Spike protein D614G variant without the proline-proline (986–987) mutation present in other COVID-19 vaccines. The aim of the study was to evaluate safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of PTX-COVID19-B vaccine in healthy seronegative adults 18–64 years old. The trial design was observer-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, and tested ascending doses of 16-µg, 40-µg, or 100-µg in a total of 60 subjects who received two intramuscular doses, 4 weeks apart. Participants were monitored for solicited and unsolicited adverse events after vaccination and were provided with a Diary Card and thermometer to report any reactogenicity during the trial. Blood samples were collected on baseline, days 8, 28, 42, 90, and 180 for serum analysis of total IgG anti-receptor binding domain (RBD)/Spike titers by ELISA, and neutralizing antibody titers by pseudovirus assay. Titers in BAU/mL were reported as geometric mean and 95% CI per cohort. After vaccination, few solicited adverse events were observed and were mild to moderate and self-resolved within 48 h. The most common solicited local and systemic adverse event was pain at the injection site, and headache, respectively. Seroconversion was observed in all vaccinated participants, who showed high antibody titers against RBD, Spike, and neutralizing activity against the Wuhan strain. Neutralizing antibody titers were also detected against Alpha, Beta, and Delta variants of concerns in a dose dependent manner. All tested doses of PTX-COVID19-B were safe, well-tolerated, and provided a strong immunogenicity response. The 40-µg dose showed fewer adverse reactions than the 100-µg dose, and therefore was selected for a Phase 2 trial, which is currently ongoing.

Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT04765436 (21/02/2021). (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04765436).
Effectiveness of bicycle helmets and injury prevention: a systematic review of meta-analyses
Authors: Büth Carlson Moses , Barbour Natalia , Abdel-Aty Mohamed
Published: May 2023

To mitigate the risk of injuries, many countries recommend bicycle helmets. The current paper seeks to examine the effectiveness of bicycle helmets by performing a systematic review focusing on meta-analyses. First, the current paper explores the findings of studies that employ meta-analyses using bicycle crash data. Second, the results are discussed considering the findings from research analyzing bicycle helmet effectiveness in a laboratory using simulation, and then are complemented with key methodological papers that address cycling and the overall factors contributing to the injury severity. The examined literature confirms that wearing a helmet while cycling is beneficial, regardless of age, crash severity, or crash type. The relative benefit is found to be higher in high-risk situations and when cycling on shared roads and particularly preventing severe head injuries. The results from the studies performed in laboratories also suggest that the shape and size of the head itself play a role in the protective effects of helmets. However, concerns regarding the equitability of the test conditions were found as all reviewed studies used a fifty-percentile male head and body forms. Lastly, the paper discusses the literature findings in a broader societal context.
Efficacy of closed cell self expandable metallic stent for peripheral arterial disease in the porcine iliac artery
Authors: Ryu Dae Sung , Won Dong-Sung , Kim Ji Won , Park Yubeen , Kim Song Hee , Kang Jeon Min , Zeng Chu Hui , Lim Dohyung , Choi Hyun , Park Jung-Hoon
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a closed-cell self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) with or without expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE)-covering membrane in a porcine iliac artery model. Twelve Yorkshire domestic pigs were divided into a bare closed-cell SEMS (B-SEMS) group (n = 6) and covered closed-cell SEMS (C-SEMS) group (n = 6). Both closed-cell SEMSs were placed in the right or left iliac artery. Thrombogenicity score in the C-SEMS group was significantly higher than that in the B-SEMS group (p = 0.004) after 4 weeks. Angiographic findings of mean luminal diameters at 4 weeks follow-up did not differ significantly between B-SEMS and C-SEMS groups. Neointimal hyperplasia thickness as well as degree of inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in the C-SEMS group was significantly greater than that in the B-SEMS group (p < 0.001). Closed-cell SEMSs successfully maintained patency for 4 weeks without stent-related complications in the porcine iliac artery. Although mild thrombus with neointimal hyperplasia was observed in the C-SEMS group, subsequent occlusion, and in-stent stenosis did not occur in any of the pigs until the end of the study. Closed-cell SEMS with or without the e-PTFE covering membrane is effective and safe for the porcine iliac artery.
Rapidly increasing likelihood of exceeding 50 °C in parts of the Mediterranean and the Middle East due to human influence
Authors: Christidis Nikolaos , Mitchell Dann , Stott Peter A.
Published: May 2023

As the world warms, extremely hot days are becoming more frequent and intense, reaching unprecedented temperatures associated with excess mortality. Here, we assess how anthropogenic forcings affect the likelihood of maximum daily temperatures above 50 °C at 12 selected locations around the Mediterranean and the Middle East. We adopt a risk-based attribution methodology that utilises climate model simulations with and without human influence to estimate the probability of extremes. We find that at all locations, temperatures above 50 °C would have been extremely rare or impossible in the pre-industrial world, but under human-induced climate change their likelihood is rapidly increasing. At the hottest locations we estimate the likelihood has increased by a factor of 10–103, whereas by the end of the century such extremes could occur every year. All selected locations may see 1–2 additional months with excess thermal deaths by 2100, which stresses the need for effective adaptation planning.
Footprints of El Niño La Niña on the evolution of particulate matter over subtropical Island Taiwan
Authors: Fu Yen-Ta , Yen Ming-Cheng , Lin Neng-Huei , Bui-Manh Hai , Lin Cheng-Chih , Yu Jia-Yuh , Peng Chi-Ming , Dinh Duc-Tu
Published: May 2023

Particulate matter (PM) pollution has become a major problem worldwide, with significant adverse health impacts, but the climatology of annual variations in and the effect of climate change on PM levels are still not comprehensively evaluated. Here we show that the vertical motions of the East Asian winter and summer monsoons regulate the annual variation in PM over Taiwan. The PM pollution season starts and ends earlier during El Niño episodes than during La Niña episodes. Furthermore, the onset, active, break, revival, and retreat phases of the PM pollution lifecycle are innovatively defined. Our results demonstrate that the annual seasonal cycle dominates wintertime PM pollution climate development during the active phase with a minor modulation by El Niño and La Niña episodes, whereas October and March, the seasonal transition periods, are significantly modulated by these two episodes. The findings suggest a new dimension of PM pollution research—the lifecycle evolution effect.
Split selectable marker systems utilizing inteins facilitate gene stacking in plants
Authors: Yuan Guoliang , Lu Haiwei , De Kuntal , Hassan Md Mahmudul , Liu Yang , Islam Md. Torikul , Muchero Wellington , Tuskan Gerald A. , Yang Xiaohan
Published: May 2023

The ability to stack multiple genes in plants is of great importance in the development of crops with desirable traits but can be challenging due to limited selectable marker options. Here we establish split selectable marker systems using protein splicing elements called “inteins” for Agrobacterium-mediated co-transformation in plants. First, we show that such a split selectable marker system can be used effectively in plants to reconstitute a visible marker, RUBY, from two non-functional fragments through tobacco leaf infiltration. Next, to determine the general applicability of our split selectable marker systems, we demonstrate the utility of these systems in the model plants Arabidopsis and poplar by successfully stacking two reporters eYGFPuv and RUBY, using split Kanamycin or Hygromycin resistance markers. In conclusion, this method enables robust plant co-transformation, providing a valuable tool for the simultaneous insertion of multiple genes into both herbaceous and woody plants efficiently.
Self-organization of ferroelectric domains induced by water and reinforced via ultrasonic vibration
Authors: Yan Shuo , Hu Xueli , Lu Xiaomei , Zhang Junting , Shen Xiaofan , Huang Fengzhen
Published: May 2023

Pattern formation caused by self-organization is a fascinating phenomenon that appears in biological, chemical, and physical systems. In ferroelectrics, although a variety of domain patterns have been reported at different scales and dimensions, the self-organization process of ferroelectric domains was rarely investigated. Here, in 0.72Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3−0.28PbTiO3 bulk crystals exposed to water, the self-organized formation process of domain structures is observed and reinforced by ultrasonic vibration. By combining experimental observations and theoretical analysis, we find that adsorbed H+/OH− ions on the sample surface act as screening charges to induce the coarsening of the ferroelectric domains. Meanwhile, interactions among dipoles determine the ordering of the domain configuration, while ultrasonic vibration reduces the barrier height for polarization switching. The process of domain evolution deviates from that of the non-conservative dynamic system, and instead fits a percolation model with a clear transition point. This work demonstrates the self-organization of ferroelectric domains induced by water, which is of value for understanding domain dynamics and for the development of high-performance ferroelectric materials.
Unexpected cold season warming during the Little Ice Age on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yao Yuan , Wang Lu , Li Xiangzhong , Cheng Hai , Cai Yanjun , Vachula Richard S. , Liang Jie , Li Hanying , Liu Guangxin , Zhao Jingyao , Zhang Haiwei , Li Qiang
Published: May 2023

There is a general agreement that Northern Hemisphere temperatures have cooled over the past two millennia, culminating in the Little Ice Age. However, this understanding partly relies on the compilation of existing proxy records, the majority of which carry a warm season bias such that there is an underrepresentation of cold-season temperatures. Here we report a unique cold-season temperature record based on the alkenone paleothermometer from the northeastern Tibetan Plateau that spans the last two millennia. In contrast to the regional- and hemisphere-scale summer cooling, our reconstruction shows a long-term warming through the Medieval Climate Anomaly into Little Ice Age. We attribute these opposing temperature trends to combined effects of seasonally divergent insolation and North Atlantic subpolar gyre circulation. Our study indicates that the cold season during the Little Ice Age was not the coldest period of the last two millennia at least on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau.
Beta-containing bivalent SARS-CoV-2 protein vaccine elicits durable broad neutralization in macaques and protection in hamsters
Authors: Berry Catherine , Pavot Vincent , Anosova Natalie G. , Kishko Michael , Li Lu , Tibbitts Tim , Raillard Alice , Gautheron Sylviane , Cummings Sheila , Bangari Dinesh S. , Kar Swagata , Atyeo Caroline , Deng Yixiang , Alter Galit , Gutzeit Cindy , Koutsoukos Marguerite , Chicz Roman M. , Lecouturier Valerie
Published: May 2023

Background

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, several variants of concern (VOC) have emerged for which there is evidence of an increase in transmissibility, more severe disease, and/or reduced vaccine effectiveness. Effective COVID-19 vaccine strategies are required to achieve broad protective immunity against current and future VOC.

Methods

We conducted immunogenicity and challenge studies in macaques and hamsters using a bivalent recombinant vaccine formulation containing the SARS-CoV-2 prefusion-stabilized Spike trimers of the ancestral D614 and the variant Beta strains with AS03 adjuvant (CoV2 preS dTM-AS03) in a primary immunization setting.

Results

We show that a primary immunization with the bivalent CoV2 preS dTM-AS03 elicits broader and durable (1 year) neutralizing antibody responses against VOC including Omicron BA.1 and BA.4/5, and SARS-CoV-1 as compared to the ancestral D614 or Beta variant monovalent vaccines in naïve non-human primates. In addition, the bivalent formulation confers protection against viral challenge with SARS-CoV-2 prototype D614G strain as well as Alpha and Beta variant strains in hamsters.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the potential of a Beta-containing bivalent CoV2 preS dTM-AS03 formulation to provide broad and durable immunogenicity, as well as protection against VOC in naïve populations.
Glycomimetics for the inhibition and modulation of lectins
Authors: Leusmann Steffen , Ménová Petra , Shanin Elena , Titz Alexander , Rademacher Christoph
Published: May 2023

Carbohydrates are essential mediators of many processes in health and disease. The development of glycomimetics as inhibitors and modulators of their lectin receptors has been a success story with numerous molecules reaching clinical stages.
Catalytic dehydrative amide bond formation using aqueous ammonia: synthesis of primary amides utilizing diboronic acid anhydride catalysis
Authors: Takahashi Naoya , Iwasawa Hinata , Kinashi Tatsuhito , Makino Kazuishi , Shimada Naoyuki
Published: May 2023

We have developed a first catalytic methodology for the synthesis of primary amides by the catalytic dehydrative amidation ofα- orβ-hydroxycarboxylic acids using inexpensive and safe aqueous ammonia.
Accurate identification and measurement of the precipitate area by two-stage deep neural networks in novel chromium-based alloys
Authors: Xia Zeyu , Ma Kan , Cheng Sibo , Blackburn Thomas , Peng Ziling , Zhu Kewei , Zhang Weihang , Xiao Dunhui , Knowles Alexander J , Arcucci Rossella
Published: May 2023

The performance of advanced materials for extreme environments is underpinned by their microstructure, such as the size and distribution of nano- to micro-sized reinforcing phase(s).
Construction of a type-II BiVO4/BiOI heterojunction for efficient photoelectrocatalytic degradation of β-naphthol and coal gasification wastewater under visible-light irradiation
Authors: Fan Haiyang , Yi Guiyun , Zhang Zhengting , Zhao Yanan , Hou Qinglin , Zhang Chuanxiang , Chen Lunjian , Zhang Yulong , Sun Qi
Published: May 2023

Herein, a novel type-II BiVO4/BiOI (BVOI) heterojunction electrode material was successfully fabricated by using a facile two-step electrodeposition approach.
Spin–orbit charge-transfer intersystem crossing in heavy-atom-free orthogonal covalent boron-dipyrromethene heterodimers
Authors: Wang Zeming , Ma Lin , Zhao Hongmei , Wan Yan , Zhang Xian-Fu , Li Yang , Kuang Zhuoran , Xia Andong
Published: May 2023

The strong inter-chromophoric interactions, sizeable spin–orbit coupling strength, and limited direct charge recombination realized by low structural rigidity optimize the triplet generation based on the SOCT-ISC mechanism in BODIPY heterodimers.
A robust heterodimeric bis-Rh(iii)–porphyrin macrocycle for the self-assembly of a kinetically stable [2]-rotaxane
Authors: Hisano Naoyuki , Valderrey Virginia , Aragay Gemma , Ballester Pablo
Published: May 2023

We report the self-assembly of a robust di-nuclear Rh(iii) bis-porphyrin macrocycle and its use for the construction of 1 : 1 complexes with adipamide derivatives featuring [2]pseudorotaxane, exo-cyclic and [2]rotaxane binding geometries.
Tailoring the surface cation configuration of Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites for controllable water oxidation performance
Authors: Li Yu , Chen Gao , Chen Hsiao-Chien , Zhu Yanping , Fei Liangshuang , Xu Longwei , Liu Tiancheng , Dai Jie , Huang Haitao , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: May 2023

A facile strategy is proposed to finely manipulate the surface cation configuration of Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites, offering exceptional water oxidation performance in both setups of rotating disk electrodes and membrane electrode assemblies.
Taking a look at the surface: μ-XRF mapping and fluorine K-edge μ-XANES spectroscopy of organofluorinated compounds in environmental samples and consumer products
Authors: Roesch Philipp , Vogel Christian , Wittwer Philipp , Huthwelker Thomas , Borca Camelia N. , Sommerfeld Thomas , Kluge Stephanie , Piechotta Christian , Kalbe Ute , Simon Franz-Georg
Published: May 2023

An X-ray based surface analytical method allows for an unprecedented perspective on a known substance class and can contribute to localization and comprehension of fluorinated pollutant distribution in PFAS-containing matrices.
Bioengineering of a human physiologically relevant microfluidic blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier model
Authors: Zhou Ying , Qiao Haowen , Xu Fang , Zhao Wen , Wang Jibo , Gu Longjun , Chen Pu , Peng Mian
Published: May 2023

We demonstrate a bioengineered humanized BCSFB model on a microfluidic device. This model recapitulates structural and functional features of BCSFB in both physiological and neuroinflammatory situations, and may be a potential tool for BCSFB study.
An Fe–Mn–S SOD-like nanozyme as an efficient antibacterial agent
Authors: Fan Xiaowan , Cheng Miaomiao , Ma Saiyu , Song Kexu , Yuan Ye , Liu Yuan
Published: May 2023

Herein, based on a coordination-precipitation strategy, we have developed a Fe–Mn–S SOD-like nanozyme, which can catalyze the decomposition of ˙O2−and exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterium.
Unique sandwich structure of Ru@TiO2: salicylic acid micro-etching from K2Ti2O5 and high-performance electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Cao Yuge , Liang Song , Yan Ya , Dong Wujie , Dong Chenlong , Zheng Wangshu , Nong Shuying , Huang Fuqiang
Published: May 2023

A microetching synthesis from K2Ti2O5 is developed to prepare an Ru@TiO2 sandwich, showing outstanding performance for the HER with low Ru loading.
Unveiling the effects of ions in the electric double layer on the carbon dioxide reduction reaction
Authors: Ni Fenglou , Jia Kangkang , Chen Yangyang , Wen Yunzhou , He Sisi
Published: May 2023

This paper reviews the recent advances in understanding the effects of cations and anions on determining the electrocatalytic mechanisms and performance of the electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction.
Naphthalenediimide-carbonylpyridiniums: stable six electron acceptors for organic cathodes
Authors: Lin Qiting , Li Heyang , Chen Ling , He Xiaoming
Published: May 2023

A novel class of six-electron acceptors by conjugation of naphthalenediimide and carbonylpyridinium has been designed for high performance lithium-organic batteries.
Single-source formation and assessment of nitrogen-doped graphitic spheres for lithium- and sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Clark Cassius , O'Keefe Christopher A. , Wright Dominic S. , Grey Clare P.
Published: May 2023

The formation of nitrogen-doped graphitic microspheres using a single-source precursor and their use as anodes in lithium- and sodium-ion batteries have been explored.
Synthesis of 4-aryl-3,4-dihydrocoumarins and 4-aryl-4H-chromenes via Er(OTf)3-catalyzed cascade reactions of p-quinone methides with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds
Authors: Bao Xiaobo , Yu Wei , Wang Lilin , Dong Xu , Wang Guoli , Chen Weilin , Li Fei , Chen Dongyin
Published: May 2023

The Er(OTf)3-catalyzed cascade cyclization reaction of para-quinone methides with various 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds has been developed, which efficiently constructed a series of versatile 4-aryl-3,4-dihydrocoumarins and 4-aryl-4H-chromenes.
Atomically dispersed Ir catalysts exhibit support-dependent water oxidation kinetics during photocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Hongna , Liu Tianying , Dulock Nicholas , Williams Benjamin P. , Wang Yuanxing , Chen Boqiang , Wikar Haden , Wang David Z. , Brudvig Gary W. , Wang Dunwei , Waegele Matthias M.
Published: May 2023

The accumulation of oxidative charges on atomically dispersed Ir catalytic sites shows dependence on the support. The impact of the hole redistribution on the rate of water oxidation leads to temperature-dependent kinetics of water oxidation.
Manipulating fluorescence by photo-switched spin-state conversions in an iron(ii)-based SCO-MOF
Authors: Yan Fei-Fei , Jiang Wen-Jing , Yao Nian-Tao , Mao Pan-Dong , Zhao Liang , Sun Hui-Ying , Meng Yin-Shan , Liu Tao
Published: May 2023

A new 3D Hofmann-type SCO-MOF, is synthesized. It exhibits synergetic fluorescence and SCO properties. Reversible modulation of its fluorescence and magnetism is achieved through photoinduced spin transition upon 532 and 808 nm irradiations.
Systematic Review of Variables Related to Instruction in Augmentative and Alternative Communication Implementation: Group and Single-Case Design
Authors: Reichle Joe , Pustejovsky James E. , Vannest Kimberly J. , Foster Margaret , Pierson Lauren M. , Wattanawongwan Sanikan , Chen Man , Fuller Marcus C. , Haas April N. , Bhat Bethany H. , Sallese Mary Rose , Smith S. D. , Yllades Valeria , Rodriguez Daira , Yoro Amara , Ganz J. B.
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

This article provides a systematic review and analysis of group and single-case studies addressing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention with school-aged persons having autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities resulting in complex communication needs (CCNs). Specifically, we examined participant characteristics in group-design studies reporting AAC intervention outcomes and how these compared to those reported in single-case experimental designs (SCEDs). In addition, we compared the status of intervention features reported in group and SCED studies with respect to instructional strategies utilized.

Participants:

Participants included school-aged individuals with CCNs who also experienced ASD or ASD with an intellectual delay who utilized aided or unaided AAC.

Method:

A systematic review using descriptive statistics and effect sizes was implemented.

Results:

Findings revealed that participant features such as race, ethnicity, and home language continue to be underreported in both SCED and group-design studies. Participants in SCED investigations more frequently used multiple communication modes when compared to participants in group studies. The status of pivotal skills such as imitation was sparsely reported in both types of studies. With respect to instructional features, group-design studies were more apt to utilize clinical rather than educational or home settings when compared with SCED studies. In addition, SCED studies were more apt to utilize instructional methods that closely adhered to instructional features more typically characterized as being associated with behavioral approaches.

Conclusion:

The authors discuss future research needs, practice implications, and a more detailed specification of treatment intensity parameters for future research.
Am-241 thermal neutron capture cross section and neutron capture resonance integral from reactor activation and oscillation measurements
Authors: Žerovnik Gašper , Noguère Gilles , Benedik Ljudmila , Kocijančič Dana , Radulović Vladimir
Published: May 2023

In order to validate the neutron capture cross section in 241Am, comparisons of calculations with activation experiments at the TRIGA reactor at JSI and pile oscillation measurements at the MINERVE reactor at CEA Cadarache were done. The results suggest that the evaluation in the new test library JEFF-4T1 on average provide an improvement of the C/E results compared to the existing nuclear data library releases. However, due to some discrepancies, additional experiments at JSI as well as further development of the computational model of the JSI TRIGA reactor are planned to improve the accuracy and reliability of the neutron activation analysis and the nuclear data inferred from them.
Re-examining intermediate resonant structures in the 242Pu fission cross section
Authors: Chatel Carole , Bouland Olivier , Noguère Gilles , Diakaki Maria , Mathieu Ludovic
Published: May 2023

The study of the 242Pu fission cross section has become more important since this isotope is present in Pressurized Water Reactor Uranium Oxide and Mixed Oxide fuel, as well as in fast neutron reactors fuel. This nucleus has been also selected for monitoring the high neutron flux RJH reactor (CEA-Cadarache). For all these reasons, the fission cross section structure of this fertile isotope, and especially its class-II states resonances were investigated in this work. Two class-II states have been identified in the Resolved Resonance Range (RRR) and their parameters have been supplied to the CONRAD code. 68 class- II states have been identified in the Unresolved Resonant Range (URR) and their parameters have been added in the TALYS code data library to reproduce as well as possible the experimental fission cross section. The methodology to identify and insert the class-II states in RRR and URR is described here.
Nuclear data generation & implementation for analog Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Ramirez Camilo Cordero , Jouanne Cédric
Published: May 2023

Nuclear data is in constant evolution as more experimental data is gathered, computational capabilities increase, and evaluators verify its validity by means of stochastic and deterministic simulations. The focus here is on the analog Monte Carlo simulation of nuclear reactions that produce more than two particles in the outgoing channel, which needs specific considerations to ensure the correlations between the particles and thus the conservation of energy and of translational and angular momenta. It is possible to adapt nuclear data and its exploitation to implement realistic reactions from the phenomenological point of view (as opposed to the historical need of variance reduction techniques), which increases computation time but allows the expansion of the transport codes capabilities. Simulation anomalies were found concerning the kinematical calculations of photon energies emitted from neutron-induced inelastic scattering (n,n’γ), as well as concerning the photon multiplicity of 155Gd(n,γ) due to the presence of a rotational band in 156Gd. Recommendations are given for potential solutions for both anomalies.
New design and simulation of the ion guide for neutron-induced fission products at the IGISOL facility
Authors: Gao Zhihao , Solders Andreas , Al-Adili Ali , Cannarozzo Simone , Lantz Mattias , Penttilä Heikki , Pomp Stephan ,   team
Published: May 2023

Measurements of independent fission yield distributions in neutron-induced fission at high neutron energies are important for our fundamental understanding of the fission process, and are also relevant for reactor physics applications. So far, measurements of independent fission yields in proton-induced fission have been performed at the IGISOL facility at the University of Jyväskylä, using the Penning trap as a high resolving-power mass-filter. In order to also facilitate measurements of neutron-induced fission, a dedicated ion guide and a proton-to-neutron converter was developed. However, the first measurement indicates that fewer fission products than expected reach the Penning trap. To explore potential reasons and possible improvements, a simulation model was also developed and benchmarked. The benchmark showed that the model is able to reproduce the performance of the ion guide remarkably well and that the main reason for the low yield of fission products is the low collection efficiency of the ion guide.

Based on the benchmark, a new ion guide is being designed. In the new design, the positions of the uranium targets and volume of the ion guide have been changed to increase the collection of fission products. This results in a five-fold increase of the yield. However, the collection efficiency of the new ion guide still needs to be improved in order to achieve intensities of the extracted fission products that are large enough to allow for reasonable measurement times.

Because the volume of the ion guide is increased significantly, the extraction time of the ions is expected to be longer than that from the previous ion guide. Therefore, an electric field guidance system that consists of a combination of a stationary electric field and an RF-carpet is considered to be deployed. The stationary field, produced from a set of DC-ring electrodes, accelerates the ions towards the RF-carpet at end plate of the ion guide. The RF-carpet consists of a time-dependent field, produced from a radio-frequent structure of concentric rings, with a DC-component that guides the ions towards the exit hole in the center of the end plate. In this paper we present the current status of the simulations and design of the new ion guide.
New results in the modeling of fission and radiative neutron capture with FIFRELIN
Authors: Litaize Olivier , Piau Valentin , Chalil Achment , Ogawa Tatsuhiko , Chebboubi Abdel , Göök Alf , Gunsing Franck , Kessedjian Grégoire , Lhuillier David , Mancusi Davide , Materna Thomas , Oberstedt Andreas , Oberstedt Stephan , Serot Olivier , Thulliez Loïc
Published: May 2023

The FIFRELIN Monte Carlo code has been upgraded recently by adding new capabilities, additional models and updated databases. Several examples are presented in this work as well as three different applications related to the prompt component in fission, gamma cascades from thermal neutron capture and the delayed component in fission associated to the time evolution of decay heat.
The new Device for Indirect Capture Experiments on Radionuclides at LANSCE: Efforts on measuring the resonance(s) responsible for the extremely large 88Zr (n,γ) cross section
Authors: Stamatopoulos A. , Bond E. M. , Bredeweg T.A. , Couture A. , Di Giovine B. , Fassbender M.E. , Hayes-Sterbenz A. C. , Keksis A. L. , Matyskin A. , Mocko V. , Parsons K. , Rusev G. , Ullmann J. , Vermeulen C.
Published: May 2023

The thermal neutron capture cross section of 88Zr was recently reported to be the second largest in nature with the largest resonance integral measured. Presumably, these very large values are caused by a resonance or resonances very near thermal energy. Determining their energies and widths, and hence the shape of the cross section away from thermal energies,is useful for applications. The short half-life (83.4 days) and associated large background, renders direct measurements of the neutron capture cross section impossible using current techniques. However, it is possible to measure the total neutron cross section, and hence the resonance properties, using the newly commissioned Device for Indirect Capture Experiments on Radionuclides (DICER) at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). Transmission measurements are utilized as a surrogate method to perform capture measurements. The 88Zr needed for a DICER measurement was produced at the Isotope Production Facility (IPF) and cleanly separated from the production target material. A description of the new instrument, efforts and preliminary results on 88Zr will be presented.
Additional reaction mechanisms to statistical α-emission and the related optical-potential validation
Authors: Avrigeanu Vlad , Avrigeanu Marilena
Published: May 2023

The major role of consistent parameter sets within analysis of neutron-induced α-particle emission, for the assessment of a possible difference between the optical model potentials (OMPs), which describe either alpha-particle elastic scattering and induced reactions or alpha-emission from excited compound nuclei, is shown. They are involved at variance with use of either empirical rescaling factors of the γ and/or neutron widths or even combinations of all options of a computer code for main input parameters. Suitable description of all competitive reaction channels, confirmed by a careful uncertainty analysis in order to avoid parameter ambiguities and/or error compensation, supports further consideration of additional direct processes.
Measurement of the delayed-neutron yield in the thermal neutron induced fission of 239Pu
Authors: Leconte Pierre , Geslot Benoit , Sardet Alix , Casoli Pierre , Kooyman Timothee , Belverge Dorian , Doré Diane , Kessedjian Grégoire , Chebboubi Abdelaziz , Solder Torsten , Mutti Paolo
Published: May 2023

This article presents an experimental effort to provide high-quality data to improve the evaluation of the 239Pu delayed neutron yield in the thermal energy range. The set-up is composed of a long counter with sixteen 3He tubes, a fast shutter system to produce irradiation cycles with short rising/falling times, and a miniature fission chamber containing 114μg of 239Pu. The whole system was installed in the PF1B experimental zone of the Institut Laue-Langevin, which provides a cold neutron beam. The repetition of irradiation/decay cycles enables to saturate the delayed neutron precursors and to measure their yield through the observed activity, shortly after the beam-stop. The innovation of our measurement technique relies on the clear distinction between prompt and delayed neutron counting, thanks to boron absorbers, without the necessity to move the sample. In such a way, it is possible to normalize the counting of delayed neutron emission to the one of total neutron emission, based on the well-known value of the prompt neutron multiplicity. The present work provides a delayed neutron yield value of vd = 0.642(5)%. The latter is in 1σ agreement with the IAEA recommendation of 0.628(38)%, with a strongly reduced uncertainty thanks to our normalization technique.
Processing of JEFF nuclear data libraries for the SCALE Code System and testing with criticality benchmark experiments
Authors: Jiménez-Carrascosa Antonio , Cabellos Oscar , Díez Carlos Javier , García-Herranz Nuria
Published: May 2023

In the last years, a new version of the Joint Evaluated Fission and Fusion File (JEFF) data library, namely JEFF-3.3, has been released with relevant updates in the neutron reaction, thermal neutron scattering and covariance sub-libraries. In the frame of the EU H2020 SANDA project, severale efforts have been made to enable the use of JEFF nuclear data libraries with the extensively tested and verified SCALE Code System. With this purpose, AMPX processing code has been applied to enable such application, allowing to provide insight into the interaction between the code and the new versions of JEFF data file. This paper provides an overview about the processing of JEFF-3.3 nuclear data library with AMPX for its application within the SCALE package. The AMPX-formatted cross-section library has been widely verified and tested using a comprehensive set of criticality benchmarks from ICSBEP, by comparing both with results provided by other processing and neutron transport codes and experimental. Processing of JEFF-3.3 covariances is also addressed along with their corresponding verification using covariances processed with NJOY. This work paves the way towards a successful future interaction between JEFF libraries and SCALE.
Outcomes of WPEC SG47 on "Use of Shielding Integral Benchmark Archive and Database for Nuclear Data Validation"
Authors: Kodeli Ivan A , Fleming Michael , Cabellos Oscar , Leal Luiz , Celik Yurdunaz , Ding Yanyan , Jansky Bohumil , Neudecker Denise , Novak Evzen , Simakov Stanislav , Iwamoto Yosuke , Valentine Alex
Published: May 2023

The Working Party on International Nuclear Data Evaluation Co-operation Subgroup 47 (WPECSG47) entitled "Use of Shielding Integral Benchmark Archive and Database for Nuclear Data Validation" was organised from 2019 and 2022 with the objectives to promote more systematic and wider use of shielding benchmark experiments in nuclear data (ND) and transport code validation and development, to provide feedback on the Shielding Integral Benchmark Archive and Database (SINBAD), and to promote its further development in coordination with the Expert Group on Physics of Reactor Systems (EGPRS). Altogether 9 meetings, the large majority (8) held remotely, were organised during the past 3 years to discuss the experience on the use of SINBAD, evaluation of new benchmarks and improvements to be contributed to the database which was severely neglected and lacking maintenance over the past ⇠ 10+ years. Several proposals for new or updated benchmark evaluation were presented and discussed, such as FNG copper, LLNL pulsed spheres, CIAE iron sphere, KFK 1977 gamma measurements, Rez Fe sphere, ASPIS, ORNL Oxygen broomstick, TIARA and others. Complementing the database with new features was also discussed, for example providing the nuclear data sensitivity profiles more systematically would facilitate and better guide the use of data. Information on the geometry, (radiation source) and materials available in CAD format is expected to allow an easier and less error prone reference for computational model preparation and a potential input to CAD based workflows. Inputs for various transport codes and other benchmark data from participants have been shared via the NEA GitLab which could hopefully in the future evolve and form a bases for critically checked and validated benchmark data. Future development of SINBAD will be monitored by EGPRS and the newly created SINBAD Task Force.
Measurement of delayed neutrons in a thermal nuclear reactor by means of a long run pile noise experiment in sub-critical state
Authors: Boffy R. , Truchet G. , Geslot B. , de Izarra G. , Sardet A.
Published: May 2023

The transfer function of a zero-power thermal reactor was successfully measured thanks to neutron noise techniques from 1 mHz to 160 Hz. During a month-long experimental campaign, the fluctuations of the neutron population in critical and subcritical configurations of the core were acquired using excore fission chambers and analysed through Cross-Power Spectral Density (CPSD) methodology. Firstly, the reactor’s kinetic parameters, i.e. prompt decay constant, effective delayed neutron fraction and generation time, were obtained at critical state. It required calibrating the reactor’s power, which was done by metal foil activation and measurement of the 235U fission rate. Secondly, these parameters were used to estimate the groups’ abundances of delayed neutrons from the CPSD measured in a sub-critical state. Fitting data with a point kinetic model was done with Bayesian inference - CONRAD and Stan programs were used. A very good agreement was found between experimental abundances and the ones computed with TRIPOLI-4 Monte-Carlo transport code and JEFF3.1.1 nuclear data library. Uncertainties on prior abundances between 6 % to 101 %, held mainly by nuclear data, were lowered down to 4 % to 54 %, depending on the delayed group.
Generation of thermal neutron scattering libraries for liquid para-hydrogen and ortho-deuterium using ring-polymer molecular dynamics
Authors: Dijulio Douglas D. , Marquez Damian Jose Ignacio , Muhrer Gunter
Published: May 2023

In this paper we present results of combining ring-polymer molecular dynamics with the LEAPR and THEMR modules of NJOY to generate thermal neutron scattering libraries for liquid para-hydrogen and ortho-deuterium. We present the methodology and show that it produces results that are in good agreement with data from both recent available measurements and previous theoretical studies. We also present some simple benchmark Monte-Carlo simulations compared with other available libraries.
FLASSH 1.0: Thermal Scattering Law Evaluation and Cross Section Generation
Authors: Fleming N. Colby , Manring Cole A. , Laramee Briana , Crozier Jonathan P.W. , Lee Eunji , Hawari Ayman I.
Published: May 2023

The Full Law Analysis Scattering System Hub (FLASSH) is an advanced code which evaluates the thermal scattering law (i.e. TSL, S(α,β)) for thermal scattering cross sections and resonance Doppler broadening. The ability to accurately capture these two key cross section features is dependent on accurate, high fidelity TSL evaluations. FLASSH 1.0 provides advanced physics capabilities resulting in an improved, generalized TSL to most accurately represent the lattice dynamics within any material. This improved TSL will allow for consistent analysis in both the thermal and epithermal energy ranges. The features for TSL analysis are packaged within the FLASSH GUI for easy user interface along with data output in many file formats including ENDF File 7 and ACE files.
Neutron thermal cross sections of 3D-printing organic polymers using the Average Functional Group Approximation
Authors: Romanelli Giovanni , Simoni Margherita , Preziosi Enrico , Marquez Damian Jose Ignacio , Andreani Carla , Senesi Roberto
Published: May 2023

We provide a worked example on how to obtain the total neutron scattering cross section of organic polymers at thermal neutron energies by means of the Average Functional Group Approximation. Within this framework, a polymer is rationalised as composed of hydrogen atoms belonging to specific functional groups,therefore taking into account the material-specific incoherent inelastic scattering contributions to the thermal cross section. Such simplified model allows the calculation of thermal neutron cross sections for a broad variety of materials of interest in neutron applications, e.g., sample containers and shielding components. We discuss in detail the case of ABS, often available as a 3D-printing material, whereby three polymers (acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene) can be combined in several mass percentages depending on the final application. Results are obtained using the NCrystal module already featuring the Average Functional Group Approximation.
Methods for processing and use of thermal neutron scattering data in OpenMC
Authors: Romano Paul K. , Nelson Adam G.
Published: May 2023

OpenMC, an open source Monte Carlo particle transport code, relies on its own nuclear data format that is based on the HDF5 file format. The Python API within OpenMC includes an openmc.data module, which handles generation of thermal scattering HDF5 libraries starting from either ACE or ENDF files. When starting from ENDF files, NJOY is automatically executed to produce intermediate ACE files. In most cases, the resulting HDF5 data is equivalent to that stored in an ACE file. For incoherent elastic scattering, however, a novel sampling method is derived from the double-differential cross section and can be used to preserve the true continuous angular distribution. In this case, the characteristic bound cross section and Debye–Waller integral are taken directly from an ENDF file. Testing on the H in ZrH evaluation from ENDF/B-VIII.0 has demonstrated how the new sampling method matches the true distribution whereas the traditional treatment based on discrete cosines can leaves significant gaps in the angular distribution.
WPEC SG50: Developing an Automatically Readable, Comprehensive and Curated Experimental Nuclear Reaction Database
Authors: Lewis Amanda , Neudecker Denise , Koning Arjan , Barry Devin , Brown Jesse , Schnabel Georg
Published: May 2023

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) Working Party on International Nuclear Data Evaluation Co-operation (WPEC) subgroup (SG) 50 was formed in 2020 to develop an automatically readable, comprehensive and curated experimental nuclear reaction database. This database is called MEDUSAL (Machine-readable Experimental Data User Application & Library), and will draw from EXFOR. The EXFOR database preserves experimental nuclear reaction data true to its original documentation and information from the authors of the data. MEDUSAL will deviate from EXFOR by storing additional information from users of the data for their fields of work (evaluation, model development, validation, etc.). This includes expert judgment on the data sets, identification of data points as outliers, renormalization of the data to the newest monitor reactions, and estimations of missing uncertainty sources. The format for MEDUSAL is being developed to enable easy automatic parsing of large amounts of data. Here, we will summarize the use cases, high-level requirements and first steps towards developing the database MEDUSAL and the API to access it.
Effect of multi-phase slag on dephosphorization in BOF steelmaking
Authors: Liu Zhao , Cheng Shusen , Zhang Weiyang , Liu Pengbo , Li Jipeng
Published: May 2023

In basic oxygen furnace double slag process, the slag shows a coexisting state of both liquid and solid. In order to study the effect of multi-phase slag on dephosphorization, heat experiments were conducted in this study, and the multi-phase slag was analyzed with the method of SEM-EDS. The results show that the mass fraction and size of solid solution increase with increasing basicity and decreasing FetO concentration. The distribution of P2O5 (LP2O5) between the solid solution and liquid phase increases with the T.Fe content in the liquid phase. While the increase of CaO content in liquid phase shows the opposite effect. A higher CaO content in liquid phase brought a decrease in γP2O5. The increase of T.Fe content in liquid slag has no notable effect on γP2O5 of dephosphorization slag, but increases γP2O5 of decarburization slag. The partition ratio of phosphorus between slag and steel (LP) increases with the increase of basicity, for conditions of FetO content in dephosphorization slag less than 25%. In the case of basicity of 3.0, LP reaches a maximum at FetO = 15%. When the basicity is 3.5 and 4.0, LP value is the largest at FetO of 15% or 20%.