bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-situ gamma irradiation testing of radiation hardened chips till 1 MGy
Authors: Geys David , Cao Ying , Van Uffelen Marco , Casellas Laura Mont , Vermeeren Ludo , Gusarov Andrei
Published: November 2021

Ten samples of a custom tailored Mega-Gray hardened resolver/LVDT-to-digital converter, a resistive base sensor-to-digital converter and a RS485 communication application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) were combined in 1 irradiation campaign for Fusion for Energy (Barcelona, Spain). Radiation resistance of these ASICs, developed by Magics Instruments (Geel, Belgium) for Fusion for Energy, was assessed for a total ionizing dose (TID) above 1 MGy using the Co-60 gamma underwater irradiation test facility at SCK CEN (Mol, Belgium).

The 3 different ASICs were irradiated at an average dose rate of 484 Gy/h and their performance was continuously measured (in-situ) during 97 irradiation days. A fully autonomous and modular test setup was developed to perform these measurements and ensure continuous operation by implementing a recovery and warning system in case of failure to restrict measurement data loss to minimum.

An in-situ post-irradiation assessment was performed afterwards to observe recovery from the irradiation in a socalled annealing phase. Annealing was done for seven days at room temperature followed by another 7 days of high temperature annealing at 100 °C to accelerate the recovery effect.

During the full test campaign all data was saved in a database, post-processed with Python into readable plots to deduct possible performance shifts due to the irradiation and afterwards during recovery.

During the complete testing campaign of these ASICs the ESCC22900 (Total Dose Steady-State Irradiation Test Method) standard was followed.
Characterization of the X-ray spectrum of a linear accelerator
Authors: Maulin Maëva , Allinei Pierre Guy , Eck Daniel , Estre Nicolas , Payan Emmanuel , Tisseur David , Kessedjian Grégoire
Published: November 2021

The Nuclear Measurement Laboratory (LMN) at CEA Cadarache in France uses a high-energy electron linear accelerator, LINAC (9-21 MeV), to characterize nuclear waste drums. It enables to explore new examination modalities, such as active photon interrogation or dualenergy CT to scan large concrete objects with diameters up to 140 cm. These techniques require precise awareness of the photon spectrum emitted by the LINAC. However, direct measure of this photon energy spectrum cannot be achieved because of the accelerator pulses causing detector saturation. During the last few years, a large number of indirect methods has been developed. From an experimental point of view, the simplest indirect method for spectrum estimation method is ransmission measurements. Because it can be set up easily and accurately using an ionization chamber as well as an appropriate screen. The obtained transmission curve depends on the photon energy spectrum, which can be estimated using inverse models.

In this paper, we present the development of a numerical model to determine the energy spectrum from an attenuation curve via transmission measurements which combines two types of inverse models: a continue model and a discrete model.

We validate this tool using a test spectrum and its transmission curve obtained via Monte-Carlo simulation. This qualification allowed us to determine its sensitivity (signal-to-noise ratio, SNR) in order to have a good convergence. We show that if the SNR is less than 4%, we have a good estimation of the photon energy spectrum. Then, it was experimentally tested with a transmission curve obtained at the laboratory.
Some Considerations on the Energy Deposition During a RIA Transient Based On Monte Carlo Simulations
Authors: Bartos Julia , Gruel Adrien , Vaglio-Gaudard Claire , Coquelet-Pascal Christine
Published: November 2021

Specific research reactors are capable of reproducing reactivity injection accidents in order to study the behavior of the nuclear fuel pins in accidental situations. In the CABRI research reactor, the fuel pin to be examined (test pin) is placed in the center of the core in a dedicated test loop. It is then subjected to a power transient, obtained by the fast depressurization of the 3He neutron absorber gas from the transient rods located in the core. One of the central parameters of the experiment is the energy deposition in the test pin, which is currently not measured during a transient. Instead, it is assumed that the relative energy distribution between the core and the test pin is constant regardless the operational state of the reactor. Currently, this correlation is measured in steady state. As such, the impact of the variations in the neutron flux, fuel and moderator temperatures during the transient is assumed equivalent on the energy deposition in the core and in the test pin. The goal of this work is to improve our knowledge on the mechanisms involved in the transient energy deposition. The aim of this paper is to present a methodological approach for the energy deposition estimation during a CABRI transient, based on static Monte Carlo calculations. The results suggest that the transient energy deposition rate is mainly dependent on the helium pressure and the Doppler feedback, and the relative energy distribution between the core and test pin changes during the transient.
Calibration of CFUL01 fission chambers in the standard neutron fields of the BR1 reactor at SCK CEN
Authors: Kochetkov Anatoly , Krása Antonín , Borms Luc , Malambu Edouard , Vittiglio Guido , Wagemans Jan , Willems Jeroen
Published: November 2021

Recent subcritical VENUS-F experiments showed that fission chambers with a threshold deposit like U-238 can essentially improve the on-line sub-criticality measurments with the beam interruption method, which is currently supposed to be the main method for the ADS MYRRHA. To suppress the uncertainty caused by fissions in the U-235 impurities, the fraction of U-235 in the U deposit should be accurately known. Three PHOTONIS CFUL01 type fission chambers with U-238 deposit were purchased for sub-critical experiments in the VENUS-F reactor. To verify the purity of their deposits, the effective U-235 masses were measured in the empty cavity of the BR1 reactor with a well-known thermal neutron spectrum. It turned out that the measured effective U-235 mass in two fission chambers is lower than the declared mass (as it should be), but this is not the case for the third fission chamber. Then, the effective U-238 mass in these FCs was measured in the well-known fast spectrum of the MARK-III convertor in the BR1 reactor. Finally, the isotopic composition was obtained and it was found that the purity of two CFUL01 FCs is in agreement with the values declared in the certificates but it is not the case for the third fission chamber. As the length of the deposit is bigger than the length of the MARK-III convertor, necessary corrections were calculated with MCNP. The developed procedure using the BR1 standard irradiation fields can be applied for calibration and impurity determination of large fission chambers.
Measuring gamma doses over the mGy-kGy range with a single type of TLD detector
Authors: Gruel Adrien , Sardet Alix , Chaussonnet Vincent , Houdouin-Quenault Maxime , Garnier Daniel
Published: November 2021

Thermo-luminescent detectors are currently used to measure gamma doses in the medical and environmental surveillance fields. During the past few years, the CEA Reactor Studies Division tested and validated the use of these detectors for gamma flux characterization and nuclear heating measurements in mixed neutron/gamma fields of low power reactors. Doses were comprised between a few mGy and a few Gy for dose rates up to a few Gy.h-1. However, in MTR or TRIGA reactors, the gamma flux level is much higher (> 1012 n/cm2/s) and the TLD currently in use (CaF2:Mn and 7LiF:Mg,Ti) and their readout protocols were no longer suitable for the resulting doses. In order to extend the applicable dose range up to ∼1 MGy (dose rate of a few kGy.h-1), several options were explored. On one side, some adjustments were made to the readout protocols of CaF2:Mn and 7LiF:Mg,Ti, notably by testing the use of filters to reduce the amount of light received by the reader PMT to avoid saturation. On the other side, a new type of TLD (LiF:Mg,Cu,P) with different Li enrichments (natural or enriched in 7Li) was tested.

This paper presents the calibration measurements results performed in pure gamma fields, at the irradiation platform of the CEA Cadarache Radioprotection Division, between 250 mGy and 3 Gy for all detector types. In addition to the calibration, these measurements also studied the Mg,Cu,P-doped detectors response: reproducibility, dose rate dependence, incoming photon energy dependence, high temperature effect when reading TLD, etc.

Results show that at low doses Mg,Cu,P-doped TLDs are slightly less stable than CaF2:Mn and 7LiF:Mg,Ti. The sensitivity modification after a high dose exposure seems to indicate that a new protocol readout should be defined for Mg,Cu,P-doped sensors (high temperature peak).
Characterization of the proton pulsed beam at CMAM
Authors: Viñals S. , Sánchez-Parcerisa D. , Fraile L.M. , España S. , García G. , García-Díaz M. , SánchezTembleque V. , Udías J.M.
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the technicalities performed to obtain a pulsed beam at the CMAM facility will be explained. The pulsed beam has been characterized with an 8 MeV proton beam, using an existing equipment at CMAM: two pairs of electrostatic plates (RASTER) that deflect the beam, commonly used for homogeneous irradiation of large areas. A pulsed beam is used in many areas such as nuclear physics, material science and, in particular, for proton-therapy medical studies. Rectangular and pyramidal functions have been used to generate different pulses and characterize the response of the RASTER. The results point out that the pulses obtained are suitable for preclinical proton-therapy studies in the FLASH regime, which consists on fractionating the dose in time with short and intense pulses. The set-up for the characterization has been a function generator and a Si-PM outside the chamber.
Peak Area Consistency Evaluation in Gamma Spectrometry
Authors: Persson Henrik , Phillips Kara
Published: November 2021

Quantification of radionuclide activities in gamma spectrometry can be a challenging task. It depends on efficiency calibration, peak area calculation, nuclide decay data and correction factors, such as attenuation correction or true coincidence summing corrections. These quantities can present significant challenges to an accurate analysis. It is therefore desirable to have a way of assessing the quality of the radionuclide quantification that can be applied to samples with unknown activities and radionuclide compositions. A verification of the self-consistency of the analysis is one possible way of accomplishing this. In gamma spectrometry it is possible to calculate radionuclide activities using information from multiple gamma emission energies. This leads to an overdetermined system for which the solution can be used to look for inconsistencies. By calculating the recovered peak areas from the radionuclide activities and comparing these to the measured peak areas, outliers can be identified and by resolving these inconsistencies the analysis of the spectrum can be improved. This peak area consistency evaluation can be used to find incorrect shape of the efficiency calibration, missing interferences in the nuclide decay data, and point to peaks where the peak area calculation needs to be optimized. The performance of the method has been shown on a simple spectrum consisting of three radionuclides that are interfering with each other as well as a complex spectrum with unknown radionuclide composition and activities. The method will be integrated into a future version the Genie 2000 Gamma Spectroscopy Software.
Development of UO2 thermal diffusivity measurement with laser techniques
Authors: Doualle Thomas , Le Guillous Vincent , Klosek Vincent , Onofri-Marroncle Claire , Reymond Matthieu , Gallais Laurent , Pontillon Yves
Published: November 2021

The knowledge of the thermal conductivity of nuclear fuel and its evolution as a function of temperature and burn up is a major challenge in the context of the evaluation and understanding of irradiated fuel performances in current reactors. It is also the case for the development and qualification of fuel for future reactors. Indeed, numerical simulations of the fuel behaviour under various conditions require the accurate knowledge of thermal conductivity over a wide range of temperature (from ambient to melting point temperature) but also at the scale of few tens of micrometres to take into account the microstructural effects on the thermomechanical evolution of the fuel in normal or incidental irradiation conditions. Different methods, using laser matter interactions, can deduce the thermal conductivity from a thermal diffusivity measurement. In this paper, the potential of two techniques, which present spatial resolution from millimetre to few tens microns, are discussed in the context of the determination of the fuel thermal conductivity: laser flash method and infrared microscopy. Experiments on graphite, as material model, have been conducted and validate these two thermal diffusivity measurement techniques. We present a measurement example for both methods on graphite and then a first experiment carried out with the infrared microscopy technique on UO2.
New probe for the improvement of the Spatial Resolution in total-body PET (PROScRiPT)
Authors: Ros A. , Barrientos L. , Borja-Lloret M. , Casaña J.V. , Muñoz E. , Roser J. , Udías J.M. , Viegas R. , Llosá G.
Published: November 2021

In recent decades, PET scanners have been widely used for diagnosis and treatment monitoring in nuclear medicine. The continuous effort of the scientific community has led to improvements in scanner performance. Total-body PET is one of the latest upgrades in PET scanners. These kinds of scanners are able to scan the whole body of the patient with a single bed position, since the scanner tube is long enough for the patient to fit inside. While these scanners show unprecedented efficiency and extended field-of-view, a drawback is their low spatial resolution compared to dedicated scanners. In order to improve the spatial resolution of specific areas when measuring with a total-body PET scanner, the IRIS group at IFIC-Valencia is developing a probe. The proposed setup of the probe contains a monolithic scintillation crystal and a SiPM. The signal of the probe is read out by a TOFPET2 ASIC from PETsys, which has shown good performance for PET in terms of spatial and time resolutions. Furthermore, the PETsys technology generates a trigger signal that will be used to time synchronise the probe and the scanner. The proof-of-concept of the probe will be tested in a Preclinical Super Argus PET/CT scanner for small animals located at IFIC. Preliminary simulations of the scanner and the probe under ideal conditions show a slight improvement in the position reconstruction compared to the data obtained with the scanner, therefore we expect a considerable improvement when using the probe in a total-body PET scanner. Characterisation tests of the probe have been performed with a 22Na point-like source, obtaining an energy resolution of 9.09% for the 511 keV energy peak and a temporal resolution of 619 ps after time walk correction. The next step of the project is to test the probe measuring in temporal coincidence with the scanner.
Plutonium and Americium Inventories in Soil Cores from the English Lake District, Cumbria (UK)
Authors: Madina A. , Tighe C. , Joyce M. J.
Published: November 2021

Environmental radioactivity has been reported in the stationary wetlands closer to the natural water basins in Great Britain, precisely in the English Lake District (Cumbria, UK) often emphasise on the investigation carried out through either high-resolution γ-ray spectroscopy or α-particle spectroscopy. The objective of the study is the evaluation of trace actinide (241Am) through environments radioactivity measurements of two Lakes in the Lake District using a broad-energy, high-resolution γ-ray spectroscopy germanium (BEGe) detector. These appeal to the need to determine the radioactive concentration (Bq/g) in the soil samples with the intent being to discern natural and anthropogenic contributions, and trends in abundances associated with influences of the landscape over time, at trace levels in the environment. These measurements highlight potential benefits for the assessment of 241Am and 241Pu, especially comparisons that might be made with accelerator mass spectrometry assessments (AMS). This study intents to offer an inclusive investigation practise for determining the levels of radioactivity in soil cores, as well as the method for statistical analysis approach to calculate the activity of a soil sample, with a special emphasis on categorising the natural and anthropogenic contributors to trace amounts of plutonium in the environment, that is, less than500 fg/g.
EASY: Educational Alibava System
Authors: García Carmen , Bernabeu José , Herranz Juan , Lacasta Carlos , Lozano Manuel , Martí-García Salvador , Pellegrini Giulio , Ullán Miguel
Published: November 2021

EASY, a plug-and-play educational system, is portable, compact and a complete system for micro-strip sensor characterization. Ideal for making basic or complex experiments. It is based on the Classic Alibava System [1], largely used within the CERN community to test micro-strip detectors for particle experiments. The system can be configured to work with pulsed laser light or radioactive sources.

The aim of this system is to illustrate students in the operation of a silicon strip detectors

The components of the EASY systems are the Control Unit and the Sensor Unit. The Control Unit is the heart of the system communicating with the Sensor Unit and the Computer software. It contains the Data Acquisition Control and it is also in charge of processing of the sensor data and trigger inputs. In addition, it contains an adjustable Hight Voltage unit for micro-strip sensor bias, with voltage and current display and includes the laser source. The Control Unit communicates with computer software via USB. The Sensor Unit accommodate a p-on-n silicon micro-strip sensor segmented in 128 strips.

EASY comes with an activity book where the students, through 10 exercises, are introduced in the main concepts and functionalities of micro-strip silicon detectors, used in the actual particle physic experiments. The book also provides a full description of the EASY device and the data Acquisition system.
The advent of X-ray free electron lasers
Authors: Couprie Marie-Emmanuelle
Published: November 2021

Free Electron Lasers (FEL) use free electrons in the periodic permanent magnetic field of an undulator as a gain medium. They extend from far infrared to X-rays, they are easily tunable and provide a high peak power. The advent of tunable intense (few mJ) short pulse (down to the attosecond regime) FELs with record multi GW peak power in the X-ray domain enables to explore new scientific areas. These unprecedent X-ray sources come along with versatile performance.
Optical spectroscopy for the detection of micro- and nanoplastics in water
Authors: Roussey Matthieu , Asamoah Benjamin O. , Peiponen Kai-Erik
Published: November 2021

Optical spectroscopy techniques offer an additional dimension to classical methods for the detection and identification of complex particles in complex environments. We present some of these techniques applied in the frame of the fight against the plague of Micro- and Nano-plastics.
Psoriasisarthritis (PsA) – retrospektive Datenanalyse einer Praxis-Kohorte und Schlussfolgerungen für Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Jahn Sigbert , Diamanti Evangelia , Föhr Julia , Papageorgiou Andria , Herbst Matthias
Published: November 2021

Es wurden 40 Patienten mit Psoriasisarthritis (PsA) aus unserer Praxis nach dem Kriterium „Vorstellung in der Spezialsprechstunde Immundermatologie“ ausgewählt und einer retrospektiven Datenanalyse unterzogen. Entsprechend wurden nur vorhandene Angaben zu Krankheitsmerkmalen, -schwere und -verlauf, zu Therapien sowie zu Laborparametern ausgewertet, keine neuen oder ergänzenden nachträglich erhoben. Unsere Patientenkohorte wird charakterisiert durch epidemiologische Daten wie Geschlechtsverteilung (weiblich:männlich = 1,2:1), Alter (Mittelwert 52 Jahre), Erkrankungsdauer (23 Jahre, 5/40 Patienten mit Late-Onset-Erkrankung). In den meisten Fällen traten die Gelenkbeschwerden deutlich nach, bei nur wenigen Patienten zeitnah zu den Hautsymptomen, auf oder wurden dann bemerkt. Für die Diagnosestellung wurden die CASPAR-Kriterien und der DAPSA-Score verwendet. Die röntgenologische Diagnostik erwies sich als wenig hilfreich. Soweit möglich, wurde bei der Diagnosestellung und Therapieeinleitung mit Kollegen der Rheumatologie oder Kliniken zusammengearbeitet. Entsprechend der Vielzahl zur Verfügung stehender therapeutischer Optionen wurden verschiedene Substanzen eingesetzt und ein Therapiealgorithmus ausgearbeitet. In einigen Fällen wurde versucht, Therapieverläufe mittels DAPSA, PASI, NAPSI und DLQI zu objektivieren. Kasuistische Berichte aus der Kohorte veranlassten uns zur Analyse von Hinweisen auf Atopie (klinische Symptome, Labor- und Testparameter, entsprechende Therapien), wobei wir bei 12/40 Patienten mit PsA atopische Phänomene feststellten. Wir möchten mit dieser retrospektiven, klinischen Datenanalyse einen Beitrag leisten für ein gutes interdisziplinäres Management einer sehr komplexen und häufig schweren Erkrankung in unseren dermatologischen Praxen.
Psychische Gesundheit von LGBT bei Homophobie
Authors: Marin George-Dan
Published: November 2021

Menschen mit einer lesbischen, schwulen, bisexuellen oder transsexuellen Orientierung werden häufig diskriminiert. Wie wirkt sich diese Homophobie auf ihre psychische Gesundheit aus? Und wie können psychiatrisch Pflegende die Betroffenen unterstützen und inkludieren?
Kinder psychisch erkrankter Eltern
Authors: Liedtke Anne K.
Published: November 2021

Sie schwanken häufig zwischen Wut, Angst, Schuldgefühlen und Hoffnungslosigkeit, erleben Vernachlässigung, fühlen sich ungerecht behandelt oder ungeliebt – Kinder psychisch erkrankter Eltern. Im Schwerpunkt erfahren Sie, welche alltäglichen Belastungen diese kleinen Angehörigen erleben, welche Faktoren sie davor schützen, selbst psychisch zu erkranken und welche Unterstützung sie in dieser besonderen Lebenssituation benötigen.
Ewing-Sarkom
Authors: Krome Susanne
Published: November 2021

1920 beschrieb der Pathologe James Ewing einen ungewöhnlichen Knochentumor bei einem 14-jährigen Mädchen. Inzwischen gilt das Ewing-Sarkom als Musterbeispiel für die Entstehung eines soliden Tumors durch eine einzige genetische Rekombination. Die molekulargenetische Forschung erklärt heute die klinische Heterogenität mit epigenetischen Neuorganisationen und dem zellulären Kontext. Daraus erwachsen therapeutische Optionen für die Zukunft.
HER2-negatives Mammakarzinom
Authors: Schmale Ine
Published: November 2021

Beim Mammakarzinom wurde der hohe Stellenwert der Patientinnen-Selektion bei der Therapieentscheidung auf dem virtuellen ASCO 2021 erneut deutlich. Patientinnen mit HER2-negativem Brustkrebs profitierten von zielgerichteten Therapien mit CDK4/6-Inhibitoren zusätzlich zur endokrinen Therapie, auch bei fortgeschrittener Erkrankung. Für die Behandlung älterer Patientinnen mit tripelnegativem Mammakarzinom (TNBC) ist ein Antikörper-Wirkstoff-Konjugat in der metastasierten Situation vielversprechend, während die intensivere adjuvante Chemotherapie für den basalen Subtyp anscheinend keinen Nutzen bringt.
Network Oncolgy Specialist Advisory Service – A Survey of the
Psychosocial Situation of Long Term Cancer Survivors During Childhood or
Adolescents
Authors: Toenne Rebecca , Baumeister Rebecca , Koch Anika , Lindhorst Kristin , Reinhardt Dirk , Kremeike Kerstin
Published: November 2021

Background The number of long term cancer survivors during childhood or
adolescence is increasing steadily. Survivors often suffer from physical or
psychosocial long term effects. There is currently little data on the
arrangement of long term aftercare in the field of psychosocial care.

Methods In November 2017 a questionnaire was sent to 1900 cancer survivors
aged between 18 and 35 years whose diagnosis dated at least five years prior.
The obtained data serve as a condition and needs assessment, how the
(psychosocial) long-term aftercare is perceived by the survivors and what else
is desired. The analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics as well as
the calculation of bivariate correlations.

Results The response rate was 54.9% (n=1.043). The median
interval from the first diagnosis was 20 years. In total 666 survivors
(63.9%) stated that they suffered from at least one long term effect.
Within this, especially neurocognitive themes played a role. 87.2% of
the respondents had the feeling that they had overcome the
illness/therapy well.

Conclusion Through a stronger patient-focussed orientation concerning the
current care and advisory services, the situation of long term survivors could
be improved. This especially includes access to relevant information that
focuses on the available psychosocial and welfare services, as well as to
advisory and care services. Additionally, the development and expansion of care
structures in the areas of neurocognition and psychotherapy is important to
ensure long term participation attendance.
Machine learning holds promise for optimizing optical data storage technology
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: November 2021

Applications in image analysis, guiding adaptive optics and targeted design, look to push new storage techniques even further.
Optimization of wind power generation benefit with considering the partial system information
Authors: Liu Feng , Liu XiangQian , Zhao BoYang , Yu Jian , Li Peng
Published: November 2021

This paper aims to solve the coupled problem of wind turbine modeling and wind power generation benefit analysis. The salient features of the proposed method are as follows: First, the model of wind power generation benefit is obtained, and the task is formulated as an optimization problem of a linear quadratic (LQ) optimal equation in terms of wind power generation benefit. Second, the controller is designed with considering the partial system information and solved based on the Forward and Backward Stochastic Differential Equations (FBSDEs) and adjoint equations. Numerical simulations are adopted to verify the proposed optimization method for partial information and full information cases, respectively.
Surface wave transmission line theory for single and many wire systems
Authors: Schaich Tobias , Molnar Daniel , Al Rawi Anas , Payne Mike
Published: November 2021

Examining cables using the many conductor transmission line theory has shed light on the modes supported by various cable types. However, so far, the theory disregards the fundamental surface wave mode whose lateral confinement increases with frequency and hence is expected to play an important role in high-frequency applications. To address this issue, we propose an extension to the theory that incorporates surface waves on uncoated, cylindrical wires. Crucially, this requires new definitions of the per unit length transmission line parameters, which are derived using the single wire surface wave solution. By closely examining a two-wire and a three-wire system, we show that these new parameters can predict surface waves as well as modes found using conventional many conductor transmission line theory. Furthermore, all calculated modes are validated experimentally by diagonalization of a measured coupling matrix. Additionally, the propagation constants for the modes predicted by the model are validated against full numerical simulations. Good agreement is observed when proximity effects can be neglected.
Transient heat thermal load characteristics produced by a three-electrode capillary discharge generator
Authors: Yang Weihong , Jiang Shi , Chen Li , Li Xingwen , Gu Kunquan , He Yuzhe , Li Weihao
Published: November 2021

The behavior of the transient heat flux produced by a three-electrode capillary discharge generator working at a repetitive mode is presented in this paper. The radial distribution profiles of plasma temperature, electron density, and thermal load are obtained by the optical emission spectrometry and correction algorithm. Experiments with different capillary diameters and charging voltages are carried out, and the relation between the discharge characteristics and the geometry parameters of the capillary is measured. A maximum transient thermal load of 1.42 GW·m−2 is obtained with 10 Hz, which can meet the thermal load amplitude requirement of Type-I edge localized mode heat flux in the ITER-like Tokamak.
Atomic resolution in situ observation on photon-induced reshaping and phase transitions of CsPbBr3 nanocube and quantum dot
Authors: Li Jiayi , Ren Yifeng , Su Yucong , Xi Zhongnan , Yang Yurong , Wu Di , Lu Zhenda , Deng Yu
Published: November 2021

Controlling the photon-induced reshaping and phase transitions of low-dimensional halide perovskites is a significant and challenging task. Using in situ Cs-corrected transmission electron microscopy with a nanosecond pulsed laser source, we traced CsPbBr3 nanocubes and quantum dots under different laser irradiation conditions, through a low-dose observation mode. We found that a high laser fluence with a short irradiation time (e.g., 300 mJ/cm2 in the range of seconds) triggers defect growth and a cubic-to-orthorhombic phase transition in perovskite nanocubes; however, a low laser fluence with a long irradiation time (e.g., 30 mJ/cm2 in the range of minutes) is actually like an annealing process that removes defects and gradually reshapes the perovskite samples into a round morphology, with the cubic phase well stabilized by the strong surface tension. Based on the in situ studies, we present a feasible and effective laser engineering approach for low-dimensional halide perovskite materials.
Fluid simulation of the superimposed dual-frequency source effect in inductively coupled discharges
Authors: Sun Xiao-Yan , Zhang Yu-Ru , Wang You-Nian , He Jian-Xin
Published: November 2021

Superimposition of dual frequencies (DFs) is one of the methods used for controlling plasma distribution in an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) source. The effects of a superimposed DF on the argon plasma characteristics have been investigated using a two-dimensional self-consistent fluid model. When both currents are fixed at 6 A, the plasma density drops with decrease in one of the source frequencies due to less efficient heating and the plasma uniformity improves significantly. Moreover, for ICP operated with superimposed DFs (i.e., 4.52 MHz/13.56 MHz and 2.26 MHz/13.56 MHz), the current source exhibits the same period as the low frequency (LF) component, and the plasma density is higher than that obtained at a single frequency (i.e., 4.52 and 2.26 MHz) with the same total current of 12 A. However, at superimposed current frequencies of 6.78 MHz/13.56 MHz, the plasma density is lower than that obtained at a single frequency of 6.78 MHz due to the weaker negative azimuthal electric field between two positive maxima during one period of 6.78 MHz. When the superimposed DF ICP operates at 2.26 and 13.56 MHz, the rapid oscillations of the induced electric field become weaker during one period of 2.26 MHz as the current ratio of 2.26 MHz/13.56 MHz rises from 24 A/7 A to 30 A/1 A, and the plasma density drops with the current ratio due to weakened electron heating. The uniformity of plasma increases due to sufficient diffusion under the low-density condition.
Structure and dynamics of aqueous NaCl solutions at high temperatures and pressures
Authors: Polidori Annalisa , Rowlands Ruth F. , Zeidler Anita , Salanne Mathieu , Fischer Henry E. , Annighöfer Burkhard , Klotz Stefan , Salmon Philip S.
Published: November 2021

The structure of a concentrated solution of NaCl in D2O was investigated by in situ high-pressure neutron diffraction with chlorine isotope substitution to give site-specific information on the coordination environment of the chloride ion. A broad range of densities was explored by first increasing the temperature from 323 to 423 K at 0.1 kbar and then increasing the pressure from 0.1 to 33.8 kbar at 423 K, thus mapping a cyclic variation in the static dielectric constant of the pure solvent. The experimental work was complemented by molecular dynamics simulations using the TIP4P/2005 model for water, which were validated against the measured equation of state and diffraction results. Pressure-induced anion ordering is observed, which is accompanied by a dramatic increase in the Cl–O and O–O coordination numbers. With the aid of bond-distance resolved bond-angle maps, it is found that the increased coordination numbers do not originate from a sizable alteration to the number of either Cl⋯D–O or O⋯D–O hydrogen bonds but from the appearance of non-hydrogen-bonded configurations. Increased pressure leads to a marked decrease in the self-diffusion coefficients but has only a moderate effect on the ion–water residence times. Contact ion pairs are observed under all conditions, mostly in the form of charge-neutral NaCl0 units, and coexist with solvent-separated Na+–Na+ and Cl−–Cl− ion pairs. The exchange of water molecules with Na+ adopts a concerted mechanism under ambient conditions but becomes non-concerted as the state conditions are changed. Our findings are important for understanding the role of extreme conditions in geochemical processes.
Array formation by ultrasound standing waves with solidification of liquid-suspended micro-particles
Authors: Kyoden Tomoaki , Yoshioka Hideaki , Momose Noboru , Hachiga Tadashi
Published: November 2021

In the present article, ultrasound technology is proposed using the spatial periodic force distribution of radiation pressure. For applying ultrasound to the solidification of suspended microparticles, the details of a periodicity array of composite materials and its construction methodology are described. Suspended particles of polyethylene and silica with a concentration of less than 1.0 wt. % were used. A periodic arrangement of particles in distilled water using the ultrasound radiation pressure distribution was confirmed. A solidification process from liquid to solid under this periodic arrangement was also observed and was related to temperature. In the case of silica particles, the dendrites in primary ice crystals and their growth conditions were investigated. The ice crystals grew parallel to the periodically arranged particles.
Resistivity size effect due to surface steps on ruthenium thin films computed with a realistic tight-binding model
Authors: Richardson W. E. , Mucciolo E. R. , Schelling P. K.
Published: November 2021

A realistic tight-binding model is developed and employed to elucidate the resistivity size effect due to steps on Ru thin films. The resistivity of two different film orientations, (0001) and (11¯00), is computed for transport along the [112¯0] direction both for smooth surfaces and for surfaces with monolayer-high steps. In the case of smooth films, the systems are also studied using solutions to the Boltzmann transport equation. Interestingly, the resistivity of (11¯00) surfaces exhibits a significant size effect even in the absence of surface steps. When monolayer-high steps are spaced ∼10 nm apart, the resistivity is shown to increase due to scattering from the steps. However, only a small increase was found which cannot explain the large effect seen in recent experiments with Ru thin films. This highlights the need for further elucidation of the resistivity size effect. Theoretical analysis suggests that films made from materials with a relatively large ballistic conductance per area like Ru should exhibit a reduced resistivity size effect. This result points to Ru as a promising interconnect material. Finally, because a very efficient algorithm for computing resistivity based on the kernel polynomial method is used, the approach fulfills a need for realistic models that can span length scales directly relevant to experimental results. The calculations described here include films approaching 5 nm in thickness, with in-plane distances up to ∼160 nm and 3.8×105 atomic sites.
Electrolyte-gated neuromorphic transistors for brain-like dynamic computing
Authors: He Yongli , Jiang Shanshan , Chen Chunsheng , Wan Changjin , Shi Yi , Wan Qing
Published: November 2021

In recent years, the rapid increase in the data volume to be processed has led to urgent requirements for highly efficient computing paradigms. Brain-like computing that mimics the way the biological brain processes information has attracted growing interest due to extremely high energy efficiency. Particularly, dynamics play an essential role in neural spike information processing. Here, we offer a brief review and perspective in the field of electrolyte-gated neuromorphic transistors for brain-like dynamic computing. We first introduce the biological foundation of dynamic neural functions. Then dynamic synaptic plasticity, dynamic dendritic integration, dynamic neural functions, and bio-inspired somatosensory systems realized based on the electrolyte-gated neuromorphic transistors are presented. At last, conclusions and perspectives are given.
Competition of roller rotation and horizontal crossflow to control the free surface cusp-induced air entrainment
Authors: Panda Santosh Kumar , Rana Basanta Kumar , Kumar Parmod
Published: November 2021

Efforts are made to delineate the dynamics of entrained gaseous cusps and flow of liquid films wrapped around a horizontal partially submerged rotating roller numerically. The solid roller is allowed to rotate across the gas–liquid interface with a fixed submergence ratio of 0.5 (equally immersed in both gaseous and liquid phases) and the gaseous phase is subjected to horizontal crossflow. The finite volume-based solver Gerris has been employed to track the interfacial configuration by using the volume of fluid (VOF) method. The combined influence of roller rotation (ω) and strength of crossflow (Reflow) on the wrapped film thickness and the structure of entrained cusp is demonstrated thoroughly for different gas–liquid pairs in order to understand the underlying physics. This study also includes the transient dynamics of liquid tip movement from the receding to advancing junction for various Reflow and gas–liquid pairs. Subsequently, the structure and rate of entrainment are also estimated, where the collapsible gaseous jet breaks into circular gaseous bubbles. Predictions are also made in order to establish the dependence of interfacial configuration on the Archimedes number (Ar). Finally, a theoretical model has been developed to elucidate both entrainment and wrapped film dynamics, which shows excellent agreement with the numerical results.
Nucleate pool boiling performance of water/titania nanofluid: Experiments and prediction modeling
Authors: Mukherjee S. , Mishra P. C. , Chaudhuri P. , Ali N. , Ebrahim S. A.
Published: November 2021

An experimental study to investigate the thermal performance of water/titania (TiO2) nanofluid under nucleate pool boiling was performed. A highly stable water/TiO2 nanofluid with varying weight concentrations of 0.15–1.5% was prepared with the application of polyvinyl alcohol as a surfactant. A dynamic light scattering and zeta potential analyses were performed to confirm the stability of the nanofluids. The effects of varying heat flux and weight concentration on the boiling characteristics and nucleate pool boiling heat transfer coefficient (hNPB) were studied. According to the findings, the hNPB increased as heat flow and weight concentration increased. However, at a higher weight concentration of 1.5%, the enhancement was reduced. The highest enhancement in hNPB of nanofluids was found to be 78.76% with 0.50% weight concentration as compared to water. At the highest wall superheat of ∼16 K, the enhancement almost reduced 71.10% with 1.5% weight concentration. The drop in hNPB was ascribed to the deposition of TiO2 nanoparticles on the heated surface during the boiling process, which resulted in a reduction in nucleation site density. New correlations of high prediction accuracies (R2 > 99.90%) are proposed to relate the wall superheat temperature with heat flux and hNPB.
Substrate-emitting quantum cascade lasers with a distributed Bragg reflector and a spectrally detuned second-order outcoupler
Authors: Cristobal Enrique , Shu Hong , Lyakh Arkadiy
Published: November 2021

Demonstration of substrate-emitting quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) with a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) used for wavelength selection and a second-order outcoupler spectrally detuned from the reflector is reported. A 40-stage QCL structure with the gain spectrum centered at 4.1 μm was processed into 20 μm-wide ridge-waveguide devices with a 4 mm-long gain section, a 0.5 mm-long first-order DBR section with 644 nm period, and a 1.5 mm-long second-order outcoupler with 1100 nm period. Etch depth and duty cycle were 900 nm and 45%, respectively, for both gratings. The three sections shared the same electrical contact and were, therefore, pumped at the same current density. A device with a high-reflection coated back facet and anti-reflection coated front facet and substrate side delivered a peak power of 0.6 W from the substrate into a single-lobed beam with ∼1° × 18° angular full width at half maximum (FWHM). Due to the spectral detuning, the beam was extracted from the device at an angle of ∼−34° relative to the growth direction. The measured spectrum had a FWHM of 3 cm−1, and its peak was centered at 4.07 μm, close to the design value of 4.10 μm. The detuning between the two gratings allows for independent optimization of grating profiles to significantly improve the overall laser performance, which will be the focus of future work.
Mixing at the interface of the sneezing/coughing phenomena and its effect on viral loading
Authors: Pant Chandra Shekhar , Kumar Sumit , Gavasane Abhimanyu
Published: November 2021

The primary objective of this work is to investigate the mixing of droplets/aerosols, which originates from the sneezing/coughing (of possibly COVID-19 patient) with the ambient atmosphere. Effectively, we are studying the growth/decay of droplets/aerosols in the presence of inhomogeneous mixing, which focuses on the phenomena of entrainment of the (relatively) dry ambient air. We have varied the initial standard deviation, mean radius of the droplets/aerosols size distribution, and humidity of the ambient atmosphere to understand their effects on the final size spectra of droplets. Furthermore, a rigorous error analysis is carried out to understand the relative importance of these effects on the final spectra of droplets/aerosols. We find that these are vital parameters to determine the final spectra of droplets, which govern the broadening of the size spectra. Typically, broadening the size spectra of droplets/aerosols increases the probability of the virus-laden droplets/aerosols and thus could affect the transmission of infection in the ambient atmosphere.
Characterisation of productive performance, body reserve dynamics and energy metabolic parameters of Holstein Friesian and Normande dairy cows managed in a low-input pastoral dairy system
Authors: Jorge-Smeding Ezequiel , Astigarraga Laura , Loza Cecilia , Carriquiry Mariana , Rico Daniel E. , Álvarez-Oxiley Andrea
Published: November 2021

Context Dairy cows with autumn-calving season in low-input pastoral systems are subjected to challenging conditions as their early lactation falls in autumn and winter when shortages in pasture availability and harsh weather conditions often occur. Aims We aimed to assess the associations between breed (Holstein Friesian (HF) vs Normande (NR)) and stage of lactation on productive and metabolic responses over lactation in a low-input pastoral dairy system. Methods Twenty-seven HF (n = 14) and NR (n = 13) cows were studied. Milk yield was measured fortnightly, and milk composition, milk solid yield, liveweight (LW), body condition score (BCS) and blood plasma energy metabolites were assessed monthly. Key results The greater milk for HF versus NR cows (e.g. 17.4 vs 12.1 ± 1.0 kg/day of milk; P < 0.001) were associated with a lower LW (510 vs 540 ± 10 kg; P = 0.021) and BCS (1.84 vs 2.37 ± 0.10; P = 0.001) at nadir for HF than NR cows. Blood plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were high for longer in HF versus NR cows (18 vs 8 WRC). Plasma glucose was greater (P = 0.002) and insulin was lower (P = 0.021) for HF versus NR cows at 3 WRC. During mid-lactation, glucose (22 WRC, P = 0.021) and insulin (26 to 34 WRC, P ≤ 0.041) were lower for HF vs. NR cows. Conclusions Because of their lower milk yields, NR cows had a shorter period of body reserves mobilisation, which was associated with an earlier decrease of plasma concentrations of NEFA and greater insulin concentrations at 3 WRC, and then again during mid-lactation when LW and BCS were also greater for NR cows. Implications In constraining pastoral environments, NR cows would redirect fewer nutrients for milk synthesis, leading to lower depletion of body reserves, which could be associated with a better ability to cope with winter challenging conditions. Although HF cows had a greater depletion of body reserves, there was no increase in the incidence of health problems for these cows.
Energetic scaling in microbial growth
Authors: Calabrese Salvatore , Chakrawal Arjun , Manzoni Stefano , Van Cappellen Philippe
Published: November 2021

Significance

Understanding the principles underlying microbial growth is paramount to the cycle of carbon and nutrients in the biosphere, bioremediation technologies, and biochemical engineering, as well as to natural selection and evolution. Yet, fundamental questions remain on the links between mass and energy balances in microbial metabolism and growth. Guided by a nonequilibrium thermodynamics framework, we interpret extensive literature data on microbial growth. The analysis reveals how mass and energy conversion are tightly coupled by scaling laws relating the thermodynamic efficiency to the electron donor uptake rate and the growth yield. Most importantly, these results appear to be universal, in that they apply across microbial species and metabolic pathways, and pave the way for a general thermodynamic theory of microbiological systems.
Individual vulnerability to industrial robot adoption increases support for the radical right
Authors: Anelli Massimo , Colantone Italo , Stanig Piero
Published: November 2021

Significance

The success of radical-right parties across western Europe has generated much concern. These parties propose making borders less permeable, oppose ethnic diversity, and often express impatience with the institutions of representative democracy. Part of their recent success has been shown to be driven by structural economic changes, such as globalization, which triggers distributional consequences that, in turn, translate into voting behavior. We ask what are the political consequences of a different structural change: robotization of manufacturing. We propose a measure of individual exposure to automation and show that individuals more vulnerable to negative consequences of automation tend to display more support for the radical right. Automation exposure raises support for the radical left too, but to a significantly lower extent.