Luminescence and scintillation timing characteristics of (Lu{sub x}Gd{sub 2−x})SiO{sub 5}:Ce single crystals

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yawai, Nattasuda; Chewpraditkul, Warut; Sakthong, Ongsa [Faculty of Science, King Mongkut' s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok10140 (Thailand); Chewpraditkul, Weerapong, E-mail: weerapong.che@kmutt.ac.th [Faculty of Science, King Mongkut' s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok10140 (Thailand); Wantong, Kriangkrai [Faculty of Science, King Mongkut' s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok10140 (Thailand); Szczesniak, Tomasz; Swiderski, Lukasz; Moszynski, Marek [National Centre for Nuclear Research, A. Soltana 7, PL 05-400 Otwock-Swierk (Poland); Sidletskiy, Oleg [Institute for Scintillation Materials NAS of Ukraine, 60 Nauky Avenue, 61001 Kharkiv (Ukraine)

2017-02-01

The luminescence and scintillation characteristics of cerium-doped lutetium-gadolinium orthosilicate (Lu{sub x}Gd{sub 2−x}SiO{sub 5}:Ce; x=0, 0.8, 1.8) single crystals were investigated. At 662 keV γ-rays, the light yield of 29,800±3000 ph MeV{sup −1} obtained for Lu{sub 1.8}Gd{sub 0.2}SiO{sub 5}:Ce is higher than that of 20,200±2000 and 11,800±1200 ph MeV{sup −1} obtained for Lu{sub 0.8}Gd{sub 1.2}SiO{sub 5}:Ce and Gd{sub 2}SiO{sub 5}:Ce, respectively. The fast component decay time of 32, 18 and 17 ns was measured in the scintillation decay of Gd{sub 2}SiO{sub 5}:Ce, Lu{sub 0.8}Gd{sub 1.2}SiO{sub 5}:Ce and Lu{sub 1.8}Gd{sub 0.2}SiO{sub 5}:Ce, respectively. The coincidence time spectra for 511 keV annihilation quanta were measured in reference to a fast BaF{sub 2} detector and time resolution was discussed in terms of a number of photoelectrons and decay time of the fast component. The mass attenuation coefficient for studied crystals at 60 and 662 keV γ-rays was also evaluated and discussed. - Highlights: • Scintillation timing characteristics of Lu{sub x}Gd{sub 2−x}SiO{sub 5}:Ce crystals are studied. • Lu{sub 1.8}Gd{sub 0.2}SiO{sub 5}:Ce exhibits excellent light yield and timing response. • Energy resolution of 6% @662 keV is obtained for Lu{sub 0.8}Gd{sub 1.2}SiO{sub 5}:Ce. • Coincidence time resolution of 368 ps is obtained for Lu{sub 1.8}Gd{sub 0.2}SiO{sub 5}:Ce.

Psychometric properties of the OARSI/OMERACT osteoarthritis pain and functional impairment scales: ICOAP, KOOS-PS and HOOS-PS.

Science.gov (United States)

Ruyssen-Witrand, A; Fernandez-Lopez, C J; Gossec, L; Anract, P; Courpied, J P; Dougados, M

2011-01-01

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the OARSI-OMERACT questionnaires in comparison to the existing validated scales. Consecutive hip or knee osteoarthritis patients consulting in an orthopedic department were enrolled in the study. Data collected were pain using the Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP), a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the Western Ontario McMaster Universities' Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale, the Lequesne pain subscale; functional impairment using the Knee disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Physical Function Shortform (KOOS-PS), the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Physical Function Shortform (HOOS-PS), a NRS, the WOMAC function sub-scale, the Lequesne function subscale. Validity was assessed by calculating the Spearman's correlation coefficient between all the scales. Reliability was assessed in out-patients with stable disease comparing the data collected within 2 weeks using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Responsiveness was assessed on the data from hospitalised patients prior to and 12 weeks after a total joint replacement (TJR) using the standardised response mean. Three hundred patients (mean age=68 years, females=62%, hip OA=57%) were included. There was a moderate to good correlation between ICOAP, KOOS-PS, HOOS-PS and the WOMAC, NRS and Lequesne scales. Reliability of the ICOAP hip OA HOOS-PS and KOOS-PS was good (ICC range 0.80-0.81) whereas it was moderate for knee ICOAP (ICC=0.65). Responsiveness of the ICOAP, KOOS-PS and HOOS-PS 12 weeks after TJR was comparable to responsiveness of other scales (SRM range: 0.54-1.82). The psychometric properties of the ICOAP, KOOS-PS and HOOS-PS were comparable to those of the WOMAC, Lequesne and NRS.

Determination of K{sub ps} and {beta}{sub 1,H} in a wide interval of initial concentrations of lutetium; Determinacion de K{sub ps} y {beta}{sub 1,H} en un amplio intervalo de concentraciones iniciales del lutecio

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lopez-G, H.; Jimenez R, M.; Solache R, M. [ININ. Apdo. Postal 18-1027, Mexico D.F. (Mexico); Rojas H, A. [UAM-I, A.P. 55-534, 09340, Mexico. D.F. (Mexico)

2006-07-01

solubility product constants and the first of lutetium hydrolysis in the interval of initial concentration of 3.72 X 10{sup -5} to 2.09 X 10{sup -3} M of lutetium, in a 2M of NaCIO{sub 4} media, at 303 K and under conditions free of CO{sub 2} its were considered. The solubility diagrams (pLu{sub (ac)}-pC{sub H}) by means of a radiochemical method were obtained, and starting from its the pC{sub H} values that limit the saturation and no-saturation zones of the solutions were settled down. Those diagrams allowed, also, to calculate the solubility product constants of Lu(OH){sub 3}. The experimental data to the polynomial solubility equation were adjusted, what allowed to calculate those values of the solubility product constants of Lu(OH){sub 3} and to determine the first hydrolysis constant. The value of precipitation pC{sub H} diminishes when the initial concentration of the lutetium increases, while the values of K{sub ps} and {beta}{sub 1,H} its remain constant. (Author)

Sub-nanosecond time-of-flight for segmented silicon detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Souza, R.T. de; Alexander, A.; Brown, K.; Floyd, B.; Gosser, Z.Q.; Hudan, S.; Poehlman, J.; Rudolph, M.J.

2011-01-01

Development of a multichannel time-of-flight system for readout of a segmented, ion-passivated, ion-implanted silicon detector is described. This system provides sub-nanosecond resolution (δt∼370ps) even for low energy α particles which deposit E≤7.687MeV in the detector.

X-ray bang-time and fusion reaction history at ∼ ps resolution using RadOptic detection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vernon, S.P.; Lowry, M.E.; Baker, K.L.; Bennett, C.V.; Celeste, J.R.; Cerjan, C.; Haynes, S.; Hernandez, V.J.; Hsing, W.W.; London, R.A.; Moran, B.; von Wittenau, A.S.; Steele, P.T.; Stewart, R.E.

2012-01-01

We report recent progress in the development of RadOptic detectors, radiation to optical converters, that rely upon x-ray absorption induced modulation of the optical refractive index of a semiconductor sensor medium to amplitude modulate an optical probe beam. The sensor temporal response is determined by the dynamics of the electron-hole pair creation and subsequent relaxation in the sensor medium. Response times of a few ps have been demonstrated in a series of experiments conducted at the LLNL Jupiter Laser Facility. This technology will enable x-ray bang-time and fusion burn-history measurements with ∼ ps resolution.

Crystallographic features related to a van der Waals coupling in the layered chalcogenide FePS{sub 3}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Murayama, Chisato; Okabe, Momoko; Fukuda, Koichiro [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku Nagoya 466-8555 (Japan); Urushihara, Daisuke; Asaka, Toru, E-mail: asaka.toru@nitech.ac.jp [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku Nagoya 466-8555 (Japan); Frontier Research Institute for Materials Science, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku Nagoya 466-8555 (Japan); Isobe, Masahiko [Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Heisenbergstrasse 1, D-70569 Stuttgart (Germany); Yamamoto, Kazuo [Nanostructures Research Laboratory, Japan Fine Ceramics Center, Nagoya 456-8587 (Japan); Matsushita, Yoshitaka [Research Network and Facility Services Division, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba 305-0047 (Japan)

2016-10-14

We investigated the crystallographic structure of FePS{sub 3} with a layered structure using transmission electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. We found that FePS{sub 3} forms a rotational twin structure with the common axis along the c*-axis. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images revealed that the twin boundaries were positioned at the van der Waals gaps between the layers. The narrow bands of dark contrast were observed in the bright-field transmission electron microscopy images below the antiferromagnetic transition temperature, T{sub N} ≈ 120 K. Low-temperature X-ray diffraction showed a lattice distortion; the a- and b-axes shortened and lengthened, respectively, as the temperature decreased below T{sub N.} We propose that the narrow bands of dark contrast observed in the bright-field transmission electron microscopy images are caused by the directional lattice distortion with respect to each micro-twin variant in the antiferromagnetic phase.

Time-gated single-photon detection module with 110 ps transition time and up to 80 MHz repetition rate

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Buttafava, Mauro, E-mail: mauro.buttafava@polimi.it; Boso, Gianluca; Ruggeri, Alessandro; Tosi, Alberto [Politecnico di Milano, Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano (Italy); Dalla Mora, Alberto [Politecnico di Milano, Dipartimento di Fisica, Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano (Italy)

2014-08-15

We present the design and characterization of a complete single-photon counting module capable of time-gating a silicon single-photon avalanche diode with ON and OFF transition times down to 110 ps, at repetition rates up to 80 MHz. Thanks to this sharp temporal filtering of incoming photons, it is possible to reject undesired strong light pulses preceding (or following) the signal of interest, allowing to increase the dynamic range of optical acquisitions up to 7 decades. A complete experimental characterization of the module highlights its very flat temporal response, with a time resolution of the order of 30 ps. The instrument is fully user-configurable via a PC interface and can be easily integrated in any optical setup, thanks to its small and compact form factor.

Time-gated single-photon detection module with 110 ps transition time and up to 80 MHz repetition rate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Buttafava, Mauro; Boso, Gianluca; Ruggeri, Alessandro; Tosi, Alberto; Dalla Mora, Alberto

2014-01-01

We present the design and characterization of a complete single-photon counting module capable of time-gating a silicon single-photon avalanche diode with ON and OFF transition times down to 110 ps, at repetition rates up to 80 MHz. Thanks to this sharp temporal filtering of incoming photons, it is possible to reject undesired strong light pulses preceding (or following) the signal of interest, allowing to increase the dynamic range of optical acquisitions up to 7 decades. A complete experimental characterization of the module highlights its very flat temporal response, with a time resolution of the order of 30 ps. The instrument is fully user-configurable via a PC interface and can be easily integrated in any optical setup, thanks to its small and compact form factor

The TDCpix readout ASIC: A 75 ps resolution timing front-end for the NA62 Gigatracker hybrid pixel detector

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kluge, A., E-mail: alexander.kluge@cern.ch; Aglieri Rinella, G.; Bonacini, S.; Jarron, P.; Kaplon, J.; Morel, M.; Noy, M.; Perktold, L.; Poltorak, K.

2013-12-21

The TDCpix is a novel pixel readout ASIC for the NA62 Gigatracker detector. NA62 is a new experiment being installed at the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron. Its Gigatracker detector shall provide on-beam tracking and time stamping of individual particles with a time resolution of 150 ps rms. It will consist of three tracking stations, each with one hybrid pixel sensor. The peak flow of particles crossing the detector modules reaches 1.27 MHz/mm{sup 2} for a total rate of about 0.75 GHz. Ten TDCpix chips will be bump-bonded to every silicon pixel sensor. Each chip shall perform time stamping of 100 M particle hits per second with a detection efficiency above 99% and a timing accuracy better than 200 ps rms for an overall three-station-setup time resolution of better than 150 ps. The TDCpix chip has been designed in a 130 nm CMOS technology. It will feature 45×40 square pixels of 300×300μm{sup 2} and a complex End of Column peripheral region including an array of TDCs based on DLLs, four high speed serializers, a low-jitter PLL, readout and control circuits. This contribution will describe the complete design of the final TDCpix ASIC. It will discuss design choices, the challenges faced and some of the lessons learned. Furthermore, experimental results from the testing of circuit prototypes will be presented. These demonstrate the achievement of key performance figures such as a time resolution of the processing chain of 75 ps rms with a laser sent to the center of the pixel and the capability of time stamping charged particles with an overall resolution below 200 ps rms. -- Highlights: • Feasibility demonstration of a silicon pixel detector with sub-ns time tagging capability. • Demonstrator detector assembly with a time resolution of 75 ps RMS with laser charge injection; 170 ps RMS with particle beam. • Design of trigger-less TDCpix ASIC with 1800 pixels, 720 TDC channels and 4 3.2 Gbit/s serializers.

Spatio-temporal responses of Arabidopsis leaves in photosynthetic performance and metabolite contents to Burkholderia phytofirmans PsJN

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fan eSu

2016-03-01

Full Text Available A valuable strategy to improve crop yield consists in the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs. However, the influence of PGPR colonization on plant physiology is largely unknown. PGPR Burkholderia phytofirmans strain PsJN (Bp PsJN colonized only Arabidopsis thaliana roots after seed or soil inoculation. Foliar bacteria were detected only after leaf infiltration. Since different bacterial times of presence and/or locations in host plant could lead to different plant physiological responses, photosynthesis and metabolite profiles in A. thaliana leaves were thus investigated following leaf, root or seed inoculation with Bp PsJN. Only Bp PsJN leaf colonization transiently decreased cyclic electron transport and effective quantum yield of photosystem I (PSI, and prevented a decrease in net photosynthesis and stomatal opening compared to the corresponding control. Metabolomic analysis revealed that soluble sugars, amino acids or their derivatives accumulated differently in all Bp PsJN-inoculated plants. Octanoic acid accumulated only in case of inoculated plants. Modifications in vitamin, organic acid such as tricarboxylic acid intermediates, and hormone amounts were dependent on bacterial time of presence and location. Additionally, a larger array of amino acids and hormones (auxin, cytokinin, abscisic acid were modified by seed inoculation with Bp PsJN. Our work thereby provides evidence that relative short-term inoculation with Bp PsJN altered physiological status of A.thaliana leaves, whereas long-term bacterization triggered modifications on a larger set of metabolites. Our data highlighted the changes displayed during this plant-microbe interaction to trigger physiological and metabolic responses that could explain the increase in plant growth or stress tolerance conferred by the presence of Bp PsJN.

Microfabrication of biomaterials by the sub-ps laser-induced forward transfer process

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Karaiskou, A.; Zergioti, I.; Fotakis, C.; Kapsetaki, M.; Kafetzopoulos, D.

2003-01-01

The precise fabrication of micro-dimensioned patterns of biomaterials by the laser microprinting technique using a sub-ps UV laser is described. An ultrashort UV laser has been used to transfer the biomaterial, with low angular divergence, and deposit it onto the substrate with minimum spread and high spatial resolution. The laser-transferred features of 100 μmx100 μm size have been studied by means of scanning electron microscopy and scanning laser confocal fluorescence microscopy. The analysis of DNA and protein microarrays provides an excellent tool to expand our knowledge of genome functions

Comparative, validity and responsiveness of the HOOS-PS and KOOS-PS to the WOMAC physical function subscale in total joint replacement for osteoarthritis

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Davis, A M; Perruccio, A V; Canizares, M

2009-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the internal consistency of the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Physical Function Short-form (HOOS-PS) and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Physical Function Short-form (KOOS-PS) in total hip replacement (THR) and total knee (TKR) replacement....... Construct validity and responsiveness were compared to the Western Ontario McMaster Universities' Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) Likert 3.0 physical function (PF) subscale and the PF excluding the items in the short measures (PF-exclusions). METHODS: Participants completed the full HOOS or KOOS, measures...... of fatigue, anxiety, depression and the Chronic Pain Grade (CPG) pre-surgery and the HOOS or KOOS 6 months post-surgery. Internal consistency for the HOOS-PS and KOOS-PS was calculated using Cronbach's alpha. For construct validity, it was hypothesized that correlations between the HOOS-PS or KOOS-PS and PF...

Sub-nanosecond time-resolved near-field scanning magneto-optical microscope.

Science.gov (United States)

Rudge, J; Xu, H; Kolthammer, J; Hong, Y K; Choi, B C

2015-02-01

We report on the development of a new magnetic microscope, time-resolved near-field scanning magneto-optical microscope, which combines a near-field scanning optical microscope and magneto-optical contrast. By taking advantage of the high temporal resolution of time-resolved Kerr microscope and the sub-wavelength spatial resolution of a near-field microscope, we achieved a temporal resolution of ∼50 ps and a spatial resolution of microscope, the magnetic field pulse induced gyrotropic vortex dynamics occurring in 1 μm diameter, 20 nm thick CoFeB circular disks has been investigated. The microscope provides sub-wavelength resolution magnetic images of the gyrotropic motion of the vortex core at a resonance frequency of ∼240 MHz.

Effects of 8Ps of Services Marketing on Student Selection of Self-Financing Sub-Degree Programmes in Hong Kong

Science.gov (United States)

Lau, Melissa May Yee

2016-01-01

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the effects of 8Ps of services marketing affect students' selection of self-financing sub-degree programmes in Hong Kong. The factors that affect students' selection of self-financing sub-degree programmes have not been studied in higher education market of Hong Kong. This research is to…

Noggin and BMP4 co-modulate adult hippocampal neurogenesis in the APP{sub swe}/PS1{sub {Delta}E9} transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tang, Jun [Department of Medical Genetics, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038 (China); Department of Physiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038 (China); Song, Min; Wang, Yanyan [Department of Medical Genetics, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038 (China); Fan, Xiaotang [Department of Histology and Embryology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038 (China); Xu, Haiwei, E-mail: haiweixu2001@yahoo.com.cn [Department of Physiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038 (China); Bai, Yun, E-mail: baiyungene@gmail.com [Department of Medical Genetics, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038 (China)

2009-07-31

In addition to the subventricular zone, the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus is one of the few brain regions in which neurogenesis continues into adulthood. Perturbation of neurogenesis can alter hippocampal function, and previous studies have shown that neurogenesis is dysregulated in Alzheimer disease (AD) brain. Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) and its antagonist Noggin have been shown to play important roles both in embryonic development and in the adult nervous system, and may regulate hippocampal neurogenesis. Previous data indicated that increased expression of BMP4 mRNA within the dentate gyrus might contribute to decreased hippocampal cell proliferation in the APP{sub swe}/PS1{sub {Delta}E9} mouse AD model. However, it is not known whether the BMP antagonist Noggin contributes to the regulation of neurogenesis. We therefore studied the relative expression levels and localization of BMP4 and its antagonist Noggin in the dentate gyrus and whether these correlated with changes in neurogenesis in 6-12 mo old APP{sub swe}/PS1{sub {Delta}E9} transgenic mice. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was used to label proliferative cells. We report that decreased neurogenesis in the APP/PS1 transgenic mice was accompanied by increased expression of BMP4 and decreased expression of Noggin at both the mRNA and protein levels; statistical analysis showed that the number of proliferative cells at different ages correlated positively with Noggin expression and negatively with BMP4 expression. Intraventricular administration of a chimeric Noggin/Fc protein was used to block the action of endogenous BMP4; this resulted in a significant increase in the number of BrdU-labeled cells in dentate gyrus subgranular zone and hilus in APP/PS1 mice. These results suggest that BMP4 and Noggin co-modulate neurogenesis.

A multichannel time-to-digital converter ASIC with better than 3 ps RMS time resolution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Perktold, L; Christiansen, J

2014-01-01

The development of a new multichannel, fine-time resolution time-to-digital converter (TDC) ASIC is currently under development at CERN. A prototype TDC has been designed, fabricated and successfully verified with demonstrated time resolutions of better than 3 ps-rms. Least-significant-bit (LSB) sizes as small as 5 ps with a differential-non-linearity (DNL) of better than ±0.9 LSB and integral-non-linearity (INL) of better than ±1.3 LSB respectively have been achieved. The contribution describes the implemented architecture and presents measurement results of a prototype ASIC implemented in a commercial 130 nm technology

A CMOS delay locked loop and sub-nanosecond time-to-digital converter chip

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Santos, D.M.; Dow, S.F.; Flasck, J.M.; Levi, M.E.

1996-01-01

Phase-locked loops have been employed in the past to obtain sub-nanosecond time resolution in high energy physics and nuclear science applications. An alternative solution based on a delay-locked loop (DLL) is described. This solution allows for a very high level of integration yet still offers resolution in the sub-nanosecond regime. Two variations on this solution are outlined. A novel phase detector, based on the Mueller C-element, is used to implement a charge pump where the injected charge approaches zero as the loop approaches lock on the leading edge of an input clock reference. This greatly reduces timing jitter. In the second variation the loop locks to both the leading and trailing clock edges. In this second implementation, software coded layout generators are used to automatically layout a highly integrated, multichannel, time-to-digital converter (TDC) targeted for one specific frequency. The two circuits, DLL and TDC, are implemented in CMOS 1.2 microm and 0.8 microm technologies, respectively. Test results show a timing jitter of less than 30 ps for the DLL circuit and less than 190 ps integral and differential nonlinearity for the TDC circuit

Effect of thermal annealing on electron spin relaxation of beryllium-doped In{sub 0.8}Ga{sub 0.2}As{sub 0.45}P{sub 0.55} bulk

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wu, Hao; Harasawa, Ryo; Yasue, Yuya; Aritake, Takanori; Jiang, Canyu; Tackeuchi, Atsushi, E-mail: atacke@waseda.jp [Department of Applied Physics, Waseda University, Shinjuku, Tokyo 169-8555 (Japan); Ji, Lian; Lu, Shulong [Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dushu Lake Higher Education Town, Ruoshui Road 398, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou (China)

2016-08-15

The effect of thermal annealing on the electron spin relaxation of beryllium-doped In{sub 0.8}Ga{sub 0.2}As{sub 0.45}P{sub 0.55} bulk was investigated by time-resolved spin-dependent pump and probe reflection measurement with a high time resolution of 200 fs. Three similar InGaAsP samples were examined one of which was annealed at 800 °C for 1 s, one was annealed at 700 °C for 1 s and the other was not annealed after crystal growth by molecular beam epitaxy. Although the carrier lifetimes of the 700 °C-annealed sample and the unannealed sample were similar, that of the 800 °C-annealed sample was extended to 11.6 (10.4) ns at 10 (300) K, which was more than two (four) times those of the other samples. However, interestingly the spin relaxation time of the 800 °C-annealed sample was found to be similar to those of the other two samples. Particularly at room temperature, the spin relaxation times are 143 ps, 147 ps, and 111 ps for the 800 °C-annealed sample, 700 °C-annealed sample, and the unannealed sample, respectively.

MYC cis-Elements in PsMPT Promoter Is Involved in Chilling Response of Paeonia suffruticosa.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yuxi Zhang

Full Text Available The MPT transports Pi to synthesize ATP. PsMPT, a chilling-induced gene, was previously reported to promote energy metabolism during bud dormancy release in tree peony. In this study, the regulatory elements of PsMPT promoter involved in chilling response were further analyzed. The PsMPT transcript was detected in different tree peony tissues and was highly expressed in the flower organs, including petal, stigma and stamen. An 1174 bp of the PsMPT promoter was isolated by TAIL-PCR, and the PsMPT promoter::GUS transgenic Arabidopsis was generated and analyzed. GUS staining and qPCR showed that the promoter was active in mainly the flower stigma and stamen. Moreover, it was found that the promoter activity was enhanced by chilling, NaCl, GA, ACC and NAA, but inhibited by ABA, mannitol and PEG. In transgenic plants harboring 421 bp of the PsMPT promoter, the GUS gene expression and the activity were significantly increased by chilling treatment. When the fragment from -421 to -408 containing a MYC cis-element was deleted, the chilling response could not be observed. Further mutation analysis confirmed that the MYC element was one of the key motifs responding to chilling in the PsMPT promoter. The present study provides useful information for further investigation of the regulatory mechanism of PsMPT during the endo-dormancy release.

A Measurement of the Time Dependence of B{sub d}-bar B{sub d} Mixing with Kaon Tagging

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wittlin, Jodi L.

2001-12-10

The time dependence of B{sub d} - {bar B}{sub d} mixing has been measured in b{bar b} events containing one or more kaons at the SLD experiment at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. A simultaneous measurement of the ''right sign production fraction'' of kaons from B{sub d} decays has also been made. The initial state B hadron flavor was determined using the large forward-backward asymmetry provided by the polarized electron beam of the SLC in combination with a jet charge technique and information from the opposite hemisphere. From a sample of 400,000 Z{sup 0} events collected by the SLD experiment at SLC from 1996 to 1998, the kaon right sign production fraction has been measured to be 0.797 {+-} 0.022 and the mass difference between the two B{sub d} eigenstates has been measured to be {Delta}m{sub d} = 0.503 {+-} 0.028 {+-} 0.020 ps{sup -1}.

Time response of fast-gated microchannel plates used as x-ray detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Turner, R.E.; Bell, P.; Hanks, R.; Kilkenny, J.D.; Landen, N.; Power, G.; Wiedwald, J.; Meier, M.

1990-01-01

We report measurements of the time response of fast-gated, micro- channel plate (MCP) detectors, using a <10 ps pulsewidth ultra-violet laser and an electronic sampling system to measure time resolutions to better than 25 ps. The results show that framing times of less than 100 ps are attainable with high gain. The data is compared to a Monte Carlo calculation, which shows good agreement. We also measured the relative sensitivity as a function of DC bias, and saturation effects for large signal inputs. In part B, we briefly describe an electrical ''time-of-flight'' technique, which we have used to measure the response time of a fast-gated microchannel plate (MCP). Thinner MCP's than previously used have been tested, and, as expected, show fast gating times and smaller electron multiplication. A preliminary design for an x-ray pinhole camera, using a thin MCP, is presented. 7 refs., 6 figs

Positron annihilation study of the high-T{sub c} (Bi, Pb){sub 2}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x} superconductor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lim, H.J. [Utah Univ., Salt Lake City, UT (United States). Dept. of Metallurgical Engineering; Byrne, J.G. [Utah Univ., Salt Lake City, UT (United States). Dept. of Metallurgical Engineering

1997-03-01

Positron lifetime spectroscopy (PLS) and positron Doppler-broadening spectroscopy (PDBS) were applied to the high-T{sub c} lead-doped Bi{sub 2}Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x} (BPSCCO 2223) superconductor as a function of temperature. Neither positron lifetimes nor Doppler parameters (S, W, and S/W) showed significant change through T{sub c}. This may result from having the highest positron density in the open BiO{sub 2} double layers and no significant positron density in the superconducting CuO{sub 2} layers where positrons, if mainly present, are known to be sensitive to the transition in other high-T{sub c} superconductors. Doppler parameters showed that the probability of positron annihilations with core electrons in the lattice slightly increased and that the probability of positron annihilations with conduction electrons slightly decreased as temperature decreased from ambient temperature to 20 K. The lifetime associated with positron annihilations in the perfect lattice of the sample ({tau}{sub 1}) was 209 ps and, due to the annihilations at internal surfaces or voids in the sample ({tau}{sub 2}) was about 540 ps, independent of temperature. Finally, the mean lifetime for BSCCO 2223 was about 307 ps. (orig.).

Ultrasonic study of the charge mismatch effect in charge-ordered (Nd{sub 0.75}Na{sub 0.25}){sub x}(Nd{sub 0.5}Ca{sub 0.5}){sub 1-x}MnO{sub 3}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jiang Liang; Su Jinrui; Kong Hui; Liu Yi; Zheng Shiyuan; Zhu Changfei [Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026 (China)

2006-09-20

The resistivity, magnetization and ultrasonic properties of charge-ordered polycrystalline (Nd{sub 0.75}Na{sub 0.25}){sub x}(Nd{sub 0.5}Ca{sub 0.5}){sub 1-x}MnO{sub 3} have been investigated from 50 to 300 K. A considerable velocity softening accompanied by an attenuation peak was observed around the charge-ordering transition temperature (T{sub CO}) upon cooling. The simultaneous occurrence of the charge ordering (CO) and the ultrasonic anomaly implies strong electron-phonon coupling, which originates from the cooperative Jahn-Teller effect. At very low temperature, another broad attenuation peak was observed, which is attributed to the phase separation (PS) and gives a direct evidence of spin-phonon coupling in the compound. With increasing x, T{sub CO} shifts to lower temperature, the magnetization of the system is strengthened and the PS is enhanced. The temperature dependence of the longitudinal modulus shows that the Jahn-Teller coupling energy E{sub JT} decreases with increasing Na content. The analysis suggests that the charge mismatch effect may be the main reason for the suppression of the CO and enhancement of the PS.

Design and assessment of a 6 ps-resolution time-to-digital converter with 5 MGy gamma-dose tolerance for nuclear instrumentation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cao, Y. [ESAT-MICAS Div., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3001 Heverlee (Belgium); SCK.CEN, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, B-2400 Mol (Belgium); Leroux, P. [ESAT-MICAS Div., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3001 Heverlee (Belgium); ICT-RELIC Div., Katholieke Hogeschool Kempen, B-2440 Geel (Belgium); De Cock, W. [SCK.CEN, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, B-2400 Mol (Belgium); Steyaert, M. [ESAT-MICAS Div., Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3001 Heverlee (Belgium)

2011-07-01

Time-to-Digital Converters (TDCs) are key building blocks in time-based mixed-signal systems, used for the digitization of analog signals in time domain. A short survey on state-of-the-art TDCs is given. In order to realize a TDC with picosecond time resolution as well as multi MGy gamma-dose radiation tolerance, a novel multi-stage noise-shaping (MASH) delta-sigma ({Delta}{Sigma}) TDC structure is proposed. The converter, implemented in 0.13 {mu}m, achieves a time resolution of 5.6 ps and an ENOB of 11 bits, when the over sampling ratio (OSR) is 250. The TDC core consumes only 1.7 mW, and occupies an area of 0.11 mm{sup 2}. Owing to the usage of circuit level radiation hardened-by-design techniques, such as passive RC oscillators and constant-g{sub m} biasing, the TDC exhibits enhanced radiation tolerance. At a low dose rate of 1.2 kGy/h, the frequency of the counting clock in the TDC remains constant up to at least 160 kGy. Even after a total dose of 3.4 MGy at a high dose rate of 30 kGy/h, the TDC still achieves a time resolution of 10.5 ps with an OSR of 250. (authors)

Effectiveness of early adalimumab therapy in psoriatic arthritis patients from Reuma.pt - EARLY PsA.

Science.gov (United States)

Santos, Helena; Eusébio, Mónica; Borges, Joana; Gonçalves, Diana; Ávila-Ribeiro, Pedro; Faria, Daniela Santos; Lopes, Carina; Rovisco, João; Águeda, Ana; Nero, Patrícia; Valente, Paula; Cravo, Ana Rita; Santos, Maria José

2017-01-01

Objective To compare outcomes in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients initiating adalimumab (ADA), with short- and long-term disease duration and to evaluate the potential effect of concomitant conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARD) or glucocorticoids. Methods Analyses included adult PsA patients registered in the Rheumatic Diseases Portuguese Register (Reuma.pt) between June 2008-June 2016 who received ADA for ≥3 months. Psoriatic Arthritis Response Criteria (PsARC) response, tender and swollen joint count, inflammatory parameters, patient (PtGA) and physician global assessment (PhGA), Disease Activity Score-28 joints (DAS28), and Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) were compared between patients with PsA) and those with ≥5 years of disease duration (late PsA). Time to achieving PsARC response was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results Of 135 PsA patients treated with ADA, 126 had information on disease duration (earlyPsA, n=41). PsARC response was achieved by 72.9% of the patients (88.0% early PsA vs 62.2% late PsA; P=0.022) after 3 months and by 85.4% after 24 months (100% early PsA vs 75.9% late PsA; P=0.044). Early PsA patients achieved significantly less painful joints (2.7 vs 6.7, p=0.006), lower mean C-reactive protein (0.5 mg/dL vs 1.3 mg/dL; P=0.011), and PhGA (18.3 vs 28.1; P=0.020) at 3 months. In the long term, early PsA patients also had fewer swollen joints (0.3 vs 1.7; P=0.030) and lower PhGA (6.3 vs 21.9; PPsA, respectively. Early PsA patients obtained PsARC response more rapidly than late PsA (3.8 and 7.4 months, respectively; P=0.008). Concomitant csDMARDs showed clinical benefit (2-year PsARC response, 88.3% vs 60.0%; P=0.044). Concomitant glucocorticoids had no effect on PsARC response over 2 years of follow-up. Persistence on ADA was similar in both groups. Conclusion Early PsA patients had a greater chance of improvement after ADA therapy and better functional outcome, and

Fast response of sprayed vanadium pentoxide (V{sub 2}O{sub 5}) nanorods towards nitrogen dioxide (NO{sub 2}) gas detection

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mane, A.A. [Thin Film Nanomaterials Laboratory, Department of Physics, Shivaji University, Kolhapur 416 004 (India); General Science and Humanities Department, Sant Gajanan Maharaj College of Engineering, Mahagaon, 416 503 (India); Suryawanshi, M.P. [Optoelectronics Convergence Research Center, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, 300, Yongbong-Dong, Buk-Gu, Gwangju 500-757 (Korea, Republic of); Kim, J.H., E-mail: jinhyeok@chonnam.ac.kr [Optoelectronics Convergence Research Center, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, 300, Yongbong-Dong, Buk-Gu, Gwangju 500-757 (Korea, Republic of); Moholkar, A.V., E-mail: avmoholkar@gmail.com [Thin Film Nanomaterials Laboratory, Department of Physics, Shivaji University, Kolhapur 416 004 (India)

2017-05-01

Highlights: • Effect of solution concentration on physicochemical properties of sprayed V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanorods is studied. • Good response and short response-recovery times of V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanorods towards NO{sub 2} gas show it is potential material for fabrication of NO{sub 2} sensor. • The chemisorption mechanism of NO{sub 2} gas on the V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanorods is discussed. - Abstract: The V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanorods have been successfully spray deposited at optimized substrate temperature of 400 °C onto the glass substrates using vanadium trichloride (VCl{sub 3}) solution of different concentrations. The effect of solution concentration on the physicochemical and NO{sub 2} gas sensing properties of sprayed V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanorods is studied at different operating temperatures and gas concentrations. The XRD study reveals the formation of V{sub 2}O{sub 5} having an orthorhombic symmetry. The FE-SEM micrographs show the nanorods-like morphology of V{sub 2}O{sub 5}. The AFM micrographs exhibit a well covered granular surface topography. For direct allowed transition, the band gap energy values are found to be decreased from 2.45 eV to 2.42 eV. The nanorods deposited with 30 mM solution concentration shows the maximum response of 24.2% for 100 ppm NO{sub 2} gas concentration at an operating temperature of 200 °C with response and recovery times of 13 s and 140 s, respectively. Finally, the chemisorption mechanism of NO{sub 2} gas on the V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanorods is discussed.

Beam test results of a 16 ps timing system based on ultra-fast silicon detectors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cartiglia, N., E-mail: cartiglia@to.infn.it [INFN, Torino (Italy); Staiano, A.; Sola, V. [INFN, Torino (Italy); Arcidiacono, R. [INFN, Torino (Italy); Università del Piemonte Orientale (Italy); Cirio, R.; Cenna, F.; Ferrero, M.; Monaco, V.; Mulargia, R.; Obertino, M.; Ravera, F.; Sacchi, R. [INFN, Torino (Italy); Università di Torino, Torino (Italy); Bellora, A.; Durando, S. [Università di Torino, Torino (Italy); Mandurrino, M. [Politecnico di Torino, Torino (Italy); Minafra, N. [University of Kansas, KS (United States); Fadeyev, V.; Freeman, P.; Galloway, Z.; Gkougkousis, E. [SCIPP, University of California Santa Cruz, CA 95064 (United States); and others

2017-04-01

In this paper we report on the timing resolution obtained in a beam test with pions of 180 GeV/c momentum at CERN for the first production of 45 µm thick Ultra-Fast Silicon Detectors (UFSD). UFSD are based on the Low-Gain Avalanche Detector (LGAD) design, employing n-on-p silicon sensors with internal charge multiplication due to the presence of a thin, low-resistivity diffusion layer below the junction. The UFSD used in this test had a pad area of 1.7 mm{sup 2}. The gain was measured to vary between 5 and 70 depending on the sensor bias voltage. The experimental setup included three UFSD and a fast trigger consisting of a quartz bar readout by a SiPM. The timing resolution was determined by doing Gaussian fits to the time-of-flight of the particles between one or more UFSD and the trigger counter. For a single UFSD the resolution was measured to be 34 ps for a bias voltage of 200 V, and 27 ps for a bias voltage of 230 V. For the combination of 3 UFSD the timing resolution was 20 ps for a bias voltage of 200 V, and 16 ps for a bias voltage of 230 V.

Reduced γ–γ time walk to below 50 ps using the multiplexed-start and multiplexed-stop fast-timing technique with LaBr_3(Ce) detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Régis, J.-M.; Saed-Samii, N.; Rudigier, M.; Ansari, S.; Dannhoff, M.; Esmaylzadeh, A.; Fransen, C.; Gerst, R.-B.; Jolie, J.; Karayonchev, V.; Müller-Gatermann, C.; Stegemann, S.

2016-01-01

The electronic γ–γ fast-timing technique using arrays consisting of many LaBr_3(Ce) detectors is a powerful method to determine lifetimes of nuclear excited states with a lower limit of about 5 ps. This method requires the determination of the energy-dependent time walk of the zero time which is represented by the centroid of a prompt γ–γ time distribution. The full-energy peak versus full-energy peak prompt response difference which represents the linearly combined mean γ–γ time walk of a fast-timing array consisting of 8 LaBr_3(Ce) detectors was measured using a standard "1"5"2Eu γ-ray source for the energy region of 40–1408 keV. The data were acquired using a “multiplexed-start and multiplexed-stop” analogue electronics circuitry and analysed by employing the generalized centroid difference method. Concerning the cylindrical 1.5 in.×1.5 in. LaBr_3(Ce) crystals which are coupled to the Hamamatsu R9779 photomultiplier tubes, the best fast-timing array time resolution of 202(3) ps is obtained for the two prompt γ lines of "6"0Co by using the leading-edge timing principle. When using the zero-crossover timing principle the time resolution is degraded by up to 30%, dependent on the energy and the shaping delay time of the constant fraction discriminator model Ortec 935. The smallest γ–γ time walk to below 50 ps is obtained by using a shaping delay time of about 17 ns and an optimum “time-walk adjustment” needed for detector output pulses with amplitudes smaller than 400 mV.

Distribution of relaxation times in (KBr)/sub 0.5/(KCN)/sub 0.5/

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Birge, N.O.; Jeong, Y.H.; Nagel, S.R.; Bhattacharya, S.; Susman, S.

1984-01-01

Measurements of the dielectric response of (KBr)/sub 0.5/(KCN)/sub 0.5/ covering nine decades of frequency are reported. We have shown how the relaxation times proliferate as the temperature is lowered. The anomalously wide distribution of relaxation times can be generated from a Gaussian distribution of energy barriers. As temperature is decreased not only does the spread of relaxation times increase, but more importantly the width of the distribution of activation energies itself increases

{sup 1}H NMR-based metabolomics of time-dependent responses of Eisenia fetida to sub-lethal phenanthrene exposure

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lankadurai, Brian P.; Wolfe, David M.; Simpson, Andre J. [Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4 Canada (Canada); Simpson, Myrna J., E-mail: myrna.simpson@utoronto.ca [Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4 Canada (Canada)

2011-10-15

{sup 1}H NMR-based metabolomics was used to examine the response of the earthworm Eisenia fetida after exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of phenanthrene over time. Earthworms were exposed to 0.025 mg/cm{sup 2} of phenanthrene (1/64th of the LC{sub 50}) via contact tests over four days. Earthworm tissues were extracted using a mixture of chloroform, methanol and water, resulting in polar and non-polar fractions that were analyzed by {sup 1}H NMR after one, two, three and four days. NMR-based metabolomic analyses revealed heightened E. fetida responses with longer phenanthrene exposure times. Amino acids alanine and glutamate, the sugar maltose, the lipids cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine emerged as potential indicators of phenanthrene exposure. The conversion of succinate to fumarate in the Krebs cycle was also interrupted by phenanthrene. Therefore, this study shows that NMR-based metabolomics is a powerful tool for elucidating time-dependent relationships in addition to the mode of toxicity of phenanthrene in earthworm exposure studies. - Highlights: > NMR-based earthworm metabolomic analysis of the mode of action of phenanthrene is presented. > The earthworm species E. fetida were exposed to sub-lethal phenanthrene concentrations. > Both polar and non-polar metabolites of E. fetida tissue extracts were analyzed by {sup 1}H NMR. > Longer phenanthrene exposure times resulted in heightened earthworm responses. > An interruption of the Krebs cycle was also observed due to phenanthrene exposure. - {sup 1}H NMR metabolomics is used to determine the relationship between phenanthrene exposure and the metabolic response of the earthworm E. fetida over time and also to elucidate the phenanthrene mode of toxicity.

Time-resolved X-ray diffraction study on superconducting YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} epitaxially grown on SrTiO{sub 3}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Luebcke, A.

2007-07-01

In this PhD thesis time-resolved X-ray diffraction in optical pump - X-ray probe scheme was applied for the first time to a High-Temperature Superconductor in the superconducting state. The aim was to study the possible lattice response to optical Cooper pair breaking. As sample a thin YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7} film with a superconducting transition temperature of T{sub c}=90 K, epitaxially grown on a SrTiO{sub 3} single crystal was used. (orig.)

Improvement of Data Acquisition of the BRTR (PS-43) Seismic Array

Science.gov (United States)

Ozel, N. M.; Kocak, S.; Semin, K. U.; Necmioglu, O.; Destici, T. C.; Teoman, U.

2010-05-01

Bogazici University, Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute(KOERI) is currently operating the BRTR( PS-43) seismic arrays located in the vicinity of Ankara and town Keskin, providing real-time data to IDC. PS-43 is composed of two sub-arrays, the medium-period array with a ~45km radius located in Ankara and the short-period array with ~3 km radius located in Keskin. In 2009, data availabilty of the BRTR is exceeded %98 that value is the requirment of IDC. Substantial contribution to obtain this availabiliy is implementing the improvements that mainly replacement of the grid type parabolic antennas with the heavy-duty dish antennas at necessary sites called the repeater sites RE-BRTR (CCF), RE-PS43 (Mt. Elmadag), CF-PS43 (Central Recording Building) and all MP sites. Even this renewed system is at the tentative stage, communication status of the seismic arrays are solid and continuous. BRTR is expecting another improvement, June 2010, about the power system at Mt. Elmadag and the MP site BR237. Completion of this improvement will be stabilize of our current mission.

Sub-nanosecond clock synchronization and trigger management in the nuclear physics experiment AGATA

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bellato, M; Isocrate, R; Rampazzo, G; Bazzacco, D; Bortolato, D; Triossi, A; Chavas, J; Mengoni, D; Recchia, F

2013-01-01

The new-generation spectrometer AGATA, the Advanced GAmma Tracking Array, requires sub-nanosecond clock synchronization among readout and front-end electronics modules that may lie hundred meters apart. We call GTS (Global Trigger and Synchronization System) the infrastructure responsible for precise clock synchronization and for the trigger management of AGATA. It is made of a central trigger processor and nodes, connected in a tree structure by means of optical fibers operated at 2Gb/s. The GTS tree handles the synchronization and the trigger data flow, whereas the trigger processor analyses and eventually validates the trigger primitives centrally. Sub-nanosecond synchronization is achieved by measuring two different types of round-trip times and by automatically correcting for phase-shift differences. For a tree of depth two, the peak-to-peak clock jitter at each leaf is 70 ps; the mean phase difference is 180 ps, while the standard deviation over such phase difference, namely the phase equalization repeatability, is 20 ps. The GTS system has run flawlessly for the two-year long AGATA campaign, held at the INFN Legnaro National Laboratories, Italy, where five triple clusters of the AGATA sub-array were coupled with a variety of ancillary detectors

Sub-nanosecond clock synchronization and trigger management in the nuclear physics experiment AGATA

Science.gov (United States)

Bellato, M.; Bortolato, D.; Chavas, J.; Isocrate, R.; Rampazzo, G.; Triossi, A.; Bazzacco, D.; Mengoni, D.; Recchia, F.

2013-07-01

The new-generation spectrometer AGATA, the Advanced GAmma Tracking Array, requires sub-nanosecond clock synchronization among readout and front-end electronics modules that may lie hundred meters apart. We call GTS (Global Trigger and Synchronization System) the infrastructure responsible for precise clock synchronization and for the trigger management of AGATA. It is made of a central trigger processor and nodes, connected in a tree structure by means of optical fibers operated at 2Gb/s. The GTS tree handles the synchronization and the trigger data flow, whereas the trigger processor analyses and eventually validates the trigger primitives centrally. Sub-nanosecond synchronization is achieved by measuring two different types of round-trip times and by automatically correcting for phase-shift differences. For a tree of depth two, the peak-to-peak clock jitter at each leaf is 70 ps; the mean phase difference is 180 ps, while the standard deviation over such phase difference, namely the phase equalization repeatability, is 20 ps. The GTS system has run flawlessly for the two-year long AGATA campaign, held at the INFN Legnaro National Laboratories, Italy, where five triple clusters of the AGATA sub-array were coupled with a variety of ancillary detectors.

A microchannel plate X-ray multiplier with rising-time less than 170 ps

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhao Shicheng; Ouyang Bin

1987-01-01

The time reponse of a microchannel plate X-ray multiplier has been improved considerably by using a coupling construction of coaxial tapers. The experimental calibration results with laser plasma X-ray source show that the rising-time of the multiplier is less than 170 ps

The decreased influence of overall treatment time on the response of human breast tumor xenografts following prolongation of the potential doubling time (T{sub pot})

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sarkaria, Jann N; Fowler, John F; Lindstrom, Mary J; Jordan, V Craig; Mulcahy, R Timothy

1995-02-15

Purpose: Repopulation during fractionated radiotherapy has been postulated to result in a significant loss in local control in rapidly proliferating tumors. Clinical data suggest that accelerated fractionation schedules can overcome the influence of repopulation by limiting the overall treatment time. Unfortunately, accelerated therapy frequently leads to increased acute reactions, which may become dose limiting. An alternative to accelerated fractionation would be to decrease the rate of repopulation during therapy. To test the potential efficacy of this alternative, we examined the effect of reducing tumor proliferation rate on the response of MCF-7 human breast carcinoma xenografts treated with a short vs. a long course of fractionated therapy. To reduce the proliferation rate, we deprived nude mice transplanted with MCF-7 xenografts of the growth-stimulating hormone estradiol (E{sub 2}). We have previously reported that E{sub 2} deprivation increases the potential doubling time (T{sub pot}) for MCF-7 xenografts from a mean of 2.6 days to 5.3 days (p < 0.001). Methods and Materials: E{sub 2}-stimulated and E{sub 2}-deprived MCF-7 breast carcinoma xenografts were clamped hypoxically and irradiated with four fractions of 5 Gy each, using either a short (3-day) or long (9-day) treatment course. E{sub 2} stimulation was restored in all animals at the completion of irradiation. Radiation response was determined by regrowth time and regrowth delay of the irradiated tumors as compared to unirradiated controls. Results: Prolongation of therapy in rapidly proliferating, E{sub 2}-stimulated tumors (T{sub pot} {approx} 2.6 days) resulted in a significant decrease in regrowth time in two identical experiments. With results pooled for analysis, the regrowth times for the short and long treatments were 62 and 32 days, respectively (combined p < 0.001). The shorter regrowth times suggest that there was less overall tumor damage with the longer fractionated radiotherapy course

Low-temperature plasma etching of high aspect-ratio densely packed 15 to sub-10 nm silicon features derived from PS-PDMS block copolymer patterns

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, Zuwei; Sassolini, Simone; Olynick, Deirdre L; Gu, Xiaodan; Hwu, Justin

2014-01-01

The combination of block copolymer (BCP) lithography and plasma etching offers a gateway to densely packed sub-10 nm features for advanced nanotechnology. Despite the advances in BCP lithography, plasma pattern transfer remains a major challenge. We use controlled and low substrate temperatures during plasma etching of a chromium hard mask and then the underlying substrate as a route to high aspect ratio sub-10 nm silicon features derived from BCP lithography. Siloxane masks were fabricated using poly(styrene-b-siloxane) (PS-PDMS) BCP to create either line-type masks or, with the addition of low molecular weight PS-OH homopolymer, dot-type masks. Temperature control was essential for preventing mask migration and controlling the etched feature’s shape. Vertical silicon wire features (15 nm with feature-to-feature spacing of 26 nm) were etched with aspect ratios up to 17 : 1; higher aspect ratios were limited by the collapse of nanoscale silicon structures. Sub-10 nm fin structures were etched with aspect ratios greater than 10 : 1. Transmission electron microscopy images of the wires reveal a crystalline silicon core with an amorphous surface layer, just slightly thicker than a native oxide. (paper)

Search for an optimum time response of spark counters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Devismes, A.; Finck, Ch.; Kress, T.; Gobbi, A.; Eschke, J.; Herrmann, N.; Hildenbrand, K.D.; Koczon, P.; Petrovici, M.

2002-01-01

A spark counter of the type developed by Pestov has been tested with the aim of searching for an optimum time response function, changing voltage, content of noble and quencher gases, pressure and energy-loss. Replacing the usual argon by neon has brought an improvement of the resolution and a significant reduction of tails in the time response function. It has been proven that a counter as long as 90 cm can deliver, using neon gas mixture, a time resolution σ<60 ps with about 1% absolute tail and an efficiency of about 90%

The time-walk of analog constant fraction discriminators using very fast scintillator detectors with linear and non-linear energy response

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Regis, J.-M., E-mail: regis@ikp.uni-koeln.de [Institut fuer Kernphysik der Universitaet zu Koeln, Zuelpicher Str. 77, 50937 Koeln (Germany); Rudigier, M.; Jolie, J.; Blazhev, A.; Fransen, C.; Pascovici, G.; Warr, N. [Institut fuer Kernphysik der Universitaet zu Koeln, Zuelpicher Str. 77, 50937 Koeln (Germany)

2012-08-21

The electronic {gamma}-{gamma} fast timing technique allows for direct nuclear lifetime determination down to the few picoseconds region by measuring the time difference between two coincident {gamma}-ray transitions. Using high resolution ultra-fast LaBr{sub 3}(Ce) scintillator detectors in combination with the recently developed mirror symmetric centroid difference method, nuclear lifetimes are measured with a time resolving power of around 5 ps. The essence of the method is to calibrate the energy dependent position (centroid) of the prompt response function of the setup which is obtained for simultaneously occurring events. This time-walk of the prompt response function induced by the analog constant fraction discriminator has been determined by systematic measurements using different photomultiplier tubes and timing adjustments of the constant fraction discriminator. We propose a universal calibration function which describes the time-walk or the combined {gamma}-{gamma} time-walk characteristics, respectively, for either a linear or a non-linear amplitude versus energy dependency of the scintillator detector output pulses.

Biogenic synthesis of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} magnetic nanoparticles using Pisum sativum peels extract and its effect on magnetic and Methyl orange dye degradation studies

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Prasad, Cheera; Yuvaraja, Gutha; Venkateswarlu, Ponneri, E-mail: ponneri.venkateswarlu@gmail.com

2017-02-15

We have been developed facile and ecofriendly method for the synthesis of Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) using an aqueous extract of Pisum sativum peels (PS) is used as reducing and capping agent. The as synthesized PS-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} MNPs are characterized by diverse techniques such as FTIR, powder XRD, TEM, BET and Raman spectroscopy measurements. The results show that the obtained Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles exhibits high specific surface area (∼17.6 m{sup 2}/g) and agglomerated spherical in shape with the size range of 20–30 nm. The magnetic properties of PS-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} MNPs sample clearly exhibits ferromagnetic nature with a saturation magnetization of 64.2 emu/g. Further, the catalytic properties of PS-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} MNPs for degradation of Methyl orange (MO) dye in aqueous solution have been investigated by UV–visible spectroscopy. The results show that PS-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} MNPs is an efficient catalyst for degradation of Methyl orange dye than previously reported ones. - Highlights: • PS-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} MNPs are synthesized using Pisum sativum peels extract. • PS-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} MNPs exhibits high specific surface area 17.6 m{sup 2}/g and ferro magnetic behavior. • PS-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} MNPs exhibits good catalyst for degradation of Methyl orange dye.

Preparation of poly (styrene)-b-poly (acrylic acid)/{gamma}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} composites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, L.D. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong Polytechnic University, Key Laboratory of Processing and Testing Technology of Glass Functional Ceramics of Shandong Province, Daxue Road, Western University Science Park, Jinan 250353 (China); Liu, W.L., E-mail: wlliu@sdu.edu.cn [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong Polytechnic University, Key Laboratory of Processing and Testing Technology of Glass Functional Ceramics of Shandong Province, Daxue Road, Western University Science Park, Jinan 250353 (China); Xiao, C.L.; Yao, J.S.; Fan, Z.P.; Sun, X.L.; Zhang, X.; Wang, L. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong Polytechnic University, Key Laboratory of Processing and Testing Technology of Glass Functional Ceramics of Shandong Province, Daxue Road, Western University Science Park, Jinan 250353 (China); Wang, X.Q. [State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100 (China)

2011-12-15

The use of a block copolymer, poly (styrene)-b-poly (acrylic acid) (PS-b-PAA) to prepare a magnetic nanocomposite was investigated. Poly (styrene)-poly (t-butyl acrylate) block copolymer, being synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization, was hydrolyzed with hydrochloric acid for obtaining PS-b-PAA. The obtained PS-b-PAA was then compounded with the modified {gamma}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}, and subsequently the magnetic nanocomposite was achieved. The products were characterized by {sup 1}H NMR, FTIR, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. The results showed that the nanocomposites exhibited soft magnetism, with the mean diameter of 100 nm approximately. - Highlights: > Magnetic composites were prepared using {gamma}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} and PS-b-PAA. > PS-b-PAA was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization. > The obtained composite exhibited soft magnetism.

1H NMR-based metabolomics of time-dependent responses of Eisenia fetida to sub-lethal phenanthrene exposure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lankadurai, Brian P.; Wolfe, David M.; Simpson, Andre J.; Simpson, Myrna J.

2011-01-01

1 H NMR-based metabolomics was used to examine the response of the earthworm Eisenia fetida after exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of phenanthrene over time. Earthworms were exposed to 0.025 mg/cm 2 of phenanthrene (1/64th of the LC 50 ) via contact tests over four days. Earthworm tissues were extracted using a mixture of chloroform, methanol and water, resulting in polar and non-polar fractions that were analyzed by 1 H NMR after one, two, three and four days. NMR-based metabolomic analyses revealed heightened E. fetida responses with longer phenanthrene exposure times. Amino acids alanine and glutamate, the sugar maltose, the lipids cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine emerged as potential indicators of phenanthrene exposure. The conversion of succinate to fumarate in the Krebs cycle was also interrupted by phenanthrene. Therefore, this study shows that NMR-based metabolomics is a powerful tool for elucidating time-dependent relationships in addition to the mode of toxicity of phenanthrene in earthworm exposure studies. - Highlights: → NMR-based earthworm metabolomic analysis of the mode of action of phenanthrene is presented. → The earthworm species E. fetida were exposed to sub-lethal phenanthrene concentrations. → Both polar and non-polar metabolites of E. fetida tissue extracts were analyzed by 1 H NMR. → Longer phenanthrene exposure times resulted in heightened earthworm responses. → An interruption of the Krebs cycle was also observed due to phenanthrene exposure. - 1 H NMR metabolomics is used to determine the relationship between phenanthrene exposure and the metabolic response of the earthworm E. fetida over time and also to elucidate the phenanthrene mode of toxicity.

A Four-Gap Glass-RPC Time-of-Flight Array with 90 ps Time Resolution

CERN Document Server

Akindinov, A; Formenti, F; Golovine, V; Klempt, W; Kluge, A; Martemyanov, A N; Martinengo, P; Pinhão, J; Smirnitsky, A V; Spegel, M; Szymanski, P; Zalipska, J

2001-01-01

In this paper, we describe the performance of a prototype developed in the context of the ALICE time-of-flight research and development system. The detector module consists of a 32-channel array of 3 x 3 cm2 glass resistive plate chamber (RPC) cells, each of which has four accurately space gaps of 0.3 mm thickness arranged as a pair of double-gap resisitive plate chambers. Operated with a nonflammable gas mixture at atmospheric pressure, the system achieved a time resolution of 90 ps at 98% efficiency with good uniformity and moderate crosstalk. This result shows the feasibility of large-area high-resolution time-of-flight systems based on RPCs at affordable cost.

Study of thermal response of superconducting NbN meander line by using 20 ps pulse laser

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Miki, Shigehito; Fujiwara, Daisuke; Simakage, Hisashi; Kawakami, Akira; Wang Zhen; Satoh, Kazuo; Yotsuya, Tsutomu; Ishida, Takekazu

2005-01-01

The thermal response of a superconducting NbN thin-film meander line was studied by irradiating with a 20 ps pulse laser. A 10 nm-thick NbN thin film was prepared by dc magnetron sputtering and then processed to fabricate a 3 μm-wide, 125.5 mm-long meander line. The device was placed in a 4 K refrigerator, and the bias temperature was kept below the critical temperature T c . The end of an optical fiber was fixed at the front of a meander line, which was then directly irradiated by using the 20 ps pulse laser. The output voltage was observed with a digital oscilloscope and a low-noise amplifier. The output signals of the thermal response were clearly observed

Enhanced personal protection at the PS

CERN Multimedia

Samuel Morier Genoud

2013-01-01

Pictures 03, 06, 07 08 : Pierre Ninin, deputy group leader of GS-ASE and responsible for the installation of the new PS complex safety system, in front of a new access control system.Pictures 10, 12 ,13 : View of Building 271, the future control centre of the new PS complex safety system.

Preliminary evaluation of PS300: A new self-lubricating high temperature composite coating for use to 800{degrees}C

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

DellaCorte, C.; Edmonds, B.J.

1996-12-31

This paper introduces PS300, a plasma sprayed, self-lubricating composite coating for use in sliding contacts at temperatures to 800{degrees}C. PS300 is a metal bonded chrome oxide coating with silver and BaF{sub 2}/CaF{sub 2} eutectic solid lubricant additives. PS300 is similar to PS200, a chromium carbide based coating; which is currently being investigated for a variety of tribological applications. In pin-on-disk testing up to 650{degrees}C, PS300 exhibited comparable friction and wear properties to PS200. The PS300 matrix, which is predominantly chromium oxide rather than chromium carbide, does not require diamond grinding and polishes readily with silicon carbide abrasives greatly reducing manufacturing costs compared to PS200. It is anticipated that PS300 has potential for sliding bearing and seal applications in both aerospace and general industry.

On the crystallization behavior of syndiotactic-b-atactic polystyrene stereodiblock copolymers, atactic/syndiotactic polystyrene blends, and aPS/sPS blends modified with sPS-b-aPS

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Annunziata, Liana, E-mail: liana.annunziatta@univ-rennes1.fr [Organométalliques et Catalyse, UMR 6226 Sciences Chimiques CNRS, Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, F-35042 Rennes Cedex (France); Monasse, Bernard, E-mail: bernard.monasse@mines-paristech.fr [Mines-ParisTech, CEMEF, Centre de Mise en Forme des Matériaux, UMR CNRS 7635, Sophia Antipolis (France); Rizzo, Paola; Guerra, Gaetano [Dipartimento di Chimica e Biologia, Università degli studi di Salerno, Via Ponte don Melillo, I-84084 Fisciano, SA (Italy); Duc, Michel [Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy, Zone Industrielle Feluy C, B-7181 Seneffe (Belgium); Carpentier, Jean-François, E-mail: jean-francois.carpentier@univ-rennes1.fr [Organométalliques et Catalyse, UMR 6226 Sciences Chimiques CNRS, Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, F-35042 Rennes Cedex (France)

2013-09-16

Crystallization and morphological features of syndiotactic-b-atactic polystyrene stereodiblock copolymers (sPS-b-aPS), atactic/syndiotactic polystyrene blends (aPS/sPS), and aPS/sPS blends modified with sPS-b-aPS, with different compositions in aPS and sPS, have been investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized light optical microscopy (POM) and wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXRD) techniques. For comparative purposes, the properties of parent pristine sPS samples were also studied. WAXRD analyses revealed for all the samples, independently from their composition (aPS/sPS ratio) and structure (blends, block copolymers, blends modified with block copolymers), the same polymorphic β form of sPS. The molecular weight of aPS and sPS showed opposite effects on the crystallization of 50:50 aPS/sPS blends: the lower the molecular weight of aPS, the slower the crystallization while the lower the molecular weight of sPS, the faster the crystallization. DSC studies performed under both isothermal and non-isothermal conditions, independently confirmed by POM studies, led to a clear trend for the crystallization rate at a given sPS/aPS ratio (ca. 50:50 and 20:80): sPS homopolymers > sPS-b-aPS block copolymers ∼sPS/aPS blends modified with sPS-b-aPS copolymers > sPS/aPS blends. Interestingly, sPS-b-aPS block copolymers not only crystallized faster than blends, but also affected positively the crystallization behavior of blends. At 50:50 sPS/aPS ratio, blends (Blend-2), block copolymers (Cop-1) and blends modified with block copolymers (Blend-2-mod) crystallized via spherulitic crystalline growth controlled by an interfacial process. In all cases, an instantaneous nucleation was observed. The density of nuclei in block copolymers (160,000−190,000 nuclei mm{sup −3}) was always higher than that in blends and modified blends (30,000−60,000 nuclei mm{sup −3}), even for quite different sPS/aPS ratio. At 20:80 sPS/aPS ratio, the block copolymers

Mobile Charge Generation Dynamics in P3HT:PCBM Observed by Time-Resolved Terahertz Spectroscopy

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Cooke, D. G.; Krebs, Frederik C; Jepsen, Peter Uhd

2012-01-01

Ultra-broadband time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy is used to examine the sub-ps conductivity dynamics of a conjugated polymer bulk heterojunction film P3HT:PCBM. We directly observe mobile charge generation dynamics on a sub-100 fs time scale.......Ultra-broadband time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy is used to examine the sub-ps conductivity dynamics of a conjugated polymer bulk heterojunction film P3HT:PCBM. We directly observe mobile charge generation dynamics on a sub-100 fs time scale....

Mobile charge generation dynamics in P3HT: PCBM observed by time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Cooke, D. G.; Krebs, Frederik C; Jepsen, Peter Uhd

2012-01-01

Ultra-broadband time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy is used to examine the sub-ps conductivity dynamics of a conjugated polymer bulk heterojunction film P3HT:PCBM. We directly observe mobile charge generation dynamics on a sub-100 fs time scale.......Ultra-broadband time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy is used to examine the sub-ps conductivity dynamics of a conjugated polymer bulk heterojunction film P3HT:PCBM. We directly observe mobile charge generation dynamics on a sub-100 fs time scale....

A 9-Channel, 100 ps LSB Time-to-Digital Converter for the NA62 Gigatracker Readout ASIC (TDCpix)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Perktold, L; Rinella, G Aglieri; Noy, M; Kluge, A; Kloukinas, K; Kaplon, J; Jarron, P; Morel, M; Fiorini, M; Martin, E

2012-01-01

The TDCpix ASIC is the readout chip for the Gigatracker station of the NA62 experiment. Each station of the Gigatracker needs to provide time stamping of individual particles to 200 ps-rms or better. Bump-bonded to the pixel sensor the ASIC serves an array of 40 columns x 40 pixels. The high precision time measurement of the discriminated hit signals is accomplished with a set of 40 TDCs sitting in the End-Of-Column region of the ASIC. Each TDC provides 9 channels per column. For the time-to-digital converter (TDC) a delay-locked-loop (DLL) approach is employed to achieve a constant time binning of 100 ps. Simulation results show that an average rms time resolution of 33 ps with a power consumption of the TDC better than 33 mW per column is achieved. This contribution will present the design, simulation results and implementation challenges of the TDC.

Information extraction from dynamic PS-InSAR time series using machine learning

Science.gov (United States)

van de Kerkhof, B.; Pankratius, V.; Chang, L.; van Swol, R.; Hanssen, R. F.

2017-12-01

Due to the increasing number of SAR satellites, with shorter repeat intervals and higher resolutions, SAR data volumes are exploding. Time series analyses of SAR data, i.e. Persistent Scatterer (PS) InSAR, enable the deformation monitoring of the built environment at an unprecedented scale, with hundreds of scatterers per km2, updated weekly. Potential hazards, e.g. due to failure of aging infrastructure, can be detected at an early stage. Yet, this requires the operational data processing of billions of measurement points, over hundreds of epochs, updating this data set dynamically as new data come in, and testing whether points (start to) behave in an anomalous way. Moreover, the quality of PS-InSAR measurements is ambiguous and heterogeneous, which will yield false positives and false negatives. Such analyses are numerically challenging. Here we extract relevant information from PS-InSAR time series using machine learning algorithms. We cluster (group together) time series with similar behaviour, even though they may not be spatially close, such that the results can be used for further analysis. First we reduce the dimensionality of the dataset in order to be able to cluster the data, since applying clustering techniques on high dimensional datasets often result in unsatisfying results. Our approach is to apply t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE), a machine learning algorithm for dimensionality reduction of high-dimensional data to a 2D or 3D map, and cluster this result using Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN). The results show that we are able to detect and cluster time series with similar behaviour, which is the starting point for more extensive analysis into the underlying driving mechanisms. The results of the methods are compared to conventional hypothesis testing as well as a Self-Organising Map (SOM) approach. Hypothesis testing is robust and takes the stochastic nature of the observations into account

PS1-12sk IS A PECULIAR SUPERNOVA FROM A He-RICH PROGENITOR SYSTEM IN A BRIGHTEST CLUSTER GALAXY ENVIRONMENT

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sanders, N. E.; Soderberg, A. M.; Foley, R. J.; Chornock, R.; Milisavljevic, D.; Margutti, R.; Drout, M. R.; Moe, M.; Berger, E.; Brown, W. R.; Lunnan, R. [Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 (United States); Smartt, S. J.; Fraser, M.; Kotak, R.; Magill, L.; Smith, K. W.; Wright, D. [Astrophysics Research Centre, School of Maths and Physics, Queens University, Belfast BT7 1NN (United Kingdom); Huang, K. [Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Taipei 106, Taiwan (China); Urata, Y. [Institute of Astronomy, National Central University, Chung-Li 32054, Taiwan (China); Mulchaey, J. S., E-mail: nsanders@cfa.harvard.edu [Carnegie Observatories, 813 Santa Barbara Street, Pasadena, CA 91101 (United States); and others

2013-05-20

We report on our discovery and observations of the Pan-STARRS1 supernova (SN) PS1-12sk, a transient with properties that indicate atypical star formation in its host galaxy cluster or pose a challenge to popular progenitor system models for this class of explosion. The optical spectra of PS1-12sk classify it as a Type Ibn SN (SN Ibn; cf. SN 2006jc), dominated by intermediate-width (3 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 3} km s{sup -1}) and time variable He I emission. Our multi-wavelength monitoring establishes the rise time dt {approx} 9-23 days and shows an NUV-NIR spectral energy distribution with temperature {approx}> 17 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 3} K and a peak magnitude of M{sub z} = -18.88 {+-} 0.02 mag. SN Ibn spectroscopic properties are commonly interpreted as the signature of a massive star (17-100 M{sub Sun }) explosion within an He-enriched circumstellar medium. However, unlike previous SNe Ibn, PS1-12sk is associated with an elliptical brightest cluster galaxy, CGCG 208-042 (z = 0.054) in cluster RXC J0844.9+4258. The expected probability of an event like PS1-12sk in such environments is low given the measured infrequency of core-collapse SNe in red-sequence galaxies compounded by the low volumetric rate of SN Ibn. Furthermore, we find no evidence of star formation at the explosion site to sensitive limits ({Sigma}{sub H{alpha}} {approx}< 2 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -3} M{sub Sun} yr{sup -1} kpc{sup -2}). We therefore discuss white dwarf binary systems as a possible progenitor channel for SNe Ibn. We conclude that PS1-12sk represents either a fortuitous and statistically unlikely discovery, evidence for a top-heavy initial mass function in galaxy cluster cooling flow filaments, or the first clue suggesting an alternate progenitor channel for SNe Ibn.

Impact of calcium-sensitive dyes on the beating properties and pharmacological responses of human iPS-derived cardiomyocytes using the calcium transient assay.

Science.gov (United States)

Kopljar, Ivan; Hermans, An N; Teisman, Ard; Gallacher, David J; Lu, Hua Rong

Calcium-based screening of hiPS-CMs is a useful preclinical safety evaluation platform with the ability to generate robust signals that facilitates high-throughput screening and data analysis. However, due to the potential inherent toxicities, it is important to understand potential effects of different calcium-sensitive dyes on the hiPS-CMs model. We compared three calcium-sensitive fluorescence dyes (Cal520, ACTOne and Calcium 5) for their impact on the variability, the beating properties and the pharmacological responses of hiPS-CMs using the Hamamatsu FDSS/μCell imaging platform. Direct effects of three dyes on the electrophysiological properties of hiPS-CMs were evaluated with the multi-electrode array (MEA) Axion Maestro platform. We propose a specific experimental protocol for each dye which gives the most optimal assay conditions to minimize variability and possible adverse effects. We showed that Cal520 had the smallest effect on hiPS-CMs together with the longest-lasting stable amplitude signal (up to 4 h). Although all dyes had a (minor) acute effect on hiPS-CMs, in the form of reduced beat rate and prolonged field potential duration, the selection of the dye did not influence the pharmacological response of four cardioactive drugs (dofetilide, moxifloxacin, nimodipine and isoprenaline). In conclusion, we have documented that different calcium sensitive dyes have only minor direct (acute) effects on hiPS-CMs with Cal520 showing the least effects and the longest lasting signal amplitude. Importantly, drug-induced pharmacological responses in hiPS-CMs were comparable between the three dyes. These findings should help further improve the robustness of the hiPS-CMs-based calcium transient assay as a predictive, preclinical cardiac safety evaluation tool. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Measurement of the B{sub s}{sup 0}-B{sup Macron }{sub s}{sup 0} oscillation frequency {Delta}m{sub s} in B{sub s}{sup 0}{yields}D{sub s}{sup -}(3){pi} decays

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aaij, R. [Nikhef National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Amsterdam (Netherlands); Adeva, B. [Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela (Spain); Adinolfi, M. [H.H. Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Bristol (United Kingdom); Adrover, C. [CPPM, Aix-Marseille Universite, CNRS/IN2P3, Marseille (France); Affolder, A. [Oliver Lodge Laboratory, University of Liverpool, Liverpool (United Kingdom); Ajaltouni, Z. [Clermont Universite, Universite Blaise Pascal, CNRS/IN2P3, LPC, Clermont-Ferrand (France); Albrecht, J.; Alessio, F. [European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva (Switzerland); Alexander, M. [School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow, Glasgow (United Kingdom); Alkhazov, G. [Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute (PNPI), Gatchina (Russian Federation); Alvarez Cartelle, P. [Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela (Spain); Alves, A.A. [Sezione INFN di Roma La Sapienza, Roma (Italy); Amato, S. [Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil); Amhis, Y. [Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne (Switzerland); Anderson, J. [Physik-Institut, Universitaet Zuerich, Zuerich (Switzerland); Appleby, R.B. [School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester (United Kingdom); Aquines Gutierrez, O. [Max-Planck-Institut fuer Kernphysik (MPIK), Heidelberg (Germany); Archilli, F. [Laboratori Nazionali dell' INFN di Frascati, Frascati (Italy); European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva (Switzerland); Arrabito, L. [CC-IN2P3, CNRS/IN2P3, Lyon-Villeurbanne (France); Artamonov, A. [Institute for High Energy Physics (IHEP), Protvino (Russian Federation); and others

2012-03-19

The B{sub s}{sup 0}-B{sup Macron }{sub s}{sup 0} oscillation frequency {Delta}m{sub s} is measured with 36 pb{sup -1} of data collected in pp collisions at {radical}(s)=7 TeV by the LHCb experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. A total of 1381 B{sub s}{sup 0}{yields}D{sub s}{sup -}{pi}{sup +} and B{sub s}{sup 0}{yields}D{sub s}{sup -}{pi}{sup +}{pi}{sup -}{pi}{sup +} signal decays are reconstructed, with average decay time resolutions of 44 fs and 36 fs, respectively. An oscillation signal with a statistical significance of 4.6{sigma} is observed. The measured oscillation frequency is {Delta}m{sub s}=17.63{+-}0.11(stat){+-}0.02(syst) ps{sup -1}.

{sup 15}N methodologies for quantifying the response of N{sub 2}-fixing associations to elevated [CO{sub 2}]: A review

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chalk, Phillip M., E-mail: chalkphillip@gmail.com; Lam, Shu K., E-mail: shukee.lam@unimelb.edu.au; Chen, Deli, E-mail: delichen@unimelb.edu.au

2016-11-15

Methodologies based on {sup 15}N enrichment (E) and {sup 15}N natural abundance (NA) have been used to obtain quantitative estimates of the response of biological N{sub 2} fixation (BNF) of legumes (woody, grain and forage) and actinorhizal plants grown in artificial media or in soil exposed to elevated atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide e[CO{sub 2}] for extended periods of time, in growth rooms, greenhouses, open top chambers or free-air CO{sub 2} enrichment (FACE) facilities. {sup 15}N{sub 2} has also been used to quantify the response of endophytic and free-living diazotrophs to e[CO{sub 2}]. The primary criterion of response was the proportional dependence of the N{sub 2}-fixing system on the atmosphere as a source of N. i.e. the symbiotic dependence (P{sub atm}). The unique feature of {sup 15}N-based methods is their ability to provide time-integrated and yield-independent estimates of P{sub atm}. In studies conducted in artificial media or in soil using the E methodology there was either no response or a positive response of P{sub atm} to e[CO{sub 2}]. The interpretation of results obtained in artificial media or with {sup 15}N{sub 2} is straight forward, not being subject to the assumptions on which the E and NA soil-cultured methods are based. A variety of methods have been used to estimate isotopic fractionation attendant on the NA technique, the so-called ‘B value’, which attaches a degree of uncertainty to the results obtained. Using the NA technique, a suite of responses of P{sub atm} to e[CO{sub 2}] has been published, from positive to neutral to sometimes negative effects. Several factors which interact with the response of N{sub 2}-fixing species to e[CO{sub 2}] were identified.

Two-year survival rates of anti-TNF-α therapy in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients with either polyarticular or oligoarticular PsA.

Science.gov (United States)

Iannone, F; Lopriore, S; Bucci, R; Scioscia, C; Anelli, M G; Notarnicola, A; Lapadula, G

2015-05-01

To evaluate the 2-year drug survival rates of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α blockers adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients with either oligoarticular (oligo-PsA) or polyarticular PsA (poly-PsA). We studied a prospective cohort of 328 PsA patients with peripheral arthritis (213 with poly-PsA and 115 with oligo-PsA), beginning their first ever anti-TNF-α treatment with adalimumab, etanercept, or infliximab. The aim of the study was to evaluate the drug survival rates and possible baseline predictors at 2 years. After 24 months, persistence in therapy with the first anti-TNF-α blocker was not statistically different in the oligo-PsA (70.4%) and poly-PsA (65.7%) subsets. Predictors of drug discontinuation were female sex [hazard ratio (HR) 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00-2.68, p = 0.04] and starting the therapy in years 2003-8 (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.33-0.80, p = 0.003). In poly-PsA, the persistence of etanercept (68.3%) was significantly higher than that of adalimumab (51.9%, p = 0.01), whereas in oligo-PsA no significant difference was detected. In poly-PsA, the period 2003-8 was a negative predictor (HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.21-0.62, p = 0.0001) whereas in oligo-PsA female gender was a positive predictor of drug discontinuation (HR 2.08, 95% CI 1.02-4.24, p = 0.04). With regard to clinical outcomes, the best responses in terms of European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) 'good' response or Disease Activity Score (DAS28) remission, crude or adjusted according to the LUND Efficacy indeX (LUNDEX), were seen in patients on etanercept or infliximab. Our study provides some evidence that anti-TNF-α drugs may perform differently in PsA, and that the analysis of clinical disease subsets may improve our knowledge and promote better management of PsA.

Self-Assembly of Colloidal Photonic Crystals of PS@PNIPAM Nanoparticles and Temperature-Responsive Tunable Fluorescence.

Science.gov (United States)

Yuan, Shuai; Ge, Fengyan; Yang, Xue; Guang, Shanyi

2016-11-01

A strategy for significantly enhancing fluorescence is developed based on the coupling of optical properties of colloidal photonic crystals (CPCs) with responsive microgel. In this paper, thermoresponsive microgel PNIPAM was employed for the fabrication of core-shell structure. The core-shell PS@PNIPAM nanoparticles (NPs) are then assembled to CPCs by a vertical deposition method. Subsequently, the novel functional material (RhB/CPCs) can be prepared by depositing fluorescent dye molecules (RhB) on the top of PS@PNIPAM CPCs. We obtained an increase in the fluorescent intensity up to 15-fold and 22-fold compared with RhB on the glass slid and the uneven film. Due to the unique responsive shrinking properties of PNIPAM shell, the amplifying fluorescence behavior of CPCs can be well tuned by varying the temperature. In contrast to RhB on the glass slid, a 15-fold and 12-fold fluorescence enhancement can be observed when the temperature of RhB/CPCs was 20 °C and 50 °C, respectively. The mechanism on enhancement fluorescence of tunable CPCs can be achieved by measurements of thermoresponsive properties. The results indicate that the responsive fluorescence-amplifying method based on CPCs made with responsive core-shell NPs has a potential application for the development of efficient fluorescence sensors.

A CMOS delay locked loop and sub-nanosecond time-to-digital converter chip

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Santos, D.M.; Dow, S.F.; Levi, M.E.

1995-12-01

Many high energy physics and nuclear science applications require sub-nanosecond time resolution measurements over many thousands of detector channels. Phase-locked loops have been employed in the past to obtain accurate time references for these measurements. An alternative solution, based on a delay-locked loop (DLL) is described. This solution allows for a very high level of integration yet still offers resolution in the sub-nanosecond regime. Two variations on this solution are outlined. A novel phase detector, based on the Muller C element, is used to implement a charge pump where the injected charge approaches zero as the loop approaches lock on the leading edge of an input clock reference. This greatly reduces timing jitter. In the second variation the loop locks to both the leading and trailing clock edges. In this second implementation, software coded layout generators are used to automatically layout a highly integrated, multi-channel, time to digital converter (TDC). Complex clock generation can be, achieved by taking symmetric taps off the delay elements. The two circuits, DLL and TDC, were implemented in a CMOS 1.2μm and 0.8μm technology, respectively. Test results show a timing jitter of less than 35 ps for the DLL circuit and better solution for the TDC circuit

Sub-picosecond Resolution Time-to-Digital Converter

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bratov, Vladimir [Advanced Science and Novel Technology Company, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (United States); Katzman, Vladimir [Advanced Science and Novel Technology Company, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (United States); Binkley, Jeb [Advanced Science and Novel Technology Company, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (United States)

2006-03-30

Time-to-digital converters with sub-picosecond resolutions are needed to satisfy the requirements of time-on-flight measurements of the next generation of high energy and nuclear physics experiments. The converters must be highly integrated, power effective, low cost, and feature plug-and-play capabilities to handle the increasing number of channels (up to hundreds of millions) in future Department of Energy experiments. Current state-off-the-art time-to-digital converter integrated circuits do not have the sufficient degree of integration and flexibility to fulfill all the described requirements. During Phase I, the Advanced Science and Novel Technology Company in cooperation with the nuclear physics division of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed the architecture of a novel time-to-digital converter with multiple channels connected to an external processor through a special interfacing block and synchronized by clock signals generated by an internal phase-locked loop. The critical blocks of the system including signal delay lines and delay-locked loops with proprietary differential delay cells, as well as the required digital code converter and the clock period counter have been designed and simulated using the advanced SiGe120 BiCMOS technological process. The results of investigations demonstrate a possibility to achieve the digitization accuracy within 1ps. ADSANTEC has demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed concept in computer simulations. The proposed system will be a critical component for the next generation of NEP experiments.

Studies on semiconductors based on InP with sub-ps response times

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Biermann, K.

2007-01-01

The present work describes investigation of new material concepts accomplished using molecular-beam-epitaxy (MBE) growth for application in ultra-fast photonic components. Nominally undoped and Be doped GaInAs/AlInAs multiple-quantumwell structures (MQW) were grown by MBE at growth temperatures down to 100 C (LT-MBE) on semi-insulating InP substrates. Crystalline, electric and optical properties of as-grown and annealed structures were investigated. Energy states near the conduction band of GaInAs determine the electrical and optical properties of LT-MQWs. The dynamics of charge carrier relaxation was studied by means of pump and probe experiments. Measurements of the differential transmission when excited by an additional cw laser and measurements utilizing two closely sequenced pump pulses support the capability of Be doped as-grown (annealed) LT GaInAs/AlInAs MQW structures for use in optical switches at switching frequencies in the 1 Tbit/s (250 Gbit/s) range. The voltage-induced change of interband transmission of InP based quantumcascade-lasers (QCL) during pulsed mode operation was analyzed by means of 8 band k.p calculations. The impacts of varying charge carrier distributions and of electrically heated samples can be neglected compared to the dominating effect of the electrical field on the interband transmission. The impact of MBE growth parameters on the interface quality of AlAsSb/ GaInAs heterostructures were determined by means of Hall measurements, temperature- and intensity-dependent PL measurements and spectral measurements of the interband- and intersubband-absorption. The impact of In segregation and Sb diffusion on the intersubband absorption was analyzed on the basis of bandstructure calculations. Intersubband transitions at wavelengths of about 1.8 μm (1.55 μm) were successfully achieved in MQW (coupled QW) structures. (orig.)

Theoretical considerations regarding the existence of PsO and PsS+

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Farazdel, A.; Cade, P.E.

1977-01-01

It has been proposed from experimental studies and in analogy with hydrogen compounds that PsO may be an entity of some importance, or an intermediate, in the reaction of positronium, Ps, with aqueous oxyacid species such as H 2 PO 4 - , HSO 4 - , ClO 4 - , and NO 3 - . This communication explores the stability of PsO and PsS, or [O - :e + ] and [S - :e + ], respectively, relative to dissociation into Ps and O( 3 P) or S( 3 P) on the basis of restricted Hartree-Fock calculations for the PsO and PsS systems and certain correlation correction arguments. A reasonable lower estimate of the dissociation energy to Y+Ps of >-0.47 eV for PsO and >0.70 eV for PsS is obtained. It is suggested that a modest correlation correction to the positron affinity (PA) of O - would very probably lead to a bound state system for PsO. (Auth.)

Response Time Measurements of the NIF DANTE XRD-31 X-Ray Diodes (Pre-print)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pellinen, Don; Griffin, Michael

2009-01-01

The XRD-31 is a fast, windowless X-ray vacuum photodiode developed by EG and G. It is currently the primary fast X-ray detector used to diagnose the X-rays on NIF and OMEGA on the multichannel DANTE spectrometer. The XRD-31 has a dynamic range of less than 1e-12 amps to more than 10 amps. A technique is described to measure the impulse response of the diodes to a 150 fs pulse of 200 nm laser light and a method to calculate the 'risetime' for a square pulse and compare it with the computed electron transit time from the photocathode to the anode. Measured response time for 5 XRD-31s assembled in early 2004 was 149.7 ps +-2.75 ps

vQRS Based on Hybrids of CNT with PMMA-POSS and PS-POSS Copolymers to Reach the Sub-PPM Detection of Ammonia and Formaldehyde at Room Temperature Despite Moisture

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Abhishek Sachan

2017-07-01

Full Text Available Nanocomposite-based quantum resistive vapour sensors (vQRS have been developed from the assembly of hybrid copolymers of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS and poly(methyl methacrylate (PMMA or poly(styrene (PS with carbon nanotubes (CNT. The originality of the resulting conducting architecture is expected to be responsible for the ability of the transducer to detect sub-ppm concentrations of ammonia and formaldehyde at room temperature despite the presence of humidity. In particular, the boosting effect of POSS is evidenced in CNT-based nanocomposite vQRS. The additive fabrication by spraying layer-by-layer provides (sLbL is an effective method to control the reproducibility of the transducers’ chemo-resistive responses. In dry atmosphere, the two types of sensors showed a high sensitivity towards both hazardous gases, as they were able to detect 300 ppb of formaldehyde and 500 ppb of ammonia with a sufficiently good signal to noise ratio (SNR > 10. They also exhibited a quick response times less than 5 s for both vapours and, even in the presence of 100 ppm of water, they were able to detect small amounts of gases (1.5 ppm of NH3 and 9 ppm of CH2O. The results suggest promising applications of POSS-based vQRS for air quality or volatolome monitoring.

Measurement of the B^±<sub>c> Meson Lifetime Using B^±<sub>c>→ J/Ψ + l^± + X Decays

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hartz, Mark Patrick [Univ. of Pittsburgh, PA (United States)

2008-01-01

This thesis describes a measurement of the average proper decay time of the B^±<sub>c> mesons, the ground state of bottom and charm quark bound states. The lifetime measurement is carried out in the decay modes B^±<sub>c> → J/Ψ + e^± + X and B^±<sub>c> → J/Ψ + μ^± + X, where the J/Ψ decays as J/Ψ {yields} μ⁺μ^- and the X are unmeasured particles such as v<sub>e> or v<sub>μ>. The data are collect by the CDF II detector which measures the properties of particles created in √s = 1.96 TeV p$\\bar{p}$ collisions delivered by the Fermilab Tevatron. This measurement uses ~ 1 fb^-1 of integrated luminosity. The measured average proper decay time of B^±<sub>c> mesons, τ = 0.475<sub>-0.049sub>^+0.053(stat.) ± 0.018(syst.) ps, is competitive with the most precise measurements in the world and confirms previous measurements and theoretical predictions.

PS1-10bzj: A FAST, HYDROGEN-POOR SUPERLUMINOUS SUPERNOVA IN A METAL-POOR HOST GALAXY

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lunnan, R.; Chornock, R.; Berger, E.; Milisavljevic, D.; Drout, M.; Sanders, N. E.; Challis, P. M.; Czekala, I.; Foley, R. J.; Fong, W.; Kirshner, R. P.; Leibler, C.; Marion, G. H.; Narayan, G. [Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden St., Cambridge, MA 02138 (United States); Huber, M. E. [Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii, 2680 Woodlawn Drive, Honolulu, HI 96822 (United States); McCrum, M.; Smartt, S. J. [Astrophysics Research Centre, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen' s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN (United Kingdom); Rest, A. [Space Telescope Science Institute, 3700 San Martin Dr., Baltimore, MD 21218 (United States); Roth, K. C. [Gemini Observatory, 670 N. Aohoku Place, Hilo, HI 96720 (United States); Scolnic, D., E-mail: rlunnan@cfa.harvard.edu [Department of Physics and Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 (United States); and others

2013-07-10

We present observations and analysis of PS1-10bzj, a superluminous supernova (SLSN) discovered in the Pan-STARRS Medium Deep Survey at a redshift z = 0.650. Spectroscopically, PS1-10bzj is similar to the hydrogen-poor SLSNe 2005ap and SCP 06F6, though with a steeper rise and lower peak luminosity (M{sub bol} {approx_equal} -21.4 mag) than previous events. We construct a bolometric light curve, and show that while PS1-10bzj's energetics were less extreme than previous events, its luminosity still cannot be explained by radioactive nickel decay alone. We explore both a magnetar spin-down and circumstellar interaction scenario and find that either can fit the data. PS1-10bzj is located in the Extended Chandra Deep Field South and the host galaxy is imaged in a number of surveys, including with the Hubble Space Telescope. The host is a compact dwarf galaxy (M{sub B} Almost-Equal-To -18 mag, diameter {approx}< 800 pc), with a low stellar mass (M{sub *} Almost-Equal-To 2.4 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 7} M{sub Sun }), young stellar population ({tau}{sub *} Almost-Equal-To 5 Myr), and a star formation rate of {approx}2-3 M{sub Sun} yr{sup -1}. The specific star formation rate is the highest seen in an SLSN host so far ({approx}100 Gyr{sup -1}). We detect the [O III] {lambda}4363 line, and find a low metallicity: 12 + (O/H) = 7.8 {+-} 0.2 ({approx_equal} 0.1 Z{sub Sun }). Together, this indicates that at least some of the progenitors of SLSNe come from young, low-metallicity populations.

Amorphous phase formation in the Cu{sub 36}Zr{sub 59}A{sub l5} and Cu{sub 48}Zr{sub 43}A{sub l9} ternary alloys studied by molecular dynamics; Estudo da formacao de fase amorfa nas ligas ternarias Cu{sub 36}Zr{sub 59}A{sub l5} e Cu{sub 48}Zr{sub 43}A{sub l9} por dinamica molecular

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aliaga, L.C.R.; Schimidt, C.S.; Lima, L.V.; Domingues, G.M.B.; Bastos, I.N., E-mail: aliaga@iprj.uer.br [Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Nova friburgo, RJ (Brazil). Departamento de Materiais

2016-07-01

Amorphous alloys presents better mechanical and physical properties than its crystalline counterparts. However, there is a scarce understanding on structure - properties relationship in this class of materials. This paper presents the results of the molecular dynamics application to obtain an atomistic description of melting, solidification and the glass forming ability in the ternary Cu{sub 36}Zr{sub 59}A{sub l5} and Cu{sub 48}Zr{sub 43}A{sub l9} alloys. In the study we used the EAM potential and different cooling rates, β = 0.1, 1 and 100 K/ps to form the amorphous phase in a system consisting of 32,000 atoms by using the free code LAMMPS. The solidus and liquidus temperatures, on a heating rate of the 5 K/ps, were obtained. Also, on the cooling down step, it was observed that the glass transition temperature (T{sub g}) decreases as cooling rate increases. The structural evolution was analyzed through the radial distribution functions and Voronoi polyhedra. Furthermore, it was determined the evolution of viscosity upper T{sub g}, as well as the fragility (m) parameter for each amorphous alloy. The thermal parameters of the simulation obtained are compared with those of the experiments. (author)

Multichannel FPGA based MVT system for high precision time (20 ps RMS) and charge measurement

Science.gov (United States)

Pałka, M.; Strzempek, P.; Korcyl, G.; Bednarski, T.; Niedźwiecki, Sz.; Białas, P.; Czerwiński, E.; Dulski, K.; Gajos, A.; Głowacz, B.; Gorgol, M.; Jasińska, B.; Kamińska, D.; Kajetanowicz, M.; Kowalski, P.; Kozik, T.; Krzemień, W.; Kubicz, E.; Mohhamed, M.; Raczyński, L.; Rudy, Z.; Rundel, O.; Salabura, P.; Sharma, N. G.; Silarski, M.; Smyrski, J.; Strzelecki, A.; Wieczorek, A.; Wiślicki, W.; Zieliński, M.; Zgardzińska, B.; Moskal, P.

2017-08-01

In this article it is presented an FPGA based Multi-Voltage Threshold (MVT) system which allows of sampling fast signals (1-2 ns rising and falling edge) in both voltage and time domain. It is possible to achieve a precision of time measurement of 20 ps RMS and reconstruct charge of signals, using a simple approach, with deviation from real value smaller than 10%. Utilization of the differential inputs of an FPGA chip as comparators together with an implementation of a TDC inside an FPGA allowed us to achieve a compact multi-channel system characterized by low power consumption and low production costs. This paper describes realization and functioning of the system comprising 192-channel TDC board and a four mezzanine cards which split incoming signals and discriminate them. The boards have been used to validate a newly developed Time-of-Flight Positron Emission Tomography system based on plastic scintillators. The achieved full system time resolution of σ(TOF) ≈ 68 ps is by factor of two better with respect to the current TOF-PET systems.

Induction of host defences by Rhizobium during ineffective nodulation of pea (Pisum sativum L.) carrying symbiotically defective mutations sym40 (PsEFD), sym33 (PsIPD3/PsCYCLOPS) and sym42.

Science.gov (United States)

Ivanova, Kira A; Tsyganova, Anna V; Brewin, Nicholas J; Tikhonovich, Igor A; Tsyganov, Viktor E

2015-11-01

Rhizobia are able to establish a beneficial interaction with legumes by forming a new organ, called the symbiotic root nodule, which is a unique ecological niche for rhizobial nitrogen fixation. Rhizobial infection has many similarities with pathogenic infection and induction of defence responses accompanies both interactions, but defence responses are induced to a lesser extent during rhizobial infection. However, strong defence responses may result from incompatible interactions between legumes and rhizobia due to a mutation in either macro- or microsymbiont. The aim of this research was to analyse different plant defence reactions in response to Rhizobium infection for several pea (Pisum sativum) mutants that result in ineffective symbiosis. Pea mutants were examined by histochemical and immunocytochemical analyses, light, fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy and quantitative real-time PCR gene expression analysis. It was observed that mutations in pea symbiotic genes sym33 (PsIPD3/PsCYCLOPS encoding a transcriptional factor) and sym40 (PsEFD encoding a putative negative regulator of the cytokinin response) led to suberin depositions in ineffective nodules, and in the sym42 there were callose depositions in infection thread (IT) and host cell walls. The increase in deposition of unesterified pectin in IT walls was observed for mutants in the sym33 and sym42; for mutant in the sym42, unesterified pectin was also found around degrading bacteroids. In mutants in the genes sym33 and sym40, an increase in the expression level of a gene encoding peroxidase was observed. In the genes sym40 and sym42, an increase in the expression levels of genes encoding a marker of hypersensitive reaction and PR10 protein was demonstrated. Thus, a range of plant defence responses like suberisation, callose and unesterified pectin deposition as well as activation of defence genes can be triggered by different pea single mutations that cause perception of an otherwise

Diffusion and localization of o-Ps in Dsub(2)O determined from positron annihilation in SDS micellar solutions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vass, Sz.; Kajcsos, Zs.; Molnar, B.

1985-04-01

A microscopic diffusion model is presented for the determination of orthopositronium (o-Ps) lifetime in micellar solutions. Among other parameters, the lifetime density function depends on the o-Ps diffusion coefficient in the water phase. Orthopositronium diffusion coefficients are determined by fitting this lifetime density function to positron annihilation spectra obtained from 1 mol/dmsup(3) solution of sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS) in Dsub(2)O at different temperatures. The activation energy of the o-Ps diffusion in Dsub(2)O obtained from the Arrhenius-plot as Esub(a)=(0.9sub(22)+-0.1sub(03)) eV indicates strong localization. (author)

Search for New Physics in the B⁰<sub>2sub>→J/ΨΦ and B⁰<sub>2sub>→ΦΦ Decays at CDF

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dorigo, Mirco [Univ. of Trieste (Italy)

2012-12-01

We present a search for physics beyond the standard model (SM) through a measurement of the violation of the charge-parity (CP) symmetry in two decays of the B⁰<sub>2sub> meson using data collected by the Collider Detector at Fermilab (CDF) in proton-antiproton collisions at the center-of-mass energy of 1.96TeV. We exploit the decays B⁰<sub>2sub>→J/Ψ(→ μ⁺μ^-)(→ K⁺K^-) and B⁰<sub>2sub>→Φ (→ K⁺K^-)Φ(→ K⁺K^-), for which the SM accurately predicts very small or vanishing CP violation; both decay modes are very sensitive to new sources of CP violation expected in a broad class of SM extensions. We analyze the time-dependent CP asymmetry of the B⁰<sub>2sub>→J/ΨΦ decays collected in the full CDF Run II dataset for providing the final measurement of the B⁰<sub>2sub> -¯B⁰<sub>2sub> mixing phase, 2β<sub>s>, and we present the first measurement of CP violation in B⁰<sub>2sub>→ΦΦ decays, through the determination of two time-integrated CP asymmetries, A<sub>v> and A<sub>u>, using an original method developed in this work. We find: -0.06 < β<sub>s> < 0.30 at the 68% confidence level; A<sub>v> = (-12.0 ± 6.4(stat) ± 1.6(syst))%; and A<sub>u> = (-0.7 ± 6.4(stat) ± 1.8(syst))%. In addition, we provide measurements of the decay width difference between the light and heavy mass eigenstates of the B⁰<sub>2sub> meson,ΔΓ<sub>s> 0.068 ± 0.026(stat) ± 0.009(syst) ps^-1; and of their mean lifetime, τ<sub>s> = 1.528 ± 0.019(stat) ± 0.009(syst) ps. All results are among the most precise determinations from a single experiment and exhibit an excellent agreement with the SM predictions.

A 41 ps ASIC time-to-digital converter for physics experiments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Russo, Stefano; Petra, Nicola; De Caro, Davide; Barbarino, Giancarlo; Strollo, Antonio G.M.

2011-01-01

We present a novel Time-to-Digital (TDC) converter for physics experiments. Proposed TDC is based on a synchronous counter and an asynchronous fine interpolator. The fine part of the measurement is obtained using NORA inverters that provide improved resolution. A prototype IC was fabricated in 180 nm CMOS technology. Experimental measurements show that proposed TDC features 41 ps resolution associated with 0.35LSB differential non-linearity, 0.77LSB integral non-linearity and a negligible single shot precision. The whole dynamic range is equal to 18μs. The proposed TDC is designed using a flash architecture that reduces dead time. Data reported in the paper show that our design is well suited for present and future particle physics experiments.

The TDCpix readout ASIC: A 75ps resolution timing front-end for the NA62 Gigatracker hybrid pixel detector

CERN Document Server

Kluge, A; Bonacini, S; Jarron, P; Kaplon, J; Morel, M; Noy, M; Perktold, L; Poltorak, K

2013-01-01

The TDCpix is a novel pixel readout ASIC for the NA62 Gigatracker detector. NA62 is a new experiment being installed at the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron. Its Gigatracker detector shall provide on-beam tracking and time stamping of individual particles with a time resolution of 150 ps rms. It will consist of three tracking stations, each with one hybrid pixel sensor. The peak fl ow of particles crossing the detector modules reaches 1.27 MHz/mm 2 for a total rate of about 0.75 GHz. Ten TDCpix chips will be bump-bonded to every silicon pixel sensor. Each chip shall perform time stamping of 100 M particle hits per second with a detection ef fi ciency above 99% and a timing accuracy better than 200 ps rms for an overall three-station-setup time resolution of better than 150 ps. The TDCpix chip has been designed in a 130 nm CMOS technology. It will feature 45 40 square pixels of 300 300 μ m 2 and a complex End of Column peripheral region including an array of TDCs based on DLLs, four high speed serializers, a low...

LS1 Report: PS beams are back!

CERN Multimedia

Katarina Anthony & Anaïs Schaeffer

2014-01-01

For the first time in over 15 months, there are beams back in the PS. Making their first tour of the accelerator today, 20 June, their injection marks the end of weeks of cold checkouts and hardware commissioning in the PS.   The CERN Control Centre (CCC) is back in business: people gather to restart the LHC injectors, today the PS. Since hardware commissioning was wrapped up on 23 May, the Operations Group (BE-OP) has been conducting cold checkouts on the PS. This involves switching on all of the machine's systems, verifying that they respond to commands by OP and ensuring they are calibrated to beam timings. "These verifications were done, in part, during the hardware commissioning dry runs," says Rende Steerenberg, PS section leader. "But the cold checkouts are on a much larger scale, as we act as if there is beam in the whole machine. We placed a full load on the controls system, cooling, networks, etc. in order to setup the accelerator in the most realis...

Studies on laser material processing with nanosecond and sub-nanosecond and picosecond and sub-picosecond pulses

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Jie; Tao, Sha; Wang, Brian; Zhao, Jay

2016-03-01

In this paper, laser ablation of widely used metal (Al, Cu. stainless-steel), semiconductor (Si), transparent material (glass, sapphire), ceramic (Al2O3, AlN) and polymer (PI, PMMA) in industry were systematically studied with pulse width from nanosecond (5-100ns), picosecond (6-10ps) to sub-picosecond (0.8-0.95ps). A critical damage zone (CDZ) of up to 100um with ns laser, efficiency were also investigated. This is to explore how to provide industry users the best laser solution for device micro-fabrication with best price. Our studies of cutting and drilling with ns, ps, and sub-ps lasers indicate that it is feasible to achieve user accepted quality and speed with cost-effective and reliable laser by optimizing processing conditions.

The TDCpix Readout ASIC: A 75 ps Resolution Timing Front-End for the Gigatrackerof theNA62 Experiment

Science.gov (United States)

Rinella, G. Aglieri; Fiorini, M.; Jarron, P.; Kaplon, J.; Kluge, A.; Martin, E.; Morel, M.; Noy, M.; Perktold, L.; Poltorak, K.

NA62 is an experiment under development at the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron, aiming at measuring ultra rare kaon decays. The Gigatracker (GTK) detector shall combine on-beam tracking of individual particles with a time resolution of 150 ps rms. The peak flow of particles crossing the detector modules reaches 1.27 MHz/mm2 fora total rateof about 0.75 GHz.Ahybrid siliconpixel detectoris beingdevelopedto meet these requirements. The pixel chip for the Gigatracker (TDCpix) is under design. The TDCpix chip will feature 1800 square pixels of 300×300 μm2 arranged in a matrix of 45 rows × 40 columns. Bump-bonded to a silicon pixel sensor it shall perform time stamping of particle hits with a timing accuracybetter than 200 ps rms and a detection efficiencyabove 99%. The chosen architecture provides full separation of the sensitive analog amplifiers of the pixel matrix from the noisy digital circuits of the TDCs and of the readout blocks. Discriminated hit signals from each pixel are transmitted to the end of column region. An array ofTime to Digital Converters (TDC) is implemented at the bottom of the pixel array. The TDCs are based on time tagging the events with the fine time codes generated by Delay Locked Loops (DLL) and have a nominal time bin of ˜100 ps. Time stamps and time-over-threshold are recorded for each discriminated hit and the correction of the discriminator's time-walk is performed off-detector. Data are continuously transmitted on four 2.4 Gb/s serial output links. Adescription of the on-going design of the final TDCpix is given in this paper. Design choices and some technical implementation details are presented. Aprototype ASIC including thekeycomponents of this architecture has been manufactured. The achievement of specification figures such as a time resolution of the processing chain of 75 ps rms as well as charged particle time stampingwitha resolutionbetterthan200psrmswere demonstratedexperimentally.Asummaryoftheseresultsisalso presented in

Machine-learned Identification of RR Lyrae Stars from Sparse, Multi-band Data: The PS1 Sample

Science.gov (United States)

Sesar, Branimir; Hernitschek, Nina; Mitrović, Sandra; Ivezić, Željko; Rix, Hans-Walter; Cohen, Judith G.; Bernard, Edouard J.; Grebel, Eva K.; Martin, Nicolas F.; Schlafly, Edward F.; Burgett, William S.; Draper, Peter W.; Flewelling, Heather; Kaiser, Nick; Kudritzki, Rolf P.; Magnier, Eugene A.; Metcalfe, Nigel; Tonry, John L.; Waters, Christopher

2017-05-01

RR Lyrae stars may be the best practical tracers of Galactic halo (sub-)structure and kinematics. The PanSTARRS1 (PS1) 3π survey offers multi-band, multi-epoch, precise photometry across much of the sky, but a robust identification of RR Lyrae stars in this data set poses a challenge, given PS1's sparse, asynchronous multi-band light curves (≲ 12 epochs in each of five bands, taken over a 4.5 year period). We present a novel template fitting technique that uses well-defined and physically motivated multi-band light curves of RR Lyrae stars, and demonstrate that we get accurate period estimates, precise to 2 s in > 80 % of cases. We augment these light-curve fits with other features from photometric time-series and provide them to progressively more detailed machine-learned classification models. From these models, we are able to select the widest (three-fourths of the sky) and deepest (reaching 120 kpc) sample of RR Lyrae stars to date. The PS1 sample of ˜45,000 RRab stars is pure (90%) and complete (80% at 80 kpc) at high galactic latitudes. It also provides distances that are precise to 3%, measured with newly derived period-luminosity relations for optical/near-infrared PS1 bands. With the addition of proper motions from Gaia and radial velocity measurements from multi-object spectroscopic surveys, we expect the PS1 sample of RR Lyrae stars to become the premier source for studying the structure, kinematics, and the gravitational potential of the Galactic halo. The techniques presented in this study should translate well to other sparse, multi-band data sets, such as those produced by the Dark Energy Survey and the upcoming Large Synoptic Survey Telescope Galactic plane sub-survey.

Ferroelectric response in an achiral non-symmetric bent liquid crystal:C{sub 12}C{sub 10}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Subrahmanyam, S.V.; Chalapathi, P.V. [Department of Physics, University College of Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada, Kakinada 533003 (India); Mahabaleshwara, S.; Srinivasulu, M. [Department of Chemistry, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal University, Manipal 576104 (India); George, A.K. [Department of Physics, College of Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, PO Box-36, PC-123, Muscat (Oman); Potukuchi, D.M., E-mail: potukuchidm@yahoo.com [Department of Physics, University College of Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada, Kakinada 533003 (India)

2014-10-01

An achiral Non-Symmetric Bent Liquid Crystal (BLC) with a Oxadiazole based hetero cyclic central moiety, abbreviated as C{sub 12}C{sub 10} viz., dodecyl[4-{5-(4′-decyloxy)biphenyl-4-yl}-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoate, exhibiting FerroElectric (FE) response is reported. Product is confirmed by {sup 1}H NMR, {sup 13}C NMR and elemental analysis. Characterization of BLC phases is carried out by Polarized Optical Microscopy (POM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Spontaneous Polarization (P{sub S}) and Low Frequency (10 Hz–10 MHz) Dielectric Relaxation studies. C{sub 12}C{sub 10} exhibits enantiotropic LC SmA, FE B{sub 2}, SmG, SmE phase variance. I–SmA, B{sub 2}–SmG and SmG–SmE transitions are of first order nature. FE B{sub 2} phases exhibits a moderate P{sub S} of ∼80 nC cm{sup −2}. B{sub 2} phase exhibits Curie–Weiss behavior to confirm FE nature. Off-centered low frequency (KHz) dispersion infers a scissor mode and a high frequency (MHz) mode to reflect the distinct time-scale response. Dielectric Dispersion is relatively susceptible in lower frequency KHz region. Arrhenius shift in Relaxation Frequency (f{sub R}) infers higher activation energy (E{sub a}) in non-FE phases for HF mode and lower value for KHz mode. Trends of f{sub R}, dielectric strength Δε, α-parameter and E{sub a} are discussed in view of the data reported in other LC compounds.

Scintillation response of BaF sub 2 and YAlO sub 3 Ce) to energetic ions

CERN Document Server

Slunga, E; Ideguchi, E; Kérek, A; Klamra, W; Marel, J V D; Novák, D; Norlin, L O

2001-01-01

The scintillation response of BaF sub 2 and YAP:Ce to protons, alpha particles, sup 1 sup 6 O and sup 2 sup 8 Si ions in the 5-30 MeV range has been investigated. The ratio between the fast and slow parts of the scintillator signal for BaF sub 2 has been used to separate protons, alpha particles and heavier ions, and the dependence of this ratio on the particle energy has been studied. The time constants and intensities of the two components of the YAP:Ce signal were measured, as were the time constant and intensity of the weak component of the slow part of the BaF sub 2 signal. Furthermore, the dependence of the light yield on the particle energy has been investigated for both BaF sub 2 and YAP:Ce.

Rejuvenation of the controls of the CERN PS/ISOLDE facility using industrial components

CERN Document Server

Allard, J.; Locci, F.; Mornacchi, G.

2001-01-01

In the context of the general consolidation of the CERN ISOLDE facility, a project has been started to upgrade the ISOLDE control system. We describe the new ISOLDE control system, emphasizing the systematic use of industrial components such as PLCs and field buses, their integration with the existing, VME based, CERN PS control system and their potential applicability to both existing and new controls problems at the CERN PS complex. We also discuss how to extend a PLC-based solution to the case where real-time response is an issue.

PP and PS seismic response from fractured tight gas reservoirs: a case study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jianming, Tang; Shaonan, Zhang; Li, Xiang-Yang

2008-01-01

In this paper, we present an example of using PP and PS converted-wave data recorded by digital micro-eletro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) to evaluate a fractured tight gas reservoir from the Xinchang gas field in Sichuan, China. For this, we analyse the variations in converted shear-wave splitting, Vp/Vs ratio and PP and PS impedance, as well as other attributes based on absorption and velocity dispersion. The reservoir formation is tight sandstone, buried at a depth of about 5000 m, and the converted-wave data reveal significant shear-wave splitting over the reservoir formation. We utilize a rotation technique to extract the shear-wave polarization and time delay from the data, and a small-window correlation method to build time-delay spectra that allow the generation of a time-delay section. At the reservoir formation, the shear-wave time delay is measured at 20 ms, about 15% shear-wave anisotropy, correlating with the known gas reservoirs. Furthermore, the splitting anomalies are consistent with the characteristics of other attributes such as Vp/Vs ratio and P- and S-wave acoustic and elastic impedance. The P-wave shows consistent low impedance over the reservoir formation, whilst the S-wave impedance shows relatively high impedance. The calculated gas indicator based on absorption and velocity dispersion yields a high correlation with the gas bearing formations. This confirms the benefit of multicomponent seismic data from digital MEMS sensors

Asymmetric PS-block-(PS-co-PB)-block-PS block copolymers: morphology formation and deformation behaviour

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Adhikari, Rameshwar; Huy, Trinh An; Buschnakowski, Matthias; Michler, Goerg H; Knoll, Konrad

2004-01-01

Morphology formation and deformation behaviour of asymmetric styrene/butadiene triblock copolymers (total polystyrene (PS) content ∼70%) consisting of PS outer blocks held apart by a styrene-co-butadiene random copolymer block (PS-co-PB) each were investigated. The techniques used were differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy, uniaxial tensile testing and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. A significant shift of the phase behaviour relative to that of a neat symmetric triblock copolymer was observed, which can be attributed to the asymmetric architecture and the presence of PS-co-PB as a soft block. The mechanical properties and the microdeformation phenomena were mainly controlled by the nature of their solid-state morphology. Independent of morphology type, the soft phase was found to deform to a significantly higher degree of orientation when compared with the hard phase

Revealing the ultrafast charge carrier dynamics in organo metal halide perovskite solar cell materials using time resolved THz spectroscopy

Science.gov (United States)

Ponseca, C. S., Jr.; Sundström, V.

2016-03-01

Ultrafast charge carrier dynamics in organo metal halide perovskite has been probed using time resolved terahertz (THz) spectroscopy (TRTS). Current literature on its early time characteristics is unanimous: sub-ps charge carrier generation, highly mobile charges and very slow recombination rationalizing the exceptionally high power conversion efficiency for a solution processed solar cell material. Electron injection from MAPbI3 to nanoparticles (NP) of TiO2 is found to be sub-ps while Al2O3 NPs do not alter charge dynamics. Charge transfer to organic electrodes, Spiro-OMeTAD and PCBM, is sub-ps and few hundreds of ps respectively, which is influenced by the alignment of energy bands. It is surmised that minimizing defects/trap states is key in optimizing charge carrier extraction from these materials.

PsHint1, associated with the G-protein α subunit PsGPA1, is required for the chemotaxis and pathogenicity of Phytophthora sojae.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Xin; Zhai, Chunhua; Hua, Chenlei; Qiu, Min; Hao, Yujuan; Nie, Pingping; Ye, Wenwu; Wang, Yuanchao

2016-02-01

Zoospore chemotaxis to soybean isoflavones is essential in the early stages of infection by the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora sojae. Previously, we have identified a G-protein α subunit encoded by PsGPA1 which regulates the chemotaxis and pathogenicity of P. sojae. In the present study, we used affinity purification to identify PsGPA1-interacting proteins, including PsHint1, a histidine triad (HIT) domain-containing protein orthologous to human HIT nucleotide-binding protein 1 (HINT1). PsHint1 interacted with both the guanosine triphosphate (GTP)- and guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-bound forms of PsGPA1. An analysis of the gene-silenced transformants revealed that PsHint1 was involved in the chemotropic response of zoospores to the isoflavone daidzein. During interaction with a susceptible soybean cultivar, PsHint1-silenced transformants displayed significantly reduced infectious hyphal extension and caused a strong cell death in plants. In addition, the transformants displayed defective cyst germination, forming abnormal germ tubes that were highly branched and exhibited apical swelling. These results suggest that PsHint1 not only regulates chemotaxis by interacting with PsGPA1, but also participates in a Gα-independent pathway involved in the pathogenicity of P. sojae. © 2015 BSPP AND JOHN WILEY & SONS LTD.

Comparison of soft and hard tissue ablation with sub-ps and ns pulse lasers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Da Silva, L.B.; Stuart, B.C.; Celliers, P.M.; Feit, M.D.; Glinsky, M.E.; Heredia, N.J.; Herman, S.; Lane, S.M.; London, R.A.; Matthews, D.L.; Perry, M.D.; Rubenchik, A.M. [Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States); Chang, T.D. [Veterans Administration Hospital, Martinez, CA (United States); Neev, J. [Beckman Laser Inst. and Medical Clinic, Irvine, CA (United States)

1996-05-01

Tissue ablation with ultrashort laser pulses offers several unique advantages. The nonlinear energy deposition is insensitive to tissue type, allowing this tool to be used for soft and hard tissue ablation. The localized energy deposition lead to precise ablation depth and minimal collateral damage. This paper reports on efforts to study and demonstrate tissue ablation using an ultrashort pulse laser. Ablation efficiency and extent of collateral damage for 0.3 ps and 1000 ps duration laser pulses are compared. Temperature measurements of the rear surface of a tooth section is also presented.

Synthesis of NiPS3 and CoPS and its hydrogen storage capacity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ismail, N.; Madian, M.; El-Meligi, A.A.

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Preparation of NiPS 3 and CoPS using solid state reaction. • Characterization of compounds using XRD, TEM, SEM and IR. • Measuring the compounds thermal stability. • Estimation of the hydrogen storage capacity. -- Abstract: Prepared CoPS and NiPS 3 are studied as new materials for hydrogen energy storage. Single phase of CoPS and NiPS 3 were grown separately in evacuated silicatube via solid state reaction at 650 °C with controlled heating rate 1 °C/min. X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the formation of the desired compounds. Both CoPS and NiPS 3 exhibited high thermal stability up to 700 °C and 630 °C, respectively. The morphology of the prepared samples was investigated using scanning electron microscopy and folded sheets appeared in the transmission electron microscopy. The samples were exposed to 20 bar applied hydrogen pressure at 80 K. Both compounds appear to have feasible hydrogen storage capacity. CoPS was capable to adsorb 1.7 wt% while NiPS 3 storage capacity reached 1.2 wt%

Preparation and characterization of micro-grid modified In{sub 2}O{sub 3}:W films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dong, Dongmei; Wang, Wenwen, E-mail: 08569@buaa.edu.cn; Zhang, Fan; Fu, Qiang; Pan, Jiaojiao

2016-08-01

Tungsten doped indium oxide (In{sub 2}O{sub 3}:W, IWO) thin films with IWO micro-grid covered surface were prepared at room temperature using techniques of radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering and polystyrene (PS) microsphere template. The composition, crystallization structures, surface morphologies, and optical and electrical properties of the films were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, spectrophotometer from visible to near infrared (NIR) range and Hall effect measurement, respectively. Periodic micro-grid modified surface was obtained to improve light trapping properties. The effects of the PS micro-spheres diameters and the sputtering time on the surface morphology, transmittance in NIR range, diffuse reflection and conductive properties of the IWO films are investigated. Experiments show that surface modification of the IWO film with micro-grid under the optimized condition can improve the conductivity of the films by 15%, and the diffuse reflectance by 150%, with less than 8% decrease of the transmittance in the visible region. The study would be beneficial to the light trapping effect of solar cells using IWO films as transparent electrodes. - Highlights: • In{sub 2}O{sub 3}:W (IWO) films were obtained by reactive frequency magnetron sputtering. • IWO micro-grids were prepared on the surface of IWO films. • Influences of micro-grid size and sputtering time on IWO films were analyzed. • Both high conductivity and transparency are acquired in near-infrared region.

A 30 ps Timing Resolution for Single Photons with Multi-pixel Burle MCP-PMT

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Va' vra, J.; Benitez, J.; Coleman, J.; Leith, D.W.G.S.; Mazaheri, G.; Ratcliff, B.; Schwiening, J.; /SLAC

2006-07-05

We have achieved {approx}30 psec single-photoelectron and {approx}12ps for multi-photoelectron timing resolution with a new 64 pixel Burle MCP-PMT with 10 micron microchannel holes. We have also demonstrated that this detector works in a magnetic field of 15kG, and achieved a single-photoelectron timing resolution of better than 60 psec. The study is relevant for a new focusing DIRC RICH detector for particle identification at future Colliders such as the super B-factory or ILC, and for future TOF techniques. This study shows that a highly pixilated MCP-PMT can deliver excellent timing resolution.

The PS Booster hits 40

CERN Multimedia

Joannah Caborn Wengler

2012-01-01

Many accelerators’ "round" birthdays are being celebrated at CERN these days – the PS turned 50 in 2009, the SPS was 35 in 2011, and this year it's the turn of the PS Booster to mark its 40th anniversary. Originally designed to accelerate 1013 protons to 800 MeV, it has far exceeded its initial design performance over the years.   The PS Booster in the 1970s. Imagine the scene: a group of accelerator physicists staring expectantly at a monitor, when suddenly a shout of joy goes up as a signal flickers across the screen. Does that sound familiar? Well, turn the clock back 40 years (longer hair, wider trouser legs) and you have the situation at the PS Booster on 26 May 1972. On that day, beam was injected into the Booster for the first time. “It was a real buzz,” says Heribert Koziol, then Chairman of the Running-in Committee. “We were very happy – and also a little relieved – when the beam finally...

The PrPS4 type structure and a filled variant: the compounds TbPS4 and LiEuPS4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Joergens, S.; Alili, L.; Mewis, A.

2005-01-01

Colourless single crystals of TbPS 4 (a = 10.696(2), c = 19.053(4) Aa) were obtained by reaction of the elements (750 C; 30 h). The compound crystallizes with the PrPS 4 type structure (I4 1 /acd; Z = 16). The structure consists of isolated PS 4 tetrahedra each surrounded by four Tb 3+ cations. Both crystallographically different Tb 3+ cations are coordinated by eight sulfur atoms which are part of four PS 4 tetrahedra. Orange single crystals of LiEuPS 4 (a = 11.498(2), c = 19.882(4) Aa) were prepared by reaction of Eu and P with Li 2 S 4 (700 C; 20 h). The crystal structure corresponds to the PrPS 4 type, in which tubes running along [001] are occupied by Li atoms, which are surrounded by four S atoms in strongly distorted tetrahedra. LiS 4 and PS 4 tetrahedra are connected via common edges into alternating chains. (orig.)

A 2.9 ps equivalent resolution interpolating time counter based on multiple independent coding lines

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Szplet, R; Jachna, Z; Kwiatkowski, P; Rozyc, K

2013-01-01

We present the design, operation and test results of a time counter that has an equivalent resolution of 2.9 ps, a measurement uncertainty at the level of 6 ps, and a measurement range of 10 s. The time counter has been implemented in a general-purpose reprogrammable device Spartan-6 (Xilinx). To obtain both high precision and wide measurement range the counting of periods of a reference clock is combined with a two-stage interpolation within a single period of the clock signal. The interpolation involves a four-phase clock in the first interpolation stage (FIS) and an equivalent coding line (ECL) in the second interpolation stage (SIS). The ECL is created as a compound of independent discrete time coding lines (TCL). The number of TCLs used to create the virtual ECL has an effect on its resolution. We tested ECLs made from up to 16 TCLs, but the idea may be extended to a larger number of lines. In the presented time counter the coarse resolution of the counting method equal to 2 ns (period of the 500 MHz reference clock) is firstly improved fourfold in the FIS and next even more than 400 times in the SIS. The proposed solution allows us to overcome the technological limitation in achievable resolution and improve the precision of conversion of integrated interpolators based on tapped delay lines. (paper)

Effective lifetime measurements in the B{sub s}{sup 0}→K{sup +}K{sup −}, B{sup 0}→K{sup +}π{sup −} and B{sub s}{sup 0}→π{sup +}K{sup −} decays

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aaij, R. [Nikhef National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Amsterdam (Netherlands); Adeva, B. [Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela (Spain); Adinolfi, M. [H.H. Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Bristol (United Kingdom); Affolder, A. [Oliver Lodge Laboratory, University of Liverpool, Liverpool (United Kingdom); Ajaltouni, Z. [Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, CNRS/IN2P3, LPC, Clermont-Ferrand (France); Albrecht, J. [Fakultät Physik, Technische Universität Dortmund, Dortmund (Germany); Alessio, F. [European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva (Switzerland); Alexander, M. [School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow, Glasgow (United Kingdom); Ali, S. [Nikhef National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Amsterdam (Netherlands); Alkhazov, G. [Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute (PNPI), Gatchina (Russian Federation); Alvarez Cartelle, P. [Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela (Spain); Alves, A.A. [Sezione INFN di Roma La Sapienza, Roma (Italy); European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva (Switzerland); Amato, S. [Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil); Amerio, S. [Sezione INFN di Padova, Padova (Italy); Amhis, Y. [LAL, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS/IN2P3, Orsay (France); An, L. [Center for High Energy Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing (China); Anderlini, L. [Sezione INFN di Firenze, Firenze (Italy); Anderson, J. [Physik-Institut, Universität Zürich, Zürich (Switzerland); Andreassen, R. [University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (United States); Andreotti, M. [Sezione INFN di Ferrara, Ferrara (Italy); and others

2014-09-07

Measurements of the effective lifetimes in the B{sub s}{sup 0}→K{sup +}K{sup −}, B{sup 0}→K{sup +}π{sup −} and B{sub s}{sup 0}→π{sup +}K{sup −} decays are presented using 1.0 fb{sup −1} of pp collision data collected at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV by the LHCb experiment. The analysis uses a data-driven approach to correct for the decay time acceptance. The measured effective lifetimes are τ{sub B{sub s{sup 0}→K{sup +}K{sup −}}}=1.407±0.016(stat)±0.007(syst) ps, τ{sub B{sup 0}→K{sup +}π{sup −}}=1.524±0.011(stat)±0.004(syst) ps, τ{sub B{sub s{sup 0}→π{sup +}K{sup −}}}=1.60±0.06(stat)±0.01(syst) ps. This is the most precise determination to date of the effective lifetime in the B{sub s}{sup 0}→K{sup +}K{sup −} decay and provides constraints on contributions from physics beyond the Standard Model to the B{sub s}{sup 0} mixing phase and the width difference ΔΓ{sub s}.

Ultrathin percolated WO{sub 3} cluster film and its resistive response to H{sub 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhao, Meng [Research Center for Solid State Physics and Materials, School of Mathematics and Physics, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009 (China); Department of Applied Physics and Materials Research Center, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong (China); Wong, Man Hon; Huang, Jian Xing [Department of Applied Physics and Materials Research Center, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong (China); Ong, Chung Wo, E-mail: c.w.ong@polyu.edu.hk [Department of Applied Physics and Materials Research Center, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong (China)

2014-11-05

Highlights: • Ultrathin percolated network of WO{sub 3} clusters was fabricated. • The WO{sub 3} clusters are modeled by spherical caps connected by ultrafine linkages. • The ultrathin percolated network of WO{sub 3} clusters shows fast response rate to H{sub 2}. • The fast response is attributed to the rapid electrical switching of the linkages. • Improved H{sub 2} sensing properties may be achieved if narrower linkages are used. - Abstract: Thin films composed of tungsten oxide (WO{sub 3}) nanoclusters were fabricated by oxidizing supersonic cluster beam deposited tungsten films at various temperatures. Oxidation at 700 °C resulted in aggregation of the deposits, forming a percolated network of WO{sub 3} spherical caps connected by fine links. The resistance response of the palladium-(Pd-) coated film sample to hydrogen (H{sub 2}) was investigated. The response rate was faster than those of other samples oxidized at lower temperatures. This is the result of the rapid electrical switching of the intercluster links between the highly resistive depleted state and conducting hydrogenated state. The possibility of improving the H{sub 2} sensing response rate with the use of the percolated WO{sub 3} film structure is illustrated.

The development of the Asian Forum for Polar Sciences (AFoPS)

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Yeadong; Jeong, Jihoon

2015-12-01

The Asian Forum for Polar Sciences (AFoPS), an international forum of Asian polar research institutes, was established for the advancement of polar sciences among its members in 2004. The Forum has served as an important medium of Asian collective endeavors for polar affairs in human and information exchange, research collaboration, and logistics cooperation for the last decade. The historical development of the AFoPS in retrospect can be divided into four phases: inception and establishment (2003-2004), growth and expansion (2005-2007), review and restructuring (2008-2011), and achievements and further measures (2012-2014). The progress of the AFoPS has not been linear and this trend will continue into the next decades. The Forum, however, clearly made achievements in this period of time, realizing multilateral research and logistics cooperation that would have been previously unimaginable; by doing so, it has laid the foundation for the future. Responsible for a great portion of the world's polar activities, the AFoPS will rise to meet the expectations of the world by producing notable research output, initiating international cooperative programs, and supporting non-polar Asian countries with education and research collaboration. These are the tasks of the AFoPS for the next decade and they require strategy that promotes and facilitates collaboration in a practical way and draws attention of non-polar Asian countries to the polar sciences.

Exact PsTd invariant and PsTd symmetric breaking solutions, symmetry reductions and Bäcklund transformations for an AB-KdV system

Science.gov (United States)

Jia, Man; Lou, Sen Yue

2018-05-01

In natural and social science, many events happened at different space-times may be closely correlated. Two events, A (Alice) and B (Bob) are defined as correlated if one event is determined by another, say, B = f ˆ A for suitable f ˆ operators. A nonlocal AB-KdV system with shifted-parity (Ps, parity with a shift), delayed time reversal (Td, time reversal with a delay) symmetry where B =Ps ˆ Td ˆ A is constructed directly from the normal KdV equation to describe two-area physical event. The exact solutions of the AB-KdV system, including PsTd invariant and PsTd symmetric breaking solutions are shown by different methods. The PsTd invariant solution show that the event happened at A will happen also at B. These solutions, such as single soliton solutions, infinitely many singular soliton solutions, soliton-cnoidal wave interaction solutions, and symmetry reduction solutions etc., show the AB-KdV system possesses rich structures. Also, a special Bäcklund transformation related to residual symmetry is presented via the localization of the residual symmetry to find interaction solutions between the solitons and other types of the AB-KdV system.

Studies on semiconductors based on InP with sub-ps response times; Untersuchungen an auf InP basierenden Halbleitern mit sub-ps Responsezeiten

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Biermann, K.

2007-06-28

The present work describes investigation of new material concepts accomplished using molecular-beam-epitaxy (MBE) growth for application in ultra-fast photonic components. Nominally undoped and Be doped GaInAs/AlInAs multiple-quantumwell structures (MQW) were grown by MBE at growth temperatures down to 100 C (LT-MBE) on semi-insulating InP substrates. Crystalline, electric and optical properties of as-grown and annealed structures were investigated. Energy states near the conduction band of GaInAs determine the electrical and optical properties of LT-MQWs. The dynamics of charge carrier relaxation was studied by means of pump and probe experiments. Measurements of the differential transmission when excited by an additional cw laser and measurements utilizing two closely sequenced pump pulses support the capability of Be doped as-grown (annealed) LT GaInAs/AlInAs MQW structures for use in optical switches at switching frequencies in the 1 Tbit/s (250 Gbit/s) range. The voltage-induced change of interband transmission of InP based quantumcascade-lasers (QCL) during pulsed mode operation was analyzed by means of 8 band k.p calculations. The impacts of varying charge carrier distributions and of electrically heated samples can be neglected compared to the dominating effect of the electrical field on the interband transmission. The impact of MBE growth parameters on the interface quality of AlAsSb/ GaInAs heterostructures were determined by means of Hall measurements, temperature- and intensity-dependent PL measurements and spectral measurements of the interband- and intersubband-absorption. The impact of In segregation and Sb diffusion on the intersubband absorption was analyzed on the basis of bandstructure calculations. Intersubband transitions at wavelengths of about 1.8 {mu}m (1.55 {mu}m) were successfully achieved in MQW (coupled QW) structures. (orig.)

Controlling the high frequency response of H{sub 2} by ultra-short tailored laser pulses: A time-dependent configuration interaction study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Schönborn, Jan Boyke; Saalfrank, Peter; Klamroth, Tillmann, E-mail: klamroth@uni-potsdam.de [Institut für Chemie, Universität Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm (Germany)

2016-01-28

We combine the stochastic pulse optimization (SPO) scheme with the time-dependent configuration interaction singles method in order to control the high frequency response of a simple molecular model system to a tailored femtosecond laser pulse. For this purpose, we use H{sub 2} treated in the fixed nuclei approximation. The SPO scheme, as similar genetic algorithms, is especially suited to control highly non-linear processes, which we consider here in the context of high harmonic generation. Here, we will demonstrate that SPO can be used to realize a “non-harmonic” response of H{sub 2} to a laser pulse. Specifically, we will show how adding low intensity side frequencies to the dominant carrier frequency of the laser pulse and stochastically optimizing their contribution can create a high-frequency spectral signal of significant intensity, not harmonic to the carrier frequency. At the same time, it is possible to suppress the harmonic signals in the same spectral region, although the carrier frequency is kept dominant during the optimization.

Enhanced sensitivity to mutagens - EMS, MH, SM by pre-soaking - A taxometric study based on M{sub 1} parameters in finger millet

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Singh, B; Sinha, S.K. [Plant Breeding and Genetics, OUAT, Bhubaneswar (India)], E-mail: sing_baburam@yahoo.co.in

2008-07-01

Pre-soaking seeds before treatment enhances sensitivity to many chemical mutagens; but little work has been done with maleic hydrazide (MH), a chromosome breaking agent and preferential inducer of micromutation and streptomycin (SM), a cytoplasmic mutagen. In the present investigation on pre-soaking (PS) effects in finger millet (Eleusine coracana, Gaertn), we included these two mutagens, besides one commonly used mutagen, EMS to determine a common effective PS range usingM{sub 1}seedling traits. Since differentM{sub 1}parameters, mutagens and their doses showed different peaks of response, we adopted a taxometric approach using all characters together. Combinations of chemicals, doses and sixM{sub 1}seedling attributes gave 48 characters for the numerical classification of PS periods (0, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 h) as OTUs. Dendrogram from the similarity matrix using UPGMA clustering showed two clusters : (1) Cl. 1 of three OTUs (0, 8 and 10 h PS) and (2) Cl.2 of four OTUs(12-18h PS).We considered 12-18h as effective PS range and 0-10h as ineffective for all kinds of mutagens. The effective range would contain the major peak of sensitivity; the ineffective range might show a small peak. We confirmed these inferences with SM induced albinism as an indicator of plastid mutations. Higher doses shifted the peak within the effective range towards lower PS and low dose towards longer PS. Taxometrics could be usefully adopted in mutagenesis studies. (author)

Multichannel low power time-to-digital converter card with 21 ps precision and full scale range up to 10 μs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tamborini, D.; Portaluppi, D.; Villa, F.; Tosi, A.; Tisa, S.

2014-01-01

We present a Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) card with a compact form factor, suitable for multichannel timing instruments or for integration into more complex systems. The TDC Card provides 10 ps timing resolution over the whole measurement range, which is selectable from 160 ns up to 10 μs, reaching 21 ps rms precision, 1.25% LSB rms differential nonlinearity, up to 3 Mconversion/s with 400 mW power consumption. The I/O edge card connector provides timing data readout through either a parallel bus or a 100 MHz serial interface and further measurement information like input signal rate and valid conversion rate (typically useful for time-correlated single-photon counting application) through an independent serial link

Multichannel low power time-to-digital converter card with 21 ps precision and full scale range up to 10 μs

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tamborini, D., E-mail: davide.tamborini@polimi.it; Portaluppi, D.; Villa, F.; Tosi, A. [Politecnico di Milano, Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria, Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano (Italy); Tisa, S. [Micro Photon Devices, via Stradivari 4, 39100 Bolzano (Italy)

2014-11-15

We present a Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) card with a compact form factor, suitable for multichannel timing instruments or for integration into more complex systems. The TDC Card provides 10 ps timing resolution over the whole measurement range, which is selectable from 160 ns up to 10 μs, reaching 21 ps rms precision, 1.25% LSB rms differential nonlinearity, up to 3 Mconversion/s with 400 mW power consumption. The I/O edge card connector provides timing data readout through either a parallel bus or a 100 MHz serial interface and further measurement information like input signal rate and valid conversion rate (typically useful for time-correlated single-photon counting application) through an independent serial link.

Multichannel low power time-to-digital converter card with 21 ps precision and full scale range up to 10 μs.

Science.gov (United States)

Tamborini, D; Portaluppi, D; Villa, F; Tisa, S; Tosi, A

2014-11-01

We present a Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) card with a compact form factor, suitable for multichannel timing instruments or for integration into more complex systems. The TDC Card provides 10 ps timing resolution over the whole measurement range, which is selectable from 160 ns up to 10 μs, reaching 21 ps rms precision, 1.25% LSB rms differential nonlinearity, up to 3 Mconversion/s with 400 mW power consumption. The I/O edge card connector provides timing data readout through either a parallel bus or a 100 MHz serial interface and further measurement information like input signal rate and valid conversion rate (typically useful for time-correlated single-photon counting application) through an independent serial link.

Chronic Stress Contributes to Cognitive Dysfunction and Hippocampal Metabolic Abnormalities in APP/PS1 Mice

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bing Han

2017-03-01

Full Text Available Background/Aims: Stress response is determined by the brain, and the brain is a sensitive target for stress. Our previous experiments have confirmed that once the stress response is beyond the tolerable limit of the brain, particularly that of the hippocampus, it will have deleterious effects on hippocampal structure and function; however, the metabolic mechanisms for this are not well understood. Methods: Here, we used morris water maze, elisa and gas chromatography-time of flight/mass spectrometry to observe the changes in cognition, neuropathology and metabolomics in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice and wild-type (C57 mice caused by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS, we also further explored the correlation between cognition and metabolomics. Results: We found that 4 weeks of CUMS aggravated cognitive impairment and increased amyloid-β deposition in APP/PS1 mice, but did not affect C57 mice. Under non-stress conditions, compared with C57 mice, there were 8 different metabolites in APP/PS1 mice. However, following CUMS, 3 different metabolites were changed compared with untreated C57 mice. Compared to APP/PS1 mice, there were 7 different metabolites in APP/PS1+CUMS mice. Among these alterations, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, valine, serine, beta-alanine and o-phosphorylethanolamine, which are involved in sphingolipid metabolism, synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, and amino acid metabolism. Conclusion: The results indicate that APP/PS1 mice are more vulnerable to stress than C57 mice, and the metabolic mechanisms of stress-related cognitive impairment in APP/PS1 mice are related to multiple pathways and networks, including sphingolipid metabolism, synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, and amino acid metabolism.

Measurement of the B{sub s} oscillations with the semileptonic deacy B{sup 0}{sub s} {yields} D{sup -}{sub s} ({phi}{pi}{sup -}) {mu}{sup +}{nu}{sub {mu}} with the DOe detector; Messung der B{sub s}-Oszillation mit dem semileptonischen Zerfall B{sup 0}{sub s} {yields} D{sup -}{sub s} ({phi}{pi}{sup -}) {mu}{sup +}{nu}{sub {mu}} mit dem DOe-Detektor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ay, C.

2006-07-01

in this thesis the measurement of B{sub s} oscillations by means of the decay B{sub s}{yields}D{sub s}{sup -}({phi}{pi}{sup -}){sub {mu}}{sup +}X at the Tevatron at a c. m. energy of {radical}(s)=1.96 TeV is described. From the results a lower limit of the oscillation frequency of {delta}m{sub s}>15.5 ps{sup -1} has been derived. (HSI)

Measurement of the B⁰<sub>s> lifetime using the semileptonic decay channel B⁰<sub>s> → D^-<sub>s>μ⁺vX

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lizarraga, Marco Antonio Carrasco [National Polytechnic Inst. (IPN), Zacatenco (Mexico). Centre for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV)

2009-11-01

We report a measurement of the B⁰<sub>s> lifetime in the semileptonic decay channel BB⁰<sub>s> → D^-<sub>s>μ⁺vX (and its charge conjugate), using approximately 0.4 fb^-1 of data collected with the DØ detector during 2002–2004. Using 5176 reconstructed D^-<sub>s> μ⁺ signal events, we have measured the B⁰<sub>s> lifetime to be τ (B⁰<sub>s>) = 1.398 ± 0.044 (stat)^+0.028 <sub>-0.025sub> (syst) ps. This is the most precise measurement of the B⁰<sub>s> lifetime to date.

Measurement of the effective B{sub s}{sup 0}→J/ψK{sub S}{sup 0} lifetime

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aaij, R. [Nikhef National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Amsterdam (Netherlands); Abellan Beteta, C. [Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona (Spain); Adeva, B. [Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela (Spain); Adinolfi, M. [H.H. Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Bristol (United Kingdom); Adrover, C. [CPPM, Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS/IN2P3, Marseille (France); Affolder, A. [Oliver Lodge Laboratory, University of Liverpool, Liverpool (United Kingdom); Ajaltouni, Z. [Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, CNRS/IN2P3, LPC, Clermont-Ferrand (France); Albrecht, J. [Fakultät Physik, Technische Universität Dortmund, Dortmund (Germany); Alessio, F. [European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva (Switzerland); Alexander, M. [School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow, Glasgow (United Kingdom); Ali, S. [Nikhef National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Amsterdam (Netherlands); Alkhazov, G. [Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute (PNPI), Gatchina (Russian Federation); Alvarez Cartelle, P. [Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela (Spain); Alves, A.A. [Sezione INFN di Roma La Sapienza, Roma (Italy); European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva (Switzerland); Amato, S. [Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil); Amerio, S. [Sezione INFN di Padova, Padova (Italy); Amhis, Y. [LAL, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS/IN2P3, Orsay (France); Anderlini, L. [Sezione INFN di Firenze, Firenze (Italy); Anderson, J. [Physik-Institut, Universität Zürich, Zürich (Switzerland); Andreassen, R. [University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (United States); and others

2013-08-11

This paper reports the first measurement of the effective B{sub s}{sup 0}→J/ψK{sub S}{sup 0} lifetime and an updated measurement of its time-integrated branching fraction. Both measurements are performed with a data sample, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb{sup −1} of pp collisions, recorded by the LHCb experiment in 2011 at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV. The results are: τ{sub J/ψK{sub S{sup 0eff}}}=1.75±0.12(stat)±0.07(syst) ps and B(B{sub s}{sup 0}→J/ψK{sub S}{sup 0})=(1.97±0.23)×10{sup −5}. For the latter measurement, the uncertainty includes both statistical and systematic sources.

Synthesis and photocatalytic property for H{sub 2} production of H{sub 1.78}Sr{sub 0.78}Bi{sub 0.22}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 7} nanosheets

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Bing [Laboratory of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Devices for Special Environments, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011 (China); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049 (China); Li, Yingxuan, E-mail: yxli@ms.xjb.ac.cn [Laboratory of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Devices for Special Environments, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011 (China); Luo, Jianmin [Laboratory of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Devices for Special Environments, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011 (China); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049 (China); Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Academy of Instrument Analysis, Urumqi, 830011 (China); Zhao, He [Laboratory of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Devices for Special Environments, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011 (China); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049 (China); Zhao, Jie; Dong, Guohui; Zhu, Yunqing [Laboratory of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Devices for Special Environments, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011 (China); Wang, Chuanyi, E-mail: cywang@ms.xjb.ac.cn [Laboratory of Environmental Sciences and Technology, Xinjiang Technical Institute of Physics & Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Devices for Special Environments, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011 (China)

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Ultrathin HSN Ns were first synthesized based on molten salt synthesis method. • HSN Ns Exhibit 5.5 times higher activity than that of the HSN Ps. • The enhanced photocatalytic activity of HSN Ns is due to the reduction in thickness. - Abstract: The SrBi{sub 2}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 9} platelets with a thickness of about 600 nm were synthesized by molten salt synthesis method. The treatment of the SrBi{sub 2}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 9} platelets with hydrochloric acid resulted in the formation of the protonated H{sub 1.78}Sr{sub 0.78}Bi{sub 0.22}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 7} platelets. Through a top–down approach in ethylamine solution, the H{sub 1.78}Sr{sub 0.78}Bi{sub 0.22}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 7} platelets were exfoliated into H{sub 1.78}Sr{sub 0.78}Bi{sub 0.22}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 7} nanosheets with a thickness of about 2.6 nm. The evolution of the structure, composition, morphology, optical, and photocatalytic properties of SrBi{sub 2}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 9} platelets was studied as it is converted into H{sub 1.78}Sr{sub 0.78}Bi{sub 0.22}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 7} platelets and subsequently exfoliated into H{sub 1.78}Sr{sub 0.78}Bi{sub 0.22}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 7} nanosheets. The absorption edge shifts to a lower wavelength accompanied by the protonation and exfoliation. The photocatalytic H{sub 2} evolution of the three samples were evaluated under the irradiation of a 300 W Xenon lamp from CH{sub 3}OH/H{sub 2}O solution, indicating that H{sub 1.78}Sr{sub 0.78}Bi{sub 0.22}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 7} nanosheets Exhibit 5.5 and 26.2 times higher activity than that of the H{sub 1.78}Sr{sub 0.78}Bi{sub 0.22}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 7} and SrBi{sub 2}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 9} platelets, respectively. The enhanced activity for the H{sub 1.78}Sr{sub 0.78}Bi{sub 0.22}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 7} nanosheets is mainly attributed to the higher separation efficiency of the photogenerated carriers and the larger specific surface area caused by the significant reduction in thickness.

Filter frequency response of time dependent signal using Laplace transform

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shestakov, Aleksei I. [Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

2018-01-16

We analyze the effect a filter has on a time dependent signal x(t). If X(s) is the Laplace transform of x and H (s) is the filter Transfer function, the response in frequency space is X (s) H (s). Consequently, in real space, the response is the convolution (x*h) (t), where hi is the Laplace inverse of H. Effects are analyzed and analytically for functions such as (t/t<sub>c>)² e^-t/t$_c$, where t<sub>c> = const. We consider lowpass, highpass and bandpass filters.

Recombination dynamics in coalesced a-plane GaN ELO structures investigated by high spatially and ps-time-resolved cathodoluminescence microscopy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bastek, B.; Bertram, F.; Christen, J. [Institute of Experimental Physics, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg (Germany); Wernicke, T.; Weyers, M. [Ferdinand-Braun-Institut fuer Hoechstfrequenztechnik, Berlin (Germany); Kneissl, M. [Institute of Solid State Physics, Technical University, Berlin (Germany)

2008-07-01

The characteristic epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) domains of fully coalesced a-plane GaN layers were directly imaged by highly spatially and spectrally resolved cathodoluminescence microscopy (CL) at 5 K. The patterned layers were grown by MOVPE on r-plane sapphire substrate and stripe masks oriented in the [01 anti 10] direction. In the area of coherent growth (I) the broad basal plane stacking fault (BSF) emission centered at 3.41 eV dominates the spectra. Also in the region (II) of coalescence the BSF luminescence dominates, however, the intensity increases by one order of magnitude compared to area (I). In complete contrast, in the stripes associated with the laterally grown domains (III) in [0001] direction, exclusively an intense and sharp (D{sup 0},X) emission at 3.475 eV is observed. ps-time-resolved CL of the free excitons (FX) recorded from this domains (III) decays bi-exponentially. The initial lifetime of 180 ps is primarily given by the capture of FX by impurities to form bound excitons (BE). With rising temperature this capture time constant decreases as T{sup -1/4} and reaches a minimum of 104 ps at T=60 K. Above 60 K, i.e. when FX starts to dominate the BEs, the lifetime increases rapidly to a value of 240 ps for 300 K.

Defects in electron irradiated vitreous SiO[sub 2] probed by positron annihiliation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Uedono, Akira; Tanigawa, Shoichiro (Tsukuba Univ., Ibaraki (Japan). Inst. of Materials Science); Kawano, Takao (Tsukuba Univ., Ibaraki (Japan). Radioisotope Centre); Itoh, Hisayoshi (Japan Atomic Energy Research Inst., Takasaki, Gunma (Japan). Takasaki Radiation Chemistry Research Establishment)

1994-10-10

Defects in 3 MeV electron irradiated vitreous SiO[sub 2] (v-SiO[sub 2]) were probed by the positron annihilation technique. For unirradiated v-SiO[sub 2] specimens, almost all positrons were found to annihilate from positronium (Ps) states. This high formation probability of Ps was attributed to the trapping of positrons by open-space defects. The formation probability of Ps was decreased by the electron irradiation. The observed inhibition of the Ps formation was attributed to the trapping of positrons by point defects introduced and/or activated by the irradiation. From measurements of the lifetime distribution of Ps, it was found that, by the electron irradiation, the mean size of open-space defects was decreased and the size distribution of such defects was broadened. (Author).

Zr{sub 61}Ti{sub 2}Cu{sub 25}Al{sub 12} metallic glass for potential use in dental implants: Biocompatibility assessment by in vitro cellular responses

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Jing [School of Stomatology, China Medical University, 117 Nanjing North Sreet, Shenyang, 110002 (China); Shi, Ling-ling; Zhu, Zhen-dong; He, Qiang [Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016 (China); Ai, Hong-jun, E-mail: aih0620@yahoo.com.cn [School of Stomatology, China Medical University, 117 Nanjing North Sreet, Shenyang, 110002 (China); Xu, Jian, E-mail: jianxu@imr.ac.cn [Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016 (China)

2013-05-01

In comparison with titanium and its alloys, Zr{sub 61}Ti{sub 2}Cu{sub 25}Al{sub 12} (ZT1) bulk metallic glass (BMG) manifests a good combination of high strength, high fracture toughness and lower Young's modulus. To examine its biocompatibility required for potential use in dental implants, this BMG was used as a cell growth subtract for three types of cell lines, L929 fibroblasts, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and osteoblast-like MG63 cells. For a comparison, these cell lines were in parallel cultured and grown also on commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) and Ti6–Al4–V alloy (Ti64). Cellular responses on the three metals, including adhesion, morphology and viability, were characterized using the SEM visualization and CCK-8 assay. Furthermore, real-time RT-PCR was used to measure the activity of integrin β, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and type I collagen (COL I) in adherent MG63 cells. As indicated, in all cases of three cell lines, no significant differences in the initial attachment and viability/proliferation were found between ZT1, CP-Ti, and Ti64 until 5 d of incubation period. It means that the biocompatibility in cellular response for ZT1 BMG is comparable to Ti and its alloys. For gene expression of integrin β, ALP and COL I, mRNA level from osteoblast cells grown on ZT1 substrates is significantly higher than that on the CP-Ti and Ti64. It suggests that the adhesion and differentiation of osteoblasts grown on ZT1 are even superior to those on the CP-Ti and Ti64 alloy, then promoting bone formation. The good biocompatibility of ZT1 BMG is associated with the formation of zirconium oxide layer on the surface and good corrosion-resistance in physiological environment. Quantitative analysis of Real-time PCR for MG63 cells cultured on Zr{sub 61}Ti{sub 2}Cu{sub 25}Al{sub 12} BMG, CP-Ti, and Ti64 as well as plastic as a control at several incubation periods. Relative amounts of (a) integrin β, (b) ALP, and (c) COL I (*p < 0

Thermoluminescent response of LaAlO{sub 3}:Pr; Respuesta termoluminiscente de LaAlO{sub 3}:Pr

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Morales H, A.; Zarate M, J. [Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, Instituto de Investigacion en Metalurgia y Materiales, Ciudad Universitaria, Edif. U, 58060 Morelia, Michoacan (Mexico); Azorin N, J. [Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Av. San Rafael Atlixco 186, Col. Vicentina, 09340 Mexico D. F. (Mexico); Rivera M, T., E-mail: feyo_yo@hotmail.com [IPN, Centro de Investigacion en Ciencia Aplicada y Tecnologia Avanzada, Av. Legaria 694, 11500 Mexico D. F. (Mexico)

2015-10-15

In this study, the thermoluminescence response of doped lanthanum aluminate (LaAlO{sub 3}) with praseodymium ion (Pr) obtained by the Pechini method and drying by the spraying technique Spry Dryer was studied. The obtained powders were analyzed structurally by the X-ray diffraction technique; the morphological characterization was by the scanning electron microscopy technique. The obtained powders at 800 degrees C presented crystallinity and showed a Rhombohedral crystal structure, this phase was observed by X-ray diffraction patterns. Thermoluminescence response of LaAlO{sub 3}:Pr showed a brightness curve with a peak centered at 157 degrees C. The sensitivity of the doped samples was improved about 90 times in comparison with the undoped sample. Thermoluminescence response in function of the wavelength showed a maximum at 230 nm, reproducibility of thermoluminescence response was ±50%. Also the fading in thermoluminescence response was studied. (Author)

Time resolution below 100 ps for the SciTil detector of PANDA employing SiPM

Science.gov (United States)

Brunner, S. E.; Gruber, L.; Marton, J.; Orth, H.; Suzuki, K.

2014-03-01

The barrel time-of-flight (TOF) detector for the bar PANDA experiment at FAIR in Darmstadt is planned as a scintillator tile hodoscope (SciTil) using 8000 small scintillator tiles. It will provide fast event timing for a software trigger in the otherwise trigger-less data acquisition scheme of bar PANDA, relative timing in a multiple track event topology as well as additional particle identification in the low momentum region. The goal is to achieve a time resolution of σ simeq 100 ps. We have conducted measurements using organic scintillators coupled to Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPM). The results are encouraging such that we are confident to reach the required system time resolution.

Time-resolved analysis of the white photoluminescence from chemically synthesized SiC{sub x}O{sub y} thin films and nanowires

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tabassum, Natasha; Nikas, Vasileios; Ford, Brian; Huang, Mengbing; Kaloyeros, Alain E.; Gallis, Spyros, E-mail: sgalis@sunypoly.edu [Colleges of Nanoscale Sciences and Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Albany, New York 12203 (United States)

2016-07-25

The study reported herein presents results on the room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) dynamics of chemically synthesized SiC{sub x}O{sub y≤1.6} (0.19 < x < 0.6) thin films and corresponding nanowire (NW) arrays. The PL decay transients of the SiC{sub x}O{sub y} films/NWs are characterized by fast luminescence decay lifetimes that span in the range of 350–950 ps, as determined from their deconvoluted PL decay spectra and their stretched-exponential recombination behavior. Complementary steady-state PL emission peak position studies for SiC{sub x}O{sub y} thin films with varying C content showed similar characteristics pertaining to the variation of their emission peak position with respect to the excitation photon energy. A nearly monotonic increase in the PL energy emission peak, before reaching an energy plateau, was observed with increasing excitation energy. This behavior suggests that band-tail states, related to C-Si/Si-O-C bonding, play a prominent role in the recombination of photo-generated carriers in SiC{sub x}O{sub y}. Furthermore, the PL lifetime behavior of the SiC{sub x}O{sub y} thin films and their NWs was analyzed with respect to their luminescence emission energy. An emission-energy-dependent lifetime was observed, as a result of the modulation of their band-tail states statistics with varying C content and with the reduced dimensionality of the NWs.

Back to work for the PS

CERN Multimedia

2006-01-01

On 22 June, the PS's rotating machine started turning again for the first time since its enforced shutdown one month ago (see Bulletin No. 23-24/2006) - and the PS was back in operation the very next day! A team from Siemens worked their socks off, 6 days a week for one month (including public holidays), to repair the electrical power supply in collaboration with the AB/PO Group's Main Power Converters (MPC) Section. The generator's faulty rotor was dismantled and replaced by the renovated spare rotor. The multitude of electrical and mechanical connections together with the sheer weight of the rotor (80 tonnes) made this an extremely complex job. The AB/PO Group used the shutdown to test a back-up solution for the PS power supply. The accelerator was directly wired up to the 18 kV electrical network via a 13 MVA transformer, installed at the end of the 1970s but never used. This solution succeeded in bringing the PS back into operation but at limited energy and frequency. Just 14 GeV could be achieved, whic...

Chaos and dynamics on 0.5--300 ps time scales in vibrationally excited acetylene: Fourier transform of stimulated-emission pumping spectrum

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pique, J.P.; Chen, Y.; Field, R.W.; Kinsey, J.L.

1987-01-01

A recently proposed technique based on the Fourier transform of the spectrum is applied to the stimulated-emission pumping spectrum of acetylene at --26 500 cm/sup -1/ above the vibrational ground state. Correlations on two different time scales (--3 and --45 ps) were found from analysis of low-resolution (0.3 cm/sup -1/) and high-resolution (0.05 cm/sup -1/) spectra, respectively. Additional structure produced dynamic information on a wider (0.5--300 ps) time scale. The results show that acetylene at 26 500 cm/sup -1/ is in the transition from the regular to the chaotic regime

Process equipment data organisation in CERN PS controls

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Casalegno, L.; Cuperus, J.; Sicard, C.H.

1990-01-01

The CERN PS control system has a widely distributed architecture, mainly for fast response in a real-time environment. The organisation of the data for equipment access must be compatible with this architecture and give efficient program access to the data. Moreover, it must also offer managerial features such as data integrity, easy backup and restoration, adaptibility to changes in data structure, initialisation, data-entry facilities and automatic documentation. This paper shows how one can take advantage of a commercial data-base management system with its associated tools, adding to it some object-oriented programming concepts to meet the objectives of a manageable distributed data organisation having good run-time performance features and using a reasonable manpower investment. (orig.)

Measurement of the B⁰<sub>s> lifetime in B⁰<sub>s> → K⁺ K^- decays

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pounder, Nicola Louise [Wolfson College, Oxford (United Kingdom)

2009-01-01

A method is presented to simultaneously separate the contributions to a sample of B⁰<sub>s> → h⁺h^'- decays, where h = π or K, and measure the B meson lifetimes in the sample while correcting for the bias in the lifetime distributions due to the hadronic trigger at the CDF experiment. Using 1 fb ^-1 of data collected at CDF the B⁰ lifetime is measured as τ<sub>B⁰sub> = 1.558<sub>-0.047sub>^+0.050<sub>stat> ± 0.028<sub>syst> ps, in agreement with the world average measurement. The B⁰<sub>s> lifetime in the B<sub>s>⁰ → K⁺K^- decay is measured as τ<sub>B⁰<sub>s> → K⁺K^- = 1.51<sub>-0.11sub>^+0.13<sub>stat> ± 0.04 <sub>syst> ps. No difference is observed between the lifetime and other measurements of the average B⁰<sub>s> lifetime or the lifetime of the light B⁰<sub>s> mass eigenstate determined from B⁰<sub>s> → J/ΨΦ decays. With the assumptions that B⁰<sub>s> → K⁺K^- is 100% CP-even and that τ<sub>B⁰<sub>s> = τsub> B⁰sub> the width difference in the B⁰<sub>s> system is determined as ΔΓ^CP/Γ = 0.03<sub>-0.15sub>^+0.17<sub>stat> ± 0.05<sub>syst> using the current world average B⁰ lifetime. This is consistent with zero and with the current world average measurement.

Luminescence rise time in self-activated PbWO4 and Ce-doped Gd3Al2Ga3O12 scintillation crystals

CERN Document Server

E. Auffray; A. Borisevich; V. Gulbinas; A. Fedorov; M. Korjik; M.T. Lucchini; V. Mechinsky; S. Nargelas; E. Songaila; G. Tamulaitis; A. Vaitkevičius; S. Zazubovich

2016-01-01

The time resolution of scintillation detectors of ionizing radiation is one of the key parameters sought for in the current and future high-energy physics experiments. This study is encouraged by the necessity to find novel detection methods enabling a sub-10-ps time resolution in scintillation detectors and is focused on the exploitation of fast luminescence rise front. Time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and thermally stimulated luminescence techniques have been used to study two promising scintillators: self-activated lead tungstate (PWO, PbWO4) and Ce-doped gadolinium aluminum gallium garnet (GAGG, Gd3Al2Ga3O12). A sub-picosecond PL rise time is observed in PWO, while longer processes in the PL response in GAGG:Ce are detected and studied. The mechanisms responsible for the PL rise time in self-activated and doped scintillators are under discussion.

Real-life experience of using conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Retrospective analysis of the efficacy of methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and leflunomide in PsA in comparison to spondyloarthritides other than PsA and literature review of the use of conventional DMARDs in PsA

Science.gov (United States)

Roussou, Euthalia; Bouraoui, Aicha

2017-01-01

Objective With the aim of assessing the response to treatment with conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) used in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), data on methotrexate, sulfasalazine (SSZ), and leflunomide were analyzed from baseline and subsequent follow-up (FU) questionnaires completed by patients with either PsA or other spondyloarthritides (SpAs). Material and Methods A single-center real-life retrospective analysis was performed by obtaining clinical data via questionnaires administered before and after treatment. The indices used were erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) level, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Function Index (BASFI), wellbeing (WB), and treatment effect (TxE). The indices measured at baseline were compared with those measured on one occasion in a FU visit at least 1 year later. Results A total of 73 patients, 51 with PsA (mean age 49.8±12.8 years; male-to-female ratio [M:F]=18:33) and 22 with other SpAs (mean age 50.6±16 years; M:F=2:20), were studied. BASDAI, BASFI, and WB displayed consistent improvements during FU assessments in both PsA patients and controls in comparison to baseline values. SSZ exhibited better efficacy as confirmed by TxE in both PsA patients and controls. ESR and CRP displayed no differences in either the PsA or the SpA group between the cases before and after treatment. Conclusion Real-life retrospective analysis of three DMARDs used in PsA (and SpAs other than PsA) demonstrated that all three DMARDs that were used brought about improvements in BASDAI, BASFI, TxE, and WB. However, the greatest improvements at FU were seen with SSZ use in both PsA and control cohorts. PMID:28293446

Omega-conotoxin- and nifedipine-insensitive voltage-operated calcium channels mediate K(+)-induced release of pro-thyrotropin-releasing hormone-connecting peptides Ps4 and Ps5 from perifused rat hypothalamic slices.

Science.gov (United States)

Valentijn, K; Tranchand Bunel, D; Vaudry, H

1992-07-01

The rat thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) precursor (prepro-TRH) contains five copies of the TRH progenitor sequence linked together by intervening sequences. Recently, we have shown that the connecting peptides prepro-TRH-(160-169) (Ps4) and prepro-TRH-(178-199) (Ps5) are released from rat hypothalamic neurones in response to elevated potassium concentrations, in a calcium-dependent manner. In the present study, the role of voltage-operated calcium channels in potassium-induced release of Ps4 and Ps5 was investigated, using a perifusion system for rat hypothalamic slices. The release of Ps4 and Ps5 stimulated by potassium (70 mM) was blocked by the inorganic ions Co2+ (2.6 mM) and Ni2+ (5 mM). In contrast, the stimulatory effect of KCl was insensitive to Cd2+ (100 microM). The dihydropyridine antagonist nifedipine (10 microM) had no effect on K(+)-evoked release of Ps4 and Ps5. Furthermore, the response to KCl was not affected by nifedipine (10 microM) in combination with diltiazem (1 microM), a benzothiazepine which increases the affinity of dihydropyridine antagonists for their receptor. The dihydropyridine agonist BAY K 8644, at concentrations as high as 1 mM, did not stimulate the basal secretion of Ps4 and Ps5. In addition, BAY K 8644 had no potentiating effect on K(+)-induced release of Ps4 and Ps5. The marine cone snail toxin omega-conotoxin, a blocker of both L- and N-type calcium channels had no effect on the release of Ps4 and Ps5 stimulated by potassium. Similarly, the omega-conopeptide SNX-111, a selective blocker of N-type calcium channels, did not inhibit the stimulatory effect of potassium. The release of Ps4 and Ps5 evoked by high K+ was insensitive to the non-selective calcium channel blocker verapamil (20 microM). Amiloride (1 microM), a putative blocker of T-type calcium channels, did not affect KCl-induced secretion of the two connecting peptides. Taken together, these results indicate that two connecting peptides derived from the pro-TRH, Ps

Structure and Ionic Conductivity of Li{sub 2}S–P{sub 2}S{sub 5} Glass Electrolytes Simulated with First-Principles Molecular Dynamics

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Baba, Takeshi; Kawamura, Yoshiumi, E-mail: yoshiumi_kawamura@mail.toyota.co.jp [Toyota Motor Corporation, Shizuoka (Japan)

2016-06-02

Lithium thiophosphate-based materials are attractive as solid electrolytes in all-solid-state lithium batteries because glass or glass-ceramic structures of these materials are associated with very high conductivity. In this work, we modeled lithium thiophosphates with amorphous structures and investigated Li{sup +} mobilities by using molecular dynamics calculations based on density functional theory (DFT-MD). The structures of xLi{sub 2}S–(100 − x)P{sub 2}S{sub 5} (x = 67, 70, 75, and 80) were created by randomly identifying appropriate compositions of Li{sup +}, PS{sub 4}{sup 3−},P{sub 2}S{sub 7}{sup 4−}, and S{sup 2−} and then annealing them with DFT-MD calculations. Calculated relative stabilities of the amorphous structures with x = 67, 70, and 75 to crystals with the same compositions were 0.04, 0.12, and 0.16 kJ/g, respectively. The implication is that these amorphous structures are metastable. There was good agreement between calculated and experimental structure factors determined from X-ray scattering. The differences between the structure factors of amorphous structures were small, except for the first sharp diffraction peak, which was affected by the environment between Li and S atoms. Li{sup +} diffusion coefficients obtained from DFT-MD calculations at various temperatures for picosecond simulation times were on the order of 10{sup −3}–10{sup −5} Å{sup 2}/ps. Ionic conductivities evaluated by the Nernst–Einstein relationship at 298.15 K were on the order of 10{sup −5} S/cm. The ionic conductivity of the amorphous structure with x = 75 was the highest among the amorphous structures because there was a balance between the number density and diffusibility of Li{sup +}. The simulations also suggested that isolated S atoms suppress Li{sup +} migration.

Morphological and magnetic properties of sol-gel synthetized meso and macroporous spheres of barium hexaferrite (BaFe{sub 12}O{sub 19})

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Torres-Cadenas, S., E-mail: storres_c@hotmail.com [Instituto de Investigaciones Metalúrgicas y Materiales, UMSNH, Edificio U, Ciudad Universitaria, Santiago Tapia 403, Colonia Centro, 58030 Morelia (Mexico); Reyes-Gasga, José, E-mail: jreyes@fisica.unam.mx [Instituto de Física, UNAM, Circuito de la Investigación s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Coyoacán, México, D.F. (Mexico); Bravo-Patiño, A., E-mail: brapal@hotmail.com [Centro Multidisciplinario de Estudios en Biotecnología (CMEB) de la FMVZ, UMSNH, Posta Zootécnica, km. 8.5 carretera Morelia-Zinapecuaro, C.P. 58890 col. La Palma, Tarimbaro, Michoacán (Mexico); Betancourt, I., E-mail: israelb@iim.unam.mx [Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, UNAM, Ciudad de México C.P. 04510 (Mexico); Contreras-García, M.E., E-mail: eucontre@gmail.com [Instituto de Investigaciones Metalúrgicas y Materiales, UMSNH, Edificio U, Ciudad Universitaria, Santiago Tapia 403, Colonia Centro, 58030 Morelia (Mexico)

2017-06-15

Highlights: • 1.5 µm porous spheres of BaFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} were synthetized by the sol-gel method. • Surfactant Tween20 (C{sub 58}H{sub 114}O{sub 26}) enabled the creation of the mesoporous structure. • Polystyrene spheres (PS) were used as the template for the formation of macropores. • Spheres resembled a nest or ball-of-yarn type of elongated BaFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} crystals. • Magnetic properties are evaluated as function of the calcination temperature. - Abstract: Porous spherical aggregates of barium hexaferrite (BaFe{sub 12}O{sub 19}) with 1.5 µm in diameter were synthetized by the surfactant-assisted sol-gel method. The surfactant Tween20 (C{sub 58}H{sub 114}O{sub 26}), which enables mesoporous structures, as well as polystyrene spheres (PS), as the template agent for the formation of macropores, were used. Two synthetic routes (hereafter named A and B), whose difference was the absence or presence of PS, were followed for synthesis. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in high resolution mode (HRTEM) were used for characterization. Size and morphology of the spheres were similar in both cases and they resemble a nest or ball-of-yarn type structure. Pore size and BaFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} crystal size produced by the two routes are different. The magnetic properties of the spheres were evaluated using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) as function of the calcination temperature. The spheres present ferromagnetic behavior in both routes.

Low temperature junction magnetoresistance properties of Co{sub 0.65}Zn{sub 0.35}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/SiO{sub 2}/p-Si magnetic diode like heterostructure for spin-electronics

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Panda, J.; Nath, T.K., E-mail: tnath@phy.iitkgp.ernet.in

2016-02-29

The magnetic heterojunction diode has been fabricated by growing Co{sub 0.65}Zn{sub 0.35}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4} (CZFO) on well cleaned p-Si substrate using pulsed laser deposition technique, and its behavior under magnetic field is experimentally studied in details. The magnetic field dependent current–voltage characteristics (I–V) have been studied at different isothermal conditions in the range of 5–300 K. The junction shows magnetic diode like rectifying behavior at low temperature, whereas at high temperatures the junction shows nonlinear I–V characteristics. Magnetic field shows a strong effect on junction resistance (CZFO/p-Si). It is interesting that the positive junction magnetoresistance (MR) thus produced, remains very large at low temperature regime (590% at 5 K) and gradually decreases at higher temperatures. In contrast, CZFO magnetic thin film shows negative MR behavior, whereas the junction shows large positive junction magnetoresistance (JMR) behavior throughout the temperature range. The origin of JMR has been best explained by standard spin injection theory. The temperature dependent spin life time (τ) has been estimated for our heterostructure. The value of τ decreases with increasing temperature. The spin life time (183 ps), spin polarization (0.71) and spin diffusion length (375 nm) have been estimated of the heterostructure at 10 K. - Highlights: • The junction magnetoresistance (JMR) of Co{sub 0.65}Zn{sub 0.35}Fe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/SiO{sub 2}/p-Si heterojunction is studied. • Heterostructure shows rectifying magnetic diode like behavior. • The highest positive JMR (590%) has been found to be at 5 K. • The origin of observed JMR has been best explained by spin injection theory. • The spin life time, spin diffusion length and spin polarization have been estimated at 10 K.

Determination of grafting conversion degree in PS/PS-graft-POSS/POSS hybrid nanocomposites obtained through reactive processing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bianchi, Otavio; Repenning, Gustavo B.; Mauler, Raquel S.; Oliveira, Ricardo V.B.; Canto, Leonardo B.

2011-01-01

Hybrid nanocomposites of polystyrene (PS) and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) - PS/PS-graft-POSS/POSS - with different grafting degrees were prepared by reactive melt processing using dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as initiator in the presence or absence of styrene monomer as radical transfer agent. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using triple-detector and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR 1 H) analyses were used together to determine the conversion degree of PS-graft-POSS as a function of the reactive processing conditions adopted. GPC was employed to evaluate the effects of grafting (PS-graft-POSS) and PS chains degradation (β scission) that occur simultaneously during processing on the variation of average molecular masses and distributions for each PS/POSS sample. PS/POSS systems processed with styrene showed higher weight average molecular weights (M w ) and lower polydispersity indexes (M w /M n ), as a result of higher grafting (PS-graft-POSS) conversion (28-40%) and lower PS chain degradation level, as compared to PS/POSS systems processed without styrene in which the degree of grafting conversion was around 25-28%. (author)

Observation of small sub-pulses out of the delayed-interference signal-wavelength converter

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sakaguchi, J.; Nielsen, Mads Lønstrup; Ohira, T.

2005-01-01

The generation of small sub-pulses in the delayed-interference signal-wavelength converter (DISC), which has been studied for use in future 160-Gb/s optical time division multiplexing-wavelength division multiplexing (OTDM-WDM) communication systems, was recently predicted as a potential problem....... In this work, we have experimentally verified the generation of such pulses and its mechanism. In the experiments we used 3.8-ps-long 1.56-mu m input pulses with repetition frequencies from 12.5 to 25.0 GHz and a cross-correlation monitoring system with a time resolution of approximately 2 ps....

A 75 ps rms time resolution BiCMOS time to digital converter optimized for high rate imaging detectors

CERN Document Server

Hervé, C

2002-01-01

This paper presents an integrated time to digital converter (TDC) with a bin size adjustable in the range of 125 to 175 ps and a differential nonlinearity of +-0.3%. The TDC has four channels. Its architecture has been optimized for the readout of imaging detectors in use at Synchrotron Radiation facilities. In particular, a built-in logic flags piled-up events. Multi-hit patterns are also supported for other applications. Time measurements are extracted off chip at the maximum throughput of 40 MHz. The dynamic range is 14 bits. It has been fabricated in 0.8 mu m BiCMOS technology. Time critical inputs are PECL compatible whereas other signals are CMOS compatible. A second application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) has been developed which translates NIM electrical levels to PECL ones. Both circuits are used to assemble board level TDCs complying with industry standards like VME, NIM and PCI.

Measurements of ultrafast dynamics in a superconductor, YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-{delta}}, and a semiconductor, GaSb

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Smith, D.C

1998-07-01

Measurements of ultrafast dynamics in GaSb and YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-}{delta} (YBCO) have been made with 1 ps or better resolution using time-resolved optical spectroscopy; pump-probe transmission and reflection, and time-resolved Raman spectroscopy. The study of carrier dynamics in GaSb focuses on the scattering of electrons between the F and L conduction band valleys by zone-boundary phonons {gamma}-L scattering in bulk GaSb and a GaSb/AlSb multiple quantum well sample has been investigated in a series of room temperature degenerate pump-probe transmission experiments with near bandgap excitation. There is a clear difference in the dynamics between experiments where electrons excited in {gamma} can/cannot directly scatter to the L valleys. Ensemble Monte Carlo simulations are presented which are in good agreement with the experiments. The strength of {gamma}-L scattering is quantified using an intervalley deformation potential for a single 'effective' zone-boundary phonon (25meV). A deformation potential of 3.6{+-}0.4 eVA{sup -1} is consistent with both the bulk and quantum well results. The temperature dependence of the dynamics in bulk GaSb is also explored. Time-resolved Raman spectroscopy (E{sub laser}{approx}E{sub 0}+{delta}{sub 0}) has been used to study {gamma}-F scattering by measuring the dynamics of phonons emitted during intravalley scattering. All the measured non-equilibrium phonon populations have a component whose lifetime is greater the phonons anharmonic lifetime. This component is interpreted as following the return of electrons from L to {gamma}. Comparison of the results with the pump-probe experiments indicates that this return is slowed by blocking of {gamma} states. The study of YBCO consists of pump-probe transmission and reflection measurements of thin films and single crystals in both the normal and superconducting states. Measurements of dynamics have been made with a wide range of probe energies lower than in any

Small-angle neutron scattering from the reconstituted TF sub 1 of H sup + -ATPase from thermophilic bacterium PS3 with deuterated subunits

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ito, Yuji [Univ. of Tokyo (Japan) Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (United States); Harada, Mitsuo [Univ. of Tokyo (Japan); Ohta, Shigeo; Kagawa, Yasuo; Aono, Osamu [Jichi Medical School, Tochigi (Japan); Schefer, J; Schoenborn, B P [Brookhaven National Lab., Upton (United States)

1990-01-01

Subunits {alpha}, {beta} and {gamma} of adenosine triphosphatase (H{sup +}-ATPase) from the thermophilic bacterium PS3 (TF{sub 1}) have been over-expressed in Escherichia coli. {alpha} and {beta} subunits deuterated to the level of 90% were obtained by culturing E. coli in {sup 2}H{sub 2}O medium. Both the subunits and the reconstituted {alpha}{beta}{gamma} complex, TF{sub 1}, which contain the deuterated components in various combinations, were studied in solution by small-angle neutron scattering. The individual shapes of the subunits and their organization in the {alpha}{beta}{gamma}-TF{sub 1} complex were examined using the techniques of selective deuteration and contrast variation. The {alpha} and {beta} subunits are well approximated as ellipsoids of revolution having minor semi-axes of 20{center dot}4({plus minus}0{center dot}4) and 20{center dot}0({plus minus}0{center dot}2) {angstrom}, and major semi-axes of 53{center dot}0({plus minus}1{center dot}4) and 55{center dot}8({plus minus}0{center dot}9) {angstrom}, respectively. In the TF{sub 1} complex, three {beta} subunits are aligned to form an equilateral triangle, with their major axes tilted by 35{degree} with respect to the 3-fold axis of the complex. The {beta}-{beta} distance is about 53 {angstrom}. Three {alpha} subunits are similarly arranged, positioned between the {beta} subunits, and with their direction of tilt opposite to that of the {beta} subunits. The centers of the {alpha} and {beta} subunits lie in the same plane, forming a hexagon. Adjacent subunits overlap in this model, suggesting that they are not simple ellipsoids of revolution.

Delay-line cables for the fast bumpers in the PS.

CERN Multimedia

CERN PhotoLab

1976-01-01

For 'continuous transfer' to the SPS, the beam accelerated in the PS is shaved off over several turns, so as to form a continuous sequence of bunches several times the length of the PS circumference. Fast bumpers, powered in a 'staircase' way, displace the PS beam stepwise towards the ejection septum. Each step lasts 2.1 microsec and the cable drums in this picture contain some of the bumper delay-lines of altogether 10 km.

Anomalous behaviour of the in-plane electrical conductivity of the layered superconductor kappa-(BEDT-TTF) sub 2 Cu(NCS) sub 2

CERN Document Server

Singleton, J; Hayes, W; Schlüter, J A

2003-01-01

The apparent quasiparticle scattering rates in high-quality crystals of the quasi-two-dimensional superconductor kappa-(BEDT-TTF) sub 2 Cu(NCS) sub 2 are studied using the Shubnikov-de Haas effect and megahertz penetration-depth experiments. The width of the superconducting transition observed in the megahertz experiments, taken in conjunction with the field dependence of the Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations, gives evidence that the broadening of the Landau levels is primarily caused by spatial inhomogeneities. This indicates a quasiparticle lifetime for the Landau states >> 3 ps. The megahertz data can also be used to derive an apparent scattering time (0.14- 0.56 ps) from the skin depth. This is much shorter than the Landau-state lifetime, in strong contrast to the expectations of Landau Fermi-liquid theory. The simplest explanation for the data is that only a fraction of the crystal contributes to the metallic conductivity, an observation which may be related to the recently observed 'glassy' transition in k...

Femosecond dynamics of quasi-particles in YBa sub 2 Cu sub 3 O sub 7 minus. delta. superconductor films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Han, S.G.; Vardeny, Z.V.; Symko, O.G. (Utah Univ., Salt Lake City, UT (United States). Dept. of Physics); Koren, G. (Technion-Israel Inst. of Tech., Haifa (Israel). Dept. of Physics)

1991-03-01

This paper reports on the transient electronic response of YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7{minus}{delta}} epitaxially grown HT{sub c} superconductor thin films in the femtosecond time domain, using transient photoinduced reflectivity ({Delta}R) with 60 fsec time resolution. For temperatures T {gt} T{sub c} only a bolometric signal was observed with {Delta}R {gt} O. For T {lt} T{sub c} {Delta}R {lt} O with a temperature dependent rise time of order 300 fsec followed by a relaxation (of order 3 psec) into a state with {Delta} are explained in terms of quasi-particle (QP) electronic response giving {Delta}R {lt} O. Thus the femtosecond rise time is interpreted as avalanche multiplication of QP across the gap 2{Delta} and the subsequent picosecond relaxation as QP recombination. The QP optical response is explained within the two fluid model.

A fast preamplifier concept for SiPM-based time-of-flight PET detectors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Huizenga, J., E-mail: j.huizenga@tudelft.nl [Delft University of Technology, Radiation Detection and Medical Imaging, Mekelweg 15, 2629 JB Delft (Netherlands); Seifert, S. [Delft University of Technology, Radiation Detection and Medical Imaging, Mekelweg 15, 2629 JB Delft (Netherlands); Schreuder, F. [Kernfysisch Versneller Instituut, University of Groningen, Zernikelaan 25, 9747 AA Groningen (Netherlands); Dam, H.T. van [Delft University of Technology, Radiation Detection and Medical Imaging, Mekelweg 15, 2629 JB Delft (Netherlands); Dendooven, P.; Loehner, H.; Vinke, R. [Kernfysisch Versneller Instituut, University of Groningen, Zernikelaan 25, 9747 AA Groningen (Netherlands); Schaart, D.R. [Delft University of Technology, Radiation Detection and Medical Imaging, Mekelweg 15, 2629 JB Delft (Netherlands)

2012-12-11

Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) offer high gain and fast response to light, making them interesting for fast timing applications such as time-of-flight (TOF) PET. To fully exploit the potential of these photosensors, dedicated preamplifiers that do not deteriorate the rise time and signal-to-noise ratio are crucial. Challenges include the high sensor capacitance, typically >300 pF for a 3 mm Multiplication-Sign 3 mm SiPM sensor, as well as oscillation issues. Here we present a preamplifier concept based on low noise, high speed transistors, designed for optimum timing performance. The input stage consists of a transimpedance common-base amplifier with a very low input impedance even at high frequencies, which assures a good linearity and avoids that the high detector capacitance affects the amplifier bandwidth. The amplifier has a fast timing output as well as a 'slow' energy output optimized for determining the total charge content of the pulse. The rise time of the amplifier is about 300 ps. The measured coincidence resolving time (CRT) for 511 keV photon pairs using the amplifiers in combination with 3 mm Multiplication-Sign 3 mm SiPMs (Hamamatsu MPPC-S10362-33-050C) coupled to 3 mm Multiplication-Sign 3 mm Multiplication-Sign 5 mm LaBr{sub 3}:Ce and LYSO:Ce crystals equals 95 ps FWHM and 138 ps FWHM, respectively.

ps-ro Fuzzy Open(Closed Functions and ps-ro Fuzzy Semi-Homeomorphism

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pankaj Chettri

2015-11-01

Full Text Available The aim of this paper is to introduce and characterize some new class of functions in a fuzzy topological space termed as ps-ro fuzzy open(closed functions, ps-ro fuzzy pre semiopen functions and ps-ro fuzzy semi-homeomorphism. The interrelation among these concepts and also their relations with the parallel existing concepts are established. It is also shown with the help of examples that these newly introduced concepts are independent of the well known existing allied concepts.

Time-resolved x-ray spectra from laser-generated high-density plasmas

Science.gov (United States)

Andiel, U.; Eidmann, Klaus; Witte, Klaus-Juergen

2001-04-01

We focused frequency doubled ultra short laser pulses on solid C, F, Na and Al targets, K-shell emission was systematically investigated by time resolved spectroscopy using a sub-ps streak camera. A large number of laser shots can be accumulated when triggering the camera with an Auston switch system at very high temporal precision. The system provides an outstanding time resolution of 1.7ps accumulating thousands of laser shots. The time duration of the He-(alpha) K-shell resonance lines was observed in the range of (2-4)ps and shows a decrease with the atomic number. The experimental results are well reproduced by hydro code simulations post processed with an atomic kinetics code.

Time effects and glassy state behaviour in superconducting Y{sub 1}Ba{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-x}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Altinkok, A.; Yetis, H.; Olutas, M.; Kilic, K. [Abant Izzet Baysal University, Department of Physics, Turgut Gulez Research Laboratory, 14280 Bolu (Turkey); Kilic, A. [Abant Izzet Baysal University, Department of Physics, Turgut Gulez Research Laboratory, 14280 Bolu (Turkey)], E-mail: kilic_a@ibu.edu.tr

2007-10-01

The quenched disorder in the moving entity is investigated in a polycrystalline bulk sample of Y{sub 1}Ba{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-x} (YBCO) by slow transport relaxation measurements (V-t curves) on long time scales. The time evolution of sample voltage (V-t curve) are correlated to spatial reorganization of the driving current together with increasing or decreasing of resistive and non-resistive flow channels in a multiple connected network. In addition, it is shown that the voltage decays appearing in V-t curves are characterized by an exponential time dependence which is analogous to the glassy state relaxation.

Last PS magnet refurbished

CERN Multimedia

2009-01-01

PS Magnet Refurbishment Programme Completed. The 51st and final refurbished magnet was transported to the PS on Tuesday 3 February. The repair and consolidation work on the PS started back in 2003 when two magnets and a busbar connection were found to be faulty during routine high-voltage tests. The cause of the fault was a combination of age and radiation on electrical insulation. After further investigation the decision was taken to overhaul half of the PS’s 100 magnets to reduce the risk of a similar fault. As from 20 February the PS ring will start a five-week test programme to be ready for operation at the end of March.

Precision measurement of the K{sub S} meson lifetime with the KLOE detector

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ambrosino, F.; Massarotti, P.; Meola, S.; Napolitano, M. [Dipt. di Scienze Fisiche dell' Univ. ' Federico II' , Napoli (Italy); INFN Sezione di Napoli (Italy); Antonelli, A.; Antonelli, M.; Bencivenni, G.; Bloise, C.; Bossi, F.; Capon, G.; Capussela, T.; Ciambrone, P.; De Lucia, E.; De Simone, P.; Dreucci, M.; Felici, G.; Gatti, C.; Giovannella, S.; Jacewicz, M.; Miscetti, S.; Moulson, M.; Murtas, F.; Palutan, M.; Santangelo, P.; Sciascia, B.; Sibidanov, A.; Spadaro, T.; Venanzoni, G. [Lab. Nazionali di Frascati dell' INFN (Italy); Archilli, F. [Dipt. di Fisica dell' Universita ' Tor Vergata' , Roma (Italy); INFN Sezione di Roma Tor Vergata, Roma (Italy); Bini, C.; De Santis, A.; De Zorzi, G.; Di Domenico, A.; Fiore, S.; Franzini, P.; Gauzzi, P. [Dipt. di Fisica dell' Univ. ' La Sapienza' , Roma (Italy); INFN Sezione di Roma, Roma (Italy); Bocchetta, S.; Ceradini, F.; Di Micco, B.; Nguyen, F.; Taccini, C. [Dipt. di Fisica dell' Univ. Roma Tre, Roma (Italy); INFN Sezione di Roma Tre, Roma (Italy); Branchini, P.; Graziani, E.; Passeri, A.; Tortora, L. [INFN Sezione di Roma Tre, Roma (Italy); De Angelis, A. [Univ. of Udine (Italy); LIP/IST, INFN Sezione di Trieste, Trieste (Italy); De Maria, M. [Univ. di Udine (Italy); IUAV, Venezia (Italy); Denig, A.; Mueller, S. [Johannes Gutenberg - Univ. Mainz, Inst. fuer Kernphysik, Mainz (Germany); Di Donato, C. [INFN Sezione di Napoli (Italy); Kulikov, V. [Inst. for Theoretical and Experimental Physics, Moscow (Russian Federation); Lee-Franzini, J. [Lab. Nazionali di Frascati dell' INFN (Italy); State Univ. of New York, Physics Dept., Stony Brook, NY (United States); Martini, M. [Lab. Nazionali di Frascati dell' INFN, Frascati (Italy); Dipt. di Energetica dell' Universita ' La Sapienza' , Roma (Italy); Univ. Guglielmo Marconi, Dipt. di Scienza e Tecnologie applicate, Roma (Italy); Patera, V. [Lab. Nazionali di Frascati dell' INFN, Frascati (Italy); Dipt. di Energetica dell' Universita ' La Sapienza' , Roma (Italy)] [and others

2011-03-15

Using a large sample of pure, slow, short lived K{sup 0} mesons collected with KLOE detector at DA{phi}NE, we have measured the K{sub S} lifetime. From a fit to the proper time distribution we find {tau}(K{sub S})=(89.562 {+-}0.029{sub stat}{+-}0.043{sub syst}) ps. This is the most precise measurement to date of the short lived K{sup 0} meson lifetime, in good agreement with the world average derived from previous measurements. We observe no dependence of the lifetime on the direction of the K{sub S} in galactic coordinates. (orig.)

Synthesis and characterization of MoS{sub 2} cocatalysts for H{sub 2}-generation; Darstellung und Charakterisierung von MoS{sub 2} Cokatalysatoren fuer die H{sub 2}-Entwicklung

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Djamil, John

2015-10-05

As a suitable alternative to fossil fuels and nuclear energy light induced generation of H{sub 2} represents a trend-setting research area in the field of regenerative energy. Therefore photocatalysts, which provide surface sites for light driven reduction of protons to H{sub 2}, are being investigated and developed. Enhancement of photocatalytic systems can be achieved by the usage of cocatalysts, which simplify charge separation and provide additional catalytic active sites as well. In the present work cocatalysts based on MoS{sub 2} were synthesized, characterized and investigated for photocatalytic H{sub 2} generation. MoS{sub 2} cocatalysts were synthesized by thermal decomposition of tetraalkyl ammonium thiomolybdates with varying carbon content in the organic cation and by mechanical treatment of bulk MoS{sub 2} respectively. Hence, samples with differing chemical composition as well as structural properties were obtained. Based on these findings relations between chemical composition, microstructural properties and photocatalytic activity were supposed to reveal. Nanoparticulate molybdenum sulfides resulted in both synthetic routes. Thermal decomposition of tetraalkyl ammonium thiomolybdates yielded in carbon containing molybdenum sulfide nanocomposites, in which carbon and sulfur content and the crystallite size as well varied with the carbon amount in the precursor. Additionally a composite with a significant enlarged interlayer distance between the MoS{sub 2} layers was obtained by thermal decomposition of (Ph{sub 4}P){sub 2}MoS{sub 4}. Such interlayer expansion could be explained by an insertion of in situ generated Ph{sub 3}PS- and (Ph{sub 4}P){sub 2}S-molecules between the MoS{sub 2} layers. While Ph{sub 3}PS-molecules were bonded through Mo-S-bonds to the MoS{sub 2} layers, (Ph{sub 4}P){sub 2}S-molecules remained free in rotation between MoS{sub 2} sheets. The mechanical treatment of bulk MoS{sub 2} resulted in different-sized MoS{sub 2

Gas response properties of citrate gel synthesized nanocrystalline MgFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}: Effect of sintering temperature

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Patil, J.Y. [School of Physical Sciences, Solapur University Solapur-413255 (India); Mulla, I.S. [Emeritus Scientist (CSIR), Centre for Materials for Electronic Technology(C-MET) Pune-411 008 (India); Suryavanshi, S.S., E-mail: sssuryavanshi@rediffmail.com [School of Physical Sciences, Solapur University Solapur-413255 (India)

2013-02-15

Graphical abstract: Display Omitted Highlights: ► Synthesis of nanocrystalline MgFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} by economical citrate gel combustion method. ► Structural, morphological, and gas response properties of MgFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}. ► Enhancement in selectivity of MgFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} towards LPG with sintering temperature. ► Use of MgFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} to detect different gases at different operating temperatures. -- Abstract: Spinel type MgFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} material was synthesized by citrate gel combustion method. The effect of sintering temperature on structural, morphological, and gas response properties was studied. The powder X-ray diffraction pattern and transmission electron microscope study confirms nanocrystalline spinel structure of the synthesized powder. The material was tested for response properties to various reducing gases like liquid petroleum gas (LPG), acetone, ethanol, and ammonia. The results demonstrated n-type semiconducting behavior of MgFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} material. It was revealed that MgFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} sintered at 973 K was most sensitive to LPG at 648 K and to acetone at 498 K. However MgFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} sintered at 1173 K exhibited higher response and selectivity to LPG with marginal increase in the operating temperature. Furthermore, the sensor exhibited a fast response and a good recovery. It was observed that the particles size, porosity, and surface activity of the sensor material is affected by the sintering temperature.

submitter Measurement of intrinsic rise times for various L(Y)SO and LuAG scintillators with a general study of prompt photons to achieve 10 ps in TOF-PET

CERN Document Server

Gundacker, Stefan; Pauwels, Kristof; Lecoq, Paul

2016-01-01

The coincidence time resolution (CTR) of scintillator based detectors commonly used in positron emission tomography is well known to be dependent on the scintillation decay time (${{\\tau}_{d}}$ ) and the number of photons detected (${{n}^{\\prime}}$ ), i.e. $CTR\\propto \\sqrt{{{\\tau}_{d}}/{{n}^{\\prime}}}$ . However, it is still an open question to what extent the scintillation rise time (${{\\tau}_{r}}$ ) and other fast or prompt photons, e.g. Cherenkov photons, at the beginning of the scintillation process influence the CTR. This paper presents measurements of the scintillation emission rate for different LSO type crystals, i.e. LSO:Ce, LYSO:Ce, LSO:Ce codoped Ca and LGSO:Ce. For the various LSO-type samples measured we find an average value of 70 ps for the scintillation rise time, although some crystals like LSO:Ce codoped Ca seem to have a much faster rise time in the order of 20 ps. Additional measurements for LuAG:Ce and LuAG:Pr show a rise time of 535 ps and 251 ps, respectively. For these crystals, promp...

Enhanced personal protection system for the PS

CERN Multimedia

Caroline Duc

2013-01-01

During the first long shutdown (LS1) a new safety system will be installed in the primary beam areas of the PS complex in order to bring the standard of personnel radiation protection at the PS into line with that of the LHC.   Pierre Ninin, deputy group leader of GS-ASE and responsible for the installation of the new PS complex safety system, in front of a new access control system. The LHC access control systems are state-of-the-art, whereas those of the injection chain accelerators were running the risk of becoming obsolete. For the past two years a project to upgrade the access and safety systems of the first links in the LHC accelerator chain has been underway to bring them into compliance with nuclear safety standards. These systems provide the personnel with automatic protection by limiting access to hazardous areas and by ensuring that nobody is present in the areas when the accelerator is in operation. By the end of 2013, the project teams will ha...

Elastic response of URu{sub 2}Si{sub 2} under high magnetic fields

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yanagisawa, Tatsuya; Mombetsu, Shota; Hidaka, Hiroyuki; Amitsuka, Hiroshi [Dept. of Physics, Hokkaido Univ., Sapporo (Japan); Akatsu, Mitsuhiro [Grad. School of Science and Technology, Niigata Univ., Niigata (Japan); Yasin, S.; Zherlitsyn, S.; Wosnitza, J. [Hochfeld-Magnetlabor Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and TU Dresden, Dresden (Germany); Huang, K.; Janoschek, M.; Maple, M.B. [Dept. of Physics, Univ. of California, San Diego, La Jolla (United States)

2015-07-01

We have measured the elastic constants, C{sub 44}, C{sub 66}, (C{sub 11}-C{sub 12})/2 in URu{sub 2}Si{sub 2} by means of high-frequency ultrasonic measurements in pulsed magnetic fields up to 68.7 T in a wide temperature range from 1.5 to ∝120 K. We found a reduction of (C{sub 11}-C{sub 12})/2 for magnetic field H parallel [001] that appears only in the temperature and magnetic field region in which URu{sub 2}Si{sub 2} exhibits a heavy-electron state and hidden order. This change in (C{sub 11}-C{sub 12})/2 appears to be a response of the 5f electrons to an orthorhombic and volume conservative strain field ε{sub xx}-ε{sub yy} with Γ{sub 3} symmetry. The lattice instability is likely related to a symmetry-breaking band instability that arises due to the hybridization of the localized 5f electrons with the conduction electrons and is probably linked to the hidden-order parameter of this compound. Recent progress obtained by our measurements of the transverse ultrasonic modes C{sub 44} and C{sub 66} will also be discussed.

Pressure Monitoring Using Hybrid fs/ps Rotational CARS

Science.gov (United States)

Kearney, Sean P.; Danehy, Paul M.

2015-01-01

We investigate the feasibility of gas-phase pressure measurements at kHz-rates using fs/ps rotational CARS. Femtosecond pump and Stokes pulses impulsively prepare a rotational Raman coherence, which is then probed by a high-energy 6-ps pulse introduced at a time delay from the Raman preparation. Rotational CARS spectra were recorded in N2 contained in a room-temperature gas cell for pressures from 0.1 to 3 atm and probe delays ranging from 10-330 ps. Using published self-broadened collisional linewidth data for N2, both the spectrally integrated coherence decay rate and the spectrally resolved decay were investigated as means for detecting pressure. Shot-averaged and single-laser-shot spectra were interrogated for pressure and the accuracy and precision as a function of probe delay and cell pressure are discussed. Single-shot measurement accuracies were within 0.1 to 6.5% when compared to a transducer values, while the precision was generally between 1% and 6% of measured pressure for probe delays of 200 ps or more, and better than 2% as the delay approached 300 ps. A byproduct of the pressure measurement is an independent but simultaneous measurement of the gas temperature.

Measurement of the CP violating phase β<sub>s> in B⁰<sub>s> J/ΨΦ decays

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Oakes, Louise Beth [Univ. of Oxford (United Kingdom)

2010-01-01

The CP violating phase β ^j/ΨΦ<sub>s> is measured in decays of B⁰<sub>s> → J/ΨΦ. This measurement uses 5.2 fb^-1 of data collected in √s = 1.96 TeV p$\\bar{p}$ collisions at the Fermilab Tevatron with the CDF Run-II detector. CP violation in the B<sub>s>⁰-$\\bar{B}$<sub>s>⁰ system is predicted to be very small in the Standard Model. However, several theories beyond the Standard Model allow enhancements to this quantity by heavier, New Physics particles entering second order weak mixing box diagrams. Previous measurements have hinted at a deviation from the Standard Model expectation value for β<sub>s>^J/ΨΦ with a significance of approximately 2σ. The measurement described in this thesis uses the highest statistics sample available to date in the B<sub>s>⁰ → J/ΨΦ decay channel, where J/Ψ → μ⁺μ^- and Φ → K⁺K^-. Furthermore, it contains several improvements over previous analyses, such as enhanced signal selection, fully calibrated particle ID and flavour tagging, and the inclusion of an additional decay component in the likelihood function. The added decay component considers S-wave states of KK pairs in the B<sub>s>⁰ → J/Ψ K⁺K^- channel. The results are presented as 2-dimensional frequentist confidence regions for β<sub>s>^J/ΨΦ and ΔΓ (the width difference between the B<sub>s>⁰ mass eigenstates), and as a confidence interval for β<sub>s>^J/ΨΦ of [0.02,0.52] U [1.08, 1.55] at the 68% confidence level. The measurement of the CP violating phase obtained in this thesis is complemented by the world's most precise measurement of the lifetime τ<sub>s> = 1.53 ± 0.025 (stat.) ± 0.012 (syst.) ps and decay width difference ΔΓ = 0.075 ± 0.035 (stat.) ± 0.01 (syst.) ps^-1 of the B<sub>s

Time-of-flight resolution of scintillating counters with Burle 85001 microchannel plate photomultipliers in comparison with Hamamatsu R2083

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Baturin, V. [Department of Physics, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701 (Korea, Republic of); Burkert, V. [Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, Virginia 23606 (United States); Kim, W. [Department of Physics, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701 (Korea, Republic of)]. E-mail: wooyoung@jlab.org; Majewsky, S. [Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, Virginia 23606 (United States); Park, K. [Department of Physics, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701 (Korea, Republic of); Popov, V. [Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, Virginia 23606 (United States); Smith, E.S. [Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, Virginia 23606 (United States); Son, D. [Department of Physics, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701 (Korea, Republic of); Stepanyan, S.S. [Department of Physics, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 702-701 (Korea, Republic of); Zorn, C. [Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, Newport News, Virginia 23606 (United States)

2006-06-15

Improvements in the time resolution of the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS) below {approx}50ps will be required for experiments using the planned upgraded accelerator facility at Jefferson Lab. The improved time resolution will allow particle identification using time-of-flight techniques to be used effectively up to the proposed operating energy of 12GeV. The challenge of achieving this time resolution over a relatively large area is compounded because the photomultipliers (PM) in the CLAS 'time-zero' scintillating counters must operate in very high magnetic fields. Therefore, we have studied the resolution of 'time-zero' prototypes with microchannel plate PMs 85001-501 from Burle. For reference and comparison, measurements were also made using the standard PMs R2083 from Hamamatsu using two timing methods. The cosmic ray method, which utilizes three identical scintillating counters (Bicron BC-408, 2x3x50cm{sup 3}) with PMs at the ends, yields {sigma}{sub R2083}=59.1+/-0.7ps. The location method of particles from a radiative source with known coordinates has been used to compare timing resolutions of R2083 and 85001-501. This method yields {sigma}{sub R2083}=59.5+/-0.7ps and it also provides an estimate of the number of primary photoelectrons. For the microchannel plate PM from Burle the method yields {sigma}{sub 85001}=130+/-4ps due to lower number of primary photoelectrons.

iPS-Cinderella Story in Cell Biology

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Editorial

2010-01-01

pluripotency and thus paving the way for use of iPS in humansIn this issue of JSRM we have Dr.Yukio Nakamura writing about Disease specific iPS cells which could serve as tools for understanding the underlying mechanisms of diseases which are less understood so far or which could be used as study models for drug discovery for disease therapy. Adding another positive futuristic step to this is the paper by Kataoka et al., who have shown that the iPS cells could be grown in a three dimensional scaffold in which their earlier studies have shown feasibility of a 200 time passaging of mouse foteal epithelial stem cells and neural stem cells. The strengths of Nakamura et al and that of Kataoka et al combined virtually, we see a much brighter picture for the iPS cells which might be in future much cleaner, be grown in an undifferentiated manner and be stored for long; then instead of cord blood storage all I dream is whenever a child is born we may simply custom make iPS for that child and cryopreserve it; May the dreams come true!Dr. Sheikh Riazuddin’s article about lin-c-kit+ BM-derived stem cells repair Infarcted Heart and Dr.Pravin Potdar’s article about Mesenchymal Stem Cells from adipose tissue give some basic understandings of the possible clinical translations. Happy reading!

Flavour oscillations and CP asymmetry in semileptonic B<sub>s>⁰ decays

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Beale, Steven Thomas [York Univ., Toronto, ON (Canada)

2010-01-01

The B⁰ <sub>s> meson spontaneously transforms into its antiparticle ($\\bar{B}$ ⁰<sub> ssub> ). These ‘flavour oscillations’ occur periodically with a frequency that may be measured. The oscillation frequency is related to the fundamental parameters of the electroweak interaction. Measuring the frequency provides a constraint on the electroweak quark coupling parameter V<sub>ts> and improves the constraint on V<sub>td>. Furthermore, the amplitude of the oscillation process may be slightly different in B⁰ <sub>s> and $\\bar{B}$ ⁰ <sub>s> mesons due to CP violating nature of the weak interaction. This ‘asymmetry’ is expected to be small (a^SM,s <sub>fs> = (2.06 ± 0.57) x 10 ⁵), but may be enhanced (a^s <sub>fs> ≅ O(1%)) by new sources of CP violation. This thesis describes a search for B0 s flavour oscillations and charge asymmetry in the B⁰ <sub>s> → D^- <sub>s> μ⁺v<sub>μ> X (D^- <sub>s> → K^{* 0}K^- ) decay mode using 5.0 fb ^-1 of D0 data. A lower limit is placed on the oscillation frequency, Δm<sub>s> > 9.9 ps ^-1 with an expected sensitivity to oscillations below 14.8 ps ^-1. The charge asymmetry is measured to be a^s <sub>fs> 0.018 ± 0.025(stat) ± 0.002(syst). A combination of these measurements with other decay modes is also presented.

Synthesis and characterization of (Lu{sub 1−x−y}Y{sub x}Ce{sub y}){sub 2}SiO{sub 5} luminescent powders with fast decay time

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aburto-Crespo, M. [Programa de Posgrado en Física de Materiales CICESE-UNAM, Km. 107 Carretera Tij-Ens, Ensenada, B. C. 22860, México (Mexico); Hirata, G.A., E-mail: hirata@cnyn.unam.mx [Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnología-Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km. 107 Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada, Ensenada, B. C. 22860, México (Mexico); McKittrick, J. [University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0411 (United States)

2013-04-15

The structural and luminescent properties of blue-emitting (Lu{sub 1−x−y}Y{sub x}Ce{sub y}){sub 2}SiO{sub 5} (0.1≤x≤0.4, y=0.05, 0.005) phosphors prepared by combustion synthesis and post-annealed at 1200 °C for different annealing times are reported. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of a (Lu,Y){sub 2}SiO{sub 5} solid solution as a majority phase with small traces of a residual phase that was identified as Lu{sub 2}SiO{sub 7}. Under long-UV excitation, the powders yield a very bright blue-emission consisting of two bands with maximum emissions located at λ=405 nm and λ=440 nm, both corresponding to the Ce{sup 3+} allowed transitions {sup 2}D{sub 3/2}→{sup 2}F{sub 5/2} and {sup 2}D{sub 5/2}→{sup 2}F{sub 7/2}, respectively. Moreover, luminescence decay times of 38–45 ns were measured, which depend on the composition, making these powders excellent candidates for application as scintillators in medical imaging. -- Highlights: ► A facile technique to fabricate (Lu,Y)-oxyorthosilicate nanophosphors is presented. ► The structural and excellent luminescent properties including excitation, emission and short decay times are reported. ► The Ce-doped oxyorthosilicates nanophosphors present a fast decay time of the order of 38–45 ns.

Prognostic significance of cytosolic pS2 content in ovarian tumors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Raigoso, P.; Allende, T.; Zeidan, N.; Llana, B.; Bernardo, L.; Roiz, C.; Tejuca, S.; Vazquez, J.; Lamelas, M.L.

2002-01-01

Aim: pS2 is an estrogen regulated peptide which has been associated with a good prognosis an with a more favorable response to treatment in breast cancer patients. In ovarian tumors, the expression of pS2 was demonstrated at both mRNA and protein levels. In addition, it has been showed significant association of pS2 with mucinous differentiation or well differentiation grade of the tumors. However, it is little know about the prognostic significance of the pS2 content in ovarian carcinomas. The aims of the present work were to analyze the cytosolic pS2 content in benign and malignant ovarian tumors, its relationship with clinico-pathologic parameters, steroid receptor status, and prognostic significance. Material and Methods: We analysed the cytosolic concentrations of pS2 in 91 specimen ovarian tissues by an immunoradiometric assay (ELSA-pS2, CIS, France). The tissues were 8 normal ovaries, 43 benign tumors and 40 malignant ovarian tumors. The same ovarian tissues processed to pS2 were analyzed to Estrogen (ER) and Progesterone (PgR) Receptor status. These steroid receptors were quantified biochemically following commercial ELISA method (ABBOTT Diagnostics, Germany). The relationship between cytosolic content and clinico-pathologic factors was examined by the Mann-Whitney or Kruskall-Wallis test. Correlation between steroid receptors and pS2 content was calculated with the Spearman test. Survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test. Differences were considered significant at 5% probability level. Results: pS2 could be detected in 30 cases (32.9%) with values ranged from 0.04 to 89 ng/mg prt. Only one normal ovary showed detectable levels of pS2 and there were not differences in cytosolic content between benign and malignant ovarian tumors. The pS2 levels were only associated to mucinous differentiation in both benign and malignant ovarian tumors (p=0.029 and p=0.015, respectively). Significantly higher

Direct and real time probe of photoinduced structure transition in colossal magnetoresistive material

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Junjie [Physics Department, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310 (United States); National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Tallahassee, Florida 32310 (United States); Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973 (United States); Wang, Xuan [Institute of physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 603, Beijing 100190 (China); Zhou, Haidong [National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Tallahassee, Florida 32310 (United States); Zhou, Jun; Cao, Jianming, E-mail: jcao@magnet.fsu.edu [Physics Department, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310 (United States); National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Tallahassee, Florida 32310 (United States); Cheng, J. G. [Texas Materials Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712 (United States)

2016-07-25

We report a direct and real time measurement of photoinduced structure phase transition in single crystal La{sub 0.84}Sr{sub 0.16}MnO{sub 3} using femtosecond electron diffraction. The melting of orthorhombic lattice ordering under femtosecond optical excitation is found involving two distinct processes with different time scales, an initial fast melting of orthorhombic phase in about 4 ps and a subsequent slower transformation in 90 ps and longer timescales. The fast process is designated as the initial melting of orthorhombic phase induced by the Mn-O bond change that is most likely driven by the quenching of the dynamic Jahn-Teller distortion following the photo-excitation. The slow process is attributed to the growing of newly formed structure domain from the photo-excited sites to the neighboring non-excited orthorhombic sites.

Characterizing Lithospheric Thickness in Australia using Ps and Sp Scattered Waves

Science.gov (United States)

Ford, H. A.; Fischer, K. M.; Rychert, C. A.

2008-12-01

The purpose of this study is to constrain the morphology of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary throughout Australia using scattered waves. Prior surface wave studies have shown a correlation between lithospheric thickness and the three primary geologic provinces of Australia, with the shallowest lithosphere located beneath the Phanerozoic province to the east, and the thicker lithosphere located beneath the Proterozoic and Archean regions. To determine lithospheric thickness, waveform data from twenty permanent broadband stations spanning mainland Australia and the island of Tasmania were analyzed using Ps and Sp migration techniques. Waveform selection for each station was based on epicentral distance (35° to 80° for Ps and 55° to 80° for Sp), and event depth (no greater than 300 km for Sp). For both Ps and Sp a simultaneous deconvolution was performed on the data for each of the twenty stations, and the resulting receiver function for each station was migrated to depth. Data were binned with epicentral distance to differentiate direct discontinuity phases from crustal reverberations (for Ps) and other teleseismic arrivals (for Sp). Early results in both Ps and Sp show a clear Moho discontinuity at most stations in addition to sharp, strong crustal reverberations seen in many of the Ps images. In the eastern Phanerozoic province, a strong negative phase at 100-105 km is evident in Ps for stations CAN and EIDS. The negative phase lies within a depth range that corresponds to the negative velocity gradient between fast lithosphere and slow asthenosphere imaged by surface waves. We therefore think that it is the lithosphere- asthenosphere boundary. On the island of Tasmania, a negative phase at 70-75 km in Ps images at stations TAU and MOO also appears to be the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. In the Proterozoic and Archean regions of the Australian continent, initial results for both Ps and Sp migration indicate clear crustal phases, but significantly

Superconducting nanowire single photon detectors fabricated from an amorphous Mo{sub 0.75}Ge{sub 0.25} thin film

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Verma, V. B.; Lita, A. E.; Vissers, M. R.; Marsili, F.; Pappas, D. P.; Mirin, R. P.; Nam, S. W. [National Institute of Standards and Technology, 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80305 (United States)

2014-07-14

We present the characteristics of superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) fabricated from amorphous Mo{sub 0.75}Ge{sub 0.25} thin-films. Fabricated devices show a saturation of the internal detection efficiency at temperatures below 1 K, with system dark count rates below 500 cps. Operation in a closed-cycle cryocooler at 2.5 K is possible with system detection efficiencies exceeding 20% for SNSPDs which have not been optimized for high detection efficiency. Jitter is observed to vary between 69 ps at 250 mK and 187 ps at 2.5 K using room temperature amplifiers.

Josephson comparator switching time

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Herr, Quentin P; Miller, Donald L; Przybysz, John X [Northrop Grumman, Baltimore, MD (United States)

2006-05-15

Comparator performance can be characterized in terms of both sensitivity and decision time. Delta-sigma analogue-to-digital converters are tolerant of sensitivity errors but require short decision time due to feedback. We have analysed the Josephson comparator using the numerical solution of the Fokker-Planck equation, which describes the time evolution of the ensemble probability distribution. At balance, the result is essentially independent of temperature in the range 5-20 K. There is a very small probability, 1 x 10{sup -14}, that the decision time will be longer than seven single-flux-quantum pulse widths, defined as Phi{sub 0}/(I{sub c}R{sub n}). For junctions with a critical current density of 4.5 kA, this decision time is only 20 ps. Decision time error probability decreases rapidly with lengthening time interval, at a rate of two orders of magnitude per pulse width. We conclude that Josephson comparator performance is quite favourable for analogue-to-digital converter applications.

Synthesis and Characterization of the Rubidium Thiophosphate Rb 6 (PS 5 )(P 2 S 10 ) and the Rubidium Silver Thiophosphates Rb 2 AgPS 4 , RbAg 5 (PS 4 ) 2 and Rb 3 Ag 9 (PS 4 ) 4

KAUST Repository

Alahmary, Fatimah S.; Davaasuren, Bambar; Khanderi, Jayaprakash; Rothenberger, Alexander

2016-01-01

The metal thiophosphates Rb2AgPS4 (2), RbAg5(PS4)2 (3), and Rb3Ag9(PS4)4 (4) were synthesized by stoichiometric reactions, whereas Rb6(PS5)(P2S10) (1) was prepared with excess amount of sulfur. The compounds crystallize as follows: 1 monoclinic, P21

Cellular and molecular responses of E. fetida coelomocytes exposed to TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bigorgne, Emilie, E-mail: emilie.bigorgne@univ-lorraine.fr; Foucaud, Laurent [Universite de Lorraine-Laboratoire des Interactions Ecotoxicologique Biodiversite Ecosystemes (LIEBE) (France); Caillet, Celine [Universite de Lorraine-Laboratoire Environnement et Mineralurgie (LEM) CNRS UMR7569 (France); Giamberini, Laure; Nahmani, Johanne [Universite de Lorraine-Laboratoire des Interactions Ecotoxicologique Biodiversite Ecosystemes (LIEBE) (France); Thomas, Fabien [Universite de Lorraine-Laboratoire Environnement et Mineralurgie (LEM) CNRS UMR7569 (France); Rodius, Francois [Universite de Lorraine-Laboratoire des Interactions Ecotoxicologique Biodiversite Ecosystemes (LIEBE) (France)

2012-07-15

An in vitro approach using coelomocytes of Eisenia fetida was investigated to evaluate toxicity of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles. Coelomocytes were exposed to well-dispersed suspension of small aggregates (130 nm) of TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles (1-25 {mu}g/ml) during 4, 12 and 24 h. Intracellular localisation suggested that the main route of uptake was endocytosis. Cellular responses showed that TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles were not cytotoxic and had no effect on phagocytosis at any of the four concentrations for each time tested. Concerning molecular responses, an increase of fetidin and metallothionein mRNA expression was observed starting from 4 h of exposure. In contrast, expression of coelomic cytolytic factor mRNA decreased for 10 and 25 {mu}g/ml after 4 h. Superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase expression were not modified suggesting that oxidative stress was not induced by TiO{sub 2} in our experimental conditions. This in vitro approach showed that TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles were taken up by coelomocytes and they could modify the molecular response of immune and detoxification system.

Time resolved resonant inelastic X-ray scattering: A supreme tool to understand dynamics in solids and molecules

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Beye, M.; Wernet, Ph.; Schüßler-Langeheine, C.; Föhlisch, A.

2013-01-01

Highlights: •The high specificity of RIXS ideally suits time-resolved measurements. •Methods relating to the core hole lifetime cover the low femtosecond regime. •Pump-probe methods are used starting at sub-ps time scales. •FELs and synchrotrons are useful for pump-probe studies. •Examples from solid state dynamics and molecules are discussed. -- Abstract: Dynamics in materials typically involve different degrees of freedom, like charge, lattice, orbital and spin in a complex interplay. Time-resolved resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) as a highly selective tool can provide unique insight and follow the details of dynamical processes while resolving symmetries, chemical and charge states, momenta, spin configurations, etc. In this paper, we review examples where the intrinsic scattering duration time is used to study femtosecond phenomena. Free-electron lasers access timescales starting in the sub-ps range through pump-probe methods and synchrotrons study the time scales longer than tens of ps. In these examples, time-resolved resonant inelastic X-ray scattering is applied to solids as well as molecular systems

Analysis of bias voltage dependent spectral response in Ga{sub 0.51}In{sub 0.49}P/Ga{sub 0.99}In{sub 0.01}As/Ge triple junction solar cell

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sogabe, Tomah, E-mail: Sogabe@mbe.rcast.u-tokyo.ac.jp; Ogura, Akio; Okada, Yoshitaka [Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8504 (Japan)

2014-02-21

Spectral response measurement plays great role in characterizing solar cell device because it directly reflects the efficiency by which the device converts the sunlight into an electrical current. Based on the spectral response results, the short circuit current of each subcell can be quantitatively determined. Although spectral response dependence on wavelength, i.e., the well-known external quantum efficiency (EQE), has been widely used in characterizing multijunction solar cell and has been well interpreted, detailed analysis of spectral response dependence on bias voltage (SR −V{sub bias}) has not been reported so far. In this work, we have performed experimental and numerical studies on the SR −V{sub bias} for Ga{sub 0.51}In{sub 0.49}P/Ga{sub 0.99}In{sub 0.01}As/Ge triple junction solar cell. Phenomenological description was given to clarify the mechanism of operation matching point variation in SR −V{sub bias} measurements. The profile of SR−V{sub bias} curve was explained in detail by solving the coupled two-diode current-voltage characteristic transcend formula for each subcell.

Determination of the k{sub Q{sub c{sub l{sub i{sub n,Q{sub m{sub s{sub r}{sup f{sub c}{sub l}{sub i}{sub n},f{sub m}{sub s}{sub r}}}}}}}}} correction factors for detectors used with an 800 MU/min CyberKnife{sup ®} system equipped with fixed collimators and a study of detector response to small photon beams using a Monte Carlo method

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Moignier, C., E-mail: cyril.moignier@free.fr; Huet, C. [Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), Service de Dosimétrie Externe, 92260, Fontenay-aux-Roses (France); Makovicka, L. [IRMA/CE UMR 6249 CNRS, Université de Franche-Comté, 25200, Montbéliard (France)

2014-07-15

Purpose: In a previous work, output ratio (OR{sub det}) measurements were performed for the 800 MU/min CyberKnife{sup ®} at the Oscar Lambret Center (COL, France) using several commercially available detectors as well as using two passive dosimeters (EBT2 radiochromic film and micro-LiF TLD-700). The primary aim of the present work was to determine by Monte Carlo calculations the output factor in water (OF{sub MC,w}) and the k{sub Q{sub c{sub l{sub i{sub n,Q{sub m{sub s{sub r}{sup f{sub c}{sub l}{sub i}{sub n},f{sub m}{sub s}{sub r}}}}}}}}} correction factors. The secondary aim was to study the detector response in small beams using Monte Carlo simulation. Methods: The LINAC head of the CyberKnife{sup ®} was modeled using the PENELOPE Monte Carlo code system. The primary electron beam was modeled using a monoenergetic source with a radial gaussian distribution. The model was adjusted by comparisons between calculated and measured lateral profiles and tissue-phantom ratios obtained with the largest field. In addition, the PTW 60016 and 60017 diodes, PTW 60003 diamond, and micro-LiF were modeled. Output ratios with modeled detectors (OR{sub MC,det}) and OF{sub MC,w} were calculated and compared to measurements, in order to validate the model for smallest fields and to calculate k{sub Q{sub c{sub l{sub i{sub n,Q{sub m{sub s{sub r}{sup f{sub c}{sub l}{sub i}{sub n},f{sub m}{sub s}{sub r}}}}}}}}} correction factors, respectively. For the study of the influence of detector characteristics on their response in small beams; first, the impact of the atomic composition and the mass density of silicon, LiF, and diamond materials were investigated; second, the material, the volume averaging, and the coating effects of detecting material on the detector responses were estimated. Finally, the influence of the size of silicon chip on diode response was investigated. Results: Looking at measurement ratios (uncorrected output factors) compared to the OF{sub MC,w}, the PTW 60016

Effect of field cooling heights on the levitation force of pure and starch/polystyrene/MWCNT added bulk MgB{sub 2} superconductors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tripathi, D.; Dey, T.K., E-mail: tapasdey@hijli.iitkgp.ernet.in

2014-12-15

Highlights: • Levitation force between PM and starch/PS/MWCNT added MgB{sub 2} are studied in FC mode. • MgB{sub 2} added with 1 wt.% PS gives best result. • Levitation forces do not display hysteresis during ascending and descending mode. • Exponential variation in Max. Levitation (F{sub MLF}) and attractive forces (F{sub MAF}). • The gap between PM and SC for F{sub MAF} and F{sub 0AF} varies linearly with FC height. - Abstract: A series of MgB{sub 2} pellets with and without addition of carbon from different sources (viz. starch, polystyrene and carbon nanotubes) have been synthesized by solid state reaction under argon atmosphere. XRD analysis indicates a decrease in lattice parameters of MgB{sub 2} with addition of starch, polystyrene (PS) and MWCNT and confirms substitution of carbon in boron sites. The presence of nanosized carbon inclusions between the grain boundaries in the present set of samples is evident in TEM photographs. Resistivity data confirms a decrease in superconducting transition temperature (T{sub c0}) for MgB{sub 2} doped with starch/PS/MWCNT. The effect of different field cooling heights (H{sub IFC}) at 20 K on maximum levitation force (F{sub MLF}) and maximum attractive force (F{sub MAF}) of pure MgB{sub 2} and MgB{sub 2} doped with starch/PS/MWCNT have been investigated. Except for MWCNT, doping of starch and PS in MgB{sub 2} is found to improve F{sub MLF} and F{sub MAF} and the best result is obtained for MgB{sub 2} doped with 1 wt.% PS. Levitation force measured as a function of decreasing initial field cooling height indicates exponential dependence of both maximum levitation force (F{sub MLF}) and maximum attractive force (F{sub MAF}). However, the gap distance between PM and the sample (H{sub 0AF} and H{sub MAF}) corresponding to maximum attractive force (F{sub MAF}) and zero attractive force (F{sub 0AF}) varies linearly and their difference remains constant. This constancy in (H{sub MAF} − H{sub 0AF}) is understood in

PS3 CELL Development for Scientific Computation and Research

Science.gov (United States)

Christiansen, M.; Sevre, E.; Wang, S. M.; Yuen, D. A.; Liu, S.; Lyness, M. D.; Broten, M.

2007-12-01

The Cell processor is one of the most powerful processors on the market, and researchers in the earth sciences may find its parallel architecture to be very useful. A cell processor, with 7 cores, can easily be obtained for experimentation by purchasing a PlayStation 3 (PS3) and installing linux and the IBM SDK. Each core of the PS3 is capable of 25 GFLOPS giving a potential limit of 150 GFLOPS when using all 6 SPUs (synergistic processing units) by using vectorized algorithms. We have used the Cell's computational power to create a program which takes simulated tsunami datasets, parses them, and returns a colorized height field image using ray casting techniques. As expected, the time required to create an image is inversely proportional to the number of SPUs used. We believe that this trend will continue when multiple PS3s are chained using OpenMP functionality and are in the process of researching this. By using the Cell to visualize tsunami data, we have found that its greatest feature is its power. This fact entwines well with the needs of the scientific community where the limiting factor is time. Any algorithm, such as the heat equation, that can be subdivided into multiple parts can take advantage of the PS3 Cell's ability to split the computations across the 6 SPUs reducing required run time by one sixth. Further vectorization of the code can allow for 4 simultanious floating point operations by using the SIMD (single instruction multiple data) capabilities of the SPU increasing efficiency 24 times.

Performance of a dual-process PVD/PS tungsten coating structure under deuterium ion irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, Hyunmyung; Lee, Ho Jung; Kim, Sung Hwan [Department of Nuclear and Quantum Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of); Song, Jae-Min [Department of Nuclear Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Jang, Changheui, E-mail: chjang@kaist.ac.kr [Department of Nuclear and Quantum Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

2016-11-01

Highlights: • D{sup +} irradiation performance of a dual-process PVD/PS W coating was evaluated. • Low-energy plasmas exposure of 100 eV D{sup +} with 1.17 × 10{sup 21} D/s{sup −1} m{sup 2} flux was applied. • After D ion irradiation, flakes were observed on the surface of the simple PS coating. • While, sub-μm size protrusions were observed for dual-process PVD/PS W coating. • Height of D spike in depth profile was lower for dual-process PVD/PS W coating. - Abstract: A dual-process coating structure was developed on a graphite substrate to improve the performance of the coating structure under anticipated operating condition of fusion devices. A thin multilayer W/Mo coating (6 μm) was deposited by physical vapor deposition (PVD) method with a variation of Mo interlayer thickness on plasma spray (PS) W coating (160 μm) of a graphite substrate panel. The dual-process PVD/PS W coatings then were exposed to 3.08 × 10{sup 24} D m{sup −2} of 100 eV D ions with a flux of 1.71 × 10{sup 21} D m{sup −2} s{sup −1} in an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) chamber. After irradiation, surface morphology and D depth profiles of the dual-process coating were analyzed and compared to those of the simple PS W coating. Both changes in surface morphology and D retention were strongly dependent on the microstructure of surface coating. Meanwhile, the existence of Mo interlayer seemed to have no significant effect on the retention of deuterium.

PsOr1, a potential target for RNA interference-based pest management.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Y Y; Liu, F; Yang, G; You, M S

2011-02-01

Insect pests cause billions of dollars in agricultural losses, and attempts to kill them have resulted in growing threats from insecticide resistance, dietary pesticide pollution and environmental destruction. New approaches to control refractory insect pests are therefore needed. The host-plant preferences of insect pests rely on olfaction and are mediated via a seven transmembrane-domain odorant receptor (Or) family. The present study reports the cloning and characterization of PsOr1, the first candidate member of the Or gene family from Phyllotreta striolata, a devastating beetle pest that causes damage worldwide. PsOr1 is remarkably well conserved with respect to other insect orthologues, including DmOr83b from Drosophila melanogaster. These insect orthologues form an essential non-conventional Or sub-family and may play an important and generalized role in insect olfaction. We designed double-stranded (ds) RNA directly against the PsOr1 gene and exploited RNA interference (RNAi) to control P. striolata. The chemotactic behavioural measurements showed that adult beetles were unable to sense the attractant or repellent odour stimulus after microinjection of dsRNA against PsOr1. Reverse Transcription (RT)-PCR analysis showed specific down-regulation of mRNA transcript levels for this gene. Furthermore, host-plant preference experiments confirmed that silencing PsOr1 by RNAi treatment impaired the host-plant preferences of P. striolata for cruciferous vegetables. These results demonstrate that this insect control approach of using RNAi to target PsOr1 and its orthologues might be effective in blocking host-plant-seeking behaviours in diverse insect pests. The results also support the theory that this unique receptor type plays an essential general role in insect olfaction. © 2010 Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University. Insect Molecular Biology © 2010 The Royal Entomological Society.

Low temperature transient response and electroluminescence characteristics of OLEDs based on Alq{sub 3}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yuan, Chao [Key Laboratory of Semiconductor Material Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Semiconductor Materials and Devices, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083 (China); College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Devices, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049 (China); Guan, Min, E-mail: guanmin@semi.ac.cn [Key Laboratory of Semiconductor Material Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Semiconductor Materials and Devices, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083 (China); Zhang, Yang [Key Laboratory of Semiconductor Material Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Semiconductor Materials and Devices, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083 (China); College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Devices, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049 (China); Li, Yiyang; Liu, Shuangjie [Key Laboratory of Semiconductor Material Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Semiconductor Materials and Devices, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083 (China); Zeng, Yiping [Key Laboratory of Semiconductor Material Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Semiconductor Materials and Devices, Institute of Semiconductors, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100083 (China); College of Materials Science and Optoelectronic Devices, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049 (China)

2017-08-15

Highlights: • The dependency relation between transmission rate and electron transport layer is revealed. • The critical temperature points for the influence of luminescent materials and injection barriers on delay time are found. • The influence of light-emitting material and injection layer on carrier accumulation is quantified. - Abstract: In this work, the organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on Alq{sub 3} are fabricated. In order to make clear the transport mechanism of carriers in organic light-emitting devices at low temperature, detailed electroluminescence transient response and the current-voltage–luminescence (I–V–L) characteristics under different temperatures in those OLEDs are investigated. It founds that the acceleration of brightness increases with increasing temperature is maximum when the temperature is 200 K and it is mainly affected by the electron transport layer (Alq{sub 3}). The MoO{sub 3} injection layer and the electroluminescent layer have great influence on the delay time when the temperature is 200 K. Once the temperature is greater than 250 K, the delay time is mainly affected by the MoO{sub 3} injection layer. On the contrary, the fall time is mainly affected by the electroluminescent material. The V{sub f} is the average growth rate of fall time when the temperature increases 1 K which represents the accumulation rate of carriers. The difference between V{sub f} caused by the MoO{sub 3} injection layer is 0.52 us/K and caused by the electroluminescent material Ir(ppy){sub 3} is 0.73 us/K.

A&T Sector Note on the PS transverse feedback

CERN Document Server

Coly, Marcel; Blas, Alfred; Sterbini, Guido; CERN. Geneva. ATS Department

2017-01-01

In a particle accelerator, several contributions can degrade the beam quality and particularly the beam transverse emittance. In this document we will describe a system used in the CERN Proton Synchrotron (PS) to cope with the injection steering errors and the transverse instabilities: the PS transverse feedback (PS TFB). As time progresses, this system is also being used for other purpose, to increase in a controlled way the beam transverse emittance and to excite the beam for the Multi-Turn-Extraction (MTE). In 2016, it has been successfully used on some operational beams to damp injection oscillations. This allowed to test the reliability of the system for its operational deployment. A piquet service is available in case of problem.

Study of the glass forming ability of Cu{sub 60}Zr{sub 32,5}Ti{sub 7,5} alloy by molecular dynamics; Formacao de fase amorfa na liga Cu{sub 60}Zr{sub 32,5}Ti{sub 7,5} por dinamica molecular

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Schimidt, C.S.; Lima, L.V.; Bastos, I.N.; Aliaga, L.C.R., E-mail: camilaschimidt17@gmail.com [Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Nova Friburgo, RJ (Brazil). Departamento de Materiais

2016-07-01

This article presents the results of molecular dynamics simulation of Cu{sub 60}Zr{sub 32.5}Ti{sub 7.5} alloy through the open source code LAMMPS. Amorphous samples were produced by quenching the metallic molten from 2300K to 200K at cooling rates of 50, 5 and 0.5K/ps. The pair distribution functions of both the liquid and solid were calculated and compared at different temperatures. The topology of short-range order was analyzed using the Voronoi tessellation method, which determined the presence of Cu-centered icosahedral clusters as the prevailing in the amorphous state at 300K. Moreover, the sample was submitted to uniaxial tensile tests at strain rate of 10ps{sup -1}, in order to investigate the mechanical behavior of the metallic glass. The result of the stress-strain curve showed that applied loads lead to the plastic regime. However, the presences of shear bands, typical in the experimental testing, were not observed. Moreover, the evolution of the viscosity above the glass transition temperature and the fragility of the alloy were determined. The solidus and liquidus temperatures were determined and a good agreement with experimental data was found. (author)

Photoproduction of long-lived holes and electronic processes in intrinsic electric fields seen through photoinduced absorption and dichroism in Ca sub 3 Ga sub 2 sub - sub x Mn sub x Ge sub 3 O sub 1 sub 2 garnets

CERN Document Server

Eremenko, V V; Kachur, I S; Piryatinskaya, V G; Ratner, A M; Kosmyna, M B; Nazarenko, B P; Puzikov, V M

2003-01-01

Long-lived photoinduced absorption and dichroism in the Ca sub 3 Ga sub 2 sub - sub x Mn sub x Ge sub 3 O sub 1 sub 2 garnets with x < 0.06 were examined versus temperature and pumping intensity. Unusual features of the kinetics of photoinduced phenomena are indicative of the underlying electronic processes. The comparison with the case of Ca sub 3 Mn sub 2 Ge sub 3 O sub 1 sub 2 , explored earlier by the authors, permits one to finally establish the main common mechanisms of photoinduced absorption and dichroism caused by random electric fields of photoproduced charges (hole polarons). The rate of their diffusion and relaxation through recombination is strongly influenced by the same fields, whose large statistical straggling is responsible for a broad continuous set of relaxation components (observed in the relaxation time range from 1 to about 1000 min). For Ca sub 3 Ga sub 2 sub - sub x Mn sub x Ge sub 3 O sub 1 sub 2 , the time and temperature dependences of photoinduced absorption and dichroism bear ...

The generalized centroid difference method for picosecond sensitive determination of lifetimes of nuclear excited states using large fast-timing arrays

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Régis, J.-M., E-mail: regis@ikp.uni-koeln.de [Institut für Kernphysik der Universität zu Köln, Zülpicher Str. 77, 50937 Köln (Germany); Mach, H. [Departamento de Física Atómica y Nuclear, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid (Spain); Simpson, G.S. [Laboratoire de Physique Subatomique et de Cosmologie Grenoble, 53, rue des Martyrs, 38026 Grenoble Cedex (France); Jolie, J.; Pascovici, G.; Saed-Samii, N.; Warr, N. [Institut für Kernphysik der Universität zu Köln, Zülpicher Str. 77, 50937 Köln (Germany); Bruce, A. [School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brighton, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4GJ (United Kingdom); Degenkolb, J. [Institut für Kernphysik der Universität zu Köln, Zülpicher Str. 77, 50937 Köln (Germany); Fraile, L.M. [Departamento de Física Atómica y Nuclear, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid (Spain); Fransen, C. [Institut für Kernphysik der Universität zu Köln, Zülpicher Str. 77, 50937 Köln (Germany); Ghita, D.G. [Horia Hulubei National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 77125 Bucharest (Romania); and others

2013-10-21

A novel method for direct electronic “fast-timing” lifetime measurements of nuclear excited states via γ–γ coincidences using an array equipped with N∈N equally shaped very fast high-resolution LaBr{sub 3}(Ce) scintillator detectors is presented. Analogous to the mirror symmetric centroid difference method, the generalized centroid difference method provides two independent “start” and “stop” time spectra obtained by a superposition of the N(N−1)γ–γ time difference spectra of the N detector fast-timing system. The two fast-timing array time spectra correspond to a forward and reverse gating of a specific γ–γ cascade. Provided that the energy response and the electronic time pick-off of the detectors are almost equal, a mean prompt response difference between start and stop events is calibrated and used as a single correction for lifetime determination. These combined fast-timing arrays mean γ–γ time-walk characteristics can be determined for 40keVsub γ}<1.3MeV with an accuracy less than 5 ps using a {sup 152}Eu γ-ray source. Due to reduction and cancellation of many possible systematic errors, the lifetime determination limit of the method over the total dynamic range is mainly determined by the statistics. The setup of an N=4 detector fast-timing array delivered an absolute time resolving power of 3 ps for 10 000 γ–γ events per total fast timing array start and stop time spectrum. The new method is tested over the total dynamic range by the measurements of known picosecond lifetimes in standard γ-ray sources.

Semiconductor CdF<sub>2sub>:Ga and CdF<sub>2sub>:In Crystals as Media for Real-Time Holography

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alexander E. Angervaks

2012-05-01

Full Text Available Monocrystalline cadmium fluoride is a dielectric solid that can be converted into a semiconductor by doping with donor impurities and subsequent heating in the reduction atmosphere. For two donor elements, Ga and In, the donor (“shallow” state is a metastable one separated from the ground (“deep” state by a barrier. Photoinduced deep-to-shallow state transition underlies the photochromism of CdF<sub>2sub>:Ga and CdF<sub>2sub>:In. Real-time phase holograms are recorded in these crystals capable of following up optical processes in a wide frequency range. The features of photochromic transformations in CdF<sub>2sub>:Ga and CdF<sub>2sub>:In crystals as well as holographic characteristics of these media are discussed. Exemplary applications of CdF<sub>2sub>-based holographic elements are given.

PS Booster - Festive colloquium

CERN Multimedia

2012-01-01

A festive colloquium will be held to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the PS Booster on Friday, 28 September at 2 p.m. in the CERN council chamber. The meeting will be open to everybody. Read more on the PS Booster in the CERN Bulletin and in the CERN Courier.

Directed self-assembly of poly(styrene)-block-poly(acrylic acid) copolymers for sub-20nm pitch patterning

Science.gov (United States)

Cheng, Jing; Lawson, Richard A.; Yeh, Wei-Ming; Jarnagin, Nathan D.; Peters, Andrew; Tolbert, Laren M.; Henderson, Clifford L.

2012-03-01

Directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers is a promising technology for extending the patterning capability of current lithographic exposure tools. For example, production of sub-40 nm pitch features using 193nm exposure technologies is conceivably possible using DSA methods without relying on time consuming, challenging, and expensive multiple patterning schemes. Significant recent work has focused on demonstration of the ability to produce large areas of regular grating structures with low numbers of defects using self-assembly of poly(styrene)-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymers (PS-b-PMMA). While these recent results are promising and have shown the ability to print pitches approaching 20 nm using DSA, the ability to advance to even smaller pitches will be dependent upon the ability to develop new block copolymers with higher χ values and the associated alignment and block removal processes required to achieve successful DSA with these new materials. This paper reports on work focused on identifying higher χ block copolymers and their associated DSA processes for sub-20 nm pitch patterning. In this work, DSA using polystyrene-b-polyacid materials has been explored. Specifically, it is shown that poly(styrene)-b-poly(acrylic acid) copolymers (PS-b-PAA) is one promising material for achieving substantially smaller pitch patterns than those possible with PS-b-PMMA while still utilizing simple hydrocarbon polymers. In fact, it is anticipated that much of the learning that has been done with the PS-b-PMMA system, such as development of highly selective plasma etch block removal procedures, can be directly leveraged or transferred to the PS-b-PAA system. Acetone vapor annealing of PS-b-PAA (Mw=16,000 g/mol with 50:50 mole ratio of PS:PAA) and its self-assembly into a lamellar morphology is demonstrated to generate a pattern pitch size (L0) of 21 nm. The χ value for PS-b-PAA was estimated from fingerprint pattern pitch data to be approximately 0.18 which

Symmetry of dipositronium Ps2

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schrader, D.M.

2004-01-01

We work out the complete symmetry and spin problem for diatomic positronium Ps 2 for the ground and singly excited states of zero orbital angular momentum. The general form of the wave function for each state is given, with due regard to charge conjugation parity. Annihilation rates are discussed, and correlations to dissociation products are deduced. We indicate how the approach is extensible to larger aggregates: i.e., PsPs n , n>2

Complementary low energy ion scattering and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization of polystyrene submitted to N{sub 2}/H{sub 2} glow discharge

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bonatto, F., E-mail: bonatto02@yahoo.com.br [Instituto de Fisica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 91509-900 (Brazil); Rovani, S. [Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul 95070-560 (Brazil); Kaufmann, I.R.; Soares, G.V. [Instituto de Fisica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 91509-900 (Brazil); Baumvol, I.J.R. [Instituto de Fisica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 91509-900 (Brazil); Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul 95070-560 (Brazil); Krug, C. [Instituto de Fisica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 91509-900 (Brazil)

2012-02-15

Low energy ion scattering (LEIS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to access the elemental composition and chemical bonding characteristics of polystyrene (PS) surfaces sequentially treated by corona and glow discharge (plasma) processing in N{sub 2}/H{sub 2} ambient. The latter has shown activity as suppressor of pathogenic Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms. LEIS indicated that oxygen from the corona discharge process is progressively replaced by nitrogen at the PS surface. XPS shows C=N and N-C=O chemical groups as significant inhibitors of bacterial adhesion, suggesting application in medical devices.

Well-oriented ZZ–PS-tag with high Fc-binding onto polystyrene surface for controlled immobilization of capture antibodies

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tang, Jin-Bao, E-mail: tangjinbao@yahoo.com.cn [School of Pharmacy and Biology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053 (China); Sun, Xi-Feng [Clinical Laboratory, Weifang People' s Hospital, Weifang 261041 (China); Yang, Hong-Ming [School of Pharmacy and Biology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053 (China); Zhang, Bao-Gang [School of Basic Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053 (China); Li, Zhi-Jian [School of Pharmacy and Biology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053 (China); Lin, Zhi-Juan [School of Basic Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053 (China); Gao, Zhi-Qin, E-mail: zhiqingao@yahoo.cn [School of Pharmacy and Biology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053 (China)

2013-05-07

Graphical abstract: -- Highlights: •A versatile platform for immobilizing functionally intact IgG is proposed. •The mechanism relies on properly oriented ZZ–PS-tag onto a hydrophilic PS surface. •The oriented ZZ–PS-tag presents ∼fivefold higher IgG-binding activity. •The platform shows tenfold higher sensitivity and a wider linear range in ELISA. -- Abstract: The site specificity and bioactivity retention of antibodies immobilized on a solid substrate are crucial requirements for solid phase immunoassays. A fusion protein between an immunoglobulin G (IgG)-binding protein (ZZ protein) and a polystyrene-binding peptide (PS-tag) was constructed, and then used to develop a simple method for the oriented immobilization of the ZZ protein onto a PS support by the specific attachment of the PS-tag onto a hydrophilic PS. The orientation of intact IgG was achieved via the interaction of the ZZ protein and the constant fragment (Fc), thereby displayed the Fab fragment for binding antigen. The interaction between rabbit IgG anti-horseradish peroxidase (anti-HRP) and its binding partner HRP was analyzed. Results showed that the oriented ZZ–PS-tag yielded an IgG-binding activity that is fivefold higher than that produced by the passive immobilization of the ZZ protein. The advantage of the proposed immunoassay strategy was demonstrated through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, in which monoclonal mouse anti-goat IgG and HRP-conjugated rabbit F(ab′){sub 2} anti-goat IgG were used to detect goat IgG. The ZZ–PS-tag presented a tenfold higher sensitivity and a wider linear range than did the passively immobilized ZZ protein. The proposed approach may be an attractive strategy for a broad range of applications involving the oriented immobilization of intact IgGs onto PS supports, in which only one type of phi-PS (ZZ–PS-tag) surface is used.

Thickness dependence of magnetoelectric response for composites of Pb(Zr{sub 0.52}Ti{sub 0.48})O{sub 3} films on CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} ceramic substrates

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Jing, E-mail: wang-jing@nuaa.edu.cn; Zhu, Kongjun [State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures, College of Aerospace Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016 (China); Wu, Xia; Deng, Chaoyong [School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025 (China); Peng, Renci; Wang, Jianjun [School of Materials Science and Engineering, and State Key Lab of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084 (China)

2014-08-15

Using chemical solution spin-coating we grew Pb(Zr{sub 0.52}Ti{sub 0.48})O{sub 3} films of different thicknesses on highly dense CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} ceramics. X-ray diffraction revealed no other phases except Pb(Zr{sub 0.52}Ti{sub 0.48})O{sub 3} and CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}. In many of these samples we observed typical ferroelectric hysteresis loops, butterfly-shaped piezoelectric strains, and the magnetic-field-dependent magnetostriction. These behaviors caused appreciable magnetoelectric responses based on magnetic-mechanical-electric coupling. Our results indicated that the thickness of the Pb(Zr{sub 0.52}Ti{sub 0.48})O{sub 3} film was important in obtaining strong magnetoelectric coupling.

MoS{sub 2}-modified ZnO quantum dots nanocomposite: Synthesis and ultrafast humidity response

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ze, Lu [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105 (China); Yueqiu, Gong, E-mail: yqgong@xtu.edu.cn [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105 (China); Xujun, Li; Yong, Zhang [School of Physics and Optoelectronics, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105 (China)

2017-03-31

Highlights: • MoS{sub 2}@ZnO QDs composite structure was synthesized by two-steps methods. • Ultrafast humidity sensing response is achieved by MoS{sub 2}@ZnO QDs humidity sensor. • Sensor performs excellent cycle stability from 11% to 95% RH. • Humidity sensor could detect wide humidity range (11–95%). - Abstract: In this work, ZnO quantum dots (QDs), layered MoS{sub 2} and MoS{sub 2}-modified ZnO QDs (MoS{sub 2}@ZnO QDs) nanocomposite were synthesized and then applied as humidity sensor. The crystal structure, morphology and element distribution of ZnO QDs, MoS{sub 2} and MoS{sub 2}@ZnO QDs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, respectively. The humidity sensing characteristics of the MoS{sub 2} and MoS{sub 2}@ZnO QDs against various relative humidity were measured at room temperature. The results show that the MoS{sub 2}@ZnO QDs sensor exhibits high sensitivity with an impedance variation of three or four orders of magnitude to relative humidity range of 11–95% and it exhibits a short response-recovery time (1 s for adsorption and 20 s for desorption) and excellent repeatability. The mechanisms of the excellent performance for humidity sensing of MoS{sub 2}@ZnO QDs sensor were discussed based on its impedance properties. Our work could offer guidelines to design higher performance especially ultrafast humidity response sensor utilizing the nanocomposite structure with two dimensional material and QDs.

Longitudinal uniformity, time performances and irradiation test of pure CsI crystals

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Angelucci, M. [Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati dell' INFN, Frascati (Italy); Atanova, O. [Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna (Russian Federation); Baccaro, S.; Cemmi, A. [ENEA UTTMAT-IRR, Casaccia R.C., Roma (Italy); Cordelli, M. [Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati dell' INFN, Frascati (Italy); Donghia, R., E-mail: raffaella.donghia@lnf.infn.it [Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati dell' INFN, Frascati (Italy); Dipartimento di Fisica, Universitá Roma Tre, Roma (Italy); Giovannella, S.; Happacher, F.; Miscetti, S.; Sarra, I.; Soleti, S.R. [Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati dell' INFN, Frascati (Italy)

2016-07-11

To study an alternative to BaF{sub 2}, as the crystal choice for the Mu2e calorimeter, 13 pure CsI crystals from Opto Materials and ISMA producers have been characterized by determining their light yield (LY) and longitudinal response uniformity (LRU), when read with a UV extended PMT. The crystals show a LY of ~100 p.e./MeV (~150 p.e./MeV) when wrapped with Tyvek and coupled to the PMT without (with) optical grease. The LRU is well represented by a linear slope that is on average δ~ −0.6%/cm. The timing performances of the Opto Materials crystal, read with a UV extended MPPC, have been evaluated with minimum ionizing particles. A timing resolution of ~330 ps (~ 440 ps) is achieved when connecting the photosensor to the MPPC with (without) optical grease. The crystal radiation hardness to a ionization dose has also been studied for one pure CsI crystal from SICCAS. After exposing it to a dose of 900 Gy, a decrease of 33% in the LY is observed while the LRU remains unchanged.

The importin α subunit PsIMPA1 mediates the oxidative stress response and is required for the pathogenicity of Phytophthora sojae.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Xinyu; Ding, Fa; Zhang, Lei; Sheng, Yuting; Zheng, Xiaobo; Wang, Yuanchao

2015-09-01

The sensing of extracellular signals and their transduction into an appropriate response are crucial for the survival and virulence of plant pathogens. Eukaryotic plant pathogens must overcome the obstacles posed by nuclear membranes to manipulate gene expression to adapt to the host challenge. A highly sophisticated mechanism is the use of importins to transport proteins into the nucleus. In this study, we identified a conserved importin α gene, PsIMPA1, in Phytophthora sojae that was differentially expressed during the life cycle of this soybean pathogen. PsIMPA1 expression was lowest in zoospores and cysts but relatively consistent during the other life cycle stages, except for a slight increase at 6h post infection. Silenced mutants Psimpa1 had a decreased growth rate, an aberrant mycelial morphology, and a severely impaired ability to form oospores and sporangia. In addition, the Psimpa1 mutants exhibited reduced pathogenicity compared to the wild type. 3,3-Diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining and in vitro hydrogen peroxide tolerance assays showed that the scavenging of reactive oxygen species by these mutants was significantly impaired. Taken together, these results indicate that PsIMPA1 regulates multiple processes during the life cycle of P. sojae. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of the plant growth-promoting bacterium Burkholderia phytofirmans PsJN throughout the life cycle of Arabidopsis thaliana.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

María Josefina Poupin

Full Text Available Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR induce positive effects in plants, such as increased growth or reduced stress susceptibility. The mechanisms behind PGPR/plant interaction are poorly understood, as most studies have described short-term responses on plants and only a few studies have analyzed plant molecular responses under PGPR colonization. Here, we studied the effects of the PGPR bacterial model Burkholderiaphytofirmans PsJN on the whole life cycle of Arabidopsis thaliana plants. We reported that at different plant developmental points, strain PsJN can be found in the rhizosphere and also colonizing their internal tissues. In early ontogeny, strain PsJN increased several growth parameters and accelerated growth rate of the plants. Also, an Arabidopsis transcriptome analysis revealed that 408 genes showed differential expression in PsJN-inoculated plants; some of these genes are involved in stress response and hormone pathways. Specifically, genes implicated in auxin and gibberellin pathways were induced. Quantitative transcriptional analyses of selected genes in different developmental stages revealed that the beginning of these changes could be evidenced early in development, especially among the down-regulated genes. The inoculation with heat-killed bacteria provoked a more severe transcriptional response in plants, but was not able to induce plant growth-promotion. Later in ontogeny, the growth rates of inoculated plants decreased with respect to the non-inoculated group and, interestingly, the inoculation accelerated the flowering time and the appearance of senescence signs in plants; these modifications correlate with the early up-regulation of flowering control genes. Then, we show that a single inoculation with a PGPR could affect the whole life cycle of a plant, accelerating its growth rate and shortening its vegetative period, both effects relevant for most crops. Thus, these findings provide novel and interesting aspects

Design and assessment of a 6 ps-resolution time-to-digital converter with 5 MGy gamma-dose tolerance for nuclear instrumentation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cao, Y.; Leroux, P.; De Cock, W.; Steyaert, M.

2011-01-01

Time-to-Digital Converters (TDCs) are key building blocks in time-based mixed-signal systems, used for the digitization of analog signals in time domain. A short survey on state-of-the-art TDCs is given. In order to realize a TDC with picosecond time resolution as well as multi MGy gamma-dose radiation tolerance, a novel multi-stage noise-shaping (MASH) delta-sigma (ΔΣ) TDC structure is proposed. The converter, implemented in 0.13 μm, achieves a time resolution of 5.6 ps and an ENOB of 11 bits, when the over sampling ratio (OSR) is 250. The TDC core consumes only 1.7 mW, and occupies an area of 0.11 mm 2 . Owing to the usage of circuit level radiation hardened-by-design techniques, such as passive RC oscillators and constant-g m biasing, the TDC exhibits enhanced radiation tolerance. At a low dose rate of 1.2 kGy/h, the frequency of the counting clock in the TDC remains constant up to at least 160 kGy. Even after a total dose of 3.4 MGy at a high dose rate of 30 kGy/h, the TDC still achieves a time resolution of 10.5 ps with an OSR of 250. (authors)

Timing characteristics of Ce doped Gd{sub 3}Ga{sub 3}Al{sub 2}O{sub 12} single crystals in comparison with CsI(Tl) scintillators

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tyagi, M.; Singh, A.K.; Singh, S.G.; Sen, S.; Gadkari, S.C. [Technical Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085 (India); Desai, V.V.; Nayak, B.K. [Nuclear Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085 (India)

2015-10-15

Single crystals of Gd{sub 3}Ga{sub 3}Al{sub 2}O{sub 12}:Ce with B codopants were successfully grown using the Czochralski technique. The timing characteristics of the crystal was measured by coupling the crystal to photomultiplier tubes (PMT) or silicon photodiodes [Si(PIN)]. The two prompt γ-rays emitted in a cascade from {sup 60}Co or {sup 22}Na source were detected in coincidence using Gd{sub 3}Ga{sub 3}Al{sub 2}O{sub 12}:Ce,B crystal detectors and a BaF{sub 2} detector. The time resolution of these crystals are observed to be better than that measured for CsI:Tl crystal coupled to PMT or Si(PIN) in an identical measurement setup. (copyright 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Electrohydraulic drive system with planetary superposed PS 16 gears

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Graetz, A.; Klimek, K.H.; Welz, H.

1988-10-20

During the nine-month period of use of the electrohydraulic drive system with PS 16 superposed planetary gear and hydrostatic support advance of 800 m was achieved on the 250 m long face in the Geitling 2 seam at the Niederberg colliery. No appreciable difficulties occurred in the hydraulic system and with the PS 16 superposed planetary gear in the entire period. Uniform load distribution between the two drives was proved until the end of the working even with a chain elongation difference up to 3% observed during the final phase of operation. In contrast to normal operation thermal disconnections and motor failures no longer occurred. After accurate adjustment of the pressures the system operated successfully. The time utilisation of the equipment was improved by 15% to 65.7%. The quick and reliable response of the hydraulics in the event of overloading ensured that no chain cracks occurred. The four connector fractures were attributable to fatigue failures. The material-protecting method of operation was proved by the quiet running of the chain and substantially longer operating time, e.g. of the chain and sprocket. To prove the efficiency of the new drive system, comprehensive measurements were undertaken. It emerged during these measurements that in contrast to the conventional drives the load equalisation ensures that the total installed power is available if required. However, the freeing capacity of the plough could not be fully utilised because of the missing conveyor cross-section.

Inhibition of Ps Formation in Benzene and Cyclohexane by CH3CI and CH3Br

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Wikander, G.; Mogensen, O. E.; Pedersen, Niels Jørgen

1983-01-01

Positron-annihilation lifetime spectra have been measured for mixtures of CH3Cl and CH3Br in cyclohexane and of CH3Cl in benzene. The ortho-positronium (Ps) yield decreased monotonically from 38% and 43% in cyclohexane and benzene respectively to 11% in pure CH3Cl and 6% in pure CH3Br. The strength......− anions to form Ps. while it forms a bound state with the halides. X−. CH3Cl was a roughly three times weaker Ps inhibitor in benzene than in cyclohexane, which shows that CH3Cl− does not dechlorinate in times comparable to or shorter than 400–500 ps in benzene. An improved model for the explanation of Ps...

Expectation values of the e+PsH system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, J.-Y.; Mitroy, J.

2007-01-01

Close to converged energies and expectation values for e + PsH are computed using a ground-state wave function consisting of 1500 explicitly correlated Gaussians. The best estimate of the e + PsH ∞ energy was -0.810 254 hartrees, which has a binding energy of 0.021 057 hartrees against dissociation into e + +PsH. The 2γ annihilation rate was 2.7508x10 9 s -1 . Binding energies and annihilation rates are also given for the different finite-mass variants of e + PsH. Comparisons between expectation values for e + PsH and PsH provide compelling evidence that the e + PsH ground state can be regarded as consisting of a weakly bound positron orbiting the PsH ground state

A novel cold-regulated gene from Phlox subulata, PsCor413im1, enhances low temperature tolerance in Arabidopsis.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhou, Aimin; Sun, Hongwei; Feng, Shuang; Zhou, Mi; Gong, Shufang; Wang, Jingang; Zhang, Shuzhen

2018-01-08

Low temperature stress adversely affects plant growth, development, and crop productivity. Analysis of the function of genes in the response of plants to low temperature stress is essential for understanding the mechanism of chilling and freezing tolerance. In this study, PsCor413im1, a novel cold-regulated gene isolated from Phlox subulata, was transferred to Arabidopsis to investigate its function under low temperature stress. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed that PsCor413im1 expression was induced by cold and abscisic acid. Subcellular localization revealed that PsCor413im1-GFP fusion protein was localized to the periphery of the chloroplast, consistent with the localization of chloroplast inner membrane protein AtCor413im1, indicating that PsCor413im1 is a chloroplast membrane protein. Furthermore, the N-terminal of PsCor413im1 was determined to be necessary for its localization. Compared to the wild-type plants, transgenic plants showed higher germination and survival rates under cold and freezing stress. Moreover, the expression of AtCor15 in transgenic plants was higher than that in the wild-type plants under cold stress. Taken together, our results suggest that the overexpression of PsCor413im1 enhances low temperature tolerance in Arabidopsis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Modelling of Ne-like copper X-ray laser driven by 1.2 ps short pulse and 280 ps background pulse configuration

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Demir, A.; Kenar, N.; Goktas, H.; Tallents, G.J.

2004-01-01

Detailed simulations of Ne-like Cu x-ray laser are undertaken using the EHYBRID code. The atomic physics data are obtained using the Cowan code. The optimization calculations are performed in terms of the intensity of background and the time separation between the background and the short pulse. The optimum value is obtained for the conditions of a Nd:glass laser with 1.2 ps pulse at 4.4 x 10 15 W cm -2 irradiance pumping a plasma pre-formed by a 280 ps duration pulse at 5.4 x 10 12 W cm -2 with peak-to-peak pulse separation set at 300 ps. X-ray resonance lines between 6 A and 15 A emitted from copper plasmas have been simulated. Free-free and free-bound emission from the Si-, Al-, Mg-, Na-, Ne- and F-like ions is calculated in the simulation. (author)

An investigation into radiosensitizer mechanisms using o-Ps lifetime measurements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Beling, C.D.; Smith, F.A.

1982-01-01

Lifetime measurements have been made in a number of radiosensitizer solutions as a function of both concentration and temperature. The o-Ps yields, which were corrected for chemical quenching, showed that these compounds are strong Ps inhibitors. The temperature dependence of the yields in Misonidazole/water and Misonidazole/ethanol solutions may be associated either with the different electron solvation times in the two solvents, or with changes in electron mobility. (Auth.)

Experimental observation of chaotic phase synchronization of a periodically pump-modulated multimode microchip Nd:YVO{sub 4} laser

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lin, Chien-Hui; Kuo, Chie-Tong [Department of Physics, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan, ROC (China); Hsu, Tzu-Fang, E-mail: tfhsu@mail.npue.edu.tw [Department of Applied Physics, National Pingtung University of Education, Pingtung 900, Taiwan, ROC (China); Jan, Hengtai; Han, Shiang-Yi [Department of Physics, National Kaohsiung Normal University, No. 62, Shenjhong Rd., Yanchao District, Kaohsiung City 824, Taiwan, ROC (China); Ho, Ming-Chung, E-mail: t1603@nknucc.nknu.edu.tw [Department of Physics, National Kaohsiung Normal University, No. 62, Shenjhong Rd., Yanchao District, Kaohsiung City 824, Taiwan, ROC (China); Jiang, I-Min [Department of Physics, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan, ROC (China)

2012-03-12

In this Letter we demonstrate the experimental observation of chaotic phase synchronization (CPS) in a periodically pump-modulated multimode microchip Nd:YVO{sub 4} laser. PS transition is displayed via the stroboscopic technique. We apply the recurrence probability and correlation probability of recurrence to estimate the degree of PS. The degree of PS is studied taking into account the modulation amplitude and modulation frequency. We also propose an experimental compatible numerical simulation to reflect the fact that the Arnold tongues are experimentally and numerically exhibited in the periodically pump-modulated multimode microchip Nd:YVO{sub 4} laser. -- Highlights: ► We show chaotic phase synchronization in a pump-modulated microchip Nd:YVO{sub 4} laser. ► Phase synchronization (PS) transition is displayed via the stroboscopic technique. ► The degree of PS is studied taking into account the modulation parameters. ► The Arnold tongues are experimentally and numerically exhibited in the laser.

Transesterification of palm oil on K{sub y}Mg{sub 1} {sub -} {sub x}Zn{sub 1} {sub +} {sub x}O{sub 3} catalyst: Effect of Mg-Zn interaction

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Olutoye, M.A.; Hameed, B.H. [School of Chemical Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang (Malaysia)

2010-06-15

The Mg-Zn interaction effect of K{sub y}Mg{sub 1} {sub -} {sub x}Zn{sub 1} {sub +} {sub x}O{sub 3} heterogeneous type catalyst and its performance on transesterification of palm oil have been studied using the response surface methodology and the factorial design of experiments. The catalyst was synthesized using the co-precipitation method and the activity was assessed by transesterification of palm oil into fatty acid methyl esters. The ratio of the Mg/Zn metal interaction, temperature and time of calcination were found to have positive influence on the conversion of palm oil to fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) with the effect of metal to metal ratio and temperature of calcination being more significant. The catalytic activity was found to decrease at higher calcination temperature and the catalyst type K{sub 2}Mg{sub 0.34}Zn{sub 1.66}O{sub 3} with Mg/Zn ratio of 4.81 gave FAME content of 73% at a catalyst loading of 1.404 wt.% of oil with molar ratio of methanol to oil being 6:1 at temperature of 150 C in 6 h. A regression model was obtained to predict conversions to methyl esters as a function of metal interaction ratio, temperature of calcination and time. The observed activity of the synthesized catalyst was due to its synergetic structure and composition. (author)

A 45 ps time digitizer with a two-phase clock and dual-edge two-stage interpolation in a field programmable gate array device

Science.gov (United States)

Szplet, R.; Kalisz, J.; Jachna, Z.

2009-02-01

We present a time digitizer having 45 ps resolution, integrated in a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device. The time interval measurement is based on the two-stage interpolation method. A dual-edge two-phase interpolator is driven by the on-chip synthesized 250 MHz clock with precise phase adjustment. An improved dual-edge double synchronizer was developed to control the main counter. The nonlinearity of the digitizer's transfer characteristic is identified and utilized by the dedicated hardware code processor for the on-the-fly correction of the output data. Application of presented ideas has resulted in the measurement uncertainty of the digitizer below 70 ps RMS over the time interval ranging from 0 to 1 s. The use of the two-stage interpolation and a fast FIFO memory has allowed us to obtain the maximum measurement rate of five million measurements per second.

A 45 ps time digitizer with a two-phase clock and dual-edge two-stage interpolation in a field programmable gate array device

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Szplet, R; Kalisz, J; Jachna, Z

2009-01-01

We present a time digitizer having 45 ps resolution, integrated in a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device. The time interval measurement is based on the two-stage interpolation method. A dual-edge two-phase interpolator is driven by the on-chip synthesized 250 MHz clock with precise phase adjustment. An improved dual-edge double synchronizer was developed to control the main counter. The nonlinearity of the digitizer's transfer characteristic is identified and utilized by the dedicated hardware code processor for the on-the-fly correction of the output data. Application of presented ideas has resulted in the measurement uncertainty of the digitizer below 70 ps RMS over the time interval ranging from 0 to 1 s. The use of the two-stage interpolation and a fast FIFO memory has allowed us to obtain the maximum measurement rate of five million measurements per second

Light induced superconductivity in underdoped YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kaiser, Stefan [Max-Planck-Institut fuer die Struktur und Dynamik der Materie, Hamburg (Germany); Max-Planck-Institut fuer Festkoerperforschung, Stuttgart (Germany); 4. Physikalisches Institut und Research Center SCoPE, Uni Stuttgart (Germany); Nicoletti, Daniele; Hunt, Cassi; Hu, Wanzheng; Mankowsky, Roman; Foerst, Michael; Gierz, Isabella; Cavalleri, Andrea [Max-Planck-Institut fuer die Struktur und Dynamik der Materie, Hamburg (Germany); Loew, Toshinao; LeTacon, Mathieu; Keimer, Bernhard [Max-Planck-Institut fuer Festkoerperforschung, Stuttgart (Germany)

2015-07-01

Photo-stimulation with femtosecond mid-infrared pulses allows us to induce an inhomogeneous non-equilibrium superconducting state in YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x} at temperatures as high as 300 K. Its transient response is probed via THz time-domain spectroscopy. We measure and characterize its complex optical response above and below the superconducting transition temperature T{sub c}: Below T{sub c}, we find an enhancement of the optical signatures of superconducting coherence. Above T{sub c} we find that the incoherent optical properties at equilibrium become highly coherent with optical signatures very similar to the ones for superconductors below T{sub c}. In the course of understanding these observations, ultrafast x-ray experiments at LCLS allow us observing reconstructed crystal structure in the transient superconducting state and the influence of competing CDW-order to the phonon-excitation.

Sequence control of phase separation and dewetting in PS/PVME blend thin films by changing molecular weight of PS.

Science.gov (United States)

Xia, Tian; Qin, Yaping; Huang, Yajiang; Huang, Ting; Xu, Jianhui; Li, Youbing

2016-11-28

The morphology evolution mechanism of polystyrene (PS)/poly (vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) blend thin films with different PS molecular weights (M w ) was studied. It was found that the morphology evolution was closely related to the molecular weight asymmetry between PS and PVME. In the film where M w (PS) ≈ M w (PVME), dewetting happened at the interface between the bottom layer and substrate after SD phase separation. While in the film where M w (PS) > M w (PVME), dewetting happened at the interface between the middle PS/PVME blend layer and bottom PVME layer near the substrate prior to phase separation. The different sequences of phase separation and dewetting and different interface for dewetting occurrence were studied by regarding the competitive effects of viscoelasticity contrast between polymer components and preferential wetting between PVME and the substrate. The viscoelastic nature of the PS component played a crucial role in the sequence of phase separation and dewetting.

A proposed mechanism for investigating the effect of porous silicon buffer layer on TiO{sub 2} nanorods growth

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rahmani, N. [Department of Physics, Alzahra University, Tehran, 1993893973 (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Dariani, R.S., E-mail: dariani@alzahra.ac.ir [Department of Physics, Alzahra University, Tehran, 1993893973 (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Rajabi, M. [Deparment of Advanced Materials and Renewable Energies, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Tehran 3353136846 (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

2016-03-15

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • TiO{sub 2} nanorods (NRs) are synthesized on silicon and porous silicon (PS) substrates by hydrothermal method. • TiO{sub 2} NRs grown on PS substrates have a better growth compared to those grown on silicon. • Also increasing substrate porosity leads to an increase in density of the NRs. • We proposed a growth mechanism to explain how can control the local surface chemical potential. - Abstract: In this study, we have synthesized TiO{sub 2} nanorods (NRs) on silicon and porous silicon (PS) substrates by hydrothermal method. The PS substrates with different porosities were fabricated by electrochemical anodization on silicon. According to the field emission electron microscopy images, TiO{sub 2} NRs grown on PS substrates have a better growth compared to those grown on silicon. Also increasing substrate porosity leads to an increase in density of the NRs. Atomic force microscopy observation demonstrates that porous layer formation due to etching of silicon surface leads to an increase of its roughness. Results indicate surface roughness evolution with porosity increasing enhances TiO{sub 2} nucleation on substrate and thus increases TiO{sub 2} NRs density. We propose a growth mechanism to explain how we can control the local surface chemical potential and thus the nucleation and alignment of TiO{sub 2} NRs by surface roughness variation. Also, photoluminescence studies show a red-shift in band gap energy of NRs compared to that of common bulk TiO{sub 2}.

Generation of glucose-responsive functional islets with a three-dimensional structure from mouse fetal pancreatic cells and iPS cells in vitro.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hiroki Saito

Full Text Available Islets of Langerhans are a pancreatic endocrine compartment consisting of insulin-producing β cells together with several other hormone-producing cells. While some insulin-producing cells or immature pancreatic cells have been generated in vitro from ES and iPS cells, islets with proper functions and a three-dimensional (3D structure have never been successfully produced. To test whether islets can be formed in vitro, we first examined the potential of mouse fetal pancreatic cells. We found that E16.5 pancreatic cells, just before forming islets, were able to develop cell aggregates consisting of β cells surrounded by glucagon-producing α cells, a structure similar to murine adult islets. Moreover, the transplantation of these cells improved blood glucose levels in hyperglycemic mice. These results indicate that functional islets are formed in vitro from fetal pancreatic cells at a specific developmental stage. By adopting these culture conditions to the differentiation of mouse iPS cells, we developed a two-step system to generate islets, i.e. immature pancreatic cells were first produced from iPS cells, and then transferred to culture conditions that allowed the formation of islets from fetal pancreatic cells. The islets exhibited distinct 3D structural features similar to adult pancreatic islets and secreted insulin in response to glucose concentrations. Transplantation of the islets improved blood glucose levels in hyperglycemic mice. In conclusion, the two-step culture system allows the generation of functional islets with a 3D structure from iPS cells.

Timing and position response of a block detector for fast neutron time-of-flight imaging

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Laubach, M.A., E-mail: mlaubach@utk.edu [Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 (United States); Hayward, J.P., E-mail: jhayward@utk.edu [Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 (United States); Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Rd., Oak Ridge, TN 37831 (United States); Zhang, X., E-mail: xzhang39@utk.edu [Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 (United States); Cates, J.W., E-mail: jcates7@vols.utk.edu [Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 (United States)

2014-11-01

Our research effort seeks to improve the spatial and timing performance of a block detector made of a pixilated plastic scintillator (EJ-200), first demonstrated as part of Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Advanced Portable Neutron Imaging System. Improvement of the position and time response is necessary to achieve better resolution and contrast in the images of shielded special nuclear material. Time-of-flight is used to differentiate between gamma and different sources of neutrons (e.g., transmission and fission neutrons). Factors limiting the timing and position performance of the neutron detector have been revealed through simulations and measurements. Simulations have suggested that the degradation in the ability to resolve pixels in the neutron detector is due to those interactions occurring near the light guide. The energy deposition within the neutron detector is shown to affect position performance and imaging efficiency. This examination details how energy cuts improve the position performance and degrade the imaging efficiency. Measurements have shown the neutron detector to have a timing resolution of σ=238 ps. The majority of this timing uncertainty is from the depth-of-interaction (DOI) of the neutron which is confirmed by simulations and analytical calculations.

Production of strange particles in antineutrino interactions at the CERN PS

CERN Document Server

Erriquez, O; Bisi, V; Bonetti, S; Bonneaud, G; Bullock, F W; Cavalli, D; Escoubés, B; Fogli-Muciaccia, M T; Franzinetti, Carlo; Gamba, D; Guyonnet, J L; Halsteinslid, A; Huss, D; Jarlskog, C; Jones, T W; Marzari-Chiesa, A; Michette, A G; Myklebost, K; Natali, S; Nuzzo, S; Paty, M; Pullia, A; Racca, C; Riccati, L; Riester, J L; Rognebakke, A; Rollier, M; Romero, A; Sacco, R; Schäffer, M; Skjeggestad, O; Tvedt, B

1978-01-01

The authors have studied neutral strange particle production in the bubble chamber Gargamelle filled with propane and exposed to antineutrinos from the CERN PS. Cross sections are presented for Lambda , Sigma /sup 0/ and K/sup 0/ production. Associated production reactions ( Delta S=0) have been observed in the charged and the neutral current channels. From 45 candidates for the quasi-elastic reaction nu p to mu /sup +/ Lambda , on bound and free protons, estimates of the axial transition form factor M/sub A/ have been made using the total cross section and the t distribution. The weighted average from the two methods is M/sub A/=862+or-190 MeV. From a subsample of 15 candidates for nu interactions on free protons in propane, with (28+or-6)% background from nu interactions on bound protons, M/sub A/=883+or-243 MeV is obtained. The polarization of the Lambda hyperons has been studied for the quasi-elastic reaction. (11 refs).

Dependence of Parameters of Laser-Produced Au Plasmas on the Incident Laser Energy of Sub-Nanosecond and Picosecond Laser Pulses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Woryna, E.; Badziak, J.; Makowski, J.; Parys, P.; Vankov, A.B.; Wolowski, J.; Krasa, J.; Laska, L.; Rohlena, K.

2001-01-01

The parameters of Au plasma as functions of laser energy for ps pulses are presented and compared with the ones for sub-ns pulses at nearly the same densities of laser energy. The experiments were performed at the IPPLM with the use of CPA (chirped pulse amplification) Nd:glass laser system. Thick Au foil targets were irradiated by normally incident focused laser beams with maximum intensities of 8x10 16 and 2x10 14 W/cm 2 for ps and sub-ns laser pulses, respectively. The characteristics of ion streams were investigated with the use of ion diagnostics methods based on the time-of flight technique. In these experiments the laser energies were changed in the range from 90 to 700 mJ and the measurements were performed at a given focus position FP = 0 and along the target normal for both the laser pulses. The charge carried by the ions, the maximum ion velocities of fast and thermal ion groups, the maximum ion current density as well as the area of photopeak in dependence on the incident laser energy for sub-ns and ps pulses were investigated and discussed. (author)

Colloidal processing and rapid prototyping of Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liwu Wang

1998-12-01

Some progresses have been made in the wet shaping of Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} based on a better understanding of the colloidal behavior of suspensions and by improved pressure casting with porous polystyrene (PS) molds. This work illustrated that the combination of proper colloidal processing and rapid prototyping is an effective way to fabricate high-performance ceramics with complex shapes. In colloidal processing the packing density and microstructure of green bodies can be controlled if the interaction between ceramic particles in suspensions and the conditions under which the suspensions are consolidated are understood. Therefore, detailed studies on the surface chemistry of the Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} powder, the dispersing behavior of Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} suspensions, the influence of dispersants and the mechanism during powder consolidation into complex-shaped green bodies are performed. (orig.)

Magnetically tunable dielectric, impedance and magnetoelectric response in MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/(Pb{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x})TiO{sub 3} composites thin films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bala, Kanchan, E-mail: bala.kanchan1987@gmail.com [Department of Physics, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla 171005 (India); Kotnala, R.K. [CSIR, National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K.S. Krishnan Road, New Delhi 110012 (India); Negi, N.S., E-mail: nsn_phy_hpu@yahoo.com [Department of Physics, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla 171005 (India)

2017-02-15

We have synthesized piezomagnetic–piezoelectric composites thin films MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/(Pb{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x})TiO{sub 3}, where x=0.1, 0.2, and 0.3, using the metalorganic deposition (MOD) reaction method. The structural and microstructural analysis using the X-ray diffraction (XRD), AFM, and SEM reveals the presence of homogenous growth of both pervoskite and spinel phases in the composite films. Our results show that all the composites films exhibit good multiferroic as well as considerable magnetoelectric coupling. The impedance (Z′ and Z″) and electrical modulus (M′ and M″) Nyquist plots show distinct electrical responses with the magnetic field. Our analyses suggest that this electrical response arises due to the coexistence of the high resistive phase and the comparatively conductive phase in the MFO/PST composite films. The maximum magnetoelectric coefficient (α) is found to be 4.29 V Oe{sup −1} cm{sup −1} and 2.82 V Oe{sup −1} cm{sup −1} for compositions x=0.1 and 0.2. These values are substantially larger than those reported for bilayer composites thin films in literature and make them interesting for room temperature device applications. - Highlights: • Influence of Sr doping on multiferroic and magnetoelectric properties composites thin films of MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} and (Pb, Sr)TiO{sub 3}. • Dielectric constant and dielectric loss with application of magnetic field. • Magnetically tunable AC electrical properties. • Magnetoelectric coupling in MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}/(Pb, Sr)TiO{sub 3} composite films by passive method.

New polymers containing BF{sub 2}-benzoylacetonate groups. Synthesis, luminescence, excimer and exciplex formation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fedorenko, Elena V., E-mail: gev@ich.dvo.ru [Institute of Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Prosp. 100 letiya Vladivostoka, Vladivostok 690022 (Russian Federation); Mirochnik, Anatolii G.; Beloliptsev, Anton Yu. [Institute of Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 159, Prosp. 100 letiya Vladivostoka, Vladivostok 690022 (Russian Federation)

2017-05-15

In the present study, a new synthetic method for the functionalization of polystyrene (PS) and (styrene-methyl methacrylate) copolymer has been developed. Using the new method, polymers containing BF{sub 2}-benzoylacetonate groups have been obtained through double acylation by acetic anhydride with boron trifluoride. Luminescence of the produced polymers in solutions and films has been studied. Quantum yields of polymer solution luminescence are significantly higher than those of the low-molecular-weight analog – boron difluoride benzoylacetonate. For the polymer, in which styrene fragments are separated by methyl methacrylate groups, at low concentrations of the polymer in solution one observes the monomer luminescence of BF{sub 2}-benzoylacetonate groups, while at high concentrations – the excimer luminescence. In case of PS-based polymers, in which BF{sub 2}-benzoylacetonate groups and phenyl rings are not separated, in diluted solutions one observes the fluorescence of the intramolecular exciplexes, while at the concentration increase – the luminescence of intermolecular exciplexes. The ability of excimer formation is responsible for the increased photostability of the produced polymers. - Highlights: •Polymers containing BF{sub 2}-benzoylacetonate groups have been synthesized. •Luminescence of the produced polymers in solutions and films has been studied. •Formation of excimers and exciplexes in solution has been revealed. •Formation of excimers in films increases their photostability.

Electron Spin Resonance studies on PS, PP and PS/PP blends under gamma irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reyes, J.; Claro, M.; Albano, C.; Venezuela Central University, Caracas; Moronta, D.

2002-01-01

Complete text of publication follows. Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) studies on Polystyrene (PS), Polypropylene (PP) and their mixtures at compositions of 80/20 with and without a compatibilizer (SBS in block), 7.5 wt.%, irradiated with gamma rays from a Cobalt-60 source with a dose rate of 4.8 KGy/h at integral doses of radiation of 10, 25, 50, 60, 70, 400, 800 and 1300 KGy in the presence of air and at room temperature (RT) are reported. The dependence of resonance line width, Hpp; resonance line shapes K, and radical concentration, S, with the integral dose of irradiation is investigated. The nature of the free radicals after ten days of air storage is discussed. The free radical concentration, the double integral of the resonance line, S, has been estimated at room temperature, RT, for a group of single lines, characterized by the same giromagnetic, g, value by direct numerical double integration. In the samples studied no spectrum of 0 kGy of integral dose was observed. The concentration of radicals, S, observed when the integral radiation doses was increased, presents a maximum value in the PP samples at high doses (70-1300 kGy) and minimum values in the PS samples with the same doses. This shows that the PP degrades at a faster rate than the PS, owing to the presence of the bencenic ring in the latter. In the PS/PP mixtures studied with and without compatibilizer, the values of the radical concentration is found between the observed values in the homopolymers, being closer to the PS, which might imply that the presence of PS decays the degradation process of the PP in the mixture

Reactive scattering for H{sup -} + H{sub 2} and H{sup +} + H{sub 2} and its isotopologues. Classical versus quantum investigation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang, Dequan

2016-07-01

In the present doctoral thesis, the reactive scattering for H{sup -} + H{sub 2} and H{sup +} + H{sub 2} and its isotopologues were investigated using different methods to solve the equations describing classical and quantum mechanics. The studies aimed at providing insights into elementary reactions, and may even go beyond these to more complex chemical reactions. The main results in this dissertation can be summarized as follows: In Chapter 2 the equations solving problems in quasi-classical mechanics were described, which led to the definition of energy dependent reaction probabilities P{sub r}(E{sub rel}, v, j) = (N{sub r})/(N{sub tot}) and reaction cross sections σ{sub R} = πP{sub r}(E{sub rel}, v, j)b{sup 2}{sub max}. The formalism for time-dependent methods for the investigation of scattering processes was presented in Chapter 3. In this section we discussed how to use the time-dependent quantum wavepacket method to study the A-BC system. The dependence of the reaction probabilities P{sup J}{sub reac}(E) on the total angular momenta J was calculated to obtain information about the integral reactive cross section σ{sup tot}(E) = (π)/(k{sup 2}{sub vj})Σ{sub J}(2J + 1)P{sup J}{sub reac}(E). The potential energy surfaces (PESs) for H{sup +}{sub 3} and H{sup -}{sub 3} were described in Chapter 4. For the H{sup +}{sub 3} system, a cut through the potential energy surface (PES) in the asymptotic region was presented. For the H{sup -}{sub 3} system three available ab initio potential energy surfaces have been used in the applications: a) Staerck and Meyer (SM-PES), b) Panda and Sathyamurthy (PS-PES), and c) Ayouz et al. (AY-PES). The differences in the PESs were investigated. In the beginning of Chapter 5 the H{sup +} + H{sub 2}(v=0-5, j=0) collision was investigated nonadiabatically. By comparison of the reaction probabilities using adiabatic and non-adiabatic representations of the potential energy surfaces, it was found that, at low collision energies, the

Cs0.49NbPS6

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hoseop Yun

2011-01-01

Full Text Available The quaternary thiophosphate, Cs0.49NbPS6, caesium hexathioniobiophosphate(V, has been synthesized by the reactive halide flux method. The title compound is isotypic with Rb0.46TaPS6 and is made up of a bicapped trigonal–biprismatic [Nb2S12] unit and a tetrahedral [PS4] group. The [Nb2S12] units linked by the [PS4] tetrahedra form infinite chains, yielding a three-dimensional network with rather large van der Waals gaps along the c axis in which the disordered Cs+ ions reside. The electrons released by the Cs atoms are transferred to the pairwise niobium metal site and there are substantial intermetallic Nb—Nb bonding interactions. This leads to a significant decrease of the intermetallic distance in the title compound compared to that in TaPS6. The classical charge balance of the title compound may be represented as [Cs+]0.49[Nb4.51+][P5+][S2−]4[S22−].

A Study of Neutral B Meson Time Evolution Using Exclusively Reconstructed Semileptonic Decays

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Meyer, T

2003-11-05

The Standard Model of particle physics describes the fundamental building blocks of the Universe and their basic interactions. The model naturally describes the time evolution of the basic particles, of which lifetime and mixing are two examples. The neutral B meson, consisting of a bottom quark and an oppositely charged down quark, enjoys a lifetime of about 1.5 ps and the special property of mixing with its antiparticle partner, the {bar B}{sup 0}. That is, due to second order weak interactions, the B{sup 0} meson can change into a {bar B}{sup 0} meson and back again as it evolves through time. The details of this behavior offer an opportunity to closely examine the Standard Model. In this dissertation, I report on a measurement of the lifetime and mixing frequency of the neutral B meson. Using the semileptonic decay channel B{sup 0} {yields} D*{sup -}{ell}{sup +}{bar {nu}}{sub {ell}}, we select more than 68,000 signal and background candidates from about 23 million B{bar B} pairs collected in 1999-2000 with the BABAR detector located at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. The other B in the event is reconstructed inclusively. By constructing a master probability density function that describes the distribution of decay time differences in the sample, we use a maximum likelihood technique to simultaneously extract the B{sup 0} lifetime and mixing parameters with precision comparable to the year 2000 world average. The results are {tau}{sub B{sup 0}} = (1.523{sub -0.023}{sup +0.024} {+-} 0.022) ps and {Delta}m{sub d} = (0.492 {+-} 0.018 {+-} 0.013) ps{sup -1}. The statistical correlation coefficient between {tau}{sub B{sup 0}} and {Delta}m{sub d} is -0.22. I describe in detail several cutting-edge strategies this analysis uses to study these phenomena, laying important groundwork for the future. I also discuss several extensions of this work to include possible measurements of higher order parameters such as {Delta}{Lambda}{sub d}.

The Lifetime of a beautiful and charming meson: B<sub>c> lifetime measured using the D0 detector

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Welty-Rieger, Leah Christine [Indiana Univ., Bloomington, IN (United States)

2008-09-01

Using approximately 1.3 fb^-1 of data collected by the D0 detector between 2002 and 2006, the lifetime of the B<sub>c>^± meson is studied in the B<sub>c>^± → J/Ψμ^± + X final state. Using an unbinned likelihood simultaneous fit to J/Ψ + μ invariant mass and lifetime distributions, a signal of 810 ± 80(stat.) candidates is estimated and a lifetime measurement made of: τ(B<sub>c>^±) = 0.448<sub>-0.036sub>^+0.038(stat) ± 0.032(sys) ps.

Three-State Ferroelastic Switching and Large Electromechanical Responses in PbTiO <sub>3sub> Thin Films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Damodaran, Anoop R. [Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States); Pandya, Shishir [Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States); Agar, Josh C. [Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States); Cao, Ye [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Vasudevan, Rama K. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Xu, Ruijuan [Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States); Saremi, Sahar [Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States); Li, Qian [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Kim, Jieun [Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States); McCarter, Margaret R. [Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States); Dedon, Liv R. [Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States); Angsten, Tom [Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States); Balke, Nina [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Jesse, Stephen [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Asta, Mark [Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States); Kalinin, Sergei V. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Martin, Lane W. [Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States); Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)

2017-07-31

Leveraging competition between energetically degenerate states to achieve large field-driven responses is a hallmark of functional materials, but routes to such competition are limited. Here, a new route to such effects involving domain-structure competition is demonstrated, which arises from straininduced spontaneous partitioning of PbTiO<sub>3sub> thin films into nearly energetically degenerate, hierarchical domain architectures of coexisting c/a and a<sub>1sub>/a>2sub> domain structures. Using band-excitation piezoresponse force microscopy, this study manipulates and acoustically detects a facile interconversion of different ferroelastic variants via a two-step, three-state ferroelastic switching process (out-of-plane polarized c+ → in-plane polarized a → out-of-plane polarized c- state), which is concomitant with large nonvolatile electromechanical strains (≈1.25%) and tunability of the local piezoresponse and elastic modulus (>23%). It is further demonstrated that deterministic, nonvolatile writing/erasure of large-area patterns of this electromechanical response is possible, thus showing a new pathway to improved function and properties.

SPS and PS Experiments Committee

CERN Multimedia

CERN. Geneva

2004-01-01

OPEN SESSION: 09:00 Status report of NA58 / COMPASS: A. Magnon 09:40 Status report of PS212 / DIRAC: L. Tausher 10:10 PS212 / DIRAC Addendum: L. Nemenov CLOSED SESSION on Tuesday, 27 April 2004 after the open session, Main Building, 6th floor conference room

Fullerene C{sub 70} decorated TiO{sub 2} nanowires for visible-light-responsive photocatalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cho, Er-Chieh [Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan (China); Ciou, Jing-Hao [Department of Fragrance and Cosmetic Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan (China); Zheng, Jia-Huei; Pan, Job [Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan (China); Hsiao, Yu-Sheng, E-mail: yshsiao@mail.mcut.edu.tw [Department of Materials Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City 24301, Taiwan (China); Lee, Kuen-Chan, E-mail: kclee@kmu.edu.tw [Department of Fragrance and Cosmetic Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan (China); Huang, Jen-Hsien, E-mail: 295604@cpc.com.tw [Department of Green Material Technology, Green Technology Research Institute, CPC Corporation, Kaohsiung 30010, Taiwan (China)

2015-11-15

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • TiO{sub 2} nanowire decorated with C{sub 60} and C{sub 70} derivatives has been synthesized. • The fullerenes impede the charge recombination due to its high electron affinity. • The fullerenes expand the utilization of solar light from UV to visible light. • The modified-TiO{sub 2} has great biocompatibility. - Abstract: In this study, we have synthesized C{sub 60} and C{sub 70}-modified TiO{sub 2} nanowire (NW) through interfacial chemical bonding. The results indicate that the fullerenes (C{sub 60} and C{sub 70} derivatives) can act as sinks for photogenerated electrons in TiO{sub 2}, while the fullerene/TiO{sub 2} is illuminated under ultraviolet (UV) light. Therefore, in comparison to the pure TiO{sub 2} NWs, the modified TiO{sub 2} NWs display a higher photocatalytic activity under UV irradiation. Moreover, the fullerenes also can function as a sensitizer to TiO{sub 2} which expand the utilization of solar light from UV to visible light. The results reveal that the C{sub 70}/TiO{sub 2} NWs show a significant photocatalytic activity for degradation of methylene blue (MB) in visible light region. To better understand the mechanism responsible for the effect of fullerenes on the photocatalytic properties of TiO{sub 2}, the electron only devices and photoelectrochemical cells based on fullerenes/TiO{sub 2} are also fabricated and evaluated.

Psühhodramaatikud annavad Pärnus eksami

Index Scriptorium Estoniae

2008-01-01

29. maist kuni 1. juunini kestab Pärnus psühhodraama konverents "Geeniuste kohtumine", kus rahvusvahelise koolituse läbinud annavad eksami. Ruuda Palmquist on psühhodraama kui teadusharu rajajaid Eestis. Pärnus on kohal Rootsi Moreno Instituudi juhataja, psühhodraama lavastaja Marc Treadwell

LEADIR-PS: providing unprecedented SMR safety and economics

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hart, R.S., E-mail: N2i2@xplornet.ca [Northern Nuclear Industries Incorporated, Cambridge, ON (Canada)

2015-07-01

Northern Nuclear Industries Incorporated (N{sup 2} I{sup 2}) is developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) called LEADIR-PS, an acronym for LEAD-cooled Integral Reactor-Passively Safe. LEADIR-PS integrates proven technologies including TRISO fuel, Pebble Bed core and graphite moderator, with molten lead coolant in an integral pool type reactor configuration to achieve unprecedented safety and economics. Plants under development are LEADIR-PS30, producing 30 MWth, LEADIR-PS100 producing 100 MWth and LEADIR-PS300 producing 300 MWth that are focused on serving the energy demands of areas with a small electrical grid and/or process heat applications. A plant consisting of six LEADIR-PS300 reactor modules serving a common turbine-generator, called the LEADIR-PS Six-Pack, is focused on serving areas with higher energy demands and a robust electricity grid. The Gen{sup +} I LEADIR-PS plants are inherently/passively safe. There is no potential for a Loss Of Coolant Accident, a reactivity transient without shutdown, a loss of heat sink, or hydrogen generation. No active systems or operator actions are required to assure safety. The unprecedented safety of LEADIR-PS reactors avoids large exclusion radius and demanding evacuation plan requirements. LEADIR-PS, with steam conditions of 370 {sup o}C and 12 MPa can serve over 85% of the world's non-transportation process heat demands. In Canada, the electricity and process heat demands, ranging from those of remote communities and the oil sands to densely populated areas can be served by LEADIR-PS. (author)

Acute and sub-lethal response to mercury in Arctic and boreal calanoid copepods.

Science.gov (United States)

Overjordet, Ida Beathe; Altin, Dag; Berg, Torunn; Jenssen, Bjørn Munro; Gabrielsen, Geir Wing; Hansen, Bjørn Henrik

2014-10-01

Acute lethal toxicity, expressed as LC50 values, is a widely used parameter in risk assessment of chemicals, and has been proposed as a tool to assess differences in species sensitivities to chemicals between climatic regions. Arctic Calanus glacialis and boreal Calanus finmarchicus were exposed to mercury (Hg(2+)) under natural environmental conditions including sea temperatures of 2° and 10°C, respectively. Acute lethal toxicity (96 h LC50) and sub-lethal molecular response (GST expression; in this article gene expression is used as a synonym of gene transcription, although it is acknowledged that gene expression is also regulated, e.g., at translation and protein stability level) were studied. The acute lethal toxicity was monitored for 96 h using seven different Hg concentrations. The sub-lethal experiment was set up on the basis of nominal LC50 values for each species using concentrations equivalent to 50, 5 and 0.5% of their 96 h LC50 value. No significant differences were found in acute lethal toxicity between the two species. The sub-lethal molecular response revealed large differences both in response time and the fold induction of GST, where the Arctic species responded both faster and with higher mRNA levels of GST after 48 h exposure. Under the natural exposure conditions applied in the present study, the Arctic species C. glacialis may potentially be more susceptible to mercury exposure on the sub-lethal level. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Measurement of decay time of K{yields}{pi}{sup 0}{pi}{sup 0} and tagging the K{sub L} and K{sub S} in the NA48 experiment at CERN; Mesure du temps des desintegrations K{yields}{pi}{sup 0}{pi}{sup 0} et etiquetage des K{sub L} et des K{sub S} dans l`experience NA48 au CERN

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Crepe, Sabine [Lab. de l`Accelerateur Lineaire, Paris-11 Univ., 91 - Orsay (France)

1998-05-01

The NA48 experiment aims to measure, in the neutral kaon system and with a precision of 0.0002, the real part of the ratio between the amplitudes of the direct and indirect breaking of the CP symmetry. To reach the requested precision NA48 has to minimize systematic uncertainties and thus has chosen to detect simultaneously and in the same fiducial region the long and short-lived (K{sub L} and K{sub S}) decays into two charged or neutral pions. Consequently, kaon tagging is necessary. It is done using the time coincidences between these decays and the protons at the origin of the K{sub S} beam. As mis-tagging leads to large bias for the NA48 measurement, it has to be carefully evaluated and understood. It could be due either to detectors inefficiencies or to random coincidences between K{sub L} and protons. The detector used for the tagging of the neutral modes is the liquid krypton calorimeter. Its time performances, studied with 1996 and 1997 data, appear to be very good: for two neutral pion decays its resolution is 250 ps and its inefficiency smaller than 0.0001. Moreover, the amount of random coincidences between protons and K{sub L} is directly related to the instantaneous rate of the proton beam. The time structures of this beam have been studied, Several frequencies have been found and the effective spill length has been measured to be only 75 per cent of the total one. Finally, the uncertainties on the real part of the ratio between direct and indirect CP breaking due to mis-tagging have been evaluated for the 1997 data. They are smaller than the statistical one. (author) 88 refs., 179 figs., 14 tabs.

Soil moisture memory at sub-monthly time scales

Science.gov (United States)

Mccoll, K. A.; Entekhabi, D.

2017-12-01

For soil moisture-climate feedbacks to occur, the soil moisture storage must have `memory' of past atmospheric anomalies. Quantifying soil moisture memory is, therefore, essential for mapping and characterizing land-atmosphere interactions globally. Most previous studies estimate soil moisture memory using metrics based on the autocorrelation function of the soil moisture time series (e.g., the e-folding autocorrelation time scale). This approach was first justified by Delworth and Manabe (1988) on the assumption that monthly soil moisture time series can be modelled as red noise. While this is a reasonable model for monthly soil moisture averages, at sub-monthly scales, the model is insufficient due to the highly non-Gaussian behavior of the precipitation forcing. Recent studies have shown that significant soil moisture-climate feedbacks appear to occur at sub-monthly time scales. Therefore, alternative metrics are required for defining and estimating soil moisture memory at these shorter time scales. In this study, we introduce metrics, based on the positive and negative increments of the soil moisture time series, that can be used to estimate soil moisture memory at sub-monthly time scales. The positive increments metric corresponds to a rapid drainage time scale. The negative increments metric represents a slower drying time scale that is most relevant to the study of land-atmosphere interactions. We show that autocorrelation-based metrics mix the two time scales, confounding physical interpretation. The new metrics are used to estimate soil moisture memory at sub-monthly scales from in-situ and satellite observations of soil moisture. Reference: Delworth, Thomas L., and Syukuro Manabe. "The Influence of Potential Evaporation on the Variabilities of Simulated Soil Wetness and Climate." Journal of Climate 1, no. 5 (May 1, 1988): 523-47. doi:10.1175/1520-0442(1988)0012.0.CO;2.

Updating the Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Core Domain Set: A Report from the PsA Workshop at OMERACT 2016.

Science.gov (United States)

Orbai, Ana-Maria; de Wit, Maarten; Mease, Philip J; Callis Duffin, Kristina; Elmamoun, Musaab; Tillett, William; Campbell, Willemina; FitzGerald, Oliver; Gladman, Dafna D; Goel, Niti; Gossec, Laure; Hoejgaard, Pil; Leung, Ying Ying; Lindsay, Chris; Strand, Vibeke; van der Heijde, Désirée M; Shea, Bev; Christensen, Robin; Coates, Laura; Eder, Lihi; McHugh, Neil; Kalyoncu, Umut; Steinkoenig, Ingrid; Ogdie, Alexis

2017-10-01

To include the patient perspective in accordance with the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Filter 2.0 in the updated Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Core Domain Set for randomized controlled trials (RCT) and longitudinal observational studies (LOS). At OMERACT 2016, research conducted to update the PsA Core Domain Set was presented and discussed in breakout groups. The updated PsA Core Domain Set was voted on and endorsed by OMERACT participants. We conducted a systematic literature review of domains measured in PsA RCT and LOS, and identified 24 domains. We conducted 24 focus groups with 130 patients from 7 countries representing 5 continents to identify patient domains. We achieved consensus through 2 rounds of separate surveys with 50 patients and 75 physicians, and a nominal group technique meeting with 12 patients and 12 physicians. We conducted a workshop and breakout groups at OMERACT 2016 in which findings were presented and discussed. The updated PsA Core Domain Set endorsed with 90% agreement by OMERACT 2016 participants included musculoskeletal disease activity, skin disease activity, fatigue, pain, patient's global assessment, physical function, health-related quality of life, and systemic inflammation, which were recommended for all RCT and LOS. These were important, but not required in all RCT and LOS: economic cost, emotional well-being, participation, and structural damage. Independence, sleep, stiffness, and treatment burden were on the research agenda. The updated PsA Core Domain Set was endorsed at OMERACT 2016. Next steps for the PsA working group include evaluation of PsA outcome measures and development of a PsA Core Outcome Measurement Set.

Upregulation of TREM2 Ameliorates Neuroinflammatory Responses and Improves Cognitive Deficits Triggered by Surgical Trauma in Appswe/PS1dE9 Mice

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yanhua Jiang

2018-04-01

Full Text Available Background/Aims: TREM2 plays a crucial role in modulating microglial function through interaction with DAP12, the adapter for TREM2. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that TREM2 could suppress neuroinflammatory responses by repression of microglia-mediated cytokine production. This study investigated the potential role of TREM2 in surgery-induced cognitive deficits and neuroinflammatory responses in wild-type (WT and APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. Methods: Adult APPswe/PS1dE9 transgenic male mice (a classic transgenic model of Alzheimer’s disease, 3 months old and their age-matched WT mice received intracerebral lentiviral particles encoding the mouse TREM2 gene and then were subjected to partial hepatectomy at 1 month after the lentiviral particle injection. The behavioral changes were evaluated with an open-field test and Morris water maze test on postoperative days 3, 7, and 14. Hippocampal TREM2, DAP12, and interleukin (IL-1β were measured at each time point. Ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1, microglial M2 phenotype marker Arg1, synaptophysin, tau hyperphosphorylation (T396, and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β were also examined in the hippocampus. Results: Surgical trauma induced an exacerbated cognitive impairment and enhanced hippocampal IL-1β expression in the transgenic mice on postoperative days 3 and 7. A corresponding decline in the levels of TREM2 was also found on postoperative days 3, 7, and 14. Overexpression of TREM2 downregulated the levels of IL-1β, ameliorated T396 expression, inhibited the activity of GSK-3β, and improved sickness behavior. Increased Arg1 expression and a high level of synaptophysin were also observed in the transgenic mice following TREM2 overexpression. Conclusion: The downregulation of TREM2 exacerbated surgery-induced cognitive deficits and exaggerated neuroinflammatory responses in this rodent model. Overexpression of TREM2 potentially attenuated these effects by decreasing the

LS1 Report: PS Booster prepares for beam

CERN Multimedia

Katarina Anthony

2014-01-01

With Linac2 already up and running, the countdown to beam in the LHC has begun! The next in line is the PS Booster, which will close up shop to engineers early next week. The injector will be handed over to the Operations Group who are tasked with getting it ready for active duty.   Taken as we approach the end of LS1 activities, this image shows where protons will soon be injected from Linac2 into the four PS Booster rings. Over the coming two months, the Operations Group will be putting the Booster's new elements through their paces. "Because of the wide range of upgrades and repairs carried out in the Booster, we have a very full schedule of tests planned for the machine," says Bettina Mikulec, PS Booster Engineer in Charge. "We will begin with cold checks; these are a wide range of tests carried out without beam, including system tests with power on/off and with varying settings, as well as verification of the controls system and timings." Amon...

The PS locomotive runs again

CERN Multimedia

2001-01-01

Over forty years ago, the PS train entered service to steer the magnets of the accelerator into place... ... a service that was resumed last Tuesday. Left to right: Raymond Brown (CERN), Claude Tholomier (D.B.S.), Marcel Genolin (CERN), Gérard Saumade (D.B.S.), Ingo Ruehl (CERN), Olivier Carlier (D.B.S.), Patrick Poisot (D.B.S.), Christian Recour (D.B.S.). It is more than ten years since people at CERN heard the rumbling of the old PS train's steel wheels. Last Tuesday, the locomotive came back into service to be tested. It is nothing like the monstrous steel engines still running on conventional railways -just a small electric battery-driven vehicle employed on installing the magnets for the PS accelerator more than 40 years ago. To do so, it used the tracks that run round the accelerator. In fact, it is the grandfather of the LEP monorail. After PS was commissioned in 1959, the little train was used more and more rarely. This is because magnets never break down, or hardly ever! In fact, the loc...

Identification of late O{sub 3}-responsive genes in Arabidopsis thaliana by cDNA microarray analysis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

D' Haese, D. [Univ. of Antwerp, Dept. of Biology, Antwerp (BE) and Univ. of Newcastle, School of Biology and Psychology, Div. of Biology, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (United Kingdom); Horemans, N.; Coen, W. De; Guisez, Y. [Univ. of Antwerp, Dept. of Biology, Antwerp (Belgium)

2006-09-15

To better understand the response of a plant to 0{sub 3} stress, an integrated microarray analysis was performed on Arabidopsis plants exposed during 2 days to purified air or 150 nl l{sup -1} O{sub 3}, 8 h day-l. Agilent Arabidopsis 2 Oligo Microarrays were used of which the reliability was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR of nine randomly selected genes. We confirmed the O{sub 3} responsiveness of heat shock proteins (HSPs), glutathione-S-tranferases and genes involved in cell wall stiffening and microbial defence. Whereas, a previous study revealed that during an early stage of the O{sub 3} stress response, gene expression was strongly dependent on jasmonic acid and ethylene, we report that at a later stage (48 h) synthesis of jasrnonic acid and ethylene was downregulated. In addition, we observed the simultaneous induction of salicylic acid synthesis and genes involved in programmed cell death and senescence. Also typically, the later stage of the response to O{sub 3} appeared to be the induction of the complete pathway leading to the biosynthesis of anthocyanin diglucosides and the induction of thioredoxin-based redox control. Surprisingly absent in the list of induced genes were genes involved in ASC-dependent antioxidation, few of which were found to be induced after 12 h of 0{sub 3} exposure in another study. We discuss these and other particular results of the microarray analysis and provide a map depicting significantly affected genes and their pathways highlighting their interrelationships and subcellular localization. (au)

A Database of Herbaceous Vegetation Responses to Elevated Atmospheric CO{sub 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jones, M.H.

1999-11-24

To perform a statistically rigorous meta-analysis of research results on the response by herbaceous vegetation to increased atmospheric CO{sub 2} levels, a multiparameter database of responses was compiled from the published literature. Seventy-eight independent CO{sub 2}-enrichment studies, covering 53 species and 26 response parameters, reported mean response, sample size, and variance of the response (either as standard deviation or standard error). An additional 43 studies, covering 25 species and 6 response parameters, did not report variances. This numeric data package accompanies the Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center's (CDIAC's) NDP-072, which provides similar information for woody vegetation. This numeric data package contains a 30-field data set of CO{sub 2}-exposure experiment responses by herbaceous plants (as both a flat ASCII file and a spreadsheet file), files listing the references to the CO{sub 2}-exposure experiments and specific comments relevant to the data in the data sets, and this documentation file (which includes SAS{reg_sign} and Fortran codes to read the ASCII data file). The data files and this documentation are available without charge on a variety of media and via the Internet from CDIAC.

High quality sub-10 nm graphene nanoribbons by on-chip PS-b-PDMS block copolymer lithography

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Rasappa, Sozaraj; Caridad, Jose; Schulte, Lars

2015-01-01

block and the graphene under PS. Raman analysis supports the formation of graphene nanoribbons with an average distance between defects corresponding to the oxidized PDMS pitch, with no sign of defects generated in the ribbon channel. This suggests a high degree of protection of the nanoribbons...... by the hard oxidized PDMS mask formed in situ during oxygen plasma etching....

Hardware solution for continuous time-resolved burst detection of single molecules in flow

Science.gov (United States)

Wahl, Michael; Erdmann, Rainer; Lauritsen, Kristian; Rahn, Hans-Juergen

1998-04-01

Time Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) is a valuable tool for Single Molecule Detection (SMD). However, existing TCSPC systems did not support continuous data collection and processing as is desirable for applications such as SMD for e.g. DNA-sequencing in a liquid flow. First attempts at using existing instrumentation in this kind of operation mode required additional routing hardware to switch between several memory banks and were not truly continuous. We have designed a hard- and software system to perform continuous real-time TCSPC based upon a modern solid state Time to Digital Converter (TDC). Short dead times of the fully digital TDC design combined with fast Field Programmable Gay Array logic permit a continuous data throughput as high as 3 Mcounts/sec. The histogramming time may be set as short as 100 microsecond(s) . Every histogram or every single fluorescence photon can be real-time tagged at 200 ns resolution in addition to recording its arrival time relative to the excitation pulse. Continuous switching between memory banks permits concurrent histogramming and data read-out. The instrument provides a time resolution of 60 ps and up to 4096 histogram channels. The overall instrument response function in combination with a low cost picosecond diode laser and an inexpensive photomultiplier tube was found to be 180 ps and well sufficient to measure sub-nanosecond fluorescence lifetimes.

Shallow PS-logging by high frequency wave; Koshuha wo mochiita senbu PS kenso

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nakajima, A; Miyazawa, M; Azuma, H [OYO Corp., Tokyo (Japan)

1996-05-01

This paper describes the following matters on down-hole PS logging in shallow subsurface. Determining an elastic wave velocity structure in shallow subsurface with high accuracy by using down-hole PS logging requires reduction of errors in reading travel time. Therefore, a high-frequency vibration source was fabricated with an objective to raise frequencies of waves used for the measurement. Measurements were made on two holes, A and B, at a measurement interval of 0.5 m, whereas at the hole A a measurement was performed simultaneously by using a normal type (low-frequency) vibration source. A spectral analysis on the waveform record revealed that the frequencies with each vibration source were 127 Hz and 27 Hz for the hole A, 115 Hz for the hole B, and the S/N ratio was all the same for both holes. When the high-frequency vibration source was used, the velocity was determined at accuracy of 5% over the whole length of the shallow section. When the low-frequency vibration source was used, sections with the velocity determining error greater than 5% were found, and it was not possible to derive the velocity structure in the shallow subsurface in fine segments. 3 refs., 8 figs., 2 tabs.

Thermoluminescent response of CaSO{sub 4}: Dy + PTFE to beta particles; Respuesta termoluminiscente de CaSO{sub 4}: Dy + PTFE a particulas beta

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aguirre C, A.; Azorin N, J. [Colegio de Bachilleres No. 13, Xochimilco-Tepepan, 16000 Mexico D.F. (Mexico)

2000-07-01

In this work the results of studying the thermoluminescent properties of CaSO{sub 4}: Dy + PTFE are presented when it is irradiated with beta particles. The conclusion was the obtention of the Tl response curve in function of dose is that to desexcite the dosemeters at temperature 300 C during 30 minutes and after that were irradiated at different times in groups and to do the reading of dosemeter, it can be observed that a greater irradiation time major is the Tl response and this depends of the material has been used. (Author)

Ultrafast Self-Assembly of Sub-10 nm Block Copolymer Nanostructures by Solvent-Free High-Temperature Laser Annealing.

Science.gov (United States)

Jiang, Jing; Jacobs, Alan G; Wenning, Brandon; Liedel, Clemens; Thompson, Michael O; Ober, Christopher K

2017-09-20

Laser spike annealing was applied to PS-b-PDMS diblock copolymers to induce short-time (millisecond time scale), high-temperature (300 to 700 °C) microphase segregation and directed self-assembly of sub-10 nm features. Conditions were identified that enabled uniform microphase separation in the time frame of tens of milliseconds. Microphase ordering improved with increased temperature and annealing time, whereas phase separation contrast was lost for very short annealing times at high temperature. PMMA brush underlayers aided ordering under otherwise identical laser annealing conditions. Good long-range order for sub-10 nm cylinder morphology was achieved using graphoepitaxy coupled with a 20 ms dwell laser spike anneal above 440 °C.

Gamma Transition Jump for PS2

CERN Document Server

Bartmann, W; Métral, E; Möhl, D; Peggs, S

2008-01-01

The PS2, which is proposed as a replacement for the existing ~50-year old PS accelerator, is presently considered to be a normal conducting synchrotron with an injection kinetic energy of 4 GeV and a maximum energy of 50 GeV. One of the possible lattices (FODO option) foresees crossing of transition energy near 10 GeV. Since the phase-slip-factor $\\eta$ becomes very small near transition energy, many intensity dependent effects can take place in both longitudinal and transverse planes. The aim of the present paper is on the one hand to scale the gamma transition jump, used since 1973 in the PS, to the projected PS2 and on the other hand based on these results the analysis of the implementation and feasibility of a gamma transition jump scheme in a conventional FODO lattice.

The histone acetyltransferase PsGcn5 mediates oxidative stress responses and is required for full virulence of Phytophthora sojae.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Wei; Wang, Tao; Liu, Shusen; Chen, Qingqing; Qi, Rende

2015-10-01

In eukaryotic organisms, histone acetyltransferase complexes are coactivators that are important for transcriptional activation by modifying chromatin. In this study, a gene (PsGcn5) from Phytophthora sojae encoding a histone acetyltransferase was identified as a homolog of one component of the histone acetyltransferase complex from yeasts to mammals. PsGcn5 was constitutively expressed in each stage tested, but had a slightly higher expression in sporulating hyphae and 3 h after infection. PsGcn5-silenced mutants were generated using polyethylene glycol-mediated protoplast stable transformation. These mutants had normal development, but compared to wild type strains they had higher sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and significantly reduced virulence in soybean. Diaminobenzidine staining revealed an accumulation of H2O2 around the infection sites of PsGcn5-silenced mutants but not for wild type strains. Inhibition of the plant NADPH oxidase by diphenyleneiodonium prevented host-derived H2O2 accumulation in soybean cells and restored infectious hyphal growth of the mutants. Thus, we concluded that PsGcn5 is important for growth under conditions of oxidative stress and contributes to the full virulence of P. sojae by suppressing the host-derived reactive oxygen species. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of surface morphology on the response of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}-loaded vanadium oxide nanotubes gas sensor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jin Wei [State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070 (China); Chen Wen, E-mail: chenw@whut.edu.cn [State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070 (China); Li Yue; Zhao Chunxia; Dai Ying [State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070 (China)

2011-06-01

The effect of surface morphology on the response of an ethanol sensor based on vanadium nanotubes surface loaded with Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles (Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}/VONTs) was investigated in this work. The particle size of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} loaded on VONTs was varied by using novel citric acid-assisted hydrothermal method. In the synthesis progress, citric acid was used as a surfactant and chelate agent, which ensured the growth of a uniform Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} loading on the nanotubes surface. The ethanol sensing properties was then measured for these Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}/VONTs at 230-300 deg. C. The results showed that the sensor response increased with the particles size and the loading amount of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}. It appears that the load of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} on the VONTs surface increases the concentration of oxygen vacancies and decreases the concentration of free electrons. The effects of morphology on the sensor resistance were interpreted in terms of the Debye length and the difference in the number of active sites.

Transactivation domain of p53 regulates DNA repair and integrity in human iPS cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Kannappan, Ramaswamy; Mattapally, Saidulu; Wagle, Pooja A; Zhang, Jianyi

2018-05-18

The role of p53 transactivation domain (p53-TAD), a multifunctional and dynamic domain, on DNA repair and retaining DNA integrity in human iPS cells has never been studied. p53-TAD was knocked out in iPS cells using CRISPR/Cas9 and was confirmed by DNA sequencing. p53-TAD KO cells were characterized by: accelerated proliferation, decreased population doubling time, and unaltered Bcl2, BBC3, IGF1R, Bax and altered Mdm2, p21, and PIDD transcripts expression. In p53-TAD KO cells p53 regulated DNA repair proteins XPA, DNA polH and DDB2 expression were found to be reduced compared to p53-WT cells. Exposure to low dose of doxorubicin (Doxo) induced similar DNA damage and DNA damage response (DDR) measured by RAD50 and MRE11 expression, Checkpoint kinase 2 activation and γH2A.X recruitment at DNA strand breaks in both the cell groups indicating silencing p53-TAD do not affect DDR mechanism upstream of p53. Following removal of Doxo p53-WT hiPS cells underwent DNA repair, corrected their damaged DNA and restored DNA integrity. Conversely, p53-TAD KO hiPS cells did not undergo complete DNA repair and failed to restore DNA integrity. More importantly continuous culture of p53-TAD KO hiPS cells underwent G2/M cell cycle arrest and expressed cellular senescent marker p16 INK4a . Our data clearly shows that silencing transactivation domain of p53 did not affect DDR but affected the DNA repair process implying the crucial role of p53 transactivation domain in maintaining DNA integrity. Therefore, activating p53-TAD domain using small molecules may promote DNA repair and integrity of cells and prevent senescence.

Time-resolved spectroscopy of CsI(CO{sub 3}) scintillator

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yakovlev, V. [National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 30 Lenin Avenue, Tomsk 634034 (Russian Federation); Trefilova, L., E-mail: laratrefilova@ukr.net [National University of Civil Protection, 94 Chernyshevska Street, Kharkiv 61023 (Ukraine); Lebedinsky, A.; Daulet, Z. [National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 30 Lenin Avenue, Tomsk 634034 (Russian Federation); Dubtsov, I. [Institute for Scintillation Materials, NAS of Ukraine, 60 Lenin Avenue, Kharkiv 61001 (Ukraine)

2016-05-15

The spectral-kinetics characteristics of short-living absorption and luminescence induced by an electron pulse irradiation (E{sub e}=0.25 MeV, t{sub 1/2}= 7ns, W=2×10{sup 10}÷4×10{sup 12} electron/cm{sup 2}) in CsI(CO{sub 3}) crystal are studied. It is shown that the scintillation pulse of CsI(CO{sub 3}) crystal is caused by the radiative annihilation of perturbed two-halogen excitons of two types, which are located in nearby impurity-vacancy dipole [CO{sub 3}{sup 2–}−υ{sub a}{sup +}] anion sites. The processes responsible for post-radiation rise and decay of both CO{sub 3}{sup 2–}-related luminescence bands with maxima at 2.8 and 3.2 eV are monomolecular with the thermal activation energy E{sub rise}=0.1 eV and E{sub decay}=0.05 eV. The cathodoluminescence pulse kinetics is discussed in the terms of the thermally assistant release of holes captured by CO{sub 3}{sup 2–}-ions and the formation of CO{sub 3}{sup 2–}-perturbed two-halide excitons.

The Pan-STARRS PS1 Image Processing Pipeline

Science.gov (United States)

Magnier, E.

The Pan-STARRS PS1 Image Processing Pipeline (IPP) performs the image processing and data analysis tasks needed to enable the scientific use of the images obtained by the Pan-STARRS PS1 prototype telescope. The primary goals of the IPP are to process the science images from the Pan-STARRS telescopes and make the results available to other systems within Pan-STARRS. It also is responsible for combining all of the science images in a given filter into a single representation of the non-variable component of the night sky defined as the "Static Sky". To achieve these goals, the IPP also performs other analysis functions to generate the calibrations needed in the science image processing, and to occasionally use the derived data to generate improved astrometric and photometric reference catalogs. It also provides the infrastructure needed to store the incoming data and the resulting data products. The IPP inherits lessons learned, and in some cases code and prototype code, from several other astronomy image analysis systems, including Imcat (Kaiser), the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (REF), the Elixir system (Magnier & Cuillandre), and Vista (Tonry). Imcat and Vista have a large number of robust image processing functions. SDSS has demonstrated a working analysis pipeline and large-scale databasesystem for a dedicated project. The Elixir system has demonstrated an automatic image processing system and an object database system for operational usage. This talk will present an overview of the IPP architecture, functional flow, code development structure, and selected analysis algorithms. Also discussed is the HW highly parallel HW configuration necessary to support PS1 operational requirements. Finally, results are presented of the processing of images collected during PS1 early commissioning tasks utilizing the Pan-STARRS Test Camera #3.

MER5101, a novel Aβ1-15:DT conjugate vaccine, generates a robust anti-Aβ antibody response and attenuates Aβ pathology and cognitive deficits in APPswe/PS1ΔE9 transgenic mice.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Bin; Frost, Jeffrey L; Sun, Jing; Fu, Hongjun; Grimes, Stephen; Blackburn, Peter; Lemere, Cynthia A

2013-04-17

Active amyloid-β (Aβ) immunotherapy is under investigation to prevent or treat early Alzheimer's disease (AD). In 2002, a Phase II clinical trial (AN1792) was halted due to meningoencephalitis in ∼6% of the AD patients, possibly caused by a T-cell-mediated immunological response. Thus, generating a vaccine that safely generates high anti-Aβ antibody levels in the elderly is required. In this study, MER5101, a novel conjugate of Aβ1-15 peptide (a B-cell epitope fragment) conjugated to an immunogenic carrier protein, diphtheria toxoid (DT), and formulated in a nanoparticular emulsion-based adjuvant, was administered to 10-month-old APPswe/PS1ΔE9 transgenic (Tg) and wild-type (Wt) mice. High anti-Aβ antibody levels were observed in both vaccinated APPswe/PS1ΔE9 Tg and Wt mice. Antibody isotypes were mainly IgG1 and IgG2b, suggesting a Th2-biased response. Restimulation of splenocytes with the Aβ1-15:DT conjugate resulted in a strong proliferative response, whereas proliferation was absent after restimulation with Aβ1-15 or Aβ1-40/42 peptides, indicating a cellular immune response against DT while avoiding an Aβ-specific T-cell response. Moreover, significant reductions in cerebral Aβ plaque burden, accompanied by attenuated microglial activation and increased synaptic density, were observed in MER5101-vaccinated APPswe/PS1ΔE9 Tg mice compared with Tg adjuvant controls. Last, MER5101-immunized APPswe/PS1ΔE9 Tg mice showed improvement of cognitive deficits in both contextual fear conditioning and the Morris water maze. Our novel, highly immunogenic Aβ conjugate vaccine, MER5101, shows promise for improving Aβ vaccine safety and efficacy and therefore, may be useful for preventing and/or treating early AD.

CVD diamond based soft X-ray detector with fast response

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li Fang; Hou Lifei; Su Chunxiao; Yang Guohong; Liu Shenye

2010-01-01

A soft X-ray detector has been made with high quality chemical vapor deposited (CVD) diamond and the electrical structure of micro-strip. Through the measurement of response time on a laser with the pulse width of 10 ps, the full width at half maximum of the data got in the oscilloscope was 115 ps. The rise time of the CVD diamond detector was calculated to be 49 ps. In the experiment on the laser prototype facility, the signal got by the CVD diamond detector was compared with that got by a soft X-ray spectrometer. Both signals coincided well. The detector is proved to be a kind of reliable soft X-ray detector with fast response and high signal-to-noise ratio. (authors)

Emergence and control of epidemic meningococcal meningitis in sub-Saharan Africa.

Science.gov (United States)

Mohammed, Idris; Iliyasu, Garba; Habib, Abdulrazaq Garba

2017-02-01

For more than a century, meningitis epidemics have regularly recurred across sub-Saharan Africa, involving 19 contiguous countries that constitute a 'meningitis belt' where historically the causative agent has been serogroup A meningococcus. Attempts to control epidemic meningococcal meningitis in Africa by vaccination with meningococcal polysaccharide (PS) vaccines have not been successful. This is largely because PS vaccines are poorly immunogenic in young children, do not induce immunological memory, and have little or no effect on the pharyngeal carriage. Meningococcal PS-protein conjugate vaccines overcome these deficiencies. Conjugate meningococcal vaccine against serotype A (MenAfriVac) was developed between 2001 and 2009 and deployed in 2010. So far, 262 million individuals have been immunized across the meningitis belt. The public health benefits of MenAfriVac have already been demonstrated by a sharp decline in reported cases of meningococcal disease in the countries where it has been introduced. However, serogroup replacement following mass meningitis vaccination has been noted, and in 2015 an epidemic with a novel strain of serogroup C was recorded in Niger and Nigeria for the first time since 1975. This has posed a serious challenge toward elimination of meningococcal meningitis epidemics in the African. For an effective control of meningococcal meningitis in the African meningitis belt, there is a need for an effective surveillance system, provision of rapid antigen detection kits as well as affordable vaccine that provides protection against the main serogroups causing meningitis in the sub-region.

The four "P"s of marketing are dead.

Science.gov (United States)

English, J

2000-01-01

For several decades marketing planning in the United States has relied upon the "four Ps" model. Product, price, place, and promotion were considered the foundation of the marketing mix. This model, however, has never been a comfortable fit for health care and, as the new century dawns, we find that a new marketing model--emphasizing the "four Rs"--is emerging. The foundations of the new model are relevance, response, relationships, and results.

Dynamic Characterization of Fiber Optical Chirped Pulse Amplification for Sub-ps Pulses

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Cristofori, Valentina; Lali-Dastjerdi, Zohreh; Rishøj, Lars Søgaard

2013-01-01

We investigate experimentally the propagation of sub-picosecond pulses in fiber optical parametric chirped pulse amplifiers, showing a significant broadening of the pulses from 450 fs up to 720 fs due to dispersion and self-phase modulation.......We investigate experimentally the propagation of sub-picosecond pulses in fiber optical parametric chirped pulse amplifiers, showing a significant broadening of the pulses from 450 fs up to 720 fs due to dispersion and self-phase modulation....

A LaBr{sub 3}: Ce fast-timing array for DESPEC at FAIR

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Roberts, Oliver J., E-mail: O.J.Roberts@brighton.ac.uk [School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brighton, Brighton BN2 4GJ (United Kingdom); Bruce, Alison M. [School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brighton, Brighton BN2 4GJ (United Kingdom); Regan, Patrick H. [Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH (United Kingdom); National Physics Laboratory, Teddington, TW11 0LW (United Kingdom); Podolyák, Zsolt; Townsley, Christopher M. [Department of Physics, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH (United Kingdom); Smith, John F.; Mulholland, Kieran F. [School of Engineering, The University of the West of Scotland, Paisley PA1 2BE (United Kingdom); Smith, Andrew [The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL (United Kingdom)

2014-06-01

The design of a fast-timing γ-ray detection array aimed at measuring sub-nanosecond half-lives using LaBr{sub 3}:Ce scintillation crystals is presented. This array will complement novel and existing charged particle and neutron detector arrays at the low-energy branch of a fragment separator (Super-FRS) to be built within the NuSTAR collaboration as part of the future Facility for Anti-proton and Ion Research (FAIR). The array will be used in conjunction with the Advanced Implantation Detector Array (AIDA), to measure implant-decay correlations. Monte-Carlo simulations have been performed to determine the design of the proposed fast-timing array around a localised implantation point. In particular, simulations were used to determine the full-energy peak efficiencies for single cylindrical, conical and ‘hybrid’ detector geometries, as well as complete array configurations of ‘hybrid’ and ∅1.5 in.×2 in. cylindrical crystals. Timing precision calculations were then used to determine the timing response for each configuration based on its simulated efficiency. An informed decision based on the simulated efficiencies and timing precision calculations allowed the optimum configuration for the array to be determined.

Lattice calculation of the Isgur-Wise functions {tau}{sub 1/2} and {tau}{sub 3/2} with dynamical quarks

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Blossier, Benoit [Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), Zeuthen (Germany); Paris-Sud XI Univ., 91 - Orsay (France). Lab. de Physique Theorique; Wagner, Marc [Humboldt Univ. Berlin (Germany). Inst. fuer Physik; Pene, Olivier [Paris-Sud XI Univ., 91 - Orsay (France). Lab. de Physique Theorique

2009-03-15

We perform a dynamical lattice computation of the Isgur-Wise functions {tau}{sub 1/2} and {tau}{sub 3/2} at zero recoil. We consider three different light quark masses corresponding to 300 MeVsub PS}sub 1/2}(1)=0.296(26) and {tau}{sub 3/2}(1)=0.526(23). Uraltsev's sum rule is saturated up to 80% by the ground state. We discuss implications regarding semileptonic decays B{yields} X{sub c}l{nu} and the associated '1/2 versus 3/2' puzzle. (orig.)

Ultrafast laser and swift heavy ion irradiation: Response of Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} and ZrO{sub 2} to intense electronic excitation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rittman, Dylan R. [Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 (United States); Department of Geological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305 (United States); Tracy, Cameron L.; Cusick, Alex B.; Abere, Michael J.; Yalisove, Steven M. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 (United States); Torralva, Ben [Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 (United States); Ewing, Rodney C. [Department of Geological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305 (United States)

2015-04-27

In order to investigate the response of materials to extreme conditions, there are several approaches to depositing extremely high concentrations of energy into very small volumes of material, including ultrafast laser and swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation. In this study, crystalline-to-crystalline phase transformations in cubic Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} and monoclinic ZrO{sub 2} have been investigated using ultrafast laser irradiation. The phases produced by the extreme conditions of irradiation were characterized by grazing incidence x-ray diffraction (GIXRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} exhibited a cubic-to-monoclinic phase transformation, as evidenced by the appearance of the monoclinic (402{sup ¯}), (003), (310), and (112{sup ¯}) peaks in the GIXRD pattern and of four A{sub g} and three B{sub g} Raman modes. ZrO{sub 2} underwent a monoclinic-to-tetragonal phase transformation, as evidenced by the emergence of the tetragonal (101) peak in the GIXRD pattern and of E{sub g} and A{sub 1g} Raman modes. The new phases formed by ultrafast laser irradiation are high temperature polymorphs of the two materials. No evidence of amorphization was seen in the GIXRD data, though Raman spectroscopy indicated point defect accumulation. These results are identical to those produced by irradiation with SHIs, which also deposit energy in materials primarily through electronic excitation. The similarity in damage process and material response between ultrafast laser and SHI irradiation suggests a fundamental relationship between these two techniques.

Timing performance of ZnO:Ga nanopowder composite scintillators

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Turtos, Rosana M. [Universita degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milano (Italy); Gundacker, Stefan; Lucchini, Marco T.; Lecoq, Paul; Auffray, Etiennette [CERN, Geneva (Switzerland); Prochazkova, Lenka; Cuba, Vaclav [Czech Technical University, Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering, Prague (Czech Republic); Buresova, Hana [Nuvia a.s, Kralupy nad Vltavou (Czech Republic); Mrazek, Jan [Institute of Photonics and Electronics AS CR, Prague (Czech Republic); Nikl, Martin [Institute of Physics of the AS CR, Prague (Czech Republic)

2016-11-15

The implementation of nanocrystal-based composite scintillators as a new generation of ultrafast particle detectors is explored using ZnO:Ga nanopowder. Samples are characterized with a spectral-time resolved photon counting system and pulsed X-rays, followed by coincidence time resolution (CTR) measurements under 511 keV gamma excitation. Results are comparable to CTR values obtained using bulk inorganic scintillators. Bringing the ZnO:Ga nanocrystal's timing performance to radiation detectors could pave the research path towards sub-20 ps time resolution as shown in this contribution. However, an efficiency boost when placing nanopowders in a transparent host constitutes the main challenge in order to benefit from sub-nanosecond recombination times. (copyright 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Functional characterization of calcineurin homologs PsCNA1/PsCNB1 in Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici using a host-induced RNAi system.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hong Zhang

Full Text Available Calcineurin plays a key role in morphogenesis, pathogenesis and drug resistance in most fungi. However, the function of calcineurin genes in Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst is unclear. We identified and characterized the calcineurin genes PsCNA1 and PsCNB1 in Pst. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that PsCNA1 and PsCNB1 form a calcium/calmodulin regulated protein phosphatase belonging to the calcineurin heterodimers composed of subunits A and B. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed that both PsCNA1 and PsCNB1 expression reached their maximum in the stage of haustorium formation, which is one day after inoculation. Using barely stripe mosaic virus (BSMV as a transient expression vector in wheat, the expression of PsCNA1 and PsCNB1 in Pst was suppressed, leading to slower extension of fungal hyphae and reduced production of urediospores. The immune-suppressive drugs cyclosporin A and FK506 markedly reduced the germination rates of urediospores, and when germination did occur, more than two germtubes were produced. These results suggest that the calcineurin signaling pathway participates in stripe rust morphogenetic differentiation, especially the formation of haustoria during the early stage of infection and during the production of urediospores. Therefore PsCNA1 and PsCNB1 can be considered important pathogenicity genes involved in the wheat-Pst interaction.

Experiments at the KEK 12-GeV PS in 1991-1995

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yoshimura, Y.

1994-06-01

This report has been edited mainly to introduce the various activities at the KEK 12-GeV PS. Chapter 1 is a list of experiments which have been approved by the PS-PAC since May 2, 1975. The machine time executed from FY 1990 to Fy 1993 is shown in chapter 2. In chapter 4, experiments which are currently in various stages of preparation, running and data analyzing are briefly described. The information was extracted from the 'KEK-PS Proposal', 'KEK Annual Report 1990-1993' and various published papers listed in chapter 5. In the descriptions the author sometimes might give 'sensitive' information concerning the experimental groups very directly. Readers of this publication are therefore requested not to directly quote the descriptions given in chapter 4. (J.P.N.)

100-ps framing-camera tube

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kalibjian, R.

1978-01-01

The optoelectronic framing-camera tube described is capable of recording two-dimensional image frames with high spatial resolution in the <100-ps range. Framing is performed by streaking a two-dimensional electron image across narrow slits. The resulting dissected electron line images from the slits are restored into framed images by a restorer deflector operating synchronously with the dissector deflector. The number of framed images on the tube's viewing screen equals the number of dissecting slits in the tube. Performance has been demonstrated in a prototype tube by recording 135-ps-duration framed images of 2.5-mm patterns at the cathode. The limitation in the framing speed is in the external drivers for the deflectors and not in the tube design characteristics. Faster frame speeds in the <100-ps range can be obtained by use of faster deflection drivers

Magnetic and electrical response of Co-doped La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} manganites/insulator system

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Debnath, J.C., E-mail: Jyotish.debnath@deakin.edu.au [Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3216 (Australia); Wang, Jianli, E-mail: jcd341@uowmail.edu.au [Institute for Superconductivity and Electronic Materials, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 (Australia)

2017-01-01

We present a systematic study of the structural, magnetic and electrical properties of La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} (LCMO) and La{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 0.95}Co{sub 0.05}O{sub 3} (LCMCO0 perovskite manganites. Most of the work is devoted to the electrical properties with a thorough discussion about different models for both the metallic and insulator states. With a view to understand the conduction mechanism in these materials, the resistivity of both materials was measured over a temperature range 5–300 K and in a magnetic field up to 1 T and the data were analysed by using several theoretical models. It has been observed that the metallic part of the temperature dependent resistivity (ρ) curve fits well with ρ=ρ{sub 0} +ρ{sub 2,5}Τ{sup 2,5}, indicating the electron–magnon scattering processes in the conduction of these materials. On the other hand, in the high temperature paramagnetic insulating regime, the adiabatic small polaron and VRH models fit well, thereby indicating that polaron hopping might be responsible for the conduction mechanism.

Anti-fish bacterial pathogen effect of visible light responsive Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles immobilized on glass using TiO{sub 2} sol–gel

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yeh, N. [Center of General Education, MingDao University, Taiwan (China); Lee, Y.C. [Graduate Institute of Materials Engineering, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan (China); Chang, C.Y. [Center of General Education, National Taitung Junior College, Taiwan (China); Cheng, T.C., E-mail: cheng.tachih@gmail.com [Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan (China)

2013-12-31

This paper demonstrates a fish pathogen reduction procedure that uses TiO{sub 2} sol–gel coating Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@TiO{sub 2} powder on glass substrate. Such procedure can effectively relieve two constraints that haunt TiO{sub 2} sterilization applications: 1) the need for UV for overcoming the wide band gap of pure TiO{sub 2} and 2) the difficulty of its recovering from water for reuse. In the process, visible light responsive Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles are synthesized and immobilized on glass using TiO{sub 2} sol–gel as the binder for fish bacterial pathogen disinfection test. After 3 h of visible light irradiation, the immobilized Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@TiO{sub 2}'s inhibition efficiencies for fish bacterial pathogen are, respectively, 50% for Edwardsiella tarda (BCRC 10670) and 23% for Aeromonas hydrophila (BCRC 13018)

Fe3O4/PS magnetic nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization and their application as sorbents of oil from waste water

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Liuhua; Hao, Gazi; Gu, Junjun; Zhou, Shuai; Zhang, Ning; Jiang, Wei

2015-11-01

In this work, Fe3O4/PS composites with a rough surface and different coating rates were successfully designed and synthesized by emulsion polymerization. We carried out some comparative experiments to compare magnetic properties and oil absorption properties of the nano-magnetic materials. It had been found that several prepared groups of magnetic nanocomposites have a core-shell structure and good coating rates. These nanoparticles combined with unsinked, highly hydrophobic and superoleophilic properties. The absorption capacity of Fe3O4/PS composites for organic solvents and the composites could absorb diesel oil up to 2.492 times of its own weight. It is more important that the oil could be readily removed from the surfaces of nanoparticles by a simple ultrasonic treatment whereas the nanocomposites particles still kept highly hydrophobic and superoleophilic characteristics. With a combination of simple synthesis process, low density, magnetic responsibility and excellent hydrophobicity, Fe3O4/PS nanocomposites as a promising absorbent have great potential in the application of spilled oil recovery and environmental protection.

Motor-Generator Set, PS Main Supply

CERN Multimedia

CERN PhotoLab

1983-01-01

This is the "new" motor-generator set. It replaced the previous, original, one which had served from the PS start-up in 1959. Ordered in 1965, installed in 1967, it was brought into operation at the beginning of 1968. Regularly serviced and fitted with modern regulation and controls, it still serves at the time of writing (2006) and promises to serve for several more years, as a very much alive museum-piece. See also 6803016 and 0201010.

Measuring target for the PS Booster

CERN Multimedia

1971-01-01

The measuring target for the PS Booster (originally 800 MeV, now 1.4 GeV). It measures the size of the beam by destroying all particles with amplitudes greater than the size of the fork, the position and width of which are adjustable. The plunging time is only 20 ms and the acceleration at the tip of the fork reaches 90 g. The servo-controlled linear motor is shown detached from the mechanism. See also 7602008.

A Myb transcription factor of Phytophthora sojae, regulated by MAP kinase PsSAK1, is required for zoospore development.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Meng Zhang

Full Text Available PsSAK1, a mitogen-activated protein (MAP kinase from Phytophthora sojae, plays an important role in host infection and zoospore viability. However, the downstream mechanism of PsSAK1 remains unclear. In this study, the 3'-tag digital gene expression (DGE profiling method was applied to sequence the global transcriptional sequence of PsSAK1-silenced mutants during the cysts stage and 1.5 h after inoculation onto susceptible soybean leaf tissues. Compared with the gene expression levels of the recipient P. sojae strain, several candidates of Myb family were differentially expressed (up or down in response to the loss of PsSAK1, including of a R2R3-type Myb transcription factor, PsMYB1. qRT-PCR indicated that the transcriptional level of PsMYB1 decreased due to PsSAK1 silencing. The transcriptional level of PsMYB1 increased during sporulating hyphae, in germinated cysts, and early infection. Silencing of PsMYB1 results in three phenotypes: a no cleavage of the cytoplasm into uninucleate zoospores or release of normal zoospores, b direct germination of sporangia, and c afunction in zoospore-mediated plant infection. Our data indicate that the PsMYB1 transcription factor functions downstream of MAP kinase PsSAK1 and is required for zoospore development of P. sojae.

The PS will soon be back in operation

CERN Multimedia

2006-01-01

The PS's power supply system is undergoing repairs for the accelerator to restart on 26 June. The AB Department's Power Converter Group is working flat out with Siemens to return the PS's power supply system to working order. A problem appeared on the insulation of the power cables of the rotor of the rotating machine (photo) which supplies power to the PS magnets. To prevent more significant damage to the rotating machine, the AB Department, with the approval of the CERN Management, decided to shut down the PS which had started running on 15 May. Everything is being done to restart the accelerator on 26 June. The PS's rotating machine comprises a motor coupled to a generator. The generator's rotor acts like a flywheel, supplying high-power pulses of 40 to 50 megawatts to the PS magnets. The 6 megawatt motor drives the installation at 1000 revolutions per minute and compensates only for variations in speed. It is an essential interface since it would be hard to imagine connecting such an electrical charge, p...

Thermoluminescence response of K{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}(SO{sub 4}){sub 3} nanophosphor Co-doped with Eu and Ce for gamma ray dosimetry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Patil, B. J. [Dept. of Physics, Abasaheb Garware College, Pune-411004 (India); Bhadane, Mahesh S.; Dahiwale, S. S.; Bhoraskar, V. N.; Dhole, S. D., E-mail: sanjay@physics.unipune.ac.in [Department of Physics, University of Pune, Pune 411007 (India); Mandlik, N. T. [Dept. of Physics, Fergusson College, Pune-411004 (India); Kulkarni, M. S. [Radiation Safety Systems Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085 (India); Bhatt, B. C. [Radiological Physics and Advisory Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085 (India)

2015-06-24

K{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}(SO{sub 4}){sub 3} nanophosphors co-doped with Eu and Ce were synthesized by the chemical co-precipitation method. These samples were further annealed at 700 °C structural reformation. The structural and morphological characteristics were studied using XRD and TEM techniques. The particle size calculated from XRD spectra was around 35 nm. The as synthesized sample shows cubic structure annealed at 700 °C. The as synthesized and annealed sample of K{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}(SO{sub 4}){sub 3}: EuCe were irradiated with Co{sup 60} gamma rays for the doses from 2Gy to 1kGy. The TL characteristic sample of co-doped were studied for the dosimetric application by gamma radiation. The TL spectrum of annealed sample has single peaked at 160 °C. The Eu doped sample has a high TL sensitivity than Ce doped sample. But after co-doping with Eu and Ce, TL intensity observed to be decreased. The decrees in TL peak intensity of the phosphor on co-doping of Eu and Ce gives an insight into the emission mechanism of the phosphor which involves energy transfer from Eu to Ce. The TL response of all the samples were found to be linear for the dose from 2 Gy to 1 KGy. Therefore, K{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}(SO{sub 4}){sub 3}: EuCe nanophosphor can be used for the measurement of high dose of gamma radiation.

Quantitative analysis of intraneuronal transport in human iPS neurons

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Haruko Nakamura

2015-08-01

Full Text Available Induced pluripotent stem (iPS cells are promising tools to investigate disease mechanism and develop new drugs. Intraneuronal transport, which is fundamental for neuronal survival and function, is vulnerable to various pharmacological and chemical agents and is disrupted in some neurodegenerative disorders. We applied a quantification method for axonal transport by counting CM-DiI–labeled particles traveling along the neurite, which allowed us to monitor and quantitate, for the first time, intraneuronal transport in human neurons differentiated from iPS cells (iCell neurons. We evaluated the acute effects of several anti-neoplastic agents that have been previously shown to affect intraneuronal transport. Vincristine, paclitaxel and oxaliplatin decreased the number of moving particle along neurites. Cisplatin, however, produced no effect on intraneuronal transport, which is in contrast to our previous report indicating that it inhibits transport in chick dorsal root ganglion neurons. Our system may be a useful method for assessing intraneuronal transport and neurotoxicity in human iPS neurons.

Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) deficiency decreases reprogramming efficiency and leads to genomic instability in iPS cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kinoshita, Taisuke [Department of Cell Differentiation, The Sakaguchi Laboratory, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582 (Japan); Nagamatsu, Go, E-mail: gonag@sc.itc.keio.ac.jp [Department of Cell Differentiation, The Sakaguchi Laboratory, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582 (Japan); Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012 (Japan); Kosaka, Takeo [Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582 (Japan); Takubo, Keiyo [Department of Cell Differentiation, The Sakaguchi Laboratory, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582 (Japan); Hotta, Akitsu [Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012 (Japan); Department of Reprogramming Science, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto (Japan); Ellis, James [Ontario Human iPS Cell Facility, Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, SickKids, Toronto, Canada MG1L7 (Canada); Suda, Toshio, E-mail: sudato@sc.itc.keio.ac.jp [Department of Cell Differentiation, The Sakaguchi Laboratory, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582 (Japan)

2011-04-08

Highlights: {yields} iPS cells were induced with a fluorescence monitoring system. {yields} ATM-deficient tail-tip fibroblasts exhibited quite a low reprogramming efficiency. {yields} iPS cells obtained from ATM-deficient cells had pluripotent cell characteristics. {yields} ATM-deficient iPS cells had abnormal chromosomes, which were accumulated in culture. -- Abstract: During cell division, one of the major features of somatic cell reprogramming by defined factors, cells are potentially exposed to DNA damage. Inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene p53 raised reprogramming efficiency but resulted in an increased number of abnormal chromosomes in established iPS cells. Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM), which is critical in the cellular response to DNA double-strand breaks, may also play an important role during reprogramming. To clarify the function of ATM in somatic cell reprogramming, we investigated reprogramming in ATM-deficient (ATM-KO) tail-tip fibroblasts (TTFs). Although reprogramming efficiency was greatly reduced in ATM-KO TTFs, ATM-KO iPS cells were successfully generated and showed the same proliferation activity as WT iPS cells. ATM-KO iPS cells had a gene expression profile similar to ES cells and WT iPS cells, and had the capacity to differentiate into all three germ layers. On the other hand, ATM-KO iPS cells accumulated abnormal genome structures upon continuous passages. Even with the abnormal karyotype, ATM-KO iPS cells retained pluripotent cell characteristics for at least 20 passages. These data indicate that ATM does participate in the reprogramming process, although its role is not essential.

Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) deficiency decreases reprogramming efficiency and leads to genomic instability in iPS cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kinoshita, Taisuke; Nagamatsu, Go; Kosaka, Takeo; Takubo, Keiyo; Hotta, Akitsu; Ellis, James; Suda, Toshio

2011-01-01

Highlights: → iPS cells were induced with a fluorescence monitoring system. → ATM-deficient tail-tip fibroblasts exhibited quite a low reprogramming efficiency. → iPS cells obtained from ATM-deficient cells had pluripotent cell characteristics. → ATM-deficient iPS cells had abnormal chromosomes, which were accumulated in culture. -- Abstract: During cell division, one of the major features of somatic cell reprogramming by defined factors, cells are potentially exposed to DNA damage. Inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene p53 raised reprogramming efficiency but resulted in an increased number of abnormal chromosomes in established iPS cells. Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM), which is critical in the cellular response to DNA double-strand breaks, may also play an important role during reprogramming. To clarify the function of ATM in somatic cell reprogramming, we investigated reprogramming in ATM-deficient (ATM-KO) tail-tip fibroblasts (TTFs). Although reprogramming efficiency was greatly reduced in ATM-KO TTFs, ATM-KO iPS cells were successfully generated and showed the same proliferation activity as WT iPS cells. ATM-KO iPS cells had a gene expression profile similar to ES cells and WT iPS cells, and had the capacity to differentiate into all three germ layers. On the other hand, ATM-KO iPS cells accumulated abnormal genome structures upon continuous passages. Even with the abnormal karyotype, ATM-KO iPS cells retained pluripotent cell characteristics for at least 20 passages. These data indicate that ATM does participate in the reprogramming process, although its role is not essential.

The chitinase C gene PsChiC from Pseudomonas sp. and its synergistic effects on larvicidal activity

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wanfang Zhong

2015-09-01

Full Text Available Pseudomonas sp. strain TXG6-1, a chitinolytic gram-negative bacterium, was isolated from a vegetable field in Taixing city, Jiangsu Province, China. In this study, a Pseudomonas chitinase C gene (PsChiC was isolated from the chromosomal DNA of this bacterium using a pair of specific primers. The PsChiC gene consisted of an open reading frame of 1443 nucleotides and encoded 480 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular mass of 51.66 kDa. The deduced PsChiC amino acid sequence lacked a signal sequence and consisted of a glycoside hydrolase family 18 catalytic domain responsible for chitinase activity, a fibronectin type III-like domain (FLD and a C-terminal chitin-binding domain (ChBD. The amino acid sequence of PsChiCshowed high sequence homology (> 95% with chitinase C from Serratia marcescens. SDS-PAGE showed that the molecular mass of chitinase PsChiC was 52 kDa. Chitinase assays revealed that the chitobiosidase and endochitinase activities of PsChiCwere 51.6- and 84.1-fold higher than those of pET30a, respectively. Although PsChiC showed little insecticidal activity towards Spodoptera litura larvae, an insecticidal assay indicated that PsChiC increased the insecticidal toxicity of SpltNPV by 1.78-fold at 192 h and hastened death. These results suggest that PsChiC from Pseudomonas sp. could be useful in improving the pathogenicity of baculoviruses.

Fabrication and high visible-light-driven photocurrent response of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} film: The role of thiourea

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ye, Lijuan; Chen, Shijian, E-mail: sjchen@cqu.edu.cn

2016-12-15

Highlights: • Thiourea promotes the growth and crystalline of the g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} films on ITO. • Thiourea introduces S dopants into the g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} films. • The obtained S-doped g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} thin films show high VLD photocurrent response. • Three heterojunction structure types based on the g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} films are proposed. - Abstract: We report on a convenient CVD fabrication of the uniform, compact and reproducible g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} solid films on indium-tin oxide substrates. It is found that mixing quantitative thiourea into melamine as co-precursor prompts the deposition of greenish-yellow, transparent and smooth g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} thin films. The thiourea apparently affects the crystalline, the surface morphologies and the energy band structures of g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} films by modulating the polymerization process of the precursors, and simultaneously introduces S dopants into the g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} films. Due to these roles of thiourea, the obtained S-doped g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} films as a photoelectrode show a high and stable visible-light-driven photocurrent response. To further improve the photocurrent, the construction of three heterojunction structure types based on g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} films is proposed and the corresponding charge transfer mechanisms are well discussed. The successful fabrication of high quality g-C{sub 3}N{sub 4} films in this work provides a footstone to construct the heterojunction film structures based on the carbon nitrides for the photoelectrochemical overall water splitting.

Optical response of oxygen deficient La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} thin films deposited by pulsed laser deposition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cesaria, M., E-mail: maura.cesaria@le.infn.it [Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi”, University of Salento, Via Arnesano, 73100 Lecce (Italy); Caricato, A.P.; Leggieri, G.; Martino, M. [Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi”, University of Salento, Via Arnesano, 73100 Lecce (Italy); Maruccio, G. [Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi”, University of Salento, Via Arnesano, 73100 Lecce (Italy); National Nanotechnology Laboratory (NNL)-Nanoscience Institute-CNR, Via Arnesano, 73100 Lecce (Italy)

2013-10-31

The optical response of 200 nm thick La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}MnO{sub (3−δ)} films, deposited by pulsed laser deposition on amorphous silica substrates heated at nearly 600 °C, under different oxygen pressures (0.1 Pa, 0.5 Pa, 1 Pa, 5 Pa and 10 Pa), is reported. The effects of the oxygen non-stoichiometry are investigated at room temperature dealing with the absorption coefficient and the Tauc's plot method rather than conventional optical conductivity. The absorption curves are evaluated by an algorithm able to realistically describe the behavior of thin films without exploiting numerical extrapolations or simplified theoretical models or ab-initio calculations. Optical features, tunable by the growth oxygen pressure, are discussed based on the known theoretical and experimental scenario. - Highlights: • Overview of the La{sub 0.7}Sr{sub 0.3}MnO{sub 3} basics to highlight basic questions to be assessed. • Optical analysis by the absorption coefficient rather than optical conductivity. • Realistic absorption response that avoids numerical refinements and simulations. • Analysis of the role of oxygen vacancies in tuning the electronic dispersion. • First investigation of direct and indirect transitions by the Tauc's plot.

Wide band gap materials and devices for NO{sub x}, H{sub 2} and O{sub 2} gas sensing applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ali, Majdeddin

2008-01-22

In this thesis, field effect gas sensors (Schottky diodes, MOS capacitors, and MOSFET transistors) based on wide band gap semiconductors like silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), as well as resistive gas sensors based on indium oxide (In{sub 2}O{sub 3}), have been developed for the detection of reducing gases (H{sub 2}, D{sub 2}) and oxidising gases (NO{sub x}, O{sub 2}). The development of the sensors has been performed at the Institute for Micro- and Nanoelectronic, Technical University Ilmenau in cooperation with (GE) General Electric Global Research (USA) and Umwelt-Sensor- Technik GmbH (Geschwenda). Chapter 1: serves as an introduction into the scientific fields related to this work. The theoretical fundamentals of solid-state gas sensors are provided and the relevant properties of wide band gap materials (SiC and GaN) are summarized. In chapter 2: The performance of Pt/GaN Schottky diodes with different thickness of the catalytic metal were investigated as hydrogen gas detectors. The area as well as the thickness of the Pt were varied between 250 {proportional_to} 250 {mu}m{sup 2} and 1000 {proportional_to} 1000 {mu}m{sup 2}, 8 and 40 nm, respectively. The response to hydrogen gas was investigated in dependence on the active area, the Pt thickness and the operating temperature for 1 vol.% hydrogen in synthetic air. We observed a significant increase of the sensitivity and a decrease of the response and recovery times by increasing the temperature of operation to about 350{sup o}C and by decreasing the Pt thickness down to 8 nm. Electron microscopy of the microstructure showed that the thinner platinum had a higher grain boundary density. The increase in sensitivity with decreasing Pt thickness points to the dissociation of molecular hydrogen on the surface, the diffusion of atomic hydrogen along the platinum grain boundaries and the adsorption of hydrogen at the Pt/GaN interface as a possible mechanism of sensing hydrogen by Schottky diodes. The

Synthesis and Characterization of the Rubidium Thiophosphate Rb 6 (PS 5 )(P 2 S 10 ) and the Rubidium Silver Thiophosphates Rb 2 AgPS 4 , RbAg 5 (PS 4 ) 2 and Rb 3 Ag 9 (PS 4 ) 4

KAUST Repository

Alahmary, Fatimah S.

2016-02-18

The metal thiophosphates Rb2AgPS4 (2), RbAg5(PS4)2 (3), and Rb3Ag9(PS4)4 (4) were synthesized by stoichiometric reactions, whereas Rb6(PS5)(P2S10) (1) was prepared with excess amount of sulfur. The compounds crystallize as follows: 1 monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 17.0123(7) Å, b = 6.9102(2) Å, c = 23.179(1) Å, β = 94.399(4)°; 2 triclinic, P ¯ (no. 2), a = 6.600(1) Å, b = 6.856(1) Å, c = 10.943(3) Å, α = 95.150(2)°, β = 107.338(2)°, γ = 111.383(2)°; 3 orthorhombic, Pbca (no. 61), a = 12.607(1) Å, b = 12.612(1) Å, c = 17.759(2) Å; 4 orthorhombic, Pbcm (no. 57), a = 6.3481(2) Å, b = 12.5782(4) Å, c = 35.975(1) Å. The crystal structures contain discrete units, chains, and 3D polyanionic frameworks composed of PS4 tetrahedral units arranged and connected in different manner. Compounds 1-3 melt congruently, whereas incongruent melting behavior was observed for compound 4. 1-4 are semiconductors with bandgaps between 2.3 and 2.6 eV and thermally stable up to 450 °C in an inert atmosphere. Copyright © 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

ESR studies on the spin-liquid candidate κ-(BEDT-TTF){sub 2}Cu{sub 2}(CN){sub 3}: Anomalous response below T=8 K

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Padmalekha, K.G.; Blankenhorn, M.; Ivek, T.; Bogani, L. [1. Physikalisches Institut, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, D-70550 Stuttgart (Germany); Schlueter, J.A. [Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439 (United States); Dressel, M., E-mail: dressel@pi1.physik.uni-stuttgart.de [1. Physikalisches Institut, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, D-70550 Stuttgart (Germany)

2015-03-01

The organic conductor κ-(BEDT-TTF){sub 2}Cu{sub 2}(CN){sub 3} seems to form a quantum spin liquid, although at low temperatures unusual properties are seen in the charge, spin and lattice degrees of freedom. Here we report results of X-band ESR studies of κ-(BEDT-TTF){sub 2}Cu{sub 2}(CN){sub 3} single crystals as a function of temperature and angle. We find indications of two anisotropic relaxation mechanisms at low temperatures and compare them to the spin-liquid behavior observed in other strongly correlated systems. In addition, we can recognize charge inhomogeneities in the copper ions of the anion layer. This disorder might be linked to the dielectric response measured in this compound.

MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} as a gas sensor towards SO{sub 2} and NO{sub 2} gases

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rathore, Deepshikha, E-mail: deep.nano@gmail.com; Mitra, Supratim [Department of Natural Sciences, NIIT University, Neemrana, Rajasthan 301705 (India)

2016-05-06

The chemical co-precipitation method was used to synthesize MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles. Single cubic phase formation of nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction technique. The average particle size of MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles was found to be 10.7 nm using Scherrer formula. The ultrafine powder of MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles was pressed to design pellet of 10 mm diameter and 1mm thickness. Copper electrodes have been deposited on the surface of pellet using silver paste in the form of capacitor. Fabricated gas sensing device of MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles was tested towards SO{sub 2} and NO{sub 2} gases. Cole-Cole plot of MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} was investigated with the help of electrochemical workstation. The performance of the sensors including sensitivity, response and recovery time was also determined. It was observed that the MnFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} nanoparticles are more sensible for NO{sub 2} gas as compared to SO{sub 2} gas.

Zn{sub x}Cd{sub 1-} {sub x}S as a heterojunction partner for CuIn{sub 1-x}Ga{sub x}S{sub 2} thin film solar cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kumar, Bhaskar [Florida Solar Energy Center, University of Central Florida, Cocoa, FL 32922 (United States); Vasekar, Parag [Florida Solar Energy Center, University of Central Florida, Cocoa, FL 32922 (United States)], E-mail: psvasekar@yahoo.com; Pethe, Shirish A.; Dhere, Neelkanth G. [Florida Solar Energy Center, University of Central Florida, Cocoa, FL 32922 (United States); Koishiyev, Galymzhan T. [Physics Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523 (United States)

2009-02-02

Zinc cadmium sulfide (Zn{sub x}Cd{sub 1-x}S) heterojunction partner layer prepared with chemical bath deposition (CBD) has exhibited better blue photon response and higher current densities due to its higher bandgap than that of conventional cadmium sulfide (CdS) layer for CuIn{sub 1-x}Ga{sub x}S{sub 2} (CIGS2) solar cells. CIGS2/Zn{sub x}Cd{sub 1-x}S devices have also shown higher open circuit voltage, V{sub oc} indicating improved junction properties. A conduction band offset has been observed by J-V curves at various temperatures indicating that still higher V{sub oc} can be obtained by optimizing the conduction band offset. This contribution discusses the effect of variation of parameters such as concentration of compounds, pH of solution and deposition time during CBD on device properties and composition and crystallinity of film. Efficiencies comparable to CIGS2/CdS devices have been achieved for CIGS2/Zn{sub x}Cd{sub 1-x}S devices.

High-precision calculation of loosely bound states of LiPs+ and NaPs+

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yamashita, Takuma; Kino, Yasushi

2015-01-01

A positronic alkali atom would be the first step to investigate behavior of a positronium(Ps) in an external field from atoms/molecules because the system can be regarded as a simple three-body system using model potentials reflecting electron orbitals of the ion core. In order to precisely determine binding energies and structures of positronic alkali atoms (LiPs + and NaPs + ), we improve the model potential so as to reproduce highly excited atomic energy levels of alkali atoms (Li and Na). The polarization potential included by the model potential is expanded in terms of Gaussian functions to finely determine a short range part of the potential which has been assumed to be a simple form. We find better reproducibility not only of atomic levels of the alkali atoms but also of the dipole polarizability of the core ion than previous works. We construct a model potential between a positron and an ion core based on the model potential between the valence electron and ion core. Binding energies associated with a dissociation of the alkali ion core and positronium, and interparticle distances are recalculated. Our results show slightly deeper bound than other previous studies. (paper)

The magnetic recoil spectrometer (MRSt) for time-resolved measurements of the neutron spectrum at the National Ignition Facility (NIF)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Frenje, J. A., E-mail: jfrenje@psfc.mit.edu; Wink, C. W.; Gatu Johnson, M.; Li, C. K.; Séguin, F. H.; Petrasso, R. D. [Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 (United States); Hilsabeck, T. J.; Kilkenny, J. D. [General Atomics, San Diego, California 92186 (United States); Bell, P.; Bionta, R.; Cerjan, C. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550 (United States)

2016-11-15

The next-generation magnetic recoil spectrometer for time-resolved measurements of the neutron spectrum has been conceptually designed for the National Ignition Facility. This spectrometer, called MRSt, represents a paradigm shift in our thinking about neutron spectrometry for inertial confinement fusion applications, as it will provide simultaneously information about the burn history and time evolution of areal density (ρR), apparent ion temperature (T{sub i}), yield (Y{sub n}), and macroscopic flows during burn. From this type of data, an assessment of the evolution of the fuel assembly, hotspot, and alpha heating can be made. According to simulations, the MRSt will provide accurate data with a time resolution of ∼20 ps and energy resolution of ∼100 keV for total neutron yields above ∼10{sup 16}. At lower yields, the diagnostic will be operated at a higher-efficiency, lower-energy-resolution mode to provide a time resolution of ∼20 ps.

Modeling the response of plants and ecosystems to elevated CO sub 2 and climate change

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Reynolds, J.F.; Hilbert, D.W.; Chen, Jia-lin; Harley, P.C.; Kemp, P.R.; Leadley, P.W.

1992-03-01

While the exact effects of elevated CO{sub 2} on global climate are unknown, there is a growing consensus among climate modelers that global temperature and precipitation will increase, but that these changes will be non-uniform over the Earth's surface. In addition to these potential climatic changes, CO{sub 2} also directly affects plants via photosynthesis, respiration, and stomatal closure. Global climate change, in concert with these direct effects of CO{sub 2} on plants, could have a significant impact on both natural and agricultural ecosystems. Society's ability to prepare for, and respond to, such changes depends largely on the ability of climate and ecosystem researchers to provide predictions of regional level ecosystem responses with sufficient confidence and adequate lead time.

Modeling the response of plants and ecosystems to elevated CO{sub 2} and climate change

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Reynolds, J.F.; Hilbert, D.W.; Chen, Jia-lin; Harley, P.C.; Kemp, P.R.; Leadley, P.W.

1992-03-01

While the exact effects of elevated CO{sub 2} on global climate are unknown, there is a growing consensus among climate modelers that global temperature and precipitation will increase, but that these changes will be non-uniform over the Earth`s surface. In addition to these potential climatic changes, CO{sub 2} also directly affects plants via photosynthesis, respiration, and stomatal closure. Global climate change, in concert with these direct effects of CO{sub 2} on plants, could have a significant impact on both natural and agricultural ecosystems. Society`s ability to prepare for, and respond to, such changes depends largely on the ability of climate and ecosystem researchers to provide predictions of regional level ecosystem responses with sufficient confidence and adequate lead time.

Flexible camphor sulfonic acid-doped PAni/α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanocomposite films and their room temperature ammonia sensing activity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bandgar, D.K. [Functional Materials Research Laboratory (FMRL), School of Physical Sciences, Solapur University, Solapur 413 255, M.S. (India); Navale, S.T. [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Polymer Science and Technology, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, Nanshan District Key Lab for Biopolymers and Safety Evaluation, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060 (China); Navale, Y.H.; Ingole, S.M. [Functional Materials Research Laboratory (FMRL), School of Physical Sciences, Solapur University, Solapur 413 255, M.S. (India); Stadler, F.J. [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Polymer Science and Technology, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, Nanshan District Key Lab for Biopolymers and Safety Evaluation, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060 (China); Ramgir, N.; Aswal, D.K.; Gupta, S.K. [Technical Physics Division, Babha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, M.S. (India); Mane, R.S. [School of Physical Sciences, SRTM University, Nanded 431606 (India); Patil, V.B., E-mail: drvbpatil@gmail.com [Functional Materials Research Laboratory (FMRL), School of Physical Sciences, Solapur University, Solapur 413 255, M.S. (India)

2017-03-01

Composite nanostructures play a crucial role in gas sensing applications owing to their tunable properties and sizes. The main goal of this article is to prepare camphor sulfonic acid (10–50 wt%)-doped PAni/α-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} (PFC) composite nanostructured films on flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate through in-situ polymerization process and study their gas sensing activity towards various gases. Structural and morphological measurements along with gas sensing properties in terms of selectivity, response, stability, and response-recovery times are investigated and reported. The gas selectivity tests of flexible PFC nanostructured composite films are performed towards different gases such as NO{sub 2}, NH{sub 3}, LPG, CH{sub 3}OH, and C{sub 2}H{sub 5}OH etc., wherein all the flexible PFC (10–50%) films demonstrate a superior selectivity towards NH{sub 3} gas even in the presence of other test gases. Among the different compositions, 30% PFC flexible film exhibits highest response of 72% to 100 ppm NH{sub 3} with good response time of 65 s. The systematic study between PFC flexible nanocomposite films and NH{sub 3} gas is conducted and reported. In addition, the interfacial charge transfer kinetics across NH{sub 3} and PFC film interface was investigated by means of impendence spectroscopy study. - Highlights: • Novel route of preparation of camphor sulfonic acid doped PAni-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} (PFC) flexible films. • XRD, FTIR, and RAMAN analysis confirms the formation of PFC composites. • PFC films are highly selective towards NH{sub 3} gas at room temperature. • PFC films able to detect as low as 2.5 ppm concentration of NH{sub 3} gas. • 30% PFC flexible film exhibits highest response of 72%–100 ppm NH{sub 3} gas with good response time of 65 s.

The mirror symmetric centroid difference method for picosecond lifetime measurements via {gamma}-{gamma} coincidences using very fast LaBr{sub 3}(Ce) scintillator detectors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Regis, J.-M., E-mail: regis@ikp.uni-koeln.d [Institut fuer Kernphysik, Universitaet zu Koeln, Zuelpicher Str. 77, 50937 Koeln (Germany); Pascovici, G.; Jolie, J.; Rudigier, M. [Institut fuer Kernphysik, Universitaet zu Koeln, Zuelpicher Str. 77, 50937 Koeln (Germany)

2010-10-01

The ultra-fast timing technique was introduced in the 1980s and is capable of measuring picosecond lifetimes of nuclear excited states with about 3 ps accuracy. Very fast scintillator detectors are connected to an electronic timing circuit and detector vs. detector time spectra are analyzed by means of the centroid shift method. The very good 3% energy resolution of the nowadays available LaBr{sub 3}(Ce) scintillator detectors for {gamma}-rays has made possible an extension of the well-established fast timing technique. The energy dependent fast timing characteristics or the prompt curve, respectively, of the LaBr{sub 3}(Ce) scintillator detector has been measured using a standard {sup 152}Eu {gamma}-ray source. For any energy combination in the range of 200keVsub {gamma}<}1500keV, the {gamma}-{gamma} fast timing characteristics is calibrated as a function of energy with an accuracy of 2-4 ps. An extension of the centroid shift method providing very attractive features for picosecond lifetime measurements is presented. The mirror symmetric centroid difference method takes advantage of the symmetry obtained when performing {gamma}-{gamma} lifetime measurements using a pair of almost identical very fast scintillator detectors. In particular cases, the use of the mirror symmetric centroid difference method also allows the direct determination of picosecond lifetimes, hence without the need of calibrating the prompt curve.

Photoconductive Detectors with Fast Temporal Response for Laser Produced Plasma Experiments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

M. J. May; C. Halvorson; T. Perry; F. Weber; P. Young; C. Silbernagel

2008-01-01

Processes during laser plasma experiments typically have time scales that are less than 100 ps. The measurement of these processes requires X-ray detectors with fast temporal resolution. We have measured the temporal responses and linearity of several different X-ray sensitive Photoconductive Detectors (PCDs). The active elements of the detectors investigated include both diamond (natural and synthetic) and GaAs crystals. The typical time responses of the GaAs PCDs are approximately 60 ps, respectively. Some characterizations using X-ray light from a synchrotron light source are presented

Measurement of the effective B{sub s}{sup 0}{yields}K{sup +}K{sup -} lifetime

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aaij, R. [Nikhef National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Amsterdam (Netherlands); Abellan Beteta, C. [Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona (Spain); Adametz, A. [Physikalisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universitaet Heidelberg, Heidelberg (Germany); Adeva, B. [Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela (Spain); Adinolfi, M. [H.H. Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Bristol (United Kingdom); Adrover, C. [CPPM, Aix-Marseille Universite, CNRS/IN2P3, Marseille (France); Affolder, A. [Oliver Lodge Laboratory, University of Liverpool, Liverpool (United Kingdom); Ajaltouni, Z. [Clermont Universite, Universite Blaise Pascal, CNRS/IN2P3, LPC, Clermont-Ferrand (France); Albrecht, J.; Alessio, F. [European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Geneva (Switzerland); Alexander, M. [School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow, Glasgow (United Kingdom); Ali, S. [Nikhef National Institute for Subatomic Physics, Amsterdam (Netherlands); Alkhazov, G. [Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute (PNPI), Gatchina (Russian Federation); Alvarez Cartelle, P. [Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela (Spain); Alves, A.A. [Sezione INFN di Roma La Sapienza, Roma (Italy); Amato, S. [Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil); Amhis, Y. [Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne (Switzerland); Anderson, J. [Physik-Institut, Universitaet Zuerich, Zuerich (Switzerland); Appleby, R.B. [School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester (United Kingdom); Aquines Gutierrez, O. [Max-Planck-Institut fuer Kernphysik (MPIK), Heidelberg (Germany); and others

2012-10-02

A precise determination of the effective B{sub s}{sup 0}{yields}K{sup +}K{sup -} lifetime can be used to constrain contributions from physics beyond the Standard Model in the B{sub s}{sup 0} meson system. Conventional approaches select B meson decay products that are significantly displaced from the B meson production vertex. As a consequence, B mesons with low decay times are suppressed, introducing a bias to the decay time spectrum which must be corrected. This analysis uses a technique that explicitly avoids a lifetime bias by using a neural network based trigger and event selection. Using 1.0 fb{sup -1} of data recorded by the LHCb experiment, the effective B{sub s}{sup 0}{yields}K{sup +}K{sup -} lifetime is measured as 1.455{+-}0.046(stat.){+-}0.006(syst.)ps.

Mechanical responses of Zn{sub 1-x}Mn{sub x}O epitaxial thin films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chang, Teng-Ruey [Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Nan Kai University of Techonology, Nantou 54243, Taiwan (China); Tsai, Chien-Huang, E-mail: chtsai12@gmail.com [Department of Automation Engineering, Nan Kai University of Techonology, Nantou 54243, Taiwan (China)

2011-10-15

In this study, we used nanoindentation to investigate the effect of the doping of Mn into ZnO buffer layers on the epitaxial growth of ZnO through plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on c-plane sapphire substrates. We characterized the variation of the mechanical properties of Zn{sub 1-x}Mn{sub x}O alloys as a function of the Mn content in the range (x) from 0 to 0.16, as well as analyzing their microstructures using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The presence of the Mn-doped ZnO buffer layer enhanced the nanomechanical properties of the ZnO epilayers significantly. From their Berkovich indenter responses, plots of the Young's modulus (E) and hardness (H) of these films revealed that the value of E increased relatively steadily upon increasing the Mn composition, whereas the value of H reached its maximum when x was equal to 0.16. This discrepancy suggests that Zn{sub 1-x}Mn{sub x}O epilayers of higher Mn contents had higher shear resistances.

Structural evolution of Ba{sub 8}Ti{sub 3}Nb{sub 4}O{sub 24} from BaTiO{sub 3} using a series of Ba(Ti{sub 1−5x}Nb{sub 4x})O{sub 3} solid solutions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Barrientos Hernández, F.R., E-mail: frbh68@hotmail.com [Academic Area of Earth Sciences and Materials, Autonomous University of Hidalgo State, Road Pachuca-Tulancingo km 4.5, Mineral de la Reforma zip code 42184, Hidalgo (Mexico); Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, ESIQIE, National Polytechnic Institute, UPALM, Zacatenco, Mexico City, zip code 07738 (Mexico); Lira Hernández, I.A. [Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, ESIQIE, National Polytechnic Institute, UPALM, Zacatenco, Mexico City, zip code 07738 (Mexico); Industrial Engineering Department, Technological Institute of Pachuca, Road México-Pachuca km. 87.5, Pachuca de Soto zip code 42080, Hidalgo (Mexico); Gómez Yáñez, C. [Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, ESIQIE, National Polytechnic Institute, UPALM, Zacatenco, Mexico City, zip code 07738 (Mexico); Arenas Flores, A. [Academic Area of Earth Sciences and Materials, Autonomous University of Hidalgo State, Road Pachuca-Tulancingo km 4.5, Mineral de la Reforma zip code 42184, Hidalgo (Mexico); Cabrera Sierra, R. [Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, ESIQIE, National Polytechnic Institute, UPALM, Zacatenco, Mexico City, zip code 07738 (Mexico); Pérez Labra, M. [Academic Area of Earth Sciences and Materials, Autonomous University of Hidalgo State, Road Pachuca-Tulancingo km 4.5, Mineral de la Reforma zip code 42184, Hidalgo (Mexico)

2014-01-15

Highlights: • The evolution phase Ba{sub 8}Ti{sub 3}Nb{sub 4}O{sub 24} was obtained through the mechanism Ba(Ti{sub 1-5x}Nb{sub 4x})O{sub 3}. • Addition of niobium can accelerate grain growth of BaTiO{sub 3} ceramics. • Ba{sub 8}Ti{sub 3}Nb{sub 4}O{sub 24} presents a dielectric loss of 0.0035 and permittivity value of 54.6. • Electrical measurements showed that Nb{sup 5+} content drops Curie temperature. • Samples with x ⩾ 0.0625 shows an insulating behavior. -- Abstract: In this work, the structural evolution of hexagonal phase Ba{sub 8}Ti{sub 3}Nb{sub 4}O{sub 24} by adding Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5} to perovskite structure of BaTiO{sub 3} was investigated. The compositions Ba(Ti{sub 1-5x}Nb{sub 4x})O{sub 3} ceramics, with 0.00025 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.125 were prepared by the conventional solid state route in air atmosphere, the powders precursors, BaTiO{sub 3}, BaCO{sub 3} and Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5}, were mixed in stoichiometric proportions and ground in a ball mill using alumina balls and acetone. The mixed powders were calcined at temperatures up to 1500 °C. The phase transformation of Ba{sub 8}Ti{sub 3}Nb{sub 4}O{sub 24} from BaTiO{sub 3} was studied by DRX, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, electrical measurements (relative permittivity and P–E hysteresis loops); Rietveld’s refinement was used to structurally characterize the samples. For the devices obtained capacitance was measured at 1 kHz; with these values we calculated the relative permittivity. The samples show typical P–E hysteresis loops at room temperature accompanied by saturation polarization (Ps) and remnant polarization (Pr). The DRX and Rietveld’s refinement results show x ⩽ 0.01 has a ferroelectric behavior. When the doped level is increased x ⩾ 0.02, a peak displacement is observed, this is due to the phase transformation of tetragonal to cubic into the unit cell. Finally, with x = 0.125 the crystal structure transforms to the characteristic hexagonal phase Ba{sub 8}Ti{sub 3}Nb{sub 4}O{sub 24} which

The Low-Level Control System for the CERN PS Multi-Turn Extraction Kickers

CERN Document Server

Schipper, J; Boucly, C; Carlier, E; Fowler, T; Gaudillet, H; Noulibos, R; Sermeus, L

2010-01-01

To reduce the beam losses when preparing high intensity proton beam for the CERN Neutrino to Gran Sasso (CNGS) facility, a new Multi-Turn extraction (MTE) scheme has been implemented in the PS, to replace the present Continuous Transfer (CT) to the SPS. Industrial off-the-shelf components have been used for the low-level part of the MTE kicker control system. National Instruments PXI systems are used to control the high voltage pulse generators and a SIEMENS programmable logic controller (PLC) handles the centralised oil cooling and gas insulation sub-systems

Conceptual design of a novel instrument for producing intense pulses of 10 ps X-rays for ultra-fast fluorescence measurements

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gruber, G.J.

1996-05-01

A novel bench-top device for producing intense, fast pulses of x-rays has been designed with 10 ps fwhm (full-width at half-maximum) x-ray pulse width, 120 keV maximum energy, 100 kHz repetition rate, and 1 A peak current onto the x-ray anode. The device includes three sections: (1) an electron gun that generates 5 ns wide pulses of 120 keV electrons at 100 kHz; (2) solenoidal magnetic lenses and deflection plates that focus the electrons onto an aperture plate and sweep the pulsed beam past the aperture, respectively; and (3) a tungsten anode onto which the post-aperture electrons are focused, producing pulses of x-rays. At a sweeping rate of 10{sup 13} V/s, the electron pulses and resulting x-ray pulses are reduced to about 10 ps. The design process used EGUN (an electron optics and gun design program) electron trajectory simulations, including calculation of important space charge effects. When built, this instrument will be used to excite new, fast, bright scintillator samples in crystal or powdered form, allowing fluorescent lifetimes and spectra to be measured with a microchannel PMT. The very narrow 10 ps x-ray pulse width is necessary for accurate measurements of the risetimes of very fast scintillators (e.g., BaF{sub 2}). In addition, the large x-ray flux (1 A peak current) is advantageous when using a reflection grating monochromator to measure decay times at different wavelengths.

Real-time in-situ monitoring of the topotactic transformation of TlCu{sub 3}Se{sub 2} into TlCu{sub 2}Se{sub 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ångström, J.; Sahlberg, M.; Berger, R.

2015-07-15

Highlights: • Topotactic transition from TlCu{sub 3}Se{sub 2} to TlCu{sub 2}Se{sub 2} followed in situ. • Synchrotron radiation X-ray powder diffraction enabled short scans. • Relative abundance of phases refined from powder data. • Opens up for studying similar systems in the same manner. - Abstract: The solid state transformation of monoclinic TlCu{sub 3}Se{sub 2} into tetragonal TlCu{sub 2}Se{sub 2} by oxidative copper leaching in concentrated ammonia solution has been studied in situ by the use of synchrotron radiation. The diffraction patterns of parent and daughter phase are both sharp, indicating a strong topotactic relationship between them that effectuates a rapid change by “chimie douce” performed at +19 °C. The transformation rate is strongly connected to the access of oxygen from the surrounding air. The transformation was followed in a real-time mode, being almost complete after 2.5 h with 1 h incubation due to low oxygen content, as shown from refining the diffraction patterns by Rietveld profile technique.

In Situ GISAXS Study on Solvent Vapour Induced Orientation Switching in PS-b-P4VP Block Copolymer Thin Films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gowd, E Bhoje; Boehme, Marcus; Stamm, Manfred

2010-01-01

We investigated the orientation changes of cylindrical P4VP microdomains in PS-b-P4VP thin films upon annealing in different solvent vapours using the time-resolved in situ grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) for the first time. Swelling of perpendicular cylinders (C perpendicular) in a non-selective solvent vapours (chloroform) leads to the orientation change to in-plane cylinders (C//) and it occurs through a disordered state. On the other hand, swelling of perpendicular cylinders (C perpendicular) in a selective solvent vapours (1,4-dioxane) leads the morphological change from cylindrical to BCC spherical morphology. Solvent evaporation results in shrinkage of the matrix in the vertical direction and subsequently merges the spheres into the perpendicularly aligned cylinders. The selectivity of the solvent to constituting blocks and the solvent evaporation rate may be mainly responsible for such orientation change of cylindrical P4VP microdomains in PS-b-P4VP thin films.

In Situ GISAXS Study on Solvent Vapour Induced Orientation Switching in PS-b-P4VP Block Copolymer Thin Films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gowd, E Bhoje; Boehme, Marcus; Stamm, Manfred, E-mail: gowd@ipfdd.de, E-mail: bhojegowd@yahoo.com [Department of Nanostructured Materials Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden Hohe Strasse 6, 01069, Dresden (Germany)

2010-11-15

We investigated the orientation changes of cylindrical P4VP microdomains in PS-b-P4VP thin films upon annealing in different solvent vapours using the time-resolved in situ grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) for the first time. Swelling of perpendicular cylinders (C perpendicular) in a non-selective solvent vapours (chloroform) leads to the orientation change to in-plane cylinders (C//) and it occurs through a disordered state. On the other hand, swelling of perpendicular cylinders (C perpendicular) in a selective solvent vapours (1,4-dioxane) leads the morphological change from cylindrical to BCC spherical morphology. Solvent evaporation results in shrinkage of the matrix in the vertical direction and subsequently merges the spheres into the perpendicularly aligned cylinders. The selectivity of the solvent to constituting blocks and the solvent evaporation rate may be mainly responsible for such orientation change of cylindrical P4VP microdomains in PS-b-P4VP thin films.

The LLL compact 10-ps streak camera

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thomas, S.W.; Houghton, J.W.; Tripp, G.R.; Coleman, L.W.

1975-01-01

The 10-ps streak camera has been redesigned to simplify its operation, reduce manufacturing costs, and improve its appearance. The electronics have been simplified, a film indexer added, and a contacted slit has been evaluated. Data support a 10-ps resolution. (author)

PS, SL and LHC Auditoria change names

CERN Multimedia

2003-01-01

Following the replacement of the PS, SL and LHC Divisions by the AB and AT Divisions, the Auditoria are also changing their names. PS Auditorium is renamed AB Meyrin SL Auditorium is renamed AB Prévessin LHC Auditorium is renamed AT

Safety, Liveness and Run-time Refinement for Modular Process-Aware Information Systems with Dynamic Sub Processes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Debois, Søren; Hildebrandt, Thomas; Slaats, Tijs

2015-01-01

and verification of flexible, run-time adaptable process-aware information systems, moved into practice via the Dynamic Condition Response (DCR) Graphs notation co-developed with our industrial partner. Our key contributions are: (1) A formal theory of dynamic sub-process instantiation for declarative, event......We study modularity, run-time adaptation and refinement under safety and liveness constraints in event-based process models with dynamic sub-process instantiation. The study is part of a larger programme to provide semantically well-founded technologies for modelling, implementation......-based processes under safety and liveness constraints, given as the DCR* process language, equipped with a compositional operational semantics and conservatively extending the DCR Graphs notation; (2) an expressiveness analysis revealing that the DCR* process language is Turing-complete, while the fragment cor...

Human hair follicle pluripotent stem (hfPS) cells promote regeneration of peripheral-nerve injury: an advantageous alternative to ES and iPS cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Amoh, Yasuyuki; Kanoh, Maho; Niiyama, Shiro; Hamada, Yuko; Kawahara, Katsumasa; Sato, Yuichi; Hoffman, Robert M; Katsuoka, Kensei

2009-08-01

The optimal source of stem cells for regenerative medicine is a major question. Embryonic stem (ES) cells have shown promise for pluripotency but have ethical issues and potential to form teratomas. Pluripotent stem cells have been produced from skin cells by either viral-, plasmid- or transposon-mediated gene transfer. These stem cells have been termed induced pluripotent stem cells or iPS cells. iPS cells may also have malignant potential and are inefficiently produced. Embryonic stem cells may not be suited for individualized therapy, since they can undergo immunologic rejection. To address these fundamental problems, our group is developing hair follicle pluripotent stem (hfPS) cells. Our previous studies have shown that mouse hfPS cells can differentiate to neurons, glial cells in vitro, and other cell types, and can promote nerve and spinal cord regeneration in vivo. hfPS cells are located above the hair follicle bulge in what we have termed the hfPS cell area (hfPSA) and are nestin positive and keratin 15 (K-15) negative. Human hfPS cells can also differentiate into neurons, glia, keratinocytes, smooth muscle cells, and melanocytes in vitro. In the present study, human hfPS cells were transplanted in the severed sciatic nerve of the mouse where they differentiated into glial fibrillary-acidic-protein (GFAP)-positive Schwann cells and promoted the recovery of pre-existing axons, leading to nerve generation. The regenerated nerve recovered function and, upon electrical stimulation, contracted the gastrocnemius muscle. The hfPS cells can be readily isolated from the human scalp, thereby providing an accessible, autologous and safe source of stem cells for regenerative medicine that have important advantages over ES or iPS cells. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

A simple large-scale synthesis of mesoporous In{sub 2}O{sub 3} for gas sensing applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Su; Song, Peng, E-mail: mse_songp@ujn.edu.cn; Yan, Huihui; Yang, Zhongxi; Wang, Qi, E-mail: mse_wangq@ujn.edu.cn

2016-08-15

Graphical abstract: Large-scale mesoporous In{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanostructures for gas-sensing applications were successfully fabricated via a facile Lewis acid catalytic the furfural alcohol resin template route. - Highlights: • Mesoporous In{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanostructures with high-yield have been successfully fabricated via a facile strategy. • The microstructure and formation mechanism of mesoporous In{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanostructures were discussed based on the experimental results. • The as-prepared In{sub 2}O{sub 3} samples exhibited high response, short response-recovery times and good selectivity to ethanol gas. - Abstract: In this paper, large-scale mesoporous In{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanostructures were synthesized by a facile Lewis acid catalytic the furfural alcohol resin (FAR) template route for the high-yield. Their morphology and structure were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential thermal and thermogravimetry analysis (DSC-TG) and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) approach. The as-obtained mesoporous In{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanostructures possess excellent mesoporous and network structure, which increases the contact area with the gases, it is conducive for adsorption-desorption of gas on the surface of In{sub 2}O{sub 3}. The In{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles and pores were both about 15 nm and very uniform. In gas-sensing measurements with target gases, the gas sensor based on mesoporous In{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanostructures showed a good response, short response-recovery time, good selectivity and stability to ethanol. These properties are due to the large specific surface area of mesoporous structure. This synthetic method could use as a new design concept for functional mesoporous nanomaterials and for mass production.

Time resolution studies using digital constant fraction discrimination

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fallu-Labruyere, A.; Tan, H.; Hennig, W.; Warburton, W.K.

2007-01-01

Digital Pulse Processing (DPP) modules are being increasingly considered to replace modular analog electronics in medium-scale nuclear physics experiments (100-1000s of channels). One major area remains, however, where it has not been convincingly demonstrated that DPP modules are competitive with their analog predecessors-time-of-arrival measurement. While analog discriminators and time-to-amplitude converters can readily achieve coincidence time resolutions in the 300-500 ps range with suitably fast scintillators and Photomultiplier Tubes (PMTs), this capability has not been widely demonstrated with DPPs. Some concern has been expressed, in fact, that such time resolutions are attainable with the 10 ns sampling times that are presently commonly available. In this work, we present time-coincidence measurements taken using a commercially available DPP (the Pixie-4 from XIA LLC) directly coupled to pairs of fast PMTs mated with either LSO or LaBr 3 scintillator crystals and excited by 22 Na γ-ray emissions. Our results, 886 ps for LSO and 576 ps for LaBr 3 , while not matching the best literature results using analog electronics, are already well below 1 ns and fully adequate for a wide variety of experiments. These results are shown not to be limited by the DPPs themselves, which achieved 57 ps time resolution using a pulser, but are degraded in part both by the somewhat limited number of photoelectrons we collected and by a sub-optimum choice of PMT. Analysis further suggests that increasing the sampling speed would further improve performance. We therefore conclude that DPP time-of-arrival resolution is already adequate to supplant analog processing in many applications and that further improvements could be achieved with only modest efforts

Nouvelle application de control des cavités 200 MHz RF du PS (CERN)

CERN Document Server

Cotte, D

2011-01-01

Le système Radio Fréquence (RF) 200MHz du PS est un outil essentiel pour la préparation des faisceaux haute intensité du PS. Dans l’anneau PS on trouve 6 cavités 200 MHz utilisées pour contrôler : • l’émittance longitudinale des « bunches » • le processus de « Rebunching » du faisceau avant de l’envoyer au SPS. Chaque cavité est pilotée par des événements appelés « timing » et suit une fonction de tension programmée. Cependant, l’électronique utilisée pour piloter les cavités 200 MHz du PS est obsolète et sa fiabilité non garantie pour cause du manque de pièces de rechange. Ce document décrit le fonctionnement du nouveau programme d’application qui fait abstraction de l’ancienne matrice hardware. Elle suit les recommandations décrites dans l’étude d’une nouvelle structure pour le système RF 200MHz du PS. [1

Psühhodraama - spontaansuse kool / Taimi Elenurm

Index Scriptorium Estoniae

Elenurm, Taimi

2010-01-01

Viinis ja New Yorgis tegutsenud psühhiaatri Jakob Levy Moreno loodud psühhodraamast, mis võimaldab rollimängu kaudu näha ennast läbi teiste silmade, aga ka vabaneda pingetest andes võimaluse käituda teisiti kui tavaelus

Comparison of charge collection in semiconductor detectors and timing resolution, using a sub-nanosecond transimpedance amplifier

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rudge, A.

1995-01-01

A transimpedance amplifier, with a risetime of <600 ps and a noise of <1000 RMS electrons in a 500 MHz bandwidth, has been used for comparison of charge collection times in silicon, gallium arsenide and diamond detectors. The use of silicon detectors as trigger counters/hodoscopes is demonstrated, together with measured timing characteristics. (orig.)

Comparison of charge collection in semiconductor detectors and timing resolution, using a sub-nanosecond transimpedance amplifier

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rudge, A. [European Organization for Nuclear Research, Geneva (Switzerland)

1995-06-01

A transimpedance amplifier, with a risetime of <600 ps and a noise of <1000 RMS electrons in a 500 MHz bandwidth, has been used for comparison of charge collection times in silicon, gallium arsenide and diamond detectors. The use of silicon detectors as trigger counters/hodoscopes is demonstrated, together with measured timing characteristics. (orig.).

Development of a 64-channel 100 ps TDC module

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu Xiaohua; An Qi; Liu Shubin; Su Hong; Zhan Wenlong

2009-01-01

Multi-wire drift chamber at external target experiment in HIRFL-CSR measures drift time of charged particles to obtain the track information. A 64-channel TDC module hosting high density connectors and high performance TDC chips (HPTDC) are used to perform the time digitization. Data of the module is transferred to computer through PXI bus. The test results show that a 100 ps resolution has been achieved. (authors)

Interferometrically enhanced sub-terahertz picosecond imaging utilizing a miniature collapsing-field-domain source

Science.gov (United States)

Vainshtein, Sergey N.; Duan, Guoyong; Mikhnev, Valeri A.; Zemlyakov, Valery E.; Egorkin, Vladimir I.; Kalyuzhnyy, Nikolay A.; Maleev, Nikolai A.; Näpänkangas, Juha; Sequeiros, Roberto Blanco; Kostamovaara, Juha T.

2018-05-01

Progress in terahertz spectroscopy and imaging is mostly associated with femtosecond laser-driven systems, while solid-state sources, mainly sub-millimetre integrated circuits, are still in an early development phase. As simple and cost-efficient an emitter as a Gunn oscillator could cause a breakthrough in the field, provided its frequency limitations could be overcome. Proposed here is an application of the recently discovered collapsing field domains effect that permits sub-THz oscillations in sub-micron semiconductor layers thanks to nanometer-scale powerfully ionizing domains arising due to negative differential mobility in extreme fields. This shifts the frequency limit by an order of magnitude relative to the conventional Gunn effect. Our first miniature picosecond pulsed sources cover the 100-200 GHz band and promise milliwatts up to ˜500 GHz. Thanks to the method of interferometrically enhanced time-domain imaging proposed here and the low single-shot jitter of ˜1 ps, our simple imaging system provides sufficient time-domain imaging contrast for fresh-tissue terahertz histology.

Synthesis and characterization of Bi{sub 1.56}Sb{sub 1.48}Co{sub 0.96}O{sub 7} pyrochlore sun-light-responsive photocatalyst

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Naceur, Benhadria, E-mail: nacer1974@yahoo.fr [Laboratory of Inorganic Materials Chemistry and Application, Department of Materials Engineering, University of Science and Technology of Oran (USTO M.B), BP 1505, El M’naouar, 31000 Oran (Algeria); Abdelkader, Elaziouti, E-mail: elaziouti_a@yahoo.com [Laboratory of Inorganic Materials Chemistry and Application, Department of Materials Engineering, University of Science and Technology of Oran (USTO M.B), BP 1505, El M’naouar, 31000 Oran (Algeria); Dr Moulay Tahar University, Saida (Algeria); Nadjia, Laouedj, E-mail: nlaouedj@yahoo.fr [Laboratory of Inorganic Materials Chemistry and Application, Department of Materials Engineering, University of Science and Technology of Oran (USTO M.B), BP 1505, El M’naouar, 31000 Oran (Algeria); Dr Moulay Tahar University, Saida (Algeria); Sellami, Mayouf, E-mail: Mourad7dz@yahoo.fr [Laboratory of Inorganic Materials Chemistry and Application, Department of Materials Engineering, University of Science and Technology of Oran (USTO M.B), BP 1505, El M’naouar, 31000 Oran (Algeria); Noureddine, Bettahar, E-mail: nbettahar2001@yahoo.fr [Laboratory of Inorganic Materials Chemistry and Application, Department of Materials Engineering, University of Science and Technology of Oran (USTO M.B), BP 1505, El M’naouar, 31000 Oran (Algeria)

2016-02-15

Graphical abstract: Heterogeneous photo Fenton process with dye sensitized mechanism of RhB by Bi{sub 1.56}Sb{sub 1.48}Co{sub 0.96}O{sub 7} compound. - Highlights: • Bi{sub 1.56}Sb{sub 1.48}Co{sub 0.96}O{sub 7} (BSCO) catalyst was synthesized by improved solid state reaction method. • BSCO/H{sub 2}O{sub 2}/UVA and BSCO/H{sub 2}O{sub 2}/SL catalyst systems exhibit excellent photocatalytic activities for rhodamine B. • The photocatalytic degradation was preceded via heterogeneous photo Fenton mechanism process. • ·OH radicals are the main reactive species for the degradation of RhB. - Abstract: Novel nanostructure pyrochlore Bi{sub 1.56}Sb{sub 1.48}Co{sub 0.96}O{sub 7} was successfully synthesized via solid state reaction method in air. The as-synthesized photocatalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy techniques. The results showed that the BSCO was crystallized with the pyrochlore-type structure, cubic crystal system and space group Fd3m. The average particle size and band gap for BSCO were D = 76.29 nm and E{sub g} = 1.50 eV respectively. Under the optimum conditions for discoloration of the dye: initial concentration of 20 mg L{sup −1} RhB, pH 7, 25 °C, 0.5 mL H{sub 2}O{sub 2} and BSCO/dye mass ration of 1 g L{sup −1}, 97.77 and 90.16% of RhB were removed with BSCO/H{sub 2}O{sub 2} photocatalytic system within 60 min of irradiation time under UVA- and SL irradiations respectively. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model gave the best fit, with highest correlation coefficients (R{sup 2} ≥ 0.99). On the base of these results, the mechanism of the enhancement of the discoloration efficiency was discussed. .

Fabrication of BaTiO{sub 3}/Ni composite particles and their electro-magneto responsive properties

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lu, Yaping [Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, Xi’an 710119 (China); School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119 (China); Gao, Lingxiang, E-mail: gaolx@snnu.edu.cn [Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, Xi’an 710119 (China); School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119 (China); Wang, Lijuan [Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, Xi’an 710119 (China); School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119 (China); Xie, Zunyuan, E-mail: zyxie123@snnu.edu.cn [Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, Xi’an 710119 (China); School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119 (China); Gao, Meixiang [Yulin Vocational and Technical College, Yulin 719000 (China); Zhang, Weiqiang [Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry (Shaanxi Normal University), Ministry of Education, Xi’an 710119 (China); School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119 (China)

2017-07-15

Graphical abstract: The spherical BaTiO{sub 3}/Ni particles with excellent structure were made by one-step method through fixing the metal Ni(0) reduced by a specific reducing agent (N{sub 2}H{sub 4}·H{sub 2}O) on the surface of the BaTiO{sub 3} particles with grain diameter of ∼500 nm. BaTiO{sub 3}/Ni particle has double responses of electric and magnetic field simultaneously. Consequentially, coating magnetic metal on BT particle is proposed an effective method to prepare novel electro-magneto responsive particles and one basis of electro-magneto responsive elastomers. - Highlights: • The BaTiO{sub 3}/Ni composite particles were fabricated. • The content of Ni(0) in nickel sheath is 70.2%. • The BaTiO{sub 3}/Ni particles have double responses of electric and magnetic field. - Abstract: BaTiO{sub 3} (BT)/Ni composite particles were made by one-step method through agglomerating the metal Ni(0) nanoparticles reduced by a specific reducing agent (N{sub 2}H{sub 4}·H{sub 2}O) on the surface of BT sphere with diameter of ∼500 nm. The BT/Ni composite particles were characterized by the means of scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In BT/Ni particles, pure BT spherical particle was coated with Ni nanoparticles agglomerated on its surface. The average thickness of the Ni sheath was ∼30 nm and the content of Ni(0) and Ni (II) in the sheath were 70.2% and 29.8%, respectively. The responsive effects of BT/Ni particles filled in hydrogel elastomer were investigated by the viscoelastic properties. The results indicate that the BT/Ni particles exhibit electro and magneto coordinated responsive properties (E = 1 kV/mm, H = 0.1 T/mm), which is superior to BT particles with individual electro response.

Ultrafast time measurements by time-correlated single photon counting coupled with superconducting single photon detector

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shcheslavskiy, V., E-mail: vis@becker-hickl.de; Becker, W. [Becker & Hickl GmbH, Nahmitzer Damm 30, 12277 Berlin (Germany); Morozov, P.; Divochiy, A. [Scontel, Rossolimo St., 5/22-1, Moscow 119021 (Russian Federation); Vakhtomin, Yu. [Scontel, Rossolimo St., 5/22-1, Moscow 119021 (Russian Federation); Moscow State Pedagogical University, 1/1 M. Pirogovskaya St., Moscow 119991 (Russian Federation); Smirnov, K. [Scontel, Rossolimo St., 5/22-1, Moscow 119021 (Russian Federation); Moscow State Pedagogical University, 1/1 M. Pirogovskaya St., Moscow 119991 (Russian Federation); National Research University Higher School of Economics, 20 Myasnitskaya St., Moscow 101000 (Russian Federation)

2016-05-15

Time resolution is one of the main characteristics of the single photon detectors besides quantum efficiency and dark count rate. We demonstrate here an ultrafast time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) setup consisting of a newly developed single photon counting board SPC-150NX and a superconducting NbN single photon detector with a sensitive area of 7 × 7 μm. The combination delivers a record instrument response function with a full width at half maximum of 17.8 ps and system quantum efficiency ∼15% at wavelength of 1560 nm. A calculation of the root mean square value of the timing jitter for channels with counts more than 1% of the peak value yielded about 7.6 ps. The setup has also good timing stability of the detector–TCSPC board.

Non-Linear Optical Phenomena in Detecting Materials as a Possibility for Fast Timing in Detectors of Ionizing Radiation

CERN Document Server

Korjik, M. V.; Buganov, O.; Fedorov, A. A.; Emelianchik, I.; Griesmayer, E.; Mechinsky, V.; Nargelas, S.; Sidletskiy, O.; Tamulaitis, G.; Tikhomirov, S. N.; Vaitkevicius, A.

2016-01-01

The time resolution of the detectors currently in use is limited by 50-70 ps due to the spontaneous processes involved in the development of the response signal, which forms after the relaxation of carriers generated during the interaction. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of exploiting sub-picosecond phenomena occurring after the interaction of scintillator material with ionizing radiation by probing the material with ultra-short laser pulses. One of the phenomena is the elastic polarization due to the local lattice distortion caused by the displacement of electrons and holes generated by ionization. The key feature of the elastic polarization is its short response time, which makes it prospective for using as an optically detectable time mark. The nonlinear optical absorption of femtosecond light pulses of appropriate wavelength is demonstrated to be a prospective tool to form the mark. This study was aimed at searching for inorganic crystalline media combining scintillation properties and non-...

Ps 22 in Gospels’ interpretation of Passion

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sylwester Jędrzejewski

2012-09-01

Full Text Available Ps 22 is a piece of artistically high poetry, clear images and metaphors, historical and prophetic references. The conviction of biblical scholars that the New Testament writers has recognized in Ps 22 prophetic witness of passion, accompanies the Church from its beginnings. The words of Jesus on the cross, taken from Ps 22: 2, have a character of lamentable re-symbolization of the prayer of Israel. These words establish a theological answer in the form of suitable credo as well. Dramatic question “why?” is connected with a proclamation and identification “My God”. The personal experience of oppression and death is included by Jesus in the history of his nation and in the experience of God. Ps 22 in the Gospels’ passion context becomes a proclamation form of prayer and a very personal, expressed in such dramatic circumstances confession of the faith.

Sex-specific responses of Populus yunnanensis exposed to elevated CO{sub 2} and salinity

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ling Li; Yuanbin Zhang; Chunyang Li [Chinese Academy of Sciences. Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chengdu (Switzerland); Jianxun Luo, Sichuan Academy of Forestry, Chengdu (Switzerland)); Korpelainen, H. [Univ. of Helsinki. Dept. of Agricultural Sciences, Helsinki (Finland)

2013-04-15

Populus yunnanensis Dode., a native dioecious woody plant in southwestern China, was employed as a model species to study sex-specific morphological, physiological and biochemical responses to elevated CO{sub 2} and salinity. To investigate the effects of elevated CO{sub 2}, salinity and their combination, the cuttings were exposed to two CO{sub 2} regimes (ambient CO{sub 2} and double ambient CO{sub 2}) and two salt treatments in growth chambers. Males exhibited greater downregulation of net photosynthesis rate (A{sub net}) and carboxylation efficiency (CE) than females at elevated CO{sub 2}, whereas these sexual differences were lessened under salt stress. On the other hand, salinity induced a higher decrease in Anet and CE, more growth inhibition and leaf Cl{sup -} accumulation and more damage to cell organelles in females than in males, whereas the sexual differences in photosynthesis and growth were lessened at elevated CO{sub 2}. Moreover, elevated CO{sub 2} exacerbated membrane lipid peroxidation and organelle damage in females but not in males under salt stress. Our results indicated that: (1) females are more sensitive and suffer from greater negative effects than do males under salt stress, and elevated CO{sub 2} lessens the sexual differences in photosynthesis and growth under salt stress; (2) elevated CO{sub 2} tends to aggravate the negative effects of salinity in females; and (3) sex-specific reactions under the combination of elevated CO{sub 2} and salinity are distinct from single-stress responses. Therefore, these results provide evidence for different adaptive responses between plants of different sexes exposed to elevated CO{sub 2} and salinity. (Author)

Modular 125 ps resolution time interval digitizer for 10 MHz stop burst rates and 33 ms range

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Turko, B.

1978-01-01

A high resolution multiple stop time interval digitizer is described. It is capable of resolving stop burst rates of up to 10 MHz with an incremental resolution of 125 ps within a range of 33 ms. The digitizer consists of five CAMAC modules and uses a standard CAMAC crate and controller. All the functions and ranges are completely computer controlled. Any two subsequent stop pulses in a burst can be resolved within 100 ns due to a new dual interpolation technique employed. The accuracy is maintained by a high stability 125 MHz reference clock. Up to 131 stop events can be stored in a 48-bit, 10 MHz derandomizing storage register before the digitizer overflows. The experimental data are also given

TL-OSL study of Li{sub 3}PO{sub 4}: Mg, Cu phosphor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rahangdale, S. R., E-mail: sachin.rahangdale1@gmail.com; Wankhede, S. P. [Department of Physics, K.D.K.College of Engineering, Nagpur (India); Dhabekar, B. S. [RPAD, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085 (India); Palikundwar, U. A.; Moharil, S. V. [Department of Physics, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur, 440010 (India)

2015-08-28

In the present work, we report the thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence properties of Mg and Cu doped Li{sub 3}PO{sub 4} phosphor. The phosphor was synthesized by precipitation method. The thermoluminescence dosimetric peak temperature for the phosphor varies with concentrations of Mg and Cu. Li{sub 3}PO{sub 4} shows good response to 470nm optical stimulation. The OSL sensitivity of the phosphor is approximately 12 times than that of standard Lithium magnesium phosphate. This study may help to develop this material for the application in real time dosimetry using optically stimulated luminescence.

Laboratory spectrum of the PS radical and related astronomical search

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ohishi, M.; Yamamoto, S.; Saito, S.; Kawaguchi, K.; Suzuki, H.

1988-01-01

The millimeter-wave rotational spectrum of the PS radical (X 2Pi r) was observed in the laboratory for the first time in the frequency region of 79-293 GHz by discharging the mixture of PSCl3 and He. Some 44 lines were measured, and the rotational constant, the centrifugal distortion constant, the centrifugal distortion term of the spin-orbit coupling constant, the Lambda-type doubling constants, and the hyperfine coupling constants were determined. Based on the measured and calculated frequencies, an astronomical search for the interstellar and circumstellar PS radical was made without success in Orion KL, Sgr B2, L134N,IRC + 10216, VY CMa, and OH 231.8 + 4.2. 29 references

Plasmonic-based instrument response function for time-resolved fluorescence: toward proper lifetime analysis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Szlazak, Radoslaw; Tutaj, Krzysztof; Grudzinski, Wojciech; Gruszecki, Wieslaw I.; Luchowski, Rafal, E-mail: rafal.luchowski@umcs.pl [Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics (Poland)

2013-06-15

In this report, we investigated the so-called plasmonic platforms prepared to target ultra-short fluorescence and accurate instrumental response function in a time-domain spectroscopy and microscopy. The interaction of metallic nanoparticles with nearby fluorophores results in the increase of the dye fluorescence quantum yield, photostability and decrease of the lifetime parameter. The mentioned properties of platforms were applied to achieve a picosecond fluorescence lifetime (21 ps) of erythrosin B, used later as a better choice for deconvolution of fluorescence decays measured with 'color' sensitive photo-detectors. The ultra-short fluorescence standard based on combination of thin layers of silver film, silver colloidal nanoparticles (about 60 nm in diameter), and top layer of erythrosin B embedded in 0.2 % poly(vinyl) alcohol. The response functions were monitored on two photo-detectors; microchannel plate photomultiplier and single photon avalanche photodiode as a Rayleigh scattering and ultra-short fluorescence. We demonstrated that use of the plasmonic base fluorescence standard as an instrumental response function results in the absence of systematic error in lifetime measurements and analysis.

The Proton Beams for the New Time-of-Flight Neutron Facility at the CERN-PS

CERN Document Server

Cappi, R; Métral, G

2000-01-01

The experimental determination of neutron cross sections in fission and capture reactions as a function of the neutron energy is of primary importance in nuclear physics. Recent developments at CERN and elsewhere have shown that many fields of research and development, such as the design of Accelerator-Driven Systems (ADS) for nuclear waste incineration, nuclear astrophysics, fundamental nuclear physics, dosimetry for radiological protection and therapy, would benefit from a better knowledge of neutron cross sections. A neutron facility at the CERN-PS has been proposed with the aim of carrying out a systematic and high resolution study of neutron cross sections through Time-Of-Flight (n-TOF) measurement. The facility requires a high intensity proton beam (about 0.7x1013 particles/bunch) distributed in a short bunch (about 25 ns total length) to produce the neutrons by means of a spallation process in a lead target. To achieve these characteristics, a number of complex beam gymnastics have to be performed. All...

Comparison of the effect of plasma treatment and gamma ray irradiation on PS-Cu nanocomposite films surface

Science.gov (United States)

Farag, O. F.

2018-06-01

Polystyrene-copper (PS-Cu) nanocomposite films were treated with DC N2 plasma and gamma rays irradiations. The plasma treatment of PS-Cu film surface was carried out at different treatment times, gas pressure 0.4 Torr and the applied power 3.5 W. On the other hand, the treatment with gamma rays irradiation were carried out at irradiation doses 10, 30 and 50 kGy. The induced changes in surface properties of PS-Cu films were investigated with UV-viss spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FTIR spectroscopy techniques. In addition, the wettability property, surface free energy, spreading coefficient and surface roughness of the treated samples were studied by measuring the contact angle. The UV-viss spectroscopy analysis revealed that the optical band gap decreases with increasing the treatment time and the irradiation dose for plasma and gamma treatments, respectively. SEM observations showed that the particle size of copper particles was increased with increasing the treatment time and the irradiation dose, but gamma treatment changes the copper particles size from nano scale to micro scale. The contact angle measurements showing that the wettability property, surface free energy, spreading coefficient and surface roughness of the treated PS-Cu samples were increased remarkably with increasing the treatment time and the irradiation dose for plasma and gamma treatments, respectively. The contact angle, surface free energy, spreading coefficient and surface roughness of the treated PS-Cu samples are more influenced by plasma treatment than gamma treatment.

Administration of Bifidobacterium breve PS12929 and Lactobacillus salivarius PS12934, Two Strains Isolated from Human Milk, to Very Low and Extremely Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants: A Pilot Study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Laura Moles

2015-01-01

Full Text Available The preterm infant gut has been described as immature and colonized by an aberrant microbiota. Therefore, the use of probiotics is an attractive practice in hospitals to try to reduce morbidity and mortality in this population. The objective of this pilot study was to elucidate if administration of two probiotic strains isolated from human milk to preterm infants led to their presence in feces. In addition, the evolution of a wide spectrum of immunological compounds, including the inflammatory biomarker calprotectin, in both blood and fecal samples was also assessed. For this purpose, five preterm infants received two daily doses (~109 CFU of a 1 : 1 mixture of Bifidobacterium breve PS12929 and Lactobacillus salivarius PS12934. Bacterial growth was detected by culture-dependent techniques in all the fecal samples. The phylum Firmicutes dominated in nearly all fecal samples while L. salivarius PS12934 was detected in all the infants at numerous sample collection points and B. breve PS12929 appeared in five fecal samples. Finally, a noticeable decrease in the fecal calprotectin levels was observed along time.

Administration of Bifidobacterium breve PS12929 and Lactobacillus salivarius PS12934, two strains isolated from human milk, to very low and extremely low birth weight preterm infants: a pilot study.

Science.gov (United States)

Moles, Laura; Escribano, Esperanza; de Andrés, Javier; Montes, María Teresa; Rodríguez, Juan M; Jiménez, Esther; Sáenz de Pipaón, Miguel; Espinosa-Martos, Irene

2015-01-01

The preterm infant gut has been described as immature and colonized by an aberrant microbiota. Therefore, the use of probiotics is an attractive practice in hospitals to try to reduce morbidity and mortality in this population. The objective of this pilot study was to elucidate if administration of two probiotic strains isolated from human milk to preterm infants led to their presence in feces. In addition, the evolution of a wide spectrum of immunological compounds, including the inflammatory biomarker calprotectin, in both blood and fecal samples was also assessed. For this purpose, five preterm infants received two daily doses (~10(9) CFU) of a 1:1 mixture of Bifidobacterium breve PS12929 and Lactobacillus salivarius PS12934. Bacterial growth was detected by culture-dependent techniques in all the fecal samples. The phylum Firmicutes dominated in nearly all fecal samples while L. salivarius PS12934 was detected in all the infants at numerous sample collection points and B. breve PS12929 appeared in five fecal samples. Finally, a noticeable decrease in the fecal calprotectin levels was observed along time.

Thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence properties of Dy{sup 3+}-doped CaO–Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}–B{sub 2}O{sub 3}-based glasses

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yahaba, T., E-mail: takuma.yahaba.s1@dc.tohoku.ac.jp [Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-07 Aramaki Aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579 (Japan); Fujimoto, Y. [Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-07 Aramaki Aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579 (Japan); Yanagida, T. [Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), 8916-5 Takayama, Ikoma 630-0192 (Japan); Koshimizu, M.; Tanaka, H.; Saeki, K.; Asai, K. [Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-07 Aramaki Aza Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579 (Japan)

2017-02-01

We developed Dy{sup 3+}-doped CaO–Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}–B{sub 2}O{sub 3} based glasses with Dy concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mol% using a melt-quenching technique. The as-synthesized glasses were applicable as materials exhibiting thermoluminescence (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL). The optical and radiation response properties of the glasses were characterized. In the photoluminescence (PL) spectra, two emission bands due to the {sup 4}F{sub 9/2} → {sup 6}H{sub 15/2} and {sup 4}F{sub 9/2} → {sup 6}H{sub 13/2} transitions of Dy{sup 3+} were observed at 480 and 580 nm. In the OSL spectra, the emission band due to the {sup 4}F{sub 9/2} → {sup 6}H{sub 15/2} transition of Dy{sup 3+} was observed. Excellent TL and OSL responses were observed for dose ranges of 0.1–90 Gy. In addition, TL fading behavior was better than that of OSL in term of the long-time storage. These results indicate that the Dy{sup 3+}-doped CaO–Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}–B{sub 2}O{sub 3}-based glasses are applicable as TL materials.

Rose-like I-doped Bi{sub 2}O{sub 2}CO{sub 3} microspheres with enhanced visible light response: DFT calculation, synthesis and photocatalytic performance

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zai, Jiantao; Cao, Fenglei; Liang, Na; Yu, Ke; Tian, Yuan; Sun, Huai; Qian, Xuefeng, E-mail: xfqian@sjtu.edu.cn

2017-01-05

Highlights: • DFT reveals I{sup −} can partially substitute CO{sub 3}{sup 2−}to narrow the bandgap of Bi{sub 2}O{sub 2}CO{sub 3}. • Sodium citrate play a key role on the formation of rose-like I-doped Bi{sub 2}O{sub 2}CO{sub 3}. • Rose-like I-doped Bi{sub 2}O{sub 2}CO{sub 3} show enhanced visible light response. • The catalyst has enhanced photocatalytic activity to organic and Cr(VI) pollutes. - Abstract: Based on the crystal structure and the DFT calculation of Bi{sub 2}O{sub 2}CO{sub 3}, I{sup −} can partly replace the CO{sub 3}{sup 2−}in Bi{sub 2}O{sub 2}CO{sub 3} to narrow its bandgap and to enhance its visible light absorption. With this in mind, rose-like I-doped Bi{sub 2}O{sub 2}CO{sub 3} microspheres were prepared via a hydrothermal process. This method can also be extended to synthesize rose-like Cl- or Br-doped Bi{sub 2}O{sub 2}CO{sub 3} microspheres. Photoelectrochemical test supports the DFT calculation result that I- doping narrows the bandgap of Bi{sub 2}O{sub 2}CO{sub 3} by forming two intermediate levels in its forbidden band. Further study reveals that I-doped Bi{sub 2}O{sub 2}CO{sub 3} microspheres with optimized composition exhibit the best photocatalytic activity. Rhodamine B can be completely degraded within 6 min and about 90% of Cr(VI) can be reduced after 25 min under the irradiation of visible light (λ > 400 nm).

Time-resolved interaction investigations of carbocyanine dyes and chlorophyll a in solution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Feller, K.H.; Fassler, D.

1983-01-01

Using a Nd:YAG laser/streak camera system of 30 ps time resolution the quenching of the fluorescence of the carbocyanine dye ICC by chlorophyll a in methanolic solution was investigated. The fluorescence lifetime of ICC decreased within the chlorophyll concentration range 0 - 9x10 - 5 mol/l from 170 ps to 135 ps. The observed very effective fluorescence quenching process suggests that the formation of heteroaggregates from ICC and chlorophyll is responsible for the rapid energy transfer. (author)

Luminescence properties and gamma-ray response of the Ce and Ca co-doped (Gd,Y)F{sub 3} single crystals

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kamada, Kei, E-mail: k-kamada@furukawakk.co.jp [Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Sendai (Japan); Furukawa Co. Ltd. (Japan); Yanagida, Takayuki; Fujimoto, Yutaka; Fukabori, Akihiro [Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Sendai (Japan); Yoshikawa, Akira [Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Sendai (Japan); New Industry Creation Hatchery Center, Tohoku University, Sendai (Japan); Nikl, Martin [Institute of Physics AS CR (Czech Republic)

2011-12-11

The Ca0.5% and Ce1%, 3%, 7%, 10% co-doped Gd{sub 0.5}Y{sub 0.5}F{sub 3} single crystals were grown by the {mu}-PD method. In the Ca0.5% and Ce3% co-doped sample, Ce{sup 3+}-perturbed luminescence at 380 nm was observed with 32.4 ns photoluminescence decay time. The energy transfer in the sequence of the regular Ce{sup 3+}{yields} (Gd{sup 3+}){sub n}{yields} the perturbed Ce{sup 3+} sites was evidenced through observation of decay time shortening of the regular Ce{sup 3+} and Gd{sup 3+} centers and the change between the Gd{sup 3+} and Ce{sup 3+}-perturbed emission intensity. The gamma-ray excited scintillation response of the Ca0.5%, Ce7% co-doped Gd{sub 0.5}Y{sub 0.5}F{sub 3} sample was investigated with the help of the pulse height spectra and the light yield, energy resolution and non-proportionality was evaluated in the interval of energies of 59.4-1274 keV.

Controllable synthesis of Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}/polyethyleneimine-carbon nanotubes nanocomposites for CO and NH{sub 3} gas sensing at room temperature

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lin, Yufei [Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Material Chemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080 (China); Kan, Kan [Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Material Chemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080 (China); Institute of Advanced Technology, Heilongjiang Academy of Sciences, Harbin 150000 (China); Song, Wanzhen; Zhang, Guo; Dang, Lifang [Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Material Chemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080 (China); Xie, Yu [Department of Materials Chemistry, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063 (China); Shen, Peikang [Department of Physics and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275 (China); Li, Li, E-mail: llwjjhlju@sina.cn [Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Material Chemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080 (China); Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering Process & Technology for High-efficiency Conversion, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080 (China); Shi, Keying, E-mail: shikeying2008@163.com [Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Material Chemistry, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080 (China)

2015-08-05

Graphical abstract: Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}/polyethyleneimine-carbon nanotubes composites (CoPCNTs) have been successfully controllable synthesized via hydrothermal method at different temperature. The CoPCNTs sensors exhibited the highest response to CO and NH{sub 3} gases with response time of 4 s and 4.3 s, low detection limit of 5 ppm and 1 ppm at room temperature, respectively. The enhanced gas sensing could be ascribed to the synergistic effect between the tiny size of Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} and good conductivity of carbon nanotubes functionalized by polyethyleneimine. - Highlights: • The CNTs functionalized by polyethyleneimine provided a new functional structural. • The novel 1D structure could capture and migrate electrons quickly. • The Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles liked a snake winding around CNTs. • The gas sensor could work at room temperatures, which suit to practical application. - Abstract: A novel 1D Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}/polyethyleneimine-carbon nanotubes composites (CoPCNTs) have been successfully synthesized via hydrothermal method at different temperature. The CNTs functionalized by polyethyleneimine (PCNTs) provided a new material with new structural and functional properties. The PCNTs was used as loading guider and electron transfer path. The Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles (NPs) loaded on the PCNTs surface liked a snake winding around CNTs, and the size was about 5–10 nm. The gas sensing characteristics of the CoPCNTs sensors to carbon monoxide (CO) and ammonia (NH{sub 3}) were evaluated with different gas concentration. The CoPCNTs sensors grown at 160 °C exhibited the highest response to CO and NH{sub 3} gases with response time of 4 s and 4.3 s at room temperature (RT), respectively. Hence, the approach developed in this work would be important for the low-cost and large-scale production of the CoPCNTs materials with highly promising applications in gas sensors.

High-voltage isolation transformer for sub-nanosecond rise time pulses constructed with annular parallel-strip transmission lines.

Science.gov (United States)

Homma, Akira

2011-07-01

A novel annular parallel-strip transmission line was devised to construct high-voltage high-speed pulse isolation transformers. The transmission lines can easily realize stable high-voltage operation and good impedance matching between primary and secondary circuits. The time constant for the step response of the transformer was calculated by introducing a simple low-frequency equivalent circuit model. Results show that the relation between the time constant and low-cut-off frequency of the transformer conforms to the theory of the general first-order linear time-invariant system. Results also show that the test transformer composed of the new transmission lines can transmit about 600 ps rise time pulses across the dc potential difference of more than 150 kV with insertion loss of -2.5 dB. The measured effective time constant of 12 ns agreed exactly with the theoretically predicted value. For practical applications involving the delivery of synchronized trigger signals to a dc high-voltage electron gun station, the transformer described in this paper exhibited advantages over methods using fiber optic cables for the signal transfer system. This transformer has no jitter or breakdown problems that invariably occur in active circuit components.

Ultra-long Zn{sub 2}SnO{sub 4}-ZnO microwires based gas sensor for hydrogen detection

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fan, Hong [School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819 (China); Xu, Shucong [School of Material Science & Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061 (China); Cao, Xianmin; Liu, Daoxi; Yin, Yaoyu; Hao, Haiyong; Wei, Dezhou [School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819 (China); Shen, Yanbai, E-mail: shenyanbai@mail.neu.edu.cn [School of Resources and Civil Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819 (China)

2017-04-01

Highlights: • Ultra-long Zn{sub 2}SnO{sub 4}-ZnO microwires with excellent crystallinity and high yield were obtained. • The maximal length-to-diameter ratio of Zn{sub 2}SnO{sub 4}-ZnO microwires is approximately 1500. • Ultra-long Zn{sub 2}SnO{sub 4}-ZnO microwires show outstanding H{sub 2} sensing properties. - Abstract: Ultra-long Zn{sub 2}SnO{sub 4}-ZnO microwires were synthesized by thermal evaporation of the mixture of SnO{sub 2}, ZnO and C powders. Microstructural characterization by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed that Zn{sub 2}SnO{sub 4}-ZnO microwires with excellent crystallinity were 2.8–3.2 μm in diameter and 4.0–4.2 mm in length. The maximal length-to-diameter ratio of Zn{sub 2}SnO{sub 4}-ZnO microwires is approximately 1500. H{sub 2} sensing properties showed that Zn{sub 2}SnO{sub 4}-ZnO microwires exhibited not only excellent reversibility to H{sub 2}, but also a good linear relationship between the sensor response and H{sub 2} concentration. The response time and recovery time decreased as the operating temperature increased. The highest sensor response of 9.6 to 1000 ppm H{sub 2} was achieved at an operating temperature of 300 °C. The electron depletion theory was used for explaining H{sub 2} sensing mechanism by the chemical adsorption and reaction of H{sub 2} molecules on the surface of Zn{sub 2}SnO{sub 4}-ZnO microwires.

Updating the Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Core Domain Set

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Orbai, Ana-Maria; de Wit, Maarten; Mease, Philip J

2017-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To include the patient perspective in accordance with the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Filter 2.0 in the updated Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Core Domain Set for randomized controlled trials (RCT) and longitudinal observational studies (LOS). METHODS: At OMERACT 2016, research...... conducted to update the PsA Core Domain Set was presented and discussed in breakout groups. The updated PsA Core Domain Set was voted on and endorsed by OMERACT participants. RESULTS: We conducted a systematic literature review of domains measured in PsA RCT and LOS, and identified 24 domains. We conducted...... and breakout groups at OMERACT 2016 in which findings were presented and discussed. The updated PsA Core Domain Set endorsed with 90% agreement by OMERACT 2016 participants included musculoskeletal disease activity, skin disease activity, fatigue, pain, patient's global assessment, physical function, health...

Power series fitting of current-voltage characteristics of Al doped ZnO thin film-Sb doped (Ba{sub 0.8}Sr{sub 0.2})TiO{sub 3} heterojunction diode

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sirikulrat, N., E-mail: scphi003@chiangmai.ac.th

2012-02-29

The current-voltage (I-V) relationship of aluminum doped zinc oxide thin film-antimony doped barium strontium titanate single heterojunction diodes was investigated. The linear I-V characteristics are similar to those of the PN junction diodes. The linear conduction at a low forward bias voltage as predicted by the space charge limited current theory and the trap free square law at a higher forward voltage are observed. The overall current density-voltage (J-V) characteristics of the diodes are found to be well described by the Power Series Equation J= N-Ary-Summation {sub m}C{sub m}V{sup m} where C{sub m} is the leakage constant at particular power m with the best fit for the power m found to be at the fourth and fifth orders for the forward and reverse bias respectively. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The n-n isotype heterojunction diodes of ceramic oxide semiconductors were prepared. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The current density-voltage (J-V) curves were analyzed using the Power Series (PS). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The J-V characteristics were found to be well described with PS at low order. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The thermionic emission and diode leakage currents were comparatively discussed.

An HDAC2-TET1 switch at distinct chromatin regions significantly promotes the maturation of pre-iPS to iPS cells

Science.gov (United States)

Wei, Tingyi; Chen, Wen; Wang, Xiukun; Zhang, Man; Chen, Jiayu; Zhu, Songcheng; Chen, Long; Yang, Dandan; Wang, Guiying; Jia, Wenwen; Yu, Yangyang; Duan, Tao; Wu, Minjuan; Liu, Houqi; Gao, Shaorong; Kang, Jiuhong

2015-01-01

The maturation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) is one of the limiting steps of somatic cell reprogramming, but the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. Here, we reported that knockdown of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) specifically promoted the maturation of iPS cells. Further studies showed that HDAC2 knockdown significantly increased histone acetylation, facilitated TET1 binding and DNA demethylation at the promoters of iPS cell maturation-related genes during the transition of pre-iPS cells to a fully reprogrammed state. We also found that HDAC2 competed with TET1 in the binding of the RbAp46 protein at the promoters of maturation genes and knockdown of TET1 markedly prevented the activation of these genes. Collectively, our data not only demonstrated a novel intrinsic mechanism that the HDAC2-TET1 switch critically regulates iPS cell maturation, but also revealed an underlying mechanism of the interplay between histone acetylation and DNA demethylation in gene regulation. PMID:25934799

Negligible substrate clamping effect on piezoelectric response in (111)-epitaxial tetragonal Pb(Zr, Ti)O{sub 3} films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yamada, Tomoaki, E-mail: t-yamada@nucl.nagoya-u.ac.jp [Department of Materials, Physics and Energy Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603 (Japan); PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012 (Japan); Yasumoto, Jun; Ito, Daisuke; Yoshino, Masahito; Nagasaki, Takanori [Department of Materials, Physics and Energy Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603 (Japan); Sakata, Osami [Synchrotron X-ray Station at SPring-8 and Synchrotron X-ray Group, National Institute for Materials Science, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148 (Japan); Department of Innovative and Engineered Material, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8503 (Japan); Imai, Yasuhiko [Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, SPring-8, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5198 (Japan); Kiguchi, Takanori [Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577 (Japan); Shiraishi, Takahisa; Shimizu, Takao; Funakubo, Hiroshi [Department of Innovative and Engineered Material, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8503 (Japan)

2015-08-21

The converse piezoelectric responses of (111)- and (001)-epitaxial tetragonal Pb(Zr{sub 0.35}Ti{sub 0.65})O{sub 3} [PZT] films were compared to investigate the orientation dependence of the substrate clamping effect. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) and piezoelectric force microscopy revealed that the as-grown (111)-PZT film has a polydomain structure with normal twin boundaries that are changed by the poling process to inclined boundaries, as predicted by Romanov et al. [Phys. Status Solidi A 172, 225 (1999)]. Time-resolved synchrotron XRD under bias voltage showed the negligible impact of substrate clamping on the piezoelectric response in the (111)-PZT film, unlike the case for (001)-PZT film. The origin of the negligible clamping effect in the (111)-PZT film is discussed from the viewpoint of the elastic properties and the compensation of lattice distortion between neighboring domains.

Ultrafast optical responses of {beta}-carotene and lycopene probed by sub-20-fs time-resolved coherent spectroscopy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fujiwara, M.; Sugisaki, M. [CREST-JST and Department of Physics, Osaka City University, Osaka 558-8585 (Japan); Gall, A.; Robert, B. [CEA, Institut de Biologie et Technologies de Saclay, and CNRS, Gif-sur-Yvette F-91191 (France); Cogdell, R.J. [IBLS, Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, Scotland (United Kingdom); Hashimoto, H., E-mail: hassy@sci.osaka-cu.ac.j [CREST-JST and Department of Physics, Osaka City University, Osaka 558-8585 (Japan)

2009-12-15

We investigate how structural distortions in carotenoid cause decoherences of its high-frequency vibrational modes by applying the sub-20-fs time-resolved transient grating spectroscopy to {beta}-carotene and lycopene. The results indicate that the C=C central stretching mode shows significant loss of coherence under the effects of the steric hindrance between {beta}-ionone ring and polyene backbone, whereas the other high-frequency modes do not show such dependency on the structural distortions.

Ultrafast optical responses of β-carotene and lycopene probed by sub-20-fs time-resolved coherent spectroscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fujiwara, M.; Sugisaki, M.; Gall, A.; Robert, B.; Cogdell, R.J.; Hashimoto, H.

2009-01-01

We investigate how structural distortions in carotenoid cause decoherences of its high-frequency vibrational modes by applying the sub-20-fs time-resolved transient grating spectroscopy to β-carotene and lycopene. The results indicate that the C=C central stretching mode shows significant loss of coherence under the effects of the steric hindrance between β-ionone ring and polyene backbone, whereas the other high-frequency modes do not show such dependency on the structural distortions.

Package-friendly piezoresistive pressure sensors with on-chip integrated packaging-stress-suppressed suspension (PS3) technology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, Jiachou; Li, Xinxin

2013-01-01

An on-chip integrated packaging-stress-suppressed suspension (PS 3 ) technology for a packaging-stress-free pressure sensor is proposed and developed. With a MIS (microholes interetch and sealing) micromachining process implemented only from the front-side of a single-side polished (1 1 1) silicon wafer, a compact cantilever-shaped PS 3 is on-chip integrated surrounding a piezoresistive pressure-sensing structure to provide a packaging-process/substrate-friendly method for low-cost but high-performance sensor applications. With the MIS process, the chip size of the PS 3 -enclosed pressure sensor is as small as 0.8 mm × 0.8 mm. Compared with a normal pressure sensor without PS 3 (but with an identical pressure-sensing structure), the proposed pressure sensor has the same sensitivity of 0.046 mV kPa −1 (3.3 V) −1 . However, without using the thermal compensation technique, a temperature coefficient of offset of only 0.016% °C −1 FS is noted for the sensor with PS 3 , which is about 15 times better than that for the sensor without PS 3 . Featuring effective isolation and elimination of the influence from packaging stress, the PS 3 technique is promising to be widely used for packaging-friendly mechanical sensors. (paper)

Nearly penalty-free, less than 4 ps supercontinuum Gbit/s pulse generation over 1535-1560 nm

Science.gov (United States)

Morioka, T.; Kawanishi, S.; Mori, K.; Saruwatari, M.

1994-05-01

Nearly penalty-free less than 4ps supercontinuum WDM pulses are generated at 6.3 Gbit/s over 1535-1560 nm for the first time using a 200 nm superbroadened supercontinuum in an optical fibre pumped by 1.7 W, 3.3 ps, 1542 nm short pulses from an Er(3+)-doped fibre ring laser.

PS overcomes two serious magnet failures

CERN Multimedia

Maximilien Brice

2003-01-01

Two magnets and a bus bar connection in the PS were found to be faulty during high-voltage tests at the end of the accelerator shutdown. A five-week repair schedule was quickly devised. A team of mechanics, technicians and engineers worked at full speed to replace the faulty magnets, succeeding in limiting the delay of the accelerators' spring start-up to two weeks. Here we see the PS magnet string awaiting the replacement no. 6 magnet.

PS Control Room

CERN Multimedia

CERN PhotoLab

1963-01-01

The good old PS Control Room, all manual. For each parameter, a knob or a button to control it; for each, a light or meter or oscilloscope to monitor it; carefully written pages serve as the data bank; phones and intercom for communication. D.Dekkers is at the microphone, M.Valvini sits in front.

Response of Tundra Ecosystems to Elevated Atmospheric CO{sub 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Oechel, Walter C.

1990-09-05

OAK B188 Response of Tundra Ecosystems to Elevated Atmospheric CO{sub 2}. Atmospheric CO{sub 2} is expected to double by the end of the next century. Global mean increases in surface air temperature of 1.5-4.5 C are anticipated with larger increases towards the poles predicted. Changes in CO{sub 2} levels and temperature could have major impacts on ecosystem functioning, including primary productivity, species composition, plant-animal interactions, and carbon storage. Until recently, there has been little direct information on the impact of changes in CO{sub 2} and temperature on native ecosystems. The study described here was undertaken to evaluate the effects of a 50 and 100% increase in atmospheric CO{sub 2}, and a 100% increase in atmospheric CO{sub 2} coupled with a 4 C summer air temperature rise on the structure and function of an arctic tussock tundra ecosystem. The arctic contains large stores of carbon as soil organic matter, much frozen in permafrost and currently not reactive or available for oxidation and release into the atmosphere. About 10-27% of the world's terrestrial carbon occurs in arctic and boreal regions, and carbon is accumulating in these regions at the rate of 0.19 GT y{sup -1}. Mean temperature increases of 11 C and summer temperature increases of 4 C have been suggested. Mean July temperatures on the arctic coastal plain and arctic foothills regions are 4-12 C, and mean annual temperatures are -7 to -13 C (Haugen, 1982). The projected temperature increases represent a substantial elevation above current temperatures which will have major impacts on physical processes such as permafrost development and development of the active layer, and on biological and ecosystem processes such as primary productivity, carbon storage, and species composition. Extreme nutrient and temperature limitation of this ecosystem raised questions of the responsiveness of arctic systems to elevated CO{sub 2}. Complex ecosystem interactions with the effects

Ternary hybrid polymeric nanocomposites through grafting of polystyrene on graphene oxide-TiO{sub 2} by surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kumar, Arvind; Bansal, Ankushi; Behera, Babita; Jain, Suman L.; Ray, Siddharth S., E-mail: ssray@iip.res.in

2016-04-01

A ternary hybrid of graphene oxide-titania-polystyrene (GO-TiO{sub 2}-PS) nanocomposite is developed where polystyrene composition is regulated by controlling growth of polymer chains and nanoarchitectonics is discussed. Graphene Oxide-TiO{sub 2} (GO-TiO{sub 2}) nanocomposite is prepared by in-situ hydrothermal method and the surface is anchored with α-bromoisobutyryl bromide to activate GO-TiO{sub 2} as initiator for polymerization. In-situ grafting of polystyrene through surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI- ATRP) on this Br-functionalized nano-composite initiator yields GO-TiO{sub 2}-PS ternary hybrid. Varying the monomer amount and keeping the concentration of initiator constant, polystyrene chain growth is regulated with narrow poly-dispersivity to achieve desired composition. This composite is well characterized by various analytical techniques like FTIR, XRD, DSC, SEM, TEM, and TGA. - Highlights: • Nanocomposite of ternary hybrid of GO-TiO{sub 2} with polystyrene. • PS is surface grafted on GO-TiO{sub 2}. • Polymer chain lengths are well regulated by SI-ATRP living polymerization. • Thermal stability of this hybrid is relatively high.

The new heart of the PS is beating strongly

CERN Multimedia

Corinne Pralavorio

2011-01-01

The PS has resumed operation with a brand new electrical power system called POPS; this enormous system comprising power electronics and capacitors is crucial because if it broke down practically no particles would be able to circulate at CERN. As soon as it started, POPS passed all the tests with flying colours and is now pulsing at full power.   The new PS power system is made up of 6 containers, each with 60 tonnes of capacitors and 8 power converters. The date 11/02/11 will always be remembered with affection by the engineers in the Electrical Power Converters Group. At 11:11 in the morning (no joke), the first beams powered by the new system began to circulate in the PS. The cutely-named POPS (POwer for PS) took over from the old rotating machine that had been working since 1968. From now on it will be POPS that supplies the PS main magnets with the electrical pulses needed to accelerate the beams for the LHC and all CERN's other facilities. The system is crucial as the PS is one of the lyn...

LEADIR-PS: the path to a safe and economic SMR

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hart, R.S. [Nothern Nuclear Industries Inc., Cambridge, Ontario (Canada)

2014-07-01

Northern Nuclear Industries Incorporated (N{sup 2} I{sup 2}) is developing a family of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) called LEADIR-PS, an acronym for LEAD-cooled Integral Reactor-Passively Safe. LEADIR-PS plants under development, focused on process heat applications and the energy demands of Canada, are the LEADIR-PS100 with an output of 100 MWth and LEADIR-PS300 with an output of 300 MWth. A plant consisting of six LEADIR-PS300 reactor modules serving a common turbine-generator, called the LEADIR-PS Six-Pack, is focused on serving areas with higher energy demands. LEADIR-PS integrates the inherent safety features of the Modular High Temperature Gas Reactor and molten lead coolant in an integral pool type reactor configuration. Molten lead coolant, which boils at 1750 {sup o}C,avoids the cost of a reactor pressure vessel and high pressure/high temperature reactor coolant systems, and the safety concerns regarding pressure vessel and large capacity reactor coolant system piping rupture and precludes evaporation of the coolant. Molten lead does not chemically react with air, water, or graphite. The Gen IV+ LEADIR-PS plants are inherently/passively safe. There are no active systems required for safe shutdown and decay heat removal. Safety is assured without active or stored energy power supply, without a requirement to reposition valves or other devices and operator intervention or action. The unprecedented safety achieved by LEADIR-PS reactors avoids requirements for a large exclusion radius and demanding evacuation plan requirements. LEADIR-PS, with steam conditions of 370 {sup o}C and 12 MPa (more than twice that of water cooled reactors), can serve over 85% of the world's non-transportation process heat demands and is ideally suited to serving Combined Heat and Electricity demands and industrial parks. Energy utilization of over 95% is feasible in process heat and Combined Heat and Electricity applications. The simple robust design of LEADIR-PS plants in

Study on the thermoluminescent properties of K{sub 2}YF{sub 5} and K{sub 2}GdF{sub 5} crystals doped with optically active trivalent ions for gamma and neutrons dosimetry; Estudo das propriedades termoluminescentes de cristais de K{sub 2}YF{sub 5} e K{sub 2}GdF{sub 5} dopados com ions trivalentes opticamente ativos para dosimetria gama e de neutrons

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Silva, Edna Carla da

2008-07-01

In this work, the thermoluminescent (TL) properties of both double potassium yttrium fluoride (K{sub 2}YF{sub 5}) and double potassium gadolinium fluoride (K{sub 2}GdF{sub 5}) crystals doped with optically active rare earth ions were investigated from the point of view of gamma and neutron dosimetry. Crystalline platelets with thickness of about 1 mm, synthesized under hydrothermal conditions, were irradiated in order to study TL sensitivity, as well as dose and energy response, reproducibility and fading, in terms of Ce{sup 3+}, Tb{sup 3+}, Dy{sup 3+}, e Pr{sup 3+} concentrations. The K{sub 2}YF{sub 5} crystals doped with 1.0 at por cent Dy{sup 3+} have been found to have an excellent linear TL response to X and gamma photons, in the range of 0.01 to 10 mGy. The TL output is comparable to that of CaS0{sub 4}:Mn dosemeters. The main peak at 130 deg C has been found to have a TL response for 41.1 keV X-ray energy 32 times higher than that for 662 keV gamma rays. This fact points out that the K{sub 2}Y{sub 0.99}Dy{sub 0.01}F{sub 5} crystals have great potential for X-rays diagnostic and/or industrial radiography. On the other hand, the K{sub 2}GdF{sub 5} crystals doped with 5.0 at por cent Dy{sup 3+} have been found to have the better TL response for gamma and fast neutron radiation, among the dopants studied. For gamma fields the TL response was linear for doses ranging from 0.1 to 200 mGy. The TL peak around 200 deg C can be deconvoluted into four individual peaks, all of them with linear behavior. For fast neutron radiation produced by an {sup 241}Am{sub B}e source, the TL responses for doses ranging from 0.6 to 12 mSv were also linear and comparable to that of commercial TLD-600, irradiated at same conditions. The TL emission due to neutrons was in the high temperature range, above 200 deg C. These results points out that K{sub 2}Gd{sub 0.95}Dy{sub 0.05}F{sub 5} crystals are good candidates for use in neutron dosimetry applications. (author)

TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles supported on the Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@SiO{sub 2} nanocomposites: a novel magnetic nanocatalyst for the synthesis of 2-aminothiazoles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Safari, Javad, E-mail: safari-jav@yahoo.com, E-mail: safari@kashanu.ac.ir; Abedi-Jazini, Zahra; Zarnegar, Zohre, E-mail: z-zarnegar@yahoo.com; Sadeghi, Masoud [University of Kashan, Laboratory of Organic Compound Research, Department of Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

2015-12-15

Nano TiO{sub 2} supported on the Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@SiO{sub 2} nanocomposites is introduced as a novel catalyst for the environmental synthesis of 2-aminothiazoles in PEG-200 as a green medium at room temperature. In this reaction, thiourea and N-bromosuccinimide were reacted with various ketones affording the desired 2-aminothiazole compounds. This green protocol has promising features for the reaction response such as simple procedure, high yields, and the ease of separation of pure product, short reaction time, and convenient manipulation. This catalyst was easily separated by an external magnet, and the recovered catalyst was reused several times without any significant loss of activity.Graphical abstract.

The 3-loop pure singlet heavy flavor contributions to the structure function F{sub 2}(x,Q{sup 2}) and the anomalous dimension

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)