A local effect model-based interpolation framework for experimental nanoparticle radiosensitisation data

A local effect model (LEM)-based framework capable of interpolating nanoparticle-enhanced photon-irradiated clonogenic cell survival fraction measurements as a function of nanoparticle concentration was developed and experimentally benchmarked for gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-doped bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) under superficial kilovoltage X-ray irradiation. For three different superficial kilovoltage X-ray spectra, the BAEC survival fraction response was predicted for two different AuNP concentrations and compared to experimental data. The ability of the developed framework to predict the cell survival fraction trends is analysed and discussed. This developed framework is intended to fill in the existing gaps of individual cell line response as a function of NP concentration under photon irradiation and assist the scientific community in planning future pre-clinical trials of high Z nanoparticle-enhanced photon radiotherapy

Evidence for Strong Breit Interaction in Dielectronic Recombination of Highly Charged Heavy Ions

Resonant strengths have been measured for dielectronic recombination of Li-like iodine, holmium, and bismuth using an electron beam ion trap. By observing the atomic number dependence of the state-resolved resonant strength, clear experimental evidence has been obtained that the importance of the generalized Breit interaction (GBI) effect on dielectronic recombination increases as the atomic number increases. In particular, it has been shown that the GBI effect is exceptionally strong for the recombination through the resonant state [1s2s22p1/2]1

Molecular dynamics study of accelerated ion-induced shock waves in biological media

We present a molecular dynamics study of the effects of carbon- and iron-ion induced shock waves in DNA duplexes in liquid water. We use the CHARMM force field implemented within the MBN Explorer simulation package to optimize and equilibrate DNA duplexes in liquid water boxes of different sizes and shapes. The translational and vibrational degrees of freedom of water molecules are excited according to the energy deposited by the ions and the subsequent shock waves in liquid water are simulated. The pressure waves generated are studied and compared with an analytical hydrodynamics model which serves as a benchmark for evaluating the suitability of the simulation boxes. The energy deposition in the DNA backbone bonds is also monitored as an estimation of biological damage, something which is not possible with the analytical model

First observation of radiolytic bubble formation in unstirred nano-powder sludges and a consistent model thereof

From Springer Nature via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: received 2021-07-13, accepted 2021-10-22, registration 2021-11-08, pub-electronic 2021-11-24, online 2021-11-24, collection 2021-12Publication status: PublishedAbstract: Experiments involving the irradiation of water contained within magnesium hydroxide and alumina nanoparticle sludges were conducted and culminated in observations of an increased yield of molecular hydrogen when compared to the yield from the irradiation of bulk water. We show that there is a relationship linking this increased yield to the direct nanoscale ionization mechanism in the nanoparticles, indicating that electron emission from the nanoparticles drives new radiative pathways in the water. Because the chemical changes in these sludges are introduced by irradiation only, we have a genuinely unstirred system. This feature allows us to determine the diffusivity of the dissolved gas. Using the measured gas production rate, we have developed a method for modelling when hydrogen bubble formation will occur within the nanoparticle sludges. This model facilitates the determination of a consistent radiolytic consumption rate coinciding with the observations of bubble formation. Thus, we demonstrate a nanoscale radiation effect directly influencing the formation of molecular hydrogen

Isotope Shift in the Dielectronic Recombination of Three-electron \u3csup\u3eA\u3c/sup\u3eNd⁵⁷⁺

Isotope shifts in dielectronic recombination spectra were studied for Li-like ANd57+ ions with A = 142 and A = 150. From the displacement of resonance positions energy shifts δE142 150(2s-2p1/2) = 40.2(3)(6) meV [(stat)(sys)] and δE142 150(2s - 2p3/2) = 42.3(12)(20)meV of 2s - 2pj transitions were deduced. An evaluation of these values within a full QED treatment yields a change in the mean-square charge radius of 142 150δ⟨ r2⟩ = -1.36(1)(3) fm2. The approach is conceptually new and combines the advantage of a simple atomic structure with high sensitivity to nuclear size

Biological Effects of Antiprotons Are Antiprotons a Candidate for Cancer Therapy?

2009 Status Report of AD-4 Experimen

The TRANSCEND University Consortium : integrated waste management

TRANSCEND (Transformative Science and Engineering for Nuclear Decommissioning) is a collaborative research consortium comprising 11 universities and 8 industry partners. The £9.4 million research program, funded primarily by the Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPSRC) Research Council of the UK, incorporates >40 projects in total, which will address some of the key challenges within the areas of nuclear decommissioning and waste management; including mobilization, processing, packaging, storage, transport and final disposal. This paper will outline a summary of the current progress and impact of Theme 1 - Integrated Waste Management. This theme focuses on underpinning science and engineering in areas of relevance to hazard reduction and decommissioning, where the three key work package objectives are: (1) New materials and methods for effluent decontamination; (2) Modelling and experiments for understanding pond and silo sludge/slurry behavior; (3) Innovative wasteform materials. In total, this theme has 15 different projects, delivered through both postdoctoral and PhD researchers, all with specific industry supervision from our partners, led by the NNL. The following provides a review of the project summaries to date, and their critical impact

Cancer Nanotechnology Startup Challenge:a new way to realize the fruits of innovation

A significant new innovation-development model is being launched in the field of cancer and nanotechnology. A significant new innovation-development model is being launched in the field of cancer and nanotechnology