#### Sample records for cellular alpha particle

1. Interaction of alpha particles at the cellular level - Implications for the radiation weighting factor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Since low dose effects of alpha particles are produced by cellular hits in a relatively small fraction of exposed cells, the present study focuses on alpha particle interactions in bronchial epithelial cells following exposure to inhaled radon progeny. A computer code was developed for the calculation of microdosimetric spectra, dose and hit probabilities for alpha particles emitted from uniform and non-uniform source distributions in cylindrical and Y-shaped bronchial airway geometries. Activity accumulations at the dividing spur of bronchial airway bifurcations produce hot spots of cellular hits, indicating that a small fraction of cells located at such sites may receive substantially higher doses. While presently available data on in vitro transformation frequencies suggest that the relative biological effectiveness for alpha particles ranges from about 3 to 10, the effect of inhomogeneous activity distributions of radon progeny may slightly increase the radiation weighting factor relative to a uniform distribution. Thus a radiation weighting factor of about 10 may be more realistic than the current value of 20, at least for lung cancer risk following inhalation of short-lived radon progeny. (authors)

2. Mechanistic model of radon-induced lung cancer risk at low exposure levels based on cellular alpha particle hits

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Werner, Hofmann; Hatim, Fakir [Salzburg Univ., Div. of Physics and Biophysics, Dept. of Material Science (Austria); Lucia-Adina, Truta-Popa [Babes-Bolyai Univ., Faculty of Physics (Romania)

2006-07-01

To explore the role of the multiplicity of cellular hits by radon progeny alpha particles for lung cancer incidence, the number of single and multiple alpha particle hits were computed for basal and secretory cells in the bronchial epithelium of human airway bifurcations employing Monte Carlo methods. Hot spots of alpha particle hits were observed at the branching points of bronchial airway bifurcations, suggesting that multiple alpha particle hits may occur primarily at carinal ridges. Random alpha particle intersections of bronchial cells during a given exposure period, selected from a Poisson distribution, were simulated by an initiation-promotion model, based on experimentally observed cellular transformation and survival functions. To consider potential bystander effects, which have been observed in cellular in vitro studies, alpha particle interactions were also simulated for larger sensitive target volumes in bronchial epithelium, consisting of a collection of cells. Lung cancer risk simulations indicated that cancer induction for continuous exposures is related to the cycle time of an irradiated cell, thus exhibiting a distinct dose-rate effect. While the dominant role of single hits leads to a linear dose-response relationship at low radon exposure levels, predicted lung cancer risk for a collection of interacting cells exhibits a linear-quadratic response, suggesting that bystander effects, if operating at all under in vivo irradiations, may be restricted to a small number of adjacent cells. (author)

3. Mechanistic model of radon-induced lung cancer risk at low exposure levels based on cellular alpha particle hits

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

To explore the role of the multiplicity of cellular hits by radon progeny alpha particles for lung cancer incidence, the number of single and multiple alpha particle hits were computed for basal and secretory cells in the bronchial epithelium of human airway bifurcations employing Monte Carlo methods. Hot spots of alpha particle hits were observed at the branching points of bronchial airway bifurcations, suggesting that multiple alpha particle hits may occur primarily at carinal ridges. Random alpha particle intersections of bronchial cells during a given exposure period, selected from a Poisson distribution, were simulated by an initiation-promotion model, based on experimentally observed cellular transformation and survival functions. To consider potential bystander effects, which have been observed in cellular in vitro studies, alpha particle interactions were also simulated for larger sensitive target volumes in bronchial epithelium, consisting of a collection of cells. Lung cancer risk simulations indicated that cancer induction for continuous exposures is related to the cycle time of an irradiated cell, thus exhibiting a distinct dose-rate effect. While the dominant role of single hits leads to a linear dose-response relationship at low radon exposure levels, predicted lung cancer risk for a collection of interacting cells exhibits a linear-quadratic response, suggesting that bystander effects, if operating at all under in vivo irradiations, may be restricted to a small number of adjacent cells. (author)

4. Disturbance from Am-241 Photons of the Cellular Dose by Am-241 Alpha Emissions: Am-241 as an alternative source of alpha particles to radon daughters

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

5. Disturbance from Am-241 Photons of the Cellular Dose by Am-241 Alpha Emissions: Am-241 as an alternative source of alpha particles to radon daughters

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Ki-Man; Kim, Eun-Hee [Seoul National University, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2015-05-15

6. Alpha particle emitters in medicine

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Radiation-induced cancer of bone, liver and lung has been a prominent harmful side-effect of medical applications of alpha emitters. In recent years, however, the potential use of antibodies labeled with alpha emitting radionuclides against cancer has seemed promising because alpha particles are highly effective in cell killing. High dose rates at high LET, effectiveness under hypoxic conditions, and minimal expectancy of repair are additional advantages of alpha emitters over antibodies labeled with beta emitting radionuclides for cancer therapy. Cyclotron-produced astatine-211 (211At) and natural bismuth-212 (212Bi) have been proposed and are under extensive study in the United States and Europe. Radium-223 (223Ra) also has favorable properties as a potential alpha emitting label, including a short-lived daughter chain with four alpha emissions. The radiation dosimetry of internal alpha emitters is complex due to nonuniformly distributed sources, short particle tracks, and high relative specific ionization. The variations in dose at the cellular level may be extreme. Alpha-particle radiation dosimetry, therefore, must involve analysis of statistical energy deposition probabilities for cellular level targets. It must also account fully for nonuniform distributions of sources in tissues, source-target geometries, and particle-track physics. 18 refs., 4 figs

7. Imaging alpha particle detector

Science.gov (United States)

Anderson, D.F.

1980-10-29

A method and apparatus for detecting and imaging alpha particles sources is described. A dielectric coated high voltage electrode and a tungsten wire grid constitute a diode configuration discharge generator for electrons dislodged from atoms or molecules located in between these electrodes when struck by alpha particles from a source to be quantitatively or qualitatively analyzed. A thin polyester film window allows the alpha particles to pass into the gas enclosure and the combination of the glass electrode, grid and window is light transparent such that the details of the source which is imaged with high resolution and sensitivity by the sparks produced can be observed visually as well. The source can be viewed directly, electronically counted or integrated over time using photographic methods. A significant increase in sensitivity over other alpha particle detectors is observed, and the device has very low sensitivity to gamma or beta emissions which might otherwise appear as noise on the alpha particle signal.

8. Alpha-particle diagnostics

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Young, K.M.

1991-01-01

This paper will focus on the state of development of diagnostics which are expected to provide the information needed for {alpha}- physics studies in the future. Conventional measurement of detailed temporal and spatial profiles of background plasma properties in DT will be essential for such aspects as determining heating effectiveness, shaping of the plasma profiles and effects of MHD, but will not be addressed here. This paper will address (1) the measurement of the neutron source, and hence {alpha}-particle birth profile, (2) measurement of the escaping {alpha}-particles and (3) measurement of the confined {alpha}-particles over their full energy range. There will also be a brief discussion of (4) the concerns about instabilities being generated by {alpha}-particles and the methods necessary for measuring these effects. 51 refs., 10 figs.

9. Alpha particles in fusion research

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This collection of 39 (mostly view graph) presentations addresses various aspects of alpha particle physics in thermonuclear fusion research, including energy balance and alpha particle losses, transport, the influence of alpha particles on plasma stability, helium ash, the transition to and sustainment of a burning fusion plasma, as well as alpha particle diagnostics. Refs, figs and tabs

10. Alpha Particle Diagnostic

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fisher, Ray, K.

2009-05-13

The study of burning plasmas is the next frontier in fusion energy research, and will be a major objective of the U.S. fusion program through U.S. collaboration with our international partners on the ITER Project. For DT magnetic fusion to be useful for energy production, it is essential that the energetic alpha particles produced by the fusion reactions be confined long enough to deposit a significant fraction of their initial ~3.5 MeV energy in the plasma before they are lost. Development of diagnostics to study the behavior of energetic confined alpha particles is a very important if not essential part of burning plasma research. Despite the clear need for these measurements, development of diagnostics to study confined the fast confined alphas to date has proven extremely difficult, and the available techniques remain for the most part unproven and with significant uncertainties. Research under this grant had the goal of developing diagnostics of fast confined alphas, primarily based on measurements of the neutron and ion tails resulting from alpha particle knock-on collisions with the plasma deuterium and tritium fuel ions. One of the strengths of this approach is the ability to measure the alphas in the hot plasma core where the interesting ignition physics will occur.

11. Alpha Particle Emission in Fission

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Soon after it was discovered that alpha particles are occasionally emitted in fission, it was concluded, on the basis of the energy and angular distributions of these particles, that they are emitted from the space between the fragments at times close to that of the snapping of the neck that connects them. It is shown that, independent of any (still unknown) dynamic features of the alpha-particle ejection process, the energy required to emit alpha particles from between the fragments at the indicated time is barely available. Presumably the rareness of alpha particles in fission, and the apparent absence of still heavier ''third'' particles, is associated with the marginal energy supply at the time of actual fragment division. The fact that the total kinetic energy release in so-called ternary fission is roughly equal to that in normal binary fission instead of being about 20 MeV larger is shown to imply that the mean fragment separation at the division time is larger in ternary fission. This is interpreted to indicate that alpha particles are emitted with greatest probability n those fissions where ample energy happens to be provided through the stretching of an abnormally long neck between the fragments before they actually divide. It is suggested that the release of the alpha particles is a sudden rather than adiabatic process. (author)

12. Alpha particle physics for ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The paper is devoted to the analysis of a variety of physical processes which, in the ITER EDA configuration, determine the nature of alpha particle heating in the plasma interior and alpha particle losses to the first wall. The paper consists of results from the alpha particle toroidal field (TF) ripple loss calculations and an analysis of alpha particle collective effects including Alfven modes, sawtooth stabilization, etc. It is shown that the ripple loss in the present ITER configuration is only a few per cent, which cannot directly affect the achievement of ignition. In spite of the up-down asymmetry, the loss fraction does not strongly depend on the toroidal drift direction. However, the heat load is highly localized and can be as high as 1 MW/m2 on the top of the protective limiters. Preliminary calculations of toroidicity induced Alfven eigenmode (TAE) stability indicate that high n numbers may be unstable, but the computational tools, needed for reliable quantitative predictions, are still in a state of development. The likelihood of appreciable alpha particle loss will depend on whether TAE modes produce stochastic alpha particle diffusion or not. The effect of fast particles on the m = 1 mode is also discussed. (author). 15 refs, 2 figs, 1 tab

13. A practical alpha particle irradiator for studying internal alpha particle exposure.

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Ki-Man; Lee, Ui-Seob; Kim, Eun-Hee

2016-09-01

An alpha particle irradiator has been built in the Radiation Bioengineering Laboratory at Seoul National University (SNU) to investigate the cellular responses to alpha emissions from radon and the progeny. This irradiator is designed to have the energy of alpha particles entering target cells similar to that of alpha emissions from the radon progeny Po-218 and Po-214 residing in the human respiratory tract. For the SNU alpha particle irradiator, an irradiation system is equipped with cell dishes of 4µm thick Mylar bottom and a special setup of cells on slide for gamma-H2AX assay. Dose calibration for the alpha particle irradiator was performed by dual approaches, detection and computer simulation, in consideration of the source-to-target distance (STD) and the size of a cell dish. The uniformity of dose among cells in a dish is achieved by keeping the STD and the size of cell dish in certain ranges. The performance of the SNU alpha particle irradiator has been proven to be reliable through the gamma-H2AX assay with the human lung epithelial cells irradiated. PMID:27475622

14. Alpha-particle diagnostics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This paper will focus on the state of development of diagnostics which are expected to provide the information needed for α- physics studies in the future. Conventional measurement of detailed temporal and spatial profiles of background plasma properties in DT will be essential for such aspects as determining heating effectiveness, shaping of the plasma profiles and effects of MHD, but will not be addressed here. This paper will address (1) the measurement of the neutron source, and hence α-particle birth profile, (2) measurement of the escaping α-particles and (3) measurement of the confined α-particles over their full energy range. There will also be a brief discussion of (4) the concerns about instabilities being generated by α-particles and the methods necessary for measuring these effects. 51 refs., 10 figs

15. Cellular structure in system of interacting particles

OpenAIRE

Lev, Bohdan

2008-01-01

The general description of formation the cellular structure in the system of interacting particles is proposed. Interactions between particles are presumably well-understood and the phase transition in which can be studied in the scale of particle resolution. We presented analytical results of possible cellular structures for suspension of colloidal particles, in system particles immersed in liquid crystal and gravitational system. We have shown that cellular structure formation can occur in ...

16. Nanodosimetry of radon alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

It is currently accepted that energy deposition at the nanometer level (rather than conventional microdosimetry) determines the biological effects of ionizing radiation. Many previously established experimental techniques (e.g., the Rossi proportional counter) or theoretical methods (e.g., simplified calculations using the continuous slowing-down approximation (CSDA)) are inapplicable to the study of nanodosimetry. The peculiarities of the geometry of exposure to radon progeny further complicate the problem. This is because the conditions under which several open-quotes classicalclose quotes models of radiation action are obtained (e.g., the alpha-beta formulation of the Theory of Dual Radiation Action, which is built on microdosimetry) are no longer valid. It thus becomes clear that not only new techniques but new concepts are required to describe the effects of radon alpha particles. In this paper we discuss a number of computational aspects specific to radon nanodosimetry. In particular, we describe the novel concept of open-quotes associated surfaceclose quotes (AS) which is necessary for efficiently converting Monte-Carlo-generated particle tracks to nanodosimetric spectra. The AS is the analog of Lea's associated volume, applied to radiation sources subject to the geometrical restrictions of internal exposure. We systematically analyze factors affecting the nanodosimetry of radon progeny, such as the distance between the radioactive source and the sensitive volume, the size of the sensitive volume, and CSDA versus full Monte-Carlo track generation

17. Nanodosimetry of radon alpha particles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zaider, M. [Columbia Univ. New York, NY (United States); Varma, M.N. [U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)

1992-12-31

It is currently accepted that energy deposition at the nanometer level (rather than conventional microdosimetry) determines the biological effects of ionizing radiation. Many previously established experimental techniques (e.g., the Rossi proportional counter) or theoretical methods (e.g., simplified calculations using the continuous slowing-down approximation (CSDA)) are inapplicable to the study of nanodosimetry. The peculiarities of the geometry of exposure to radon progeny further complicate the problem. This is because the conditions under which several {open_quotes}classical{close_quotes} models of radiation action are obtained (e.g., the alpha-beta formulation of the Theory of Dual Radiation Action, which is built on microdosimetry) are no longer valid. It thus becomes clear that not only new techniques but new concepts are required to describe the effects of radon alpha particles. In this paper we discuss a number of computational aspects specific to radon nanodosimetry. In particular, we describe the novel concept of {open_quotes}associated surface{close_quotes} (AS) which is necessary for efficiently converting Monte-Carlo-generated particle tracks to nanodosimetric spectra. The AS is the analog of Leas associated volume, applied to radiation sources subject to the geometrical restrictions of internal exposure. We systematically analyze factors affecting the nanodosimetry of radon progeny, such as the distance between the radioactive source and the sensitive volume, the size of the sensitive volume, and CSDA versus full Monte-Carlo track generation.

18. Alpha particle problems in shielded support systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alpha particle confinement is considered in the case of internal conductor systems with magnetically shielded supports. The treatment includes problems of energy transfer to the background plasma, the balance between radiation losses and alpha particle heating, mirror confinement in the main poloidal field, the cut-off and shielding conditions at the supports, ambipolar electric fields, wall interaction, and support location. With a proper and technically realizable choice of parameter values, it should become possible to achieve alpha particle heating as well as to manage the reactor technological problems due to alpha particle interaction with the supports. (Auth.)

19. The cellular particle swarm optimization algorithm

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This work presents a variant of the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) original algorithm, the Cellular-PSO. Inspired by the cellular Genetic Algorithm (GA), particles in Cellular-PSO are arranged into a matrix of cells interconnected according to a given topology. Such topology defines particle's neighborhood, inside which social adaptation may occur. As a consequence, population diversity is increased and the optimization process becomes more efficient and robust. The proposed Cellular-PSO has been applied to the nuclear reactor core design optimization problem and comparative experiments demonstrated that it is superior to the standard PSO. (author)

20. Prospects for alpha particle studies on TFTR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

TFTR is expected to produce approximately 5 MW of alpha heating during the D/T Q ≅ 1 phase of operation in 1990. At that point the collective confinement properties and the heating effects of alpha particles become accessible for study for the first time. This paper outlines the potential performance of TFTR with respect to alpha particle production, the diagnostics which will be available for alpha particle measurements, and the physics issues which can be studied both before and during D/T operation

1. Alpha particle confinement in tandem mirrors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mechanisms leading to loss of alpha particles from non-axisymmetric tandem mirrors are considered. Stochastic diffusion due to bounce-drift resonances, which can cause rapid radial losses of high-energy alpha particles, can be suppressed by imposing a 20% rise in axisymmetric fields before the quadrupole transition sections. Alpha particles should then be well-confined until thermal energies when they enter the resonant plateau require. A fast code for computation of drift behavior in reactors is described. Sample calculations are presented for resonant particles in a proposed coil set for the Tandem Mirror Next Step

2. High resolution alpha particle spectrometry through collimation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alpha particle spectrometry with collimation is a useful method for identifying nuclear materials among various nuclides. A mesh type collimator reduces the low energy tail and broadened energy distribution by cutting off particles with a low incidence angle. The relation between the resolution and the counting efficiency can be investigated by changing a ratio of the mesh hole diameter and the collimator thickness. Through collimation, a target particle can be distinguished by a PIPS® detector under a mixture of various nuclides. - Highlights: • Alpha particle spectrometry with collimation a useful method for identifying nuclear materials among various radionuclides. • A collimator cut off alpha particles with low angle emitted from a source. • We confirm that that a collimator improves the resolution of alpha spectra through both simulation and experiments

3. Alpha emitters in Chernobyl hot particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The alpha radioactive component of hot particles from the Chernobyl fallout was analysed for cases studied previously by gamma spectroscopy. Correlations established from the absolute alpha activity determination and high resolution analysis provided information on actinides release during accident and on some aspects of the Chernobyl reactor fuel composition. Unexpected features revealed during the analysis of one specific particle are presented. 11 refs., 5 figs., 5 tabs. (author)

4. Alpha emitters in Chernobyl hot particles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Broda, R.; Kubica, B.; Szeglowski, Z.; Zuber, K. (Institute of Nuclear Physics, Krakow (Poland))

1989-01-01

The alpha radioactive component of hot particles from the Chernobyl fallout was analyzed for cases studied previously by gamma spectroscopy. Correlations established from the absolute alpha activity determination and high resolution analysis provided information on the release of actinides during the accident and on some aspects of the Chernobyl reactor fuel composition. Unexpected features revealed during the analysis of one specific particle are presented. (orig.).

5. Alpha particles detection in nitrocellulose

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The method for the manufacturing of the detection films follows these steps: preparation of the mass which includes nitrocellulose in the form of cotton as raw material ethyl acetate, cellosolve acetate, isopropyl and butyl alcohols as solvents and dioctyl phtalate as plasticiser; dilution of the paste; pouring of the diluted mass; and drying of the detection films. The results obtained experimentally are: The determination of the development times of the different thicknesses of the manufactured films. Response linearity of the detectors, variation of the number of tracks according to the distance of the source to the detector. Sizes of the diameter of the tracks depending of the distance detector-alpha emmission source. As a conclusion we can say the the nitrocellulose detectors are specific for alpha radiation; the more effective thicknesses in uranium prospecting works were those of 60 microns, since for the laboratory works the thicknesses of 30 to 40 microns were the ideal; the development technique of the detection films is simple and cheap and can be realized even in another place than the laboratory; this way of the manufacturing of nitrocellulose detection film sensitive to alpha nuclear radiation is open to future research. (author)

6. Alpha particles spectrometer with photodiode PIN

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The radiation propagates in form of electromagnetic waves or corpuscular radiation; if the radiation energy causes ionization in environment that crosses it is considered ionizing radiation. To detect radiation several detectors types are used, if the radiation are alpha particles are used detectors proportional type or trace elements. In this work the design results, construction and tests of an alpha particles spectrometer are presented, which was designed starting from a photodiode PIN type. The system design was simulated with a code for electronic circuits. With results of simulation phase was constructed the electronic phase that is coupled to a multichannel analyzer. The resulting electronic is evaluated analyzing the electronic circuit performance before an alphas triple source and alpha radiation that produce two smoke detectors of domestic use. On the tests phase we find that the system allows obtain, in a multichannel, the pulses height spectrum, with which we calibrate the system. (Author)

7. Alpha particle spectroscopy by gridded ionization chamber

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A gridded ionization chamber has been constructed with the aim of determining its ultimate energy resolution in alpha spectroscopy, utilizing a cooled FET pre-amplifier of the type normally employed with semiconductor detectors. With suitable mechanical collimation of the alpha particles, their fine structure has been measured with an energy resolution of -11.5 keV (fwhm), achieved using an Ar + 0.75% C2H2 mixture as the filling gas. (orig.)

8. Alpha particles diffusion due to charge changes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Clauser, C. F., E-mail: cesar.clauser@ib.edu.ar; Farengo, R. [Centro Atómico Bariloche and Instituto Balseiro, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica and Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Av. Bustillo 9500, 8400 Bariloche (Argentina)

2015-12-15

Alpha particles diffusion due to charge changes in a magnetized plasma is studied. Analytical calculations and numerical simulations are employed to show that this process can be very important in the pedestal-edge-SOL regions. This is the first study that presents clear evidence of the importance of atomic processes on the diffusion of alpha particles. A simple 1D model that includes inelastic collisions with plasma species, “cold” neutrals, and partially ionized species was employed. The code, which follows the exact particle orbits and includes the effect of inelastic collisions via a Monte Carlo type random process, runs on a graphic processor unit (GPU). The analytical and numerical results show excellent agreement when a uniform background (plasma and cold species) is assumed. The simulations also show that the gradients in the density of the plasma and cold species, which are large and opposite in the edge region, produce an inward flux of alpha particles. Calculations of the alpha particles flux reaching the walls or divertor plates should include these processes.

9. Alpha particle effects on MHD ballooning

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

During the period, as the first step towards the goal of detail understanding of the effects of alpha particle on MHD Ballooning Modes, a new numerical approach to investigate the stability of low-frequency fluctuations in high temperature tokamaks was developed by solving the gyrokinetic equations for the ion and electron directly as an initial value problem. The advantage of this approach is the inclusion of many important kinetic features of the problem without approximations and computationally more economical than particle-pushing simulation. The ion-temperature-gradient-mode was investigated to benchmark this new simulation technique. Previous results in literature were recovered. Both the adiabatic electron model and the full drift-kinetic electron model are studied. Numerical result shows that the full drift-kinetic electron model is more unstable. The development of subcycling technique to handle the fast electron bounce time is particularly significant to apply this new approach to the alpha particle problem since alpha particle bounce frequency is also significantly higher than the mode frequency. This new numerical technique will be the basis of future study of the microstability in high temperature tokamaks with alpha particles (or any energetic species). 15 refs., 13 figs

10. Alpha particles energy straggling in noble gases

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The comparison of the calculated spectra by the Monte-Carlo simulation with the experimental alpha-particles spectra after their passage through noble gases target has good agreement for Ar, Kr, and Xe and significant deviation for He and Ne. These agreement or disagreement of the calculated and experimental spectra were ascribed to adequacy or inadequacy of the applied Bohr's charged particles energy loss formula for the specific medium. (author)

11. Superparamagnetic relaxation in alpha-Fe particles

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bødker, Franz; Mørup, Steen; Pedersen, Michael Stanley; Svedlindh, P.; Jonsson, G.T.; Garcia-Palacios, J.L.; Lazaro, F.J.

1998-01-01

The superparamagnetic relaxation time of carbon-supported alpha-Fe particles with an average size of 3.0 Mm has been studied over a large temperature range by the use of Mossbauer spectroscopy combined with AC and DC magnetization measurements. It is found that the relaxation time varies with...

12. Alpha particle diagnostics using impurity pellet injection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We have proposed using impurity injection to measure the energy distribution of the fast confined alpha particles in a reacting plasma. The ablation cloud surrounding the injected pellet is thick enough that an equilibrium fraction Fo∞(E) of the incident alphas should be neutralized as they pass through the cloud. By observing neutrals created in the large spatial region of the cloud which is expected to be dominated by the helium-like ionization state, e.g., Li+ ions, we can determine the incident alpha distribution dnHe2+/dE from the measured energy distribution of neutral helium atoms. Initial experiments were performed on TEXT in which we compared pellet penetration with our impurity pellet ablation model, and measured the spatial distribution of various ionization states in carbon pellet clouds. Experiments have recently begun on TFTR with the goal of measuring the alpha particle energy distribution during D-T operation in 1993--94. A series of preliminary experiments are planned to test the diagnostic concept. The first experiments will observe neutrals from beam-injected deuterium ions and the high energy 3He tail produced during ICH minority heating on TFTR interacting with the cloud. We will also monitor by line radiation the charge state distributions in lithium, boron, and carbon clouds

13. Intercomparison of alpha particle spectrometry software packages

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Software has reached an important level as the 'logical controller' at different levels, from a single instrument to an entire computer-controlled experiment. This is also the case for software packages in nuclear instruments and experiments. In particular, because of the range of applications of alpha-particle spectrometry, software packages in this field are often used. It is the aim of this intercomparison to test and describe the abilities of four such software packages. The main objectives of the intercomparison were the ability of the programs to determine the peak areas and the peak area uncertainties, and the statistical control and stability of reported results. In this report, the task, methods and results of the intercomparison are presented in order to asist the potential users of such software and to stimulate the development of even better alpha-particle spectrum analysis software

14. Nanodosimetry and nanodosimetric-based models of radiation action for radon alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The objective of our research work is to provide -- with the aid of biophysical models of radiation action -- information on human risks following exposure to radon alpha particles. The approach proposed consists of (1) developing appropriate models (parametric and non-parametric) for alpha radiation induction of relevant end points (survival, cellular transformation), (2) providing an accurate physical characterization of the particle tracks in terms of nanodosimetric distributions, (3) supporting the models by detailed, molecular studies of the direct and indirect effects of alpha particles on DNA. Activities in the second year of this project are described

15. Nanodosimetry and nanodosimetric-based models of radiation action for radon alpha particles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

1992-01-01

The objective of our research work is to provide -- with the aid of biophysical models of radiation action -- information on human risks following exposure to radon alpha particles. The approach proposed consists of (1) developing appropriate models (parametric and non-parametric) for alpha radiation induction of relevant end points (survival, cellular transformation), (2) providing an accurate physical characterization of the particle tracks in terms of nanodosimetric distributions, (3) supporting the models by detailed, molecular studies of the direct and indirect effects of alpha particles on DNA. Activities in the second year of this project are described.

16. Cellular proteins in influenza virus particles.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Megan L Shaw

2008-06-01

Full Text Available Virions are thought to contain all the essential proteins that govern virus egress from the host cell and initiation of replication in the target cell. It has been known for some time that influenza virions contain nine viral proteins; however, analyses of other enveloped viruses have revealed that proteins from the host cell can also be detected in virions. To address whether the same is true for influenza virus, we used two complementary mass spectrometry approaches to perform a comprehensive proteomic analysis of purified influenza virus particles. In addition to the aforementioned nine virus-encoded proteins, we detected the presence of 36 host-encoded proteins. These include both cytoplasmic and membrane-bound proteins that can be grouped into several functional categories, such as cytoskeletal proteins, annexins, glycolytic enzymes, and tetraspanins. Interestingly, a significant number of these have also been reported to be present in virions of other virus families. Protease treatment of virions combined with immunoblot analysis was used to verify the presence of the cellular protein and also to determine whether it is located in the core of the influenza virus particle. Immunogold labeling confirmed the presence of membrane-bound host proteins on the influenza virus envelope. The identification of cellular constituents of influenza virions has important implications for understanding the interactions of influenza virus with its host and brings us a step closer to defining the cellular requirements for influenza virus replication. While not all of the host proteins are necessarily incorporated specifically, those that are and are found to have an essential role represent novel targets for antiviral drugs and for attenuation of viruses for vaccine purposes.

17. Single particle level scheme for alpha decay

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The fine structure phenomenon in alpha decay was evidenced by Rosenblum. In this process the kinetic energy of the emitted particle has several determined values related to the structure of the parent and the daughter nucleus. The probability to find the daughter in a low lying state was considered strongly dependent on the spectroscopic factor defined as the square of overlap between the wave function of the parent in the ground state and the wave functions of the specific excited states of the daughter. This treatment provides a qualitative agreement with the experimental results if the variations of the penetrability between different excited states are neglected. Based on single particle structure during fission, a new formalism explained quantitatively the fine structure of the cluster decay. It was suggested that this formalism can be applied also to alpha decay. For this purpose, the first step is to construct the level scheme of this type of decay. Such a scheme, obtained with the super-asymmetric two-center potential, is plotted for the alpha decay of 223Ra. It is interesting to note that, diabatically, the level with spin 3/2 emerging from 1i11/2 (ground state of the parent) reaches an excited state of the daughter in agreement with the experiment. (author)

18. Track-nanodosimetry of an alpha particle

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

De Nardo, L.; Tornielli, G. [Padova Univ., Padova (Italy); INFN, Padova (Italy); Cesari, V.; Colautti, P.; Conte, V. [INFN Laboratori Nazionali, Legnaro (Italy); Baek, W.Y.; Grosswendt, B. [Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Braunschweig (Germany); Alkaa, A.; Segur, P. [Centre de Physique des Plasmas et de leur Applications, Toulouse (France)

2002-07-01

Effects of radiation are primarily determined by what happens in individual small volumes representative of DNA segments. Such sites are so small that the interactions due to radiation are very few and it is necessary to consider the stochastic of the number and nature of primary interactions and of secondary processes in order to understand the subsequent biological effects. Track-nanodosimetry has the objective to investigate stochastic aspect of energy deposition in particle tracks, by measuring the ionisation distributions induced by a charged particle in nanometric volumes of tissue-equivalent matter, positioned at different distances from the track. This paper is concerned with measurements and Monte Carlo calculations of ionisation distributions produced in a site of about 20 nm by a {sup 244}Cm alpha particle.

19. Track-nanodosimetry of an alpha particle

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Effects of radiation are primarily determined by what happens in individual small volumes representative of DNA segments. Such sites are so small that the interactions due to radiation are very few and it is necessary to consider the stochastic of the number and nature of primary interactions and of secondary processes in order to understand the subsequent biological effects. Track-nanodosimetry has the objective to investigate stochastic aspect of energy deposition in particle tracks, by measuring the ionisation distributions induced by a charged particle in nanometric volumes of tissue-equivalent matter, positioned at different distances from the track. This paper is concerned with measurements and Monte Carlo calculations of ionisation distributions produced in a site of about 20 nm by a 244Cm alpha particle

20. Biodegradable Magnetic Particles for Cellular MRI

Science.gov (United States)

Nkansah, Michael Kwasi

Cell transplantation has the potential to treat numerous diseases and injuries. While magnetic particle-enabled, MRI-based cell tracking has proven useful for visualizing the location of cell transplants in vivo, current formulations of particles are either too weak to enable single cell detection or have non-degradable polymer matrices that preclude clinical translation. Furthermore, the off-label use of commercial agents like Feridex®, Bangs beads and ferumoxytol for cell tracking significantly stunts progress in the field, rendering it needlessly susceptible to market externalities. The recent phasing out of Feridex from the market, for example, heightens the need for a dedicated agent specifically designed for MRI-based cell tracking. To this end, we engineered clinically viable, biodegradable particles of iron oxide made using poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and demonstrated their utility in two MRI-based cell tracking paradigms in vivo. Both micro- and nanoparticles (2.1±1.1 μm and 105±37 nm in size) were highly magnetic (56.7-83.7 wt% magnetite), and possessed excellent relaxometry (r2* relaxivities as high as 614.1 s-1mM-1 and 659.1 s -1mM-1 at 4.7 T respectively). Magnetic PLGA micropartides enabled the in vivo monitoring of neural progenitor cell migration to the olfactory bulb in rat brains over 2 weeks at 11.7 T with ˜2-fold greater contrast-to-noise ratio and ˜4-fold better sensitivity at detecting migrated cells in the olfactory bulb than Bangs beads. Highly magnetic PLGA nanoparticles enabled MRI detection (at 11.7 T) of up to 10 rat mesenchymal cells transplanted into rat brain at 100-μm resolution. Highly magnetic PLGA particles were also shown to degrade by 80% in mice liver over 12 weeks in vivo. Moreover, no adverse effects were observed on cellular viability and function in vitro after labeling a wide range of cells. Magnetically labeled rat mesenchymal and neural stem cells retained their ability to differentiate into multiple

1. The Fission of Thorium with Alpha Particles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Newton, Amos S.

1948-04-15

The fission distribution of fission of thorium with alpha particle of average energy 37.5 Mev has been measured by the chemical method. The distribution found shows that the characteristic dip in the fission yield mass spectrum has been raised to within a factor of two of the peaks compared to a factor of 600 in slow neutron fission of U{sup 235}. The raise in the deip has caused a corresponding lowering in fission yield of these elements at the peaks. The cross section for fission of thorium with 37.5 Mev alphas was found to be about 0.6 barn, and the threshold for fission was found to be 23 to 24 Mev.

2. Track nanodosimetry of an alpha particle

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Experimental measurements and calculations are described of ionisation distributions in propane wall-less gas cavities of about 20 nm simulated size, performed at different distances from a 244Cm alpha particle track. Ionisation events are detected one by one by collecting electrons from the sensitive volume and by separating them with a drift column. Experimental results and Monte Carlo calculations indicate that, in the delta ray cloud, conditional probability curves, average cluster size and the ratio of second moment above first moment of the cluster distribution are invariant with track distance. (author)

3. Track nanodosimetry of an alpha particle.

Science.gov (United States)

De Nardo, L; Colautti, P; Baek, W Y; Grosswendt, B; Alkaa, A; Ségur, P; Tornielli, G

2002-01-01

Experimental measurements and calculations are described of ionisation distributions in propane wall-less gas cavities of about 20 nm simulated size, performed at different distances from a 244Cm alpha particle track. Ionisation events are detected one by one by collecting electrons from the sensitive volume and by separating them with a drift column. Experimental results and Monte Carlo calculations indicate that, in the delta ray cloud, conditional probability curves, average cluster size and the ratio of second moment above first moment of the cluster distribution are invariant with track distance. PMID:12194323

4. Track nanodosimetry of an alpha particle

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

De Nardo, L.; Colautti, P.; Baek, W.Y.; Grosswendt, B.; Alkaa, A.; Segur, P.; Tornielli, G

2002-07-01

Experimental measurements and calculations are described of ionisation distributions in propane wall-less gas cavities of about 20 nm simulated size, performed at different distances from a {sup 244}Cm alpha particle track. Ionisation events are detected one by one by collecting electrons from the sensitive volume and by separating them with a drift column. Experimental results and Monte Carlo calculations indicate that, in the delta ray cloud, conditional probability curves, average cluster size and the ratio of second moment above first moment of the cluster distribution are invariant with track distance. (author)

5. Superparamagnetic relaxation in alpha-Fe particles

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bødker, Franz; Mørup, Steen; Pedersen, Michael Stanley; Svedlindh, P.; Jonsson, G.T.; Garcia-Palacios, J.L.; Lazaro, F.J.

1998-01-01

The superparamagnetic relaxation time of carbon-supported alpha-Fe particles with an average size of 3.0 Mm has been studied over a large temperature range by the use of Mossbauer spectroscopy combined with AC and DC magnetization measurements. It is found that the relaxation time varies with...... temperature in accordance with Ni el's expression, tau = tau(0) exp (KV/kT) with tau(0) = (1.0 +/- 0.5) x 10(-10) s and K = (1.2 +/- 0.2) x 10(5) J m(-3). (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved....

6. Global alpha-particle optical potentials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A search for a global optical potential for alpha-particles is described. It did not prove possible to find such a potential valid for a wide range of energies and nuclei, even treating the absorbing potential as an adjustable parameter for each nucleus. For practical purposes the best that can be done is to define an average potential, and such a potential is compared with a wide range of experimental data. Its energy variation is determined by fitting the total reaction cross-section. (author). 7 refs, 15 figs, 1 tab

7. Particles and Patterns in Cellular Automata

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This is the final report of a three-year, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Our objective has been to develop tools for studying particle interactions in a class of dynamical systems characterized by discreteness, determinism, local interaction, and an inherently parallel form of evolution. These systems can be described by cellular automata (CA) and the behavior we studied has improved our understanding of the nature of patterns generated by CAs, their ability to perform global computations, and their relationship to continuous dynamical systems. We have also developed a rule-table mathematics that enables one to custom-design CA rule tables to generate patterns of specified types, or to perform specified computational tasks

8. Alpha particle loss in the TFTR DT experiments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alpha particle loss was measured during the TFTR DT experiments using a scintillator detector located at the vessel bottom in the ion grad-B drift direction. The DT alpha particle loss to this detector was consistent with the calculated first-orbit loss over the whole range of plasma current I=0.6-2.7 MA. In particular, the alpha particle loss rate per DT neutron did not increase significantly with fusion power up to 10.7 MW, indicating the absence of any new ''collective'' alpha particle loss processes in these experiments

9. Chromosomal aberrations induced by alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The chromosomal aberrations produced by the ionizing radiation are commonly used when it is necessary to establish the exposure dose of an individual, it is a study that is used like complement of the traditional physical systems and its application is only in cases in that there is doubt about what indicates the conventional dosimetry. The biological dosimetry is based on the frequency of aberrations in the chromosomes of the lymphocytes of the individual in study and the dose is calculated taking like reference to the dose-response curves previously generated In vitro. A case of apparent over-exposure to alpha particles to which is practiced analysis of chromosomal aberrations to settle down if in fact there was exposure and as much as possible, to determine the presumed dose is presented. (Author)

10. Lorentz alpha orbit calculation in search of position suitable for escaping alpha particle diagnostics in ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The Lorentz orbit code is developed to understand escaping alpha particle orbits and to contribute to the design of an escaping alpha particle probe in ITER. The code follows the full gyromotion of an alpha particle in ITER equilibrium, considering the toroidal field magnetic field ripple produced by the finite number of toroidal field coils as well as full three-dimensional first wall panels placed at the outboard side of the torus. It is shown that alpha particles that exist in the peripheral region and have banana orbits intersect the first wall placed at the outboard side on the lower plane. (author)

11. Nanodosimetry and nanodosimetric-based models of radiation action for radon alpha particles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zaider, M.

1992-01-01

We report on a theory for describing the biological effects of ionizing radiation in particular radon [alpha] particles. Behind this approach is the recognition that biological effects such as chromosome aberrations, cellular transformation, cellular inactivation, etc, are the result of a hierarchic sequence of radiation effects. We indicate how to treat each of the individual processes in this sequence, and also how to relate one effect to the hierarchically superior one.

12. Monte-Carlo study of energy deposition by heavy charged particles in sub-cellular volumes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Detailed-history Monte-Carlo code is used to study the energy deposition from proton and alpha particle tracks at the sub-cellular level. Inelastic cross sections for both the vapour and liquid phases of water have been implemented into the code in order to explore the influence of non-linear density effects associated with the condensed-phase cellular environment. Results of energy deposition and its straggling for 0.5 to 5 MeV amu-1 protons and alpha particles traversing or passing near spherical volumes of 2-200 nm in diameter relevant to DNA- and chromosome-size targets are presented. It is shown that the explicit account of δ-ray transport reduces the dose by as much as 10-60%, whereas stochastic fluctuations lead to a relative uncertainty ranging from 20% to more than 100%. Protons and alpha particles of the same velocity exhibit a similar δ-ray effect, whereas the relative uncertainty of the alphas is almost half that of protons. The effect of the phase is noticeable (10-15%) mainly through differences on the transport of δ-rays, which in liquid water have higher penetration distances. It is expected that the implementation of such results into multi-scale biophysical models of radiation effects will lead to a more realistic predictions on the efficacy of new radiotherapeutic modalities that employ either external proton beam irradiation or internal alpha-emitting radionuclides. (authors)

13. Alpha particle radiography of ants using a 244Cm alpha source

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alpha particles emitted from a radioisotope 244Cm were used for the radiography of ants. Cellulose nitrate films, LR-115 from Kodak Pathe, were used as solid state nuclear track detectors to make the radiographs. Alpha particles of energies from 3.5 to 5.5 MeV were obtained by varying the air spacing between the 244Cm and the sample with stainless steel spacers of thickness from 2.4 to 0.5 cm to slow the 5.81 MeV alpha particles from the 244Cm by air. The resulting radiographs of the ants put on the LR-115 films and irradiated by alpha particles of different energies show that only the profiles of the ants were obtained when the ants were exposed to alpha particles of energies lower than 3.5 MeV, and almost all parts of the ant except a portion in the head were penetrated by alpha particles of energies higher than 5.0 MeV to register high density alpha tracks on the LR-115. The details of the internal organs of the ant can be shown clearly by radiography with alpha particles of energies between 4.0 and 5.0 MeV. (author)

14. Detection of alpha particles with undoped poly (ethylene naphthalate)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nakamura, Hidehito, E-mail: hidehito@rri.kyoto-u.ac.jp [Kyoto University, 2, Asashiro-Nishi, Kumatori-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka 590-0494 (Japan); National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1, Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555 (Japan); Shirakawa, Yoshiyuki; Kitamura, Hisashi [National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1, Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8555 (Japan); Sato, Nobuhiro; Takahashi, Sentaro [Kyoto University, 2, Asashiro-Nishi, Kumatori-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka 590-0494 (Japan)

2014-03-01

There has been recent interest in the use of undoped, aromatic-ring polymers as organic scintillation materials for radiation detectors. Here, we characterise the response of poly (ethylene naphthalate) (PEN) to alpha particles. The energy response to 5486 keV alpha particles emitted from {sup 241}Am was 554±45 keV electron equivalents (keVee), with an energy resolution of 11.2±0.1%. The energy response to 6118 keV alpha particles emitted from {sup 252}Cf was 618±45 keVee, with a resolution of 8.8±0.1%. It is also important to characterise the refractive index because it determines how efficiently light propagates in scintillation materials to the photodetector. By taking into account the PEN emission spectrum, it was revealed that its effective refractive index was 1.70. Overall, the results indicate that PEN has potential as a scintillation material for the detection of alpha particles. - Highlights: • PEN is characterised as a scintillation material for alpha particles. • The effective refractive index for PEN is 1.70 in its emission spectrum. • The response to 5486 (6118) keV alpha particles was 554±45 (618±45) keVee. • The energy resolution for 5486 (6118) keV alpha particles was 11.2±0.1 (8.8±0.1) %. • This work will stimulate future use of PEN for radiation detection.

15. Incorporation of cellular proteins into enveloped virus particles

OpenAIRE

Hammarstedt, Maria

2006-01-01

This thesis work aimed to investigate the assembly and budding of enveloped virus particles with focus on the fate of cellular proteins, present in or near the plasma membrane (PM) where the budding occurs. It was previously shown that compact viruses, like alphaviruses, with a covering outer protein coat, did not contain any cellular proteins in the envelope. However, cellular proteins were found in purified retroviral preparations and these proteins were thought to be spec...

16. The effect of particle design on cellular internalization pathways

OpenAIRE

Gratton, Stephanie E. A.; Ropp, Patricia A.; Pohlhaus, Patrick D.; Luft, J. Christopher; Madden, Victoria J.; Napier, Mary E.; DeSimone, Joseph M.

2008-01-01

The interaction of particles with cells is known to be strongly influenced by particle size, but little is known about the interdependent role that size, shape, and surface chemistry have on cellular internalization and intracellular trafficking. We report on the internalization of specially designed, monodisperse hydrogel particles into HeLa cells as a function of size, shape, and surface charge. We employ a top-down particle fabrication technique called PRINT that is able to generate unifor...

17. Scintillation of thin tetraphenyl butadiene films under alpha particle excitation

CERN Document Server

Pollmann, Tina; Kuźniak, Marcin

2010-01-01

The alpha induced scintillation of the wavelength shifter 1,1,4,4-tetraphenyl-1,3-butadiene (TPB) was studied to improve the understanding of possible surface alpha backgrounds in the DEAP dark matter search experiment. We found that vacuum deposited thin TPB films emit 882 +/-210 photons per MeV under alpha particle excitation. The scintillation pulse shape consists of a double exponential decay with lifetimes of 11 +/-5 ns and 275 +/-10ns.

18. The 1997 IAEA test spectra for alpha-particle spectrometry

CERN Document Server

Garcia-Torano, E; Woods, S; Blaauw, M; Fazinic, S

1999-01-01

In the framework of an IAEA intercomparison of software for alpha-particle spectrometry, a set of test spectra with reference files was produced for validation and comparison of alpha spectrum analysis programs. The considerations, the spectra and the methods employed to obtain them are presented.

19. Luminescence imaging of water during alpha particle irradiation

Science.gov (United States)

Yamamoto, Seiichi; Komori, Masataka; Koyama, Shuji; Toshito, Toshiyuki

2016-05-01

The luminescence imaging of water using the alpha particle irradiation of several MeV energy range is thought to be impossible because this alpha particle energy is far below the Cerenkov-light threshold and the secondary electrons produced in this energy range do not emit Cerenkov-light. Contrary to this consensus, we found that the luminescence imaging of water was possible with 5.5 MeV alpha particle irradiation. We placed a 2 MBq of 241Am alpha source in water, and luminescence images of the source were conducted with a high-sensitivity, cooled charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. We also carried out such imaging of the alpha source in three different conditions to compare the photon productions with that of water, in air, with a plastic scintillator, and an acrylic plate. The luminescence imaging of water was observed from 10 to 20 s acquisition, and the intensity was linearly increased with time. The intensity of the luminescence with the alpha irradiation of water was 0.05% of that with the plastic scintillator, 4% with air, and 15% with the acrylic plate. The resolution of the luminescence image of water was better than 0.25 mm FWHM. Alpha particles of 5.5 MeV energy emit luminescence in water. Although the intensity of the luminescence was smaller than that in air, it was clearly observable. The luminescence of water with alpha particles would be a new method for alpha particle detection and distribution measurements in water.

20. Atomic force microscopic neutron-induced alpha-autoradiography for boron imaging in detailed cellular histology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The information on subcellular microdistribution of 10B compounds a cell is significant to evaluate the efficacy of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) because the damage brought by the released alpha/lithium particles is highly localized along their path, and radiation sensitivity is quite different among each cell organelles. In neutron-induced alpha-autoradiography (NIAR) technique, 10B can be measured as tracks for the energetic charged particles from 10B(n, alpha)7Li reactions in solid state track detectors. To perform the NIAR at intracellular structure level for research of 10B uptake and/or microdosimetry in BNCT, we have developed high-resolution NIAR method with an atomic force microscope (AFM). AFM has been used for analyses of biological specimens such as proteins, DNAs and surface of living cells have, however, intracellular detailed histology of cells has been hardly resolved with AFM since flat surface of sectioned tissue has quite less topographical contrast among each organelle. In our new sample preparation method using UV processing, materials that absorb UV in a semi-thin section are selectively eroded and vaporized by UV exposure, and then fine relief for cellular organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, filament structure and so on reveals on flat surface of the section, which can be observed with an AFM. The imaging resolution was comparable to TEM imaging of cells. This new method provides fast and cost-effective observation of histological sections with an AFM. Combining this method with NIAR technique, intracellular boron mapping would be possible. (author)

1. Particle Physics Aspects of Antihydrogen Studies with ALPHA at CERN

CERN Document Server

Fujiwara, M C; Bertsche, W; Bowe, P D; Bray, C C; Butler, E; Cesar, C L; Chapman, S; Charlton, M; Fajans, J; Funakoshi, R; Gill, D R; Hangst, J S; Hardy, W N; Hayano, R S; Hayden, M E; Humphries, A J; Hydomako, R; Jenkins, M J; Jørgensen, L V; Kurchaninov, L; Lai, W; Lambo, R; Madsen, N; Nolan, P; Olchanski, K; Olin, A; Povilus, A; Pusa, P; Robicheaux, F; Sarid, E; Seif El Nasr, S; Silveira, D M; Storey, J W; Thompson, R I; Van der Werf, D P; Wasilenko, L; Wurtele, J S; Yamazaki, Y

2008-01-01

We discuss aspects of antihydrogen studies, that relate to particle physics ideas and techniques, within the context of the ALPHA experiment at CERN's Antiproton Decelerator facility. We review the fundamental physics motivations for antihydrogen studies, and their potential physics reach. We argue that initial spectroscopy measurements, once antihydrogen is trapped, could provide competitive tests of CPT, possibly probing physics at the Planck Scale. We discuss some of the particle detection techniques used in ALPHA. Preliminary results from commissioning studies of a partial system of the ALPHA Si vertex detector are presented, the results of which highlight the power of annihilation vertex detection capability in antihydrogen studies.

2. The alpha-particle structure of 44 Ti

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Some of the bound and unbound states of 44 Ti have a pronounced alpha-particle structure, and their energies and widths may be obtained from an alpha 40 Ca potential. The differential cross-sections for the elastic scattering of alpha particles by 40 a may also be described by such a potential, and some features indicate the presence of unbound states of 44 Ti. The attempts to unify these bound and scattering phenomena by the same potential are described, together with some new calculations using a cosh potential. (author)

3. An evaluation of alpha particle clustering in heavy nuclei

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In recent years, the pre-equilibrium models of nuclear reactions have been used to analyze many experiments involving the emission of alpha particles. The results of these analyses have been used as the basis for a calculation of the extent of alpha particle clustering in heavy nuclei. Calculations are presented of the rate of nucleon-nucleon and nucleon-alpha interactions in nuclear matter. Normalizing these to the preformation factors found in reaction studies, the number of alpha clusters in several complex nuclei has been obtained. It is suggested that the number of such performed alpha clusters in nuclei having A = 50, 90, 141, 202, and 232 are, respectively, 2.1, 3.6, 5.2, 6.9, and 7.8. (orig.) 891 FKS/orig. 892 MB

4. Alpha-particle diagnostics with high energy neutral beams

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We have examined the feasibility of alpha-particle diagnostics using a high energy neutral beam on the R-tokamak, a planned device at IPP-Nagoya, Japan, for reacting plasma experiments. In this method, injected neutral particles neutralize alpha particles so as to escape from the magnetically confined plasma through double charge exchange processes, He++ + A0 -- → He0 + A++. Requirements for a probing beam are dis cussed from viewpoints of penetration of an injected beam in the plasma and a neutralization efficiency of alpha particles in a wide velocity range. Either a Li0 beam or a He0 beam in the ground state, produced from a negative ion beam is suitable. A method to neutralize a He- beam into the ground state through an auto-detachment process is proposed. (author)

5. Analysis of radiation risk from alpha particle component of soalr particle events

Science.gov (United States)

Cucinotta, F. A.; Townsend, L. W.; Wilson, J. W.; Golightly, M. J.; Weyland, M.

1994-01-01

The Solar Particle Events (SPE) will contain a primary alpha particle component, representing a possible increase in the potential risk to astronauts during an SPE over the often studied proton component. We discuss the physical interactions of alpha particles important in describing the transport of these particles through spacecraft and body shielding. Models of light ion reactions are presented and their effects on energy and Linear Energy Transfer (LET) spectra in shielding are discussed. We present predictions of particle spectra, dose, and dose equivalent in organs of interest for SPE spectra typical of those occurring in recent solar cycles. The large events of solar cycle 19 are found to have substantial increase in biological risk from alpha particles, including a large increase in secondary neutron production from alpha particle breakup.

6. Analysis of radiation risk from alpha particle component of solar particle events

Science.gov (United States)

Cucinotta, F. A.; Townsend, L. W.; Wilson, J. W.; Golightly, M. J.; Weyland, M.

1994-01-01

The solar particle events (SPE) will contain a primary alpha particle component, representing a possible increase in the potential risk to astronauts during an SPE over the often studied proton component. We discuss the physical interactions of alpha particles important in describing the transport of these particles through spacecraft and body shielding. Models of light ion reactions are presented and their effects on energy and linear energy transfer (LET) spectra in shielding discussed. We present predictions of particle spectra, dose, and dose equivalent in organs of interest for SPE spectra typical of those occurring in recent solar cycles. The large events of solar cycle 19 are found to have substantial increase in biological risk from alpha particles, including a large increase in secondary neutron production from alpha particle breakup.

7. Alpha particle destabilization of the TAE modes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The high frequency, low mode number toroidicity-induced Alfven eigenmodes (TAE) are shown to be driven unstable by the circulating and/or trapped α-particles through the wave-particle resonances. For a poloidal harmonic to satisfy the resonance condition it requires that the α-particle birth speed vα ≥ vA/(2|m-nq|), where vA is the Alfven speed, m is the poloidal mode number, and n is the toroidal mode number. To destabilize the TAE modes, the inverse Landau damping associated with the α-particle pressure gradient free energy must overcome the velocity space Landau damping due to both the slowing-down α-particle and the core Maxwellian electron and ion distributions. Stability criteria in terms of the α-particle beta βα, α-particle pressure gradient parameter (ω*/ωA) (ω* is the α-particle diamagnetic drift frequency), and (vα/vA) parameters are presented for TFTR, CIT, and ITER tokamaks. The volume averaged α-particle beta threshold for TAE instability also depends sensitively on the core electron and ion temperature. Typically the volume averaged α-particle beta threshold is in the order of 10-4 if the continuum damping effect is absent. Typical growth rates of the n = 1 TAE mode can be in the order of 10-2ωA, where ωA = vA/qR. Stability of higher n TAE modes is also studied. Other types of global Alfven waves are stable due to sideband mode continuum damping resulting from toroidal coupling effects. If the Alfven continuum gap does not exist across the whole minor radius, continuum damping exists for some poloidal harmonics. The continuum damping effect is studied by employing both a resistive MHD stability code (NOVA-R) and an analytical matching method, and the results are presented. 1 ref

8. PEG functionalized luminescent lipid particles for cellular imaging

Science.gov (United States)

Rana, Suman; Barick, K. C.; Shetake, Neena G.; Verma, Gunjan; Aswal, V. K.; Panicker, Lata; Pandey, B. N.; Hassan, P. A.

2016-08-01

We report here the synthesis, characterization and cellular uptake of luminescent micelle-like particles with phospholipid core and non-ionic PEG based surfactant polysorbate 80 shell. The adsorption of polysorbate 80 at the interface of lipid containing microemulsion droplets and its solidification upon removal of solvent leads to anchoring of PEG chain to the lipid particles. Hydrophobic partitioning of luminescent molecules, sodium 3-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid to the phospholipid core offers additional functionality to these particles. Thus, the cooperative assembly of lipid, non-ionic amphiphile and organic luminescent probe leads to the formation of multifunctional biocompatible particles which are useful for simultaneous imaging and therapy.

9. Ionization cluster size distribution for alpha particles: Experiment, modelling

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The paper presents data for measured ionization cluster size distributions by alpha particles in tissue equivalent media and comparison with the simulated data for liquid water. The experiments were carried out with a beam of 4.6 MeV alpha particles performed in a setup called the JET Counter. The theoretically derived cluster size distributions for alphas particles were obtained using the K-means algorithm. The simulation was carried out by Monte Carlo track structure calculations using cross sections for liquid water. The first moments of cluster size distributions, derived from K-means algorithm as a function of diameter of cluster centroid, were compared with the corresponding moments derived from the experiments for nitrogen and propane targets. It was found that the ratio of the first moments for water to gas targets correlates well with the corresponding ratio of the mean free paths for primary ionization by alpha particles in the two media. It is shown that the cluster size distributions for alpha particles in water, obtained from K-means algorithm, are in agreement with the corresponding distributions measured experimentally in nitrogen or propane gas targets of nano-meter sizes. (authors)

10. Discrimination of nuclear recoils from alpha particles with superheated liquids

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aubin, F; Auger, M; Genest, M-H; Giroux, G; Gornea, R; Faust, R; Leroy, C; Lessard, L; Martin, J-P; Morlat, T; Piro, M-C; Starinski, N; Zacek, V [Departement de Physique, Universite de Montreal, Montreal, H3C 3J7 (Canada); Beltran, B; Krauss, C B [Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2G7 (Canada); Behnke, E; Levine, I; Shepherd, T [Department of Physics and Astronomy, Indiana University South Bend, South Bend, IN 46634 (United States); Nadeau, P; Wichoski, U [Department of Physics, Laurentian University, Sudbury, P3E 2C6 (Canada)], E-mail: zacekv@lps.umontreal.ca (and others)

2008-10-15

The PICASSO collaboration observed for the first time a significant difference between the acoustic signals induced by neutrons and alpha particles in a detector based on superheated liquids. This new discovery offers the possibility of improved background suppression and could be especially useful for dark matter experiments. This new effect may be attributed to the formation of multiple bubbles on alpha tracks, compared to single nucleations created by neutron-induced recoils.

11. Nuclear track detector characterization for alpha-particle spectroscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTDs), CR-39™ type, are usually adopted in many applications in which it could be necessary to select tracks according to the incident alpha-particle energy; so several authors have argued that track parameters such as the major/minor axis being the most often reported, can be used to determine the alpha-particle’s energy. However, the use of these parameters only do an univocal result, for example the same axis length can be obtained for different combinations of incident angles and energies. We report on a track analysis performed by a semiautomatic system that classifies tracks according to two parameters, diameter length and mean grey level. This kind of analysis can give information about the track depth, that increases monotonically with the incident energy and angle of the alpha particle. Combining the information on the two parameters it is possible to determine univocally the incident alpha-particle energy values. In order to characterize CR-39 detectors according to the physical track parameters, detectors were irradiated, inside a vacuum chamber, by alpha particles at thirteen energy values, obtained by different mylar layers in front of a 241Am source. After the exposure the detectors were chemically etched to enlarge the tracks and then analyzed by means of a semiautomatic system, consisting on an optical microscope equipped with a CCD camera connected to a personal computer for image storage. A suitable routine analyzed the track parameters: diameter and mean grey level, allowing us to differentiate tracks according to the incident alpha-particle energy and then to individuate the discrimination factors for radon alpha tracks, when nuclear track detectors are applied in radon surveys. - Highlights: ► CR-39. ► Geometric and optical parameter. ► α spectrometry. ► Calibration

12. Radon monitor and control system based upon alpha particle detection

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A system is designed for monitoring or controlling the level of radon in indoor air, based upon measuring alpha particles due to the decay of radon or its daughter atoms. In one embodiment, the alpha particle decay of radon itself is detected and analyzed to control a vent in the heating and air conditioning system to automatically keep the radon level below a preselected level. In another embodiment, the daughter atoms 218Po and 214Po are collected from the indoor air and their alpha particle decays are analyzed to provide a sensitive monitor of radon levels or to control vents in the HVAC system to reduce radon concentrations to permissible levels. In addition, the system provides information on the quality of the air filter and indicates when it needs servicing

13. Alpha-particle radiobiological experiments using thin CR-39 detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The present paper studied the feasibility of applying comet assay to evaluate the DNA damage in individual HeLa cervix cancer cells after alpha-particle irradiation. We prepared thin CR-39 detectors (<20 μm) as cell-culture substrates, with UV irradiation to shorten the track formation time. After irradiation of the HeLa cells by alpha particles, the tracks on the underside of the CR-39 detector were developed by chemical etching in (while floating on) a 14 N KOH solution at 37 deg. C. Comet assay was then applied. Diffusion of DNA out of the cells could be generally observed from the images of stained DNA. The alpha-particle tracks corresponding to the comets developed on the underside of the CR-39 detectors could also be observed by just changing the focal plane of the confocal microscope. (authors)

14. Turbulent transport of alpha particles in tokamak plasmas

CERN Document Server

Croitoru, A; Vlad, M; Spineanu, F

2016-01-01

We investigate the ExB diffusion of fusion born \\alpha particles in tokamak plasmas. We determine the transport regimes for a realistic model that has the characteristics of the ion temperature gradient (ITG) or of the trapped electron modes (TEM) driven turbulence. It includes a spectrum of potential fluctuations that is modeled using the results of the numerical simulations, the drift of the potential with the effective diamagnetic velocity and the parallel motion. Our semi-analytical statistical approach is based on the decorrelation trajectory method (DTM), which is adapted to the gyrokinetic approximation. We obtain the transport coefficients as a function of the parameters of the turbulence and of the energy of the \\alpha particle. According to our results, signficant turbulent transport of the \\alpha particles can appear only at energies of the order of 100KeV. We determine the corresponding conditions.

15. Performance comparison of scintillators for alpha particle detectors

Science.gov (United States)

Morishita, Yuki; Yamamoto, Seiichi; Izaki, Kenji; Kaneko, Junichi H.; Toui, Kohei; Tsubota, Youichi; Higuchi, Mikio

2014-11-01

Scintillation detectors for alpha particles are often used in nuclear fuel facilities. Alpha particle detectors have also become important in the research field of radionuclide therapy using alpha emitters. ZnS(Ag) is the most often used scintillator for alpha particle detectors because its light output is high. However, the energy resolution of ZnS(Ag)-based scintillation detectors is poor because they are not transparent. A new ceramic sample, namely the cerium doped Gd2Si2O7 (GPS) scintillator, has been tested as alpha particle detector and its performances have been compared to that one of three different scintillating materials: ZnS(Ag), GAGG and a standard plastic scintillator. The different scintillating materials have been coupled to two different photodetectors, namely a photomultiplier tube (PMT) and a Silicon Photo-multiplier (Si-PM): the performances of each detection system have been compared. Promising results as far as the energy resolution performances (10% with PMT and 14% with Si-PM) have been obtained in the case of GPS and GAGG samples. Considering the quantum efficiencies of the photodetectors under test and their relation to the emission wavelength of the different scintillators, the best results were achieved coupling the GPS with the PMT and the GAGG with the Si-PM

16. Development of low level alpha particle counting system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Much attention has been paid to the trace analysis of uranium and thorium contained in the base material of LSI or VLSI, since the so-called ''soft-error'' of the memory device was known to be due to alpha particles emitted from these radioactive elements. We have developed an apparatus to meet the needs of estimating such a very small quantity of U and Th of the level of ppb, by directly counting alpha particles using a gas-flow type proportional counter. This method requires no sophisticated analytical skill, and the accuracy of the result is satisfactory. The instrumentation and some application of this apparatus are described. (author)

17. Nuclear reaction diagnostics of fast confined and escaping alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The resonant radiative capture nuclear reactions D(α,γ)6Li, 6Li(α,γ) 19B and 7Li(α,γ)11B are examined as diagnostics of the energy distribution of confined fast alpha particles in tokamak plasmas. Count rates for realistic Q=1 DT plasma conditions are presented and compared to expected backgrounds. The design of and preliminary results from the prototype fusion gamma ray detector on TFTR are presented. The activation reactions are similarly examined as diagnostics of escaping fast alpha particles. Where possible, count rate estimates for Q=1 DT plasmas and proposed ignition devices are presented

18. Alpha-particle condensation in nuclei

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A round up of the present status of the conjecture that nα nuclei form an α-particle condensate in excited states close to the nα threshold is given. Experiments which could demonstrate the condensate character are proposed. Possible lines of further theoretical developments are discussed. (authors)

19. Alpha-particle condensation in nuclei

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A round-up of the present status of the conjecture that nα nuclei form an α-particle condensate in excited states close to the nα threshold is given. Experiments which could demonstrate the condensate character are proposed. Possible lines of further theoretical developments are discussed. (author)

20. Instrument for measuring total alpha particle energies of alpha emitters in ambient air

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kronenberg, S.; Brucker, G.J.; Cummings, B.; Bechtel, E.; Gentner, F.; Horne, S

2000-11-11

This paper describes the design, fabrication, testing and evaluation of a self-reading, carbon fiber, electrometer-type instrument. It is used for measuring the total energy of alpha particles emitted in air by progenies of {sup 222}Rn ({sup 218}Po, {sup 214}Pb, and {sup 214}Bi), and sometimes by other types of alpha emitters (e.g. {sup 212}Pb, {sup 238}U, and {sup 239}Pu). The purpose of these measurements is to assess the energy delivered by alpha emission from these sources to the lung tissue. A sample (charged progenies attached to aerosols) is collected on filter paper from a known volume of air and placed on the instrument. The discharge rate indicates the alpha energy in MeV l{sup -1} of air per min that is produced by the alpha emitters. The calibration procedure shows that the instrument has an energy sensitivity for alpha particles of 800.5 MeV/scale unit. The range of the readout scale is 30 units. Measurements of alpha contamination in air were made using this instrument in buildings, private homes and in a standard chamber. The value of the radon concentration in this chamber is traceable back to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

1. Nanodosimetry and nanodosimetric-based models of radiation action for radon alpha particles. Progress report, July 1990--June 1992

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zaider, M.

1992-12-31

We report on a theory for describing the biological effects of ionizing radiation in particular radon {alpha} particles. Behind this approach is the recognition that biological effects such as chromosome aberrations, cellular transformation, cellular inactivation, etc, are the result of a hierarchic sequence of radiation effects. We indicate how to treat each of the individual processes in this sequence, and also how to relate one effect to the hierarchically superior one.

2. Characterization of the interaction of lassa fever virus with its cellular receptor alpha-dystroglycan.

Science.gov (United States)

Kunz, Stefan; Rojek, Jillian M; Perez, Mar; Spiropoulou, Christina F; Oldstone, Michael B A

2005-05-01

The cellular receptor for the Old World arenaviruses Lassa fever virus (LFV) and lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) has recently been identified as alpha-dystroglycan (alpha-DG), a cell surface receptor that provides a molecular link between the extracellular matrix and the actin-based cytoskeleton. In the present study, we show that LFV binds to alpha-DG with high affinity in the low-nanomolar range. Recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus pseudotyped with LFV glycoprotein (GP) adopted the receptor binding characteristics of LFV and depended on alpha-DG for infection of cells. Mapping of the binding site of LFV on alpha-DG revealed that LFV binding required the same domains of alpha-DG that are involved in the binding of LCMV. Further, LFV was found to efficiently compete with laminin alpha1 and alpha2 chains for alpha-DG binding. Together with our previous studies on receptor binding of the prototypic immunosuppressive LCMV isolate LCMV clone 13, these findings indicate a high degree of conservation in the receptor binding characteristics between the highly human-pathogenic LFV and murine-immunosuppressive LCMV isolates. PMID:15857984

3. Cellular Particle Dynamics simulation of biomechanical relaxation processes of multi-cellular systems

Science.gov (United States)

McCune, Matthew; Kosztin, Ioan

2013-03-01

Cellular Particle Dynamics (CPD) is a theoretical-computational-experimental framework for describing and predicting the time evolution of biomechanical relaxation processes of multi-cellular systems, such as fusion, sorting and compression. In CPD, cells are modeled as an ensemble of cellular particles (CPs) that interact via short range contact interactions, characterized by an attractive (adhesive interaction) and a repulsive (excluded volume interaction) component. The time evolution of the spatial conformation of the multicellular system is determined by following the trajectories of all CPs through numerical integration of their equations of motion. Here we present CPD simulation results for the fusion of both spherical and cylindrical multi-cellular aggregates. First, we calibrate the relevant CPD model parameters for a given cell type by comparing the CPD simulation results for the fusion of two spherical aggregates to the corresponding experimental results. Next, CPD simulations are used to predict the time evolution of the fusion of cylindrical aggregates. The latter is relevant for the formation of tubular multi-cellular structures (i.e., primitive blood vessels) created by the novel bioprinting technology. Work supported by NSF [PHY-0957914]. Computer time provided by the University of Missouri Bioinformatics Consortium.

4. 226Ra determination in phosphogypsum by alpha-particle spectrometry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A radiochemical method for 226Ra determination by alpha-particle spectrometry in environmental samples has been developed in our laboratory. The method has been validated by measurements in samples with known concentrations of this radionuclide and it has been applied in studies related to 226Ra behaviour in phosphogypsum (the main by-product of producing phosphoric acid from phosphate rocks). (author)

5. Discrimination of nuclear recoils from alpha particles with superheated liquids

CERN Document Server

Aubin, F; Behnke, E; Beltran, B; Clark, K; Dai, X; Davour, A; Genest, M-H; Giroux, G; Gornea, R; Faust, R; Krauss, C B; Leroy, C; Lessard, L; Levine, I; Levy, C; Martin, J -P; Noble, A J; Morlat, T; Nadeau, P; Piro, M -C; Pospísil, S; Shepherd, T; Sodomka, J; Starinski, N; Stekl, I; Storey, C; Wichoski, U; Zacek, V

2008-01-01

The PICASSO collaboration observed for the first time a significant difference between the acoustic signals induced by neutrons and alpha particles in a detector based on superheated liquids. This new effect offers the possibility of improved background suppression and could be especially useful for rare event searches such as dark matter experiments.

6. Investigation of advanced materials for fusion alpha particle diagnostics

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bonheure, G., E-mail: g.bonheure@fz-juelich.de [Laboratory for Plasma Physics, Association “Euratom-Belgian State”, Royal Military Academy, Avenue de la Renaissance, 30 Kunstherlevinglaan, B-1000 Brussels (Belgium); Van Wassenhove, G. [Laboratory for Plasma Physics, Association “Euratom-Belgian State”, Royal Military Academy, Avenue de la Renaissance, 30 Kunstherlevinglaan, B-1000 Brussels (Belgium); Hult, M.; González de Orduña, R. [Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM), Retieseweg 111, B-2440 Geel (Belgium); Strivay, D. [Centre Européen d’Archéométrie, Institut de Physique Nucléaire, Atomique et de Spectroscopie, Université de Liège (Belgium); Vermaercke, P. [SCK-CEN, Boeretang, B-2400 Mol (Belgium); Delvigne, T. [DSI SPRL, 3 rue Mont d’Orcq, Froyennes B-7503 (Belgium); Chene, G.; Delhalle, R. [Centre Européen d’Archéométrie, Institut de Physique Nucléaire, Atomique et de Spectroscopie, Université de Liège (Belgium); Huber, A.; Schweer, B.; Esser, G.; Biel, W.; Neubauer, O. [Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institut für Plasmaphysik, EURATOM-Assoziation, Trilateral Euregio Cluster, D-52425 Jülich (Germany)

2013-10-15

Highlights: ► We examine the feasibility of alpha particle measurements in ITER. ► We test advanced material detectors borrowed from the GERDA neutrino experiment. ► We compare experimental results on TEXTOR tokamak with our detector response model. ► We investigate the detector response in ITER full power D–T plasmas. ► Advanced materials show good signal to noise ratio and alpha particle selectivity. -- Abstract: Fusion alpha particle diagnostics for ITER remain a challenging task. Standard escaping alpha particle detectors in present tokamaks are not applicable to ITER and techniques suitable for fusion reactor conditions need further research and development [1,2]. The activation technique is widely used for the characterization of high fluence rates inside neutron reactors. Tokamak applications of the neutron activation technique are already well developed [3] whereas measuring escaping ions using this technique is a novel fusion plasma diagnostic development. Despite low alpha particle fluence levels in present tokamaks, promising results using activation technique combined with ultra-low level gamma-ray spectrometry [4] were achieved before in JET [5,6]. In this research work, we use new advanced detector materials. The material properties beneficial for alpha induced activation are (i) moderate neutron cross-sections (ii) ultra-high purity which reduces neutron-induced background activation and (iii) isotopic tailoring which increases the activation yield of the measured activation product. Two samples were obtained from GERDA[7], an experiment aimed at measuring the neutrinoless double beta decay in {sup 76}Ge. These samples, made of highly pure (9 N) germanium highly enriched to 87% in isotope Ge-76, were irradiated in real D–D fusion plasma conditions inside the TEXTOR tokamak. Comparison of the calculated and the experimentally measured activity shows good agreement. Compared to previously investigated high temperature ceramic material [8

7. Pressure control and particles motion in ALPHA

CERN Document Server

Rudakov, Kirill

2013-01-01

The first project was a system to control the pressure of water and gas. The second project was the calculation of tracks of particles. The third project was to make an estimation of mutual inductance.

8. Cellular interactions of surface modified nanoporous silicon particles

Science.gov (United States)

Bimbo, Luis M.; Sarparanta, Mirkka; Mäkilä, Ermei; Laaksonen, Timo; Laaksonen, Päivi; Salonen, Jarno; Linder, Markus B.; Hirvonen, Jouni; Airaksinen, Anu J.; Santos, Hélder A.

2012-05-01

In this study, the self-assembly of hydrophobin class II (HFBII) on the surface of thermally hydrocarbonized porous silicon (THCPSi) nanoparticles was investigated. The HFBII-coating converted the hydrophobic particles into more hydrophilic ones, improved the particles' cell viability in both HT-29 and Caco-2 cell lines compared to uncoated particles, and enhanced the particles' cellular association. The amount of HFBII adsorbed onto the particles was also successfully quantified by both the BCA assay and a HPLC method. Importantly, the permeation of a poorly water-soluble drug, indomethacin, loaded into THCPSi particles across Caco-2 monolayers was not affected by the protein coating. In addition, 125I-radiolabelled HFBII did not extensively permeate the Caco-2 monolayer and was found to be stably adsorbed onto the THCPSi nanoparticles incubated in pH 7.4, which renders the particles the possibility for further track-imaging applications. The results highlight the potential of HFBII coating for improving wettability, increasing biocompatibility and possible intestinal association of PSi nanoparticulates for drug delivery applications.In this study, the self-assembly of hydrophobin class II (HFBII) on the surface of thermally hydrocarbonized porous silicon (THCPSi) nanoparticles was investigated. The HFBII-coating converted the hydrophobic particles into more hydrophilic ones, improved the particles' cell viability in both HT-29 and Caco-2 cell lines compared to uncoated particles, and enhanced the particles' cellular association. The amount of HFBII adsorbed onto the particles was also successfully quantified by both the BCA assay and a HPLC method. Importantly, the permeation of a poorly water-soluble drug, indomethacin, loaded into THCPSi particles across Caco-2 monolayers was not affected by the protein coating. In addition, 125I-radiolabelled HFBII did not extensively permeate the Caco-2 monolayer and was found to be stably adsorbed onto the THCPSi

9. The Emission of Long-Range Alpha Particles in Fission

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fraenkel and Thompson (1964) have shown that the most probable direction of emission of the long-range alpha particles in the spontaneous fission of californium-252 varies with the ratio of the masses of the residual fission fragments. The angle of emission relative to the direction of motion of the lighter fragment increases significantly as the mass of the lighter fragment decreases. Assuming that the alpha particle is emitted at the scission point, these authors conclude that the scission point, in ternary fission, occurs progressively nearer to the lighter fragment as the fragment mass ratio is greater. They point out that this is one of the assumptions underlying the ''geometrical'' model of mass division of Whetstone (1959) and Vladimirski (1957), and is the feature of that model in terms of which the variation of the average number of neutrons with fragment mass in binary fission is successfully explained. They suggest that these various considerations together indicate that the configuration of the scissioning nucleus at (and before) scission in ternary fission closely resembles the corresponding configuration in binary fission. Adopting this last hypothesis in relation to the thermal-neutron-induced fission of uranium-235, the writer (1964) has shown that if the liberation cf the alpha particle occurs at or just after the moment of scission, so that it may be regarded as emitted from a newly formed, but still deformed, fragment then the probability of emission can be deduced from the experiments of Schmitt et al. (1962), if certain further assumptions are made. On the assumption that the alpha particle is derived from the heavy fragment exclusively, it appears that the prob-ability of release from that fragment correlates directly with the average number of secondary neutrons emitted in in binary fission, and also with the energy available for alpha-particle emission from the undeformed (ground state) fragment. There would be no correlation with the energy

10. Alpha-particle losses in compact torsatron reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Loss of alpha particles in compact torsatron reactors is studied. For 6, 9, and 12 field period reactors, the direct loss is a relatively weak function of radius and energy and varies from ≅33% for M = 6 to ≅18% for M = 12. Loss of alpha particles through scattering into the loss region is calculated using the Fokker-Plank equation for fast ions and found to contribute an additional alpha-particle energy loss of ≅15%. The consequences of these relatively large losses for torsatron reactor design are discussed. The relationship between the direct particle losses and the magnetic field structure is also studied. Orbit losses from a variety of stellarator configurations are calculated and a figure-of-merit that characterizes the orbit confinement of a magnetic configuration is deduced from these calculations. This figure-of-merit is used to show how the direct losses might be reduced at low aspect-ratio. Effects of finite beta on the direct particle losses are also addressed, and are shown to significantly increase the direct losses in some configurations. 15 refs., 8 figs

11. RPL in alpha particle irradiated Ag+-doped phosphate glass

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The objective of this study is to investigate the emission mechanism of radiophotoluminescence (RPL) in the Ag+-doped phosphate glass (glass dosimeter), which is now used as individual radiation dosimeter, because the emission mechanism of RPL in glass dosimeter has been not fully understood. We have investigated the assignments and characteristics of the X-ray induced color centers in the Ag+-doped phosphate glass up to now (Miyamoto et al., 2010). Optical properties such as optical absorption spectra related with alpha-particles and X-rays irradiation were measured for commercially available glass dosimeter. In this study optical properties such as optical absorption spectrum as a function of alpha-particles and X-rays irradiation were measured for commercially available glass dosimeter. Comparison of the RPL in Ag+-doped phosphate glass irradiated with alpha-particles and X-rays is discussed. - Highlights: • A Yellow and blue emission are included in the RPL of Ag+-doped phosphate glass. • The ratio of yellow and blue emission was different between alpha and X-ray irradiation. • RPL emission intensity increased in an atmosphere below room temperature

12. Phoswich Detector for Simultaneous Measuring Alpha/beta Particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The new type phoswich detector consisting of the ZnS(Ag) and plastic scintillator for alpha/beta-ray simultaneous counting was developed for monitoring radiological contamination inside pipes. The detection performance was estimated using the PSD (pulse shape discrimination) method as a function of distance between the scintillator and radioactive source. The attenuation of particles traveling through a thin film for preventing the detector from being contaminated was experimentally estimated. It is concluded from our investigation that the phoswich detector developed can provide a sufficient alpha/beta-ray discrimination. The application of a thin film for preventing the detector from being contaminated was proven to be feasible.

13. Low energy alpha particle spectroscopy using CR-39 detector

CERN Document Server

Izerrouken, M; Ilic, R

1999-01-01

The possibility of using CR-39 to measure the depth profile of sup 1 sup 0 B in Si is analysed. The measuring technique exploits the sup 1 sup 0 B(n, alpha) sup 7 Li nuclear reaction. For this reason the track parameters (size, optical properties) of low energy alpha-particles (<1.47 MeV) were studied. The results showed that an energy resolution of about 100 keV could be obtained by an appropriate selection of etching conditions. The profile of sup 1 sup 0 B in Si at a depth as small as 1 mu m can be measured.

14. Effect of Alpha-Particle Irradiation on Brain Glycogen in the Rat

Science.gov (United States)

Wolfe, L. S.; Klatzo, Igor; Miquel, Jaime; Tobias, Cornelius; Haymaker, Webb

1962-01-01

The studies of Klatzo, Miquel, Tobias and Haymaker (1961) have shown that one of the earliest and most sensitive indications of the effects of alpha-particle irradiation on rat bran is the appearance of glycogen granules mainly in the neuroglia of the exposed area of the brain. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positive, alpha-amylase soluble granules were demonstrated within 12 hr after irradiation, preceding by approximately 36 hr the first microscopically detectable vascular permeability disturbances, as shown by the fluorescein labeled serum protein technique. These studies suggested that the injurious effects of alpha-particle energy were on cellular elements primarily, according to the physical properties and distribution of the radiation in the tissue, and that the vascular permeability disturbances played a secondary role in pathogenesis. The purpose of this study was to correlate the histochemical observations on glycogen with a quantitative assessment of the glycogen in the irradiated brain tissue. It is felt that such a study may contribute to the understanding of radiation injury at the molecular level. A practical aspect of this problem is that the information on biological radiation effects due to accelerated particles from the cyclotron source, is employed in this study, is applicable to radiation from cosmic particles both in free space and entrapped in the Van Allen belts.

15. Appearance and cellular distribution of lectin-like receptors for alpha 1-acid glycoprotein in the developing rat testis

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Andersen, U O; Bøg-Hansen, T C; Kirkeby, S

1996-01-01

A histochemical avidin-biotin technique with three different alpha 1-acid glycoprotein glycoforms showed pronounced alterations in the cellular localization of two alpha 1-acid glycoprotein lectin-like receptors during cell differentiation in the developing rat testis. The binding of alpha 1-acid...

16. Alpha particle effects on global MHD modes, and alpha particle transport in ignited tokamaks

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The high frequency, low mode number toroidicity-induced Alfven eigenmodes (TAE) are shown to be driven unstable primarily by the circulating α-particles through wave-particle resonances. To destabilize the TAE modes, the inverse Landau damping associated with the α-particle pressure gradient free energy must overcome the velocity space Landau damping due to both the α-particles and the core electrons and ions, as well as Alfven continuum damping. Stability criteria are presented for TFTR, CIT, and ITER tokamaks in terms of the α-particle beta βα, the α-particle pressure gradient parameter (ω*/ωA), where ω* is the α-particle diamagnetic drift frequency, and the α-particle velocity (vα/vA) parameter. Typically the volume averaged α-particle beta threshold is on the order of 10-4. Rough estimates of the TAE mode saturation level give δBr/B ∼ 10-3 for typical D-T tokamak operations. Significant α-particle losses are found when the amplitude of the global MHD modes is large, on the order of (δBr/B) ≥ 10-4. For (δBr/B) = 5 x 10-4, the α-particle loss time is appreciably shorter than the α-particle slowing-down time. 13 refs., 1 fig

17. Alpha particle track coloration in CR-39: Improved observability

CERN Document Server

Oezguemues, A

1999-01-01

A comparative study of the observability of alpha particle tracks in CR-39 was performed with an optical microscope before and after coloration. The implantation of ink helped in observing the damage zones. At first glance through the microscope, the coloration makes the tracks stand out right away. This coloration is helpful, from the start, in the morphological study of the tracks (size, area, orientation, shape, perimeter). This operation is advantageous in distinguishing the alpha particle tracks from stains or scratches. Thus, the routine counting of the tracks is more easily performed. Consequently, this procedure allowed us: to decrease significantly the standard deviation of the approximate total of the parameters given from the image analysis system (Olympus CUE2); to envision the possibility of reasonably decreasing the etching time in order to limit the loss of information caused by the destruction of the CR-39 during chemical etching and to use a weaker enlarging lens in order to cover a larger fi...

18. A Novel Experiment to Investigate the Attenuation of Alpha Particles in Air

Science.gov (United States)

Andrews, D. G. H.

2008-01-01

A simple student experiment investigating dependence on air pressure of the attenuation of alpha particles in air is described. An equation giving the pressure needed to absorb all alpha particles of a given energy is derived from the Bethe-Bloch formula. Results are presented for the attenuation of alpha particles from americium 241 and radium…

19. Skeletal dosimetry models for alpha-particles for use in molecular radiotherapy

Science.gov (United States)

Watchman, Christopher J.

Molecular radiotherapy is a cancer treatment methodology whereby a radionuclide is combined with a biologically active molecule to preferentially target cancer cells. Alpha-particle emitting radionuclides show significant potential for use in molecular radiotherapy due to the short range of the alpha-particles in tissue and their high rates of energy deposition. Current radiation dosimetry models used to assess alpha emitter dose in the skeleton were developed originally for occupational applications. In medical dosimetry, individual variability in uptake, translocation and other biological factors can result in poor correlation of clinical outcome with marrow dose estimates determined using existing skeletal models. Methods presented in this work were developed in response to the need for dosimetry models which account for these biological and patient-specific factors. Dosimetry models are presented for trabecular bone alpha particle dosimetry as well as a model for cortical bone dosimetry. These radiation transport models are the 3D chord-based infinite spongiosa transport model (3D-CBIST) and the chord-based infinite cortical transport model (CBICT), respectively. Absorbed fraction data for several skeletal tissues for several subjects are presented. Each modeling strategy accounts for biological parameters, such as bone marrow cellularity, not previously incorporated into alpha-particle skeletal dosimetry models used in radiation protection. Using these data a study investigating the variability in alpha-particle absorbed fractions in the human skeleton is also presented. Data is also offered relating skeletal tissue masses in individual bone sites for a range of ages. These data are necessary for dose calculations and have previously only been available as whole body tissue masses. A revised 3D-CBIST model is also presented which allows for changes in endosteum thickness to account for revised target cell location of tissues involved in the radiological

20. Cellular detonation diffraction in gas-particle mixtures

Science.gov (United States)

Fedorov, A. V.; Khmel, T. A.; Kratova, Y. V.

2010-12-01

Diffraction of cellular heterogeneous detonation out of a channel into open half-space in a mixture of aluminum particles and oxygen is investigated numerically. The flow is found to be very similar to gas detonation diffraction. The detonation weakening behind the step results in combustion front deceleration and decoupling from the leading shock wave. Subsequent re-initiation takes place in a transverse wave. New transverse waves are generated along the expanding front. The computations that were performed show that the critical number of cells is several times less than that for gases. This is confirmed by theoretical estimates based upon the Mitrofanov-Soloukhin approach.

1. Nanodosimetry and nanodosimetric-based models of radiation action for radon alpha particles. Progress report, July 1, 1991--June 30, 1992

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

1992-04-01

The objective of our research work is to provide -- with the aid of biophysical models of radiation action -- information on human risks following exposure to radon alpha particles. The approach proposed consists of (1) developing appropriate models (parametric and non-parametric) for alpha radiation induction of relevant end points (survival, cellular transformation), (2) providing an accurate physical characterization of the particle tracks in terms of nanodosimetric distributions, (3) supporting the models by detailed, molecular studies of the direct and indirect effects of alpha particles on DNA. Activities in the second year of this project are described.

2. Cellular mechanisms of alpha herpesvirus egress: live cell fluorescence microscopy of pseudorabies virus exocytosis.

OpenAIRE

Hogue, Ian B.; Jens B Bosse; Jiun-Ruey Hu; Thiberge, Stephan Y.; Enquist, Lynn W.

2014-01-01

Egress of newly assembled herpesvirus particles from infected cells is a highly dynamic process involving the host secretory pathway working in concert with viral components. To elucidate the location, dynamics, and molecular mechanisms of alpha herpesvirus egress, we developed a live-cell fluorescence microscopy method to visualize the final transport and exocytosis of pseudorabies virus (PRV) particles in non-polarized epithelial cells. This method is based on total internal reflection fluo...

3. Gross {alpha}-particle activities in the ground waters in Western Anatolia

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Akyil, S.; Erees, F.S.; Olmez, S. [Ege Universitesi, Izmir (Turkey)

1996-07-01

The purpose of this study is to present data on gross {alpha}-particle activity, pH and conductivity in the ground waters in Western Anatolia. The gross {alpha}-particle activities in 27 ground water samples were determined by radiochemical carrier-precipitation methods. The gross {alpha}-particle activities of water samples were measured by using a ZnS (Ag) detector system. Measureable {alpha}-particle activity is present in all ground water samples, with one ground water sample having a gross {alpha}-particle activity > 0.55 Bq/L. (Author).

4. Alpha-particle Measurements Needed for Burning Plasma Experiments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The next major step in magnetic fusion studies will be the construction of a burning plasma (BP) experiment where the goals will be to achieve and understand the plasma behavior with the internal heating provided by fusion-generated alpha particles. Two devices with these physics goals have been proposed: the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and the Fusion Ignition Research Experiment (FIRE). Extensive conceptual design work for the instrumentation to try to meet the physics demands has been done for these devices, especially ITER. This article provides a new look at the measurements specifically important for understanding the physics aspects of the alpha particles taking into account two significant events. The first is the completion of physics experiments on the Joint European Torus (JET) and the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) with deuterium-tritium fueling with the first chances to study alpha physics and the second is the realization that relatively compact plasmas, making use of advanced tokamak plasma concepts, are the most probable route to burning plasmas and ultimately a fusion reactor

5. Alpha-particle Measurements Needed for Burning Plasma Experiments

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kenneth M. Young

2001-09-26

The next major step in magnetic fusion studies will be the construction of a burning plasma (BP) experiment where the goals will be to achieve and understand the plasma behavior with the internal heating provided by fusion-generated alpha particles. Two devices with these physics goals have been proposed: the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and the Fusion Ignition Research Experiment (FIRE). Extensive conceptual design work for the instrumentation to try to meet the physics demands has been done for these devices, especially ITER. This article provides a new look at the measurements specifically important for understanding the physics aspects of the alpha particles taking into account two significant events. The first is the completion of physics experiments on the Joint European Torus (JET) and the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) with deuterium-tritium fueling with the first chances to study alpha physics and the second is the realization that relatively compact plasmas, making use of advanced tokamak plasma concepts, are the most probable route to burning plasmas and ultimately a fusion reactor.

6. Investigation of fusion alpha particle ripple losses by means of a kinetic code - alpha particle ripple losses in ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The discrete nature of a tokamak magnetic system as a consequence of N separate field coils leads to a deviation from axial symmetry and causes additional transport referred to as ripple transport. This loss mechanism whose effectiveness increases with the particle energy must be investigated carefully for fusion alpha particles. The first part of the paper treats the ripple problem by means of a kinetic equation based on a modified Fokker-Planck equation generalized for ripple transport in 1.5-dimensional geometry. For a NET-type tokamak, ripple fluxes have been calculated with the edge ripple δ as a parameter and have been compared to neoclassical and anomalous fluxes. It has been found that particle and power loss fractions are small if the ripple is less than 1%. This results has been confirmed in the second part of the paper that studies the alpha particle ripple losses in ITER by Monte Carlo numerical modelling. Calculations were performed for physics phase and technology phase operation, and it has been shown that the first wall heat deposition profile is very sensitive to the details of plasma equilibrium shape, first wall position and ripple profile. The peak heat load, being small for the reference configuration, may easily be increased up to small changes in the ripple profile and the plasma configuration. (author). 7 refs, 6 figs, 1 tab

7. Measurements of DT alpha particle loss near the outer midplane of TFTR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Measurements of DT alpha particle loss to the outer midplane region of TFTR have been made using a radially movable scintillator detector. The conclusion from this data is that mechanisms determining the DT alpha loss to the outer midplane are not substantially different from those for DD fusion products. Some of these results are compared with a simplified theoretical model for TF ripple-induced alpha loss, which is expected to be the dominant classical alpha loss mechanism near the outer midplane. An example of plasma-driven MHD-induced alpha particle loss is shown, but no signs of any ''collective'' alpha instability-induced alpha loss have yet been observed

8. Targeted Cytoplasmic Irradiation with Alpha Particles Induces Mutations in Mammalian Cells

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Li-Jun; Randers-Pehrson, Gerhard; Xu, An; Waldren, Charles A.; Geard, Charles R.; Yu, Zengliang; Hei, Tom K.

1999-04-01

9. GaN-based PIN alpha particle detectors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang Guo [Peking University, Shenzhen Graduate School, Guangdong Shenzhen 518055 (China); Peking University, Beijing, 100871 (China); Fu Kai; Yao Changsheng [Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Science, Jiangsu Suzhou 215123 (China); Su Dan; Zhang Guoguang [China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing 102413 (China); Wang Jinyan [Peking University, Beijing, 100871 (China); Lu Min, E-mail: mlu2006@sinano.ac.cn [Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics, Chinese Academy of Science, Jiangsu Suzhou 215123 (China)

2012-01-21

GaN-based PIN alpha particle detectors are studied in this article. The electrical properties of detectors have been investigated, such as current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V). The reverse current of all detectors is in nA range applied at 30 V, which is suitable for detector operation. The charge collection efficiency (CCE) is measured to be approximately 80% but the energy resolution is calculated to be about 40% mostly because the intrinsic layer is not sufficiently thick enough.

10. Cluster states and alpha particle condensation in 13C

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The structure of 13C is studied with the semi-microscopic cluster model, 3α+n orthogonality condition model (OCM). The energy spectra of four 1/2- states and three 1/2+ states up to Ex ~ 13 MeV are successfully reproduced, in particular, three monopole transition strengths are in fair agreement with the observed ones. We discuss the cluster states and alpha particle condensation in the 1/2± states appearing around the 12C+n, 9Be+α and 3α+n thresholds. (author)

11. GaN-based PIN alpha particle detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

GaN-based PIN alpha particle detectors are studied in this article. The electrical properties of detectors have been investigated, such as current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V). The reverse current of all detectors is in nA range applied at 30 V, which is suitable for detector operation. The charge collection efficiency (CCE) is measured to be approximately 80% but the energy resolution is calculated to be about 40% mostly because the intrinsic layer is not sufficiently thick enough.

12. Alpha particle response characterization of CdZnTe

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Amman, Mark; Lee, Julie S.; Luke, Paul N.

2001-06-28

The coplanar-grid as well as other electron-only detection techniques are effective in overcoming some of the material problems of CdZnTe and, consequently, have led to efficient gamma-ray detectors with good energy resolution while operating at room temperature. The performance of these detectors is limited by the degree of uniformity in both electron generation and transport. Despite recent progress in the growth of CdZnTe material, small variations in these properties remain a barrier to the widespread success of such detectors. Alpha-particle response characterization of CdZnTe crystals fabricated into simple planar detectors is an effective tool to accurately study electron generation and transport. We have used a finely collimated alpha source to produce two-dimensional maps of detector response. A clear correlation has been observed between the distribution of precipitates near the entrance contact on some crystals and their alpha-response maps. Further studies are ongoing to determine the mechanism for the observed response variations and the reason for the correlation. This paper presents the results of these studies and their relationship to coplanar-grid gamma-ray detector performance.

13. Alpha particle response characterization of CdZnTe

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The coplanar-grid as well as other electron-only detection techniques are effective in overcoming some of the material problems of CdZnTe and, consequently, have led to efficient gamma-ray detectors with good energy resolution while operating at room temperature. The performance of these detectors is limited by the degree of uniformity in both electron generation and transport. Despite recent progress in the growth of CdZnTe material, small variations in these properties remain a barrier to the widespread success of such detectors. Alpha-particle response characterization of CdZnTe crystals fabricated into simple planar detectors is an effective tool to accurately study electron generation and transport. We have used a finely collimated alpha source to produce two-dimensional maps of detector response. A clear correlation has been observed between the distribution of precipitates near the entrance contact on some crystals and their alpha-response maps. Further studies are ongoing to determine the mechanism for the observed response variations and the reason for the correlation. This paper presents the results of these studies and their relationship to coplanar-grid gamma-ray detector performance

14. Innershell ionization by fast protons, alpha particles and carbon ions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The subject of this thesis is the study of inner-shell excitations of atoms induced by fast charged particle collisions. A new method is described for measuring the spectrum of delta-electrons emitted by 208Pb after excitation by 15 MeV protons or 50 MeV alpha particles. Experimental equipment is described. Results of both experiments are presented and compared with PWBA models and with calculations based on a semi-classical approximation. The small-impact-parameter ionization probabilities obtained are then compared with literature. Also small-impact-parameter measurements done with 100 MeV carbon ions are described. Besides K-shell measurements, the author also presents L-subshell ionization probability results for Pb. An appendix is added in which energy straggling problems in solid targets are treated. (Auth./G.J.P.)

15. Alpha particle track coloration in CR-39: Improved observability

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A comparative study of the observability of alpha particle tracks in CR-39 was performed with an optical microscope before and after coloration. The implantation of ink helped in observing the damage zones. At first glance through the microscope, the coloration makes the tracks stand out right away. This coloration is helpful, from the start, in the morphological study of the tracks (size, area, orientation, shape, perimeter). This operation is advantageous in distinguishing the alpha particle tracks from stains or scratches. Thus, the routine counting of the tracks is more easily performed. Consequently, this procedure allowed us: to decrease significantly the standard deviation of the approximate total of the parameters given from the image analysis system (Olympus CUE2); to envision the possibility of reasonably decreasing the etching time in order to limit the loss of information caused by the destruction of the CR-39 during chemical etching and to use a weaker enlarging lens in order to cover a larger field of observation for the counting operations

16. Detection of alpha particles using DNA/Al Schottky junctions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Al-Ta' ii, Hassan Maktuff Jaber, E-mail: hassankirkukly@gmail.com, E-mail: vengadeshp@um.edu.my [Low Dimensional Materials Research Centre (LDMRC), 50603 Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia); Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Al-Muthana, Al-Muthana 66001 (Iraq); Periasamy, Vengadesh, E-mail: hassankirkukly@gmail.com, E-mail: vengadeshp@um.edu.my [Low Dimensional Materials Research Centre (LDMRC), 50603 Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia); Amin, Yusoff Mohd [Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

2015-09-21

Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA can be utilized in an organic-metallic rectifying structure to detect radiation, especially alpha particles. This has become much more important in recent years due to crucial environmental detection needs in both peace and war. In this work, we fabricated an aluminum (Al)/DNA/Al structure and generated current–voltage characteristics upon exposure to alpha radiation. Two models were utilized to investigate these current profiles; the standard conventional thermionic emission model and Cheung and Cheung's method. Using these models, the barrier height, Richardson constant, ideality factor and series resistance of the metal-DNA-metal structure were analyzed in real time. The barrier height, Φ value calculated using the conventional method for non-radiated structure was 0.7149 eV, increasing to 0.7367 eV after 4 min of radiation. Barrier height values were observed to increase after 20, 30 and 40 min of radiation, except for 6, 8, and 10 min, which registered a decrease of about 0.67 eV. This was in comparison using Cheung and Cheung's method, which registered 0.6983 eV and 0.7528 eV for the non-radiated and 2 min of radiation, respectively. The barrier height values, meanwhile, were observed to decrease after 4 (0.61 eV) to 40 min (0.6945 eV). The study shows that conventional thermionic emission model could be practically utilized for estimating the diode parameters including the effect of series resistance. These changes in the electronic properties of the Al/DNA/Al junctions could therefore be utilized in the manufacture of sensitive alpha particle sensors.

17. Detection of alpha particles using DNA/Al Schottky junctions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA can be utilized in an organic-metallic rectifying structure to detect radiation, especially alpha particles. This has become much more important in recent years due to crucial environmental detection needs in both peace and war. In this work, we fabricated an aluminum (Al)/DNA/Al structure and generated current–voltage characteristics upon exposure to alpha radiation. Two models were utilized to investigate these current profiles; the standard conventional thermionic emission model and Cheung and Cheung's method. Using these models, the barrier height, Richardson constant, ideality factor and series resistance of the metal-DNA-metal structure were analyzed in real time. The barrier height, Φ value calculated using the conventional method for non-radiated structure was 0.7149 eV, increasing to 0.7367 eV after 4 min of radiation. Barrier height values were observed to increase after 20, 30 and 40 min of radiation, except for 6, 8, and 10 min, which registered a decrease of about 0.67 eV. This was in comparison using Cheung and Cheung's method, which registered 0.6983 eV and 0.7528 eV for the non-radiated and 2 min of radiation, respectively. The barrier height values, meanwhile, were observed to decrease after 4 (0.61 eV) to 40 min (0.6945 eV). The study shows that conventional thermionic emission model could be practically utilized for estimating the diode parameters including the effect of series resistance. These changes in the electronic properties of the Al/DNA/Al junctions could therefore be utilized in the manufacture of sensitive alpha particle sensors

18. Detection of alpha particles using DNA/Al Schottky junctions

Science.gov (United States)

Al-Ta'ii, Hassan Maktuff Jaber; Periasamy, Vengadesh; Amin, Yusoff Mohd

2015-09-01

Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA can be utilized in an organic-metallic rectifying structure to detect radiation, especially alpha particles. This has become much more important in recent years due to crucial environmental detection needs in both peace and war. In this work, we fabricated an aluminum (Al)/DNA/Al structure and generated current-voltage characteristics upon exposure to alpha radiation. Two models were utilized to investigate these current profiles; the standard conventional thermionic emission model and Cheung and Cheung's method. Using these models, the barrier height, Richardson constant, ideality factor and series resistance of the metal-DNA-metal structure were analyzed in real time. The barrier height, Φ value calculated using the conventional method for non-radiated structure was 0.7149 eV, increasing to 0.7367 eV after 4 min of radiation. Barrier height values were observed to increase after 20, 30 and 40 min of radiation, except for 6, 8, and 10 min, which registered a decrease of about 0.67 eV. This was in comparison using Cheung and Cheung's method, which registered 0.6983 eV and 0.7528 eV for the non-radiated and 2 min of radiation, respectively. The barrier height values, meanwhile, were observed to decrease after 4 (0.61 eV) to 40 min (0.6945 eV). The study shows that conventional thermionic emission model could be practically utilized for estimating the diode parameters including the effect of series resistance. These changes in the electronic properties of the Al/DNA/Al junctions could therefore be utilized in the manufacture of sensitive alpha particle sensors.

19. A Feasibility Study of a Portable Alpha Particle Spectrometer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alpha spectroscopy is widely used for detecting undeclared nuclear facilities, activities, and materials. Due to the heavy equipment required to carry out this technique, its applications is limited. With the goal of quickly and efficiently responding to undeclared nuclear facilities, activities, and materials, the present authors have designed and built a portable α-particle spectrometer. This study was conducted in order to develop a new portable α-particle spectrometer with the purpose of detecting undeclared nuclear facilities, activities, and materials on site quickly and efficiently. All heavy and large components, which are typically required for a laboratory such as a αparticle spectrometry system, were minimized and placed in a small container with a weight of 14 kg and a size of 30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm. In the feasibility study, the calculated enrichment values of 235U obtained from the portable α-particle spectrometer were 1.868 % and 3.083 %, similar to the results from a commercial spectrometry system used in laboratories, 2.049 % and 3.253 %. These differences were possibly caused by different channel setups for each system

20. Alpha particle losses from Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor deuterium-tritium plasmas

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Darrow, D.S.; Zweben, S.J. [Princeton Univ., NJ (United States). Plasma Physics Lab.; Batha, S. [Fusion Physics and Technology, Torrance, CA (United States)

1996-01-01

Because alpha particle losses can have a significant influence on tokamak reactor viability, the loss of deuterium-tritium alpha particles from the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) has been measured under a wide range of conditions. In TFTR, first orbit loss and stochastic toroidal field ripple diffusion are always present. Other losses can arise due to magnetohydrodynamic instabilities or due to waves in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies. No alpha particle losses have yet been seen due to collective instabilities driven by alphas. Ion Bernstein waves can drive large losses of fast ions from TFTR, and details of those losses support one element of the alpha energy channeling scenario.

1. Alpha particle losses from Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor deuterium-tritium plasmas

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Because alpha particle losses can have a significant influence on tokamak reactor viability, the loss of deuterium-tritium alpha particles from the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) has been measured under a wide range of conditions. In TFTR, first orbit loss and stochastic toroidal field ripple diffusion are always present. Other losses can arise due to magnetohydrodynamic instabilities or due to waves in the ion cyclotron range of frequencies. No alpha particle losses have yet been seen due to collective instabilities driven by alphas. Ion Bernstein waves can drive large losses of fast ions from TFTR, and details of those losses support one element of the alpha energy channeling scenario

2. Study on cytotoxicities induced by alpha particle irradiation combined with NNK treatment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

3. Influence of Magnolol on the bystander effect induced by alpha-particle irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wong, T.P.W.; Law, Y.L. [Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong (Hong Kong); Tse, A.K.W.; Fong, W.F. [Research and Development Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong (Hong Kong); Yu, K.N. [Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong (Hong Kong)], E-mail: peter.yu@cityu.edu.hk

2010-04-15

In this work, the influence of Magnolol on the bystander effect in alpha-particle irradiated Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells was examined. The bystander effect was studied through medium transfer experiments. Cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay was performed to quantify the chromosome damage induced by alpha-particle irradiation. Our results showed that the alpha-particle induced micronuclei (MN) frequencies were suppressed with the presence of Magnolol.

4. A novel experiment to investigate the attenuation of alpha particles in air

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A simple student experiment investigating dependence on air pressure of the attenuation of alpha particles in air is described. An equation giving the pressure needed to absorb all alpha particles of a given energy is derived from the Bethe-Bloch formula. Results are presented for the attenuation of alpha particles from americium 241 and radium 226. The experimental results are in close agreement with the theoretical predictions

5. New alpha particle counter based on micro-pixel avalanche photodiode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text : The main goal of this work is study of possibility to detect alpha particles with micro-pixel avalanche photodiode which has very thin active volume. The obtained results show that alpha detectors based on the micro-pixel avalanche photodiodes can be used as alpha particle counter in many experiments : public security, radioactive contamination monitoring in various environments and detection of charged particles from nuclear reactions

6. Alpha particles (citations from the International Aerospace Abstracts data base). Report for 1974-July 1979

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This bibliography of citations to the international literature covers various aspects of alpha particles as applied to controlled fusion devices, solar activity, and geomagnetically trapped particles. Included are articles concerning Tokamak devices, plasma heating and control, plasma-particle interactions, solar particles, solar wind, solar flares, energy spectra, and magnetohydrodynamic stability. Articles concerning effects of alpha particles on different kinds of devices are also included

7. Control of alpha particle transport by spatially inhomogeneous ion cyclotron resonance heating

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Control of the radial alpha particle transport by using Ion Cyclotron Range of Frequency waves is investigated in a large-aspect-ratio tokamak geometry. It is shown that spatially inhomogeneous ICRF-wave energy with properly selected frequencies and wave numbers can induce fast convective transport of alpha particles at the speed of order υalpha ∼ (PRF/nαε0) ρp, where PRF is the ICRF-wave power density, nα is the alpha density, ε0 is the alpha birth energy, and ρp is the poloidal gyroradius of alpha particles at the birth energy. Application to ITER plasmas is studied and possible antenna designs to control alpha particle flux are discussed. 8 refs., 3 figs

8. New concept for a wall detector for alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A new concept for a wall-mounted detector is described here that would measure D-T alpha flux and corresponding pitch angle distribution in tokamaks (or related toroidal devices). The sensing element is a conical Micro Channel Ring (MCR) coated with 1 to 2μ of ZnS scintillator (or possibly ZnO). The collimation of the α particles is provided by two circumferential slots at the wall surface. The alpha scintillation events on the MCR are transferred through the ring channels and coupled fiber optics bundle to an external processor. From the magnetic field vector at a given point on the device wall, a certain relation can be set up between the α-induced scintillation position on the MCR and its original pitch angle (i.e., the angle between the α emission from the fusion reaction and the magnetic field vector) which is equal to the local pitch angle since the wall α flux is dominated by prompt losses

9. Model of cell response to {\\alpha}-particle radiation

CERN Document Server

Liu, Longjian

2012-01-01

Starting from a general equation for organism (or cell system) growth and attributing additional cell death rate (besides the natural rate) to therapy, we derive an equation for cell response to {\\alpha} radiation. Different from previous models that are based on statistical theory, the present model connects the consequence of radiation with the growth process of a biosystem and each variable or parameter has meaning regarding the cell evolving process. We apply this equation to model the dose response for {\\alpha}-particle radiation. It interprets the results of both high and low linear energy transfer (LET) radiations. When LET is high, the additional death rate is a constant, which implies that the localized cells are damaged immediately and the additional death rate is proportional to the number of cells present. While at low LET, the additional death rate includes a constant term and a linear term of radiation dose, implying that the damage to some cell nuclei has a time accumulating effect. This model ...

10. Detection of lost alpha particle by concealed lost ion probe

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full orbit-following calculation is performed for the final orbit of the lost alpha particles, showing some orbits escaping from the last closed flux surface could be detected by a concealed lost ion probe (CLIP) installed under the shadow of the original first wall surface. While both passing and trapped orbits hit the same wall panel, detecting a trapped orbit by the CLIP is easier than detecting passing orbits. Whether the final orbit is detected or not is determined by the position of the reflection point. The CLIP successfully detects the trapped orbits, which are reflected before they hit to a first wall. Then the pitch angles of the orbits at the CLIP are close to and smaller than 90 deg. Optimization of the position of the CLIP in terms of broader detection window is investigated.

11. Anomalous loss of DT alpha particles in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Herrmann, H.W.

1997-09-01

An escaping alpha collector probe has been developed for TFTRs DT phase. Energy distributions of escaping alphas have been determined by measuring the range of {alpha}-particles implanted into nickel foils located within the alpha collector. Results at 1.0 MA of plasma current are in good agreement with predictions for first orbit alpha loss. Results at 1.8 MA, however, show a significant anomalous loss of partially thermalized alphas (in addition to the expected first orbit loss), which is not observed with the lost alpha scintillator detectors in DT plasmas, but does resemble the anomalous delayed loss seen in DD plasmas. None of the candidate explanations proposed thus far are fully consistent with the anomalous loss observations. An experiment designed to study the effect of plasma major radius shifts on {alpha}-particle loss has led to a better understanding of {alpha}-particle dynamics in tokamaks. Intuitively, one might suppose that confined marginally passing {alpha}-particles forced to move toward higher magnetic field during an inward major radius shift (i.e., compression) would mirror and become trapped particles, leading to increased alpha loss. Such an effect was looked for during the shift experiment, however, no significant changes in alpha loss to the 90{degree} lost alpha scintillator detector were observed during the shifts. It is calculated that the energy gained by an {alpha}-particle during the inward shift is sufficient to explain this result. However, an unexpected loss of partially thermalized {alpha}-particles near the passing/trapped boundary was observed to occur between inward and outward shifts at an intermediate value of plasma current (1.4 MA). This anomalous loss feature is not yet understood.

12. Chromosomal aberrations induced by alpha particles; Aberraciones cromosomicas inducidas por particulas {alpha}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Guerrero C, C.; Brena V, M. [ININ, 52045 Ocoyoacac, Estado de Mexico (Mexico)]. e-mail: cgc@nuclear.inin.mx

2005-07-01

The chromosomal aberrations produced by the ionizing radiation are commonly used when it is necessary to establish the exposure dose of an individual, it is a study that is used like complement of the traditional physical systems and its application is only in cases in that there is doubt about what indicates the conventional dosimetry. The biological dosimetry is based on the frequency of aberrations in the chromosomes of the lymphocytes of the individual in study and the dose is calculated taking like reference to the dose-response curves previously generated In vitro. A case of apparent over-exposure to alpha particles to which is practiced analysis of chromosomal aberrations to settle down if in fact there was exposure and as much as possible, to determine the presumed dose is presented. (Author)

13. Traversal of cells by radiation and absorbed fraction estimates for electrons and alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Consideration of the pathlength which radiation traverses in a cell is central to algorithms for estimating energy deposition on a cellular level. Distinct pathlength distributions occur for radionuclides: (1) uniformly distributed in space about the cell (referred to as μ-randomness); (2) uniformly distributed on the surface of the cell (S-randomness); and (3) uniformly distributed within the cell volume (I-randomness). For a spherical cell of diameter d, the mean pathlengths are 2/3d, and 3/4d, respectively, for these distributions. Algorithms for simulating the path of radiation through a cell are presented and the absorbed fraction in the cell and its nucleus are tabulated for low energy electrons and alpha particles emitted on the surface of spherical cells. The algorithms and absorbed fraction data should be of interest to those concerned with the dosimetry of radionuclide-labeled monoclonal antibodies. 8 references, 3 figures, 2 tables

14. Anomalous Loss of DT Alpha Particles in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Herrmann, Hans W.

1997-06-01

Princeton's Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) is the first experimental fusion device to routinely use tritium to study the deuterium-tritium (DT) fusion reaction,allowing the first systematic study of DT alpha particles in tokamak plasmas. A crucial aspect of alpha-particle physics is the fraction of alphas that escape from the plasma, particularly since these energetic particles can do severe damage to the first wall of a reactor. An escaping alpha collector probe has been developed for TFTR's DT phase. Energy distributions of escaping alphas have been determined by measuring the range of alpha-particles implanted into nickel foils located within the alpha collector. Results at 1.0 MA of plasma current are in good agreement with predictions for first orbit alpha loss. Results at 1.8 MA, however, show a significant anomalous loss of partially thermalized alphas (in addition to the expected first orbit loss), which is not observed with the lost alpha scintillator detectors in DT plasmas, but does resemble the anomalous "delayed" loss seen in DD plasmas. None of the candidate explanations proposed thus far are fully consistent with the anomalous loss observations. An experiment designed to study the effect of plasma major radius shifts on alpha-particle loss has led to a better understanding of alpha-particle dynamics in tokamaks. Intuitively, one might suppose that confined marginally passing alpha-particles forced to move toward higher magnetic field during an inward major radius shift (i.e. compression) would mirror and become trapped particles, leading to increased alpha loss. Such an effect was looked for during the shift experiment, however, no significant changes in alpha loss to the 90 degree lost alpha scintillator detector were observed during the shifts. It is calculated that the energy gained by an alpha-particle during the inward shift is sufficient to explain this result. However, an unexpected loss of partially thermalized alpha-particles

15. Synergy between chemotherapy and alpha particles: effects in cells directly hit and in bystander cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: Radioimmunotherapy with alpha-emitting nuclides offers the potential for selective targeting of micrometastatic sites. The short range of alpha particles and limited penetration of the labeled antibody into the tumor make it difficult to deliver a lethal dose to all tumor cells. In an effort to improve the extent and uniformity of tumor cell kill, experiments are underway to evaluate the ability of chemotherapy agents to produce synergistic effects in cells directly hit by alpha particles and in bystander cells. An alpha particle cell irradiation system comprised of planar americium-241 alpha particle sources together with custom-made cell culture dishes with replaceable mylar bottoms has been constructed and characterized. By changing the alpha particle source, the dose rate to cells on the mylar membrane can be varied from 0.0013 Gy/min to 13 Gy/min. The residual range of the alpha particles after exiting the mylar membrane is approximately 30 ∝/m. Preliminary results with alpha particle exposure in the presence or absence of low concentrations of either taxol or oxaliplatin show evidence of synergistic effects. A series of plastic grids have been designed and constructed that can be interposed between the alpha particle source and the cells to partially block the alpha particles. The ratio of open area to shielded area is kept constant at 50% but the diameter and total number of circular openings in the grid is varied, thus changing the proportion of bystander cells present close to the edge between the open and shielded zones. This approach creates a two-dimensional model system for micrometastatic tumors of various sizes where the shielded areas represent the deeper portions of a tumor beyond the range of surface-bound alpha particles. Experiments are underway to determine whether there are synergistic effects between the chemotherapy agents and the bystander cells

16. Alpha spectrometry for particle size determination of mineral sands dust samples

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A method is proposed for assessing the size distribution of the radioactive particles directly from the alpha spectrum of a dust sample. The residual range distribution of alpha particles emerging from a sphere containing a monoenergetic alpha emitter is simply a quadratic function of the diameter of the sphere. The residual range distribution from a typical dust particle closely approximates that of a sphere of the same mass. For mixtures of various size particles of similar density the (multiparticle) residual range distribution can thus readily be calculated for each of the alpha emitters contained in the particles. Measurement of the composite residual range distribution can be made in a vacuum alpha spectrometer provided the dust sample has no more than a monolayer of particles. The measured energy distribution is particularly sensitive to upper particle size distributions in the diameter region of 4μm to 20μm of 5 mg/cm3 density particles, i.e. 2 to 10 mg/ch2. For dust particles containing212Po or known ratios of alpha emitters a measured alpha spectrum can be unraveled to the underlying particle size distribution. Uncertainty in the size distribution has been listed as deserving research priority in the overall radiation protection program of the mineral sands industry. The proposed method had the potential of reducing this uncertainty, thus permitting more effective radiation protection control. 2 refs., 1 tabs., 1 figs

17. Bond scission cross sections for alpha-particles in cellulose nitrate (LR115)

CERN Document Server

Barillon, R; Chambaudet, A; Katz, R; Stoquert, J P; Pape, A

1999-01-01

Chemical damage created by alpha-particles in cellulose nitrate (LR115) have been studied by infrared spectroscopy. This technique enables identifying the sensitive bonds and giving an order of magnitude of their scission cross sections for given alpha-particle energies. The high cross sections observed suggest a new description of the track etch velocity in this material.

18. Computation and measurement of differential ranges of low-energy alpha particles in matter

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The stopping power formula of Bethe is discussed and is used to compute differential ranges of low-energy alpha particles in air, argon, aluminium and copper. A single radioactive source containing three active elements is used in experiments to measure the differential ranges in these materials. Finally a range-energy relationship for the alpha particles in air is deduced. (author)

19. Simulation of Alpha Particles in Rotating Plasma Interacting with a Stationary Ripple

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Abraham J. Fetterman and Nathaniel J. Fisch

2011-01-11

Superthermal ExB rotation can provide magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stability and enhanced confinement to axisymmetric mirrors. However, the rotation speed has been limited by phenomena at end electrodes. A new prediction is that rotation might instead be produced using a magnetic ripple and alpha particle kinetic energy, in an extension of the alpha channeling concept. The interaction of alpha particles with the ripple results in visually interesting and practically useful orbits.

20. Simulation of Alpha Particles in Rotating Plasma Interacting with a Stationary Ripple

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Superthermal ExB rotation can provide magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stability and enhanced confinement to axisymmetric mirrors. However, the rotation speed has been limited by phenomena at end electrodes. A new prediction is that rotation might instead be produced using a magnetic ripple and alpha particle kinetic energy, in an extension of the alpha channeling concept. The interaction of alpha particles with the ripple results in visually interesting and practically useful orbits.

1. Differential gene expression in human fibroblasts after alpha-particle emitter (211)At compared with (60)Co irradiation

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Danielsson, Anna; Claesson, Kristina; Parris, Toshima Z; Helou, Khalil; Nemes, Szilárd; Elmroth, Kecke; Elgqvist, Jörgen; Jensen, Holger; Hultborn, Ragnar

2013-01-01

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify gene expression profiles distinguishing alpha-particle (211)At and (60)Co irradiation. Materials and methods: Gene expression microarray profiling was performed using total RNA from confluent human fibroblasts 5 hours after exposure to (211)At labeled...... trastuzumab monoclonal antibody (0.25, 0.5, and 1 Gy) and (60)Co (1, 2, and 3 Gy). Results: We report gene expression profiles that distinguish the effect different radiation qualities and absorbed doses have on cellular functions in human fibroblasts. In addition, we identified commonly expressed transcripts...... transcription, cell cycle regulation, and cell cycle arrest, whereas mitosis, spindle assembly checkpoint, and apoptotic chromosome condensation were uniquely enriched for alpha particle irradiation. Conclusions: LET-dependent transcriptional modulations were observed in human fibroblasts 5 hours after...

2. Determination of the range of alpha particles in SSNTD by optical density method

CERN Document Server

El-Hofy, M; Arafa, W

1999-01-01

A technique based on the optical density (D) measurement of the etched track is useful for charged particles spectroscopy using SSNTD. It was shown that the stopping power of alpha particles in CR-39 is proportional to D. We measured the optical density and derived an expression to estimate the range of alpha particles in CR-39 detector as a function of the bulk etching rate and etching time. The relation between the etching time, track parameters (depth, radius) and D for different alpha particles energy and etching conditions were studied. A relation describing D as a function of track size is proposed.

3. The biokinetics of alpha-particle emitting radiopharmaceuticals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The past two decades have seen wide interest in the application of alpha-particle emitting radionuclides for targeted endoradiotherapy and a large number of compounds labeled with 211At (T1/2 7.21 h), 212Bi (T1/2 1 h) or 213Bi (T1/2 0.78 h) have been studied. Knowledge of the biokinetic behaviour of such agents is important both for their optimal clinical exploitation and for general radiological protection purposes. Animal studies of the distribution and retention of 211At compounds, including ionic astatide, substituted aromatic compounds and labelled monoclonal antibodies, have provided new information on the biochemistry of astatine. With respect the thyroid gland the uptake of the astatide ion has been shown to be very much lower than that of the iodide ion. Less information is available for 212Bi-labelled radiopharmaceuticals. The available data for both 211At and 212Bi radiopharmaceuticals are reviewed. Cautious generic biokinetic models for inorganic and simple organic compounds of 211At and 212Bi; for [211At]-, and [212Bi]-biphosphonates and for [211At]-, and [212Bi]-monoclonal antibodies, are proposed for use in general radiological protection when compound-specific data are not available. (orig.)

4. The biokinetics of alpha-particle emitting radiopharmaceuticals

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Taylor, D.M. [School of Chemistry, Cardiff Univ., Cardiff (United Kingdom); Duffield, J.R. [Faculty of Applied Sciences, Univ. of the West of England, Bristol (United Kingdom)

2005-07-01

The past two decades have seen wide interest in the application of alpha-particle emitting radionuclides for targeted endoradiotherapy and a large number of compounds labeled with {sup 211}At (T{sup 1}/{sub 2} 7.21 h), {sup 212}Bi (T{sup 1}/{sub 2} 1 h) or {sup 213}Bi (T{sup 1}/{sub 2} 0.78 h) have been studied. Knowledge of the biokinetic behaviour of such agents is important both for their optimal clinical exploitation and for general radiological protection purposes. Animal studies of the distribution and retention of {sup 211}At compounds, including ionic astatide, substituted aromatic compounds and labelled monoclonal antibodies, have provided new information on the biochemistry of astatine. With respect the thyroid gland the uptake of the astatide ion has been shown to be very much lower than that of the iodide ion. Less information is available for {sup 212}Bi-labelled radiopharmaceuticals. The available data for both {sup 211}At and {sup 212}Bi radiopharmaceuticals are reviewed. Cautious generic biokinetic models for inorganic and simple organic compounds of {sup 211}At and {sup 212}Bi; for [{sup 211}At]-, and [{sup 212}Bi]-biphosphonates and for [{sup 211}At]-, and [{sup 212}Bi]-monoclonal antibodies, are proposed for use in general radiological protection when compound-specific data are not available. (orig.)

5. Cellular immune responses during high-dose interferon-alpha induction therapy for hepatitis C virus infection

OpenAIRE

Barnes, E; Gelderblom, H.C.; Humphreys, I.; Semmo, N.; Reesink, H W; Beld, M.G.H.M.; Lier, van, R.A.W.; Klenerman, P.

2009-01-01

BACKGROUND: The effect that high-dose interferon (IFN)-alpha induction therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has on cellular immune responses is currently unknown. METHODS: Thirty-one treatment-naive patients with chronic HCV infection received amantadine and ribavirin, combined with 6 weeks of high-dose IFN-alpha-2b induction therapy followed by weekly pegylated IFN-alpha-2b, for 24 or 48 weeks. Using IFN-gamma and interleukin (IL)-2 enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assays, we anal...

6. The Use Of Optical Properties Of Cr-39 In Alpha Particle Equivalent Dose Measurements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this work, optical properties of alpha irradiated Cr-39 were measured as a function of optical photon wavelength from 200-1100 nm. Optical energy gap and optical absorption at finite wavelength was also calculated and correlated to alpha fluence and dose equivalent. Alpha doses were calculated from the corresponding irradiation fluence and specific energy loss using TRIM computer program. It was found that, the optical absorption of unattached Cr-39 was varied with alpha fluence and corresponding equivalent doses. Also the optical energy gab was varied with fluence and dose equivalent of alpha particles. This work introduces a reasonably simple method for the Rn dose equivalent calculation by Cr-39 track

7. The Effects of Alpha Particle Confinement on Burning Plasma Tokamak Performance

Science.gov (United States)

Gormley, Robert P.

In this thesis, three effects of alpha particle plasma interactions on the global performance of a fusion reactor are studied, namely, (i) the energy coupling efficiency of the fast alpha particles with the bulk plasma, (ii) the relationship between imperfect alpha energy coupling to the bulk plasma and the resultant alpha particle/helium ash fuel dilution; and (iii) the neoclassical bootstrap current induced by fusion born alpha particles calculated self-consistently with the plasma equilibrium. First, the ion drift kinetic equation for the high energy alpha particles is reduced from the exact five dimensional form to a two dimensional form in radius r and energy E (plus time t). The resulting slowing-down diffusion equation is solved by a multiple energy group method. A theoretically based anomalous diffusion coefficient D_sp{alpha}{an} is then introduced from a self-consistent alpha particle Alfven wave turbulence solution (by F. Gang), in which D_sp{alpha}{an } itself depends on the gradient in alpha density. The temporal and spatial behavior of eta_ alpha is analyzed for an ITER-CDA physics phase fusion reactor. We find that eta_ alpha can be as low as 0.95 depending on the plasma operating temperature. Next, the relationship between the alpha-particle power coupling efficiency and the actual alpha-particle power that is coupled with the bulk plasma is investigated, this time taking into account the concomitant helium ash accumulation. It is found that the coupled power varies less than linearly with eta_alpha and is, in fact, significantly depressed for eta_alpha near unity. Combining these effects with a thermal power balance shows that the high temperature "thermally stable" side of the ignition boundary is pushed toward lower temperatures if either D_alpha increases (which results in a lower eta_alpha) or the helium-ash confinement time lengthens. This is a consequence of strengthened fuel dilution and imperfect alpha power coupling. Implications on the

8. Gaseous swelling model in the alpha-particles straggling field

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the work for the physical model the following key presuppositions were accepted: alpha particles Gauss distribution in the straggling field is expected; the helium embryo is the helium atom plus the two vacancies; gaseous pores coalescence is resulted their migration in the tension field and Brownian movement; the preservation of helium atoms in the coalescence process is expected; it consequence is swelling. At the initial stage the behavior of pores ensemble with taking into account of a point defects formation during irradiation process have been analyzed. It is expected, that development of this ensemble will be take place during the following annealing of the matrix. The main presuppositions on the this stage of calculation are as follows: there are the principal elements of the microstructure - are taking into account in the kinetic equations - implanted helium interstitials, vacancies, dislocation network, Frank loops, pores; it is excepted, that two interstitial helium atoms form the pore embryo; two interstitials Frank loops at distances between components equal to lattice constant; mechanisms of pores formation in the matrix and dislocation are expected different; the additional channel of pores growth is Frank loops dropping. The typical kinetic equation for interstitial from complete equation system is presented. The pores ensemble evolution for iron irradiated by helium ions with energy E=400 keV up to integral dose 101|7 ion/cm2 at 100 deg C temperature and following annealing at temperature 800 deg C is calculated. It is shown that pores distribution by sizes is shifting forward big sizes with increase of annealing time

9. The simulation of the response of superheated emulsion to alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The response of superheated emulsion of liquid perfluorobutane (C4F10; b.p.:  −1.7o C) to alpha particle has been studied by performing the simulation using GEANT3.21 toolkit. The simulations have been performed to generate two different experimental situations. In one case, the alpha contamination is present only in polymer and in another case, the alpha contamination is present both in polymer and active liquid. The value of the nucleation parameter, k, for bubble nucleation induced by alpha particle in superheated emulsion detector is determined by comparing the simulated normalized count rates with the available experimental results. The results show that the nucleation parameter for alpha particle in C4F10 liquid is about 0.19. The energy and position of alpha particle are not able to change the response of the alpha particle in C4F10 liquid. The recoiling nuclei associated with the alpha decay chain are responsible for making the detector sensitive at lower threshold temperatures

10. The simulation of the response of superheated emulsion to alpha particles

Science.gov (United States)

Seth, Susnata; Das, Mala

2016-04-01

The response of superheated emulsion of liquid perfluorobutane (C4F10; b.p.: ‑1.7o C) to alpha particle has been studied by performing the simulation using GEANT3.21 toolkit. The simulations have been performed to generate two different experimental situations. In one case, the alpha contamination is present only in polymer and in another case, the alpha contamination is present both in polymer and active liquid. The value of the nucleation parameter, k, for bubble nucleation induced by alpha particle in superheated emulsion detector is determined by comparing the simulated normalized count rates with the available experimental results. The results show that the nucleation parameter for alpha particle in C4F10 liquid is about 0.19. The energy and position of alpha particle are not able to change the response of the alpha particle in C4F10 liquid. The recoiling nuclei associated with the alpha decay chain are responsible for making the detector sensitive at lower threshold temperatures.

11. Transport theory for energetic alpha particles in finite aspect ratio tokamaks with broken symmetry

Science.gov (United States)

Shaing, K. C.; Schlutt, M.; Lai, A. L.

2016-02-01

Transport theory for the energetic alpha particles in finite aspect ratio tokamaks with broken symmetry is developed for the case where the slowing down collision operator dominates. The transport fluxes in the 1 /ν and superbanana plateau regimes are derived. Here, ν is the typical collision frequency. They can be used in modeling the energy loss of the alpha particles in thermonuclear fusion reactors. Numerical realizations of the superbanana orbits of alpha particles in tokamaks with broken symmetry are also presented. The existence of the superbananas corroborates the predictions of the theories presented here and elsewhere.

12. Experiments with nuclear track detectors for diagnostics of protons and alpha particles from fusion plasmas

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This report deals with the experimental development of a method of detecting charged particles from nuclear fusion plasmas by means of nuclear track detectors. The latter were bombarded with protons and alpha particles poduced with an accelerator from the fusion reactions D (3He, p) α and D (D, p) T. In the parameter range expected for the particles emitted from thermonuclearly burning plasma the detection probabilities of protons and alpha particles were determined as functions of the energy and angle of incidence, and also the crater radii and depths as functions of the particle species, particle energy and etching time. The following results were obtained: For alpha particles the detection probability in the entire energy range investigated and at angles of incidence between 00 and 700 to the foil normal is about 100%. The alpha particle energy can be approximately determined from the track depths. For protons, on the other hand, the detection probability already decreases monotonically at low energies as the energy increases, becoming zero at about Esub(p) = 7 MeV. Proton detection is only possible at angles of incidence between 00 and 300. The proton energy can be approximately determined from the track radii. The measured energy dependence of the track radii and depths of alpha particles and protons and their angular dependence can be explained with a simple model calculation in which it is assumed that the track etching rate decreases as the particle range in the material of the nuclear track foils increases. (orig.)

13. Cluster-shell competition in systems with a few alpha particles and valence neutrons

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We construct nuclear wave functions from alpha clusters and some additional valence nucleons, and allow the inter-cluster distance to change and one alpha to dissolve from the (0s)4 structure as a result of the nuclear interaction. The change of the inter-cluster distance and the dissolution of the alpha particle can be interpreted as resulting from the competition of the 'shell model' and 'cluster model'. We demonstrate this competition through a few parameters.

14. CIT alpha particle extraction and measurement: Low-Z ablation cloud profile simulation for alpha-particle diagnostics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In order to determine the expected properties of the ablation cloud of low-Z pellets interacting with a thermonuclear plasma, which in turn is proposed as a charge-neutralization medium for confined alpha particles, a numerical program has been developed. The physical model for this program is based on Park's low-Z pellet-plasma interaction model for the interior of the cloud adjacent to the pellet's surface out to the sonic surface (roughly, a millimeter in separation), and then propagating outward from this region using the conservation laws of enthalpy, momentum, and mass, along with the assumption of charge-state equilibrium. The effects of local heating by the plasma electrons slowing down in the cloud, and ionization of the ablatant material are treated self-consistently in the model. In collaboration with Dr. Paul Parks of General Atomics Corporation, a joint ODU-GAC research plan for modeling low-Z pellet-plasma interactions has been devised, and considerable progress has been made in its implementation. Recently, using a constraint in the ablatant flow, so that it approximates its observed flow along the magnetic field, results from the program were obtained which could be compared with the results from the GAC experiments on TEXT. The predictions of the program are in poor agreement with the TEXT data as to the dimensions of the C+3 region of the cloud along the magnetic field. The failure of the model appears to be the breakdown of the assumption that charge-state equilibrium exists in the cloud. This problem is particularly severe for the TEXT parameters so modifications in the model to include non-equilibrium effects are being implemented

15. CIT alpha particle extraction and measurement: Low-Z ablation cloud profile simulation for alpha-particle diagnostics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In order to determine the expected properties of the ablation cloud of low-Z pellets interacting with a thermonuclear plasma, which in turn is proposed as a charge-neutralization medium for confined alpha particles, a numerical program has been developed. The physical model for this program is based on Parks' low-Z pellet-plasma interaction model for the interior of the cloud adjacent to the pellet's surface out to the sonic surface (roughly, a millimeter in separation) and then propagating outward from this region using the conservation laws of enthalpy, momentum, and mass, along with the assumption of charge-state equilibrium. The effects of local heating by the plasma electrons slowing down in the cloud, and ionization of the ablatant material are treated self-consistently in the model. In collaboration with Dr. Paul Parks of General Atomics Corporation, a joint ODU-GAC research plan for modeling low-Z pellet-plasma interactions has been devised, and considerable progress has been made in its implementation. Recently, using a constraint in the ablatant flow, results from the program were obtained which could be compared with the results from the GAC experiments on TEXT. The predictions of the program are in pretty good agreement with the TEXT data as to the dimensions of the C+3 region of the cloud along the magnetic field. Also a small improvement has been made in the low-Z pellet plasma-penetration program, which brings the predictions of the model in closer agreement with the carbon pellet injection experiments on TFTR. 22 refs., 3 figs

16. A particle displacement representation for conservation laws in two-dimensional cellular automata

OpenAIRE

Kari, Jarkko; Taati, Siamak

2008-01-01

The problem of describing the dynamics of a conserved energy in a cellular automaton in terms of local movements of "particles" (quanta of that energy) has attracted some people's attention. The one-dimensional case was already solved by Fukś (2000) and Pivato (2002). For the two-dimensional cellular automata, we show that every (context-free) conservation law can be expressed in terms of such particle displacements.

17. Anomalous loss of DT alpha particles in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An escaping alpha collector probe has been developed for TFTR's DT phase. Energy distributions of escaping alphas have been determined by measuring the range of α-particles implanted into nickel foils located within the alpha collector. Results at 1.0 MA of plasma current are in good agreement with predictions for first orbit alpha loss. Results at 1.8 MA, however, show a significant anomalous loss of partially thermalized alphas (in addition to the expected first orbit loss), which is not observed with the lost alpha scintillator detectors in DT plasmas, but does resemble the anomalous delayed loss seen in DD plasmas. None of the candidate explanations proposed thus far are fully consistent with the anomalous loss observations. An experiment designed to study the effect of plasma major radius shifts on α-particle loss has led to a better understanding of α-particle dynamics in tokamaks. Intuitively, one might suppose that confined marginally passing α-particles forced to move toward higher magnetic field during an inward major radius shift (i.e., compression) would mirror and become trapped particles, leading to increased alpha loss. Such an effect was looked for during the shift experiment, however, no significant changes in alpha loss to the 90 degree lost alpha scintillator detector were observed during the shifts. It is calculated that the energy gained by an α-particle during the inward shift is sufficient to explain this result. However, an unexpected loss of partially thermalized α-particles near the passing/trapped boundary was observed to occur between inward and outward shifts at an intermediate value of plasma current (1.4 MA). This anomalous loss feature is not yet understood

18. Cross sections of nuclear reactions induced by protons, deuterons, and alpha particles. Pt.6. Phosphorus

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cross sections are reviewed for nuclear reactions induced by protons, deuterons, and alpha particles on phosphorus targets. When necessary, published experimental data are corrected, and, when possible, excitation functions are proposed

19. Interaction of neutrons with alpha particles: A tribute to Heinz Barschall

OpenAIRE

Hoop, B. de

2015-01-01

As a tribute to our teacher and mentor on the occasion of his centennial celebration, we provide a brief historical overview and a summary of sustained interest in the topic of interaction of neutrons with alpha particles.

20. Measurement of $\\alpha$-particle quenching in LAB based scintillator in independent small-scale experiments

CERN Document Server

von Krosigk, B; Hans, S; Junghans, A R; Kögler, T; Kraus, C; Kuckert, L; Liu, X; Nolte, R; O'Keeffe, H M; Tseung, H S Wan Chan; Wilson, J R; Wright, A; Yeh, M; Zuber, K

2015-01-01

The $\\alpha$-particle light response of liquid scintillators based on linear alkylbenzene (LAB) has been measured with three different experimental approaches. In the first approach, $\\alpha$-particles were produced in the scintillator via $^{12}$C($n$,$\\alpha$)$^9$Be reactions. In the second approach, the scintillator was loaded with 2% of $^{\\mathrm{nat}}$Sm providing an $\\alpha$-emitter, $^{147}$Sm, as an internal source. In the third approach, a scintillator flask was deployed into the water-filled SNO+ detector and the radioactive contaminants $^{222}$Rn, $^{218}$Po and $^{214}$Po provided the $\\alpha$-particle signal. The behavior of the observed $\\alpha$-particle light outputs are in agreement with each case successfully described by Birks' law. The resulting Birks parameter $kB$ ranges from $(0.0071\\pm0.0003)$ cm/MeV to $(0.0076\\pm0.0003)$ cm/MeV. In the first approach, the $\\alpha$-particle light response was measured simultaneously with the light response of recoil protons produced via neutron-proto...

1. Feasibility of ion temperature measurement with a gyrotron scattering alpha particle diagnostic

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Collective Thomson scattering can be used to diagnose localized ion temperature as well as alpha particle velocity distribution and density in a D-T burning tokamak. With one diagnostic beam a simultaneous, but independent, measure of the bulk ion temperature and alpha particle parameters can be made. Use of a long pulse, millimeter-wave gyrotron offers a significant margin in signal to noise ratio capability (√Δftau > 1000) not previously possible with lasers. 9 refs., 2 figs

2. Fokker Planck kinetic modeling of suprathermal alpha-particles in a fusion plasma

OpenAIRE

Peigney, Benjamin-Edouard; Larroche, Olivier; Tikhonchuk, Vladimir

2014-01-01

We present an ion kinetic model describing the ignition and burn of the deuterium-tritium fuel of inertial fusion targets. The analysis of the underlying physical model enables us to develop efficient numerical methods to simulate the creation, transport and collisional relaxation of fusion reaction products (alpha-particles) at a kinetic level. A two-energy-scale approach leads to a self-consistent modeling of the coupling between suprathermal alpha-particles and the thermal bulk of the impl...

3. Modification of thermal, optical and structural properties of bayfol nuclear track detector by alpha particles irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The effect of alpha particle dose on the thermal, optical and structural properties of Bayfol solid state nuclear track detector (SSNTD) was investigated. Non-isothermal studies were carried out using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal gravimetric (DTG) to obtain the activation energy of decomposition for Bayfol detector. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) indicates that the Bayfol samples decompose in one main break down stage. Samples from 250 cm thickness sheets were exposed to alpha particles in the dose range 3.5-67.03 Gy. The variation of transition temperatures with the alpha particle dose has been determined using differential thermal analysis (DTA). The results indicate that the irradiation with alpha particles in the dose range 26.81-67.03 Gy decreases the melting temperature of the Bayfol samples and this is most suitable for applications requiring the molding of this polymer at lower temperatures. Also, the alpha particle dose gives advantage for increasing the correlation between melting temperatures and the amount of crystalline regions that is related to both cross-linking and degradation phenomena. In addition, optical and structural property studies using refractive index, IR spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction measurements were performed on non irradiated and irradiated Bayfol samples. The results indicate that the anisotropic character, absorbance and the degree of ordering of the Bayfol polymer are dependent on the alpha particle dose

4. Development of the MICROMEGAS Detector for Measuring the Energy Spectrum of Alpha Particles by using a 241-Am Source

CERN Document Server

Kim, Do Yoon; Shin, Jae Won; Park, Tae-Sun; Hong, Seung-Woo; Andriamonje, Samuel; Kadi, Yacine; Tenreiro, Claudio

2016-01-01

We have developed MICROMEGAS (MICRO MEsh GASeous) detectors for detecting {\\alpha} particles emitted from an 241-Am standard source. The voltage applied to the ionization region of the detector is optimized for stable operation at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The energy of {\\alpha} particles from the 241-Am source can be varied by changing the flight path of the {\\alpha} particle from the 241 Am source. The channel numbers of the experimentally-measured pulse peak positions for different energies of the {\\alpha} particles are associated with the energies deposited by the alpha particles in the ionization region of the detector as calculated by using GEANT4 simulations; thus, the energy calibration of the MICROMEGAS detector for {\\alpha} particles is done. For the energy calibration, the thickness of the ionization region is adjusted so that {\\alpha} particles may completely stop in the ionization region and their kinetic energies are fully deposited in the region. The efficiency of our MICROMEGA...

5. Coincidence techniques (time correlation) alpha-gamma particles associated experiments on PGFNAA

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

PGFNAA (Prompt Gamma Fast Neutron Alpha Associated) techniques offers capabilities far beyond those of the conventional inspection system to detect hazardous materials such as explosives or drugs. This technique uses the time coincidence between alpha and gamma particles to reduce the background produced by fast neutron interactions not only with the objects but also with the surrounding material. This paper reports the experimental setup that have been conducted to capture coincident events between alpha and gamma particles. Although not perfect, but the reduction of the background almost 100 % had been obtained on the outside area of the spectrum energy interest for water and graphite samples. (author)

6. Characterization of a alpha particle detector CR-39 exposed to a source of radium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this project, the main goal is the characterization of a alpha particle detector CR-39 exposed to a source of radio. Three detectors were exposed to a source of radium and then chemically treated for different periods. This way, we could analyze these samples and collect the information needed to verify that at least one of the chemical attack, there has been a separation of the energies alpha particles incident with distinct peaks, thus characterizing the CR-39 as alpha spectrometer in the range 2.5 to 6.3 MeV . (author)

7. Kinetic Monte Carlo and Cellular Particle Dynamics Simulations of Multicellular Systems

CERN Document Server

Flenner, Elijah; Barz, Bogdan; Neagu, Adrian; Forgacs, Gabor; Kosztin, Ioan

2011-01-01

Computer modeling of multicellular systems has been a valuable tool for interpreting and guiding in vitro experiments relevant to embryonic morphogenesis, tumor growth, angiogenesis and, lately, structure formation following the printing of cell aggregates as bioink particles. Computer simulations based on Metropolis Monte Carlo (MMC) algorithms were successful in explaining and predicting the resulting stationary structures (corresponding to the lowest adhesion energy state). Here we introduce two alternatives to the MMC approach for modeling cellular motion and self-assembly: (1) a kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC), and (2) a cellular particle dynamics (CPD) method. Unlike MMC, both KMC and CPD methods are capable of simulating the dynamics of the cellular system in real time. In the KMC approach a transition rate is associated with possible rearrangements of the cellular system, and the corresponding time evolution is expressed in terms of these rates. In the CPD approach cells are modeled as interacting cellular ...

8. Calculations of alpha particle loss for reversed magnetic shear in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Redi, M.H.; White, R.B.; Batha, S.H.; Levinton, F.M.; McCune, D.C.

1997-03-01

Hamiltonian coordinate, guiding center code calculations of the toroidal field ripple loss of alpha particles from a reversed shear plasma predict both total alpha losses and ripple diffusion losses to be greater than those from a comparable non-reversed magnetic shear plasma in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) [Fusion Technol. 21, 1324 (1992)]. High central q is found to increase alpha ripple losses as well as first orbit losses of alphas in the reversed shear simulations. A simple ripple loss model, benchmarked against the guiding center code, is found to work satisfactorily in transport analysis modelling of reversed and monotonic shear scenarios. Alpha ripple transport on TFTR affects ions within r/a=0.5, not at the plasma edge. The entire plasma is above threshold for stochastic ripple loss of alpha particles at birth energy in the reversed shear case simulated, so that all trapped 3.5 MeV alphas are lost stochastically or through prompt losses. The 40% alpha particle loss predictions for TFTR suggest that reduction of toroidal field ripple will be a critical issue in the design of a reversed shear fusion reactor.

9. Downstream energetic proton and alpha particles during quasi-parallel interplanetary shock events

Science.gov (United States)

Tan, L. C.; Mason, G. M.; Gloeckler, G.; Ipavich, F. M.

1988-01-01

This paper considers the energetic particle populations in the downstream region of three quasi-parallel interplanetary shock events, which was explored using the ISEE 3 Ultra Low Energy Charge Analyzer sensor, which unambiguously identifies protons and alpha particles using the electrostatic deflection versus residual energy technique. The downstream particles were found to exhibit anisotropies due largely to convection in the solar wind. The spectral indices of the proton and the alpha-particle distribution functions were found to be remarkably constant during the downstream period, being generally insensitive to changes in particle flux levels, magnetic field direction, and solar wind densities. In two of the three events, the proton and the alpha spectra were the same throughout the entire downstream period, supporting the prediction of diffusive shock acceleration theory.

10. Analysis of uncertainties in alpha-particle optical-potential assessment below the Coulomb barrier

CERN Document Server

Avrigeanu, V

2016-01-01

Background: Recent high-precision measurements of alpha-induced reaction data below the Coulomb barrier have pointed out questions of the alpha-particle optical-model potential (OMP) which are yet open within various mass ranges. Purpose: The applicability of a previous optical potential and eventual uncertainties and/or systematic errors of the OMP assessment at low energies can be further considered on this basis. Method: Nuclear model parameters based on the analysis of recent independent data, particularly gamma-ray strength functions, have been involved within statistical model calculation of the (alpha,x) reaction cross sections. Results: The above-mentioned potential provides a consistent description of the recent alpha-induced reaction data with no empirical rescaling factors of the and/or nucleon widths. Conclusions: A suitable assessment of alpha-particle optical potential below the Coulomb barrier should involve the statistical-model parameters beyond this potential on the basis of a former analysi...

11. ICRF enhancement of fusion reactivity in the presence of alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Absorption of ICRF (ion cyclotron range of frequency) waves by alpha particles and fusion reactivity enhancement due to the ICRF induced ion tail are investigated. The rate of linear absorption by alpha particles increases with the cyclotron harmonic number, and decreases with the ratio of the electron plasma frequency to the electron cyclotron frequency. The deformation of the distribution due to ICRF waves is also examined by using a solution to a Fokker-Planck equation combined with a quasi-linear RF (radiofrequency) diffusion term. It is found that second harmonic ICRF heating is comparatively applicable to the enhancement of the fusion power density even in the presence of alpha particles, while the efficiency of the enhancement is deteriorated markedly by wave deposition to alphas for higher harmonic ICRF heating in the high magnetic field. (author)

12. Feasibility of alpha particle measurement by CO2 laser Thomson scattering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The feasibility of CO2 laser Thomson scattering from a multi-component burning plasma has been evaluated for the measurement of the velocity distribution of D-T produced alpha particles. The density and velocity distribution of the alpha particles from their initial energy of 3.5 MeV down to near-thermal energies may be measured by small angle (0) Thomson scattering. A computer simulation of the experiment indicates that a 100 MW pulsed laser combined with a bank of heterodyne receivers will be able to measure a scattered signal from the alpha particles with a post-detection signal-to-noise ratio of 75 for an assumed alpha density of 7.5 x 1011 cm-3

13. Nuclear structure and reaction mechanisms studied on alpha-particle transitions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Since the observation of the natural alpha decay of atomic nuclei the alpha particle was and is considered as an important component of the nuclear matter. The modern studies of alpha-particle transfer reactions are devoted to the question on four-particle correlations (alpha-particle clusters) generally in nuclear matter or also on nuclear surfaces. Thereby one is today yet absolutely far away from a unified picture of the mechanism of the alpha transfer: It is shown that different reaction and nuclear models must be used with different success for the interpretation of the data. Theoretical and experimental determination of spectroscopic strength distribution were thereby developed mutually supportingly each other. On the experimental side the question of the reaction mechanism and the determination of its details is to be clarified. Here approaches were developed which lead to a unified description in the sd shell. Calculations in the formalism of the coupled channels with spectroscopic factors calculated in the framework of the shell model lead to convincing agreements between theoretical and experimental angular distributions regarding both their shape and their amplitude. Hereby it was shown that beside the determination of the potential parameters a two-stage reaction mechanism as in an alpha-particle transition after or before an inelastic excitation of the target or residual nucleus is of decicive importance. (HSI)

14. Effects of alpha particle transport driven by Alfvenic instabilities on proposed burning plasma scenarios on ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The consistency of proposed burning plasma scenarios with Alfvenic instabilities driven by alpha particles is investigated. If the alpha particle pressure is above the threshold for resonant excitation of Energetic Particle driven Modes (EPMs), significant modification of the alpha particle pressure profile can take place. Model simulations are performed using the Hybrid MHD-Gyrokinetic Code (HMGC) retaining relevant thermal-plasma parameters, safety factor and alpha particle pressure profiles. ITER monotonic-q and reversed-shear scenarios are considered. A 'hybrid' ITER scenario is also studied and quantitatively compared with the previous ones. We find that, unlike the latter, the former equilibria are unstable. Nonlinear effects on the alpha-particle pressure profile result, however, to be negligible for the monotonic-q case. They can instead be relevant for the reversed-shear scenario. The assessment of such a conclusion requires further investigations concerning the possibility that the strong EPM instability is regulated, in realistic conditions, by nonlinear effects of weaker Alfven modes. (author)

15. Alfven Eigenmode And Ion Bernstein Wave Studies For Controlling Fusion Alpha Particles

CERN Document Server

Franklin, F R

1999-01-01

In magnetic confinement fusion reactor plasmas, the charged fusion products (such as alpha particles in deuterium-tritium plasmas) will be the dominant power source, and by controlling these charged fusion products using wave-particle interactions the reactor performance could be optimized. This thesis studies two candidate waves: Mode- Converted Ion Bernstein Waves (MCIBWs) and Alfvé n Eigenmodes (AEs). Rates of MCIBW-driven losses of alpha-like fast deuterons, previously observed in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR), are reproduced by a new model so that the wave-particle diffusion coefficient can be deduced. The MCIBW power in TFTR is found to be ∼ 1/3 that needed for collisionless alpha particle control...

16. Cell survival following alpha particle irradiation: critical sites and implications for carcinogenesis

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In experiments in which mammalian cells were irradiated with 5.6 MeV alpha particles from a Tandem Van de Graaff machine we have confirmed the finding of others that the mean lethal dose (D0) is about 100 rad, but by measurements of the area of the cell nuclei as irradiated we found that this mean lethal dose corresponds not to 1, as expected, but to about 27 alpha particles per cell nucleus. (The exact number appears to change slightly with cell passage number.) This allows for the possibility that the direct action of alpha particles on the nucleus may be the important event in carcinogenesis, a theory which was previously difficult to accept if a single particle hitting the nucleus anywhere was considered to be lethal. Evidence is presented to implicate the nucleolus as a possible critical site for the inhibition of reproductive integrity of the cell

17. Alpha particle emitters in cancer therapy: establishing the rationale and overcoming the difficulties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: Once a tumor has metastasized, the possibility of cure is significantly diminished, if not excluded. Since metastatic spread arises due to the release of single tumor cells or tumor cell clusters, treatment regimens following an overt metastasis must include agents that eradicate individual tumor cells and cell clusters or that prevent their dissemination. Alpha particles may be highly effective in eradicating rapidly accessible disease. The effectiveness of alpha particles arises because the amount of energy deposited per unit distance traveled (linear energy transfer or LET) is approximately 400 times greater than that of beta particles (80 keV/μm vs. 0.2 keV/μm). Each traversal of an alpha particle through a cell nucleus results in a very highly ionizing track. Cell survival studies have shown that alpha-particle killing is independent of oxygenation state or cell-cycle during irradiation and that as few as 1 to 6 tracks across the nucleus may result in cell death. Most studies with alpha-particle emitting radionuclides for therapy have examined either bismuth-212 or astatine-211. Both radionuclides are short-lived with 61 minute and 7.2 hour half-lives, respectively, yielding intermediates with 3-minute and 32 year half-lives, respectively. Both emit alpha particles whose range is 40 to 80 μm. Alpha-particle emitting radionuclides have been attached to antibodies against tumor cell associated antigen. Antibodies have been the most widely used vehicle for delivery of alpha particles due to their specificity. Bismuth-212 has demonstrated a significant curative potential with minimal toxicity. In an ascites tumor mouse model, specific targeting and 80% cure following injection of Bi-212-labeled antibody has been observed (Macklis RM et al, Science, 240:1024-1026, 1988). It is important to define the realm of applicability for alpha particle emitting radionuclides. The short half-life of most currently available radionuclides, limits their use to

18. The role of alpha particles in the dynamics of ring-stabilized devices

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The use of relativistic electron rings to stabilize plasmas against the interchange modes has been utilized in such devices as the Elmo Bumpy Torus (EBT) and the plugs of a Tandem Mirror device (STM). In the EBT case enhanced stability is reflected in higher betas (ratio of plasma to magnetic field pressures), while in the Tandem Mirror case symmetry in the plug magnetic geometry results in reduced particle diffusion across the magnetic field in the central cell. Regardless of the application, the question arises as to what effect would alpha particles generated by the Deuterium-Tritium (DT) reactions have on the stability of such ring-stabilized devices. In this paper the macroscopic stability of such systems is reexamined in order to assess the effect of alphas on the background interchange mode, the interacting interchange mode, and the high frequency compressional Alfven and coupled modes. A fluid description is used for the background plasma while a kinetic treatment is utilized for the hot electron species and alpha particles. It is shown that the alphas tend to mildly destabilize the interacting interchange while stabilizing the background interchange due to their sizeable Larmor radii. The destabilization is most pronounced at high alpha energies i.e., at birth, and near complete recovery of stability is achieved as these particles approach thermalization with the background ions. It is also shown that the alphas completely stabilize the high frequency modes. (orig.)

19. Effect of alpha particles on the stability of Elmo Bumpy Torus (EBT) reactor. Final report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The macroscopic stability of an ignited EBT reactor is investigated by studying the effects of the alpha particles generated by the Deuterium-Tritium (D-T) fusion reaction on the background interchange mode, the interacting interchange mode, and the high-frequency compressional Alfven and coupled modes. A fluid description is used for the background plasma while a kinetic treatment is utilized for the hot electron species and the alpha particles. It is shown that the alphas tend to mildly destabilize the interacting interchange while stabilizing the background interchange due to their sizable Larmor radii. The destabilization is most pronounced when the beta of the alpha particles in highest, i.e., at birth, and recovery of stabilization takes place as these particles slow down toward thermalization. It is also shown that the alphas completely stabilize the high frequency modes so that it can safely be concluded that fusion alphas present no detrimental effects on the stability of an EBT reactor that possesses an appropriate hot electron ring for macroscopic stability

20. Formulation of alpha-particle condensation in the macroscopic limit

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Following closely BCS theory for pairs, an eventually viable theory for α-particle condensation (quartetting) is sketched. In the final formula the quartet wave function is replaced by a Slater determinant projected on good total momentum. The only variational field is then the single particle 0S wave function. This should reduce the numerical complexity to solve the quartet equations considerably. (author)

1. Alpha particle destabilization of the toroidicity-induced Alfven eigenmodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The high frequency, low mode number toroidicity-induced Alfven eigenmodes (TAE) are shown to be driven unstable by the circulating and/or trapped α-particles through the wave-particle resonances. Satisfying the resonance condition requires that the α-particle birth speed vα ≥ vA/2|m-nq|, where vA is the Alfven speed, m is the poloidal model number, and n is the toroidal mode number. To destabilize the TAE modes, the inverse Landau damping associated with the α-particle pressure gradient free energy must overcome the velocity space Landau damping due to both the α-particles and the core electrons and ions. The growth rate was studied analytically with a perturbative formula derived from the quadratic dispersion relation, and numerically with the aid of the NOVA-K code. Stability criteria in terms of the α-particle beta βα, α-particle pressure gradient parameter (ω*/ωA) (ω* is the α-particle diamagnetic drift frequency), and (vα/vA) parameters will be presented for TFTR, CIT, and ITER tokamaks. The volume averaged α-particle beta threshold for TAE instability also depends sensitively on the core electron and ion temperature. Typically the volume averaged α-particle beta threshold is in the order of 10-4. Typical growth rates of the n=1 TAE mode can be in the order of 10-2ωA, where ωA=vA/qR. Other types of global Alfven waves are stable in D-T tokamaks due to toroidal coupling effects

2. TCAD simulation for alpha-particle spectroscopy using SIC Schottky diode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

There is a growing requirement of alpha spectroscopy in the fields context of environmental radioactive contamination, nuclear waste management, site decommissioning and decontamination. Although silicon-based alpha-particle detection technology is mature, high leakage current, low displacement threshold and radiation hardness limits the operation of the detector in harsh environments. Silicon carbide (SiC) is considered to be excellent material for radiation detection application due to its high band gap, high displacement threshold and high thermal conductivity. In this report, an alpha-particle-induced electron-hole pair generation model for a reverse-biased n-type SiC Schottky diode has been proposed and verified using technology computer aided design (TCAD) simulations. First, the forward-biased I-V characteristics were studied to determine the diode ideality factor and compared with published experimental data. The ideality factor was found to be in the range of 1.4-1.7 for a corresponding temperature range of 300-500 K. Next, the energy-dependent, alpha-particle-induced EHP generation model parameters were optimised using transport of ions in matter (TRIM) simulation. Finally, the transient pulses generated due to alpha-particle bombardment were analysed for (1) different diode temperatures (300-500 K), (2) different incident alpha-particle energies (1-5 MeV), (3) different reverse bias voltages of the 4H-SiC-based Schottky diode (-50 to -250 V) and (4) different angles of incidence of the alpha particle (0 deg. -70 deg. ).The above model can be extended to other (wide band-gap semiconductor) device technologies useful for radiation-sensing application. (authors)

3. Alpha-particle emission probabilities in the decay of {sup 240}Pu

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sibbens, G., E-mail: goedele.sibbens@ec.europa.e [European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements, Retieseweg 111, B-2440 Geel (Belgium); Pomme, S.; Altzitzoglou, T. [European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements, Retieseweg 111, B-2440 Geel (Belgium); Garcia-Torano, E. [Laboratorio de Metrologia de Radiaciones Ionizantes, CIEMAT, Avda. Complutense 22, 28040 Madrid (Spain); Janssen, H.; Dersch, R.; Ott, O. [Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, 38116 Braunschweig (Germany); Martin Sanchez, A. [Departamento de Fisica, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, E-06071 (Spain); Rubio Montero, M.P. [Departamento de Fisica Aplicada, Universidad de Extremadura, Merida, Badajoz, E-06800 (Spain); Loidl, M. [Laboratoire National Henri Becquerel, LNE/CEA-LIST, 91191 Gif-sur-Yvette (France); Coron, N.; Marcillac, P. de [Institut d' Astrophysique Spatiale, CNRS, 91405 Orsay Campus (France); Semkow, T.M. [Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201 (United States)

2010-07-15

Sources of enriched {sup 240}Pu were prepared by vacuum evaporation on quartz substrates. High-resolution alpha-particle spectrometry of {sup 240}Pu was performed with high statistical accuracy using silicon detectors and with low statistical accuracy using a bolometer. The alpha-particle emission probabilities of six transitions were derived from the spectra and compared with literature values. Additionally, some alpha-particle emission probabilities were derived from {gamma}-ray intensity measurements with a high-purity germanium detector. The alpha-particle emission probabilities of the three main transitions at 5168.1, 5123.6 and 5021.2 keV were derived from seven aggregate spectra analysed with five different fit functions and the results were compatible with evaluated data. Two additional weak peaks at 4863.5 and 4492.0 keV were fitted separately, using the exponential of a polynomial function to represent the underlying tailing of the larger peaks. The peak at 4655 keV could not be detected by alpha-particle spectrometry, while {gamma}-ray spectrometry confirms that its intensity is much lower than expected from literature.

4. Review of alpha-particle spectrometric measurements of actinides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

At present the silicon surface-barrier detector is the most used α-particle detector mainly due to its high energy resolution, excellent stability, low background and low cost. In this presentation various parameters of importance for α-particle spectrometry are discussed, i.e. energy resolution and interval selection, energy calibration, background and peak tailing. Examples of α-particle spectra recorded from various actinides (Th, U, Np, Pu, Am, and Cm) separated from environmental samples are shown, and the choice of yield determinants is discussed for each case. (author)

5. Alpha particles spectrometer with photodiode PIN; Espectrometro de particulas alfa con fotodiodo PIN

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chacon R, A.; Hernandez V, R.; Hernandez D, V. M.; Vega C, H. R. [Universidad Autonoma de Zacatecas, Unidades Academicas de Estudios Nucleares e Ingenieria Electrica, Calle Cipres No. 10, Fracc. La Penuela, 09869 Zacatecas (Mexico); Ramirez G, J. [Instituto Nacional de Estadistica Geografia e Informatica, Direccion General de Innovacion y Tecnologia de Informacion, Av. Heroes de Nacozari Sur 2301, Fracc. Jardines del Parque, 20276 Aguascalientes (Mexico)], e-mail: achruiz@hotmail.com

2009-10-15

The radiation propagates in form of electromagnetic waves or corpuscular radiation; if the radiation energy causes ionization in environment that crosses it is considered ionizing radiation. To detect radiation several detectors types are used, if the radiation are alpha particles are used detectors proportional type or trace elements. In this work the design results, construction and tests of an alpha particles spectrometer are presented, which was designed starting from a photodiode PIN type. The system design was simulated with a code for electronic circuits. With results of simulation phase was constructed the electronic phase that is coupled to a multichannel analyzer. The resulting electronic is evaluated analyzing the electronic circuit performance before an alphas triple source and alpha radiation that produce two smoke detectors of domestic use. On the tests phase we find that the system allows obtain, in a multichannel, the pulses height spectrum, with which we calibrate the system. (Author)

6. Effects of q(r) on the Alpha Particle Ripple Loss in TFTR

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

D.S. Darrow; M. Diesso; R.V. Budny; S. Batha; S.J. Zweben; et al.

1997-09-01

An experiment was done with TFTR DT plasmas to determine the effect of the q(r) profile on the alpha particle ripple loss to the outer midplane. The alpha particle loss measurements were made using a radially movable scintillator detector 20 degrees below the outer midplane. The experimental results were compared with TF ripple loss calculations done using a Monte Carlo guiding center orbit following code, ORBIT. Although some of the experimental results are consistent with the ORBIT code modeling, the variation of the alpha loss with the q(r) profiles is not well explained by this code. Quantitative interpretation of these measurements requires a careful analysis of the limiter shadowing effect, which strongly determines the diffusion of alphas into the detector aperture.

7. Monte Carlo nanodosimetry of alpha particle passages through the capillary endothelial nucleus application to systemic Targeted Alpha Therapy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: The biological effects of Targeted Alpha Therapy are strongly affected by the heterogeneous specific energy delivered to tumor cells. For systemic Targeted Alpha Therapy, all blood vessels inevitably received a background radiation from non-targeted decays with the blood circulation. The Geant4 Monte Carlo code was adapted to simulate the spatial non-uniform distribution of the alpha emitting radioisotope sources 213Bi, 212Bi and 211At. A cylindrical annulus was taken as a geometrical model to approximate the capillary. The endothelial cell nucleus was set to be an ellipsoid filled with liquid water to simulate nanometric target volumes at unit density. The Geant4 Low Energy physics model, based on the Livermore approach, was selected to model the particle interactions with the material in the experimental setup. The threshold of production of secondary particles was 7 eV. We validated the program with published results using spheroid cell geometry. The specific energy deposited in a capillary endothelial cell nucleus per radioactive decay and the capillary endothelial cell survival rates were calculated for the source constrained in the capillary lumen or the source binding to the surface antigen on the perivascular cancer cells. The measurement of nanodosimetric event size spectra based on simulated nanodosimetric data is presented. The value and limitations of this approach are discussed. (author)

8. Alpha-particle clustering in excited expanding self-conjugate nuclei

CERN Document Server

Borderie, B; Ademard, G; Rivet, M F; De Filippo, E; Geraci, E; Neindre, N Le; Cardella, G; Lanzalone, G; Lombardo, I; Lopez, O; Maiolino, C; Pagano, A; Pirrone, S; Politi, G; Rizzo, F; Russotto, P

2016-01-01

The fragmentation of quasi-projectiles from the nuclear reaction 40Ca + 12C at 25 MeV/nucleon was used to produce alpha-emission sources. From a careful selection of these sources provided by a complete detection and from comparisons with models of sequential and simultaneous decays, strong indications in favour of $\\alpha$-particle clustering in excited 16O, 20Ne and 24}Mg are reported.

9. Energetic/alpha particle effects on MHD modes and transport

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A nonvariational kinetic-MHD stability code (NOVA-K) has been employed to study TAE stability in TFRR D-T and DIII-D experiments and to achieve understanding of TAE instability drive and damping mechanism. Reasonably good agreement between theory and experiment has been obtained. In these experiments the dominant damping mechanism is due to both the thermal ion Landau damping and/or the beam ion Landau damping. Based on ITER EDA parameters, the TAE modes are expected to be unstable in normal ITER operations. Energetic particle transport has been studied using a test particle code (ORBIT). Energetic particle loss scales linearly with the TAE mode amplitude and can be large for TFRR and DIII-D for δBr/B > 10-4 due to large banana orbit. From quasi-linear (ORBIT) and nonlinear kinetic-MHD (MH3D-K) simulations the saturation of TAE modes is due to nonlinear wave particle trapping and energetic particle profile modification in both radial and energy space. Finally, a convective bucket transport mechanism by MHD waves with time-dependent frequency is presented. Based on the energy-selective characteristics of the bucket transport mechanism, undesirable particles such as helium ash can be removed from the plasma core efficiently

10. The 1997 IAEA intercomparison of commercially available PC-based software for alpha-particle spectrometry

CERN Document Server

Blaauw, M; Woods, S; Fazinic, S

1999-01-01

Four commercially available, PC-based analysis programs for alpha-particle spectrometry were compared using the 1997 IAEA test spectra, i.e. AlphaVision 1.20 (EG and G Ortec, USA), Alps 4.21 (Westmeier GmbH, Germany), Winner Alpha 4.0f5 (Eurisys Mesures, France) and Genie-2000 (Canberra Industries Inc., USA). A systematic statistical study of the analysis results was performed based on z-scores. The results indicate that the four programs leave room for substantial improvement.

11. Emission of alpha particles and other light nuclei as a fission process

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The fission theory was successfully applied to the emission of alpha particles and other light nuclei from a heavy nucleus. Good agreement (within +-0.8 orders of magnitude) of the theoretical life times with experimental ones over a range of 24 orders of magnitude, was obtained. Three macroscopic models have been extended for the nuclear systems with different charge densities. A phenomenological shell correction was introduced. WKB approximation was used. By taking into account the nuclear deformation, the life-time of the alpha decay from a shape isomeric state was predicted. A new semiempirical relationship for the alpha decay life-time was derived. (author)

12. Feasibility of alpha particle measurement in a magnetically confined plasma by CO2 laser Thomson scattering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fusion-product alpha particles will dominate the behavior of the next generation of ignited D-T fusion reactors. Advanced diagnostics will be required to characterize the energy deposition of these fast alpha particles in the magnetically confined plasma. For small-angle coherent Thomson scattering of a CO2 laser beam from such a plasma, a resonance in the scattered power occurs near 900 with respect to the magnetic field direction. This spatial concentration permits a simplified detection of the scattered laser power from the plasma using a heterodyne system. The signal produced by the presence of fusion-product alpha particles in an ignited plasma is calculated to be well above the noise level, which results from statistical variations of the background signal produced by scattering from free electrons. 7 refs

13. An application of 222Rn alpha particle's tracks to uranium exploration

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The uranium exploration method is based on the register of 222Rn alpha particles; 222Rn gas is generated in the chain 238U desintegration. The detection of alpha particles was performed with cellulose nitrate films (NTC), located in a grid at the region in study. The alpha particles produce latent tracks in the NTC films; these tracks may be enlarged by chemical etching and are observed with an ordinary optic microscope, ninety seven NTC films were used, these were distributed in an area of approximately seventeen square kilometers, located in the municipalities of Granados and Huasabas in Sonora Mexico, the detectors remain in the ground for a thirty days mean period. The results obtained show an area with high 222Rn concentration, this can be related with an underground uranium ore deposit. The more important conclusion is that the results obtained in this work can be used as preliminary results for other prospection methods in this particular area. (author)

14. Ripple Loss of Alpha Particles in a Low-Aspect-Ratio Tokamak Reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Studies on the loss of alpha particles enhanced by toroidal field (TF) ripple in a low-aspect-ratio tokamak reactor (VECTOR) have been made by using an orbit-following Monte-Carlo code. In actual TF coil systems, the ripple loss of alpha particles is strongly reduced as the aspect ratio becomes low (the power loss ∝ A8.8 for A≥2.5) and the reduction of the number of TF coils results in a large amount of ripple loss even in a low-aspect-ratio tokamak. To reduce the number of TF coils from 12 to 6, about 40% of coil size enlargement is necessary in VECTOR. Ferrite plates are very effective to reduce ripple losses of alpha particles. By using ferrite plates, the coil size enlargement for N=6 can be relaxed to 15% and the number of coils can be reduced from 12 to 8 without enlargement of coil size in VECTOR. (author)

15. High resolution alpha particle detectors based on 4H-SiC epitaxial layer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We fabricated and characterized 4H-SiC Schottky diodes as a spectrometric detector of alpha particles. A thin blocking contact of Ni/Au (15 nm) was used to minimize the influence on alpha particles energy. Current-voltage characteristics of the detector were measured and a low current density below 0.3 nAcm−2 was observed at room temperature. 239Pu241Am244Cm was used as a source of alpha particles within the energy range between 5.1 MeV and 5.8 MeV for detector testing. The charge collection efficiency close to 100 % at reverse bias exceeding 50 V was determined. The best spectrometric performance shows a pulse height spectrum at a reverse bias of 200 V giving an energy resolution of 0.25 % in the full width and half maximum for 5.486 MeV of 241Am

16. Alpha particle induced DNA damage and repair in normal cultured thyrocytes of different proliferation status

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lyckesvärd, Madeleine Nordén; Delle, Ulla; Kahu, Helena;

2014-01-01

Childhood exposure to ionizing radiation increases the risk of developing thyroid cancer later in life and this is suggested to be due to higher proliferation of the young thyroid. The interest of using high-LET alpha particles from Astatine-211 ((211)At), concentrated in the thyroid by the same...... levels of γH2AX decreased during the first 24h in both cycling and stationary cultures and complete repair was seen in all cultures but cycling cells exposed to (211)At. Compared to stationary cells alpha particles were more harmful for cycling cultures, an effect also seen at the pChk2 levels...... cultures at a modest level of damage, clearly demonstrating that cell cycle status influences the relative effectiveness of alpha particles....

17. Intrinsic efficiency of LR-115 in alpha particles detection: simulations and experiments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A numerical simulation is developed to characterize the response of the cellulose nitrate detector ''LR-115 type II'' to alpha particles of different incidence angles and energies. It permits to know whether an alpha particle at a given energy and direction is able to produce a visible etched track or not. For this purpose, a Vt-variable track etch rate model is used. We have considered that the track etch rate is a function of the ionization rate and the defect created by delta rays along the alpha particle trajectory. Validation of the model is presented in the form of comparisons between theoretically computed values of the sensitive energy range and the track diameters and experimentally determined ones

18. Alpha-particle confinement control of the geodesic winding of LHD-type fusion reactors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

It is calculated that the geodesic winding D-shaped helical magnetic field configuration can actively control the confinement and exhaust of alpha particles. A trapped particle orbit diagram (TPOD), which shows the presence of re-entering particles and specifies the loss-cone depth, is obtained from the deeply trapped particle orbits in a helical mirror magnetic field. The loss-cone depth becomes shallow when the magnetic axis is shifted to the inner side. On the other hand, the loss-cone depth can reach to the magnetic axis when the magnetic axis is shifted fairly to the outer side. Active control of the confinement and exhaust of 3.52 MeV alpha particles by controlling the magnetic axis position is also confirmed by collisionless orbit calculations. (author)

19. Preliminary Study of Natural Alpha Particle Track Areal Distribution Behind Eyeglasses Obstacles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Plastic nuclear track detectors are widely used to register tracks of alpha particles emitted from radon gas nuclei and radioactive daughter nuclei. Eye glasses, finger rings, necklaces and many other accessories intimately accompany most people. The eyeglasses may modify the surface distribution of alpha particle pass spots just behind them. There may be some effects due to the earth's magnetic field on the motion of the charged alpha particle emitters (radon ions). In metallic frames of the eyeglasses, the earth's magnetic field and charged radio-ions enforce free electrons to move setting electric current, which reduces the magnetic field at the frame. Being weak at the frame and stronger on both sides away, the magnetic field lines may form a magnetic trap of some charged radio-ions in the air. The polymer Solid State Nuclear Track Detector (SSNTD) CR-39 which is a polyalyl diglycol carbonate is used to register alpha particles behind the eyeglasses obstacles. Remarkable decrease in alpha track density was noticed in CR-39 registration due both to glass and magnetic screening. The obtained results call for more studies on all metallic tools used or possessed in mines and non-ventilated underground cavities.

20. Stochastic loss of alpha particles in a Helias reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

It is shown that collisionless orbit transformation of the locally trapped particles to the locally passing ones and vice versa in the Wendelstein-line optimized stellarators results in stochastic diffusion of energetic ions. This diffusion can lead to the loss of an essential fraction of energetic ion population from the region where the characteristic diffusion time is small compared to the slowing down time. The loss region and the magnitude of the loss can be minimized by shaping the plasma temperature and density profiles so that they satisfy certain requirements. The predictions of the developed theory are in agreement with the results of numerical modelling of confinement of α-particles in a Helias reactor, which was carried out in this work with the use of the orbit following code. The considered diffusion seems to represent the dominant mechanism of classical losses of α-particles in a Helias reactor. (author)

1. Charged particle-induced modification of cellular genomic DNA and gene expression level

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aim of this study is to understand cellular and molecular nature of cancer cells survived for long term after charged particle therapy. During the period of 1st year, clonogenic sensitivity of various cancer cell lines against charged particles was investigated by two experimental strategies. Firstly, human glioblastoma cell line, Becker, was investigated for the phenotypic changes after long term survival period (3 weeks). Especially, the cells were revealed to be sensitized toward secondary exposure of charged particles in a way of primary dose-dependence. However, this tendency was clearly eliminated when cells were treated by 5-azacytidine, a DNA methylation inhibitor, before the primary exposure. Thus, epigenetic regulations of cellular genomic DNA were supposed to play important roles in the radiation sensitivity changes of the long-term survived cells. In the second approach, mouse cancer cell line analysis in the presence of 5-azacytidine revealed epigenetic heterogeneity of charged particle sensitivity within the cell population. (author)

2. Applying alpha particle background ionization device in the development of pulsed nitrogen laser technology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An investigation on the application of alpha particles in the induction of a bias ionized background plasma before, during and after the discharge of the N2 TE UV laser (337.1 nm), built in the LEL-IF/UFF is presented. The alpha particles are provided by Americium (241-Am) stripes placed inside the discharge channel of the laser device. The stimulated radiation output characteristics, in terms of gas pressure, charging voltage and pulse width, of a N2 TE UV laser (337.1 nm) circuit are presented. The increased laser yield is interpreted qualitatively through plasma impedance in the discharge circuit. (author)

3. Applying alpha particle background ionization device in the development of pulsed nitrogen laser technology

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fellows, C.E.; Rodegheri, C.C.; Tauber, U. [Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niteroi, RJ (Brazil). Inst. de Fisica. Lab. de Espectroscopia e Laser (LEL); Guterres, R.F. [Comissao Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil). Coordenacao de Instalacoes Radiativas]. E-mail: rgutterr@cnen.gov.br

2005-11-15

An investigation on the application of alpha particles in the induction of a bias ionized background plasma before, during and after the discharge of the N2 TE UV laser (337.1 nm), built in the LEL-IF/UFF is presented. The alpha particles are provided by Americium (241-Am) stripes placed inside the discharge channel of the laser device. The stimulated radiation output characteristics, in terms of gas pressure, charging voltage and pulse width, of a N2 TE UV laser (337.1 nm) circuit are presented. The increased laser yield is interpreted qualitatively through plasma impedance in the discharge circuit. (author)

4. The threshold states in the frame of the model of binding alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A model of nuclear matter built from alpha-particles is proposed. In this model, nuclei possess the molecular structure. Analyzing the numbers of bonds, one gets the formula for the binding energy of a nucleus. The structure is determined by the minimum of the total potential energy, where interaction between alpha-particles is pairwise. The calculated binding energies show a good agreement with experiment. According to this model we can estimate the energy of Bose-Condensation for the 4N nuclei

5. Preparation and preclinical evaluation of {sup 211}At-labelled compounds for {alpha}-particle radiotherapy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Larsen, R.H.

1994-12-31

The interest for {alpha}-particle emitters in internal radiotherapy is increasing due to improved conjugation chemistry. Experimental work has concentrated on {sup 211}At and {sup 212}Bi since these to nuclides have radiochemical and physical properties suitable for medical application. In this report it is demonstrated that biologically active {sup 211}At-labelled compounds can be prepared within a relatively short time allowing utilization of this 7.2 h {alpha}-particle. It is further shown that {sup 211}At-TP-3 treatment of human osteosarcoma in vitro gives promising therapeutic ratios. 76 refs., 5 figs., 3 tabs.

6. Natural protection from zoonosis by alpha-gal epitopes on virus particles in xenotransmission.

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Na Young; Jung, Woon-Won; Oh, Yu-Kyung; Chun, Taehoon; Park, Hong-Yang; Lee, Hoon-Taek; Han, In-Kwon; Yang, Jai Myung; Kim, Young Bong

2007-03-01

Clinical transplantation has become one of the preferred treatments for end-stage organ failure, and one of the novel approaches being pursued to overcome the limited supply of human organs involves the use of organs from other species. The pig appears to be a near ideal animal due to proximity to humans, domestication, and ability to procreate. The presence of Gal-alpha1,3-Gal residues on the surfaces of pig cells is a major immunological obstacle to xenotransplantation. Alpha1,3galactosyltransferase (alpha1,3GT) catalyzes the synthesis of Gal alpha 1-3Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc-R (alpha-gal epitope) on the glycoproteins and glycolipids of non-primate mammals, but this does not occur in humans. Moreover, the alpha-gal epitope causes hyperacute rejection of pig organs in humans, and thus, the elimination of this antigen from pig tissues is highly desirable. Recently, concerns have been raised that the risk of virus transmission from such pigs may be increased due to the absence of alpha-gal on their viral particles. In this study, transgenic cells expressing alpha1,3GT were selected using 1.25 mg/ml neomycin. The development of HeLa cells expressing alpha1,3GT now allows accurate studies to be conducted on the function of the alpha-gal epitope in xenotransmission. The expressions of alpha-gal epitopes on HeLa/alpha-gal cells were demonstrated by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy using cells stained with IB4-fluorescein isothiocyanate lectin. Vaccinia viruses propagated in HeLa/alpha-gal cells also expressed alpha-gal on their viral envelopes and were more sensitive to inactivation by human sera than vaccinia virus propagated in HeLa cells. Moreover, neutralization of vaccinia virus was inhibited in human serum by 10 mm ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethylether)tetraacetic acid (EDTA) treatment. Our data indicated that alpha-gal epitopes are one of the major barriers to zoonosis via xenotransmission. PMID:17381684

7. Correlations of $\\alpha$-particles in splitting of $^{12}$C nuclei by neutrons of energy of 14.1 MeV

CERN Document Server

Kattabekov, R R; Artemenkov, D A; Bradnova, V; Zarubin, P I; Zarubina, I G; Majling, L; Rusakova, V V; Sadovsky, A B

2014-01-01

Correlations of $\\alpha$-particles are studied on statistics of 400 events of splitting $^{12}$C $\\rightarrow$ 3$\\alpha$ in nuclear track emulsion exposed to $14.1 MeV$ neutrons. The ranges and emission angles of the $\\alpha$-particles are measured. Distributions over energy of $\\alpha$-particle pairs and triples are obtained.

8. Nuclear reactions induced by high-energy alpha particles

Science.gov (United States)

Shen, B. S. P.

1974-01-01

Experimental and theoretical studies of nuclear reactions induced by high energy protons and heavier ions are included. Fundamental data needed in the shielding, dosimetry, and radiobiology of high energy particles produced by accelerators were generated, along with data on cosmic ray interaction with matter. The mechanism of high energy nucleon-nucleus reactions is also examined, especially for light target nuclei of mass number comparable to that of biological tissue.

9. Alpha-particle momentum distributions from 12C decaying resonances

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The computed α particle momentum distributions from the decay of low-lying 12C resonances are shown. The wave function of the decaying fragments is computed by means of the complex scaled hyperspherical adiabatic expansion method. The large-distance part of the wave functions is crucial and has to be accurately calculated. We discuss energy distributions, angular distributions and Dalitz plots for the 4+, 1+ and 4- states of 12C. (author)

10. Alpha Particles Induce Apoptosis through the Sphingomyelin Pathway

OpenAIRE

Seideman, Jonathan H.; Stancevic, Branka; Rotolo, Jimmy A.; McDevitt, Michael R.; Howell, Roger W.; Kolesnick, Richard N; Scheinberg, David A.

2011-01-01

The sphingomyelin pathway involves the enzymatic cleavage of sphingomyelin to produce ceramide, a second messenger that serves as a key mediator in the rapid apoptotic response to various cell stressors. Low-linear energy transfer (LET) γ radiation can initiate this pathway, independent of DNA damage, via the cell membrane. Whether short-ranged, high-LET a particles, which are of interest as potent environmental carcinogens, radiotherapies and potential components of dirty bombs, can act thro...

11. Interaction of the human cytomegalovirus particle with the host cell induces hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The cellular protein hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) was induced after infection of human fibroblasts with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). HCMV irradiated with ultraviolet light (uv-HCMV) also elicited the effect, demonstrating that the response was provoked by interaction of the infecting virion with the cell and that viral gene expression was not required. Although induction of HIF-1α was initiated by an early event, accumulation of the protein was not detected until 9 hours post infection, with levels increasing thereafter. Infection with uv-HCMV resulted in increased abundance of HIF-1α-specific RNA, indicating stimulation of transcription. In addition, greater phosphorylation of the protein kinase Akt was observed, and the activity of this enzyme was required for induction of HIF-1α to occur. HIF-1α controls the expression of many cellular gene products; therefore the findings reveal new ways in which interaction of the HCMV particle with the host cell may cause significant alterations to cellular physiology.

12. Scanning of irradiated silicon detectors using $\\alpha$ particles and low energy protons

CERN Document Server

Casse, G L; Glaser, M; Kohout, Z; Konícek, J; Lemeilleur, F; Leroy, C; Linhart, V; Mares, J J; Pospísil, S; Roy, P; Sopko, B; Sinor, M; Svejda, J; Vorobel, V; Wilhelm, I

1999-01-01

In a spectroscopic study of non-irradiated and proton-irradiated silicon diodes, the detectors were illuminated from the front side and from the rear side by various alpha particle sources (mainly ThC') and by monoenergetic protons with energies from 1.0 to 2.5~MeV. Their response characteristics have been studied as a function of the incoming particle energy and the applied bias voltage. The charge collection efficiency was determined as a function of fluence

13. Alpha particle density and energy distributions in tandem mirrors using Monte-Carlo techniques

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We have simulated the alpha thermalization process using a Monte-Carlo technique, in which the alpha guiding center is followed between simulated collisions and Spitzer's collision model is used for the alpha-plasma interaction. Monte-Carlo techniques are used to determine the alpha radial birth position, the alpha particle position at a collision, and the angle scatter and dispersion at a collision. The plasma is modeled as a hot reacting core, surrounded by a cold halo plasma (T approx.50 eV). Alpha orbits that intersect the halo lose 90% of their energy to the halo electrons because of the halo drag, which is ten times greater than the drag in the core. The uneven drag across the alpha orbit also produces an outward, radial, guiding center drift. This drag drift is dependent on the plasma density and temperature radial profiles. We have modeled these profiles and have specifically studied a single-scale-length model, in which the density scale length (r/sub pD/) equals the temperature scale length (r/sub pT/), and a two-scale-length model, in which r/sub pD//r/sub pT/ = 1.1

14. Alpha-particle emission from contaminants in counter materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Energy spectra of surface activities from thorium and uranium contaminants have been investigated for typical counter materials. Soft-tempered stainless steel with a rate of 1.2±0.1 α-particles emitted per 100 cm2 in one hour was found better than other stainless steel and far better than brass and aluminum. Energy spectra provide information about the contaminating activity and about its depth profile. Thorium, uranium and 210Pb contamination was also observed for thin sources of other materials including isotopically enriched materials. (orig.)

15. Preequilibrium decay in alpha particle induced reactions in terbium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The excitation functions of 159 Tb(α,n), (α,3 n), (α,4 n), (α,α3 n) reactions were measured using stacked foil activation technique and HPGe gamma ray spectroscopy method up to 50 MeV. The experimental results were compared with the theoretical predictions considering equilibrium as well as preequilibrium contributions using code ALICE/90. It was found that the initial exciton configuration n0 = 4(4p0h) that is pure particle state, appears to give good fit to the experimental data. (Authors)

16. Simulations of alpha particle ripple loss from the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Redi, M.H.; Budny, R.V.; McCune, D.C.; Miller, C.O.; White, R.B.

1996-05-01

Calculations of collisional stochastic ripple loss of alpha particles from the new 20 toroidal field (TF) coil International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) predict small alpha ripple losses, less than 0.4%, close to the loss calculated for the full current operation of the earlier 24 TF coil design. An analytic fit is obtained to the ITER ripple data field demonstrating the nonlinear height dependence of the ripple minimum for D shaped ripple contours. In contrast to alpha loss simulations for the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR), a simple Goldston, White, Boozer stochastic loss criterion ripple loss model is found to require an increased renormalization of the stochastic threshold {delta}{sub s}/{delta}{sub GWB} {ge} 1. Effects of collisions, sawtooth broadening and reversal of the grad B drift direction are included in the particle following simulations.

17. Simulations of alpha particle ripple loss from the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Calculations of collisional stochastic ripple loss of alpha particles from the new 20 toroidal field (TF) coil International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) predict small alpha ripple losses, less than 0.4%, close to the loss calculated for the full current operation of the earlier 24 TF coil design. An analytic fit is obtained to the ITER ripple data field demonstrating the nonlinear height dependence of the ripple minimum for D shaped ripple contours. In contrast to alpha loss simulations for the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR), a simple Goldston, White, Boozer stochastic loss criterion ripple loss model is found to require an increased renormalization of the stochastic threshold δs/δGWB ≥ 1. Effects of collisions, sawtooth broadening and reversal of the grad B drift direction are included in the particle following simulations

18. Production of $\\alpha$-particle condensate states in heavy-ion collisions

CERN Document Server

Raduta, Ad R; Geraci, E; Neindre, N Le; Napolitani, P; Rivet, M F; Alba, R; Amorini, F; Cardella, G; Chatterjee, M; De Filippo, E; Guinet, D; Lautesse, P; La Guidara, E; Lanzalone, G; Lanzano, G; Lombardo, I; Lopez, O; Maiolino, C; Pagano, A; Pirrone, S; Politi, G; Porto, F; Rizzo, F; Russotto, P; Wieleczko, J P

2010-01-01

The fragmentation of quasi-projectiles from the nuclear reaction $^{40}Ca$ + $^{12}C$ at 25 MeV/nucleon was used to produce excited states candidates to $\\alpha$-particle condensation. The experiment was performed at LNS-Catania using the CHIMERA multidetector. Accepting the emission simultaneity and equality among the $\\alpha$-particle kinetic energies as experimental criteria for deciding in favor of the condensate nature of an excited state, we analyze the $0_2^+$ and $2_2^+$ states of $^{12}$C and the $0_6^+$ state of $^{16}$O. A sub-class of events corresponding to the direct 3-$\\alpha$ decay of the Hoyle state is isolated.

19. Predictive modeling of multicellular structure formation by using Cellular Particle Dynamics simulations

Science.gov (United States)

McCune, Matthew; Shafiee, Ashkan; Forgacs, Gabor; Kosztin, Ioan

2014-03-01

Cellular Particle Dynamics (CPD) is an effective computational method for describing and predicting the time evolution of biomechanical relaxation processes of multicellular systems. A typical example is the fusion of spheroidal bioink particles during post bioprinting structure formation. In CPD cells are modeled as an ensemble of cellular particles (CPs) that interact via short-range contact interactions, characterized by an attractive (adhesive interaction) and a repulsive (excluded volume interaction) component. The time evolution of the spatial conformation of the multicellular system is determined by following the trajectories of all CPs through integration of their equations of motion. CPD was successfully applied to describe and predict the fusion of 3D tissue construct involving identical spherical aggregates. Here, we demonstrate that CPD can also predict tissue formation involving uneven spherical aggregates whose volumes decrease during the fusion process. Work supported by NSF [PHY-0957914]. Computer time provided by the University of Missouri Bioinformatics Consortium.

20. Collisionless Evolution of Isotropic Alpha-Particle Distribution in a Tokamak

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: The density of the noninductive current generated due to collisionless motion of alpha-particles in the tokamak magnetic field is calculated. The analysis is based on fully three-dimensional calculations of charged particle trajectories without simplifying assumptions typical for drift and neoclassical approaches. The current is calculated over the entire cross section of the plasma column, including the magnetic axis. It is shown that the current density is not a function of a magnetic surface and is strongly polarized over the poloidal angle. The current density distribution in the tokamak poloidal cross section is obtained, and the current density as a function of the safety factor profile, the tokamak aspect ratio, and the ratio of the particle Larmor radius on the axis to the tokamak minor radius is determined. It is shown that, when the source of alpha-particles is spatially nonuniform, the current density in the center of the tokamak is nonzero due to asymmetry of the phase-space boundary between trapped and passing particles. The current density scaling in the tokamak center differs from the known approximations for the bootstrap current and is sensitive to the spatial distribution of alpha-particles. (author)

1. A variational calculation of 12C in the alpha-particle model

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Some physical properties of three structureless alpha particles interacting through two-body potentials were discussed. Comparison between them and the corresponding experimental observations for the 12C nucleus is done. The wave function is expanded in terms of translationally invariant harmonic-oscillator states, the coefficients being variational parameters

2. alpha-particle radioactivity from LR 115 by two methods of analysis

CERN Document Server

Azkour, K; Adloff, J C; Pape, A

1999-01-01

LR115 track detectors were exposed to samples of Moroccan phosphate and phosphogypsum to measure their alpha-particle radioactivity. Then two formalisms were used for the dosimetry: simulation by a Monte Carlo method and determination of concentrations from a numerically integrated track registration equation. The results were compared with those deduced gamma-ray spectrometry.

3. Alpha and beta particle induced scintillations in liquid and solid neon

CERN Document Server

Michniak, R A; McKinsey, D N; Doyle, J M

2002-01-01

Scintillations induced by alpha and beta particles in liquid and solid neon are studied and their light yield measured. Charged particle scintillation in neon is primarily in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV). We detect this EUV light by converting it to blue using a wavelength shifting fluor and detecting the blue light with a photomultiplier tube. It is observed that liquid neon is a somewhat less-efficient scintillator than liquid helium for both alpha and beta radiation while the light yield in solid neon is greater than in liquid helium. Based on our measurements of the relative light yields of liquid and solid neon to liquid helium whose absolute light yield has previously been determined, we find that an alpha source in liquid neon produces up to 5900 photons per MeV while a beta source produces up to 7400 photons per MeV. In solid neon, we find that an alpha particle produces up to 9300 photons per MeV while a beta particle produces up to 17,000 photons per MeV. We observe a significant dependence of the ...

4. Alpha particle effects as a test domain for PAP, a Plasma Apprentice Program

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A new type of computational tool under development, employing techniques of symbolic computation and artificial intelligence to automate as far as possible the research activities of a human plasma theorist, is described. Its present and potential uses are illustrated using the area of the theory of alpha particle effects in fusion plasmas as a sample domain. (orig.)

5. RADON AND PROGENY ALPHA-PARTICLE ENERGY ANALYSIS USING NUCLEAR TRACK METHODOLOGY

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A preliminary procedure for alpha energy analysis of radon and progeny using Nuclear Track Methodology (NTM) is described in this paper. The method is based on the relationship between alpha-particle energies deposited in polycarbonate material (CR-39) and the track size developed after a well-established chemical etching process. Track geometry, defined by parameters such as major or minor diameters, track area and overall track length, is shown to correlate with alpha-particle energy over the range 6.00 MeV (218Po) to 7.69 MeV (214Po). Track features are measured and the data analyzed automatically using a digital imaging system and commercial PC software. Examination of particle track diameters in CR-39 exposed to environmental radon reveals a multi-modal distribution. Locations of the maxima in this distribution are highly correlated with alpha particle energies of radon daughters, and the distributions are sufficiently resolved to identify the radioisotopes. This method can be useful for estimating the radiation dose from indoor exposure to radon and its progeny.

6. Cross section balance in the 14N+159Tb reaction and the origin of fast alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Exclusive cross sections have been obtained from particle-K X-ray coincidence data measured at 236 MeV for ejectiles ranging from 4He to 15N. Production cross sections for primary fragments and alpha particle multiplicities associated with different channels have been deduced. The major fraction of the alpha particles appears to originate from inelastic (damped) processes in which only light particles with Z<=2 are emitted. (orig.)

7. Investigations of electrical properties of structures Al-DNA-ITO-Al exposed to alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The detection of alpha particles and other radiation sources has been an important field of research since the inception of radioactive materials in medical technology approximately a century ago. While different types of radiation sensors exist, in recent history, in light of a few catastrophic nuclear meltdowns, the development of sensors with rapid and effective detection properties have become crucial. To probe the feasibility of incorporating such features into the detector architecture, a simple sensor based on mushroom Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA (Aluminium (Al)/DNA/Indium Tin Oxide (ITO)) was built, and the possibility of employing DNA electronics for the potential detection of alpha particles was investigated. Current–voltage (I–V) profiles were obtained following radiation using alpha particles at different dosages and exposure periods at room temperature. Properties such as series resistance, RS and other properties (barrier height, ideality factor and hypersensitivity) were calculated and analyzed using Conventional, Cheung and Cheung and Norde methods. RS values of the non-radiated samples calculated using the first method was about 8.6 MΩ. Using Conventional and Norde methods, samples irradiated for 4 min demonstrated the highest RS values of 5.79 and 1.81 MΩ, respectively. The results obtained were used to demonstrate the possibility of applying the sensitivity of DNA sensors to the measurement of alpha radiation. - Highlights: • Freshly prepared DNA solution was deposited as thin films by using the self-assembly method. • Series resistances, barrier heights and ideality factors were determined from I–V measurements. • A novel DNA hypersensitivity phenomenon was observed at low alpha radiation. • DNA based diodes can be employed as sensitive alpha particle sensors

8. Lung cancer risk from exposure to alpha particles and inhalation of other pollutants in rats

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Burns, F.J.

1990-01-01

The goal of these experiments is to establish a quantitative correlation between early DNA damage and cancer incidence in a way that would be helpful for assessing the carcinogenic risk of radon alone or in combination with specific indoor pollutants. Rat tracheal epithelium has been exposed in vivo to {sup 210}Po alpha particles in the presence and absence of NO{sub 2} or cigarette smoke. The major accomplishments so far are: the design and implementation of a tracheal implant to simulate radon alpha particle exposure, the measurement of DNA breaks in a small 7.0 mm segment of the trachea exposed to external x-irradiation, the measurement of the rate of repair of the x-ray induced tracheal DNA strand breaks, the measurement of DNA strand breaks following inhalation of cigarette smoke or NO{sub 2}, the measurement of tracheal DNA stand breaks following exposure to high doses {sup 210}Po alpha particle radiation, the assessment of the amount of mucous in the goblet cells and in the underlying mucous glands. So far we have been unable to detect DNA strand breaks in the tracheal epithelium as a result of exposure to NO{sub 2} cigarette smoke or {sup 210}Po alpha particles. We have developed a simple artificial' trachea consisting of rat tracheal epithelial cells growing on a basement membrane coated millipore filter. Experiments are proposed to utilize these artificial tracheas to eliminate the potential interference of increased mucous secretion and/or inflammation that can significantly affect the radiation dose from the alpha particles. 61 refs., 17 figs.

9. Environmentally persistent free radicals amplify ultrafine particle mediated cellular oxidative stress and cytotoxicity

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Balakrishna Shrilatha

2009-04-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Combustion generated particulate matter is deposited in the respiratory tract and pose a hazard to the lungs through their potential to cause oxidative stress and inflammation. We have previously shown that combustion of fuels and chlorinated hydrocarbons produce semiquinone-type radicals that are stabilized on particle surfaces (i.e. environmentally persistent free radicals; EPFRs. Because the composition and properties of actual combustion-generated particles are complex, heterogeneous in origin, and vary from day-to-day, we have chosen to use surrogate particle systems. In particular, we have chosen to use the radical of 2-monochlorophenol (MCP230 as the EPFR because we have previously shown that it forms a EPFR on Cu(IIO surfaces and catalyzes formation of PCDD/F. To understand the physicochemical properties responsible for the adverse pulmonary effects of combustion by-products, we have exposed human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B to MCP230 or the CuO/silica substrate. Our general hypothesis was that the EPFR-containing particle would have greater toxicity than the substrate species. Results Exposure of BEAS-2B cells to our combustion generated particle systems significantly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS generation and decreased cellular antioxidants resulting in cell death. Resveratrol treatment reversed the decline in cellular glutathione (GSH, glutathione peroxidase (GPx, and superoxide dismutase (SOD levels for both types of combustion-generated particle systems. Conclusion The enhanced cytotoxicity upon exposure to MCP230 correlated with its ability to generate more cellular oxidative stress and concurrently reduce the antioxidant defenses of the epithelial cells (i.e. reduced GSH, SOD activity, and GPx. The EPFRs in MCP230 also seem to be of greater biological concern due to their ability to induce lipid peroxidation. These results are consistent with the oxidizing nature of the CuO/silica ultrafine

10. Alfvenic behavior of alpha particle driven ion cyclotron emission in TFTR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ion cyclotron emission (ICE) has been observed during D-T discharges in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR), using rf probes located near the top and bottom of the vacuum vessel. Harmonics of the alpha cyclotron frequency (Ωα) evaluated at the outer midplane plasma edge are observed at the onset of the beam injection phase of TFTR supershots, and persist for approximately 100-250 ms. These results are in contrast with observations of ICE in JET, in which harmonics of Ωα evolve with the alpha population in the plasma edge. Such differences are believed to be due to the fact that newly-born fusion alpha particles are super-Alfvenic near the edge of JET plasmas, while they are sub-Alfvenic near the edge of TFTR supershot plasmas. In TFTR discharges with edge densities such that newly-born alpha particles are super-Alfvenic, alpha cyclotron harmonics are observed to persist. These results are in qualitative agreement with numerical calculations of growth rates due to the magnetoacoustic cyclotron instability

11. Fokker Planck kinetic modeling of suprathermal alpha-particles in a fusion plasma

CERN Document Server

2014-01-01

We present an ion kinetic model describing the ignition and burn of the deuterium-tritium fuel of inertial fusion targets. The analysis of the underlying physical model enables us to develop efficient numerical methods to simulate the creation, transport and collisional relaxation of fusion reaction products (alpha-particles) at a kinetic level. A two-energy-scale approach leads to a self-consistent modeling of the coupling between suprathermal alpha-particles and the thermal bulk of the imploding plasma. This method provides an accurate numerical treatment of energy deposition and transport processes involving suprathermal particles. The numerical tools presented here are validated against known analytical results. This enables us to investigate the potential role of ion kinetic effects on the physics of ignition and thermonuclear burn in inertial confinement fusion schemes.

12. A Further Measurement of the beta-Delayed alpha-Particle Emission of 16N

CERN Document Server

III, R H F; McDonald, J E; Wilds, E L

2007-01-01

We measured the beta-delayed alpha-particle emission spectrum of 16N with a sensitivity for beta-decay branching ratios of the order of 10-10. The 16N nuclei were produced using the d(15N,16N)p reaction with 70 MeV 15N beams and a deuterium gas target 7.5 cm long at a pressure of 1250 torr. The 16N nuclei were collected (over 10 s) using a thin aluminum foil with an areal density of 180 mu g/cm2 tilted at 7 Deg with respect to the beam. The activity was transferred to the counting area by means of a stepping motor in less than 3 s with the counting carried out over 8 s. The beta-delayed alpha-particles were measured using a time of flight method to achieve a sufficiently low background. Standard calibration sources (148Gd, 241Am, 208,209Po, and 227Ac) as well as alpha-particles and 7Li from the 10B(n,alpha)7Li reaction were used for an accurate energy calibration. The energy resolution of the catcher foil (180-220 keV) was calculated and the time of flight resolution (3-10 nsec) was measured using the beta-de...

13. Electronic Properties of DNA-Based Schottky Barrier Diodes in Response to Alpha Particles

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hassan Maktuff Jaber Al-Ta'ii

2015-05-01

Full Text Available Detection of nuclear radiation such as alpha particles has become an important field of research in recent history due to nuclear threats and accidents. In this context; deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA acting as an organic semiconducting material could be utilized in a metal/semiconductor Schottky junction for detecting alpha particles. In this work we demonstrate for the first time the effect of alpha irradiation on an Al/DNA/p-Si/Al Schottky diode by investigating its current-voltage characteristics. The diodes were exposed for different periods (0–20 min of irradiation. Various diode parameters such as ideality factor, barrier height, series resistance, Richardson constant and saturation current were then determined using conventional, Cheung and Cheung’s and Norde methods. Generally, ideality factor or n values were observed to be greater than unity, which indicates the influence of some other current transport mechanism besides thermionic processes. Results indicated ideality factor variation between 9.97 and 9.57 for irradiation times between the ranges 0 to 20 min. Increase in the series resistance with increase in irradiation time was also observed when calculated using conventional and Cheung and Cheung’s methods. These responses demonstrate that changes in the electrical characteristics of the metal-semiconductor-metal diode could be further utilized as sensing elements to detect alpha particles.

14. Track Reconstruction and Performance of DRIFT Directional Dark Matter Detectors using Alpha Particles

CERN Document Server

Burgos, S; Ghag, C; Gold, M; Kudryavtsev, V A; Lawson, T B; Loomba, D; Majewski, P; McMillan, J E; Muna, D; Murphy, A StJ; Nicklin, G G; Paling, S M; Petkov, A; Plank, S J S; Robinson, M; Sanghi, N; Smith, N J T; Snowden-Ifft, D P; Spooner, N J C; Sumner, T J; Turk, J; Tziaferi, T

2007-01-01

First results are presented from an analysis of data from the DRIFT-IIa and DRIFT-IIb directional dark matter detectors at Boulby Mine in which alpha particle tracks were reconstructed and used to characterise detector performance--an important step towards optimising directional technology. The drift velocity in DRIFT-IIa was [59.3 +/- 0.2 (stat) +/- 7.5 (sys)] m/s based on an analysis of naturally-occurring alpha-emitting background. The drift velocity in DRIFT-IIb was [57 +/- 1 (stat) +/- 3 (sys)] m/s determined by the analysis of alpha particle tracks from a Po-210 source. 3D range reconstruction and energy spectra were used to identify alpha particles from the decay of Rn-222, Po-218, Rn-220 and Po-216. This study found that (22 +/- 2)% of Po-218 progeny (from Rn-222 decay) are produced with no net charge in 40 Torr CS2. For Po-216 progeny (from Rn-220 decay) the uncharged fraction is (100 +0 -35)%.

15. Registration of alpha particles in Makrofol-E nuclear track detectors

Science.gov (United States)

Rammah, Y. S.; Abdalla, Ayman M.; Ashraf, O.; Ashry, A. H.

2016-06-01

Fast detection of alpha particles in the range from 1 to 5 MeV in Makrofol-E polycarbonate nuclear track detectors (PCTDs) using a new chemical etchant was investigated. 252Cf and 241Am-thin open sources were used for irradiating Makrofol-E detectors with fission fragments and alpha particles in air at normal pressure and temperature (NPT). A chain of experimental work has been carried out using new etchants to register alpha particle in short time in Makrofol-E polycarbonate detectors. The etching efficiency were exhibited a clear dependence on the amount of methanol in the etching solution and etching time. The optimized chemical condition obtained at this stage of development for 200 μm Makrofol-E detectors are (8 ml of 10 N NaOH + 2 ml CH3OH) etching solutions at 60 °C for 3 h. In this study; it is possible to observe energy detection windows for Makrofol-E detectors according to applied etching duration. Makrofol-E introduced the characteristic Bragg peak, which indicates the advantages of this detector as alpha spectrometer. Consequently, the suggested new etchant can be developed for heavy ions detection and monitoring radon levels and its daughters.

16. A new alpha particle diagnostic using knock-on ion tails

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We propose a new method of measuring the fast confined ct-particle distribution in a reacting plasma. The presence of ct-particles in a D-T plasma will create a high energy tail on the deuterium and tritium ion energy distributions. A 3.5 MeV alpha can transfer 3.4 MeV to a tritium ion in a single elastic scattering interaction. Calculations of the size of these knock-on tails in tokamaks such as TFTR, JET, and ITER show that it may be possible to measure these tails and provide information on the fast confined alphas. The knock-on tail ions will produce D-T neutrons with energies up to 20.7 MeV, so that D-T neutron spectroscopy can be used to monitor the alpha population. Neutron spectroscopy looks especially attractive for ITER. A collimated array of threshold neutron activation detectors could be used to deduce the confined alpha density profile. Tests of this diagnostic can also be done on TFTR and JET. Existing high energy neutral particle analyzers may allow observation of the ion tails directly via passive and/or active charge exchange

17. Altered control of cellular proliferation in the absence of mammalian brahma (SNF2alpha).

OpenAIRE

Reyes, J C; Barra, J.; Muchardt, C; Camus, A.; Babinet, C; Yaniv, M

1998-01-01

The mammalian SWI-SNF complex is an evolutionarily conserved, multi-subunit machine, involved in chromatin remodelling during transcriptional activation. Within this complex, the BRM (SNF2alpha) and BRG1 (SNF2beta) proteins are mutually exclusive subunits that are believed to affect nucleosomal structures using the energy of ATP hydrolysis. In order to characterize possible differences in the function of BRM and BRG1, and to gain further insights into the role of BRM-containing SWI-SNF comple...

18. Image Edge Detection Based on Cellular Neural Network and Particle Swarm Optimization

OpenAIRE

Lili Li; Zhengxia Wang

2014-01-01

Edge detection is one of the basic pre-processing methods in digital image processing. In order to extract the edge of image effectively, this paper employs linear matrix inequality and particle swarm optimization (PSO) based on cellular neural networks (CNN). Among these templates obtained by using linear matrix inequality (LMI), we utilize the PSO to carry out the optimization parameters. The performance of the proposed edge detection method is evaluated on different test images and compare...

19. Alpha particle induced DNA damage and repair in normal cultured thyrocytes of different proliferation status

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lyckesvärd, Madeleine Nordén, E-mail: madeleine.lyckesvard@oncology.gu.se [Department of Oncology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg (Sweden); Delle, Ulla; Kahu, Helena [Department of Oncology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg (Sweden); Lindegren, Sture [Department of Radiation Physics, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg (Sweden); Jensen, Holger [The PET and Cyclotron Unit Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet (Denmark); Bäck, Tom [Department of Radiation Physics, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg (Sweden); Swanpalmer, John [Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg (Sweden); Elmroth, Kecke [Department of Oncology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg (Sweden)

2014-07-15

Highlights: • We study DNA damage response to low-LET photons and high-LET alpha particles. • Cycling primary thyrocytes are more sensitive to radiation than stationary cells. • Influence of radiation quality varies due to cell cycle status of normal cells. • High-LET radiation gives rise to a sustained DNA damage response. - Abstract: Childhood exposure to ionizing radiation increases the risk of developing thyroid cancer later in life and this is suggested to be due to higher proliferation of the young thyroid. The interest of using high-LET alpha particles from Astatine-211 ({sup 211}At), concentrated in the thyroid by the same mechanism as {sup 131}I [1], in cancer treatment has increased during recent years because of its high efficiency in inducing biological damage and beneficial dose distribution when compared to low-LET radiation. Most knowledge of the DNA damage response in thyroid is from studies using low-LET irradiation and much less is known of high-LET irradiation. In this paper we investigated the DNA damage response and biological consequences to photons from Cobolt-60 ({sup 60}Co) and alpha particles from {sup 211}At in normal primary thyrocytes of different cell cycle status. For both radiation qualities the intensity levels of γH2AX decreased during the first 24 h in both cycling and stationary cultures and complete repair was seen in all cultures but cycling cells exposed to {sup 211}At. Compared to stationary cells alpha particles were more harmful for cycling cultures, an effect also seen at the pChk2 levels. Increasing ratios of micronuclei per cell nuclei were seen up to 1 Gy {sup 211}At. We found that primary thyrocytes were much more sensitive to alpha particle exposure compared with low-LET photons. Calculations of the relative biological effectiveness yielded higher RBE for cycling cells compared with stationary cultures at a modest level of damage, clearly demonstrating that cell cycle status influences the relative

20. Alfven Eigenmode And Ion Bernstein Wave Studies For Controlling Fusion Alpha Particles

CERN Document Server

Heeter, R F

1999-01-01

In magnetic confinement fusion reactor plasmas, the charged fusion products (such as alpha particles in deuterium-tritium plasmas) will be the dominant power source, and by controlling these charged fusion products using wave-particle interactions the reactor performance could be optimized. This thesis studies two candidate waves: Mode-Converted Ion Bernstein Waves (MCIBWs) and Alfvén Eigenmodes (AEs). Rates of MCIBW-driven losses of alpha-like fast deuterons, previously observed in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR), are reproduced by a new model so that the wave-particle diffusion coefficient can be deduced. The MCIBW power in TFTR is found to be ∼ 1/3 that needed for collisionless alpha particle control. A reasonable reactor power scaling is derived. To study AEs, existing magnetic fluctuation probes at the Joint European Torus (JET) have been absolutely calibrated from 30–500 kHz for the first time, allowing fluctuation measurements with &vbm0;dBpol&vbm0;/B0&am...

1. Photoluminescence detection of alpha particle using DAM-ADC nuclear detector

Science.gov (United States)

Abdalla, Ayman M.; Harraz, Farid A.; Ali, Atif M.; Al-Sayari, S. A.; Al-Hajry, A.

2016-09-01

The photoluminescence (PL) and UV-vis spectral analysis of DAM-ADC (diallyl maleate: DAM, polyallyl diglycol carbonate: ADC) nuclear detector are demonstrated for the first time. The DAM-ADC surfaces were exposed to thin 241Am disk source that emits alpha particles with activity 333 kBq. It is found that the track density of the irradiated samples remarkably influences the PL characteristics of the DAM-ADC detector. The spectral peak heights and the integrated intensities under the peaks exhibit linear correlations with correlation coefficient R2=0.9636 and 0.9806, respectively for different alpha particle fluences ranging from 8.16-40.82×107 particles/cm2. Additionally, a correlation coefficient R2=0.9734 was achieved for the UV-vis spectral analysis. The linear fitting functions, along with the corresponding fitting parameters were evaluated in each case. Both the PL and the UV-vis data of the irradiated DAM-ADC samples showed considerable spectral differences, and hence they would be used to offer sensitive approaches for alpha particle detection.

2. Factors affecting the energy resolution in alpha particle spectrometry with silicon diodes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this work are presented the studies about the response of a multi-structure guard rings silicon diode for detection and spectrometry of alpha particles. This ion-implanted diode (Al/p+/n/n+/Al) was processed out of 300 μm thick, n type substrate with a resistivity of 3 kΩ·cm and an active area of 4 mm2. In order to use this diode as a detector, the bias voltage was applied on the n+ side, the first guard ring was grounded and the electrical signals were readout from the p+ side. These signals were directly sent to a tailor made preamplifier, based on the hybrid circuit A250 (Amptek), followed by a conventional nuclear electronic. The results obtained with this system for the direct detection of alpha particles from 241Am showed an excellent response stability with a high detection efficiency (≅ 100 %). The performance of this diode for alpha particle spectrometry was studied and it was prioritized the influence of the polarization voltage, the electronic noise, the temperature and the source-diode distance on the energy resolution. The results showed that the major contribution for the deterioration of this parameter is due to the diode dead layer thickness (1 μm). However, even at room temperature, the energy resolution (FWHM = 18.8 keV) measured for the 5485.6 MeV alpha particles (241Am) is comparable to those obtained with ordinary silicon barrier detectors frequently used for these particles spectrometry. (author)

3. Large angle scattering of {alpha}-particles from {sup 32}S

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Coban, A.; Abdelmonem, M.S.; Khiari, F.Z.; Naqvi, A.A.; Aksoy, A

1999-01-04

The elastic scattering of {alpha}-particles from {sup 32}S was studied in the incident energy range between 4 and 8.9 MeV. In order to ascertain whether quasi-molecular states exist, as predicted in the {alpha}-{sup 32}S system, excitation functions were measured, and angular distribution measurements were carried out using targets with different thicknesses in the angular range from {theta}{sub lab} = 30 deg. to 175 deg. at each extreme in the excitation functions. The analysis of the angular distribution data at back angles was performed using the Regge-pole method. A resonance with J=3 was observed at 7.7 MeV in the {alpha}-{sup 32}S system. Evidence was also found for both a broad resonance which can be characterized by an angular momentum J=1, and for a narrow J=2 resonance.

4. Geometrical parameters of tracks registered by collimated alpha particles on CR-39 detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The latent tracks formed on CR-39 solid state track detector on exposure of alpha radiations emanating from a collimated 241Am source were developed by a chemical etching method. Alpha track images were captured by an optical microscope and were processed by using Image Pro-Plus (6.0) software. GEANT4 simulations were carried out to obtain the angular and energy distribution profiles of the alpha particles. Apart from fluence, geometric parameters like aspect ratio (the ratio of the major to minor axis) and the depth profiles of etched tracks were measured experimentally and correlated with simulated angular and energy profile of incident radiations. Reasonable agreement was observed in the fluence and depth profile information obtained from experiments and simulations

5. Simulation study for high resolution alpha particle spectrometry with mesh type collimator

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

An alpha particle spectrometry with a mesh type collimator plays a crucial role in identifying specific radionuclide in a radioactive source collected from the atmosphere or environment. The energy resolution is degraded without collimation because particles with a high angle have a longer path to travel in the air. Therefore, collision with the background increases. The collimator can cut out particles which traveling at a high angle. As a result, an energy distribution with high resolution can be obtained. Therefore, the mesh type collimator is simulated for high resolution alpha particle spectrometry. In conclusion, the collimator can improve resolution. With collimator, the collimator is a role of cutting out particles with a high angle, so, low energy tail and broadened energy distribution can be reduced. The mesh diameter is found out as an important factor to control resolution and counting efficiency. Therefore, a target particle, for example, 235U, can be distinguished by a detector with a collimator under a mixture of various nuclides, for example: 232U, 238U, and 232Th

6. Effects of Alpha Particle and Proton Beam Irradiation as Putative Cross-Talk between A549 Cancer Cells and the Endothelial Cells in a Co-Culture System

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Riquier, Hélène; Abel, Denis [URBC-NARILIS, University of Namur, 61 rue de Bruxelles, Namur 5000 (Belgium); Wera, Anne-Catherine; Heuskin, Anne-Catherine [LARN-PMR, NARILIS, University of Namur, Namur 5000 (Belgium); Genard, Géraldine [URBC-NARILIS, University of Namur, 61 rue de Bruxelles, Namur 5000 (Belgium); Lucas, Stéphane [LARN-PMR, NARILIS, University of Namur, Namur 5000 (Belgium); Michiels, Carine, E-mail: carine.michiels@unamur.be [URBC-NARILIS, University of Namur, 61 rue de Bruxelles, Namur 5000 (Belgium)

2015-03-18

7. Effects of Alpha Particle and Proton Beam Irradiation as Putative Cross-Talk between A549 Cancer Cells and the Endothelial Cells in a Co-Culture System

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

8. Effects of Alpha Particle and Proton Beam Irradiation as Putative Cross-Talk between A549 Cancer Cells and the Endothelial Cells in a Co-Culture System

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hélène Riquier

2015-03-01

9. Survival of human osteosarcoma cells and normal human fibroblasts following alpha particle irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cell survival of human osteosarcoma cells in culture following alpha particle irradiation is reported here for the first time. The osteosarcoma cell line (TE-85) is found to be less sensitive to inactivation by 5.6 MeV alpha particles (LET 86 keV/μm) than normal diploid human fibroblasts (NFS). Values for the mean lethal doses were estimated to be 103 rads for the TE-85 cells compared with 68 rads for the NFS cultures irradiated under identical conditions. It is postulated that the aneuploidy of the tumor cells with increased DNA chromosomal material may confer a selective advantage for the survival of tumor cells relative to normal cells with diploid chromosomes

10. Collisional stochastic ripple diffusion of alpha particles and beam ions on TFTR

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Redi, M.H.; Zarnstorff, M.C,; White, R.B.; Budny, R.V.; Schivell, J.F.; Scott, S.D.; Zweben, S.J.

1994-09-01

Predictions for ripple loss of fast ions from TFTR are investigated with a guiding center including both collisional and ripple effects. Discrepancies between measurements and calculations of plasma beta at low current and large major radius are resolved when both effects are included for neutral beam ions. A synergistic enhancement of fast ion diffusion is found for toroidal field ripple with collisions. S = 5.4 for neutral beam ions and S = 1.4--2.4 for alpha particles. A 20--30% reduction in alpha particle heating is predicted for R = 2.6 m DT plasmas on TFTR due to first orbit and collisional stochastic ripple diffusion, although these losses will be reduced if q{sub a} and R are smaller, as for most planned DT experiments.

11. Collisional stochastic ripple diffusion of alpha particles and beam ions on TFTR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Predictions for ripple loss of fast ions from TFTR are investigated with a guiding center including both collisional and ripple effects. Discrepancies between measurements and calculations of plasma beta at low current and large major radius are resolved when both effects are included for neutral beam ions. A synergistic enhancement of fast ion diffusion is found for toroidal field ripple with collisions. S = 5.4 for neutral beam ions and S = 1.4--2.4 for alpha particles. A 20--30% reduction in alpha particle heating is predicted for R = 2.6 m DT plasmas on TFTR due to first orbit and collisional stochastic ripple diffusion, although these losses will be reduced if qa and R are smaller, as for most planned DT experiments

12. Turbulent transport of MeV range cyclotron heated minorities as compared to alpha particles

CERN Document Server

Pusztai, István; Kazakov, Yevgen O; Fülöp, Tünde

2016-01-01

We study the turbulent transport of an ion cyclotron resonance heated (ICRH), MeV range minority ion species in tokamak plasmas. Such highly energetic minorities, which can be produced in the three ion minority heating scheme [Ye. O. Kazakov et al. (2015) Nucl. Fusion 55, 032001], have been proposed to be used to experimentally study the confinement properties of fast ions without the generation of fusion alphas. We compare the turbulent transport properties of ICRH ions with that of fusion born alpha particles. Our results indicate that care must be taken when conclusions are drawn from experimental results: While the effect of turbulence on these particles is similar in terms of transport coefficients, differences in their distribution functions - ultimately their generation processes - make the resulting turbulent fluxes different.

13. Biological dosimeter for UV-radiation and alpha particles, based on DNA damages

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A bioluminescence method for determination of biologically relevant (DNA damaging) doses of UV-radiation and alpha particles is developed. The method is based on bacterial luminescence as a bio-marker regulated by the SOS system. Cultures of E. coli cells transformed with the plasmid pPSL1 which carries the lux gene under control of the col promotor, an SOS-controlling gene, is used. The lux gene encode the enzyme luciferase which takes part in the reaction, resulting in the emission of a visible light at 490 nm. The light output is measured by photomultiplier and one channel analyzer. SOS-response kinetic curves of bacteria, UV-irradiated and treated with alpha particles, are obtained. An assessment of the risk from solar UV-radiation is made. The method has the sensitivity required to be used as biological UV-dosimeter (author)

14. GAMCAT - a personal computer database on alpha particles and gamma rays from radioactive decay

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The GAMCAT database is a compilation of data describing the alpha particles and gamma rays that occur in the radioactive decay of all known nuclides, adapted for IBM Personal Computers and compatible systems. These compiled data have been previously published, and are now available as a compact database. Entries can be retrieved by defining the properties of the parent nuclei as well as alpha-particle and gamma-ray energies or any combination of these parameters. The system provides fast access to the data and has been completely written in C to run on an AT-compatible computer, with a hard disk and 640K of memory under DOS 2.11 or higher. GAMCAT is available from the Fachinformationszentrum Karlsruhe. (orig.)

15. IAEA consultants' meeting on He-beam data base for alpha particle diagnostics of fusion plasmas

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The present Report contains the Summary of the IAEA Consultants' Meeting on ''He-Beam Data Base for Alpha Particle Diagnostics of Fusion Plasmas'' which was organized by the Atomic and Molecular Data Unit and held on June 3-5, 1991 at the IAEA Headquarters in Vienna, Austria. The Meeting Proceedings are briefly described and the reports of the Working Groups on the electron- and ion-impact processes are reproduced. A survey on the atomic data needs and required cross section accuracies for helium beam stopping calculations and alpha particle diagnostics of JET- and ITER-like plasmas is included. The conclusions and recommendations of the Meeting regarding the status of present data base (availability and quality) and the needs for its improvement are also given in this Summary Report. (author). Refs, figs and tabs

16. Technique for measuring the losses of alpha particles to the wall in TFTR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

It is proposed to measure the losses of alpha particles to the wall in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) or any large deuterium-tritium (D-T) burning tokamak by a nuclear technique. For this purpose, a chamber containing a suitable fluid would be mounted near the wall of the tokamak. Alpha particles would enter the chamber through a thin window and cause nuclear reactions in the fluid. The material would then be transported through a tube to a remote, low-background location for measurement of the activity. The most favorable reaction suggested here is 10B(α,n)13N, although 14N(α,γ)18F and others may be possible. The system, the sensitivity, the probe design, and the sources of error are described

17. Development of scintillator plates with high energy resolution for alpha particles made of GPS scintillator grains

Science.gov (United States)

Shimaoka, Takehiro; Kaneko, Junichi H.; Izaki, Kenji; Tsubota, Youichi; Higuchi, Mikio; Nishiyama, Shusuke

2014-01-01

A scintillator plate with high energy resolution was developed to produce an alpha particle monitor used in nuclear fuel reprocessing plants and mixed plutonium-uranium oxide (MOX) fuel plants. Grains of a Gd2Si2O7 (GPS) scintillator of several 10 to 550 μm were fixed on a glass substrate and were then mechanically polished. By increasing the size of scintillator grains and removing fine powders, the collected light yield and energy resolution for alpha particles were drastically improved. Energy resolution of 9.3% was achieved using average grain size of 91 μm. Furthermore, the ratios between counts in a peak and total counts were improved by more than 60% by the further increase of grain size and adoption of mechanically polished surfaces on both sides. Beta and gamma ray influences were suppressed sufficiently by the thin 100 μm scintillator plates.

18. Conceptual design of confined alpha particle diagnostic system for ITER using an energetic He0 beam

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A conceptual design of an active-neutral-beam-probe-diagnostic-system for alpha particles produced by D-T nuclear reaction in a plasma confined by a magnetic fusion reactor has been examined. An energetic He0 beam plays an important role in the system. To detect a signal of neutralized alpha particles from the fusion plasma with enough S/N ratios, a high brightness He0 beam produced by spontaneous electron detachment from He- ions is required. A prototype of a He+ ion source has been designed and assembled to test the performance in producing a source beam for high intensity He- beam through a double-charge-exchange process in alkali metal vapor. (author)

19. In-situ cross calibration method for alpha particle loss diagnostics at JET

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Bonheure, G.; Perez Von Thun, Ch.; Reich, M.; Jachmich, S.; Murari, A.; Mlynář, Jan; Hult, M.; Arnold, D.; Dombrowski, T.; Laubenstein, M.; Wieslander, E.; Vidmar, T.; Vermaercke, P.; Cecil, F.E.; Cecconelo, M.; Craciunescu, T.; Darrow, D.; Lerche, E.; Tardocchi, M.; Van Eester, D.; Salmi, A.; Garcia-Munoz, M.; Yavorskij, V.; Popovichev, S.; Koslowski, H.R.; JET EFDA, Contributors.; Pinches, S.D.

Vol. 33E. Sofia : European Physical Society, 2009 - (Mateev, M.; Benova, E.), P-2.145 ISBN 2-914771-61-4. - (Europhysics conference abstracts). [European Physical Society Conference on Plasma Physics /36th./. Sofia (BG), 29.06.2009-03.07.2009] Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z20430508 Keywords : Tokamak * transport * tritium * in-situ * alpha particles Subject RIV: BL - Plasma and Gas Discharge Physics http://epsppd.epfl.ch/Sofia/pdf/P2_145.pdf

20. Fission studies with 140 MeV $\\bm{\\alpha}$-Particles

OpenAIRE

Buttkewitz, A.; Duhm, H. H.; F. Goldenbaum(Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institut für Kernphysik, Jülich Germany); Machner, W.; Strauß, W.

2009-01-01

Binary fission induced by 140 MeV $\\alpha$-particles has been measured for $^{\\rm nat}$Ag, $^{139}$La, $^{165}$Ho and $^{197}$Au targets. The measured quantities are the total kinetic energies, fragment masses, and fission cross sections. The results are compared with other data and systematics. A minimum of the fission probability in the vicinity $Z^2/A=24$ is observed.

1. Competitive inhibitor of cellular alpha-glucosidases protects mice from lethal dengue virus infection

OpenAIRE

Chang, Jinhong; Schul, Wouter; Yip, Andy; Xu, Xiaodong; Guo, Ju-Tao; Block, Timothy M.

2011-01-01

Dengue virus infection causes diseases in people, ranging from the acute febrile illness Dengue fever, to life-threatening Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever/Dengue Shock Syndrome. We previously reported that a host cellular α-glucosidases I and II inhibitor, imino sugar CM-10-18, potently inhibited dengue virus replication in cultured cells, and significantly reduced viremia in dengue virus infected AG129 mice. In this report we show that CM-10-18 also significantly protects mice from death and/or dis...

2. Alpha particles energy estimation from track diameter development in a CR-39 detector.

Science.gov (United States)

Azooz, Aassim A; Al-Jubbori, Mushtaq A

2016-09-01

The slight nonlinearity in temporal development of tracks diameter in CR-39 nuclear track detectors is examined with the aim of attempting to find if such nonlinearity can be directly related to the charged particle energy. Narrowly spaced etching time-diameter experimental data for alpha particles at five energy values and for one additional energy value etched at five different temperatures are obtained. Initial results show good indication that measuring such time-diameter relationship can form a useful energy estimation tool. Good consistency with other independent published results is obtained. PMID:27341133

3. Wurtzite Gallium Nitride as a scintillator detector for alpha particles (a Geant4 simulation)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gallium Nitride has become a very popular material in electronics and optoelectronics. Because of its interesting properties, it is suitable for a large range of applications. This material also shows very good scintillation properties that make it a possible candidate for use as a charged particles scintillator detector. In this work, we simulated the scintillation and optical properties of the gallium nitride in the presence of alpha particles using Geant4. The results show that gallium nitride can be an appropriate choice for this purpose

4. Comparative analysis of inelastic interactions of protons, deuterons, and. cap alpha. particles with nuclei

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Barashenkov, V.S.; Zheregi, F.G.; Musul' manbekov, Z.Z.; Plyushchev, V.A.; Solov' eva, Z.I.

1981-04-01

Inelastic interactions of protons, deuterons, and ..cap alpha.. particles with emulsion nuclei at 3.6 Gev/nucleon are analyzed within the framework of the cascade-evaporation model. The model accounts well, within the limits of experimental error, for all the principal characteristics measured in experiment; in particular, it explains why the energy of the g protons emitted into the rear hemisphere is independent of the emission angle of these protons, of the mass of the primary particle, and of the degree of spallation of the target nucleus. Some discrepancy with experiment manifests itself only in the details.

5. Characterization of actinide targets by low solid-angle alpha particle counting

CERN Document Server

Denecke, B; Pauwels, J; Robouch, P; Gilliam, D M; Hodge, P; Hutchinson, J M R; Nico, J S

1999-01-01

Actinide samples were characterized in an interlaboratory comparison between IRMM and NIST, including alpha-particle counting at defined low solid angle and counting in a 2 pi proportional gas counter. For this comparison, nine sup 2 sup 3 sup 3 UF sub 4 samples with high uniformity in the layer thickness were prepared at IRMM by deposition under vacuum. Polished silicon wafers were used as source substrates, and these were rotated during the deposition using a planetary rotation system. The estimated uncertainties for the defined low solid-angle methods were about 0.1% at both NIST and IRMM. The agreement of reported alpha-particle emission rates in the energy range 2.5-5.09 MeV was better than or equal to 0.02% for the defined solid-angle methods. When comparing total alpha-particle emission rates over the larger energy range 0-9 MeV (which includes all emissions from the daughter nuclides and the impurities), the agreement of the defined solid-angle methods was better than or equal to 0.05%. The 2 pi propo...

6. Radon and progeny alpha-particle energy analysis using nuclear track methodology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A preliminary procedure for alpha-energy analysis of radon and its progeny using nuclear track methodology (NTM) is described in this paper. The method is based on the relationship between alpha-particle energies deposited in polycarbonate material (CR-39) and the track size developed after a well-established chemical etching process. Track geometry, defined by parameters such as major or minor diameters, track area and overall track length, is shown to correlate with alpha-particle energy over the range 6.00 MeV (218Po) to 7.69 MeV (214Po). Track features are measured and the data analyzed automatically using a digital imaging system and commercial PC software. Examination of particle track diameters in CR-39 exposed to environmental radon reveals a multi-modal distribution. Locations of the maxima in this distribution are highly correlated with alphaparticle energies of radon daughters, and the distributions are sufficiently resolved to identify the radioisotopes. This method can be useful for estimating the radiation dose from indoor exposure to radon and its progeny. (author)

7. Stability of the Global Alfven Eigenmode in the presence of fusion alpha particles in an ignited tokamak plasma

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The stability of the Global Alfven Eigenmodes is investigated in the presence of super-Alfvenic energetic particles, such as the fusion-product alpha particles in an ignited deuterium-tritium tokamak plasma. Alpha particles tend to destabilize these modes when ω*α > ωA, where ωA is the shear-Alfven modal frequency and ω*α is the alpha particle diamagnetic drift frequency. This destabilization due to alpha particles is found to be significantly enhanced when the alpha particles are modeled with a slowing-down distribution function rather than with a Maxwellian. However, previously neglected electron damping due to the magnetic curvature drift is found to be comparable in magnitude to the destabilizing alpha particle term. Furthermore, the effects of toroidicity are also found to be stabilizing, since the intrinsic toroidicity induces poloidal mode coupling, which enhances the parallel electron damping from the sideband shear-Alfven Landau resonance. In particular, for the parameters of the proposed Compact Ignition Tokamak, the Global Alfven Eigenmodes are found to be completely stabilized by either the electron damping that enters through the magnetic curvature drift or the damping introduced by finite toroidicity. 29 refs., 8 figs., 1 tab

8. Altered control of cellular proliferation in the absence of mammalian brahma (SNF2alpha).

Science.gov (United States)

Reyes, J C; Barra, J; Muchardt, C; Camus, A; Babinet, C; Yaniv, M

1998-12-01

The mammalian SWI-SNF complex is an evolutionarily conserved, multi-subunit machine, involved in chromatin remodelling during transcriptional activation. Within this complex, the BRM (SNF2alpha) and BRG1 (SNF2beta) proteins are mutually exclusive subunits that are believed to affect nucleosomal structures using the energy of ATP hydrolysis. In order to characterize possible differences in the function of BRM and BRG1, and to gain further insights into the role of BRM-containing SWI-SNF complexes, the mouse BRM gene was inactivated by homologous recombination. BRM-/- mice develop normally, suggesting that an observed up-regulation of the BRG1 protein can functionally replace BRM in the SWI-SNF complexes of mutant cells. Nonetheless, adult mutant mice were approximately 15% heavier than control littermates. This may be caused by increased cell proliferation, as demonstrated by a higher mitotic index detected in mutant livers. This is supported further by the observation that mutant embryonic fibroblasts were significantly deficient in their ability to arrest in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle in response to cell confluency or DNA damage. These studies suggest that BRM participates in the regulation of cell proliferation in adult mice. PMID:9843504

9. Particle-in-cell simulations of the magnetoacoustic cyclotron instability of fusion-born alpha-particles in tokamak plasmas

Science.gov (United States)

Cook, J. W. S.; Dendy, R. O.; Chapman, S. C.

2013-06-01

Ion cyclotron emission (ICE) is the only collective radiative instability, driven by confined fusion-born alpha-particles, observed from deuterium-tritium (DT) plasmas in both JET and TFTR. Using first principles particle-in-cell simulations of the magnetoacoustic cyclotron instability (MCI), we elucidate some of the fully kinetic nonlinear processes that may underlie observations of ICE from fusion products in these large tokamaks. We find that the MCI is intrinsically self-limiting on very fast timescales, which may help explain the observed correlation between linear theory and observed ICE intensity. The simulations elaborate the nature of the excited electric and magnetic fluctuations, from first principles, confirming the dominant role of fast Alfvénic and electrostatic components which is assumed ab initio in analytical treatments.

10. Self-consistent analysis of alpha-particle heating of a fast-solenoid plasma

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A numerical technique has been developed to analyse the dynamics of a linear, magnetically confined plasma column and its associated fusion-produced alpha-particles in a self consistent manner. The thermonuclear background plasma is considered as a radially non-uniform, axially symmetric magnetofluid in pressure equilibrium with the surrounding axial magnetic field. A multi-group technique is utilized to examine the alphas as a collection of particles distributed among a continuous spectrum of confined orbits. The technique is shown to be an effective one for observing the interaction between super-thermal particles with large orbit sizes and a stable plasma of comparable size. The use of a distribution function in an adiabatic-invariant representation results in an enormous increase in the time scale which can be treated. This enables analysis of the entire duty cycle of a laser solenoid plasma in reasonable computation times. An analysis of a fast solenoid plasma is described, where the initial plasma radius and temperature are varied parametrically. A plasma column of radius 7mm, temperature 6keV, and β=0.95 will reach an ion temperature of 10keV, corresponding to a fusion energy gain of 8, after 3ms. A range of maximum gain occurs for initial temperatures of 5 to 7keV, with larger radius plasmas more favoured by the cooler limits. The effect of increasing the alpha-particle-electron energy transfer rate by a moderate amount to account for anomalous effects is to increase the plasma temperature at longer times, as long as this energy transfer is well-coupled to the electron-ion energy transfer. Increasing the rate at which plasma transport processes occur (''anomalous transport'') always results in lower fusion yield, because of rapid plasma diffusion. (author)

11. Estimation of the {alpha} particles and neutron distribution generated during a fusion reaction; Evaluation de la distribution des particules {alpha} et des neutrons issus de la reaction de fusion

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dellacherie, S.

1997-12-01

The respective distributions (or density probabilities) of {alpha} particles and neutrons have been modeled using a Monte-Carlo method for the thermonuclear fusion reaction D + T {yields} {alpha} + n + 17.6 MeV. (N.T.).

12. A cluster expansion for bound three-alpha particles as a three-body problem

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A three-body model is proposed to study the nuclear bound states. The nucleus is described as a bound state of three clusters. A cluster expansion is introduced for the three cluster bound state problem. The present integral equations are treated by simple approximate solutions, which lead to effective potentials by using the present cluster expansion. The 12C nucleus is described as a three-alpha particle bound state. The binding energy of 12C is calculated numerically using the present cluster expansion as bound three-alpha clusters. The present three-body cluster expansion calculations are very near to the exact three-body calculations using separable potentials. The present theoretical calculations are in good agreement with the experimental measurements. (author)

13. Coulomb excitation effects on alpha-particle optical potential below the Coulomb barrier

CERN Document Server

Avrigeanu, V; Mănăilescu, C

2016-01-01

A competition of the low-energy Coulomb excitation (CE) with the compound nucleus (CN) formation in alpha-induced reactions below the Coulomb barrier has recently been assumed in order to make possible the description of the latter as well as the alpha-particle emission by the same optical model (OM) potential. On the contrary, we show in the present work that the corresponding partial waves and integration radii provide evidence for the distinct account of the CE cross section and OM total-reaction cross section $\\sigma_R$. Thus the largest contribution to CE cross section comes by far from partial waves larger than the ones contributing to the $\\sigma_R$ values.

14. Immuno-vectorization of radioelements emitters of alpha particles: a new therapy in cancerology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The radio-immunotherapy is an anti cancerous therapy which consists in vectorising with immuno-specific agents very radio toxic radioelements on tumors or in their environment to destroy them. The first part of this report presents the different characteristics of antibodies as well as their means of production under monoclonal shapes specifically steered against a tumoral antigen of interest. The second part of this report replaces the importance of the immunological vectors in the context of the nuclear medicine. It is notably described that the different methods which allow to radio-label the vector, as well as the different ways of optimization which were envisaged to improve the targeting of radioelements on a tumor. These different developments allow to define the potential place of the alpha radio-immunotherapy in treatments and so re-place the interest of the experimental part. If the radio-immunotherapy, using beta emitters isotopes as the 131iodine or the90yttrium, is today current in anti cancerous therapy, it finds limits because of the disintegration characteristics of the isotopes it uses. Indeed, compared with alpha particles, the beta particles deposit less energy by unit of length in the crossed material.The experimental part of this report aims at studying the feasibility of the coupling between an immunological vector and an alpha emitter isotope.The different tests led on the bismuth 213, the bismuth 212, the lead 212 and the astatine 211 demonstrated that the fixation of these radionuclides was possible. This research theme is strengthened by the construction in Nantes of a cyclotron with high energy ( A.R.R.O.N.A.X.) and the optimization of the obtained promising results should allow a therapeutic use in oncology of the alpha radio-immunotherapy. (N.C.)

15. Charge-exchange limits on low-energy alpha-particle fluxes in solar flares

CERN Document Server

Hudson, Hugh; MacKinnon, Alec; Woods, Tom

2014-01-01

This paper reports on a search for flare emission via charge-exchange radiation in the wings of the Lyman-alpha line of He ii at 304 A, as originally suggested for hydrogen by Orrall and Zirker. Via this mechanism a primary alpha particle that penetrates into the neutral chromosphere can pick up an atomic electron and emit in the He ii bound-bound spectrum before it stops. The Extreme-ultraviolet Variability Experiment (EVE) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) gives us our first chance to search for this effect systematically. The Orrall-Zirker mechanism has great importance for flare physics because of the essential roles that particle acceleration plays; this mechanism is one of the few proposed that would allow remote sensing of primary accelerated particles below a few MeV/nucleon. We study ten events in total, including the gamma-ray events SOL2010-06-12 (M2.0) and SOL2011-02-24 (M3.5) (the latter a limb flare), seven X-class flares, and one prominent M-class event that produced solar energetic...

16. Three-dimensional cellular structure of detonations in suspensions of aluminium particles

Science.gov (United States)

Khasainov, B.; Virot, F.; Veyssière, B.

2013-05-01

Recently, we have used scarce available data on the detonation cell size in suspensions of aluminium particles in air and oxygen to adjust the kinetic parameters of our two-phase model of detonations in these mixtures. The calculated detonation cell width was derived by means of two-dimensional (2D) unsteady simulations using an assumption of cylindrical symmetry of the flow in the tube. However, in reality, the detonation cells are three-dimensional (3D). In this work, we have applied the same detonation model which is based on the continuous mechanics of two-phase flows, for 3D numerical simulations of cellular detonation structures in aluminium particle suspensions in oxygen. Reasonable agreement on the detonation cell width was obtained with the aforementioned 2D results. The range of tube diameters where detonations in { Al/O}_2 mixture at a given particle size and concentration would propagate in the spinning mode has been estimated (these results make a complement to our previous analysis of spinning detonations in Al/air mixtures). Coupling these results with the dependencies of detonation cell size on the mean particle diameter is of great interest for the understanding of fundamental mechanisms of detonation propagation in solid particle suspensions in gas and can help to better guide the experimental studies of detonations in aluminium suspensions. It is shown that the part of detonation wave energy used for transverse kinetic energy of both gas and particles is quite small, which explains why the propagation velocity of spinning and multi-headed detonations reasonably agrees with the ideal CJ values.

17. Cranial nerve damage in patients after alpha (heavy)-particle radiation to the pituitary

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The records of 161 patients were reviewed to determine if radiation damage had occurred following cranial irradiation. All of these patients had received alpha-particle radiation to their pituitary glands during the period when this form of therapy was given for diabetic retinopathy. Extraocular muscle palsy developed in 11 of these patients, iridoplegia in six, and fifth nerve damage in six. All of the palsies developed within a short period following their irradiation, and a definite dose relationship was present. The dose rate was approximately 100 rads/min for all cases. Fractionation varied but it is known for all cases

18. Cranial nerve damage in patients after alpha (heavy)-particle radiation to the pituitary

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The records of 161 patients were reviewed to determine if radiation damage had occurred following cranial irradiation. All of these patients had received alpha-particle radiation to their pituitary glands for diabetic retinopathy. Extraocular muscle palsy developed in 11 of these patients, iridoplegia in six, and fifth nerve damage in six. All of the palsies developed within a short period following their irradiation, and a definite dose relationship was present. The estimated doses to the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth cranial nerves was calculated at a saggital plane 13 to 15 mm from the pituitary by using computer-drawn dosimetry charts for the respective aperture size

19. Selection of filter media used for monitoring airborne alpha-emitting particles in a radiological emergency

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We have developed on air monitor for alpha-emitting particles released to the atmosphere at an accident of nuclear reprocessing plant. Selection of a suitable filter for the monitor is considerably important in order to achieve the high-sensitive measurement of radioactive concentration. We have examined surface collection efficiencies and pressure drops for the various filters that are commercially available in Japan. It was found that the PTFE membrane filter with backing had superior performance to the others, that is, a high surface collection efficiency and low pressure drop. (author)

20. Theoretical and empirical status of the two-deuteron-alpha-particle vertex

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The two-deuteron-alpha-particle overlap, including its D-wave component, is evaluated in the case of realistic two- and four-body wavefunctions. The deduced theoretical value is compared with improved empirical estimates based upon DWBA analyses of (d,α) reactions in the sd shell and which incorporate the best available shell-model information for the nuclear states involved. The theoretical and empirical values of this analysis are in agreement. The result differs substantially from other recent empirical estimates obtained from (d,α) reactions upon heavier target nuclei and from simple theoretical estimates which make use of a point-deuteron approximation. (author)

1. Model of alpha particle diffusion in the outer limiter shadow of TFTR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A new code, Monte Carlo Collisional Stochastic Orbit Retracing (MCCSOR), has been developed to model the alpha particle loss signal as measured by the outer midplane scintillator detector in TFTR. The shadowing effects due to the outer limiters and the detector itself have been included, along with a pitch angle scattering and stochastic ripple diffusion. Shadowing by the outer limiters has a strong effect on both the magnitude and pitch angle distribution of the calculated loss. There is at least qualitative agreement between the calculated results and the experimental data

2. Mapping alpha-Particle X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (Map-X)

Science.gov (United States)

Blake, D. F.; Sarrazin, P.; Bristow, T.

2014-01-01

Many planetary surface processes (like physical and chemical weathering, water activity, diagenesis, low-temperature or impact metamorphism, and biogenic activity) leave traces of their actions as features in the size range 10s to 100s of micron. The Mapping alpha-particle X-ray Spectrometer ("Map-X") is intended to provide chemical imaging at 2 orders of magnitude higher spatial resolution than previously flown instruments, yielding elemental chemistry at or below the scale length where many relict physical, chemical, and biological features can be imaged and interpreted in ancient rocks.

3. Influence of catechins on bystander responses in CHO cells induced by alpha-particle irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Law, Y.L.; Wong, T.P.W. [Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong (Hong Kong); Yu, K.N. [Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong (Hong Kong)], E-mail: peter.yu@cityu.edu.hk

2010-04-15

In this work, we studied alpha-particle induced and medium-mediated bystander effects in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells through micronucleus (MN) assay. We showed that signal transduction from irradiated cells to bystander cells occur within a short time after irradiation. We then studied the effects of ROS (reactive oxygen species)-scavenging catechins in the medium before irradiation. We observed decreases in the percentage of bystander cells with MN formation and thus proved the protection effect of catechins on bystander cells from radiation.

4. Chemistry of Rocks and Soils in Gusev Crater from the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer

Science.gov (United States)

Gellert, R.; Rieder, R.; Anderson, R. C.; Brueckner, J.; Clark, B. C.; Dreibus, G.; Economou, T.; Klingelhoefer, G.; Lugmair, G. W.; Ming, D. W.

2005-01-01

The alpha particle x-ray spectrometer on the Spirit rover determined major and minor elements of soils and rocks in Gusev crater in order to unravel the crustal evolution of planet Mars. The composition of soils is similar to those at previous landing sites, as a result of global mixing and distribution by dust storms. Rocks (fresh surfaces exposed by the rock abrasion tool) resemble volcanic rocks of primitive basaltic composition with low intrinsic potassium contents. High abundance of bromine (up to 170 parts per million) in rocks may indicate the alteration of surfaces formed during a past period of aqueous activity in Gusev crater.

5. Study of compound nucleus formation via bremsstrahlung emission in proton $\\alpha$-particle scattering

CERN Document Server

Maydanyuk, Sergei P

2016-01-01

In this paper a role of many-nucleon dynamics in formation of the compound $^{5}{\\rm Li}$ nucleus in the scattering of protons off $\\alpha$-particles at the proton incident energies up to 20 MeV is investigated. We propose a bremsstrahlung model allowing to extract information about probabilities of formation of such nucleus on the basis of analysis of experimental cross-sections of the bremsstrahlung photons. In order to realize this approach, the model includes elements of microscopic theory and also probabilities of formation of the short-lived compound nucleus. Results of calculations of the bremsstrahlung spectra are in good agreement with the experimental cross-sections.

6. Deuteron-and alpha particle-induced K-shell ionisation of W and Au atoms

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Deuteron - and alpha particle - induced K-shell ionisation cross sections for W and Au were obtained from thick-target measurements for low impact velocities. They were compared to proton-induced cross sections in the same range of velocities. Equal-velocity cross sections ratios are a very stringent test to the corrections incorporated to the PWBA calculations. The σd/σp data presented in this paper sheds some light on the Coulomb-deflection corrections discussed in the literature. The consequences of the inelastic character of the ionisation process are thoroughly examined. (Author)

7. Sensitivity of alpha-particle-driven Alfven eigenmodes to q-profile variation in ITER scenarios

CERN Document Server

Rodrigues, P; Fazendeiro, L; Ferreira, J; Coelho, R; Nabais, F; Borba, D; Polevoi, N F Loureiro A R; Pinches, S D; Sharapov, S E

2016-01-01

An hybrid ideal-MHD/drift-kinetic approach to assess the stability of alpha-particle-driven Alfven eigenmodes in burning plasmas is used to show that certain foreseen ITER scenarios, namely the $I_\\mathrm{p} = 15$ MA baseline scenario with very low and broad core magnetic shear, are sensitive to small changes in the background magnetic equilibrium. Slight perturbations (of the order of 1%) in the total plasma current are seen to cause large variations in the growth rate, toroidal mode number, and radial location of the most unstable eigenmodes found. The observed sensitivity is shown to proceed from the very low magnetic shear values attained throughout the plasma core.

8. The fine structure constant alpha: relevant for a model of a self-propelling photon and for particle masses

Science.gov (United States)

Greulich, Karl O.

2015-09-01

A model for a self propelling (i.e. massless) photon1 is based on oscillations of a pair of charges amounting to elementary charge divided by SQRT alpha, where alpha is the fine structure (Sommerfeld) constant. When one assumes a similar model for particles that do have rest mas (i.e. which are non- self propelling), alpha plays also a role in the rest masses of elementary particles. Indeed all fundamental elementary particle masses can be described by the alpha / beta rule2 --> m(particle) = alpha-n * betam* 27.2 eV /c2 where beta is the proton to electron mass ratio 183612 and n= 0….14, m= -1,0 or Thus, photons and particle masses are intimately related to the fine structure constant. If the latter would not have been strictly constant throughout all times, this would have had consequences for the nature of light and for all masses including those of elementary particles.

9. Cellular uptake and cytotoxic potential of respirable bentonite particles with different quartz contents and chemical modifications in human lung fibroblasts.

Science.gov (United States)

Geh, Stefan; Yücel, Raif; Duffin, Rodger; Albrecht, Catrin; Borm, Paul J A; Armbruster, Lorenz; Raulf-Heimsoth, Monika; Brüning, Thomas; Hoffmann, Eik; Rettenmeier, Albert W; Dopp, Elke

2006-02-01

Considering the biological reactivity of pure quartz in lung cells, there is a strong interest to clarify the cellular effects of respirable siliceous dusts, like bentonites. In the present study, we investigated the cellular uptake and the cytotoxic potential of bentonite particles (Øbentonite samples were tested for endotoxins with the in vitro-Pyrogen test and were found to be negative. Cellular uptake of particles by IMR90-cells was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cytotoxicity was analyzed in IMR90-cells by determination of viable cells using flow cytometry and by measuring of the cell respiratory activity. Induced apoptotic cells were detected by AnnexinV/Propidiumiodide-staining and gel electrophoresis. Our results demonstrate that activated bentonite particles are better taken up by IMR90-cells than untreated (native) bentonite particles. Also, activated bentonite particles with a quartz content of 5-6% were more cytotoxic than untreated bentonites or bentonites with a quartz content lower than 4%. The bentonite samples induced necrotic as well as apoptotic cell death. In general, bentonites showed a high membrane-damaging potential shown as hemolytic activity in human erythrocytes. We conclude that cellular effects of bentonite particles in human lung cells are enhanced after chemical treatment of the particles. The cytotoxic potential of the different bentonites is primarily characterized by a strong lysis of the cell membrane. PMID:16059726

10. Physical consequences of the alpha/beta rule which accurately calculates particle masses

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Using the fine structure constant α (=1/137.036), the proton vs. electron mass ratio β (= 1836.2) and the integers m and n, the α/β rule: mparticle = α-n x β m x 27.2 eV/c2 allows almost exact calculation of particle masses. (K.O.Greulich, DPG Spring meeting 2014, Mainz, T99.4) With n=2, m=0 the electron mass becomes 510.79 keV/c2 (experimental 511 keV/c2) With n=2, m=1 the proton mass is 937.9 MeV/c2 (literature 938.3 MeV/c2). For n=3 and m=1 a particle with 128.6 GeV/c2 close to the reported Higgs mass, is expected. For n=14 and m=-1 the Planck mass results. The calculated masses for gauge bosons and for quarks have similar accuracy. All masses fit into the same scheme (the alpha/beta rule), indicating that non of these particle masses play an extraordinary role. Particularly, the Higgs Boson, often termed the *God particle* plays in this sense no extraordinary role. In addition, particle masses are intimately correlated with the fine structure constant α. If particle masses have been constant over all times, α must have been constant over these times. In addition, the ionization energy of the hydrogen atom (13.6 eV) needs to have been constant if particle masses have been unchanged or vice versa. In conclusion, the α/β rule needs to be taken into account when cosmological models are developed.

11. Investigation of the performance of alpha particle counting and alpha-gamma discrimination by pulse shape with micro-pixel avalanche photodiode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Being capable measuring small lights gives possibility to use micro-pixel avalanche photodiodes with scintillators. It is shown two prototypes to use micro-pixel avalanche photodiodes with and without scintillators as alpha and gamma counters in this paper. First prototype is to use two micro-pixel avalanche photodiodes. One for detecting alpha particles and closer to it, the second one with a thin plastic scintillator for detecting gamma rays. Second prototype is called two-layers configuration in which it is used only one micro-pixel avalanche photodiode, but two scntillators with different decay times. One can distinquish alpha particle and gamma ray events by using pulse shape discrimination techniques in the two-layer configuration. In this work an alpha particle and gamma ray counting performance of micro-pixel avalanche photodiodes without scintillators and its combination of plastic and BGO+ plastic scintillators was investigated. Obtained results showed the detection performance of the micro-pixel avalanche photodiodes in combination with plastic scintillator was about the same as conventional semiconductor detectors

12. Etching characteristic studies for the detection of alpha particles in DAM–ADC nuclear track detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This study reports the characteristic studies for the detection of alpha particles in DAM–ADC nuclear track detector. Several important parameters that control the track formation such as, the bulk etch rate (VB), track etching rate (VT), dependence of VB and VT on etching concentration and temperature have been extensively studied. The activation energy (Eb) of the bulk etching rate for the DAM–ADC sheets has been calculated, the dependence of etching efficiency and sensitivity upon etchant concentrations and temperature has been investigated, registration efficiency of DAM–ADC detector etched at the optimum etching condition has been examined. The detailed studied results presented in this study provide various useful information about the mechanism of track formation in polymers. - Highlights: • Detection of alpha particles in DAM–ADC nuclear track detector. • The activation energy of the bulk etching rate for the DAM–ADC sheets. • The dependence of etching efficiency upon etchant concentrations • Registration efficiency of DAM–ADC detector

13. An improved electrostatic integrating radon monitor with the CR-39 as alpha-particle detector

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this study, based on the electrostatic integrating radon monitor (EIRM) developed by Iida et al., a new type of EIRM with the allyl glycol carbonate (CR-39) as alpha-particle detector was developed for outdoor radon measurements. Besides using the CR-39 to replace the cellulose nitrate film as alpha-particle detector, the electrode and the setting place of the CR-39 were also optimally designed based on the simulation results of the electric field and the detection efficiency. The calibration factor of the new EIRM was estimated to be 0.136±0.002 tracks cm-2 (Bq m-3 h)-1, with the lower detection limit of 0.6 Bq m-3 for a 2-month exposure. Furthermore, both the battery and the dry agent were also replaced to protect the environment. The results of intercomparison and field experiments showed that the performances of the new EIRM were much better than the original one. It suggests that the new type of ERIM is more suitable for large-scale and long-term outdoor radon surveys. (authors)

14. Revisiting alpha decay-based near-light-speed particle propulsion.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Wenwu; Liu, Zhen; Yang, Yang; Du, Shiyu

2016-08-01

Interplanet and interstellar travels require long-term propulsion of spacecrafts, whereas the conventional schemes of propulsion are limited by the velocity of the ejected mass. In this study, alpha particles released by nuclear decay are considered as a potential solution for long-time acceleration. The principle of near-light-speed particle propulsion (NcPP) was elucidated and the stopping and range of ions in matter (SRIM) was used to predict theoretical accelerations. The results show that NcPP by means of alpha decay is feasible for long-term spacecraft propulsion and posture adjustment in space. A practical NcPP sail can achieve a speed >150km/s and reach the brink of the solar system faster than a mass equivalent solar sail. Finally, to significantly improve the NcPP sail, the hypothesis of stimulated acceleration of nuclear decay (SAND) was proposed, which may shorten the travel time to Mars to within 20 days. PMID:27161512

15. Project and construction of a spectrometer for alpha particles using surface barrier detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The project, construction, tests and some applications of a system for alpha and beta spectrometry, using surface barrier detector are described. The device includes a solid state detector ORTEC-Series F coupled to a system for amplifying the charges produced by passage of an ionizing particle through the detector. The amplifying system is composed by a charge sensitive pre-amplifier, which employs an operational amplifier CA 3140, and a low noise linear amplifier, which is based on the operational amplifiers CA 3140 and LM 301. The pre-amplifier stage input impedance is on the order of TΩ and produces output pulses which heights are proportional to total charge produced by passage of particle through the detector sensitive volume. The main advantage to use charge sensitive system lies in obtention of independent pulse heights of the distributed capacity of connecting cable between the detector and the pre-amplifier. The total system amplification ca reach a maximum of 50.000 in the linear region. Pulses are analysed in a multichannel system ORTEC, model 6240. The amplifier system is easily constructed and low cost using components available in the national market, and it can be employed with ionization chambers, proportional counters, scitillation counters and semiconductor detectors. The results of spectrometer application for alpha spectrometry of AM241 source were compared to systems made with imported stages. (Author)

16. Development of scintillator plates with high energy resolution for alpha particles made of GPS scintillator grains

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A scintillator plate with high energy resolution was developed to produce an alpha particle monitor used in nuclear fuel reprocessing plants and mixed plutonium-uranium oxide (MOX) fuel plants. Grains of a Gd2Si2O7 (GPS) scintillator of several 10 to 550 μm were fixed on a glass substrate and were then mechanically polished. By increasing the size of scintillator grains and removing fine powders, the collected light yield and energy resolution for alpha particles were drastically improved. Energy resolution of 9.3% was achieved using average grain size of 91 μm. Furthermore, the ratios between counts in a peak and total counts were improved by more than 60% by the further increase of grain size and adoption of mechanically polished surfaces on both sides. Beta and gamma ray influences were suppressed sufficiently by the thin 100 μm scintillator plates. -- Highlights: • A scintillator plate was fabricated using Gd2Si2O7 grains of several 10 to 550 μm. • Scintillator grains were fixed on a glass substrate and were mechanically polished. • Energy resolution of 9.3% was achieved using average grains size of 91 μm. • This technique has no limitation in area size. • Radiation background was eliminated by thin thickness of scintillator, i.e. 100 μm

17. Activation cross sections of longer-lived radionuclides produced in germanium by alpha particle irradiation

Science.gov (United States)

Takács, S.; Takács, M. P.; Ditrói, F.; Aikawa, M.; Haba, H.; Komori, Y.

2016-09-01

The cross sections of alpha particles induced nuclear reactions on natural germanium were investigated by using the standard stacked foil target technique, the activation method and high resolution gamma spectrometry. Targets with thickness of about 1 μm were prepared from natural Ge by vacuum evaporation onto 25 μm thick polyimide (Kapton) backing foils. Stacks were composed of Kapton-Ge-Ge-Kapton sandwich target foils and additional titanium monitor foils with nominal thickness of 11 μm to monitor the beam parameters using the natTi(α,x)51Cr reaction. The irradiations were done with Eα = 20.7 and Eα = 51.25 MeV, Iα = 50 nA alpha particle beams for about 1 h. Direct or cumulative activation cross sections were determined for production of the 72,73,75Se, 71,72,74,76,78As, and 69Ge radionuclides. The obtained experimental cross sections were compared to the results of theoretical calculations taken from the TENDL data library based on the TALYS computer code. A comparison was made with available experimental data measured earlier. Thick target yields were deduced from the experimental cross sections and compared with the data published before.

18. A new method for alpha-particle detection in a classroom experiment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Complete text of publication follows. The World Year of Physics (WYP 2005) was a worldwide celebration of Physics and its importance in our everyday lives. In harmony with its aims, that is to raise the worldwide awareness of Physics and Physical Science, we introduced a novel lab work involving a new imaging and data evaluation method for alpha-particle detection, which can be easily implemented in a classroom environment. The target group of the experiments is mainly secondary school students (age between 16-18 years). Our aim is to motivate students to develop a better understanding of Physics, allowing them to experience for themselves something of its fascination. In order to increase their attractiveness, the experiments include using a CMOS video image sensor with a video output. The covering glass window of the sensor must be carefully removed in order to make it sensitive for alpha rays. The sensor is connected to a computer where the images are recorded as a short video clip. The recorded video is played back by frames. The resulted frames are then merged together into one image. On this image the student can count the number of spots, where each spot corresponds to a hit of an alpha particle. The experiment can also be visible on a TV screen even by a whole class, however the authors suggest implementing the following experiments as a practical work individually or in small groups. As students are familiar with modern information technology, we think that they will be highly motivated to make these experiments on their own. Acknowledgements. The development of the above experimental setup was funded by ATOMKI and it was presented to the interactive science centre 'Magic corner', Debrecen, Hungary at Christmas, 2005. (author)

19. Selective alpha-particle mediated depletion of tumor vasculature with vascular normalization.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jaspreet Singh Jaggi

Full Text Available BACKGROUND: Abnormal regulation of angiogenesis in tumors results in the formation of vessels that are necessary for tumor growth, but compromised in structure and function. Abnormal tumor vasculature impairs oxygen and drug delivery and results in radiotherapy and chemotherapy resistance, respectively. Alpha particles are extraordinarily potent, short-ranged radiations with geometry uniquely suitable for selectively killing neovasculature. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Actinium-225 ((225Ac-E4G10, an alpha-emitting antibody construct reactive with the unengaged form of vascular endothelial cadherin, is capable of potent, selective killing of tumor neovascular endothelium and late endothelial progenitors in bone-marrow and blood. No specific normal-tissue uptake of E4G10 was seen by imaging or post-mortem biodistribution studies in mice. In a mouse-model of prostatic carcinoma, (225Ac-E4G10 treatment resulted in inhibition of tumor growth, lower serum prostate specific antigen level and markedly prolonged survival, which was further enhanced by subsequent administration of paclitaxel. Immunohistochemistry revealed lower vessel density and enhanced tumor cell apoptosis in (225Ac-E4G10 treated tumors. Additionally, the residual tumor vasculature appeared normalized as evident by enhanced pericyte coverage following (225Ac-E4G10 therapy. However, no toxicity was observed in vascularized normal organs following (225Ac-E4G10 therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that alpha-particle immunotherapy to neovasculature, alone or in combination with sequential chemotherapy, is an effective approach to cancer therapy.

20. Hazardous gas production by alpha particles in solid organic transuranic waste matrices. 1998 annual progress report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

1. Fabrication of bright and small size semiconducting polymer nanoparticles for cellular labelling and single particle tracking

Science.gov (United States)

Wei, Lin; Zhou, Peng; Yang, Qingxiu; Yang, Qiaoyu; Ma, Ming; Chen, Bo; Xiao, Lehui

2014-09-01

In this work, we demonstrate a convenient and robust strategy for efficient fabrication of high fluorescence quantum yield (QY, 49.8 +/- 3%) semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SPNs), with size comparable with semiconductor quantum dots (Qdots). The SPNs were synthesized by co-precipitation of hydrophobic semiconducting polymer together with amphiphilic multidentate polymer. Comprehensive spectroscopic and microscopic characterizations showed that the SPNs possess superior photophysical performance, with excellent fluorescence brightness and reduced photoblinking in contrast with Qdots, as well as good photostability compared to a fluorescent protein of a similar size, phycoerythrin. More importantly, by conjugating membrane biomarkers onto the surface of SPNs, it was found that they were not only suitable for specific cellular labelling but also for single particle tracking because of the improved optical performance.In this work, we demonstrate a convenient and robust strategy for efficient fabrication of high fluorescence quantum yield (QY, 49.8 +/- 3%) semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SPNs), with size comparable with semiconductor quantum dots (Qdots). The SPNs were synthesized by co-precipitation of hydrophobic semiconducting polymer together with amphiphilic multidentate polymer. Comprehensive spectroscopic and microscopic characterizations showed that the SPNs possess superior photophysical performance, with excellent fluorescence brightness and reduced photoblinking in contrast with Qdots, as well as good photostability compared to a fluorescent protein of a similar size, phycoerythrin. More importantly, by conjugating membrane biomarkers onto the surface of SPNs, it was found that they were not only suitable for specific cellular labelling but also for single particle tracking because of the improved optical performance. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental section and additional supporting results as noted in the text

2. Quantum Dots Encapsulated with Canine Parvovirus-Like Particles Improving the Cellular Targeted Labeling.

Science.gov (United States)

Yan, Dan; Wang, Bin; Sun, Shiqi; Feng, Xia; Jin, Ye; Yao, Xueping; Cao, Suizhong; Guo, Huichen

2015-01-01

Quantum dots (QDs) have a promising prospect in live-cell imaging and sensing because of unique fluorescence features. QDs aroused significant interest in the bio-imaging field through integrating the fluorescence properties of QDs and the delivery function of biomaterial. The natural tropism of Canine Parvovirus (CPV) to the transferrin receptor can target specific cells to increase the targeting ability of QDs in cell imaging. CPV virus-like particles (VLPs) from the expression of the CPV-VP2 capsid protein in a prokaryotic expression system were examined to encapsulate the QDs and deliver to cells with an expressed transferrin receptor. CPV-VLPs were used to encapsulate QDs that were modified using 3-mercaptopropionic acid. Gel electrophoresis, fluorescence spectrum, particle size, and transmission electron microscopy verified the conformation of a complex, in which QDs were encapsulated in CPV-VLPs (CPV-VLPs-QDs). When incubated with different cell lines, CPV-VLPs-QDs significantly reduced the cytotoxicity of QDs and selectively labeled the cells with high-level transferrin receptors. Cell-targeted labeling was achieved by utilizing the specific binding between the CPV capsid protein VP2 of VLPs and cellular receptors. CPV-VLPs-QDs, which can mimic the native CPV infection, can recognize and attach to the transferrin receptors on cellular membrane. Therefore, CPV-VLPs can be used as carriers to facilitate the targeted delivery of encapsulated nanomaterials into cells via receptor-mediated pathways. This study confirmed that CPV-VLPs can significantly promote the biocompatibility of nanomaterials and could expand the application of CPV-VLPs in biological medicine. PMID:26398132

3. Quantum Dots Encapsulated with Canine Parvovirus-Like Particles Improving the Cellular Targeted Labeling.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Dan Yan

Full Text Available Quantum dots (QDs have a promising prospect in live-cell imaging and sensing because of unique fluorescence features. QDs aroused significant interest in the bio-imaging field through integrating the fluorescence properties of QDs and the delivery function of biomaterial. The natural tropism of Canine Parvovirus (CPV to the transferrin receptor can target specific cells to increase the targeting ability of QDs in cell imaging. CPV virus-like particles (VLPs from the expression of the CPV-VP2 capsid protein in a prokaryotic expression system were examined to encapsulate the QDs and deliver to cells with an expressed transferrin receptor. CPV-VLPs were used to encapsulate QDs that were modified using 3-mercaptopropionic acid. Gel electrophoresis, fluorescence spectrum, particle size, and transmission electron microscopy verified the conformation of a complex, in which QDs were encapsulated in CPV-VLPs (CPV-VLPs-QDs. When incubated with different cell lines, CPV-VLPs-QDs significantly reduced the cytotoxicity of QDs and selectively labeled the cells with high-level transferrin receptors. Cell-targeted labeling was achieved by utilizing the specific binding between the CPV capsid protein VP2 of VLPs and cellular receptors. CPV-VLPs-QDs, which can mimic the native CPV infection, can recognize and attach to the transferrin receptors on cellular membrane. Therefore, CPV-VLPs can be used as carriers to facilitate the targeted delivery of encapsulated nanomaterials into cells via receptor-mediated pathways. This study confirmed that CPV-VLPs can significantly promote the biocompatibility of nanomaterials and could expand the application of CPV-VLPs in biological medicine.

4. Studying effects of Magnolol on alpha-particle induced bystander effects using PADC-film based dishes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wong, T.P.W. [Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong (Hong Kong); Tse, A.K.W.; Fong, W.F. [Research and Development Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong (Hong Kong); Yu, K.N., E-mail: peter.yu@cityu.edu.h [Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong (Hong Kong)

2009-10-15

Radiation-induced bystander effect refers to the biological response found in cells (called bystander cells) which are not irradiated directly by ionizing radiation but are next to cells irradiated directly by ionizing radiation. In the present paper, the effects of Magnolol, an extract from the bark of Magnolia officinalis which is used as a traditional Chinese medicine, were studied on alpha-particle induced bystander effects. In our experiments, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were cultured in PADC-film based dishes and were irradiated with low fluences of alpha particles passing through the PADC films. The precise number of cells traversed or missed by alpha particles could be determined by studying the alpha-particle tracks developed on the PADC films upon subsequent chemical etching. TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) assay was employed to analyze the biological response of bystander cells in terms of DNA strand breaks. With the pretreatment of Magnolol, the DNA strand breaks in bystander cells were reduced, which showed that the alpha-particle induced bystander effects were suppressed with the presence of Magnolol. Since Magnolol is an antioxidant which can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), our results give support to that ROS play a role in the bystander signal transmission in our experiments.

5. Feasibility study on the use of polyallyldiglycol-carbonate cell dishes in TUNEL assay for alpha particle radiobiological experiments

Science.gov (United States)

Chan, K. F.; Yum, E. H. W.; Wan, C. K.; Fong, W. F.; Yu, K. N.

2007-08-01

In the present work, we have studied the feasibility of a method based on polyallyldiglycol-carbonate (PADC) films to investigate the effects of alpha particles on HeLa cervix cancer cells. Thin PADC films with thickness of about 20 μm were prepared from commercially available CR-39 films by chemical etching to fabricate custom-made petri dishes for cell culture, which could accurately record alpha particle hit positions. A special method involving "base tracks" for aligning the images of cell nuclei and alpha particle hits has been proposed, so that alpha particle transversals of cell nuclei can be visually counted. Radiobiological experiments were carried out to induce DNA damages, with the TdT-mediated d UTP Nick- End Labeling (TUNEL) fluorescence method employed to detect DNA strand breaks. The staining results were investigated by flow cytometer. The preliminary results showed that more strand breaks occurred in cells hit by alpha particles with lower energies. Moreover, large TUNEL positive signals were obtained even with small percentages of cells irradiated and TUNEL signals were also obtained from non-targeted cells. These provided evidence for the bystander effect.

6. Feasibility study on the use of polyallyldiglycol-carbonate cell dishes in TUNEL assay for alpha particle radiobiological experiments

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chan, K.F. [Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong (China); Yum, E.H.W. [Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong (China); Wan, C.K. [Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong (China); Fong, W.F. [Research and Development Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Baptist University Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong (China); Yu, K.N. [Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong (China)]. E-mail: peter.yu@cityu.edu.hk

2007-08-15

In the present work, we have studied the feasibility of a method based on polyallyldiglycol-carbonate (PADC) films to investigate the effects of alpha particles on HeLa cervix cancer cells. Thin PADC films with thickness of about 20 {mu}m were prepared from commercially available CR-39 films by chemical etching to fabricate custom-made petri dishes for cell culture, which could accurately record alpha particle hit positions. A special method involving 'base tracks' for aligning the images of cell nuclei and alpha particle hits has been proposed, so that alpha particle transversals of cell nuclei can be visually counted. Radiobiological experiments were carried out to induce DNA damages, with the TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) fluorescence method employed to detect DNA strand breaks. The staining results were investigated by flow cytometer. The preliminary results showed that more strand breaks occurred in cells hit by alpha particles with lower energies. Moreover, large TUNEL positive signals were obtained even with small percentages of cells irradiated and TUNEL signals were also obtained from non-targeted cells. These provided evidence for the bystander effect.

7. Kinetic Monte Carlo and cellular particle dynamics simulations of multicellular systems

Science.gov (United States)

Flenner, Elijah; Janosi, Lorant; Barz, Bogdan; Neagu, Adrian; Forgacs, Gabor; Kosztin, Ioan

2012-03-01

Computer modeling of multicellular systems has been a valuable tool for interpreting and guiding in vitro experiments relevant to embryonic morphogenesis, tumor growth, angiogenesis and, lately, structure formation following the printing of cell aggregates as bioink particles. Here we formulate two computer simulation methods: (1) a kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) and (2) a cellular particle dynamics (CPD) method, which are capable of describing and predicting the shape evolution in time of three-dimensional multicellular systems during their biomechanical relaxation. Our work is motivated by the need of developing quantitative methods for optimizing postprinting structure formation in bioprinting-assisted tissue engineering. The KMC and CPD model parameters are determined and calibrated by using an original computational-theoretical-experimental framework applied to the fusion of two spherical cell aggregates. The two methods are used to predict the (1) formation of a toroidal structure through fusion of spherical aggregates and (2) cell sorting within an aggregate formed by two types of cells with different adhesivities.

8. Questions of the optical potential for alpha-particles at low energies

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Among the high-priority elements for the accelerator driven systems (ADS) and fusion-reactor projects are also Zr, Mo and Li, so that the corresponding nuclear data for nucleon-, deuteron-, and α-particle interactions are of actual interest for neutron production, activation, heating, shielding requirements, and material damage estimation as well as radioactive waste transmutation projects. By using advanced nuclear models that account for details of nuclear structure and the quantum nature of the nuclear scattering, significant gains in accuracy can be achieved below 150 MeV, where intranuclear cascade calculations become less accurate. It is why this work reports on the progress of the analysis of optical potentials for nucleons, deuterons and α-particles on isotopes of these elements, and corresponding reaction cross sections calculations. The elastic-scattering angular distributions measured at deuteron energies between 3 and 50 MeV on the target nucleus 6Li, and between 1 and 14.7 MeV for the target nucleus 7Li have been thus analyzed by using the computer codes SCAT2 for pure elastic scattering processes and FRESCO for the coupled reaction channels for taking into account the effects of the elastic and inelastic alpha transfer in the d+6Li interaction. The good overall agreement obtained with the experimental data for both 6,7Li target nuclei from 1 to 50 MeV has finally proved suitable optical model potentials (OMPs). Within the double folding formalism of the alpha-nucleus optical potential, used previously for a semi-microscopic analysis of the alpha-particle elastic scattering on A∼100 nuclei at energies below 32 MeV, effects due to changes of the nuclear density at a finite temperature are considered. Parameterizations of the double-folding (DF) real potential as well as of a regional phenomenological potential have been used in the study of the (n,α) reaction cross sections for the target nuclei 92,95,98,100Mo. Taking the microscopic DF potentials

9. Alpha Particle Emitter Radiolabeled Antibody for Metastatic Cancer: What Can We Learn from Heavy Ion Beam Radiobiology?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hong Song

2012-06-01

Full Text Available Alpha-particle emitter labeled monoclonal antibodies are being actively developed for treatment of metastatic cancer due to the high linear energy transfer (LET and the resulting greater biological efficacy of alpha-emitters. Our knowledge of high LET particle radiobiology derives primarily from accelerated heavy ion beam studies. In heavy ion beam therapy of loco-regional tumors, the modulation of steep transition to very high LET peak as the particle approaches the end of its track (known as the Bragg peak enables greater delivery of biologically potent radiation to the deep seated tumors while sparing normal tissues surrounding the tumor with the relatively low LET track segment part of the heavy ion beam. Moreover, fractionation of the heavy ion beam can further enhance the peak-to-plateau relative biological effectiveness (RBE ratio. In contrast, internally delivered alpha particle radiopharmaceutical therapy lack the control of Bragg peak energy deposition and the dose rate is determined by the administered activity, alpha-emitter half-life and biological kinetics of the radiopharmaceutical. The therapeutic ratio of tumor to normal tissue is mainly achieved by tumor specific targeting of the carrier antibody. In this brief overview, we review the radiobiology of high LET radiations learned from ion beam studies and identify the features that are also applicable for the development of alpha-emitter labeled antibodies. The molecular mechanisms underlying DNA double strand break repair response to high LET radiation are also discussed.

10. Bayesian analysis of nanodosimetric ionisation distributions due to alpha particles and protons.

Science.gov (United States)

De Nardo, L; Ferretti, A; Colautti, P; Grosswendt, B

2011-02-01

Track-nanodosimetry has the objective to investigate the stochastic aspect of ionisation events in particle tracks, by evaluating the probability distribution of the number of ionisations produced in a nanometric target volume positioned at distance d from a particle track. Such kind of measurements makes use of electron (or ion) gas detectors with detecting efficiencies non-uniformly distributed inside the target volume. This fact makes the reconstruction of true ionisation distributions, which correspond to an ideal efficiency of 100%, non-trivial. Bayesian unfolding has been applied to ionisation distributions produced by 5.4 MeV alpha particles and 20 MeV protons in cylindrical volumes of propane of 20 nm equivalent size, positioned at different impact parameters with respect to the primary beam. It will be shown that a Bayesian analysis performed by subdividing the target volume in sub-regions of different detection efficiencies is able to provide a good reconstruction of the true nanodosimetric ionisation distributions. PMID:21112893

11. Nucleon-alpha particle interactions from inversion of scattering phase shifts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Scattering amplitudes have been extracted from (elastic scattering) neutron-alpha (n-α) differential cross sections below threshold using the constraint that the scattering function is unitary. Real phase shifts have been obtained therefrom. A modification to the Newton iteration method has been used to solve the nonlinear equation that specifies the phase of the scattering amplitude in terms of the complete (0 to 180 deg) cross section since the condition for a unique and convergent solution by an exact iterated fixed point method, the 'Martin' condition, is not satisfied. The results compare well with those found using standard optical model search procedures. Those optical model phase shifts, from both n - α and p - α (proton-alpha) calculations in which spin-orbit effects were included, were used in the second phase of this study, namely to determine the scattering potentials by inversion of that phase shift data. A modified Newton-Sabatier scheme to solve the inverse scattering problem has been used to obtain inversion potentials (both central and spin-orbit) for nucleon energies in the range 1 to 24 MeV. The inversion interactions differ noticeably from the Woods-Saxon forms used to give the input phase shifts. Not only do those inversion potentials when used in Schroedinger equations reproduce the starting phase shifts but they are also very smooth, decay rapidly, and are as feasible as the optical model potentials of others to be the local form for interactions deduced by folding realistic two-nucleon g matrices with the density matrix elements of the alpha particle. 23 refs., 8 tabs., 9 figs

12. Partition of cross sections in asymmetric nucleus-nucleus reactions and the origin of fast alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

To investigate the mechanism of asymmetric nucleus-nucleus reactions from the Coulomb barrier to intermediate energies the 14N + 159Tb reaction was studied at five bombarding energies between 8 and 23 MeV/u via particle-particle correlations (at selected energies) and particle KX-ray coincidences to identify the specific reaction channels. With the KX-ray method partial cross sections for projectile-like fragments (PLF) as a function of the atomic number (Z/sub res/) of the residual nucleus can be determined. The charge balance yields the ''missing charge'' dZ = Z/sub proj/ + Z/sub targ/ - Z/sub PLF/ - Z/sub TLF/ that indicates whether, in addition to the PLF, other charged particles are emitted. A large fraction of the inclusive cross sections is found to originate from such channels with two or more fragments in the exit channel, and this fraction increases as the PLF is further removed in mass from the incident projectile, and with increasing bombarding energy. From the particle-particle correlation studies it is found that sequential decays of PLF's are dominant. ''Non-sequential'' processes, if present, are associated with inelastic reactions involving excitations of both projectile and target. The bulk of the large alpha-particle cross section at small angles is found to be associated with channels in which, in addition to the alpha particle, only nucleons and other alpha particles are emitted. From γ-ray multiplicity measurements and from the broad distribution of the strength with Z/sub res/ it is concluded that these alpha particles originate from inelastic (damped) processes. 27 refs., 10 figs

13. Nuclear transparency in {alpha}-particle scattering beyond the eikonal approach

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Eliseev, S.M. [Bogoliubov Laboraroty of Theoretical Physics, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna (Russian Federation); Hanna, K.M. [Matematics and Theoretical Physics Departement, AtomyEnergy Authority, Cairo (Egypt)

1999-08-01

An independent, complementary, and unbiased study to calculate the transparency functions beyond the eikonal approach by adding the higher-order (up to the third-order term) non eikonal (Ne) corrections, in five different effective optical potentials all of them reproduce well the elastic scattering of intermediate energy {alpha}-particles ({epsilon}{sub {alpha}} 140-288 MeV) from the two neighborly nuclei {sup 48}Ti and {sup 58}Ni. The effects of switching (off/on) the Coulomb potential on the results are studied. The individual and the combined effects of the Ne corrections and Coulomb potential are explored in the transparency function for a wide range of the impact parameter 'b' from the nuclear surface towards the nuclear interior. No violation is detected in the flux conservation for the considered projectile incident energy and the impact parameter ranges. It is found that, in some cases, it is not necessarily true, as usually believed, that the Coulomb potential decreases the absorption (less transparency) in the central region of the nucleus, the phenomenon which can be explained by a modification of the balance between the nominal real and imaginary parts of some optical potential in the rather complicate transparency function.

14. Properties of an $\\alpha$ particle in a Bohrium $270$ Nucleus under the Generalized Symmetric Woods-Saxon Potential

CERN Document Server

Lütfüoğlu, B C

2016-01-01

The energy eigenvalues and the wave functions of an $\\alpha$ particle in a Bohrium $270$ nucleus were calculated by solving Schr\\"odinger equation for Generalized Symmetric Woods-Saxon potential. Using the energy spectrum by excluding and including the quasi-bound eigenvalues, entropy, internal energy, Helmholtz energy, and specific heat, as functions of reduced temperature were calculated. Stability and emission characteristics are interpreted in terms of the wave and thermodynamic functions. The kinetic energy of a decayed $\\alpha$ particle was calculated using the quasi-bound states, which is found close to the experimental value.

15. Collisional stochastic ripple diffusion of alpha particles and beam ions on TFTR

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Predictions for ripple loss of fast ions from TFTR are investigated with a guiding center code including both collisional and ripple effects. A synergistic enhancement of fast ion diffusion is found for toroidal field ripple with collisions. The total loss is calculated to be roughly twice the sum of ripple and collisional losses calculated separately. Discrepancies between measurements and calculations of plasma beta at low current and large major radius are resolved when both effects are included for neutral beam ions. A 20--30% reduction in alpha particle heating is predicted for qa = 6--14, R = 2.6 m DT plasmas on TFTR due to first orbit and collisional stochastic ripple diffusion

16. A route for polonium 210 production from alpha-particle irradiated bismuth-209 target

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A method is proposed for production of polonium-210 via the 209Bi(α,3n)210 At nuclear reaction. Bombardment of a bismuth-209 target was performed with a 37 MeV alpha-particle beam that leads to the production of astatine-210 (T1/2 = 8.1 h), which decays to polonium-210. It is purified from the bismuth target matrix by employing liquid-liquid extraction using tributyl phosphate (TBP) in para-xylene from 7 M hydrochloric acid. Back extraction of polonium-210 was performed by 9 M nitric acid. This method allows to purify a tracer amount of Po-210 (2.6 x 10-13 mol) from macroscopic amount of Bi (2.8 x 10-2 mol).

17. Assessment of gamma, beta and alpha-particle-emitting nuclides in marine samples

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Depending on the physical properties of radionuclides different systems must be used for their measurement. Most convenient is if gamma spectrometry can be used by germanium, Silicon or Scintillation detectors (eg. NaI). If, however, the main emission consists of beta or alpha particles or low-energy photons as is the case for radionuclides decaying by electron capture, radiochemical separation and specific source preparations must be undertaken. In such cases also the radiochemical yield must be determined. The radiochemical part mainly follows the lines presented by prof. T. Jaakkola, Department of Radiochemistry, Helsinki, Finland, at a course in radioecology in Lurid, 1991. For very long-lived radionuclides other methods such as mass spectrometry are superior although often associated with sophisticated expensive instrumentation. (author)

18. Ionization and scintillation response of high-pressure xenon gas to alpha particles

CERN Document Server

Álvarez, V; Cárcel, S; Cebrián, S; Cervera, A; Conde, C A N; Dafni, T; Díaz, J; Egorov, M; Esteve, R; Evtoukhovitch, P; Fernandes, L M P; Ferrario, P; Ferreira, A L; Freitas, E D C; Gehman, V M; Gil, A; Goldschmidt, A; Gómez, H; Gómez-Cadenas, J J; González-Díaz, D; Gutiérrez, R M; Hauptman, J; Morata, J A Hernando; Herrera, D C; Irastorza, I G; Jinete, M A; Labarga, L; Laing, A; Liubarsky, I; Lopes, J A M; Lorca, D; Losada, M; Luzón, G; Marí, A; Martín-Albo, J; Miller, T; Moiseenko, A; Monrabal, F; Monteiro, C M B; Mora, F J; Moutinho, L M; Vidal, J Muñoz; da Luz, H Natal; Navarro, G; Nebot, M; Nygren, D; Oliveira, C A B; Palma, R; Pérez, J; Aparicio, J L Pérez; Renner, J; Ripoll, L; Rodríguez, A; Rodríguez, J; Santos, F P; Santos, J M F dos; Segui, L; Serra, L; Shuman, D; Simón, A; Sofka, C; Sorel, M; Toledo, J F; Tomás, A; Torrent, J; Tsamalaidze, Z; Vázquez, D; Veloso, J F C A; Webb, R; White, J T; Yahlali, N

2012-01-01

High-pressure xenon gas is an attractive detection medium for a variety of applications in fundamental and applied physics. In this paper we study the transport properties of ionization electrons, and the mechanism of electron-ion recombination, in xenon gas at 10 bar pressure. For this purpose, we use a source of alpha particles in the NEXT-DEMO time projection chamber, the large scale prototype of the NEXT-100 neutrinoless double beta decay experiment, in three different drift electric field configurations. Our electron drift velocity and longitudinal diffusion results are similar to expectations based on available electron scattering cross sections on pure xenon, favoring low-diffusion models. In addition, two types of measurements addressing the connection between the ionization and scintillation yields were performed. On the one hand we observe, for the first time in xenon gas, large event-by-event correlated fluctuations between the ionization and scintillation signals, similarly to what has already bee...

19. Gas production due to alpha particle degradation of polyethylene and polyvinylchloride

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alpha particle degradation experiments were performed on polyethylene (PE) and polyvinylchloride (PVC) plastic samples typical of Westinghouse Savannah River Company (WSRC) transuranic (TRU) waste. This was done to evaluate the effects of sealing TRU waste during shipment. Experiments were conducted at three temperatures using low dose rates. Predominant products from both plastics were hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and various organic species, with the addition of hydrochloric acid from PVC. In all experiments, the total pressure decreased. Irradiation at 30 and 60 C and at various dose rates caused small changes for both plastics, but at 100 C coupled thermal-radiolytic effects included discoloration of the material as well as large differences in the gas phase composition

20. Is the first excited state of the $\\alpha$-particle a breathing mode?

CERN Document Server

Bacca, Sonia; Leidemann, Winfried; Orlandini, Giuseppina

2014-01-01

The isoscalar monopole excitation of 4He is studied within a few-body ab initio approach. We consider the transition density to the low-lying and narrow 0+ resonance, as well as various sum rules and the strength energy distribution itself at different momentum transfers q. Realistic nuclear forces of chiral and phenomenological nature are employed. Various indications for a collective breathing mode are found: i) the specific shape of the transition density, ii) the high degree of exhaustion of the non-energy-weighted sum rule at low q and iii) the complete dominance of the resonance peak in the excitation spectrum. For the incompressibility K of the alpha-particle values between 20 and 30 MeV are found.

1. Specific features of reactor or cyclotron {alpha}-particles irradiated beryllium microstructure

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Khomutov, A.M. [A.A.Bochvar All-Russia Research Inst. of Inorganic Materials (VNIINM), Moscow (Russian Federation); Gromov, B.F.; Karabanov, V.N. [and others

1998-01-01

Studies were carried out into microstructure changes accompanying helium swelling of Be reactor neutron irradiated at 450degC or {alpha}-particles implanted in cyclotron to reach the same volume accumulation of He (6-8 ncm{sup 3} He/cm{sup 3} Be). The microstructures of reactor irradiated and implanted samples were compared after vacuum anneal at 600-800degC up to 50h. The irradiated samples revealed the etchability along the grain boundaries in zones formed by adequately large equilibrium helium pores. The width of the zones increased with the annealing time and after 50h reached 30{mu}. Depleted areas 2-3{mu} dia were observed in some regions of near grain boundary zones. The roles of grain boundaries and manufacturing pores as vacancies sources and helium sinks are considered. (author)

2. CO2 laser collective Thomson scattering for alpha-particle diagnostics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In JT-60U (JAEA Tokamak 60 - Upgrade), a collective Thomson scattering (CTS) technique based on a CO2 laser is being developed in order to establish a diagnostic method of confined alpha-particles in burning plasmas. In order to the demonstrate feasibility of the CTS system, a new laser systems is being developed, with which improved signal-to-Noise (S/N) ratio of a detection signal and temporal resolution will be obtained. The laser has cavity length of ∼4 m and has high repetition rate (10 Hz). To improve the spectral purity of the laser, cavity length will be feedback-controlled and a spectral filter will be installed in the output of the laser. Numerical calculation shows that ion temperature will be evaluated from the scattered spectrum with the new CO2 laser. (author)

3. Cell detection in phase-contrast images used for alpha-particle track-etch dosimetry: a semi-automated approach

Science.gov (United States)

Altman, Michael B.; Wang, Steven J.; Whitlock, Jenny L.; Roeske, John C.

2005-01-01

A novel alpha-particle irradiator has recently been developed that provides the ability to characterize cell response. The irradiator is comprised of a collimated, planar alpha-particle source which, from below, irradiates cells cultured on a track-etch material. Cells are imaged using phase-contrast microscopy before and following irradiation to obtain geometric information and survival rates; these can be used with data from alpha-particle track images to assess cell response. A key step in this process is determining cell location within the pre-irradiation images. Although this can be done completely by a human observer, the number of images requiring analysis makes the process time-consuming and tedious. To reduce the potential human error and decrease user interaction time, a semi-automated, computer-aided method of cell detection has been developed. The method employs a two-level adaptive thresholding technique to obtain size and position information about potential cell cytoplasms and nuclei. Proximity and geometry-based thresholds are then used to mark structures as cells. False-positive detections from the automated algorithm are due mostly to imperfections in the track-etch background, camera effects and cellular residue. To correct for these, a human observer reviews all detected structures, discarding false positives. When analysing two randomly selected cell dish image databases, the semi-automated method detected 92-94% of all cells and 94-97% of cells with a well-defined cytoplasm and nucleus while reducing human workload by 32-83%.

4. Long-Range Alpha Particle Emission in the Fission of U235 by 3-MeV Neutrons

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The energy and angular distribution of long-range alpha particles emitted in the fission of U235 induced by 3-MeV neutrons have been measured. The alpha panicles were detected by solid-state detector and the fission fragments were detected by a gas scintillation counter. The neutrons were produced by the T (p, n) He3 reaction using a 5.5- MeV Van de Graaff accelerator. About 3000 fission events accompanied by the emission of a high-energy alpha panicle were recorded. The most probable energy of the alpha particles is between 15-16 MeV. and the energy distribution has a full width at half maximum of about D MeV, which is the same as observed in tliermal- neutron fission. The angular distribution of the long-range alpha panicles with respect to the incident neutron direction was found to be forward-peaked, in agreement with previous work on alpha emission in 14-MeV neutron-induced fission of LP. At angles of 0° and 90° with respect to the incident neutron direction the alpha panicles were detected with an angular spread of about ± 25°. The anisotropy [Nα(0°)/ Nα(90°)] was found to be 1.320 ± 0.12. This value is in agreement with the anisotropy calculated on the basis of statistical evaporation of panicles. The results of the present investigation are consistent with the hypothesis that the emission of long-range alpha panicles in fission is an evaporation process. The implications of the results of this work and of other recent investigations on long-range alpha emission are discussed. (author)

5. Cellular and molecular evidence for a role of tumor necrosis factor alpha in the ovulatory mechanism of trout

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bobe Julien

2010-04-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The relevance of immune-endocrine interactions to the regulation of ovarian function in teleosts is virtually unexplored. As part of the innate immune response during infection, a number of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha and other immune factors, are produced and act on the reproductive system. However, TNF alpha is also an important physiological player in the ovulatory process in mammals. In the present study, we have examined for the first time the effects of TNF alpha in vitro in preovulatory ovarian follicles of a teleost fish, the brown trout (Salmo trutta. Methods To determine the in vivo regulation of TNF alpha expression in the ovary, preovulatory brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis were injected intraperitoneally with either saline or bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS. In control and recombinant trout TNF alpha (rtTNF alpha-treated brown trout granulosa cells, we examined the percentage of apoptosis by flow cytometry analysis and cell viability by propidium iodide (PI staining. Furthermore, we determined the in vitro effects of rtTNF alpha on follicle contraction and testosterone production in preovulatory brown trout ovarian follicles. In addition, we analyzed the gene expression profiles of control and rtTNF alpha-treated ovarian tissue by microarray and real-time PCR (qPCR analyses. Results LPS administration in vivo causes a significant induction of the ovarian expression of TNF alpha. Treatment with rtTNF alpha induces granulosa cell apoptosis, decreases granulosa cell viability and stimulates the expression of genes known to be involved in the normal ovulatory process in trout. In addition, rtTNF alpha causes a significant increase in follicle contraction and testosterone production. Also, using a salmonid-specific microarray platform (SFA2.0 immunochip we observed that rtTNF alpha induces the expression of genes known to be involved in inflammation, proteolysis and tissue remodeling

6. New features of nuclear excitation by {alpha} particles scattering; Nouveaux aspects de l'excitation nucleaire par diffusion de particules {alpha}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Saudinos, J. [Commissariat a l' Energie Atomique, Saclay (France). Centre d' Etudes Nucleaires

1962-07-01

Inelastic scattering of medium energy a particles by nuclei is known to excite preferentially levels of collective character. We have studied the scattering of isotopically enriched targets of Ca, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn. In part I, we discuss the theoretical features of the interaction. In part II, we describe the experimental procedure. Results are presented and analysed in part III. {alpha} particles scattering by Ca{sup 40} is showed to excite preferentially odd parity levels. In odd nuclei we have observed multiplets due to the coupling of the odd nucleon with the even-even core vibrations. For even-even nuclei, a few levels are excited with lower cross-sections between the well-known first 2{sup +} and 3{sup -} states. Some could be members of the two phonon quadrupole excitation and involve a double nuclear excitation process. (author) [French] On sait que la diffusion inelastique des particules alpha de moyenne energie excite preferentiellement des niveaux de caractere collectif. Nous avons etudie la diffusion des particules alpha de 44 MeV du cyclotron de Saclay par des isotopes separes de Ca, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn. Dans la premiere partie nous exposons les theories de cette interaction. Dans la seconde nous decrivons le systeme experimental. Les resultats sont donnes dans la troisieme partie. Nous montrons que les niveaux excites preferentiellement pour {sup 40}Ca par diffusion ({alpha},{alpha}') sont de parite negative. Dans les noyaux pair-impair nous avons observe des multiplets dus au couplage du nucleon celibataire avec les vibrations du coeur pair-pair. Pour les noyaux pair-pair nous avons pu etudier entre le premier niveau 2{sup +} et le niveau 3{sup -} deja bien connus certains etats plus faiblement excites. Il semble qu'ils sont dus a une excitation quadrupolaire a deux phonons et impliquent un processus de double excitation nucleaire. (auteur)

7. Functional display of an alpha2 integrin-specific motif (RKK) on the surface of baculovirus particles.

Science.gov (United States)

Riikonen, Reetta; Matilainen, Heli; Rajala, Nina; Pentikainen, Olli; Johnson, Mark; Heino, Jyrki; Oker-Blom, Christian

2005-08-01

The use of baculovirus vectors shows promise as a tool for gene delivery into mammalian cells. These insect viruses have been shown to transduce a variety of mammalian cell lines, and gene transfer has also been demonstrated in vivo. In this study, we generated two recombinant baculovirus vectors displaying an integrin-specific motif, RKK, as a part of two different loops of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused with the major envelope protein gp64 of Autographa californica M nucleopolyhedrovirus. By enzyme linked immunosorbent assays, these viruses were shown to bind a peptide representing the receptor binding site of an alpha2 integrin, the alpha2I-domain. However, the interaction was not strong enough to overcome binding of wild type gp64 to the unknown cellular receptor(s) on the surface of alpha2 integrin-expressing cells (CHO-alpha2beta1) or enhance the viral uptake. After treatment of these cells with phospholipase C, internalization of all viruses was blocked or decreased significantly. However, one of the RKK displaying viruses, AcGFP(K)gp64, was still able to internalize into CHO-alpha2beta1 cells, although at a lower level as compared to non-treated cells. This may indicate the possible utilization of a PLC independent alternative route via, in this case, the alpha2beta1 integrin. PMID:16029062

8. ON THE RELATIVE SPEED AND TEMPERATURE RATIO OF SOLAR WIND ALPHA PARTICLES AND PROTONS: COLLISIONS VERSUS WAVE EFFECTS

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

We study the relative flow speed and the temperature ratio of alpha particles and protons and their connections to the helium ion abundance, the collisional age, and the power of transverse fluctuations within the inertial range. It is found that the alpha-to-proton temperature ratio, Tα/Tp , anti-correlates with the helium ion abundance. Despite a relatively high collisional age and small wave power, the ratio Tα/Tp can reach comparatively high values (even above 2) whenever the helium ion abundance is below about 0.02. In contrast, the differential speed of alpha particles with respect to protons is correlated with the total wave power and anti-correlated with the collisional age. Ultimately, the individual heating of each ion species is positively correlated with the total wave power. Our findings suggest that a high-friction collision could be efficient in reducing the differential speed between alpha particles and protons, but appears not to be sufficient to equalize the alpha and proton temperatures, i.e., to make Tα ≅ Tp . This is a hint that the local wave heating process is acting on a timescale shorter than the collision time.

9. Angular and velocity distributions of secondary particles emitted in interaction of 3. 6-GeV/nucleon. cap alpha. particles and lead nuclei

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Antonenko, V.G.; Vinogradov, A.A.; Galitskii, V.M.; Grigor' yan, Y.I.; Ippolitov, M.S.; Karadzhev, K.V.; Kuz' min, E.A.; Man' ko, V.I.; Ogloblin, A.A.; Paramonov, V.V.; Tsvetkov, A.A.

1980-04-01

The technique is described and results presented of measurements of the velocity and angular distributions of pions, protons, and deuterons, and tritons emitted in bombardment of lead nuclei by ..cap alpha.. particles with energy 3.6 GeV/nucleon.

10. Astrophysics and particle physics in space with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer

CERN Document Server

Lamanna, G

2003-01-01

The Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer is a high energy particle physics experiment in space scheduled to be installed on the International Space Station (ISS) by 2006 for a three-year mission. After a precursor flight of a prototype detector on board of the NASA Space Shuttle in June 1998, the construction of the detector in its final configuration is started and it will be completed by 2004. The purpose of this experiment is to provide a high statistics measurement of charged particles and nuclei in rigidity range 0.5 GV to few TV and to explore the high-energy (>1 GeV) gamma-ray sky. In this paper we describe the detector layout and present an overview of the main scientific goals both in the domain of astrophysics: cosmic- ray origin, age and propagation and the exploration of the most energetic gamma-ray sources; and in the domain of astroparticle: the antimatter and the dark matter searches. (53 refs).

11. Irradiation with heavy-ion particles changes the cellular distribution of human histone acetyltranferase HAT1

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lebel, E.A.; Tafrov, S.; Boukamp, P.

2010-06-01

Hat1 was the first histone acetyltransferase identified, however its biological function is still unclear. In this report, we show that the human Hat1 has two isoforms. Isoform a has 418 amino acids (aa) and is localized exclusively in the nuclear matrix of normal human keratinocytes (NHKs). Isoform b has 334 aa and is located in thecytoplasm, the nucleoplasm, attached to the chromatin and to the nuclear matrix. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that the bulk of Hat1 is confined to the nucleus, with much lesser amounts in the cytoplasm. Cells undergoing mitotic division have an elevated amount of Hat1 compared to non-mitotic ones. NHKs exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or to a beam of high mass and energy (HZE) ion particles expressed bright nuclear staining for Hat1, a phenotype that was not observed in NHKs exposed to &947;-rays. We established that the enhanced nuclear staining for Hat1 in response to these treatments is regulated by the PI3K and the MAPK signaling pathways. Our observations clearly implicate Hat1 in the cellular response assuring the survival of the treated cells.

12. Vaccination with dengue virus-like particles induces humoral and cellular immune responses in mice

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Zhang Quanfu

2011-06-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The incidence of dengue, an infectious disease caused by dengue virus (DENV, has dramatically increased around the world in recent decades and is becoming a severe public health threat. However, there is currently no specific treatment for dengue fever, and licensed vaccine against dengue is not available. Vaccination with virus-like particles (VLPs has shown considerable promise for many viral diseases, but the effect of DENV VLPs to induce specific immune responses has not been adequately investigated. Results By optimizing the expression plasmids, recombinant VLPs of four antigenically different DENV serotypes DENV1-4 were successfully produced in 293T cells. The vaccination effect of dengue VLPs in mice showed that monovalent VLPs of each serotype stimulated specific IgG responses and potent neutralizing antibodies against homotypic virus. Tetravalent VLPs efficiently enhanced specific IgG and neutralizing antibodies against all four serotypes of DENV. Moreover, vaccination with monovalent or tetravalent VLPs resulted in the induction of specific cytotoxic T cell responses. Conclusions Mammalian cell expressed dengue VLPs are capable to induce VLP-specific humoral and cellular immune responses in mice, and being a promising subunit vaccine candidate for prevention of dengue virus infection.

13. Design of a preamplifier for an alpha particles spectrometer; Diseno de un preamplificador para un espectrometro de particulas alfa

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Murillo O, R.; Hernandez D, V. M.; Chacon R, A.; Vega C, H. R., E-mail: fermineutron@yahoo.co [Universidad Autonoma de Zacatecas, Unidades Academicas de Estudios Nucleares e Ingenieria Electrica, Calle Cipres No. 10, Fracc. La Penuela, 98068 Zacatecas (Mexico)

2010-09-15

To detect radiation diverse detector types are used, when these are alpha particles proportional type detectors are used, semiconductor, of scintillation or traces. In this work the design results, the construction and the first tests of a spectrometer (preamplifier) are presented for alpha particles that was designed starting from a Pin type photodiode. The system was designed and simulated with a program for electronic circuits. With the results of the simulation phase was constructed the electronics that is coupled to a spectroscopic amplifier and a multichannel analyzer. The total of the system is evaluated analyzing its performance before a triple source of alphas and that they are produced by two smoke detectors of domestic use. Of the tests phase we find that the system allows to obtain in a multichannel, the pulses height spectrum, with which we calibrate the system. (Author)

14. Alpha-particles microbeam irradiation: impact of reactive oxygen species in bystander effect

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ionizing radiation-induced bystander effects arise in bystander cells that receive signals from directly irradiated cells. To date, free radicals are believed to play an active role in the bystander response, but this is incompletely characterized. To mark temporal and spatial impacts of bystander effect, we employed a precise α-particle microbeam to target a small fraction of sub-confluent osteoblastic cell cultures (MC3T3-E1). We identified the cellular membrane and mitochondria like two distinct places generating reactive oxygen species. The global oxidative stress observed after irradiation was significantly attenuated after filipin treatment, evidencing the pivotal role of membrane in MC3T3-E1 cells bystander response. To determine impact of bystander effect at a cell level, cellular consequences of this membrane-dependant bystander effect were then investigated. A variable fraction of the cell population (10 to 100%) was individually targeted. In this case, mitotic death and micronuclei yield both increased in bystander cells as well as in targeted cells demonstrating a role of bystander signals between irradiated cells in an autocrine or paracrine manner. Our results indicate a complex interaction of direct irradiation and bystander signals that lead to a membrane-dependant amplification of cell responses. (author)

15. Alpha-particle emitting 213Bi-anti-EGFR immunoconjugates eradicate tumor cells independent of oxygenation.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Christian Wulbrand

Full Text Available Hypoxia is a central problem in tumor treatment because hypoxic cells are less sensitive to chemo- and radiotherapy than normoxic cells. Radioresistance of hypoxic tumor cells is due to reduced sensitivity towards low Linear Energy Transfer (LET radiation. High LET α-emitters are thought to eradicate tumor cells independent of cellular oxygenation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to demonstrate that cell-bound α-particle emitting (213Bi immunoconjugates kill hypoxic and normoxic CAL33 tumor cells with identical efficiency. For that purpose CAL33 cells were incubated with (213Bi-anti-EGFR-MAb or irradiated with photons with a nominal energy of 6 MeV both under hypoxic and normoxic conditions. Oxygenation of cells was checked via the hypoxia-associated marker HIF-1α. Survival of cells was analysed using the clonogenic assay. Cell viability was monitored with the WST colorimetric assay. Results were evaluated statistically using a t-test and a Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM. Survival and viability of CAL33 cells decreased both after incubation with increasing (213Bi-anti-EGFR-MAb activity concentrations (9.25 kBq/ml-1.48 MBq/ml and irradiation with increasing doses of photons (0.5-12 Gy. Following photon irradiation survival and viability of normoxic cells were significantly lower than those of hypoxic cells at all doses analysed. In contrast, cell death induced by (213Bi-anti-EGFR-MAb turned out to be independent of cellular oxygenation. These results demonstrate that α-particle emitting (213Bi-immunoconjugates eradicate hypoxic tumor cells as effective as normoxic cells. Therefore, (213Bi-radioimmunotherapy seems to be an appropriate strategy for treatment of hypoxic tumors.

16. Moisture content of seeds affects relative biological effectiveness of alpha particles but not protons in thermal neutron exposure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The influences of moisture content of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seeds which were presoaked for 13 h and re-dried before irradiation on boron addition effect (BAE) and relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of alpha particles and protons were evaluated. Seeds of normal (10.21% in embryo), low (2.55%) and high (28.0%) moisture content showed different regression of BAE values on the absorbed amount of sup(10)B. The regression coefficient was highest for normal moisture content, followed by low moisture content, and the lowest for high moisture content. RBE of alpha particles also significantly differed between the moisture contents. Seeds of normal, low and high moisture contents showed 46.4, 37.4 and 17.0 of RBE value, respectively. Contrarily, RBE values of protons did not significantly vary with moisture content. It was found that the ratio of RBE of alpha particles between different moisture contents could be expressed by the product of the three ratios, i.e. ratio of sensitivity to gamma-rays, ratio of BAE, and ratio of moisture content. It was concluded that adjustment of moisture of the seeds to normal content (about 10%) is important to get a high value of both BAE and RBE of alpha particles

17. Proton and alpha-particle capture reactions at sub-Coulomb energies relevant to the p process

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Harissopulos, S [Tandem Accelerator Facility, Institute of Nuclear Physics, NCSR ' Demokritos' , 153.10 Aghia Paraskevi, Athens (Greece); Lagoyannis, A [Tandem Accelerator Facility, Institute of Nuclear Physics, NCSR ' Demokritos' , 153.10 Aghia Paraskevi, Athens (Greece); Spyrou, A [Tandem Accelerator Facility, Institute of Nuclear Physics, NCSR ' Demokritos' , 153.10 Aghia Paraskevi, Athens (Greece); Zarkadas, Ch [Tandem Accelerator Facility, Institute of Nuclear Physics, NCSR ' Demokritos' , 153.10 Aghia Paraskevi, Athens (Greece); Galanopoulos, S [Tandem Accelerator Facility, Institute of Nuclear Physics, NCSR ' Demokritos' , 153.10 Aghia Paraskevi, Athens (Greece); Perdikakis, G [Tandem Accelerator Facility, Institute of Nuclear Physics, NCSR ' Demokritos' , 153.10 Aghia Paraskevi, Athens (Greece); Becker, H-W [Dynamitron-Tandem-Laboratorium, Ruhr Universitaet Bochum, 44801 Bochum (Germany); Rolfs, C [Institut fuer Physik mit Ionenstrahlen, EP-II, Ruhr-Universitaet BochumI, 44801 Bochum (Germany); Strieder, F [Institut fuer Physik mit Ionenstrahlen, EP-II, Ruhr-Universitaet BochumI, 44801 Bochum (Germany); Kunz, R [Institut fuer Strahlenphysik, Universitaet Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart (Germany); Fey, M [Institut fuer Strahlenphysik, Universitaet Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart (Germany); Hammer, J W [Institut fuer Strahlenphysik, Universitaet Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart (Germany); Dewald, A [Institut fuer Kernphysik, Universitaet zu Koeln, 50937 Cologne (Germany); Zell, K-O [Institut fuer Kernphysik, Universitaet zu Koeln, 50937 Cologne (Germany); Brentano, P von [Institut fuer Kernphysik, Universitaet zu Koeln, 50937 Cologne (Germany); Julin, R [Department of Physics, University of Jyvaeskylae, 40014 Jyvaeskylae (Finland); Demetriou, P [Institut d' Astronomie et d' Astrophysique, Universite Libre de Bruxelles, CP226, 1050 Brussels (Belgium)

2005-10-01

Several cross-section measurements of proton as well as {alpha}-particle capture reactions in the Se-Sb region have been carried out at sub-Coulomb energies with the aim to obtain global input parameters for Hauser-Feshbach (HF) calculations. Some of the results are compared with HF calculations using various optical model potentials and nuclear level densities.

18. AVERAGE REACTION CROSS-SECTIONS FOR 74-MEV TO 112-MEV ALPHA-PARTICLES ON I-127 AND CS-133

NARCIS (Netherlands)

WARNER, RE; WILSCHUT, HW; RULLA, WF; FELDER, GN

1991-01-01

The average reaction cross section for 74- to 112-MeV alpha particles on I-127 and Cs-133 was measured by a new method using a magnetic spectrograph and a CsI scintillation detector. The result, sigma-R = 2220+/-50 mb, is in good agreement with optical model calculations and finite-range microscopic

19. Hauser-Feshbach cross-section calculations for elastic and inelastic scattering of alpha particles-program CORA

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The program CORA was prepared on the basis of Hauser and Feshbach compound reaction formalism. It allows the differential cross-section distributions for the elastic and inelastic scattering of alpha particles (via compound nucleus state) to be calculated. The transmission coefficients are calculated on the basis of a four parameter optical model. The search procedure is also included. (author)

20. Influences of target geometry on the microdosimetry of alpha particles in water

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Application of microdosimetric concepts to radiation exposure situations requires knowledge of the single-event density function, f1 (z) , where z denotes specific energy imparted to target matter. Multiple-event density functions are calculated by taking convolutions of f1(z) with itself with the overall specific energy density function is then found by employing a compound Poisson process involving single and multiple-event spectra. The fl(z), depends strongly on the geometric details of a the source, target, and all intermediate matter. While most past applications of microdosimetry have been represented targets as spheres, may be better modeled as prolate or oblate spheroids. Using a ray-tracing technique coupled with a continuous-slowing-down approximation, methods are developed and presented for calculating single-event density functions for spheroidal targets irradiated by alpha-emitting point sources. Computational methods are incorporated into a fortran computer code entitled SEROID (single-event density functions for spheroids), which is listed in this paper. This was used to generate several single-event density functions, along with related means and standard deviations in specific energy, for spheroidal targets irradiated by alpha particles. Targets of varying shapes and orientations are examined. Results for non-spherical targets are compared to spherical targets of equal volume in order to assess influences which target geometry has on single-event quantities. From these comparisons it is found that both target shape and orientation are important in adequately characterizing the quantities examined in this study; over-simplifying the target geometry can lead to substantial error

1. Structural and optical investigation on alpha particle irradiated CR-39 surface coated by MEH-PPV conducting polymer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Highlights: • The CR-39 polymeric surface was exposed to alpha particles. • Dip coating of CR-39 surface was done using MEH-PPV conducting polymer. • FTIR is insensitive approach to detect the induced modifications in the irradiated surfaces. • Photoluminescence and UV–Vis responses exhibited remarkable spectral differences. • Both techniques could be used to provide sensitive methods for alpha particle detection. - Abstract: Photoluminescence and UV–Vis spectral evaluation of a poly allyl diglycol carbonate (CR-39) detector coated by poly(2-methoxy-5-(2-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene-vinylene) (MEH-PPV) conducting polymer are demonstrated. The CR-39 surfaces were exposed to thin 241Am disk source that emits alpha particles with activity 333 kBq. Surface modification of the detector by MEH-PPV was acquired by a simple dip coating process. Our findings revealed that the spectroscopic analysis using FTIR is insensitive approach to detect the induced modifications in the irradiated samples. Additionally, the track density of the irradiated samples affects significantly the photoluminescence and UV–Vis responses of the CR-39 samples. The spectral peak heights and the integrated intensities under the peaks exhibit linear correlations (correlation coefficient R2 = 0.9904 to 0.9968) with the fluence of alpha particles. The linear fitting functions together with the corresponding fitting parameters were evaluated. Both techniques exhibited remarkable spectral differences for the irradiated samples, and hence they could be employed to provide sensitive methods for alpha particle detection. Results of sample fabrication and modification, along with structural and optical evaluation are addressed and thoroughly discussed

2. Low doses of alpha particles do not induce sister chromatid exchanges in bystander Chinese hamster cells defective in homologous recombination

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nagasawa, H; Wilson, P F; Chen, D J; Thompson, L H; Bedford, J S; Little, J B

2007-10-26

3. Adsorption of hematite nanoparticles onto Caco-2 cells and the cellular impairments: effect of particle size

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The increasing applications of engineered nanomaterials nowadays have elevated the potential of human exposure through various routes including inhalation, skin penetration and digestion. To date there is scarce information on a quantitative description of the interactions between nanoparticles (NPs) and cell surfaces and the detrimental effects from the exposure. The purpose of this work was to study in vitro exposure of Caco-2 cells to hematite (α-Fe2O3) NPs and to determine the particle size effects on the adsorption behaviors. Cellular impairment was also investigated and compared. Hematite NPs were synthesized as part of this study with a discrete size distribution and uniform morphology examined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Caco-2 cells were cultured as a model epithelium to mirror human intestinal cells and used to evaluate the impacts of the exposure to NPs by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). Cell surface disruption, localization and translocation of NPs through the cells were analyzed with immunocytochemical staining and confocal microscopy. Results showed that hematite NPs had mean diameters of 26, 53, 76 and 98 nm and were positively charged with minor aggregation in the buffer solution. Adsorption of the four sizes of NPs on cells reached equilibrium within approximately 5 min but adsorption kinetics were found to be size-dependent. The adsorption rates expressed as mg m-2 min-1 were greater for large NPs (76 and 98 nm) than those for small NPs (26 and 53 nm). However, adsorption rates, expressed in units of m-2 min-1, were much greater for small NPs than large ones. After the adsorption equilibrium was reached, the adsorbed mass of NPs on a unit area of cells was calculated and showed no significant size dependence. Longer exposure time (>3 h) induced adverse cellular effects as indicated by the drop in TEER compared to the control cells without the exposure to NPs

4. Influence of cellular ER alpha/ER beta ratio on the ER alpha-agonist induced proliferation of human T47D breast cancer cells

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Sotoca Covaleda, A.M.; Berg, van den H.; Vervoort, J.J.M.; Saag, van der P.; Strom, A.; Gustafsson, J.A.; Rietjens, I.M.C.M.; Murk, A.J.

2008-01-01

Breast cancer cells show overexpression of estrogen receptor (ER) relative to ERß compared to normal breast tissues. This observation has lead to the hypothesis that ERß may modulate the proliferative effect of ER. This study investigated how variable cellular expression ratios of the ER and ERß mod

5. Stability and {alpha}-particle confinement in the Sphellamak reactor concept

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cooper, W. Anthony; Fischer, Olivier [Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Centre de Recherches en Physique des Plasmas (CRPP), CH-1015 Lausanne (Switzerland)

2000-10-01

The Sphellamak is a coreless hybrid system with Tokamak, Stellarator and Spheromak features.The absence of a central conductor permits the realisation of a compact toroidal system, as internal shielding becomes un- necessary. With a peaked toroidal current profile, a sequence of reactor-sized Sphellamak equilibria is computed numerically in which the current in the helical coils I{sub hc} is varied while the toroidal plasma current I{sub p} = -30 MA and the volume average {beta} = 7.3% remain fixed. Ideal global external kink modes are weakly unstable but indicate stability for I{sub hc} > 138 MA. The local ideal magnetohydrodynamic stability criteria are satisfied in the range 42 MA < I{sub hc} < 122 MA. The peaked toroidal current generates local maximal of the modulus of the magnetic field strength in the central region of the plasma, which has very favourable implications for energetic and thermal particle confinement. This is confirmed through the computation of a very small {alpha}-particle guiding centre orbit loss fraction. (author) [French] Le Sphellamak est un systeme hybride sans noyau central compose par des elements de Tokamak, de Stellerateur et de Spheromak. L'absence de colonne centrale permet la realisation d 'un systeme toroidal compact puisque le manteau de protection interne ne devient plus necessaire. Avec un profil de courant pique, une sequence d 'equilibres Sphellamak de dimension reacteur est calculee numeriquement en variant le courant des bobines helicoidales I{sub hc} tout en fixant le courant toroidal du plasma I{sub p} = -30 MA ainsi que la moyenne volumique {beta} = 7.3%. Les modes globaux externes du type kink sont faiblement instables mais suffisent a garantir la stabilite pour I{sub hc} > 138 MA. Les criteres de stabilite magnetohydrodynamique ideale locale sont realises pour des courants de 42 MA < I{sub hc} < 122 MA. Le courant toroidal pique pro- duit localement des valeurs maximales pour le module du champs

6. Alpha spectrometric characterization of process-related particle size distributions from active particle sampling at the Los Alamos National Laboratory uranium foundry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Uranium particles within the respirable size range pose a significant hazard to the health and safety of workers. Significant differences in the deposition and incorporation patterns of aerosols within the respirable range can be identified and integrated into sophisticated health physics models. Data characterizing the uranium particle size distribution resulting from specific foundry-related processes are needed. Using personal air sampling cascade impactors, particles collected from several foundry processes were sorted by activity median aerodynamic diameter onto various Marple substrates. After an initial gravimetric assessment of each impactor stage, the substrates were analyzed by alpha spectrometry to determine the uranium content of each stage. Alpha spectrometry provides rapid non-distructive isotopic data that can distinguish process uranium from natural sources and the degree of uranium contribution to the total accumulated particle load. In addition, the particle size bins utilized by the impactors provide adequate resolution to determine if a process particle size distribution is: lognormal, bimodal, or trimodal. Data on process uranium particle size values and distributions facilitate the development of more sophisticated and accurate models for internal dosimetry, resulting in an improved understanding of foundry worker health and safety.

7. Computation of Cosmic Ray Ionization and Dose at Mars: a Comparison of HZETRN and Planetocosmics for Proton and Alpha Particles

Science.gov (United States)

Gronoff, Guillaume; Norman, Ryan B.; Mertens, Christopher J.

2014-01-01

The ability to evaluate the cosmic ray environment at Mars is of interest for future manned exploration. To support exploration, tools must be developed to accurately access the radiation environment in both free space and on planetary surfaces. The primary tool NASA uses to quantify radiation exposure behind shielding materials is the space radiation transport code, HZETRN. In order to build confidence in HZETRN, code benchmarking against Monte Carlo radiation transport codes is often used. This work compares the dose calculations at Mars by HZETRN and the Geant4 application Planetocosmics. The dose at ground and the energy deposited in the atmosphere by galactic cosmic ray protons and alpha particles has been calculated for the Curiosity landing conditions. In addition, this work has considered Solar Energetic Particle events, allowing for the comparison of varying input radiation environments. The results for protons and alpha particles show very good agreement between HZETRN and Planetocosmics.

8. Alpha-Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Can Reverse The Catabolic Influence Of UHMWPE Particles On RANKL Expression In Primary Human Osteoblasts

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Max D. Kauther, Jie Xu, Christian Wedemeyer

2010-01-01

Full Text Available Background and purpose: A linkage between the neurotransmitter alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide (alpha-CGRP and particle-induced osteolysis has been shown previously. The suggested osteoprotective influence of alpha-CGRP on the catabolic effects of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE particles is analyzed in this study in primary human osteoblasts. Methods: Primary human osteoblasts were stimulated by UHMWPE particles (cell/particle ratios 1:100 and 1:500 and different doses of alpha-CGRP (10-7 M, 10-9 M, 10-11 M. Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL and osteoprotegerin (OPG mRNA expression and protein levels were measured by RT-PCR and Western blot. Results: Particle stimulation leads to a significant dose-dependent increase of RANKL mRNA in both cell-particle ratios and a significant down-regulation of OPG mRNA in cell-particle concentrations of 1:500. A significant depression of alkaline phosphatase was found due to particle stimulation. Alpha-CGRP in all tested concentrations showed a significant depressive effect on the expression of RANKL mRNA in primary human osteoblasts under particle stimulation. Comparable reactions of RANKL protein levels due to particles and alpha-CGRP were found by Western blot analysis. In cell-particle ratios of 1:100 after 24 hours the osteoprotective influence of alpha-CGRP reversed the catabolic effects of particles on the RANKL expression. Interpretation: The in-vivo use of alpha-CGRP, which leads to down-regulated RANKL in-vitro, might inhibit the catabolic effect of particles in conditions of particle induced osteolysis.

9. A study on the effects of relativistic heavy charged particles on the cellular microenvironment

Science.gov (United States)

Costes, Sylvain Vincent

This study was done under the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) effort to assess the effect of cosmic radiation on astronauts during a 3 year mission to Mars. Carcinogenesis is known to be induced more efficiently by cosmic radiation. Our attention was turned towards one of the most efficient cosmic particles in inducing cancer, relativistic Fe, and focused in assessing its effect on the cellular microenvironment (ECM). Previous observations on mammary glands were showing irregularities in the immunoreactivity of the ECM protein laminin one hour after whole body irradiation with 1GeV/amu Fe ions for a dose of 0.8 Gy. This effect was not observed after 5 Gy γ-rays exposure. The rapidity of such a change suggested that the effect might be due to a physical event specific to relativistic charged particles (HZE), rather than a biological event. Our study showed that this effect is actually a complex and rapid response of the microenvironment to highly ionizing radiation. It involves a fast disruption of the basement membrane of the ECM induced by the highly localized ionization and reactive oxygen formation around the track of the Fe ion. This disruption triggers further chemical and biological responses involved in the remodeling of the laminin network in the basement membrane. A metalloproteinase is suspected to be the intermediate protease affecting laminin. The HZE effect on the microenvironment was seen in both mouse mammary glands and skin, but the laminin isoforms sensitive to Fe ions were different for each organ, with a clear disruption of laminin-1 network in skin and of laminin-5 in mammary glands. In addition, the laminin receptor integrins seem to be involved in this mechanism, but its contribution is unclear at this point. Finally, such studies suggest a shift from the concept of relative biological effectiveness (RBE) used in classical radiation biology since the effect is only seen with HZE at viable whole body doses. In addition, this

10. Development of thin foil Faraday collector as a lost alpha particle diagnostic for high yield D-T tokamak fusion plasmas

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Van Belle, P.; Jarvis, O.N.; Sadler, G.J. [Commission of the European Communities, Abingdon (United Kingdom). JET Joint Undertaking; Cecil, F.E. [Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO (United States)

1994-07-01

Alpha particle confinement is necessary for ignition of a D-T tokamak fusion plasma and for first wall protection. Due to high radiation backgrounds and temperatures, scintillators and semiconductor detectors may not be used to study alpha particles which are lost to the first wall during the D-T programs on JET and ITER. An alternative method of charged particle spectrometry capable of operation in these harsh environments, is proposed: it consists of thin foils of electrically isolated conductors with the flux of alpha particles determined by the positive current flowing from the foils. 2 refs., 3 figs.

11. Bernal liquid drop - alpha particle models of some heavy magic number nuclides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: Models of the bond structures of nickel 56, strontium 88, tin 120, cerium 140, lead 208 and uranium 240 nuclides based on Bernal's models of dense liquid drops, show good agreement between the binding energy data and shell structures when alpha particles are considered to be the densely packed hard spheres, of Bernal's models. These models, of the time-averaged structures of several closed shell nuclides have been developed as pedagogical aids for conceptualising some of the major aspects of nuclear matter and energy. These concepts include nuclear shape, size, charge density, quadrupole moment, viscosity, binding energy, coulomb repulsion, energy levels, magic numbers, shells and subshells; nucleon separation, bonding, pairing and clustering; nucleosynthesis, radioactivity and fission. The models discussed are based on those proposed by Bernal to account for the properties of normal liquids. Bernal's models have also been extended by others to explain the nature of metallic glasses considered as super cooled liquids. In Bernal's tetrahedral model of a normal liquid drop, a hard sphere representing an atom, ion, or molecule is added at whatever available position is closed to the centre of the existing cluster of spheres so that the densest possible configuration is created. Accordingly, two spheres form a dumbbell, three spheres form a triangle and four spheres form a tetrahedron and so on

12. The Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS): Results from Gusev Crater and Calibration Report

Science.gov (United States)

Gellert, R.; Rieder, R.; Brueckner, J.; Clark, B.; Dreibus, G.; Klingelhoefer, G.; Lugmair, G.; Ming, D.; Waenke, H.; Yen, A.; Zipfel, J.; Squyres, S.

2006-01-01

The chemical composition of rocks and soils on Mars analyzed during the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit Mission was determined by X-ray analyses with the Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS). Details of the data analysis method and the instrument calibration are presented. Measurements performed on Mars to address geometry effects and background contributions are shown. Cross calibration measurements among several instrument sensors and sources are discussed. An unintentional swap of the two flight instruments is evaluated. New concentration data acquired during the first 470 sols of rover Spirit in Gusev Crater are presented. There are two geological regions, the Gusev plains and the Columbia Hills. The plains contain soils that are very similar to previous landing sites on Mars. A meteoritic component in the soil is identified. Rocks in the plains revealed thin weathering rinds. The underlying abraded rock was classified as primitive basalt. One of these rocks contained significant Br that is probably associated with vein-filling material of different composition. One of the trenches showed large subsurface enrichments of Mg, S, and Br. Disturbed soils and rocks in the Columbia Hills revealed different elemental compositions. These rocks are significantly weathered and enriched in mobile elements, such as P, S, Cl, or Br. Even abraded rock surfaces have high Br concentrations. Thus, in contrast to the rocks and soils in the Gusev Plains, the Columbia Hills material shows more significant evidence of ancient aqueous alteration.

13. The blistering of 316L stainless steel irradiated with energetic alpha particles at 500 degrees C

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The physical process of blistering is investigated in the 316L stainless steel in both the solid solution and 20% cold-worked states. The material was irradiated with 1.8 MeV alpha particles to various fluences at 500deg C. There is a threshold fluence for blistering in the range of (0.869-1.346)x 1018 α/cm2. The microstructure, determined by TEM observation in the cross-section of irradiated samples, shows that the bubbles are accumulated at the surface layer. There is a bubble size and density distribution along the direction of depth. The bubble size and swelling increase progressively from the edge of the specimen to the damage peak region (DPR), then decrease. After 3 μm there are no bubbles. Due to bubble formation the thermal conductivity of the surface layer becomes lower and the temperature increases due to the irradiation energy deposited. Beyond the threshold fluence, the temperature of the surface layer is high, bubble coalescence at DPR becomes more serious and the bubble pressure becomes high enough that blistering occurs. (orig.)

14. Metallothionein bioconjugates as delivery vehicles for bismuth-212 alpha particle therapy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Metallothioneins (MTHs) are small cysteine-rich polypeptides that binds cationic metals at physiologic pH ranges through noncovalent -SH ligand interactions. Some leucine-rich renal MTHs have a particular avidity for bismuth. The authors have examined the ability of MTHs to selectively incorporate Bi-212, a short-lived high-energy alpha particle emitter currently under exploration as a potential therapeutic radiolabel for use in molecularly targeted cancer therapy. They find that under physiologic conditions, MTH will selectively incorporate Bi-212 after incubation with an equilibrium mixture of its upstream and downstream parents. The MTH moieties may be linked to tumor-binding macromolecules such as antibodies via thiolation reactions using SPDP, and the resultant Bismuth-avid molecules may be used either as primary delivery vehicles for the Bi-212 or as part of a 2-step release-and-catch isotope localization system in which the MTH-antibody conjugate is pre-localized at the tumor site and the radiometal is then administered and chelated in situ. They present the chemistry, dosimetry and potential clinical applications of this system

15. Overexpression of cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated genes inhibits TNF-{alpha}-induced apoptosis via NF-{kappa}B in mesenchymal stem cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Peng, Cheng-Fei [Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi' an (China); Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Cardiology, Shenyang Northern Hospital, Shenyang (China); Han, Ya-Ling, E-mail: hanyaling53@gmail.com [Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Cardiology, Shenyang Northern Hospital, Shenyang (China); Jie-Deng,; Yan, Cheng-Hui; Jian-Kang,; Bo-Luan,; Jie-Li [Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Cardiology, Shenyang Northern Hospital, Shenyang (China)

2011-03-25

Research highlights: {yields} CREG protected MSCs from tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) induced apoptosis. {yields} CREG inhibits the phosphorylation of I{kappa}B{alpha} and prevents the activation of NF-{kappa}B. {yields} CREG inhibits NF-{kappa}B nuclear translocation and pro-apoptosis protein transcription. {yields} CREG anti-apoptotic effect involves inhibition of the death receptor pathway. {yields} p53 is downregulated by CREG via NF-{kappa}B pathway under TNF-{alpha} stimulation. -- Abstract: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show great potential for therapeutic repair after myocardial infarction. However, poor viability of transplanted MSCs in the ischemic heart has limited their use. Cellular repressor of E1A-stimulated genes (CREG) has been identified as a potent inhibitor of apoptosis. This study therefore aimed to determine if rat bone marrow MSCs transfected with CREG-were able to effectively resist apoptosis induced by inflammatory mediators, and to demonstrate the mechanism of CREG action. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometric and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling assays. The pathways mediating these apoptotic effects were investigated by Western blotting. Overexpression of CREG markedly protected MSCs from tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} (TNF-{alpha}) induced apoptosis by 50% after 10 h, through inhibition of the death-receptor-mediated apoptotic pathway, leading to attenuation of caspase-8 and caspase-3. Moreover, CREG resisted the serine phosphorylation of I{kappa}B{alpha} and prevented the nuclear translocation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-{kappa}B (NF-{kappa}B) under TNF-{alpha} stimulation. Treatment of cells with the NF-{kappa}B inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) significantly increased the transcription of pro-apoptosis proteins (p53 and Fas) by NF-{kappa}B, and attenuated the anti-apoptotic effects of CREG on MSCs. The results of this study

16. Microtubule self-organisation by reaction-diffusion processes causes collective transport and organisation of cellular particles

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Demongeot Jacques

2004-06-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The transport of intra-cellular particles by microtubules is a major biological function. Under appropriate in vitro conditions, microtubule preparations behave as a 'complex' system and show 'emergent' phenomena. In particular, they form dissipative structures that self-organise over macroscopic distances by a combination of reaction and diffusion. Results Here, we show that self-organisation also gives rise to a collective transport of colloidal particles along a specific direction. Particles, such as polystyrene beads, chromosomes, nuclei, and vesicles are carried at speeds of several microns per minute. The process also results in the macroscopic self-organisation of these particles. After self-organisation is completed, they show the same pattern of organisation as the microtubules. Numerical simulations of a population of growing and shrinking microtubules, incorporating experimentally realistic reaction dynamics, predict self-organisation. They forecast that during self-organisation, macroscopic parallel arrays of oriented microtubules form which cross the reaction space in successive waves. Such travelling waves are capable of transporting colloidal particles. The fact that in the simulations, the aligned arrays move along the same direction and at the same speed as the particles move, suggest that this process forms the underlying mechanism for the observed transport properties. Conclusions This process constitutes a novel physical chemical mechanism by which chemical energy is converted into collective transport of colloidal particles along a given direction. Self-organisation of this type provides a new mechanism by which intra cellular particles such as chromosomes and vesicles can be displaced and simultaneously organised by microtubules. It is plausible that processes of this type occur in vivo.

17. Study of the stopping power and straggling for alpha particles and protons in organic solids, liquids and gases

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The stopping power and straggling for 5.5 MeV alpha particles in liquid and vapour phases of water, methanol, ethanol, propanol, h-hexane, n-octane and cyclohexane, and those for low energy protons in ethylene, styrene and propylene and their polymers, have been measured. Range-energy data have been fitted with inverse stopping power functions to give the cross sections. In each case, five parameters have been adjusted to obtain the best fit. The value of chi-squared per degree of freedom has been calculated, together with the parameters. The theoretical stopping cross section has been considered employing the Bethe-Bloch expression together with various corrections (shell correction using Walske and Bichsel procedure, Z13 contribution according to Ashley and Bloch correction based on Lindhard formalism). The existence of a phase effect has been clearly demonstrated for the stopping of both alpha particles and protons. (author)

18. Energetic resolution study on pure and CsBr doped CsI under gamma excitations and alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pure and doped CsI crystals were grown using the Bridgman technique. Bromine was the doping element which was studied in the range of 1.5x10-1 M to 10-2 M. The distribution of the doping element at crystalline volume was determined by neutron activation. Concerning gamma radiation response it was carried out measurements to evaluate the developed scintillators in the energy range of 350 keV to 1330 keV. For alpha particles measurements an 241Am source was used with 5.54 MeV energy. The resolution of 3.7% was obtained for the CsI:Br 10-2 M crystal, when excited with alpha particles from an 241Am source. For CsI:Br 10-1 M crystal 9.1% resolution was obtained when excited with gamma radiation from 22Na source, with 1275 keV energy. (author)

19. Nanodosimetry and nanodosimetric-based models of radiation action for radon alpha particles. Final performance technical report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The goal of this project was to develop theoretical/computational tools for evaluating the risks incurred by populations exposed to radon alpha particles. Topics of concern include the following: compound dual radiation action (general aspects); a mathematical formalism describing the yield of radiation induced single-and double-strand DNA breaks, and its dependence on radiation quality; a study of the excited states in cytosine and guanine stacks in the Hartree-Fock and exciton approximations; nanodosimetry of radon alpha particles; application of the HSEF to assessing radiation risks in the practice of radiation protection; carcinogenic risk coefficients at environmental levels of radon exposures: a microdosimetric approach; and hit-size effectiveness approach in radiation protection

20. Nanodosimetry and nanodosimetric-based models of radiation action for radon alpha particles. Final performance technical report

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zaider, M.

1997-12-31

The goal of this project was to develop theoretical/computational tools for evaluating the risks incurred by populations exposed to radon alpha particles. Topics of concern include the following: compound dual radiation action (general aspects); a mathematical formalism describing the yield of radiation induced single-and double-strand DNA breaks, and its dependence on radiation quality; a study of the excited states in cytosine and guanine stacks in the Hartree-Fock and exciton approximations; nanodosimetry of radon alpha particles; application of the HSEF to assessing radiation risks in the practice of radiation protection; carcinogenic risk coefficients at environmental levels of radon exposures: a microdosimetric approach; and hit-size effectiveness approach in radiation protection.

1. Study of influence of catechins on bystander responses in alpha-particle radiobiological experiments using thin PADC films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Law, Y.L. [Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong (Hong Kong); Yu, K.N., E-mail: peter.yu@cityu.edu.h [Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong (Hong Kong)

2009-10-15

In this study, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were cultured in custom-made petri dishes with thin PADC films as substrates. Alpha particles with energies of 5 MeV were then irradiated from the bottom of PADC films. The DNA strand breaks in the bystander cells induced by irradiation were quantified with the use of terminal dUTP transferase-mediated nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay. To study the influence of catechins on the bystander responses, catechins were added into the medium before alpha-particle irradiation of the cells. Fewer DNA strand breaks in the bystander cells were observed. As catechins are ROS (reactive oxygen species)-scavengers, the studied bystander cells might have been protected from radiation through scavenging of ROS by catechins.

2. Comparative cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and transforming potency of X-rays, alpha particles and MNNG for rat tracheal epithelial cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

To characterize the potential roles of high- and low-LET radiation in respiratory carcino-genesis, the biological effects of X rays and alpha particles on rat tracheal epithelial (RTE) cells were determined and compared to the effects of the direct-acting carcinogen, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). Each agent caused logarithmic, dose-dependent killing of RTE cells, although the curve for X rays had a significant shoulder. At equitoxic doses, all three agents induced similar frequencies of preneoplastic transformation. Similarly, each agent was capable of inducing a similar level of mutations in RTE cell lines. These data suggest that both high- and low-LET radiation can induce changes involved in early stages of carcinogenesis. In addition, it suggests that inactivation of critical genes, caused by alpha particle-induced deletions, may play a role in the preneoplastic transformation of RTE cells. (author)

3. Increase in the area of etched alpha-particle tracks in CR-39 plastic with increasing storage time under nitrogen

CERN Document Server

Bhakta, J R; Miles, J C H

1999-01-01

The area of etched tracks in CR-39 (polyallyl diglycol carbonate, PADC) exposed to alpha-particles from an americium-241 source has been investigated as a function of post-exposure storage time in a dry nitrogen atmosphere. Data were collected over 2.5 years and the results show that the nominal maximum area of the track area distribution increases with increasing storage time.

4. Scintillation response of CsI: Tl crystal under neutron, gamma, alpha particles and beta excitations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Among the converters of X and gamma radiation in light photons, known as scintillators, the one which is the most efficient emits photons with a wavelength near 400 nm. Particularly, among them, the cesium iodine doped with thallium (CsI:Tl) crystal is that which matches better between the light emission spectrum (peak at 540 nm) and the quantum sensitivity curve of the photodiodes and CCD (Charge Coupled Device). This explains the renewed interest in using this crystal as scintillator. Although the CsI:Tl crystal is commercially available, its local development would give the possibility to obtain it in different geometric configurations and coupling. Moreover, there is a special interest in studying new conditions that will alter the properties of this crystal in order to achieve a optimal level of its functional characteristics. Having an efficient national scintillator with low cost is a strategic opportunity to study the response of a detector applied to different types of radiation. The crystal of cesium iodide activated with thallium (CsI:Tl) has a high gamma detection efficiency per unit volume. In this paper, the CsI:Tl crystal, grown by the vertical Bridgman technique in evacuated silica ampoules and with the purpose of use as radiation detectors, is described. To evaluate the scintillator, measures of the thallium distribution in the crystal volume were taken, with overall efficiency score. The scintillator response was studied through gamma radiation from sources of 137Cs, 60Co, 22Na, 54Mn, 131I and 99mTc; the beta radiation from source of 90Sr/90Y, alpha particles from 241Am source and the scintillator response to neutrons from Am/Be source. The energetic resolution for 137Cs gamma rays (662 keV) was 10%. The results showed the validity of using the CsI:Tl crystal developed in our laboratory, in many applications in the area of radiation detectors. (author)

5. Production of helium and helium-hydrogen positive ion beams for the alpha particle measurement

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In order to produce diagnostic helium neutral beam for alpha particle measurement in nuclear fusion plant of deuterium-tritium reation, helium ion (He+) or helium-hydrogen ion (HeH+) beams of ∼20 keV have been considered as a primary beam. For He+ beam, it is important to produce focused high-current-density ion beam in order to pass through small apertures of alkali gas cell with an enough signal level. For HeH+ beam, conditions producing HeH+ has not been investigated in detail as yet. In order to extract these beams, focused high-current-density neutral beam system is applied. For He+ beam extraction of ∼22 kV, it is confirmed that current density of ∼86 mA/cm2 is achieved, whose value is close to necessary value in ITER. For HeH+ beam extraction in the case of ∼300 V acceleration, the production rate of HeH+ component increases with the increase of helium gas pressure ratio to hydrogen gas pressure when its value is > ∼75%. In the case of 25 kV acceleration, if 15% of total current (which includes H+, H2+, H3+, He+ and HeH+ components) is HeH+ component, current density of HeH+ is estimated as ∼13 mA/cm2, whose value is larger than necessary value in ITER. From melted traces of the target plate, it is estimated that the divergence angle is about ±0.8deg. (author)

6. Effect of Alpha-Particle Energies on CR-39 Line-Shape Parameters using Positron Annihilation Technique

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lotfy Y. A.

2006-07-01

Full Text Available Polyally diglycol carbonate "CR-39" is widely used as etched track type particle detector. Doppler broadening positron annihilation (DBPAT provides direct information about core and valance electrons in (CR-39 due to radiation effects. It provides a non-destructive and non-interfering probe having a detecting efficiency. This paper reports the effect of irradiation alpha-particle intensity emitted from 241-Am (5.486 MeV source on the line shape S- and W-parameters for CR-39 samples. Modification of the CR-39 samples due to irradiation were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD and scanning electron microscopy (SEM techniques.

7. Dependence of alpha particle track diameter on the free volume holes size using positron annihilation lifetime technique

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

El-Gamal, S. [Physics Department, Faculty of Education, Ain Shams University, Roxy, 11711 Cairo (Egypt); Abdalla, Ayman M., E-mail: aymanabdalla62@hotmail.com [Physics Department, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Najran University, Najran (Saudi Arabia); Centre for Advanced Materials and Nano-Engineering, Najran University, Najran 11001 (Saudi Arabia); Abdel-Hady, E.E. [Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, BO 61519, Minia (Egypt)

2015-09-15

The alpha particle track diameter dependence of the free volume holes size (V{sub f}) in DAM–ADC and CR-39 nuclear track detectors was investigated using positron annihilation lifetime technique. The effect of temperature on the alpha particle track diameter and free volume were also investigated in the T-range (RT-130 °C). The obtained results revealed that the values of ortho-positronium lifetime τ{sub 3} and V{sub f} increases while I{sub 3} slightly increases as T increases for the two detectors. The values of τ{sub 3}, V{sub f} and I{sub 3} are higher in CR-39 than DAM–ADC. The interpretation of obtained results is based on the fact that increasing T leads to significant enhancement of thermal expansion of the polymer matrix and consequently V{sub f} increases. The track diameter increases as T increases. This can be explained by the fact that the increase in T increases the crystal size and V{sub f} in the polymer. A relationship between V{sub f} and the alpha particle track diameter was obtained. Moreover results of detector irradiation, along with free volume evaluation are addressed and thoroughly discussed.

8. Dependence of alpha particle track diameter on the free volume holes size using positron annihilation lifetime technique

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The alpha particle track diameter dependence of the free volume holes size (Vf) in DAM–ADC and CR-39 nuclear track detectors was investigated using positron annihilation lifetime technique. The effect of temperature on the alpha particle track diameter and free volume were also investigated in the T-range (RT-130 °C). The obtained results revealed that the values of ortho-positronium lifetime τ3 and Vf increases while I3 slightly increases as T increases for the two detectors. The values of τ3, Vf and I3 are higher in CR-39 than DAM–ADC. The interpretation of obtained results is based on the fact that increasing T leads to significant enhancement of thermal expansion of the polymer matrix and consequently Vf increases. The track diameter increases as T increases. This can be explained by the fact that the increase in T increases the crystal size and Vf in the polymer. A relationship between Vf and the alpha particle track diameter was obtained. Moreover results of detector irradiation, along with free volume evaluation are addressed and thoroughly discussed

9. Calibration of a Thomson parabola ion spectrometer and Fujifilm imaging plate detectors for protons, deuterons, and alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A Thomson parabola ion spectrometer has been designed for use at the Multiterawatt (MTW) laser facility at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) at University of Rochester. This device uses parallel electric and magnetic fields to deflect particles of a given mass-to-charge ratio onto parabolic curves on the detector plane. Once calibrated, the position of the ions on the detector plane can be used to determine the particle energy. The position dispersion of both the electric and magnetic fields of the Thomson parabola was measured using monoenergetic proton and alpha particle beams from the SUNY Geneseo 1.7 MV tandem Pelletron accelerator. The sensitivity of Fujifilm BAS-TR imaging plates, used as a detector in the Thomson parabola, was also measured as a function of the incident particle energy over the range from 0.6 MeV to 3.4 MeV for protons and deuterons and from 0.9 MeV to 5.4 MeV for alpha particles. The device was used to measure the energy spectrum of laser-produced protons at MTW.

10. Calibration of a Thomson parabola ion spectrometer and Fujifilm imaging plate detectors for protons, deuterons, and alpha particles

Science.gov (United States)

Freeman, C. G.; Fiksel, G.; Stoeckl, C.; Sinenian, N.; Canfield, M. J.; Graeper, G. B.; Lombardo, A. T.; Stillman, C. R.; Padalino, S. J.; Mileham, C.; Sangster, T. C.; Frenje, J. A.

2011-07-01

A Thomson parabola ion spectrometer has been designed for use at the Multiterawatt (MTW) laser facility at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) at the University of Rochester. This device uses parallel electric and magnetic fields to deflect particles of a given mass-to-charge ratio onto parabolic curves on the detector plane. Once calibrated, the position of the ions on the detector plane can be used to determine the particle energy. The position dispersion of both the electric and magnetic fields of the Thomson parabola was measured using monoenergetic proton and alpha particle beams from the SUNY Geneseo 1.7 MV tandem Pelletron accelerator. The sensitivity of Fujifilm BAS-TR imaging plates, used as a detector in the Thomson parabola, was also measured as a function of the incident particle energy over the range from 0.6 MeV to 3.4 MeV for protons and deuterons and from 0.9 MeV to 5.4 MeV for alpha particles. The device was used to measure the energy spectrum of laser-produced protons at MTW.

11. Effects of spins and resonance parities of 12C on the mechanism of emission of three alpha particles in the 11B (p, 3 α) reaction

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This research thesis reports the study of the mechanism of emission of alpha particles in the 11B (p, 3 α) reaction with respect to the effects of spins and parities of the various resonances met between 150 keV and 4 MeV. From an experimental point of view, the reaction has been studied by two methods: the detection of alpha particles by a semiconductor-based counter located at a given angle with respect to the beam direction and study of continuous spectra of alpha particles with respect to projectile energies, and recording, for a given resonance, of alpha-alpha coincidences by using the multi-parametric technique with two semiconductor-based sensors with a varying relative angular position. After a discussion of the main characteristics of resonance and of the mechanism of emission of alpha particles, the author first reports the theoretical study of a reaction producing three particles in the final state, and then reports the theoretical calculation of direct alpha spectrum shapes in the case of the 11B (p, 3 α) reaction (statistic hypothesis, hypothesis of interaction with two particles in the final state). The next part reports the experimental study of the 11B (p, 3 α) reaction

12. Neu1 desialylation of sialyl alpha-2,3-linked beta-galactosyl residues of TOLL-like receptor 4 is essential for receptor activation and cellular signaling.

Science.gov (United States)

Amith, Schammim Ray; Jayanth, Preethi; Franchuk, Susan; Finlay, Trisha; Seyrantepe, Volkan; Beyaert, Rudi; Pshezhetsky, Alexey V; Szewczuk, Myron R

2010-02-01

The ectodomain of TOLL-like receptors (TLR) is highly glycosylated with several N-linked gylcosylation sites located in the inner concave surface. The precise role of these sugar N-glycans in TLR receptor activation is unknown. Recently, we have shown that Neu1 sialidase and not Neu2, -3 and -4 forms a complex with TLR-2, -3 and -4 receptors on the cell-surface membrane of naïve and activated macrophage cells (Glycoconj J DOI 10.1007/s10719-009-9239-8). Activation of Neu1 is induced by TLR ligands binding to their respective receptors. Here, we show that endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced MyD88/TLR4 complex formation and subsequent NFkappaB activation is dependent on the removal of alpha-2,3-sialyl residue linked to beta-galactoside of TLR4 by the Neu1 activity associated with LPS-stimulated live primary macrophage cells, macrophage and dendritic cell lines but not with primary Neu1-deficient macrophage cells. Exogenous alpha-2,3 sialyl specific neuraminidase (Streptoccocus pneumoniae) and wild-type T. cruzi trans-sialidase (TS) but not the catalytically inactive mutant TSAsp98-Glu mediate TLR4 dimerization to facilitate MyD88/TLR4 complex formation and NFkappaB activation similar to those responses seen with LPS. These same TLR ligand-induced NFkappaB responses are not observed in TLR deficient HEK293 cells, but are re-established in HEK293 cells stably transfected with TLR4/MD2, and are significantly inhibited by alpha-2,3-sialyl specific Maackia amurensis (MAL-2) lectin, alpha-2,3-sialyl specific galectin-1 and neuraminidase inhibitor Tamiflu but not by alpha-2,6-sialyl specific Sambucus nigra lectin (SNA). Taken together, the findings suggest that Neu1 desialylation of alpha-2,3-sialyl residues of TLR receptors enables in removing a steric hinderance to receptor association for TLR activation and cellular signaling. PMID:19796680

13. Studies of SSNTDs made from LR-115 in view of their applicability in radiobiological experiments with alpha particles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Doerschel, B. E-mail: doerschel@physik.tu-dresden.de; Hermsdorf, D.; Pieck, S.; Starke, S.; Thiele, H.; Weickert, F

2003-06-01

Radiobiological studies on cell monolayers irradiated by charged particles need to determine the number and position of particle traversals. Solid state nuclear track detectors used as basic substrate for the cell layers are in principle suitable for this purpose. The detector foils must be as thin as possible but still guaranteeing mechanical stability. Two types of LR-115, red coloured and colourless, were tested in the present work. The studies aimed at optimisation of the etching conditions and determination of the registration efficiency for alpha particles in a wide range of energies and angles of incidence. Specific requirements have to be fulfilled for application of the detector foils under the environmental conditions of radiobiological experiments. Most important are biocompatibility between detector and cells and registration properties insensible against special treatments, as UV sterilisation and cell plating prior to irradiation as well as cell incubation after the irradiation. The experimental studies performed with alpha particles showed that environmental conditions of radiobiological experiments do not change the registration properties of LR-115 detectors significantly.

14. A cellular-automata and particle-tracking simulation of abrasive jet micromachining of polymethyl-methacrylate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A cellular automaton simulation which is able to predict the geometry of micro-features etched into ductile erosive targets, as a result of abrasive jet micromachining (AJM), is presented. Similar to a previous simulation for the AJM of brittle erosive targets, the movement of individual erodent particles is tracked in a simulated environment, including their collisions with, and ricochet from, the mask and target substrate modeled as cellular-automatons. A new cell erosion algorithm is presented in order to allow the previous simulation to be applied to the AJM of ductile materials. A previously published empirical erosion rule, which related the erosion rate of ductile substrates caused by a jet, was also proven to be applicable, to a good approximation, to single particle impacts. With this new cell erosion algorithm, the predictions of the model compared well with measurements of the surface evolution of unmasked channels, masked micro-holes and micro-channels machined in polymethyl-methacrylate. The results also highlight the importance of modeling the effect of particle size on the prediction of the size and shape of features fabricated in ductile erosive materials using AJM

15. Alpha particle energy response of 1-mm-thick polycarbonate track detectors by 50 Hz-HV electrochemical etching method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The electrochemical etching (ECE) method enlarges charged particle tracks to enhance its applications in particular in health physics and radiation dosimetry. The ECE method is usually based on using a high frequency-high voltage (HF-HV) generator with 250-μm-thick polycarbonate track detectors (PCTDs). The authors' recent studies on nitrogen and helium ions and alpha tracks in 1-mm-thick large-size PCTDs under a 50 Hz-HV ECE process provided promising results. In this study, alpha track efficiency and mean track diameter versus energy responses and registration energy range as well as alpha and background track shapes under three sets of 50 Hz-4, 5 and 6 kV applied field conditions have been studied and are reported. The efficiency versus alpha energy has a Bragg-type response from ∼15 keV to ∼4.5 MeV for the field conditions applied with an efficiency value of 40-50 % at the Bragg peak. The results are presented and discussed. (authors)

16. Effect of UV radiation on the bulk etching rate activation energy and response of Cr-39 to alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A set of CR-39 plastic sheets is exposed to UV radiation from mercury lamp for different periods of time. Then irradiated by alpha particles from 241Am point source at different energies. The Bulk etching rate activation energy is calculated for non-exposed and exposed sheets for time periods of 1.5 and 3 hr. It is found that their energy values are 0.76, 0.75 and 0.72 eV respectively. The track diameter (d) is calculated for different exposure times, it is found that d increased gradually as the exposure time increases before saturation. Further, two samples are irradiated by alpha particles but one is pre-exposed to UV for a time period of 3 h before being exposed to alpha, then the response function (V) is calculated for both. The values of V decreased for pre-exposed sample. The present data are the first measurements of the recent nuclear track laboratory at the experimental nuclear physics department, NRC, AEA

17. Humidity influenced capacitance and resistance of an Al/DNA/Al Schottky diode irradiated by alpha particles

Science.gov (United States)

Al-Ta’Ii, Hassan Maktuff Jaber; Amin, Yusoff Mohd; Periasamy, Vengadesh

2016-05-01

Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA based sensors, especially as humidity and alpha particle sensors have become quite popular in recent times due to flexible and highly optimizable nature of this fundamental biomaterial. Application of DNA electronics allow for more sensitive, accurate and effective sensors to be developed and fabricated. In this work, we examined the effect of different humidity conditions on the capacitive and resistive response of Aluminum (Al)/DNA/Al Schottky barrier structure when bombarded by time-dependent dosages of alpha particles. Based on current-voltage profiles, which demonstrated rectifying behaviours, Schottky diode parameters such as ideality factor, barrier height and series resistance was calculated. Results observed generally pointed towards a decrease in the resistance value from the pristine to the radiated structures. It was also demonstrated that under the effect of humidity, the capacitance of the DNA thin film increased from 0.05894 to 92.736 nF, with rising relative humidity level. We also observed the occurrence of the hypersensitivity phenomena after alpha irradiation between 2 to 4 min by observing a drop in the series resistance, crucial in the study of DNA damage and repair mechanisms. These observations may also suggest the exciting possibility of utilizing Al/DNA/Al Schottky diodes as potentially sensitive humidity sensors.

18. The emission probabilities of long range alpha particles from even-even 244-252Cm isotopes

CERN Document Server

Santhosh, K P; Priyanka, B

2014-01-01

The alpha accompanied cold ternary fission of even-even 244Cm, 246Cm, 248Cm, 250Cm and 252Cm isotopes have been studied by taking the interacting barrier as the sum of Coulomb and proximity potential with the fragments in equatorial configuration. The favorable fragment combinations are obtained from the cold reaction valley plot and by calculating the relative yield for the charge minimized fragments. In the alpha accompanied ternary fission of 244Cm isotope, the highest yield is found for the fragment combination 110Ru+4He+130Sn, which possess near doubly magic nuclei 130Sn. For the ternary fission of 246Cm, 248Cm, 250Cm and 252Cm isotopes with 4He as light charged particle, the highest yield is obtained for the fragment combination with doubly magic nuclei 132Sn as the heavier fragment. The emission probabilities and kinetic energies of long range alpha particle have been computed for the 242,244,246,248Cm isotopes and are found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. The relative yields for th...

19. An octahedral deformation with six alpha particles at the Z = 12 system, Mg nuclides: Third nucleons, Alpharons

CERN Document Server

Moon, Chang-Bum

2016-01-01

We suggest that the emergence of a large deformation in the magnesium, Mg, nuclides, especially at the Z = 12, N = 12, should be associated with an octahedral deformed shape. Within the framework of molecular geometrical symmetry, we find a possibility that the Z = 12, N = 12 system would form an octahedral structure consisting of six points of alpha(4He) particles, yielding the ground collectivity. With this point of view, we draw the following serial molecular structures; the Z = 10, N = 10, 20Ne, corresponds to a hexahedral, the Z = 8, N = 8, 16O, does to a tetrahedral, and the Z = 6, N = 6, 12C, does to a trigonal symmetry. Moreover, the Z = 2, N = 2, 4He(alpha), fits into a tetrahedral symmetry with four points of nucleons; two protons and two neutrons. The enhanced deformation at Z = 12 with N > 20 would be explained by a deformed shape related to an Ethene(Ethylene)-like skeleton with six alpha particles. The deformation at Z = 10, with N = 10 and 12, can be interpreted as being attributed to a hexahed...

20. Gastric Composite Tumor of Alpha Fetoprotein-Producing Carcinoma/Hepatoid Adenocarcinoma and Endocrine Carcinoma with Reference to Cellular Phenotypes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Akira Suzuki

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Alpha-fetoprotein-producing carcinoma (AFPC/hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAC and neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC are uncommon in the stomach. Composite tumors consisting of these carcinomas and their histologic phenotypes are not well known. Between 2002 and 2007, to estimate the prevalence of composite tumors consisting of tubular adenocarcinoma, AFPC/HAC and NEC, we reviewed specimens obtained from 294 consecutive patients treated surgically for gastric cancer. We examined histological phenotype of tumors of AFPC or NEC containing the composite tumor by evaluating immunohistochemical expressions of MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC6, CDX2, and SOX2. Immunohistochemically, AFPC/HAC dominantly showed the intestinal or mixed phenotype, and NEC frequently showed the gastric phenotype. In the composite tumor, the tubular and hepatoid components showed the gastric phenotype, and the neuroendocrine component showed the mixed type. The unique composite tumor predominantly showed the gastric phenotype, and the hepatoid and neuroendocrine components were considered to be differentiated from the tubular component.

1. Regulation of cellular behaviors of fibroblasts related to wound healing by sol-gel derived bioactive glass particles.

Science.gov (United States)

Xie, Weihan; Chen, Xiaofeng; Miao, Guohou; Tang, Jieying; Fu, Xiaoling

2016-10-01

Sol-gel derived bioactive glass (BG) holds great potential in the application of skin repair. However, the specific regulation of BG on skin cells is still unclear and demands more investigation. Herein, we synthesized sol-gel derived BGs with different compositions (60S, 70S, 80S, and 90S) and found 90S BGs (90 mol % SiO2 , 6 mol % CaO, 4 mol % P2 O5 ) exhibited the best supportiveness for the proliferation of normal human foreskin fibroblasts. Thus, 90S BG particles were used as a model to systematically study the wound healing related cellular response of fibroblasts to BGs. Time-lapse imaging revealed a promoted fibroblast motility stimulated by 90S BG particles. Results on the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) related genes illustrated that 90S BG particles modulated the synthesis capacity for critical ECM molecules including type I collagen, type III collagen, fibronectin, and tenascin-C. Moreover, the myofibroblastic differentiation of fibroblasts was greatly inhibited by 90S BG particles. Further analysis on the intracellular signaling pathways demonstrated that 90S BG particles down-regulated the collagen synthesis and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation via TGF-β1-Smad2 signaling, evidenced by the decreased expression levels of TGF-β receptor I and its downstream effector Smad2. Our study provided a further understanding of the specific regulation of 90S BG particles on fibroblasts, which may guide the future design of BG based wound dressing and benefit the clinical application of BG particles in skin repair. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2420-2429, 2016. PMID:27177533

2. The implications of particle energy and acidic media on gross alpha and gross beta determination using liquid scintillation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zapata-Garcia, D. [Laboratori de Radiologia Ambiental (LRA), Departament de Quimica Analitica, Universitat de Barcelona, Marti i Franques, 1-11 Planta 3, E-08028 Barcelona (Spain); Llaurado, M., E-mail: montse.llaurado@ub.edu [Laboratori de Radiologia Ambiental (LRA), Departament de Quimica Analitica, Universitat de Barcelona, Marti i Franques, 1-11 Planta 3, E-08028 Barcelona (Spain); Rauret, G. [Laboratori de Radiologia Ambiental (LRA), Departament de Quimica Analitica, Universitat de Barcelona, Marti i Franques, 1-11 Planta 3, E-08028 Barcelona (Spain)

2012-04-15

The interaction of humans with radioactivity present in the environment from natural and artificial sources necessitates an evaluation of its risk on human health. Gross alpha and gross beta activities can provide a rapid evaluation of the radioactive content of a sample and can be simultaneously determined by using liquid scintillation counters. However, calibration of the liquid scintillation counter is required and is affected by many factors, such as particle energy and the acidity of the media. This study investigates what effect the particle energy used for calibration has on misclassification and how to account for this misclassification in routine measurements. The variability in measurement produced by the final pH, as well as any acids used in sample treatment, was also studied. These results showed that the most commonly used acid for these types of analyses, HNO{sub 3}, produced a high amount of misclassifications at very low pH. The results improved when HCl was used to adjust the sample to low pH. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We study the effect of alpha and beta energies on PSA optimisation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The optimum PSA shifts to higher values as the alpha energy increases. Beta energies do not affect it. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We study the effect of pH on the simultaneous determination of gross alpha/beta activities. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer HNO{sub 3} produces a high amount of misclassification at very low pH. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The results improve when HCl is used to adjust the sample to low pH.

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anti-Tac, a monoclonal antibody directed to the human interleukin 2 (IL-2) receptor, has been successfully conjugated to the alpha-particle-emitting radionuclide bismuth-212 by use of a bifunctional ligand, the isobutylcarboxycarbonic anhydride of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. The physical properties of 212Bi are appropriate for radioimmunotherapy in that it has a short half-life, deposits its high energy over a short distance, and can be obtained in large quantities from a radium generator. Antibody specific activities of 1-40 microCi/microgram (1 Ci = 37 GBq) were achieved. Specificity of the 212Bi-labeled anti-Tac was demonstrated for the IL-2 receptor-positive adult T-cell leukemia line HUT-102B2 by protein synthesis inhibition and clonogenic assays. Activity levels of 0.5 microCi or the equivalent of 12 rad/ml of alpha radiation targeted by anti-Tac eliminated greater than 98% the proliferative capabilities of HUT-102B2 cells with more modest effects on IL-2 receptor-negative cell lines. Specific cytotoxicity was blocked by excess unlabeled anti-Tac but not by human IgG. In addition, an irrelevant control monoclonal antibody of the same isotype labeled with 212Bi was unable to target alpha radiation to cell lines. Therefore, 212Bi-labeled anti-Tac is a potentially effective and specific immunocytotoxic reagent for the elimination of IL-2 receptor-positive cells. These experiments thus provide the scientific basis for use of alpha-particle-emitting radionuclides in immunotherapy

4. SM22{alpha}-induced activation of p16{sup INK4a}/retinoblastoma pathway promotes cellular senescence caused by a subclinical dose of {gamma}-radiation and doxorubicin in HepG2 cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, Tae Rim; Lee, Hee Min; Lee, So Yong; Kim, Eun Jin; Kim, Kug Chan [Department of Radiation Biology, Environmental Radiation Research Group, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of); Paik, Sang Gi [Department of Biology, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of); Cho, Eun Wie, E-mail: ewcho@kribb.re.kr [Daejeon-KRIBB-FHCRC Cooperation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of); Kim, In Gyu, E-mail: igkim@kaeri.re.kr [Department of Radiation Biology, Environmental Radiation Research Group, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

2010-09-10

Research highlights: {yields} SM22{alpha} overexpression in HepG2 cells leads cells to a growth arrest state, and the treatment of a subclinical dose of {gamma}-radiation or doxorubicin promotes cellular senescence. {yields} SM22{alpha} overexpression elevates p16{sup INK4a} followed by pRB activation, but there are no effects on p53/p21{sup WAF1/Cip1} pathway. {yields} SM22{alpha}-induced MT-1G activates p16{sup INK4a}/pRB pathway, which promotes cellular senescence by damaging agents. -- Abstract: Smooth muscle protein 22-alpha (SM22{alpha}) is known as a transformation- and shape change-sensitive actin cross-linking protein found in smooth muscle tissue and fibroblasts; however, its functional role remains uncertain. We reported previously that SM22{alpha} overexpression confers resistance against anti-cancer drugs or radiation via induction of metallothionein (MT) isozymes in HepG2 cells. In this study, we demonstrate that SM22{alpha} overexpression leads cells to a growth arrest state and promotes cellular senescence caused by treatment with a subclinical dose of {gamma}-radiation (0.05 and 0.1 Gy) or doxorubicin (0.01 and 0.05 {mu}g/ml), compared to control cells. Senescence growth arrest is known to be controlled by p53 phosphorylation/p21{sup WAF1/Cip1} induction or p16{sup INK4a}/retinoblastoma protein (pRB) activation. SM22{alpha} overexpression in HepG2 cells elevated p16{sup INK4a} followed by pRB activation, but did not activate the p53/p21{sup WAF1/Cip1} pathway. Moreover, MT-1G, which is induced by SM22{alpha} overexpression, was involved in the activation of the p16{sup INK4a}/pRB pathway, which led to a growth arrest state and promoted cellular senescence caused by damaging agents. Our findings provide the first demonstration that SM22{alpha} modulates cellular senescence caused by damaging agents via regulation of the p16{sup INK4a}/pRB pathway in HepG2 cells and that these effects of SM22{alpha} are partially mediated by MT-1G.

5. Final Report (1994 to 1996) Diagnostic of the Spatial and Velocity Distribution of Alpha Particles in Tokamak Fusion Reactor using Beat-wave Generated Lower Hybrid Wave

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The alpha particles in a fusion reactor play a key role in the sustaining the fusion reaction. It is the heating provided by the alpha particles that help a fusion reactor operating in the ignition regime. It is, therefore, essential to understand the behavior of the alpha population both in real space and velocity space in order to design the optimal confinement device for fusion application. Moreover, the alphas represent a strong source of free energy that may generate plasma instabilities. Theoretical studies has identified the Toroidal Alfven Eigenmode (TAE) as an instability that can be excited by the alpha population in a toroidal device. Since the alpha has an energy of 3.5 MeV, a good confinement device will retain it in the interior of the plasma. Therefore, alpha measurement system need to probe the interior of a high density plasma. Due to the conducting nature of a plasma, wave with frequencies below the plasma frequency can not penetrate into the interior of the plasma where the alphas reside. This project uses a wave that can interact with the perpendicular motion of the alphas to probe its characteristics. However, this wave (the lower hybrid wave) is below the plasma frequency and can not be directly launched from the plasma edge. This project was designed to non-linearly excite the lower hybrid in the interior of a magnetized plasma and measure its interaction with a fast ion population

6. Modelling TF ripple loss of alpha particles in TFTR DT experiments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Modelling of TF ripple loss of alphas in DT experiments on TFTR now includes neoclassical calculations of first orbit loss, stochastic ripple diffusion, ripple trapping and collisional effects. A rapid way to simulate experiment has been developed which uses a simple stochastic domain model for TF ripple loss within the TRANSP analysis code, with the ripple diffusion threshold evaluated by comparison with more accurate but computationally expensive Hamiltonian coordinate guiding center code simulations. Typical TF collisional ripple loss predictions are 6-10% loss of alphas for TFTR D-T experiments at Ip = 1.0-2.0 MA and R = 2.52 m

7. The $\\alpha-\\alpha$ fishbone potential revisited

CERN Document Server

Day, J P; Elhanafy, M; Smith, E; Woodhouse, R; Papp, Z

2011-01-01

The fishbone potential of composite particles simulates the Pauli effect by nonlocal terms. We determine the $\\alpha-\\alpha$ fishbone potential by simultaneously fitting to two-$\\alpha$ resonance energies, experimental phase shifts and three-$\\alpha$ binding energies. We found that essentially a simple gaussian can provide a good description of two-$\\alpha$ and three-$\\alpha$ experimental data without invoking three-body potentials.

8. Effects of complex symmetry-breakings on alpha particle power loads on first wall structures and equilibrium in ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Within the ITPA Topical Group on Energetic Particles, we have investigated the impact that various mechanisms breaking the tokamak axisymmetry can have on the fusion alpha particle confinement in ITER as well as on the wall power loads due to these alphas. In addition to the well-known TF ripple, the 3D effect due to ferromagnetic materials (in ferritic inserts and test blanket modules) and ELM mitigation coils are included in these mechanisms. ITER scenario 4 was chosen since, due to its lower plasma current, it is more vulnerable for various off-normal features. First, the validity of using a 2D equilibrium was investigated: a 3D equilibrium was reconstructed using the VMEC code, and it was verified that no 3D equilibrium reconstruction is needed but it is sufficient to add the vacuum field perturbations onto an axisymmetric equilibrium. Then the alpha particle confinement was studied using three independent codes, ASCOT, DELTA5D and F3D OFMC, all of which assume MHD quiescent background plasma and no anomalous diffusion. All the codes gave a loss power fraction of about 0.2%. The distribution of the peak power load was found to depend on the first wall shape. We also made the first attempt to accommodate the effect of fast-ion-related MHD on the wall loads in ITER using the HMGC and ASCOT codes. The power flux to the wall was found to increase due to the redistribution of fast ions by the MHD activity. Furthermore, the effect of the ELM mitigation field on the fast-ion confinement was addressed by simulating NBI ions with the F3D OFMC code. The loss power fraction of NBI ions was found to increase from 0.3% without the ELM mitigation field to 4-5% with the ELM mitigation field.

9. Effects of Complex Symmetry-Breakings on Alpha Particle Power Loads on First Wall Structures and Equilibrium in ITER

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shinohara, K. [Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), Naka; Kurki-Suonio, T. [Aalto University, Finland; Spong, Donald A [ORNL; Asunta, O. [Aalto University, Finland; Tani, K. [Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), Naka; Strumberger, E. [Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, Garching, Germany; Briguglio, S. [EURATOM / ENEA, Italy; Koskela, T. [Aalto University, Finland; Vlad, G. [EURATOM / ENEA, Italy; Günter, S. [Max-Planck Institute, Garching, Germany; Kramer, G. [Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL); Putvinski, S. [ITER Organization, Cadarache, France; Hamamatsu, K. [Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), Naka

2011-01-01

Within the ITPA Topical Group on Energetic Particles, we have investigated the impact that various mechanisms breaking the tokamak axisymmetry can have on the fusion alpha particle confinement in ITER as well as on the wall power loads due to these alphas. In addition to the well-known TF ripple, the 3D effect due to ferromagnetic materials (in ferritic inserts and test blanket modules) and ELM mitigation coils are included in these mechanisms. ITER scenario 4 was chosen since, due to its lower plasma current, it is more vulnerable for various off-normal features. First, the validity of using a 2D equilibrium was investigated: a 3D equilibrium was reconstructed using the VMEC code, and it was verified that no 3D equilibrium reconstruction is needed but it is sufficient to add the vacuum field perturbations onto an axisymmetric equilibrium. Then the alpha particle confinement was studied using three independent codes, ASCOT, DELTA5D and F3D OFMC, all of which assume MHD quiescent background plasma and no anomalous diffusion. All the codes gave a loss power fraction of about 0.2%. The distribution of the peak power load was found to depend on the first wall shape. We also made the first attempt to accommodate the effect of fast-ion-related MHD on the wall loads in ITER using the HMGC and ASCOT codes. The power flux to the wall was found to increase due to the redistribution of fast ions by the MHD activity. Furthermore, the effect of the ELM mitigation field on the fast-ion confinement was addressed by simulating NBI ions with the F3D OFMC code. The loss power fraction of NBI ions was found to increase from 0.3% without the ELM mitigation field to 4-5% with the ELM mitigation field.

10. Response of Ni/4H-SiC Schottky barrier diodes to alpha-particle irradiation at different fluences

Science.gov (United States)

Omotoso, E.; Meyer, W. E.; Auret, F. D.; Diale, M.; Ngoepe, P. N. M.

2016-01-01

Irradiation experiments have been carried out on 1.9×1016 cm-3 nitrogen-doped 4H-SiC at room temperature using 5.4 MeV alpha-particle irradiation over a fluence ranges from 2.6×1010 to 9.2×1011 cm-2. Current-voltage (I-V), capacitance-voltage (C-V) and deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) measurements have been carried out to study the change in characteristics of the devices and free carrier removal rate due to alpha-particle irradiation, respectively. As radiation fluence increases, the ideality factors increased from 1.20 to 1.85 but the Schottky barrier height (SBHI-V) decreased from 1.47 to 1.34 eV. Free carrier concentration, Nd decreased with increasing fluence from 1.7×1016 to 1.1×1016 cm-2 at approximately 0.70 μm depth. The reduction in Nd shows that defects were induced during the irradiation and have effect on compensating the free carrier. The free carrier removal rate was estimated to be 6480±70 cm-1. Alpha-particle irradiation introduced two electron traps (E0.39 and E0.62), with activation energies of 0.39±0.03 eV and 0.62±0.08 eV, respectively. The E0.39 as attribute related to silicon or carbon vacancy, while the E0.62 has the attribute of Z1/Z2.

11. Effect of crystalline metallic particles on the compressive behavior of a cellular amorphous metal

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Highlights: → Open-porosity foam with struts consisting of Zr-based BMG containing W particles. → Acoustic emissions used to evaluate damage evolution during compression. → Metallic-glass-matrix composite higher damage accumulation single-phase BMG foam. -- Molten Vit106 (Zr57Nb5Cu15.4Ni12.6Al10) was infiltrated into a BaF2 preform containing W particles, and quenched. Salt dissolution resulted in an open-porosity foam with struts consisting of amorphous Vit106 containing crystalline W particles. This composite foam exhibits high compressive strains (∼75%), a low plateau stress (∼30 MPa) and higher damage accumulation than prior single-phase Vit106 foams. Likely explanations are the lower porosity in the composite foam (43% vs. 76%), damage from galvanic corrosion during salt removal, and tungsten embrittlement during processing.

12. Detection of Alpha Particles and Low Energy Gamma Rays by Thermo-Bonded Micromegas in Xenon Gas

CERN Document Server

Wei, Yuehuan; Zhang, Zhiyong; Lin, Qing; Wang, Xiaolian; Ni, Kaixuan; Zhao, Tianchi

2013-01-01

Micromegas is a type of micro-pattern gaseous detector currently under R&D for applications in rare event search experiments. Here we report the performance of a Micromegas structure constructed with a micromesh thermo-bonded to a readout plane, motivated by its potential application in two-phase xenon detectors for dark matter and neutrinoless double beta decay experiments. The study is carried out in pure xenon at room temperature. Measurements with alpha particles from the Americium-241 source showed that gas gains larger than 200 can be obtained at xenon pressure up to 3 atm. Gamma rays down to 8 keV were observed with such a device.

13. Diffraction scattering of alpha particles on C, Al, Cu and Pb at 17.9 GeV/c

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

New data on the diffraction scattering of relativistic alpha particles on C, Al, Cu and Pb targets at incident momentum of 17.9 GeV/c are presented. Differential cross sections at four-momentum transfers squared |t| ranging from 0.038 (GeV/c)2 up to 0.55 (GeV/c)2 have been measured with an accuracy of 3% of the absolute normalization. These data are compared with the predictions of the Glauber-Sitenko multiple scattering theory. (author)

14. Attempt of analysis of the elastic scattering of 44 MeV alpha particles using a phase shift parameterization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In order to ease the resolution of the problem of interaction of an alpha particle with a nucleus, and determine simpler hypotheses which enable the analysis of experimental results, this research thesis reports the use of a parameterization of phase shifts to reduce ambiguities and the number of parameters. After general remarks, a description of the Hamiltonian and a formulation of phase shifts, the author presents experimental data and the analytical method. Analysis is then performed for two-, three-, four- or five-parameter formulations. Efficient cross sections are then studied

15. Protein Secondary Structures (alpha-helix and beta-sheet) at a Cellular Levle and Protein Fractions in Relation to Rumen Degradation Behaviours of Protein: A New Approach

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yu,P.

2007-01-01

Studying the secondary structure of proteins leads to an understanding of the components that make up a whole protein, and such an understanding of the structure of the whole protein is often vital to understanding its digestive behaviour and nutritive value in animals. The main protein secondary structures are the {alpha}-helix and {beta}-sheet. The percentage of these two structures in protein secondary structures influences protein nutritive value, quality and digestive behaviour. A high percentage of {beta}-sheet structure may partly cause a low access to gastrointestinal digestive enzymes, which results in a low protein value. The objectives of the present study were to use advanced synchrotron-based Fourier transform IR (S-FTIR) microspectroscopy as a new approach to reveal the molecular chemistry of the protein secondary structures of feed tissues affected by heat-processing within intact tissue at a cellular level, and to quantify protein secondary structures using multicomponent peak modelling Gaussian and Lorentzian methods, in relation to protein digestive behaviours and nutritive value in the rumen, which was determined using the Cornell Net Carbohydrate Protein System. The synchrotron-based molecular chemistry research experiment was performed at the National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National Laboratory, US Department of Energy. The results showed that, with S-FTIR microspectroscopy, the molecular chemistry, ultrastructural chemical make-up and nutritive characteristics could be revealed at a high ultraspatial resolution ({approx}10 {mu}m). S-FTIR microspectroscopy revealed that the secondary structure of protein differed between raw and roasted golden flaxseeds in terms of the percentages and ratio of {alpha}-helixes and {beta}-sheets in the mid-IR range at the cellular level. By using multicomponent peak modelling, the results show that the roasting reduced (P <0.05) the percentage of {alpha}-helixes (from 47.1% to 36.1%: S

16. Very High Efficiency, Miniaturized, Long-Lived Alpha Particle Power Source Using Diamond Devices for Extreme Space Environments

Science.gov (United States)

Kolawa, Elizabeth A. (Inventor); Patel, Jagdishbhai U. (Inventor); Fleurial, Jean-Pierre (Inventor)

2004-01-01

A power source that converts a-particle energy into electricity by coulomb collision in doped diamond films is described. Alpha particle decay from curium-244 creates electron-hole pairs by free- ing electrons and holes inside the crystal lattice in N- and P-doped diamond films. Ohmic contacts provide electrical connection to an electronic device. Due to the built-in electric field at the rectifying junction across the hT- and P-doped diamond films, the free electrons are constrained to traveling in generally one direction. This one direction then supplies electrons in a manner similar to that of a battery. The radioactive curium layer may be disposed on diamond films for even distribution of a-particle radiation. The resulting power source may be mounted on a diamond substrate that serves to insulate structures below the diamond substrate from a-particle emission. Additional insulation or isolation may be provided in order to prevent damage from a-particle collision. N-doped silicon may be used instead of N-doped diamond.

17. A Comparitive Assessement of Cytokine Expression in Human-Derived Cell Lines Exposed to Alpha Particles and X-Rays

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vinita Chauhan

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Alpha- (α- particle radiation exposure has been linked to the development of lung cancer and has been identified as a radiation type likely to be employed in radiological dispersal devices. Currently, there exists a knowledge gap concerning cytokine modulations associated with exposure to α-particles. Bio-plex technology was employed to investigate changes in proinflammatory cytokines in two human-derived cell lines. Cells were irradiated at a dose of 1.5 Gy to either α-particles or X-rays at equivalent dose rates. The two cell lines exhibited a unique pattern of cytokine expression and the response varied with radiation type. Of the 27 cytokines assessed, only vascular endothelin growth factor (VEGF was observed to be modulated in both cell lines solely after α-particle exposure, and the expression of VEGF was shown to be dose responsive. These results suggest that certain proinflammatory cytokines may be involved in the biological effects related to α- particle exposure and the responses are cell type and radiation type specific.

18. Backangle anomaly in scattering of {alpha} -particles from {sup 28} Si at low energies[25.55.Ci; 25.70.Ef; Nuclear reactions 28 Si( {alpha},{alpha})28 Si; E{alpha}=3.0 -7.8 MeV; Measured {sigma}(E{alpha},{theta}); {theta}lab=30 deg. -175 deg.; Deduced Regge-pole parameters; Natural target

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Coban, A.; Khiari, F.Z.; Abdelmonem, M.S.; Aksoy, A.; Naqvi, A.A

2000-09-25

In order to resolve the differences in the literature on the existence of quasi-molecular states in the {alpha} -{sup 28} Si system, excitation functions were measured for the scattering of {alpha} -particles from {sup 28} Si in the incident energy range E{sub lab}=3 -7.8 MeV. An angular distribution measurement was carried out in the angular range {theta}{sub lab}=30 deg. -174.5 deg. for every potential resonance observed in the excitation functions. Data was analysed using a Regge-pole formalism by coherently adding specific resonances to an underlying diffraction term calculated by a strong absorption model. Furthermore, the usual compound elastic contribution was incoherently added to the direct interaction part of the cross section. The 6.8 MeV resonance was confirmed with J=3 and some evidence was observed for a J=1 resonance around 6.0 MeV.

19. Vaccination with dengue virus-like particles induces humoral and cellular immune responses in mice

OpenAIRE

Zhang Quanfu; Zhang Fushun; Zhang Li; Jin Cong; Wang Xiaofang; Miao Fang; Li Chuan; Gu Wen; Liang Mifang; Zhang Shuo; Jiang Lifang; Li Mengfeng; Li Dexin

2011-01-01

Abstract Background The incidence of dengue, an infectious disease caused by dengue virus (DENV), has dramatically increased around the world in recent decades and is becoming a severe public health threat. However, there is currently no specific treatment for dengue fever, and licensed vaccine against dengue is not available. Vaccination with virus-like particles (VLPs) has shown considerable promise for many viral diseases, but the effect of DENV VLPs to induce specific immune responses has...

20. Investigation of double strand breaks induced by alpha particle irradiation using C.N.B.G. microbeam in human keratinocytes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

To understand the mechanisms of interaction of ionizing radiation with living tissues exposed to low and protracted doses remains a major issue for risk evaluation. The response cannot be found in epidemiological studies because the only available data concern accidental exposures to high doses of radiation. The natural exposure represents the main source of exposure in the daily life, just before the medical sources (radiology, radiotherapy). In addition, this kind of exposure is very difficult to reproduce in vitro by irradiating cell lines. The method per preference is based on random irradiation of cell populations. The mean number of particles having traversed cells is then calculated on the basis of Poisson statistics. In addition to inevitable multiple impacts, the numerous potential intracellular targets (nuclei, cytoplasm), the indirect effects induced by the impact of particles on neighbouring cells or simply the extracellular targets, constitute phenomena that make more complex the interpretation of experimental data. A charged particle microbeam was developed at C.E.N.B.G. to perform the targeted irradiation of individual cells with a targeting precision of a few microns. It is possible to deliver a counted number of alpha particles down to the ultimate dose of one alpha per cell, to target predetermined cells and then to observe the response of the neighbouring cells. This facility has been validated during this work on human keratinocyte cells expressing a recombinant nuclear fluorescent protein (histone H2B-GFP). The combination of ion micro-beams with confocal microscopy and numeric quantitative analysis allowed the measurement of DNA double strand breaks via the phosphorylation of the histone H2A.X in individual cells. The mechanisms of DNA reparation and apoptosis induction were also in the scope of those studies. The experimental results obtained during this thesis validate the methodology we have developed by demonstrating the targeting

1. Comprehensive evaluation of the linear stability of Alfv\\'en eigenmodes driven by alpha particles in an ITER baseline scenario

CERN Document Server

Figueiredo, A C A; Borba, D; Coelho, R; Fazendeiro, L; Ferreira, J; Loureiro, N F; Nabais, F; Pinches, S D; Polevoi, A R; Sharapov, S E

2016-01-01

The linear stability of Alfv\\'en eigenmodes in the presence of fusion-born alpha particles is thoroughly assessed for two variants of an ITER baseline scenario, which differ significantly in their core and pedestal temperatures. A systematic approach is used that considers all possible eigenmodes for a given magnetic equilibrium and determines their growth rates due to alpha-particle drive and Landau damping on fuel ions, helium ashes and electrons. This extensive stability study is efficiently conducted through the use of a specialized workflow that profits from the performance of the hybrid MHD drift-kinetic code $\\mbox{CASTOR-K}$ (Borba D. and Kerner W. 1999 J. Comput. Phys. ${\\bf 153}$ 101; Nabais F. ${\\it et\\,al}$ 2015 Plasma Sci. Technol. ${\\bf 17}$ 89), which can rapidly evaluate the linear growth rate of an eigenmode. It is found that the fastest growing instabilities in the aforementioned ITER scenario are core-localized, low-shear toroidal Alfv\\'en eigenmodes. The largest growth-rates occur in the s...

2. Nitric oxide mediated DNA double strand breaks induced in proliferating bystander cells after {alpha}-particle irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Han Wei [Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong (Hong Kong); Chen Shaopeng [Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong (Hong Kong); Key Laboratory of Ion Beam Bioengineering, Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031 (China); Yu, K.N., E-mail: peter.yu@cityu.edu.hk [Department of Physics and Materials Science, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong (Hong Kong); Wu Lijun [Key Laboratory of Ion Beam Bioengineering, Institute of Plasma Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031 (China)

2010-02-03

Low-dose {alpha}-particle exposures comprise 55% of the environmental dose to the human population and have been shown to induce bystander responses. Previous studies showed that bystander effect could induce stimulated cell growth or genotoxicity, such as excessive DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), micronuclei (MN), mutation and decreased cell viability, in the bystander cell population. In the present study, the stimulated cell growth, detected with flow cytometry (FCM), and the increased MN and DSB, detected with p53 binding protein 1 (53BP1) immunofluorescence, were observed simultaneously in the bystander cell population, which were co-cultured with cells irradiated by low-dose {alpha}-particles (1-10 cGy) in a mixed system. Further studies indicated that nitric oxide (NO) and transforming growth factor {beta}1 (TGF-{beta}1) played very important roles in mediating cell proliferation and inducing MN and DSB in the bystander population through treatments with NO scavenger and TGF-{beta}1 antibody. Low-concentrations of NO, generated by spermidine, were proved to induce cell proliferation, DSB and MN simultaneously. The proliferation or shortened cell cycle in bystander cells gave them insufficient time to repair DSBs. The increased cell division might increase the probability of carcinogenesis in bystander cells since cell proliferation increased the probability of mutation from the mis-repaired or un-repaired DSBs.

3. The induction of bystander mutagenic effects in vivo by alpha-particle irradiation in whole Arabidopsis thaliana plants.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Fanghua; Liu, Ping; Wang, Ting; Bian, Po; Wu, Yuejin; Wu, Lijun; Yu, Zengliang

2010-08-01

Our previous studies demonstrated distant/abscopal bystander effects in A. thaliana seeds and embryos; the postembryonic development of bystander tissues, such as root hair differentiation, primary root elongation, lateral root initiation and survival, were inhibited significantly by localized irradiation with microbeam protons and low-energy ions. In the present study, we further investigated radiation-induced bystander mutagenic effects in vivo in A. thaliana plants using homologous recombination (HR) and the expression level of the HR-related AtRAD54 gene as mutagenic end points. We found that alpha-particle irradiation of distal primary roots of young seedlings resulted in a significant increase in the frequency of HR in the aerial plants; the increased induction of HR occurred in every true leaf over the course of rosette development. Moreover, we also found that localized alpha-particle irradiation of roots induced a short-term up-regulated expression of the HR-related AtRAD54 gene in the nonirradiated aerial plants. These results suggested the existence of bystander mutagenic effects in vivo in plants. Treatment with the ROS scavenger DMSO dramatically reduced the effects of localized root irradiation on the induction of HR and expression of the AtRAD54 gene in bystander tissues, suggesting that ROS play a critical role in mediating the bystander mutagenic effects in plants. PMID:20681789

4. The alpha-particle irradiator set up at the ISS for radiobiological studies on targeted and non-targeted effects

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In this paper we describe the alpha-particle irradiator that has been set up at the Istituto Superiore di Sanita (ISS) for controlled exposure of cultured mammalian cells. It can be equipped with two different sources, namely 2'4'4'Cm and 2'4'1'Am, allowing irradiation at different dose-rates (typically 1-100 mGy/min). The irradiator has dimensions small enough to be inserted into a standard cell culture incubator to perform irradiation of cultured cells in physiological conditions. The dose uniformity is such that the variations in the irradiation area are less than ± 12% of the average dose value on different irradiation areas up to ∼ 25 cm'2. Moreover, in the framework of the FP6 Euratom Integrated Project Non-targeted effects of ionizing radiation (NOTE), Petri dishes were realized for housing permeable membrane insert(s) to be used in co-culture experiments. Aluminium shields were also realized for half shield irradiation experiments. The alpha-particle irradiator of the ISS has been successfully used for studying DNA damage, namely double strand breaks (DSB, as measured by the γ-H2AX assay), in directly hit and in bystander primary human fibroblasts

5. Alpha particle interactions with nuclei at 12 A GeV/c

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pseudo-rapidity density distributions of shower particles from 12 A GeV/c α-emulsion interactions are presented. As compaerd to extrapolations from p-nucleus data, the central α+(Ag,Br) interactions exhibit an excess of particles in the mid pseudo-rapidity region. The correlation between and -1 are understood within a wounded nucleon model. (Author)

6. Alpha-particle effects on high-n instabilities in tokamaks

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hot α-particles and thermalized helium ash particles in tokamaks can have significant effects on high toroidal mode number instabilities such as the trapped-electron drift mode and the kinetically calculated magnetohydrodynamic ballooning mode. In particular, the effects can be stabilizing, destabilizing, or negligible, depending on the parameters involved. In high-temperature tokamaks capable of producing significant numbers of hot α-particles, the predominant interaction of the mode with the α-particles is through resonances of various sorts. In turn, the modes can cause significant anomalous transport of the α-particles and the helium ash. Here, results of comprehensive linear eigenfrequency-eigenfunction calculations are presented for relevant realistic cases to show these effects. 24 refs., 12 figs., 6 tabs

7. 3D Effect of Ferromagnetic Materials on Alpha Particle Power Loads on First Wall Structures and Equilibrium on ITER

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Full text: The finite number and limited toroidal extent of the TF coils cause a periodic variation of the toroidal field called the magnetic ripple. This ripple can provide a significant channel for fast particle leakage, leading to very localized fast particle loads on the walls. Ferromagnetic inserts will be embedded in the double wall structure of the vacuum vessel in order to reduce the ripple. In ITER the toroidal field deviations are locally further enhanced by the presence of discrete ferromagnetic structures, e.g. TBM. Thus, there are complex symmetry-breaking effects. It is not yet fully understood how superimposing the periodic ripple and a local perturbation affect the fast ion confinement and concerns have been voiced that the combined effect might lead to significant channelling of the alpha power. In this work, the wall power loads due to fusion-born alpha particles were restudied for a variety of cases addressing issues such as different wall configurations, proper inclusion of the TBM effect on the magnetic background, and the possible corrections to 3D equilibrium introduced by the ferromagnetic materials using the 3D equilibrium code, VMEC, since 3D corrections to the equilibrium might enhance the alpha particle loss. To properly include the TBM effect on the magnetic background, the FEMAG code was used, and the effect was calculated on the total field including the poloidal field by the plasma current as well as the vacuum field. In the VMEC analysis, it was found that the difference between a full 3D equilibrium reconstruction and 'an axisymmetric equilibrium + vacuum fields' was small. Thus, it was concluded that no 3D equilibrium reconstruction was needed and that it was sufficient to add the vacuum field perturbations onto an axisymmetric equilibrium. Under the new boundary condition, the wall load calculation was carried out by using ASCOT, DELTA5D, and F3D OFMC code. Including the plasma current contribution in the magnetic field

8. Cellular and molecular analysis of mutagenesis induced by charged particles of defined linear energy transfer

Science.gov (United States)

Zhu, L. X.; Waldren, C. A.; Vannias, D.; Hei, T. K.; Chatterjee, A. (Principal Investigator)

1996-01-01

Mutation induction by charged particles of defined linear energy transfer (LET) and gamma rays was scored using human-hamster hybrid AL cells. The LET values for charged particles accelerated at the Radiological Research Accelerator Facility ranged from 10 keV/microm protons to 150 keV/microm 4He ions. The induced mutant fractions at both the S1 and HGPRT loci were dependent on the dose and LET. In addition, for each dose examined, the mutant yield at the S1 locus was 30-60 fold higher than at the corresponding HGPRT locus. To determine whether the mutation spectrum was comparably dependent on dose and LET, independent S1- and HGPRT- mutants induced by 150 keV/microm 4He ions and gamma rays were isolated, and their DNA was analyzed by both Southern blotting and multiplex PCR methods. While the majority of radiation-induced mutants showed deletions of varying sizes, the relative percentage of large deletions was found to be related to both the dose and LET of the radiation examined. Using a mutation system that can detect multilocus changes, results of the present study show that radiation-induced chromosomal loss can be in the millions of base pairs.

9. The severity of alpha-particle-induced DNA damage is revealed by exposure to cell-free extracts

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The rejoining of single-strand breaks induced by α-particle and γ irradiation in plasmid DNA under two scavenging conditions has been compared. At the two scavenger conditions has been compared. At the two scavenger capacities used of 1.5 x 107 and 3 x 108s-1 using Tris-HCl as the scavenger, the ratio of single- to double-strand breaks for α particles is fivefold less than the corresponding ratios for γ irradiation. The repair of such radiation-induced single-strand breaks has been examined using a cell-free system derived from human whole-cell extracts. We show that the rejoining of single-strand breaks for both α-particle- and γ-irradiated plasmid is dependent upon the scavenging capacity and that the efficiency of rejoining of α-particle-induced single-strand breaks is significantly less than that observed for γ-ray-induced breaks. In addition, for DNA that had been irradiated under conditions that mimic the cellular environment with respect to the radical scavenging capacity, 50 of α-particle-induced single-strand breaks are converted to double-strand breaks, in contrast with only ∼12% conversion of γ-ray-induced single-strand breaks, indicating that the initial damage caused by α particles is more severe. These studies provide experimental evidence for increased clustering of damage which may have important implications for the induction of cancer by low-level α-particle sources such as domestic radon. 37 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab

10. Linear programming embedded particle swarm optimization for solving an extended model of dynamic virtual cellular manufacturing systems

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

2009-04-01

Full Text Available The concept of virtual cellular manufacturing system (VCMS is finding acceptance among researchers as an extension to grouptechnology. In fact, in order to realize benefits of cellular manufacturing system in the functional layout, the VCMS createsprovisional groups of resources (machines, parts and workers in the production planning and control system. This paperdevelops a mathematical model to design the VCMS under a dynamic environment with a more integrated approach whereproduction planning, system reconfiguration and workforce requirements decisions are incorporated. The advantages of theproposed model are as follows: considering the operations sequence, alternative process plans for part types, machine timecapacity,worker time‐capacity, cross‐training, lot splitting, maximal cell size, balanced workload for cells and workers. Anefficient linear programming embedded particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to solve the proposed model. Thealgorithm searches over the 0‐1 integer variables and for each 0‐1 integer solution visited; corresponding values of integervariables are determined by solving a linear programming sub‐problem using the simplex algorithm. Numerical examples showthat the proposed method is efficient and effective in searching for near optimal solutions.

11. Simulated ablation of carbon wall by alpha particles for a laser fusion reactor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thermal reactions of materials heated by charged particles may lead to serious damage in a laser fusion reactor. When charged particles irradiate and heat the wall material with high intensity like at above 109 W/cm2, the material can be ablated. Once the wall is ablated, expanding gas or plasma can disturb the propagation of laser light irradiating the fuel target if it stagnates long enough for next laser shot. In order to understand the ablation dynamics in detail, we have performed 1-D hydro simulation to evaluate this ablation. As a new feature, we introduce the calculation of energy deposition by charged particles focusing on the interaction between ablated material and charged particles

12. Parvovirus particles and movement in the cellular cytoplasm and effects of the cytoskeleton

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cell infection by parvoviruses requires that capsids be delivered from outside the cell to the cytoplasm, followed by genome trafficking to the nucleus. Here we microinject capsids into cells that lack receptors and followed their movements within the cell over time. In general the capsids remained close to the positions where they were injected, and most particles did not move to the vicinity of or enter the nucleus. When 70 kDa-dextran was injected along with the capsids that did not enter the nucleus in significant amounts. Capsids conjugated to peptides containing the SV40 large T-antigen nuclear localization signal remained in the cytoplasm, although bovine serum albumen conjugated to the same peptide entered the nucleus rapidly. No effects of disruption of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, or microtubules on the distribution of the capsids were observed. These results suggest that movement of intact capsids within cells is primarily associated with passive processes

13. Parvovirus particles and movement in the cellular cytoplasm and effects of the cytoskeleton

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lyi, Sangbom Michael; Tan, Min Jie Alvin, E-mail: tanmja@gis.a-star.edu.sg; Parrish, Colin R., E-mail: crp3@cornell.edu

2014-05-15

Cell infection by parvoviruses requires that capsids be delivered from outside the cell to the cytoplasm, followed by genome trafficking to the nucleus. Here we microinject capsids into cells that lack receptors and followed their movements within the cell over time. In general the capsids remained close to the positions where they were injected, and most particles did not move to the vicinity of or enter the nucleus. When 70 kDa-dextran was injected along with the capsids that did not enter the nucleus in significant amounts. Capsids conjugated to peptides containing the SV40 large T-antigen nuclear localization signal remained in the cytoplasm, although bovine serum albumen conjugated to the same peptide entered the nucleus rapidly. No effects of disruption of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, or microtubules on the distribution of the capsids were observed. These results suggest that movement of intact capsids within cells is primarily associated with passive processes.

14. Energy resolution for alpha particles in liquid argon doped with allene

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The charge response of liquid argon doped with small quantities of allene (C3H4) to α-particles has been studied. The addition of allene increased the amount of collected charge through photoionization and greatly improved the energy resolution of the incident α-particles. The noise subtracted resolution was 1.4% FWHM at the best with 4 ppm allene doped liquid argon. (orig.)

15. Recombinant norovirus-specific scFv inhibit virus-like particle binding to cellular ligands

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hardy Michele E

2008-01-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Noroviruses cause epidemic outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness in all age-groups. The rapid onset and ease of person-to-person transmission suggest that inhibitors of the initial steps of virus binding to susceptible cells have value in limiting spread and outbreak persistence. We previously generated a monoclonal antibody (mAb 54.6 that blocks binding of recombinant norovirus-like particles (VLP to Caco-2 intestinal cells and inhibits VLP-mediated hemagglutination. In this study, we engineered the antigen binding domains of mAb 54.6 into a single chain variable fragment (scFv and tested whether these scFv could function as cell binding inhibitors, similar to the parent mAb. Results The scFv54.6 construct was engineered to encode the light (VL and heavy (VH variable domains of mAb 54.6 separated by a flexible peptide linker, and this recombinant protein was expressed in Pichia pastoris. Purified scFv54.6 recognized native VLPs by immunoblot, inhibited VLP-mediated hemagglutination, and blocked VLP binding to H carbohydrate antigen expressed on the surface of a CHO cell line stably transfected to express α 1,2-fucosyltransferase. Conclusion scFv54.6 retained the functional properties of the parent mAb with respect to inhibiting norovirus particle interactions with cells. With further engineering into a form deliverable to the gut mucosa, norovirus neutralizing antibodies represent a prophylactic strategy that would be valuable in outbreak settings.

16. Cross-sections for Balmer-alpha excitation in heavy-particle collisions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Doppler shifted and unshifted Balmer-alpha radiation has been observed in the absolute sense for energetic H+, H2+ and H3+ ions incident on molecular hydrogen by the method of decay inside the target within the energy range of 20 keV to 150 keV. Most of the measurements were based on single-collision conditions, but a simple thick-target experiment has been tried for the case of dissociative excitation of the target molecules by H atoms

17. Magnetic dynamics of small alpha-Fe2O3 and NiO particles

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lefmann, K.; Bødker, Franz; Hansen, Mikkel Fougt; Vazquez, H.; Christensen, N.B.; Clausen, K.N.; Mørup, Steen

We have studied the magnetic dynamics in nanocrystalline samples of alpha-Fe2O3 (hematite) and NiO by inelastic neutron scattering. By measuring around the structural and the antiferromagnetic reflections, we have probed uniform and staggered magnetic oscillations, respectively. In the hematite...... sign of superparamagnetic relaxation. Studies of the antiferromagnetic signal from NiO also show evidence of collective magnetic excitations, but with a higher energy of the precession state than for hematite. The inelastic signal at the structural reflection of NiO presents evidence for uniform...

18. Experimental validation of an analytical method to obtain the response function of an alpha particle spectrometer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In a previous paper, one of the authors suggested an analytical method for calculation of the response function of an alpha spectrometer for the case of large solid angles. This paper describes the experimental verification of the method. Spectra of a well-known natural uranium sample were measured with a 450 mm2 Si detector and compared to the theoretical predictions. The measurements were carried out with two different geometrical configurations. In both cases a good agreement was observed between experimental and theoretical results

19. Studies of UV-cured CR-39 recording properties in view of its applicability in radiobiological experiments with alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In radiobiology, low doses of high-LET radiation correspond to a few particle traversals through the cell population. Therefore, for studies on cell monolayers irradiated with a low dose of α-particles, it is extremely useful if the number and position of particle traversals can be determined. In this study we describe a new method, based on UV-curing, to obtain a 10μm thick CR-39 grafted onto a 2.5μm thick PolyEthylene Terephtalate (PET). This thin double polymeric layer, used as a dish base, has a regular and reproducible detector thickness which can be traversed by 3.5MeV α-particles, with a sufficient residual energy to traverse mammalian cells attached to the base. The recording properties of a PET-CR-39 dish, together with a demonstration of its use for radiobiological experiments, are presented. This new tool allows the precise determination of single-track impact parameters at a sub-cellular level.

20. Evidence of DNA double strand breaks formation in Escherichia coli bacteria exposed to alpha particles of different LET assessed by the SOS response

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ionizing radiation produces a plethora of lesion upon DNA which sometimes is generated among a relatively small region due to clustered energy deposition events, the so called locally multiply damaged sites that could change to DSB. Such clustered damages are more likely to occur in high LET radiation exposures. The effect of alpha particles of different LET was evaluated on the bacterium Escherichia coli either by survival properties or the SOS response activity. Alpha radiation and LET distribution was controlled by means of Nuclear Track Detectors. The results suggest that alpha particles produce two types of lesion: lethal lesions and SOS inducing-mutagenic, a proportion that varies depending on the LET values. The SOS response as a sensitive parameter to assess RBE is mentioned. - Highlights: ► High LET radiation produce locally multiple damaged sites upon DNA. ► Bacteria were exposed to alpha particles of different LET. ► Results suggest that alpha particles produce lethal and SOS inducing/mutagenic. ► The proportion of such lesions varies depending on the LET values.

1. Present status of alpha-particle condensate states in self-conjugate 4n nuclei

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Low density states near the 3α and 4α breakup threshold in 12C and 16O, respectively, are discussed in terms of the α-particle condensation. Calculations are performed in OCM (Orthogonality Condition Model) and THSR (Tohsaki-Horiuchi-Schuck-Roepke) approaches. The 02+ state in 12C and the 06+ state in 16C are shown to have dilute density structures and give strong enhancement of the occupation of the S-state c.o.m. orbital of the α-particles. The 06+ state in 16C has a large component of α + 12C(02+) configuration, which is another reliable evidence of the state to be of 4α condensate nature. The possibility of the existence of α-particle condensed states in heavier nα nuclei is also discussed. (author)

2. Influence of second phase particles on the deformation of. alpha. -Fe at cryogenic temperatures

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yue, S.; Bratina, W.J. (Univ. of Toronto (Canada))

The deformation of fine grained polygonal ferrite (HSLA) steels was shown to be sensitive to variations in second phase particle characteristics. In particular a steel which contained a dispersion of fine niobium carbonitrides exhibited virtually no elongation to fracture at 77K, whereas a steel containing both fine niobium carbonitrides and coarser Fe{sub 3}C type particles exhibited considerable Luders strain and strain to fracture at 77K. It was observed that for the first steel, necking coincided with the nucleation of a Luders band whereas in the second steel, the nucleated Luders band propagated along the entire gauge length even at 77K. Luders band propagation and the delay of the onset of necking are connected by work hardening which, in turn, is governed by microstructural parameters such as grain size and second phase particles and it is these that result in this contrasting deformation behavior at 77K.

3. Measurements of nuclear $\\gamma$-ray line emission in interactions of protons and $\\alpha$ particles with N, O, Ne and Si

OpenAIRE

Benhabiles-Mezhoud, H.; Kiener, J.; Thibaud, J. -P.; Tatischeff, V.; Deloncle, I.; Coc, A.; Duprat, J.; Hamadache, C.; Lefebvre-Schuhl, A.; Dalouzy, J. -C.; de Grancey, F.; Oliveira, F.; Dayras, F.; De Séréville, N.; Pellegriti, M. -G.

2010-01-01

$\\gamma$-ray production cross sections have been measured in proton irradiations of N, Ne and Si and $\\alpha$-particle irradiations of N and Ne. In the same experiment we extracted also line shapes for strong $\\gamma$-ray lines of $^{16}$O produced in proton and $\\alpha$-particle irradiations of O. For the measurements gas targets were used for N, O and Ne and a thick foil was used for Si. All targets were of natural isotopic composition. Beams in the energy range up to 26 MeV for protons and...

4. Radiation damage effects from alpha particle and influence of thermal annealing to defects at room temperature in silicon multiplication avalanche photo diode (MAPD)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The increasing interest of new generation accelerators demand to produce detectors based on semiconductors which have radiation hardness. The getting progress in detectors based on semiconductor do not allow to say that the problem was solved. Thus producing radiation hardness detectors became problem for today. In the last several years the advanced progress in area MAPD allows to use this type diode in high energy physics as multiplier tube and detectors so investigation of radiation hardness of MAPD is very important. Influence of high energy protons, neutron and positron to MAPD were investigated. Influence of alpha particle is not investigated yet so this paper dedicated to investigate influence of alpha particle to MAPD.

5. Results of solid state nuclear track detector technique application in radon detection, by alpha particles tracks, for uranium prospecting in Caetite (BA-Brazil)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The solid state nuclear track detector technique has been used in radon detection, by alpha particles tracks for uranium prospecting on the ground in Caetite city (Bahia-Brazil). The sensitive film to alpha particles used were CA 8015 exposed during 15 days and the results of three anomalies of this region are showed in a form of maps, made with the density of tracks obtained, and were compared with scintillation counter measurements. The technique showed to be simple and an effective auxiliary for the prospection of uranium ore bodies. The initial uranium exploration costs can be reduced by using this technique. (author)

6. Alpha particle slowing-down characteristics and the effect on MHD instability excitation at high-density operation points in FFHRs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alpha-particle slowing-down behaviors at low-temperature, high-density operation points in force-free helical reactors (FFHRs) are examined on the basis of a Fokker-Planck (FP) simulation that simultaneously consider the balance among generation, slowing down, and loss from the plasma in parallel with the density dependence of the Alfvén speed. An accurate treatment of the boundary velocity region between thermal and non-thermal components is shown to be important in evaluating the alpha particle population that can induce instability. In a typical high-density, low-temperature operation point in an FFHR, this population is reduced. (author)

7. Alpha particle effects in burning tokamak plasmas: overview and specific examples

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Using the total power balance of an ignited tokamak plasma as a guideline, a range of alpha driven effects is surveyed regarding their impact on achieving and maintaining fusion burn. Specific examples of MHD and kinetic modes and multi species transport dynamics are discussed, including the possible interaction of these categories of effects. This power balance approach rather than a straightforward enumeration of possible effects serves to reveal their non-linear dependence and the ensuing fragility of our understanding of the approach to and maintenance of ignition. Specific examples are given of the interaction between α-power driven sawtoothing and ideal MHD stability, and direct α-effects on MHD modes including kinetic corrections. Anomalous ion heat transport and central impurity peaking mechanisms and anomalous and collisional α-transport including the ambipolar electric field are discussed

8. Use of the Kalman filter in signal processing to reduce beam requirements for alpha-particle diagnostics

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Several techniques proposed for diagnosing the velocity distribution of fast alpha-particles in a burning plasma require the injection of a beam of fast neutral atoms as probes. The author discusses how improving signal detection techniques is a high leverage factor in reducing the cost of the diagnostic beam. Optimal estimation theory provides a computational algorithm, the Kalman filter, that can optimally estimate the amplitude of a signal with arbitrary (but known) time dependence in the presence of noise. In one example presented, based on a square-wave signal and assumed noise levels, the Kalman filter achieves an enhancement of signal detection efficiency of about a factor of 10 (as compared with the straightforward observation of the signal superimposed on noise) with an observation time of 100 signal periods

9. Hit rates and radiation doses to nuclei of bone lining cells from alpha-particle-emitting radionuclides

Science.gov (United States)

Polig, E.; Jee, W. S.; Kruglikov, I. L.

1992-01-01

Factors relating the local concentration of a bone-seeking alpha-particle emitter to the mean hit rate have been determined for nuclei of bone lining cells using a Monte Carlo procedure. Cell nuclei were approximated by oblate spheroids with dimensions and location taken from a previous histomorphometric study. The Monte Carlo simulation is applicable for planar and diffuse labels at plane or cylindrical bone surfaces. Additionally, the mean nuclear dose per hit, the dose mean per hit, the mean track segment length and its second moment, the percentage of stoppers, and the frequency distribution of the dose have been determined. Some basic features of the hit statistics for bone lining cells have been outlined, and the consequences of existing standards of radiation protection with regard to the hit frequency to cell nuclei are discussed.

10. Alpha-particle spectrometry of large-area samples using an open-flow pulse ionisation chamber

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ionization chambers are established and well known detectors of ionizing radiation. Current-mode chambers are in frequent use in such fields as dosimetry, environmental surveillance and radiation protection, while pulse-mode, Frisch-grid, chambers used to be used for spectrometry and have largely been replaced by scintillation and semiconducting-diode detectors. Dealing specifically with low-level alpha-particle spectrometry, the surface-barrier or ion-implanted semiconducting detectors are the standard choice, but in some applications where radiochemical treatment and production of small electroplated samples are impossible or inconvenient, pulse-ionization chambers are still in use. For breath and air-radon samples scintillation cells dominate, but pulse ionization chambers are utilized as high-standard laboratory instruments. For continuous measurements of radon concentration in air, a multiwire-electrode ionization chamber has been described. A commercial radon-in-air system, based on a pulse ionization chamber is described. (author)

11. Development of diamond thin film-based alpha particle detectors for online assay of plutonium content in corrosive liquid medium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

In the present work, diamond thin films were prepared using microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) method and characterized using XRD, OES, SEM, Raman spectroscopy and I-V techniques. These films were subjected to annealing and chemical cleaning for further improving the film quality. Surface metallization was obtained by gold deposition using PVD. These films were configured in semiconductor-insulator-metal heterostructure and mounted in SS shells. Gold coated growth surface (detector's active area) was sealed by chemical resistant sealing. Suitable bias was applied between the front and back electrical contacts to enable charge collection generated upon alpha particle interaction with diamond. The photograph of developed detector in the lab is shown

12. Poloidal drift enhancement for improved collisionless alpha particle confinement in stellarator configurations in the quasi-isodynamic category

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Poloidal closure of contours of the second adiabatic invariant has been reported to be an essential issue in the realization of good collisionless alpha particle confinement in stellarator configurations in the quasi-isodynamic category. This common feature is examined from a different aspect, that of the poloidal drift enhancement. This is realized by radial variation of the uniform magnetic field component with a diamagnetic effect for finite beta equilibria in the W7-X stellarator, which gives poloidal drift enhancement everywhere on a flux surface. On the other hand, the additional helicity introduced to the vacuum field in the quasi-isodynamic configuration can also enhance poloidal drift. The different methods for poloidal drift enhancement are clarified systematically on the basis of the magnetic field spectrum and the magnetic topography. (author)

13. Development of a strongly focusing high-intensity He(+) ion source for a confined alpha particle measurement at ITER.

Science.gov (United States)

Kisaki, M; Shinto, K; Kobuchi, T; Okamoto, A; Kitajima, S; Sasao, M; Tsumori, K; Nishiura, M; Kaneko, O; Matsuda, Y; Wada, M; Sakakita, H; Kiyama, S; Hirano, Y

2008-02-01

A strongly focusing high-intensity He(+) ion source has been designed and constructed as a beam source for a high-energy He(0) beam probe system for diagnosis of fusion produced alpha particles in the thermonuclear fusion plasmas. The He(+) beam was extracted from the ion source at an acceleration voltage of 18-35 kV. Temperature distributions of the beam target were observed with an IR camera. The 1/e-holding beam profile half-width was about 15 mm at optimum perveance (Perv) of 0.03 (I(beam)=2.4 A). A beam current about 3 A was achieved at an acceleration voltage of 26.7 kV with an arc power of 10 kW (Perv=0.023). PMID:18315239

14. Optimizing the Delivery of Short-Lived Alpha Particle-Emitting Isotopes to Solid Tumors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The underlying hypothesis of this project was that optimal alpha emitter-based radioimmunotherapy (RAIT) could be achieved by pairing the physical half-life of the radioisotope to the biological half-life of the targeting vehicle. The project had two specific aims. The first aim was to create and optimize the therapeutic efficacy of 211At-SAPS-C6.5 diabody conjugates. The second aim was to develop bispecific-targeting strategies that increase the specificity and efficacy of alpha-emitter-based RAIT. In the performance of the first aim, we created 211At-SAPS-C6.5 diabody conjugates that specifically targeted the HER2 tumor associated antigen. In evaluating these immunoconjugates we determined that they were capable of efficient tumor targeting and therapeutic efficacy of established human tumor xenografts growing in immunodeficient mice. We also determined that therapeutic doses were associated with late renal toxicity, likely due to the role of the kidneys in the systemic elimination o f these agents. We are currently performing more studies focused on better understanding the observed toxicity. In the second aim, we successfully generated bispecific single-chain Fv (bs-scFv) molecules that co-targeted HER2 and HER3 or HER2 and HER4. The in vitro kinetics and in vivo tumor-targeting properties of these molecules were evaluated. These studies revealed that the bs-scFv molecules selectively localized in vitro on tumor cells that expressed both antigens and were capable of effective tumor localization in in vivo studies

15. Optimizing the Delivery of Short-Lived Alpha Particle-Emitting Isotopes to Solid Tumors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

2004-11-24

The underlying hypothesis of this project was that optimal alpha emitter-based radioimmunotherapy (RAIT) could be achieved by pairing the physical half-life of the radioisotope to the biological half-life of the targeting vehicle. The project had two specific aims. The first aim was to create and optimize the therapeutic efficacy of 211At-SAPS-C6.5 diabody conjugates. The second aim was to develop bispecific-targeting strategies that increase the specificity and efficacy of alpha-emitter-based RAIT. In the performance of the first aim, we created 211At-SAPS-C6.5 diabody conjugates that specifically targeted the HER2 tumor associated antigen. In evaluating these immunoconjugates we determined that they were capable of efficient tumor targeting and therapeutic efficacy of established human tumor xenografts growing in immunodeficient mice. We also determined that therapeutic doses were associated with late renal toxicity, likely due to the role of the kidneys in the systemic elimination o f these agents. We are currently performing more studies focused on better understanding the observed toxicity. In the second aim, we successfully generated bispecific single-chain Fv (bs-scFv) molecules that co-targeted HER2 and HER3 or HER2 and HER4. The in vitro kinetics and in vivo tumor-targeting properties of these molecules were evaluated. These studies revealed that the bs-scFv molecules selectively localized in vitro on tumor cells that expressed both antigens and were capable of effective tumor localization in in vivo studies.

16. Alpha particle angular distribution of oriented 189,191,193Bi

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Angular distribution data for α particles emitted in the enhanced decay of on-line oriented neutron deficient isotopes 189,191,193Bi near mid-shell (N=104) are presented. They give additional support for the recent finding that anisotropic α emission in enhanced decays from near-spherical nuclei is mainly determined by nuclear structure effects. (authors)

17. The measurement and modeling of alpha-particle-induced charge collection in dynamic memories

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This thesis addresses the problem of α-particle-induced charge collection in high-density dynamic random access memories. A novel technique for the measurement of charge collection in high-density memory cells and bit lines due to α-particle strikes was developed. The technique involves D.C. tests on simple test structures with an α-particle source on the device package as a lid. The advantages of this new measurement technique are: the method allows for in-situ measurements of charge collection on both MOS capacitors and bit lines found in present-day memories; the on-chip measurement technique minimizes errors due to external probes loading the device under test; the measurements can be controlled by a personal computer, with the data being able to be reduced on the same machine. Results obtained using this new measurement technique show that the charge collection is found to depend upon test-structure size and the configuration of its neighbors. Results of two-dimensional simulations of charge flow along the surface of an MOS capacitor from current injection due to an α-particle strike indicate that a spatial potential variation of 0.5V may occur between the point of current injection and capacitor edge for a 1M dRAM capacitor

18. Low-level measurement of alpha-particle emitting nuclei in ceramics and lead

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nearly all natural materials contain trace quantities of uranium (U) and thorium (Th) and their daughter nuclides, many of which emit α-particles in their decay. Lead, at the end of the U-decay chain, typically contains some radioactive 210Pb which is chemically inseparable from the other Pb isotopes. α-particle emission from these decays can affect sensitive electronic components, such as memory chips or processors. Measurement of α-particle emitters can be accomplished by direct detection of the α-particles (which typically provides no positive identification of the emitting isotope because of energy loss in the sample) or by low-background γ-ray spectroscopy (which does provide positive identification via characteristic γ-rays). The latter is by far the best method for screening kg-sized samples of materials like ceramics, aluminum, iron, or copper. The difference between α counting and γ-ray spectroscopy is less for measuring 210Pb in Pb since the 46.5 keV characteristic γ-rays directly following the 210Pb decay are strongly absorbed and both methods are limited to thin layers. This paper discusses these two cases and concludes that a large n-type germanium γ-ray spectrometer is probably the best overall system for both measurements. (author)

19. Study of pure and Pb{sup 2+} ions doped CsI crystals under alpha particles excitations

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pereira, Maria da Conceicao Costa; Madi Filho, Tufic; Hamada, Margarida Mizue, E-mail: macoper@ipen.b [Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares (IPEN/CNEN-SP), Sao Paulo, SP (Brazil)

2011-07-01

Scintillation crystals have been used in various fields, such as high energy physics, nuclear instrumentation, radiation measurements, medical imaging, nuclear tomography, astrophysics and other fields of science and engineering. For these applications, the development of good performance scintillation crystals is required. Scintillation crystals based on cesium iodide (CsI) matrix are matters with relatively low hygroscope, easy handling and low cost, characteristics that favor their use as radiation detectors. In this work, pure CsI crystal and lead doped CsI crystals were grown using the Bridgman vertical technique. The concentration of the lead doping element (Pb) was studied in the range of 10{sup -2} M to 5x10{sup -4} M. The distribution of the doping element in the crystalline volume was determined by flame atomic absorption. The CsI:Pb crystal with nominal concentration of 10{sup -3} M was cut into 14 slices of 6 mm. The results show a higher concentration at the top of the crystal with a decrease in the initial phase of growth. The dopant concentration of Pb showed good uniformity from the slice 2 to the slice 12: the region is, therefore, suitable for use as radiation detector. The luminescence emission of these crystals were measured. A predominant luminescence band near 450 nm and a single broad band around 320 nm were found with the addition of the Pb{sup 2+} ions. Analyses were carried out to evaluate the developed scintillators, concerning alpha particles. The resolution of 5.6% was obtained for the CsI:Pb 5x10{sup -4} M crystal, when excited with alpha particles from a {sup 241}Am source, with energy of 5.54 MeV. (author)

20. HIV-specific humoral and cellular immunity in rabbits vaccinated with recombinant human immunodeficiency virus-like gag-env particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Recombinant human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1)-like gag-env particles produced in mammalian cells were inoculated into two New Zealand white rabbits. In parallel, two control rabbits were inoculated with the homologous HIV-1 virions inactivated by ultraviolet light (uv) and psoralen treatments. The humoral and cellular immune responses to HIV-1 were evaluated for both groups of animals. Recombinant particles elicited humoral immunity that was specific for all the viral structural proteins. The antibodies recognized both denatured and nondenatured proteins. Moreover, the sera neutralized the in vitro infectivity of the homologous virus in CEM cells. Importantly, the recombinant particles also generated a T helper response by priming with the HIV proteins. Similar results were observed with inactivated virus immunization. Therefore, the authors results suggest that the recombinant HIV-like particles elicit functional humoral immunity as well as cellular immunity and represent a novel vaccine candidate for AIDS

1. In vitro measurements of the release of 232U and its daughters from UO2 particles by dissolution, alpha-recoil and inert gas diffusion

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Three mechanisms that are potentially important in the release of 232U and its decay products from UO2 particles in the lungs were studied in vitro. Particles of UO2 uniformly labeled with 1% 232U were aerosolized and separated by aerodynamic size in a Lovelace Aerosol Particle Separator. Monodisperse size fractions ranging from 0.7 to 2.5 μm activity median aerodynamic diameter were used to study release of radionuclides by particle dissolution, recoil of atoms after alpha-decay and diffusion of the inert gas, 220Rn

2. Imaging the fine-scale structure of the cellular actin cytoskeleton by Single Particle Tracking and Atomic Force Microscopy

Science.gov (United States)

Mustata, Gina-Mirela

It has been proposed that diffusion in the plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells it is compartmentalized due to the interaction with the underlying actin-based membrane skeleton that comes into close proximity to the lipid bilayer. The cytoskeleton is a dynamic structure that maintains cell shape, enables cell motion, and plays important roles in both intra-cellular transport and cellular division. We show here the evidence of plasma membrane compartmentalization using Single Particle Tracking (SPT) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) imaging. SPT of Quantum dot labeled lipid in the plasma membrane of live normal rat kidney cells show compartments ranging from 325 nm to 391 nm depending on the sampling time. Using AFM imaging of live NRK cell in the presence of phalloidin, the membrane compartmentalization it is visible with the average size of the compartments of 325 +/- 10 nm (the main peak is centered at 260 nm). Further, the underlying membrane skeleton in fixed cells was directly imaged after partial removal of the plasma membrane to reveal size of the membrane skeleton meshwork of 339 +/- 10 nm. A new method of measuring the characteristics of the actin meshwork was proposed. Probing the local compliance of the plasma membrane through the deflection of a soft AFM cantilever we can expect that the stiffness of the membrane will be higher at locations directly above a cortical actin. This new method provided information about the structure of the skeletal meshwork of neuronal cell body predicting an average compartment size of about 132 nm. This was confirmed through SPT of QD-lipid incorporated into the neuronal cell membrane.

3. Energy resolution of alpha particles in a Micromegas detector at high pressure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The latest Micromesh Gas amplification Structures (Micromegas) are achieving outstanding energy resolution for low energy photons, with values as low as 11% FWHM for the 5.9 keV line of 55Fe in Argon/Isobutane mixtures at atmospheric pressure. At higher energies (MeV scale), these measurements are more complicated due to the difficulty in confining the events in the chamber, although there is no fundamental reason why resolutions of 1% FWHM or below could not be reached. There is much motivation to demonstrate experimentally this fact in Xe mixtures due to the possible application of Micromegas readouts to the Double Beta Decay (DBD) search of 136Xe, or in other experiments needing calorimetry and topology in the same detector. We report on systematic measurements of energy resolution with state-of-the-art Micromegas using a 5.5 MeV alpha source in high pressure Ar/Isobutane mixtures. Values as low as 1.6% FWHM have been obtained. Same measurements in Xe, of which a preliminary result is also shown here, are under progress.

4. Some characteristics of the CR-39 solid state nuclear - Track Detector for register of protons and low energy alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Experimental results related to registration properties of the CR-39 Solid State Nuclear Track Detector for charged particles are presented and discussed. The existence of an inverse proportion between the induction time and the temperature as well as normal concentration of solutions, is showed by the study of CR-39 chemical etching characteristics in NaOH and KOH solutions, comprising varied concentration and temperature. The bulk-etch rate and activation energy of the process were obtained. The critical energy and critical energy-loss rate of CR-39 track-detectors for registration of protons were experimentally determined. Samples were exposed to 24 Mev proton beams in the IEN/CNEN Cyclotron (CV-28), using scattering chamber with a tantalum thin target and aluminium absorbers in contact with the samples, in order to provide the required fluctuation in the scattered beam energy. From the mean track-diameter plotted against incident proton energy the critical energy was obtained. From the calculated energy-loss rate vs. energy curve, the critical energy loss rate were evaluated. The CR-39 response for low energy alpha particles (E = 7h) under the conditions of 6.25 N NaOH at 700C. It is shown that successive chemical etchings do not produce the same track geometry as obtained by means of a continous revelation with the same total etching time. (Author)

5. RADIOACTIVE POSITRON EMITTER PRODUCTION BY ENERGETIC ALPHA PARTICLES IN SOLAR FLARES

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Measurements of the 0.511 MeV positron-annihilation line from solar flares are used to explore the flare process in general and ion acceleration in particular. In flares, positrons are produced primarily by the decay of radioactive positron-emitting isotopes resulting from nuclear interactions of flare-accelerated ions with ambient solar material. Kozlovsky et al. provided ion-energy-dependent production cross sections for 67 positron emitters evaluated from their threshold energies (some <1 MeV nucleon–1) to a GeV nucleon–1, incorporating them into a computer code for calculating positron-emitter production. Adequate cross-section measurements were available for proton reactions, but not for α-particle reactions where only crude estimates were possible. Here we re-evaluate the α-particle cross sections using new measurements and nuclear reaction codes. In typical large gamma-ray line flares, proton reactions dominate positron production, but α-particle reactions will dominate for steeper accelerated-ion spectra because of their relatively low threshold energies. With the accelerated-3He reactions added previously, the code is now reliable for calculating positron production from any distribution of accelerated-ion energies, not just those of typical flares. We have made the code available in the online version of the Journal. We investigate which reactions, projectiles, and ion energies contribute to positron production. We calculate ratios of the annihilation-line fluence to fluences of other gamma-ray lines. Such ratios can be used in interpreting flare data and in determining which nuclear radiation is most sensitive for revealing acceleration of low-energy ions at the Sun

6. RADIOACTIVE POSITRON EMITTER PRODUCTION BY ENERGETIC ALPHA PARTICLES IN SOLAR FLARES

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Murphy, R. J. [Code 7650, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375 (United States); Kozlovsky, B. [Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv (Israel); Share, G. H., E-mail: murphy@ssd5.nrl.navy.mil, E-mail: benz@wise.tau.ac.il, E-mail: share@astro.umd.edu [University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 (United States)

2015-01-01

Measurements of the 0.511 MeV positron-annihilation line from solar flares are used to explore the flare process in general and ion acceleration in particular. In flares, positrons are produced primarily by the decay of radioactive positron-emitting isotopes resulting from nuclear interactions of flare-accelerated ions with ambient solar material. Kozlovsky et al. provided ion-energy-dependent production cross sections for 67 positron emitters evaluated from their threshold energies (some <1 MeV nucleon{sup –1}) to a GeV nucleon{sup –1}, incorporating them into a computer code for calculating positron-emitter production. Adequate cross-section measurements were available for proton reactions, but not for α-particle reactions where only crude estimates were possible. Here we re-evaluate the α-particle cross sections using new measurements and nuclear reaction codes. In typical large gamma-ray line flares, proton reactions dominate positron production, but α-particle reactions will dominate for steeper accelerated-ion spectra because of their relatively low threshold energies. With the accelerated-{sup 3}He reactions added previously, the code is now reliable for calculating positron production from any distribution of accelerated-ion energies, not just those of typical flares. We have made the code available in the online version of the Journal. We investigate which reactions, projectiles, and ion energies contribute to positron production. We calculate ratios of the annihilation-line fluence to fluences of other gamma-ray lines. Such ratios can be used in interpreting flare data and in determining which nuclear radiation is most sensitive for revealing acceleration of low-energy ions at the Sun.

7. Effects of Low-Dose Alpha-Particle Irradiation in Human Cells: The Role of Induced Genes and the Bystander Effect. Final Technical Report (9/15/1998-5/31/2005)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Little, John B.

2013-09-17

This grant was designed to examine the cellular and molecular mechanisms for the bystander effect of radiation (initially described in this laboratory) whereby damage signals are passed from irradiated to non-irradiated cells in a population. These signals induce genetic effects including DNA damage, mutations and chromosomal aberrations in the nonirradiated cells. Experiments were carried out in cultured mammalian cells, primarily human diploid cells, irradiated with alpha particles. This research resulted in 17 publications in the refereed literature and is described in the Progress Report where it is keyed to the publication list. This project was initiated at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and continued in collaboration with students/fellows at Colorado State University (CSU) and the New Jersey Medical School (NJMS).

8. Quantum design using a multiple internal reflections method in a study of fusion processes in the capture of alpha-particles by nuclei

CERN Document Server

Maydanyuk, Sergei P; Belchikov, Sergei V

2015-01-01

A high precision method to determine fusion in the capture of $\\alpha$-particles by nuclei is presented. For $\\alpha$-capture by $^{40}{\\rm Ca}$ and $^{44}{\\rm Ca}$, such an approach gives (1) the parameters of the $\\alpha$--nucleus potential and (2) fusion probabilities. This method found new parametrization and fusion probabilities and decreased the error by $41.72$ times for $\\alpha + ^{40}{\\rm Ca}$ and $34.06$ times for $\\alpha + ^{44}{\\rm Ca}$ in a description of experimental data in comparison with existing results. We show that the sharp angular momentum cutoff proposed by Glas and Mosel is a rough approximation, Wong's formula and the Hill-Wheeler approach determine the penetrability of the barrier without a correct consideration of the barrier shape, and the WKB approach gives reduced fusion probabilities. Based on our fusion probability formula, we explain the difference between experimental cross-sections for $\\alpha + ^{40}{\\rm Ca}$ and $\\alpha + ^{44}{\\rm Ca}$, which is connected with the theory ...

9. Nuclear densities of 1fsub(7/2) nuclei from elastic alpha-particle scattering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The elastic scattering of 104 MeV α particles by sup(40,42,43,44,48)Ca, 50Ti, 51V, 52Cr has been analyzed by phenomenological and semimicroscopic optical potentials in order to get information on isotopic and isotonic differences of the α particle optical potentials and of nuclear matter densities. The phenomenological optical potentials based on a Fourier-Bessel description of the real part reveal different behaviour in size and shape for the isotonic chain as compared to the isotopic chain. Odd-even effects are also indicated to be different for isotones and isotopes. The semi-microscopic analyses use a single-folding model with a density-dependent effective αN-interaction including a realistic local density approximation. The calculated potentials are fully consistent with the phenomenological ones. Isopotic and isotonic differences of the nuclear matter densities obtained from the folding model in general show a similar behavior as the optical potential differences. The results on matter densities are compared to other investigations. (orig.)

10. Tissue dose conversion factors for protons and alpha particles in case of different detector materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Accurate dose measurement as well as the measurement of the linear energy transfer (LET) data will become increasingly important in forthcoming years during the operation of the International Space Station. Since the space radiation mainly consists of heavy charged particles (protons and heavier particles), the equivalent dose significantly differs from the absorbed dose. While the recently used measuring equipment is not fully suitable to measure both quantities simultaneously, a new combined device is under development. The efficiency of the TL dosemeter is a function of the LET, therefore the value of the absorbed dose should be corrected. LET spectra or mean LET value should be used for the determination of the radiation weighting factor (wR) and for the evaluation of the equivalent dose as well. Since the radiation weighting factor defined as a function of LETwater, LETSi or LETTL should be converted to LETwater for this purpose. Correction needed for the calculation of the dose in tissue and for the comparison of the different measurements as well. Recently an average value has been used for the correction of the LET between different materials, despite the fact that the value of the correction factor depends on the energy of the concerning radiation. The discrepancy of the mean values with and without considering the energy spectrum could be more than 5%. (authors)

11. Formation of blisters in tantalum by 30 MeV alpha particle bombardment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The phenomenon of radiation blistering by helium ion bombardment has been the subject of extensive studies in recent years because of its technological importance in thermonuclear fusion devices and reactors. However, the mechanism of radiation blistering is still not well understood. There are two different models of blister formation: the gas-pressure model and the lateral stress model. The former model is, however, supported by many experimental observations, the prominent one is that of Evans and Eyre who observed blisters appearing on the front and rear surfaces of a thin wedge-shaped molybdenum foil irradiated by helium ions. Their experiment also indicates that the thickness of the irradiated specimen could be important in affecting the characteristics of blisters. With this in view, we have studied the development of blisters in thin foils of tantalum by 30 MeV α-particle bombardment. (orig.)

12. Readout cross-talk for alpha-particle measurements in a pixelated sensor system

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Simulations in Medici are performed to quantify crosstalk and charge sharing in a hybrid pixelated silicon detector. Crosstalk and charge sharing degrades the spatial and spectral resolution of single photon processing X-ray imaging systems. For typical medical X-ray imaging applications, the process is dominated by charge sharing between the pixels in the sensor. For heavier particles each impact generates a large amount of charge and the simulation seems to over predict the charge collection efficiency. This indicates that some type of non modelled degradation of the charge transport efficiency exists, like the plasma effect where the plasma might shield the generated charges from the electric field and hence distorts the charge transport process. Based on the simulations it can be reasoned that saturation of the amplifiers in the Timepix system might generate crosstalk that increases the charge spread measured from ion impact on the sensor

13. Readout cross-talk for alpha-particle measurements in a pixelated sensor system

Science.gov (United States)

Norlin, B.; Reza, S.; Krapohl, D.; Fröjdh, E.; Thungström, G.

2015-05-01

Simulations in Medici are performed to quantify crosstalk and charge sharing in a hybrid pixelated silicon detector. Crosstalk and charge sharing degrades the spatial and spectral resolution of single photon processing X-ray imaging systems. For typical medical X-ray imaging applications, the process is dominated by charge sharing between the pixels in the sensor. For heavier particles each impact generates a large amount of charge and the simulation seems to over predict the charge collection efficiency. This indicates that some type of non modelled degradation of the charge transport efficiency exists, like the plasma effect where the plasma might shield the generated charges from the electric field and hence distorts the charge transport process. Based on the simulations it can be reasoned that saturation of the amplifiers in the Timepix system might generate crosstalk that increases the charge spread measured from ion impact on the sensor.

14. Track structure based modelling of chromosome aberrations after photon and alpha-particle irradiation.

Science.gov (United States)

Friedland, Werner; Kundrát, Pavel

2013-08-30

A computational model of radiation-induced chromosome aberrations in human cells within the PARTRAC Monte Carlo simulation framework is presented. The model starts from radiation-induced DNA damage assessed by overlapping radiation track structures with multi-scale DNA and chromatin models, ranging from DNA double-helix in atomic resolution to chromatin fibre loops, heterochromatic and euchromatic regions, and chromosome territories. The repair of DNA double-strand breaks via non-homologous end-joining is followed. Initial spatial distribution and complexity, diffusive motion, enzymatic processing, synapsis and ligation of individual DNA ends from the breaks are simulated. To enable scoring of different chromosome aberration types resulting from improper joining of DNA fragments, the repair module has been complemented by tracking the chromosome origin of the ligated fragments and the positions of centromeres. The modelled motion of DNA ends has sub-diffusive characteristics and corresponds to measured chromatin mobility within time-scales of a few hours. The calculated formation of dicentrics after photon and α-particle irradiation in human fibroblasts is compared to experimental data (Cornforth et al., 2002, Radiat Res 158, 43). The predicted yields of dicentrics overestimate the measurements by factors of five for γ-rays and two for α-particle irradiation. Nevertheless, the observed relative dependence on radiation dose is correctly reproduced. Calculated yields and size distributions of other aberration types are discussed. The present work represents a first mechanistic approach to chromosome aberrations and their kinetics, combining full track structure simulations with detailed models of chromatin and accounting for the kinetics of DNA repair. PMID:23811166

15. Measurement of the track etch rates along proton and alpha particle trajectories in CR-39 and calculation of the detection efficiency

CERN Document Server

Dörschel, B; Hermsdorf, D; Kadner, K; Kuehne, H

1999-01-01

Computation of the neutron response of CR-39 detectors needs to simulate the track formation by neutron induced charged particles taking into account the bulk etch rate and the track etch rate varying along the particle trajectories. The latter one was determined experimentally by track length measurement. The results allowed to derive the relationship between the track etch rate and the restricted energy loss of the charged particles. On this basis, the geometrical track parameters and track etch rates as well as the critical angle of particle incidence could be determined for protons and alpha particles in the energy range from 0.2 to 8.8 MeV. The energy dependence of the critical angle enabled to determine the detection efficiency for a charged particle of given energy and direction.

16. On the decay of compound nuclei following alpha-particle and 12C induced reactions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Multiple coincidence rates have been measured using a detector system consisting of a Ge(Li) spectrometer and eight NaI(Tl) or eight liquid scintillators. Reactions induced by α-particles with energies of 51-55 MeV and 118 MeV 12C ions are studied. The data are analysed to give the first and second central moments of the distribution of the number of γ-rays feeding individual levels in the final nuclei. When these numbers are compared to spin distributions calculated with the statistical model code GROGI the relative importance of dipole and quadrupole deexcitation modes can be ascertained. In particular, in the 122Te(α,4n)122Xe reaction the γ-decay prior to the entry into the ground band is well described as a statistical process proceeding to 50% by dipole and 50% by quadrupole radiation. In the 166Er(α,4n)166Yb and 192Os(α,4n)192Pt reactions the relative amount of quadrupole radiation is larger and it seems that the dipole and quadrupole decay takes place via separate cascades. In the 164Dy(12C,7-8n) reactions the average multiplicity is independent of spin, suggesting that the nucleus forgets the spin of the entry state before the process enters into the ground band. In the 176Yb(12C,8n)180Os reaction, finally, the nucleus difinitely retains memory of the entry state during the decay. In this last case the multiplicity measurement is combined with a γ-ray singles measurement to give an average excitation energy prior to the α-decay and the average moment of inertia characterising the decay of the high-spin states. (orig.)

17. Non-destructive alpha-particle activation analysis of P, Cl, K and Ca in marine macro-alga samples using synthetic multielement reference material as comparative standard

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A Synthetic Reference Material (SyRM) composed with accurately known amounts of 12 elements has been prepared. The elemental composition of the SyRM is closely similar to that of marine macro-algae sample. The elemental composition of the SyRM was regulated by the starting materials used for the synthesis. The SyRM was used as a comparative standard for non-destructive alpha-particle activation analysis of marine macro-alga samples. P, Cl, K and Ca were determined simultaneously without correction for alpha range due to difference in the elemental composition between the analytical samples and the comparative standard. (author) 19 refs.; 4 tabs

18. Monte Carlo particle-trajectory models for neutral cometary gases. I. Models and equations. II. The spatial morphology of the Lyman-alpha coma

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The mathematical derivations of various methods employed in the Monte Carlo particle-trajectory model (MCPTM) are presented, and the application of the MCPTM to the calculation of the photochemical heating of the inner coma through the partial thermalization of cometary hydrogen atoms produced by the photodissociation of water is discussed. This model is then used to explain the observed morphology of the spatially extended Ly-alpha comas of comets. The rocket and Skylab images of the Ly-alpha coma of Comet Kohoutek are examined. 90 references

19. Neutron activation analysis of several elements in the unicellular alga Cyanidium caldarium irradiated by. cap alpha. particles from neutron captured boron

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yamaguchi, Shuho; Oota, Tadachika; Otani, Mayumi; Aso, Sueo (Tokyo Univ. of Agriculture (Japan))

1984-02-01

The TRIGA MARK 2 atomic reactor was used not only for instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) but also as the irradiation source of ..cap alpha.. particles derived from the /sup 10/B(n, ..cap alpha..)/sup 7/Li reaction for biological samples. The acidophilic and thermophilic unicellular alga (Cyanidium caldarium Geitler) was incubated for 20 hours after irradiation and then its elemental concentrations were analysed by INAA. An increase in the quantities of /sup 56/Mn, /sup 28/Al and /sup 38/Cl, and a decrease of /sup 27/Mg and /sup 42/K were detected in the irradiated cells in contrast to non-irradiated cells.

20. Some characteristics of the CR-39 solid state nuclear-track detector for protons and low energy alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Experimental results related to certain registration properties of the CR-39 solid state nuclear-track detector for charged particles are presented and discussed. The determination of the CR-39 chemical etching in NaOH and KOH solutions, comprising concentration (2-10N) and temperature effects (50-900C), showed the existence of an inverse proportion between the induction time and the temperature as well as the normal concentration of the solutions. The critical energy and the critical energy-loss rate of CR-39 track detectors for registration of protons were experimentally determined. A number of samples was exposed to 24MeV proton beams in the IEN-CNEN Cyclotron (CV-28), using a scattering chamber with a tantalum thin target and aluminium absorbers in contact with the samples in order to provide the required fluctuation in the scattered beam energy. From the mean track-diameter plotted against incident proton energy for 16h and 24h chemical etching (6.25 NaOH, 700C), and considering 1.5 μm as the minimum observable track-diameter, the values (21.0 + - 1.5) MeV and (22.5 + - 1.5) MeV were deduced, respectively, for the critical energy. From the calculated energy-loss rate versus energy curve, the critical energy-loss rate was evaluated as 24 + - 2 MeV.cm2/g. Finally, the CR-39 response for low energy alpha particles (E < = 6 MeV) was studied. It was demonstrated also that successive chemical etchings do not produce the same track geometry as obtained by means of a continuous revelation with the same total etching time. (Author)

1. Calibration of a Thomson parabola ion spectrometer and Fujifilm imaging plates for energetic protons, deuterons, and alpha particles

Science.gov (United States)

Freeman, Charles; Canfield, Michael; Graeper, Gavin; Lombardo, Andrew; Stillman, Collin; Fiksel, Gennady; Stoeckl, Christian; Sinenian, Nareg

2010-11-01

A Thomson parabola ion spectrometer (TPIS) has been designed and built to study energetic ions accelerated from the rear surface of targets irradiated by ultra-intense laser light from the Multiterawatt (MTW) laser facility at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE). The device uses a permanent magnet and a pair of electrostatic deflector plates to produce parallel magnetic and electric fields, which cause ions of a given charge-to-mass ratio to be deflected onto parabolic curves on the detector plane. The position of the ion along the parabola can be used to determine its energy. Fujifilm imaging plates (IP) are placed in the rear of the device and are used to detect the incident ions. The energy dispersion of the spectrometer has been calibrated using monoenergetic ion beams from the SUNY Geneseo 1.7 MV pelletron accelerator. The IP sensitivity has been measured for protons and deuterons with energies between 0.6 MeV and 3.4 MeV, and for alpha particles with energies between 1.5 MeV and 5.1 MeV.

2. Characteristics and mechanisms of the bystander response in monolayer cell cultures exposed to very low fluences of alpha particles

Science.gov (United States)

Little, John B.; Azzam, Edouard I.; de Toledo, Sonia M.; Nagasawa, Hatsumi

2005-02-01

When confluent cultures of mammalian cells are irradiated with very low fluences of alpha particles whereby only occasional cells receive any radiation exposure, genetic changes are observed in the non-irradiated ("bystander") cells. Upregulation of the p53 damage-response pathway as well as activation of proteins in the MAPK family occurred in bystander cells; p53 was phosphorylated on the serine 15 residue suggesting that the upregulation of p53 was a consequence of DNA damage. Damage signals were transmitted to bystander cells through gap junctions, as confirmed by the use of genetically manipulated cells including connexin43 knockouts. Expression of connexin43 was markedly enhanced by irradiation. A moderate bystander effect was observed for specific gene mutations and chromosomal aberrations. This effect was markedly enhanced in cells defective in the non-homologous end joining DNA repair pathway. Finally, an upregulation of oxidative metabolism occurred in bystander cells; the increased levels of reactive oxygen species appeared to be derived from flavine-containing oxidase enzymes. We hypothesize that genetic effects observed in non-irradiated bystander cells are a consequence of oxidative base damage; >90% of mutations in bystander cells were point mutations. When bystander cells cannot repair DNA double strand breaks, they become much more sensitive to the induction of chromosomal aberrations and mutations, the latter consisting primarily of deletion mutants. While we propose that the genetic effects occurring in bystander cells are a consequence of oxidative stress, the nature of the signal that initiates this process remains to be determined.

3. Characteristics and mechanisms of the bystander response in monolayer cell cultures exposed to very low fluences of alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

When confluent cultures of mammalian cells are irradiated with very low fluences of alpha particles whereby only occasional cells receive any radiation exposure, genetic changes are observed in the non-irradiated ('bystander') cells. Upregulation of the p53 damage-response pathway as well as activation of proteins in the MAPK family occurred in bystander cells; p53 was phosphorylated on the serine 15 residue suggesting that the upregulation of p53 was a consequence of DNA damage. Damage signals were transmitted to bystander cells through gap junctions, as confirmed by the use of genetically manipulated cells including connexin43 knockouts. Expression of connexin43 was markedly enhanced by irradiation. A moderate bystander effect was observed for specific gene mutations and chromosomal aberrations. This effect was markedly enhanced in cells defective in the non-homologous end joining DNA repair pathway. Finally, an upregulation of oxidative metabolism occurred in bystander cells; the increased levels of reactive oxygen species appeared to be derived from flavine-containing oxidase enzymes. We hypothesize that genetic effects observed in non-irradiated bystander cells are a consequence of oxidative base damage; >90% of mutations in bystander cells were point mutations. When bystander cells cannot repair DNA double strand breaks, they become much more sensitive to the induction of chromosomal aberrations and mutations, the latter consisting primarily of deletion mutants. While we propose that the genetic effects occurring in bystander cells are a consequence of oxidative stress, the nature of the signal that initiates this process remains to be determined

4. Induction of humoral and cellular immune responses against the HIV-1 envelope protein using γ-retroviral virus-like particles

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Purcell Damian FJ

2011-08-01

Full Text Available Abstract This study evaluates the immunogenicity of the HIV envelope protein (env in mice presented either attached to γ-retroviral virus-like-particles (VLPs, associated with cell-derived microsomes or as solubilized recombinant protein (gp160. The magnitude and polyfunctionality of the cellular immune response was enhanced when delivering HIV env in the VLP or microsome form compared to recombinant gp160. Humoral responses measured by antibody titres were comparable across the groups and low levels of antibody neutralization were observed. Lastly, we identified stronger IgG2a class switching in the two particle-delivered antigen vaccinations modalities compared to recombinant gp160.

5. ITER Plasma at Ion Cyclotron Frequency Domain: The Fusion Alpha Particles Diagnostics Based on the Stimulated Raman Scattering of Fast Magnetosonic Wave off High Harmonic Ion Bernstein Modes

Science.gov (United States)

Stefan, V. Alexander

2014-10-01

A novel method for alpha particle diagnostics is proposed. The theory of stimulated Raman scattering, SRS, of the fast wave and ion Bernstein mode, IBM, turbulence in multi-ion species plasmas, (Stefan University Press, La Jolla, CA, 2008). is utilized for the diagnostics of fast ions, (4)He (+2), in ITER plasmas. Nonlinear Landau damping of the IBM on fast ions near the plasma edge leads to the space-time changes in the turbulence level, (inverse alpha particle channeling). The space-time monitoring of the IBM turbulence via the SRS techniques may prove efficient for the real time study of the fast ion velocity distribution function, spatial distribution, and transport. Supported by Nikola Tesla Labs., La Jolla, CA 92037.

6. Cellular mechanisms involved during oxytocin-induced prostaglandin F2alpha production in endometrial epithelial cells in vitro: role of cyclooxygenase-2.

Science.gov (United States)

Asselin, E; Drolet, P; Fortier, M A

1997-11-01

PGs are important regulators of reproductive processes. At the time ofluteolysis in vivo, PGF2alpha is produced by endometrial cells, in response to oxytocin (OT). The mechanism by which OT induces the release of PGF2alpha remains to be defined. We have used 13 different cultures of bovine epithelial endometrial cells to study the effect of OT on the regulation of PGF2alpha and to identify the possible involvement of cyclooxygenases (COXs). OT induced a dose-dependent increase of both inositol phosphates (IPs) and [Ca2+]i concentration in epithelial cells labeled with [3H]-myoinositol or loaded with fura-2 (using a fluorescent microscope imaging system), respectively. OT induced a dose-dependent increase of both PGF2alpha production and COX-2 gene expression (as demonstrated by RT-PCR and Northern blots). PGF2alpha production was increased from 13.3 +/- 2.0 to 166.8 +/- 22.5 ng/ml (P gene expression (as determined by densitometric analysis) was increased 5.1 +/- 0.7-fold (P sheep, for COX-1, respectively. COX-2 was found to bear 84%, 86%, and 87% of homology in relation to rat, guinea pig, and human, respectively. Collectively, these results demonstrate, for the first time, that COX-2 is involved in the mechanism by which OT regulates PGF2alpha production in the endometrium. PMID:9348208

7. Observation of alpha particle loss from JET plasmas during ion cyclotron resonance frequency heating using a thin foil Faraday cup detector array

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The loss of MeV alpha particles from JET plasmas has been measured with a set of thin foil Faraday cup detectors during third harmonic heating of helium neutral beam ions. Tail temperatures of ∼2 MeV have been observed, with radial scrape off lengths of a few centimeters. Operational experience from this system indicates that such detectors are potentially feasible for future large tokamaks, but careful attention to screening rf and MHD induced noise is essential.

8. Design and calibration of a two-channel low-noise heterodyne receiver for use in a CO2 laser Thomson scattering alpha particle diagnostic

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A dual channel low noise heterodyne receiver has been constructed as part of a development effort to build a carbon dioxide laser based Thomson scattering alpha particle diagnostic for a burning plasma experiment. The receiver employs two wide bandwidth (>1 GHz) HgCdTe photovoltaic mixers followed by low noise IF amplifiers. A noise equivalent power of less than 3.0 /times/ 10-20 WHz has been demonstrated. Design details and calibration methods are described. 8 refs

9. The Formation of Lithiated Ti-Doped {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} Nanocrystalline Particles by Mechanical Milling of Ti-Doped Lithium Spinel Ferrite

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Widatallah, H. M., E-mail: hisham@ictp.trieste.it [Khartoum University, Department of Physics (Sudan); Gismelseed, A. M.; Bouziane, K. [Sultan Qaboos University, Department of Physics (Oman); Berry, F. J. [Open University, Department of Chemistry (United Kingdom); Al Rawas, A. D.; Al-Omari, I. A.; Yousif, A. A.; Elzain, M. E. [Sultan Qaboos University, Department of Physics (Oman)

2004-12-15

The milling of spinel-related Ti-doped Li{sub 0.5}Fe{sub 2.5}O{sub 4} for different times is studied with XRD, Moessbauer spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. Milling converts the material to Li-Ti-doped {alpha}-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanocrystalline particles via an intermediate {gamma}-LiFeO{sub 2}-related phase. The role played by the dopant Ti-ion in the process is emphasized.

10. Quality factors, ambient and personal dose equivalent for neutrons, based on the new ICRU stopping power data for protons and alpha particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Quality factors and fluence-to-ambient and fluence-to personal-dose equivalent conversion factors for neutrons have been recalculated for neutrons with energies ranging from thermal to 20 MeV. The new calculations are based on the recommendations given in ICRU Publication 60 for the quality factor and on stopping power data for protons and alpha particles as recommended in the ICRU report 49. (author)

11. Electrical characterization of deep levels created by bombarding nitrogen-doped 4H-SiC with alpha-particle irradiation

Science.gov (United States)

Omotoso, Ezekiel; Meyer, Walter E.; Auret, F. Danie; Paradzah, Alexander T.; Legodi, Matshisa J.

2016-03-01

Deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) and Laplace-DLTS were used to investigate the effect of alpha-particle irradiation on the electrical properties of nitrogen-doped 4H-SiC. The samples were bombarded with alpha-particles at room temperature (300 K) using an americium-241 (241Am) radionuclide source. DLTS revealed the presence of four deep levels in the as-grown samples, E0.09, E0.11, E0.16 and E0.65. After irradiation with a fluence of 4.1 × 1010 alpha-particles-cm-2, DLTS measurements indicated the presence of two new deep levels, E0.39 and E0.62 with energy levels, EC - 0.39 eV and EC - 0.62 eV, with an apparent capture cross sections of 2 × 10-16 and 2 × 10-14 cm2, respectively. Furthermore, irradiation with fluence of 8.9 × 1010 alpha-particles-cm-2 resulted in the disappearance of shallow defects due to a lowering of the Fermi level. These defects re-appeared after annealing at 300 °C for 20 min. Defects, E0.39 and E0.42 with close emission rates were attributed to silicon or carbon vacancy and could only be separated by using high resolution Laplace-DLTS. The DLTS peaks at EC - (0.55-0.70) eV (known as Z1/Z2) were attributed to an isolated carbon vacancy (VC).

12. Application techniques of alpha particles and heavy ion elastic scattering to chemical analysis of thin layers and surfaces

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

This work turns to account two aspects of the elastic scattering: Rutherford or non-Rutherford backscattering of alpha particles for the study of the stoechiometry of complex thin layers and production of recoil nuclei under energetic argon ion (16-20 MeV) bombardment for the surface analysis of light elements like oxygen, nitrogen and carbon. The first section treats the analysis conditions of Ti(1-x)NbxO2 and Ti(1-x)VxO2 layers whose composition depends on deposition parameters of the H.F. cathodic sputtering process of mixtures of oxide powders. In the first place, the analysis conditions of these layers were determined with the best possible accuracy. As for the experimental results, we show for the best deposition conditions (residual vacuum, pre-sputtering) that the ratio O/(M+Ti) can be adjusted to 2±0.1 over all the target concentration ranges. The evolution of the ratio Nb/(Nb+Ti) and V/(V+Ti) is not identical to that of targets with deviations whose significance we attempt to interprete. In the second section dealing with time of flight detection of recoil nuclei, we justify our choice of experimental parameters by a detailed study of their influence on the analytical performances. In spite of serious limitations posed by angular dispersions the depth resolution typically varies from 2 to 5 nm for oxygen and carbon depending on whether one deals with a matrix of medium Z(Si) or high Z (Ta). An energy discrimination serves at optimizing the analysable depths and avoiding interferences (C,N and O analysable over 70 nm). This discrimination allows us to lower the detection limit (down to 1013 at/cm2) by reduction of background noise. The current limitations and possible improvements are presented from surface analysis examples

13. Treatment of HER2-Expressing Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Cells With Alpha Particle-Emitting 227Th-Trastuzumab

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Purpose: To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of low-dose-rate alpha particle-emitting radioimmunoconjugate 227Th-p-isothiocyanato-benzyl-DOTA-trastuzumab (227Th-trastuzumab [where DOTA is 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid]) internalized by breast and ovarian cancer cell lines in order to assess the potential of 227Th-trastuzumab as a therapeutic agent against metastatic cancers that overexpress the HER2 oncogene. Methods and Materials: Clonogenic survival and cell growth rates of breast cancer cells treated with 227Th-trastuzumab were compared with rates of cells treated with nonbinding 227Th-rituximab, cold trastuzumab, and X-radiation. Cell growth experiments were also performed with ovarian cancer cells. Cell-associated radioactivity was measured at several time points, and the mean radiation dose to cells was calculated. Results: SKBR-3 cells got 50% of the mean absorbed radiation dose from internalized activity and 50% from cell surface-bound activity, while BT-474 and SKOV-3 cells got 75% radiation dose from internalized activity and 25% from cell surface-bound activity. Incubation of breast cancer cells with 2.5 kBq/ml 227Th-trastuzumab for 1 h at 4oC, followed by washing, resulted in mean absorbed radiation doses of 2 to 2.5 Gy. A dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth and an increase in apoptosis were induced in all cell lines. Conclusions: Clinically relevant activity concentrations of 227Th-trastuzumab induced a specific cytotoxic effect in three HER2-expressing cell lines. The cytotoxic effect of 227Th-trastuzumab was higher than that of single-dose X-radiation (relative biological effectiveness = 1.2). These results warrant further studies of treatment of breast cancer and ovarian cancer with 227Th-trastuzumab.

14. A combined approach for modeling particle behavior in granular impact damper using discrete element method and cellular automata

OpenAIRE

Komatsuzaki, Toshihiko; Iwata, Yoshio

2016-01-01

A particle impact damper is a vibration absorber type that consists of a container attached to a primary vibrating structure. It also contains many particles that are constrained to move inside the container, whereby the damping effect can be obtained by collision between particles and the container. The discrete element method (DEM) has been developed for modeling granular systems, where the kinematics of each particle are calculated numerically using the equations of motion. However, the co...

15. The atmosphere of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko diagnosed by charge-exchanged solar wind alpha particles

Science.gov (United States)

Simon Wedlund, C.; Kallio, E.; Alho, M.; Nilsson, H.; Stenberg Wieser, G.; Gunell, H.; Behar, E.; Pusa, J.; Gronoff, G.

2016-03-01

Context. The ESA/Rosetta mission has been orbiting comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko since August 2014, measuring its dayside plasma environment. The ion spectrometer onboard Rosetta has detected two ion populations, one energetic with a solar wind origin (H+, He2+, He+), the other at lower energies with a cometary origin (water group ions such as H2O+). He+ ions arise mainly from charge-exchange between solar wind alpha particles and cometary neutrals such as H2O. Aims: The He+ and He2+ ion fluxes measured by the Rosetta Plasma Consortium Ion Composition Analyser (RPC-ICA) give insight into the composition of the dayside neutral coma, into the importance of charge-exchange processes between the solar wind and cometary neutrals, and into the way these evolve when the comet draws closer to the Sun. Methods: We combine observations by the ion spectrometer RPC-ICA onboard Rosetta with calculations from an analytical model based on a collisionless neutral Haser atmosphere and nearly undisturbed solar wind conditions. Results: Equivalent neutral outgassing rates Q can be derived using the observed RPC-ICA He+/He2+ particle flux ratios as input into the analytical model in inverse mode. A revised dependence of Q on heliocentric distance Rh in AU is found to be Rh-7.06 between 1.8 and 3.3 AU, suggesting that the activity in 2015 differed from that of the 2008 perihelion passage. Conversely, using an outgassing rate determined from optical remote sensing measurements from Earth, the forward analytical model results are in relatively good agreement with the measured RPC-ICA flux ratios. Modelled ratios in a 2D spherically-symmetric plane are also presented, showing that charge exchange is most efficient with solar wind protons. Detailed cometocentric profiles of these ratios are also presented. Conclusions: In conclusion, we show that, with the help of a simple analytical model of charge-exchange processes, a mass-capable ion spectrometer such as RPC-ICA can be used as a

16. Utilization of wavelength-shifting fibers coupled to ZnS(Ag) and plastic scintillator for simultaneous detection of alpha/beta particles

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Low level radioactive surface contamination measurements require lightweight, large area and high efficiency detector. In most existing scintillation detectors there is a tradeoff between effective area and scintillation light collection. By using wavelength shifting (WLS) fibers the scintillation light may be collected efficiently also in a large area detector. In this study, WLS fibers were coupled to a beta sensitive plastic scintillator layer and to a alpha sensitive silver-activated zinc sulfide ZnS(Ag) layer for detecting both alpha and beta particles. The WLS fibers collect the scintillation light from the whole detector and transfer it to a single PMT. This first prototype unique configuration enables monitoring radioactive contaminated surfaces by both sides of the detector and provides high gamma rejection. In this paper, the detector structure, as well as the detector’s measured linear response, will be described. The measured detection efficiency of 238Pu alpha particles (5.5 MeV) is ~63%. The measured detection efficiency for beta particles is ~89% for 90Sr–90Y (average energy of 195.8 keV, 934.8 keV), ~50% for 36Cl (average energy of 251.3 keV), and 35% for 137Cs (average energy of 156.8 keV)

17. Comprehensive evaluation of the linear stability of Alfvén eigenmodes driven by alpha particles in an ITER baseline scenario

Science.gov (United States)

Figueiredo, A. C. A.; Rodrigues, P.; Borba, D.; Coelho, R.; Fazendeiro, L.; Ferreira, J.; Loureiro, N. F.; Nabais, F.; Pinches, S. D.; Polevoi, A. R.; Sharapov, S. E.

2016-07-01

The linear stability of Alfvén eigenmodes in the presence of fusion-born alpha particles is thoroughly assessed for two variants of an ITER baseline scenario, which differ significantly in their core and pedestal temperatures. A systematic approach based on CASTOR-K (Borba and Kerner 1999 J. Comput. Phys. 153 101; Nabais et al 2015 Plasma Sci. Technol. 17 89) is used that considers all possible eigenmodes for a given magnetic equilibrium and determines their growth rates due to alpha-particle drive and Landau damping on fuel ions, helium ashes and electrons. It is found that the fastest growing instabilities in the aforementioned ITER scenario are core-localized, low-shear toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes. The largest growth-rates occur in the scenario variant with higher core temperatures, which has the highest alpha-particle density and density gradient, for eigenmodes with toroidal mode numbers n≈ 30 . Although these eigenmodes suffer significant radiative damping, which is also evaluated, their growth rates remain larger than those of the most unstable eigenmodes found in the variant of the ITER baseline scenario with lower core temperatures, which have n≈ 15 and are not affected by radiative damping.

18. Utilization of wavelength-shifting fibers coupled to ZnS(Ag) and plastic scintillator for simultaneous detection of alpha/beta particles

Science.gov (United States)

Ifergan, Y.; Dadon, S.; Israelashvili, I.; Osovizky, A.; Gonen, E.; Yehuda-Zada, Y.; Smadja, D.; Knafo, Y.; Ginzburg, D.; Kadmon, Y.; Cohen, Y.; Mazor, T.

2015-06-01

Low level radioactive surface contamination measurements require lightweight, large area and high efficiency detector. In most existing scintillation detectors there is a tradeoff between effective area and scintillation light collection. By using wavelength shifting (WLS) fibers the scintillation light may be collected efficiently also in a large area detector. In this study, WLS fibers were coupled to a beta sensitive plastic scintillator layer and to a alpha sensitive silver-activated zinc sulfide ZnS(Ag) layer for detecting both alpha and beta particles. The WLS fibers collect the scintillation light from the whole detector and transfer it to a single PMT. This first prototype unique configuration enables monitoring radioactive contaminated surfaces by both sides of the detector and provides high gamma rejection. In this paper, the detector structure, as well as the detector's measured linear response, will be described. The measured detection efficiency of 238Pu alpha particles (5.5 MeV) is ~63%. The measured detection efficiency for beta particles is ~89% for 90Sr-90Y (average energy of 195.8 keV, 934.8 keV), ~50% for 36Cl (average energy of 251.3 keV), and 35% for 137Cs (average energy of 156.8 keV).

19. A systematic approach to the linear-stability assessment of Alfv\\'en eigenmodes in the presence of fusion-born alpha particles for ITER-like equilibria

CERN Document Server

Rodrigues, P; Ferreira, J; Coelho, R; Nabais, F; Borba, D; Loureiro, N F; Oliver, H J C; Sharapov, S E

2014-01-01

A systematic approach to assess the linear stability of Alfv\\'en eigenmodes in the presence of fusion-born alpha particles is described. Because experimental results for ITER are not available yet, it is not known beforehand which Alfv\\'en eigenmodes will interact more intensively with the alpha-particle population. Therefore, the number of modes that need to be considered in stability assessments becomes quite large and care must be exercised when choosing the numerical tools to work with, which must be fast and efficient. In the presented approach, all possible eigenmodes are first found after intensively scanning a suitable frequency range. Each solution found is then tested to find if its discretization over the radial grid in use is adequate. Finally, the interaction between the identified eigenmodes and the alpha-particle population is evaluated with the drift-kinetic code CASTOR-K, in order to assess their growth rates and hence their linear stability. The described approach enables one to single out t...

20. Utilization of wavelength-shifting fibers coupled to ZnS(Ag) and plastic scintillator for simultaneous detection of alpha/beta particles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ifergan, Y., E-mail: Yairifergan@gmail.com [Electronics & Control Laboratories, Nuclear Research Center Negev, PO Box 9001, Beer Sheva (Israel); Dadon, S. [Electronics & Control Laboratories, Nuclear Research Center Negev, PO Box 9001, Beer Sheva (Israel); Israelashvili, I. [Physics Department, Nuclear Research Center of the Negev, PO Box 9001, Beer Sheva (Israel); Osovizky, A. [Radiation Detection Department, Rotem Industries Ltd, Beer Sheva (Israel); Gonen, E.; Yehuda-Zada, Y.; Smadja, D. [Electronics & Control Laboratories, Nuclear Research Center Negev, PO Box 9001, Beer Sheva (Israel); Knafo, Y.; Ginzburg, D. [Radiation Detection Department, Rotem Industries Ltd, Beer Sheva (Israel); Kadmon, Y.; Cohen, Y.; Mazor, T. [Electronics & Control Laboratories, Nuclear Research Center Negev, PO Box 9001, Beer Sheva (Israel)

2015-06-01

Low level radioactive surface contamination measurements require lightweight, large area and high efficiency detector. In most existing scintillation detectors there is a tradeoff between effective area and scintillation light collection. By using wavelength shifting (WLS) fibers the scintillation light may be collected efficiently also in a large area detector. In this study, WLS fibers were coupled to a beta sensitive plastic scintillator layer and to a alpha sensitive silver-activated zinc sulfide ZnS(Ag) layer for detecting both alpha and beta particles. The WLS fibers collect the scintillation light from the whole detector and transfer it to a single PMT. This first prototype unique configuration enables monitoring radioactive contaminated surfaces by both sides of the detector and provides high gamma rejection. In this paper, the detector structure, as well as the detector’s measured linear response, will be described. The measured detection efficiency of {sup 238}Pu alpha particles (5.5 MeV) is ~63%. The measured detection efficiency for beta particles is ~89% for {sup 90}Sr–{sup 90}Y (average energy of 195.8 keV, 934.8 keV), ~50% for {sup 36}Cl (average energy of 251.3 keV), and 35% for {sup 137}Cs (average energy of 156.8 keV)

1. A chimeric 18L1-45RG1 virus-like particle vaccine cross-protects against oncogenic alpha-7 human papillomavirus types.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bettina Huber

Full Text Available Persistent infection with oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPV types causes all cervical and a subset of other anogenital and oropharyngeal carcinomas. Four high-risk (hr mucosal types HPV16, 18, 45, or 59 cause almost all cervical adenocarcinomas (AC, a subset of cervical cancer (CxC. Although the incidence of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC has dramatically decreased following introduction of Papanicolaou (PAP screening, the proportion of AC has relatively increased. Cervical SCC arise mainly from the ectocervix, whereas AC originate primarily from the endocervical canal, which is less accessible to obtain viable PAP smears. Licensed (bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccines comprise virus-like particles (VLP of the most important hr HPV16 and 18, self-assembled from the major capsid protein L1. Due to mainly type-restricted efficacy, both vaccines do not target 13 additional hr mucosal types causing 30% of CxC. The papillomavirus genus alpha species 7 (α7 includes a group of hr types of which HPV18, 45, 59 are proportionally overrepresented in cervical AC and only partially (HPV18 targeted by current vaccines. To target these types, we generated a chimeric vaccine antigen that consists of a cross-neutralizing epitope (homologue of HPV16 RG1 of the L2 minor capsid protein of HPV45 genetically inserted into a surface loop of HPV18 L1 VLP (18L1-45RG1. Vaccination of NZW rabbits with 18L1-45RG1 VLP plus alum-MPL adjuvant induced high-titer neutralizing antibodies against homologous HPV18, that cross-neutralized non-cognate hr α7 types HPV39, 45, 68, but not HPV59, and low risk HPV70 in vitro, and induced a robust L1-specific cellular immune response. Passive immunization protected mice against experimental vaginal challenge with pseudovirions of HPV18, 39, 45 and 68, but not HPV59 or the distantly related α9 type HPV16. 18L1-45RG1 VLP might be combined with our previously described 16L1-16RG1 VLP to develop a second generation bivalent

2. Preparation of thin {alpha}-particle sources using poly-pyrrole films functionalized by a chelating agent; Preparation de sources minces d'emetteurs alpha a l'aide de films de polypyrrole fonctionnalises par un ligand chelatant

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mariet, C. [CEA Saclay, INSTN, Institut National des Sciences et Techniques Nucleaires, 91 - Gif-sur-Yvette (France); Universite Pierre et Marie Curie, 75 - Paris (France)

2000-07-01

This work takes place in the scope of analysis of the {alpha}-particle emitting elements U, Pu and Am present in compound environmental matrix like sols and sediments. The samples diversity and above all the {alpha}-ray characteristics require the analyst to implement a sequence of chemical steps in which the more restricting is the actinides concentration in a uniform and thin layer en allowing an accurately measure of alpha activity. On this account, we studied a new technique for radioactive sources preparation based on tow steps: preparation of a thin film as source support; incorporation of radioactive elements by a chelating extraction mechanism. The thin films were obtained through electro-polymerization of pyrrole monomer functionalized by an chelating ligand able to extract actinides from concentrated acidic solutions. Polymerization conditions of this monomer were perfected, then obtained films were characterized from a physico-chemical point of view. We point out their extracting properties were comparable to (retention capacity, distribution coefficient) to those of usual ion-exchange resins. The underscore of uranyl and americium nitrate complexes formed in the thin layer allowed to calculate the extraction constants in case acid extraction is negligible. Thanks to this results, the values of the coefficients distribution D{sub U} and D{sub Am} could be provided for all nitric solutions in which acid extraction is negligible. Optimal actinides retention conditions in the polymer were defined and used to settle a protocol for plutonium analysis in environmental samples. (author)

3. A sequential radiochemical procedure to determine natural radionuclides in samples from a strongly polluted river by alpha-particle spectrometry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

4. Ab initio alpha-alpha scattering.

Science.gov (United States)

Elhatisari, Serdar; Lee, Dean; Rupak, Gautam; Epelbaum, Evgeny; Krebs, Hermann; Lähde, Timo A; Luu, Thomas; Meißner, Ulf-G

2015-12-01

Processes such as the scattering of alpha particles ((4)He), the triple-alpha reaction, and alpha capture play a major role in stellar nucleosynthesis. In particular, alpha capture on carbon determines the ratio of carbon to oxygen during helium burning, and affects subsequent carbon, neon, oxygen, and silicon burning stages. It also substantially affects models of thermonuclear type Ia supernovae, owing to carbon detonation in accreting carbon-oxygen white-dwarf stars. In these reactions, the accurate calculation of the elastic scattering of alpha particles and alpha-like nuclei--nuclei with even and equal numbers of protons and neutrons--is important for understanding background and resonant scattering contributions. First-principles calculations of processes involving alpha particles and alpha-like nuclei have so far been impractical, owing to the exponential growth of the number of computational operations with the number of particles. Here we describe an ab initio calculation of alpha-alpha scattering that uses lattice Monte Carlo simulations. We use lattice effective field theory to describe the low-energy interactions of protons and neutrons, and apply a technique called the 'adiabatic projection method' to reduce the eight-body system to a two-cluster system. We take advantage of the computational efficiency and the more favourable scaling with system size of auxiliary-field Monte Carlo simulations to compute an ab initio effective Hamiltonian for the two clusters. We find promising agreement between lattice results and experimental phase shifts for s-wave and d-wave scattering. The approximately quadratic scaling of computational operations with particle number suggests that it should be possible to compute alpha scattering and capture on carbon and oxygen in the near future. The methods described here can be applied to ultracold atomic few-body systems as well as to hadronic systems using lattice quantum chromodynamics to describe the interactions of

5. Ab initio alpha-alpha scattering

Science.gov (United States)

Elhatisari, Serdar; Lee, Dean; Rupak, Gautam; Epelbaum, Evgeny; Krebs, Hermann; Lähde, Timo A.; Luu, Thomas; Meißner, Ulf-G.

2015-12-01

Processes such as the scattering of alpha particles (4He), the triple-alpha reaction, and alpha capture play a major role in stellar nucleosynthesis. In particular, alpha capture on carbon determines the ratio of carbon to oxygen during helium burning, and affects subsequent carbon, neon, oxygen, and silicon burning stages. It also substantially affects models of thermonuclear type Ia supernovae, owing to carbon detonation in accreting carbon-oxygen white-dwarf stars. In these reactions, the accurate calculation of the elastic scattering of alpha particles and alpha-like nuclei—nuclei with even and equal numbers of protons and neutrons—is important for understanding background and resonant scattering contributions. First-principles calculations of processes involving alpha particles and alpha-like nuclei have so far been impractical, owing to the exponential growth of the number of computational operations with the number of particles. Here we describe an ab initio calculation of alpha-alpha scattering that uses lattice Monte Carlo simulations. We use lattice effective field theory to describe the low-energy interactions of protons and neutrons, and apply a technique called the ‘adiabatic projection method’ to reduce the eight-body system to a two-cluster system. We take advantage of the computational efficiency and the more favourable scaling with system size of auxiliary-field Monte Carlo simulations to compute an ab initio effective Hamiltonian for the two clusters. We find promising agreement between lattice results and experimental phase shifts for s-wave and d-wave scattering. The approximately quadratic scaling of computational operations with particle number suggests that it should be possible to compute alpha scattering and capture on carbon and oxygen in the near future. The methods described here can be applied to ultracold atomic few-body systems as well as to hadronic systems using lattice quantum chromodynamics to describe the interactions of

6. Effects of alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide on osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand expression in MG-63 osteoblast-like cells exposed to polyethylene particles

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kauther Max D

2010-11-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Recent studies demonstrated an impact of the nervous system on particle-induced osteolysis, the major cause of aseptic loosening of joint replacements. Methods In this study of MG-63 osteoblast-like cells we analyzed the influence of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE particles and the neurotransmitter alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP on the osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand/receptor activator of nuclear factorκB (OPG/RANKL/RANK system. MG-63 cells were stimulated by different UHMWPE particle concentrations (1:100, 1:500 and different doses of alpha-CGRP (10-7 M, 10-9 M, 10-11 M. RANKL and OPG mRNA expression and protein levels were measured by RT-PCR and Western blot. Results Increasing particle concentrations caused an up-regulation of RANKL after 72 hours. Alpha-CGRP showed a dose-independent depressive effect on particle-induced expression of RANKL mRNA in both cell-particle ratios. RANKL gene transcripts were significantly (P -7 M lead to an up-regulation of OPG protein. Conclusion In conclusion, a possible osteoprotective influence of the neurotransmitter alpha-CGRP on particle stimulated osteoblast-like cells could be shown. Alpha-CGRP might be important for bone metabolism under conditions of particle-induced osteolysis.

7. Optical potentials and isoscalar transition rates from 104 MeV alpha-particle scattering by the N=28 isotopes 48Ca, 50Ti and 52Cr

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Precisely measured differential cross sections for elastic and inelastic scattering from 104 MeV alpha-particles by 48Ca, 50Ti and 52Cr are reported. The analyses aim primarily at the determination of strength, radial shapes and deformation of the scattering potentials, looking for isotonic differences of N = 28 isotones. The mean square radii of the (real) potentials are discussed in terms of mean square radius differences of the matter distributions. The isoscalar transition rates derived by coupled channel analyses of the measured cross sections are compared with electromagnetic rates. In addition to the analyses on the basis of a slightly generalized extended optical model a semi-microscopic deformed folding model has been applied, using a density-dependent effective alpha-bound nucleon interaction. Though an excellent description of the data over the full angular range is obtained the resulting values of the deformation parameters appear to be not consistent with results from various different methods. (orig.)

8. OSL and TL in LiF:Mg,Ti following alpha particle and beta ray irradiation: Application to mixed-field radiation dosimetry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

The optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) of LiF:Mg,Ti (TLD-100) following irradiation by beta and alpha particles was investigated by the measurement of the excitation and emission spectra of OSL and comparison with thermoluminescence (TL) characteristics. Measurements were also carried out on nominally pure LiF monocrystals. The preferential excitation of OSL compared to TL following high-ionisation density (HID) alpha irradiation is naturally explained via the identification of OSL with the 'two-hit' F2 or F3+ centre, whereas the major component of composite TL glow peak 5 is believed to arise from a 'one-hit' complex defect. This discovery allows near-total discrimination between HID radiation and low-ionisation density radiation and may have significant potential in mixed-field radiation dosimetry. (authors)

9. Tetanus toxoid-loaded cationic non-aggregated nanostructured lipid particles triggered strong humoral and cellular immune responses.

Science.gov (United States)

Kaur, Amandeep; Jyoti, Kiran; Rai, Shweta; Sidhu, Rupinder; Pandey, Ravi Shankar; Jain, Upendra Kumar; Katyal, Anju; Madan, Jitender

2016-05-01

In the present investigation, non-aggregated cationic and unmodified nanoparticles (TT-C-NLPs4 and TT-NLPs1) were prepared of about 49.2 ± 6.8-nm and 40.8 ± 8.3-nm, respectively. In addition, spherical shape, crystalline architecture and cationic charge were also noticed. Furthermore, integrity and conformational stability of TT were maintained in both TT-C-NLPs4 and TT-NLPs1, as evidenced by symmetrical position of bands and superimposed spectra, respectively in SDS-PAGE and circular dichroism. Cellular uptake in RAW264.7 cells indicating the concentration-dependent internalisation of nanoparticles. Qualitatively, CLSM exhibited enhanced cellular uptake of non-aggregated TT-C-NLPs4 owing to interaction with negatively charged plasma membrane and clevaloe mediated/independent endocytosis. In last, in vivo immunisation with non-aggregated TT-C-NLPs4 elicited strong humoral (anti-TT IgG) and cellular (IFN-γ) immune responses at day 42, as compared to non-aggregated TT-NLPs1 and TT-Alum following booster immunisation at day 14 and 28. Thus, non-aggregated cationic lipid nanoparticles may be a potent immune-adjuvant for parenteral delivery of weak antigens. PMID:27056086

10. The emission probabilities of long range alpha particles from even-even 244-252Cm isotopes

OpenAIRE

Santhosh, K P; Krishnan, Sreejith; Priyanka, B.

2014-01-01

The alpha accompanied cold ternary fission of even-even 244Cm, 246Cm, 248Cm, 250Cm and 252Cm isotopes have been studied by taking the interacting barrier as the sum of Coulomb and proximity potential with the fragments in equatorial configuration. The favorable fragment combinations are obtained from the cold reaction valley plot and by calculating the relative yield for the charge minimized fragments. In the alpha accompanied ternary fission of 244Cm isotope, the highest yield is found for t...

11. A sequential extraction procedure to determine Ra and U isotopes by alpha-particle spectrometry in selective leachates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A radiochemical sequential extraction procedure has been developed in our laboratory to determine 226Ra and 234,238U by alpha spectrometry in environmental samples. This method has been validated for both radionuclides by comparing in selected samples the values obtained through its application with the results obtained by applying alternative procedures. Recoveries obtained, counting periods applied and background levels found in the alpha spectra give suitable detection limits to allow the Ra and U determination in operational forms defined in riverbed contaminated sediments. Results obtained in these speciation studies show that 226Ra and 234,238U contamination tend to be associated to precipitated forms of the sediments. (author)

12. Understanding of the mechanical and structural changes induced by alpha particles and heavy ions in the French simulated nuclear waste glass

Science.gov (United States)

Karakurt, G.; Abdelouas, A.; Guin, J.-P.; Nivard, M.; Sauvage, T.; Paris, M.; Bardeau, J.-F.

2016-07-01

Borosilicate glasses are considered for the long-term confinement of high-level nuclear wastes. External irradiations with 1 MeV He+ ions and 7 MeV Au5+ ions were performed to simulate effects produced by alpha particles and by recoil nuclei in the simulated SON68 nuclear waste glass. To better understand the structural modifications, irradiations were also carried out on a 6-oxides borosilicate glass, a simplified version of the SON68 glass (ISG glass). The mechanical and macroscopic properties of the glasses were studied as function of the deposited electronic and nuclear energies. Alpha particles and gold ions induced a volume change up to -0.7% and -2.7%, respectively, depending on the glass composition. Nano-indentations tests were used to determine the mechanical properties of the irradiated glasses. A decrease of about -22% to -38% of the hardness and a decrease of the reduced Young's modulus by -8% were measured after irradiations. The evolution of the glass structure was studied by Raman spectroscopy, and also 11B and 27Al Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (MAS-NMR) on a 20 MeV Kr irradiated ISG glass powder. A decrease of the silica network connectivity after irradiation with alpha particles and gold ions is deduced from the structural changes observations. NMR spectra revealed a partial conversion of BO4 to BO3 units but also a formation of AlO5 and AlO6 species after irradiation with Kr ions. The relationships between the mechanical and structural changes are also discussed.

13. Stopping powers of havar for 0.63 5.9 MeV protons and 2.6 24 MeV alpha particles

Science.gov (United States)

Porter, L. E.; Trzaska, W. H.; Räisänen, J.; Lyapin, V.

2004-11-01

A transmission experiment utilizing thin foil targets has been conducted in order to establish the stopping powers of the cobalt-base alloy, havar, for 0.6-5.9 MeV protons and 2.6-24 MeV alpha particles. The basic technique of the novel experimental method used was to record both the projectile energy and the time of flight while alternating measurements with and without the target in place. The uncertainties of the proton and alpha particle data sets ranged from 1.4 to 2.3% and 1.1 to 1.5%, respectively. Modified Bethe-Bloch theory was applied to the measurements in order to ascertain values of the target mean excitation energy (I) and Barkas-effect parameter (b) for each projectile. The extracted values were I = 304.3 ± 2.4 eV and b = 1.37 ± 0.04 for the case of protons, and I = 306.3 ± 2.3 eV and b = 1.47 ± 0.03 for the case of alpha particles. The I-values are somewhat higher than the additivity-based expectation of 295.7 eV, whereas the b-values are clearly consistent with the expected range of 1.4 ± 0.1. The parameter values extracted from the measurements are appraised for compatibility with recently observed trends in values of I and of b with increasing projectile atomic number.

14. Major vault protein forms complexes with hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha and reduces HIF-1alpha level in ACHN human renal adenocarcinoma cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Iwashita, Ken-ichi; Ikeda, Ryuji; Takeda, Yasuo; Sumizawa, Tomoyuki; Furukawa, Tatsuhiko; Yamaguchi, Tatsuya; Akiyama, Shin-ichi; Yamada, Katsushi

2010-04-01

Vaults are evolutionarily highly conserved ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles with a hollow barrel-like structure. Although roles in multidrug resistance and innate immunity have been suggested, the physiological function of vaults remains unclear. Major vault protein (MVP), the main component of the vault particle, has been reported to be induced by hypoxia. However, there are no reports about the effect of vaults on cellular responses to hypoxia. We thus examined whether vaults are implicated in cellular responses to hypoxia. In this study, we focused on hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha), which is a master regulator of hypoxic responses, and found that: (i) MVP knockdown by RNA interference increases HIF-1alpha protein levels induced by hypoxia and hypoxia mimetics; (ii) MVP knockdown does not affect HIF-1alpha mRNA levels, but decreases the ubiquitination and degradation of HIF-1alpha protein; and (iii) vaults form complexes with HIF-1alpha, PHD2, and pVHL. Taken together, these results suggest that vaults function as scaffolds in HIF-1alpha degradation pathway and promote the ubiquitination and degradation of HIF-1alpha. PMID:20175781

15. Latitudinal and radial variation of >2 GeV/n protons and alpha-particles at solar maximum: ULYSSES COSPIN/KET and neutron monitor network observations

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. V. Belov

Full Text Available Ulysses, launched in October 1990, began its second out-of-ecliptic orbit in September 1997. In 2000/2001 the spacecraft passed from the south to the north polar regions of the Sun in the inner heliosphere. In contrast to the first rapid pole to pole passage in 1994/1995 close to solar minimum, Ulysses experiences now solar maximum conditions. The Kiel Electron Telescope (KET measures also protons and alpha-particles in the energy range from 5 MeV/n to >2 GeV/n. To derive radial and latitudinal gradients for >2 GeV/n protons and alpha-particles, data from the Chicago instrument on board IMP-8 and the neutron monitor network have been used to determine the corresponding time profiles at Earth. We obtain a spatial distribution at solar maximum which differs greatly from the solar minimum distribution. A steady-state approximation, which was characterized by a small radial and significant latitudinal gradient at solar minimum, was interchanged with a highly variable one with a large radial and a small – consistent with zero – latitudinal gradient. A significant deviation from a spherically symmetric cosmic ray distribution following the reversal of the solar magnetic field in 2000/2001 has not been observed yet. A small deviation has only been observed at northern polar regions, showing an excess of particles instead of the expected depression. This indicates that the reconfiguration of the heliospheric magnetic field, caused by the reappearance of the northern polar coronal hole, starts dominating the modulation of galactic cosmic rays already at solar maximum.

Key words. Interplanetary physics (cosmic rays; energetic particles – Space plasma physics (charged particle motion and acceleration

16. Design of a Fast Neutral He Beam System for Feasibility Study of Charge-Exchange Alpha-Particle Diagnostics in a Thermonuclear Fusion Reactor

CERN Document Server

Shinto, Katsuhiro; Kitajima, Sumio; Kiyama, Satoru; Nishiura, Masaki; Sasao, Mamiko; Sugawara, Hiroshi; Takenaga, Mahoko; Takeuchi, Shu; Wada, Motoi

2005-01-01

For alpha-particle diagnostics in a thermonuclear fusion reactor, neutralization using a fast (~2 MeV) neutral He beam produced by the spontaneous electron detachment of a He- is considered most promising. However, the beam transport of produced fast neutral He has not been studied, because of difficulty for producing high-brightness He- beam. Double-charge-exchange He- sources and simple beam transport systems were developed and their results were reported in the PAC99* and other papers.** To accelerate an intense He- beam and verify the production of the fast neutral He beam, a new test stand has been designed. It consists of a multi-cusp He+

17. SOLANG: A user-friendly code to calculate the geometry factor using Monte Carlo simulations. Application to alpha-particle spectrometry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cornejo Diaz, N.A. [Centro de Proteccion e Higiene de las Radiaciones, C.P. 6195, La Habana (Cuba); Martin Sanchez, A., E-mail: ams@unex.e [Departamento de Fisica, Universidad de Extremadura, E-06071 Badajoz (Spain); Torre Perez, J. de la [Departamento de Fisica, Universidad de Extremadura, E-06071 Badajoz (Spain)

2011-05-15

Monte Carlo simulation was applied to calculate the effective solid angle (or geometry factor) presented by a plane radioactive source at a detector entrance window. A fast and user-friendly computer program SOLANG was written to perform the calculations for disk or rectangular sources and circular non-coaxial detector disks. Results can be achieved with great precision, depending on the number of simulated trajectories. Some checks and applications to the calculation of efficiencies of semiconductor detectors and gas ionization chambers used to measure alpha particles are presented. Their results were very reliable. The code is available free of charge on request to the authors.

18. The use of alpha particle tagged neutrons for the inspection of objects on the sea floor for the presence of explosives

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

A system using a neutron sensor installed within a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) for underwater inspection has been developed. The system can inspect objects for the presence of threat materials, such as explosives and chemical agents, by using alpha particle tagged neutrons from a sealed tube d+t neutron generator to produce characteristic gamma rays within the interrogated object. Here we show that the measured gamma spectra for commonly found ammunition charged with TNT explosives are dominated by C, O and Fe peaks enabling the underwater determination of explosives inside an ammunition shell

19. Collective relaxation, single particle motion and short range order in. cap alpha. '-NbD/sub x/: A quasielastic neutron scattering study

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hempelmann, R.; Richter, D.; Faux, D.A.; Ross, D.K.

1988-01-01

Applying both incoherent and coherent quasielastic neutron scattering we have studied simultaneously single particle motion, collective relaxation and short range order of deuterium in ..cap alpha..'-NbD/sub x/. A comparison with recent Monte Carlo simulations lead to a consistent description of all results in terms of strongly repulsive deuterium-deuterium interactions. Relating the independently determined tracer and chemical diffusion coefficients with the also measured structure factor we show experimentally that for lattice gases the de Gennes narrowing Ansatz needs to be modified by correlation factors. 18 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.

20. ReaDDy--a software for particle-based reaction-diffusion dynamics in crowded cellular environments.

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Johannes Schöneberg

Full Text Available We introduce the software package ReaDDy for simulation of detailed spatiotemporal mechanisms of dynamical processes in the cell, based on reaction-diffusion dynamics with particle resolution. In contrast to other particle-based reaction kinetics programs, ReaDDy supports particle interaction potentials. This permits effects such as space exclusion, molecular crowding and aggregation to be modeled. The biomolecules simulated can be represented as a sphere, or as a more complex geometry such as a domain structure or polymer chain. ReaDDy bridges the gap between small-scale but highly detailed molecular dynamics or Brownian dynamics simulations and large-scale but little-detailed reaction kinetics simulations. ReaDDy has a modular design that enables the exchange of the computing core by efficient platform-specific implementations or dynamical models that are different from Brownian dynamics.
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