The correction of Inelastic Neutron Scattering data of organic samples using the Average Functional Group Approximation

The use of the Average Functional Group Approximation for self-shielding corrections at inelastic neutron spectrometers is discussed. By taking triptindane as a case study, we use the above-mentioned approximation to simulate a synthetic dynamic structure factor as measured on an indirect-geometry spectrometer, as well as the related total scattering cross section as a function of incident neutron energy and sample temperature, and the transmission spectra depending on the sample thickness. These quantities, obtained in a consistent way from the Average Functional Group Approximation, are used to calculate the energy-dependent self-shielding correction affecting the sample under investigation. The impact on the intensities of low-energy vibrational modes is discussed, showing that at typical experimental conditions the sample-dependent attenuation factor is about 15% higher compared to the correction at higher energies

Time-resolved prompt-gamma activation analysis at spallation neutron sources and applications to cultural heritage, security, and radiation protection

Abstract The present and future developments of time-resolved prompt-gamma activation analysis (T-PGAA) at pulsed neutron sources is discussed in the framework of the successful history of neutron-activation techniques. A brief description of the state of the art and the most important user facilities using standard prompt-gamma activation analysis (PGAA) is provided. Then, we discuss the challenges and the opportunities for T-PGAA at pulsed neutron sources, and the potential impact for applications to cultural heritage, radiation protection, and security. We notice some inversions of trend needed for the further development of T-PGAA with epithermal and fast neutrons, such as the possibility to use fast and high-efficiency γ-ray scintillators with lower energy resolution (compared to usual high-purity germanium detectors) when the signal from neutron capture resonance is selected. We also suggest how detection systems often used in other fields, such as medical physics, can be of interest and inspiration also in the case of neutron-based investigations. Finally, we present new data of T-PGAA measurements on VESUVIO using neutron energies up to the keV using the scintillators available on the instrument, for samples of gold (of interest in cultural heritage), cadmium (for environmental safety), and tantalum (a material used in biomedical implants)

MWCNT/rGO/natural rubber latex dispersions for innovative, piezo‐resistive and cement‐based composite sensors

The present study is focused on the development and characterization of innovative cementitious-based composite sensors. In particular, multifunctional cement mortars with enhanced piezoresistive properties are realized by exploiting the concept of confinement of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) and reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO) in a three-dimensional percolated network through the use of a natural-rubber latex aqueous dispersion. The manufactured cement-based composites were characterized by means of Inelastic Neutron Scattering to assess the hydration reactions and the interactions between natural rubber and the hydrated-cement phases and by Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray diffraction to evaluate the morphological and mineralogical structure, respectively. Piezo-resistive properties to assess electro-mechanical behavior in strain condition are also measured. The results show that the presence of natural rubber latex allows to obtain a three-dimensional rGO/MWCNTs segregate structure which catalyzes the formation of hydrated phases of the cement and increases the piezo-resistive sensitivity of mortar composites, representing a reliable approach in developing innovative mortar-based piezoresistive strain sensors

Irradiation Tests for Commercial Off-the Shelf Components with Atmospheric-like Neutrons and Heavy-Ions

This paper presents the results of the irradiation, performed with atmospheric-like neutrons and heavy-ions, of Commercial Off-the Shelf Components (COTS), which can be used in space missions. In such cases, it is crucial to perform tests in a radiation environment that emulates the environment of different orbits around Earth. In our study we used atmosphericlike neutrons with fluences up to 1011 neutrons/cm-2 and Kr ions of fluences up to 107 ions/cm-2. These intensities are augmented with respect to the atmospheric one in order to shorten the irradiation time while simulating a long-time exposure during a possible mission in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). A similar radiation environment to LEO can also be present during High-Energy Physics experiments. Therefore, the study herby reported can also be helpful for accelerator physics. In this paper we show in detail procedures, setup and results we have obtained on a commercial device normally exploited in automotive environments.Comment: 9 pages, 10 figures, 7 table

The Gamma-Flash data acquisition system for observation of terrestrial gamma-ray flashes

Gamma-Flash is an Italian project funded by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and led by the National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), devoted to the observation and study of high-energy phenomena, such as terrestrial gamma-ray flashes and gamma-ray glows produced in the Earth's atmosphere during thunderstorms. The project's detectors and the data acquisition and control system (DACS) are placed at the "O. Vittori" observatory on the top of Mt. Cimone (Italy). Another payload will be placed on an aircraft for observations of thunderstorms in the air. This work presents the architecture of the data acquisition and control system and the data flow.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figure, Astronomical Data Analysis Software and System XXXII (2022

The MINDVIEW project: First results

[EN] We present the first results of the MINDVIEW project. An innovative imaging system for the human brain examination, allowing simultaneous acquisition of PET/MRI images, has been designed and constructed. It consists of a high sensitivity and high resolution PET scanner integrated in a novel, head-dedicated, radio frequency coil for a 3T MRI scanner. Preliminary measurements from the PET scanner show sensitivity 3 times higher than state-of-the-art PET systems that will allow safe repeated studies on the same patient. The achieved spatial resolution, close to 1 mm, will enable differentiation of relevant brain structures for schizophrenia. A cost-effective and simple method of radiopharmaceutical production from C-11-carbon monoxide and a mini-clean room has been demonstrated. It has been shown that C-11-raclopride has higher binding potential in a new VAAT null mutant mouse model of schizophrenia compared to wild type control animals. A significant reduction in TSPO binding has been found in gray matter in a small sample of drug-naive, first episode psychosis patients, suggesting a reduced number or an altered function of immune cells in brain at early stage schizophrenia. (c) 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.This project is funded by EU grant FP7-HEALTH-F2-2013-603002.Benlloch Baviera, JM.; González Martínez, AJ.; Pani, R.; Preziosi, E.; Jackson, C.; Murphy, J.; Barbera Ballester, J.... (2018). The MINDVIEW project: First results. European Psychiatry. 50:21-27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2018.01.002S212750Gonzalez, A. J., Gonzalez-Montoro, A., Aguilar, A., Conde, P., Canizares, G., Hernandez, L., … Benlloch, J. M. (2016). A brain PET insert MR compatible: Final design and first results. 2016 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium, Medical Imaging Conference and Room-Temperature Semiconductor Detector Workshop (NSS/MIC/RTSD). doi:10.1109/nssmic.2016.8069619Dahl, K., Schou, M., Ulin, J., Sjöberg, C.-O., Farde, L., & Halldin, C. (2015). 11C-carbonylation reactions using gas–liquid segmented microfluidics. RSC Advances, 5(108), 88886-88889. doi:10.1039/c5ra20646d[26] Långström B and Sjöberg CO, System for controlling environment in reaction box, From PCT Int. Appl. (2013), WO 2013103312 A1 20130711.Autret, A., Bert, J., Strauss, O., & Visvikis, D. (2012). Projector with realistic detector scatter modelling for PET list-mode reconstruction. 2012 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference Record (NSS/MIC). doi:10.1109/nssmic.2012.6551759[10] Young JW Head and Face Antropometry of Adult U.S. Citizens, Civil Aeromedical Institute, Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Report number DOT/FAA/AM-93/10, July 1993.Braff, D. L. (1990). Sensorimotor Gating and Schizophrenia. Archives of General Psychiatry, 47(2), 181. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1990.01810140081011Preziosi, E., Sánchez, S., González, A. J., Pani, R., Borrazzo, C., Bettiol, M., … Benlloch, J. M. (2016). Performance study of a PET scanner based on monolithic scintillators for different DoI-dependent methods. Journal of Instrumentation, 11(12), C12076-C12076. doi:10.1088/1748-0221/11/12/c12076Howes, O., McCutcheon, R., & Stone, J. (2015). Glutamate and dopamine in schizophrenia: An update for the 21st century. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 29(2), 97-115. doi:10.1177/0269881114563634Moliner, L., Correcher, C., González, A. J., Conde, P., Hernández, L., Orero, A., … Benlloch, J. M. (2013). Implementation and analysis of list mode algorithm using tubes of response on a dedicated brain and breast PET. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 702, 129-132. doi:10.1016/j.nima.2012.08.029Zelano, J., Mikulovic, S., Patra, K., Kühnemund, M., Larhammar, M., Emilsson, L., … Kullander, K. (2013). The synaptic protein encoded by the gene Slc10A4 suppresses epileptiform activity and regulates sensitivity to cholinergic chemoconvulsants. Experimental Neurology, 239, 73-81. doi:10.1016/j.expneurol.2012.09.006Antich, P., Malakhov, N., Parkey, R., Slavin, N., & Tsyganov, E. (2002). 3D position readout from thick scintillators. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 480(2-3), 782-787. doi:10.1016/s0168-9002(01)01214-1Gonzalez-Montoro, A., Benlloch, J. M., Gonzalez, A. J., Aguilar, A., Canizares, G., Conde, P., … Sanchez, F. (2017). Performance Study of a Large Monolithic LYSO PET Detector With Accurate Photon DOI Using Retroreflector Layers. IEEE Transactions on Radiation and Plasma Medical Sciences, 1(3), 229-237. doi:10.1109/trpms.2017.2692819Rahman, O., Takano, A., Amini, N., Dahl, K., Kanegawa, N., Långström, B., … Halldin, C. (2015). Synthesis of ([11C]carbonyl)raclopride and a comparison with ([11C]methyl)raclopride in a monkey PET study. Nuclear Medicine and Biology, 42(11), 893-898. doi:10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2015.07.003Howes, O. D., Kambeitz, J., Kim, E., Stahl, D., Slifstein, M., Abi-Dargham, A., & Kapur, S. (2012). The Nature of Dopamine Dysfunction in Schizophrenia and What This Means for Treatment. Archives of General Psychiatry, 69(8). doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2012.169Ling, T., Lewellen, T. K., & Miyaoka, R. S. (2007). Depth of interaction decoding of a continuous crystal detector module. Physics in Medicine and Biology, 52(8), 2213-2228. doi:10.1088/0031-9155/52/8/012González, A. J., Majewski, S., Sánchez, F., Aussenhofer, S., Aguilar, A., Conde, P., … Benlloch, J. M. (2016). The MINDView brain PET detector, feasibility study based on SiPM arrays. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 818, 82-90. doi:10.1016/j.nima.2016.02.046Wong, D. F., Waterhouse, R., Kuwabara, H., Kim, J., Brasic, J. R., Chamroonrat, W., … Mozley, P. D. (2013). 18F-FPEB, a PET Radiopharmaceutical for Quantifying Metabotropic Glutamate 5 Receptors: A First-in-Human Study of Radiochemical Safety, Biokinetics, and Radiation Dosimetry. Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 54(3), 388-396. doi:10.2967/jnumed.112.107995Jackson, C., O’Neill, K., Wall, L., & McGarvey, B. (2014). High-volume silicon photomultiplier production, performance, and reliability. Optical Engineering, 53(8), 081909. doi:10.1117/1.oe.53.8.081909Rahman, O., Långström, B., & Halldin, C. (2016). Alkyl Iodides and [11 C]CO in Nickel-Mediated Cross-Coupling Reactions: Successful Use of Alkyl Electrophiles containing a β Hydrogen Atom in Metal-Mediated [11 C]Carbonylation. ChemistrySelect, 1(10), 2498-2501. doi:10.1002/slct.201600643Sullivan, J. M., Lim, K., Labaree, D., Lin, S., McCarthy, T. J., Seibyl, J. P., … Morris, E. D. (2012). Kinetic Analysis of the Metabotropic Glutamate Subtype 5 Tracer [18F]FPEB in Bolus and Bolus-Plus-Constant-Infusion Studies in Humans. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism, 33(4), 532-541. doi:10.1038/jcbfm.2012.195Levin, C. S. (2003). Detector design issues for compact nuclear emission cameras dedicated to breast imaging. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 497(1), 60-74. doi:10.1016/s0168-9002(02)01893-4Larhammar, M., Patra, K., Blunder, M., Emilsson, L., Peuckert, C., Arvidsson, E., … Kullander, K. (2015). SLC10A4 Is a Vesicular Amine-Associated Transporter Modulating Dopamine Homeostasis. Biological Psychiatry, 77(6), 526-536. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.07.017Kaul, M., Surti, S., & Karp, J. S. (2013). Combining Surface Treatments With Shallow Slots to Improve the Spatial Resolution Performance of Continuous, Thick LYSO Detectors for PET. IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, 60(1), 44-52. doi:10.1109/tns.2013.2240315Bleich, A., Brown, S.-L., Kahn, R., & van Praag, H. M. (1988). The Role of Serotonin in Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 14(2), 297-315. doi:10.1093/schbul/14.2.29

Looking for Minor Phenolic Compounds in Extra Virgin Olive Oils Using Neutron and Raman Spectroscopies

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is defined as a functional food as it contains numerous phenolic components with well-recognized health-beneficial properties, such as high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity. These characteristics depend on their structural/conformational behavior, which is largely determined by intra- and intermolecular H-bond interactions. While the vibrational dynamics of isolated compounds have been studied in a number of recent investigations, their signal in a real-life sample of EVOO is overwhelmed by the major constituent acids. Here, we provide a full characterization of the vibrational spectroscopic signal from commercially available EVOO samples using Inelastic Neutron Scattering (INS) and Raman spectroscopies. The spectra are dominated by CH2 vibrations, especially at about 750 cm-1 and 1300 cm-1. By comparison with the spectra from hydroxytyrosol and other minor phenolic compounds, we show that the best regions in which to look for the structure-activity information related to the minor polar compounds is at 675 and 1200 cm-1 for hydroxytyrosol, and around 450 cm-1 for all minor polar compounds used as reference, especially if a selectively deuterated sample is available. The regional origin of the EVOO samples investigated appears to be related to the different amount of phenolic esters versus acids as reflected by the relative intensities of the peaks at 1655 and 1747 cm-1

A Joint LINET and ISS-LIS View of Lightning Distribution over the Mt. Cimone Area within the GAMMA-FLASH Program

Typical features of lightning distribution in the mountain area of Mt. Cimone (2165 m a.s.l., Northern-Central Italy) have been studied through detections provided by the ground-based LIghtning NETwork data (LINET) and the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) onboard the International Space Station (ISS-LIS). This study was performed within the context of the Gamma-Flash program, which includes the in situ observation of high-energy radiation (e.g., Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs), gamma-ray glows) and neutron emissions from thunderstorms at the mountain-top “O. Vittori” climate observatory. LINET VLF/LF radio measurements allowed the characterization of both cloud-to-ground (CG) and intra-cloud (IC) strokes’ geographical distribution and an altitude of occurrence from 2012 through 2020. The lightning distribution showed a remarkable clustering of CGs at the mountain top in contrast to a homogeneous distribution of ICs, highlighting the likely impact of orography. IC strokes peaked around 4 to 6 km altitude, in agreement with the observed typical cloud range. The joint exploitation of ISS-LIS optical observations of LINET detections extended the study to further features of flashes not seen in radio wavelengths and stands as the cross-validation of the two detection methods over such a complex orography. These results gave the quantitative indication of the expected occurrence of lightning and ionizing radiation emissions in the Mt. Cimone area and an example of mountain-driven changes in lightning occurrence

Experimental and Computational Analysis of a High Performance Motorcycle Engine

A high performance, motorcycle engine is analyzed by using integrated experimental and computational methods. Test bench experiments provide a few gross engine performance parameters. Dynamic simulations provide gross engine performance parameters and a detailed description of basic phenomena. Modelling guidelines are briefly reviewed. The accuracy of the model is finally assessed through comparison of experimental and computational gross engine performance parameters