Measuring the Cosmic Ray Muon-Induced Fast Neutron Spectrum by (n,p) Isotope Production Reactions in Underground Detectors

While cosmic ray muons themselves are relatively easy to veto in underground detectors, their interactions with nuclei create more insidious backgrounds via: (i) the decays of long-lived isotopes produced by muon-induced spallation reactions inside the detector, (ii) spallation reactions initiated by fast muon-induced neutrons entering from outside the detector, and (iii) nuclear recoils initiated by fast muon-induced neutrons entering from outside the detector. These backgrounds, which are difficult to veto or shield against, are very important for solar, reactor, dark matter, and other underground experiments, especially as increased sensitivity is pursued. We used fluka to calculate the production rates and spectra of all prominent secondaries produced by cosmic ray muons, in particular focusing on secondary neutrons, due to their importance. Since the neutron spectrum is steeply falling, the total neutron production rate is sensitive just to the relatively soft neutrons, and not to the fast-neutron component. We show that the neutron spectrum in the range between 10 and 100 MeV can instead be probed by the (n, p)-induced isotope production rates 12C(n, p)12B and 16O(n, p)16N in oil- and water-based detectors. The result for 12B is in good agreement with the recent KamLAND measurement. Besides testing the calculation of muon secondaries, these results are also of practical importance, since 12B (T1/2 = 20.2 ms, Q = 13.4 MeV) and 16N (T1/2 = 7.13 s, Q = 10.4 MeV) are among the dominant spallation backgrounds in these detectors

Measurement of the 12C(n,p)12B cross section at n-TOF at CERN by in-beam activation analysis

The integral cross section of the 12C(n,p)12B reaction has been determined for the first time in the neutron energy range from threshold to several GeV at the n-TOF facility at CERN. The measurement relies on the activation technique with the β decay of 12B measured over a period of four half-lives within the same neutron bunch in which the reaction occurs. The results indicate that model predictions, used in a variety of applications, are mostly inadequate. The value of the integral cross section reported here can be used as a benchmark for verifying or tuning model calculations.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Determination of Parameters for Limiting Longitudinal Acceleration to Optimize Energy Consumption for Train Traction

Purpose. The main purpose of the article is to improve traction calculations using mathematical modeling when solving the equation of train motion. The train model is adapted to optimize the parameters of train movement during speed gain with the determination of functional relationships between the power of the locomotive power plant and the profile of the track section with the consumption of energy resources by the locomotive. Methodology. Modern methods of mathematical modeling were used to solve the tasks. The modeling of the power plant operation was performed using interpolation and approximation methods. The simulation modeling method was used to create a model of the electrical part of the diesel locomotive transmission. The method of integrating the differential equation of motion was used to calculate the parameters and nature of the train's movement and the problem was solved, which consists in finding a solution to this equation over the length of the traction section, taking into account the variable values of the locomotive power and the slopes of the track profile. Findings. To analyze the results of traction calculations, we obtained such indicators as technical speed and diesel fuel consumption, and compared these indicators. The results show that in the case of acceleration limitation, there is a decrease in diesel fuel consumption at almost unchanged technical speed. Originality. The improvement of energy efficiency of train operation has been further developed, namely, the functional dependence of the relative power of the locomotive power plant, which takes into account the actual profile of the site, has been obtained, which makes it possible to determine energy-saving modes of locomotive control and reduce energy consumption, load on the diesel engine and elements of the diesel locomotive traction transmission during transient modes, which, in turn, in addition to saving diesel fuel, will affect the reliability of the power plant elements. The practical value of the study is to save diesel fuel in the modes of movement that provide speed gain and increase the reliability of the power plant due to reduced load

Determination of Energy-Optimized Locomotive Control During Train Acceleration

Purpose. In this article, the authors aim to improve the mathematical model of train movement by adapting the model to determine the values of diesel power at the corresponding values of train acceleration and different modes of train operation. Based on the model, it is planned to build and analyze two-parameter dependencies of locomotive control during acceleration, which provide steady acceleration on different track profile slopes for different values of train weight, which will allow for more rational management of the locomotive fleet with strict adherence to the train schedule and minimal diesel fuel consumption for traction. Methodology. To achieve this goal, we used the method of system analysis, nonlinear programming, and numerical methods for solving differential equations of train motion, taking into account that the integration of the equation of train motion can be carried out by path, time, and speed, depending on the initially set task in traction calculations. Calculations were performed for different modes and phases of train operation. Findings. To analyze the results, we compared the obtained traction calculations, such as technical speed, travel time, and fuel consumption. To solve the problem of traction calculations, we chose the Maple software package, which allowed us not only to numerically evaluate the results of solving the two-parameter mathematical model, but also to graphically and visually, which greatly simplifies their perception. The obtained results of the calculations indicate a decrease in energy consumption. Originality. The model of train movement has been further developed, taking into account the adaptation to determine the values of diesel power consumption in the case of steady-state values of train acceleration depending on the weight of the train and the slopes of the track profile. Practical value. The expediency of the study is to save energy resources, in particular diesel fuel, for train traction and allows more accurate adherence to the train schedule, which, in turn, affects traffic safety in general

Long-term efficacy and safety of apremilast in the treatment of plaques psoriasis: A real-world, single-center experience

Apremilast is a small molecule approved for the treatment of plaques psoriasis and adult psoriatic arthritis. Pivotal studies have demonstrated short and long term efficacy and safety of apremilast but few data in real life are still available. The aim of this study is to report the efficacy and safety results of apremilast in clinical practice in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, focusing on therapeutic results obtained after 24 and 52 weeks of treatment. From May 2018 to December 2018, 40 patients with plaques psoriasis have been enrolled. Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), body surface area, Physician Global Assessment, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were performed at baseline at 24 (W24) and 52 (W52) weeks after treatment initiation. Primary endpoint was to evaluate the percentage of patient that achieved PASI 75, PASI 90 and PASI 100 at week 24 and 52 of treatment. Additional measure of efficacy was percentage of patients reaching the minimal disease activity (MDA = PGA0/1 and DLQI 0/1) after 24 and 52 weeks of treatment. As secondary endpoint, we evaluated the percentage of patient that achieved DLQI 0–1 at W24 and W52, and long-term safety of apremilast. The percentage of patients who achieved PASI75, PASI90 and PASI100 was 47.5%, 30% and 10% and 25%, 35% and 10% at W24 and W52 respectively. About the half of the reported patients reached MDA at W24 (n = 21) and at W52 (n = 20). The 60% of patients achieved and maintained DLQI 0–1 at W24 until W52. Diarrhea, nausea, headache, insomnia, and other AEs have been reported by 28 patients. Apremilast in real life experience confirmed the levels of efficacy and safety obtained in pivotal trials. In particular, the good initial response to the treatment is predictive of the maintenance or improvement of the outcome over W52. The efficacy is supported by an excellent safety profile even in frail patients

Combined treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis with botulinum toxin type A and oxybutynin chloride: Results of a clinical, multicenter, prospective study

Oxybutynin chloride and botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) have demonstrated to be effective treatments for primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH); however, both of them are not completely free from local and/or generalized side effects. Primary aim of this study is to compare efficacy and safety of a sequencing administration of oral oxybutynin chloride after BTX-A injections vs oral oxybutynin chloride in monotherapy in patients with PPH. Secondary aim is to evaluate if the sequencing approach can allow the control of hyperhidrosis with lower dose of oral oxybutynin. Patients enrolled were compared for short- and long-term efficacy and safety of treatments. Effectiveness was evaluated through the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS), and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score; safety was assessed through collection of the adverse events reported by patients both at baseline, at 24 and 52 weeks. Patients receiving sequencing treatment showed significant greater improvement than patients receiving oxybutynin chloride alone at T24 (HDSS P =.0076 and DLQI P =.0139) and T52 (HDSS P =.0387 and DLQI P =.0087). The dose of oxybutynin chloride useful to control hyperhidrosis was lower, and retention rate to the treatment was higher in patients receiving sequencing treatment (P =.001), than patients receiving monotherapy (P =.04). A sequencing therapeutic approach to palmar hyperhidrosis increases both efficacy and safety compared with the use of oral oxybutynin chloride alone, and allows clinicians to keep lower dosage of oxybutynin chloride reducing generalized side effects and increasing the retention rate to the treatment. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC

Global coronavirus pandemic (SARS-CoV-2): Past, present, and future of pediatric dermatology

Two months have passed since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the pandemic of the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, on 11 March 2020. Medical and healthcare workers have continued to be on the frontline to defeat this disease, however, continual changes are being made to their working habits which are proving to be difficult. Although the skin is not the main target of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is strongly involved both directly and indirectly, in many aspects of dermatological disease management, and particularly in pediatric dermatology. In this manuscript, our goal was to provide a “up-to-date” account on this topic, through analysis of current literature and sharing our experiences during this pandemic