Compact in-vacuum gamma-ray spectrometer for high-repetition rate PW-class laser-matter interaction

With the advent of high repetition rate laser facilities, novel diagnostic tools compatible with these advanced specifications are in demand. This paper presents the design of an active gamma-ray spectrometer intended for these high repetition rate experiments, with particular emphasis on functionality within a PW level laser-plasma interaction chamber's extreme conditions. The spectrometer uses stacked scintillators to accommodate a broad range of gamma-ray energies, demonstrating its adaptability for various experimental setups. Additionally, it has been engineered to maintain compactness, electromagnetic pulse resistance, and ISO-5 cleanliness requirements while ensuring high sensitivity. The paper also outlines the unfolding process, to recover the gamma-ray spectrum from the spectrometer's captured image thanks to a calibration using a $^{60}$Co source

Expanding RIB Capabilities at the Cyclotron Institute: \textsuperscript{3}He-LIG production with an Isobar Separator LSTAR

A new \textsuperscript{3}He-driven IGISOL production station and mass separator have been designed to produce neutron-deficient low-mass isotopes at the Cyclotron Institute for the TAMUTRAP facility. The LSTAR design has a mass resolution $M/\Delta M\geq 3, 000$ to reject contaminants with $\gt95\%$ efficiency.Comment: Proceeding for EMIS 202

Evidence of resonant surface wave excitation in the relativistic regime through measurements of proton acceleration from grating targets

The interaction of laser pulses with thin grating targets, having a periodic groove at the irradiated surface, has been experimentally investigated. Ultrahigh contrast ($\sim 10^{12}$) pulses allowed to demonstrate an enhanced laser-target coupling for the first time in the relativistic regime of ultra-high intensity >10^{19} \mbox{W/cm}^{2}. A maximum increase by a factor of 2.5 of the cut-off energy of protons produced by Target Normal Sheath Acceleration has been observed with respect to plane targets, around the incidence angle expected for resonant excitation of surface waves. A significant enhancement is also observed for small angles of incidence, out of resonance.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figures, 2nd version implements final correction

EARLYDRAIN- outcome after early lumbar CSF-drainage in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) may be complicated by delayed cerebral ischemia, which is a major cause of unfavorable clinical outcome and death in SAH-patients. Delayed cerebral ischemia is presumably related to the development of vasospasm triggered by the presence of blood in the basal cisterns. To date, oral application of the calcium antagonist nimodipine is the only prophylactic treatment for vasospasm recognized under international guidelines.</p> <p>In retrospective trials lumbar drainage of cerebrospinal fluid has been shown to be a safe and feasible measure to remove the blood from the basal cisterns and decrease the incidence of delayed cerebral ischemia and vasospasm in the respective study populations. However, the efficacy of lumbar drainage has not been evaluated prospectively in a randomized controlled trial yet.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>This is a protocol for a 2-arm randomized controlled trial to compare an intervention group receiving early continuous lumbar CSF-drainage and standard neurointensive care to a control group receiving standard neurointensive care only. Adults suffering from a first aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage whose aneurysm has been secured by means of coiling or clipping are eligible for trial participation. The effect of early CSF drainage (starting < 72 h after securing the aneurysm) will be measured in the following ways: the primary endpoint will be disability after 6 months, assessed by a blinded investigator during a personal visit or standardized telephone interview using the modified Rankin Scale. Secondary endpoints include mortality after 6 months, angiographic vasospasm, transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) mean flow velocity in both middle cerebral arteries and rate of shunt insertion at 6 months after hospital discharge.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Here, we present the study design of a multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial to investigate whether early application of a lumbar drainage improves clinical outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>www.clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01258257">NCT01258257</a></p

Imaging Changes in Very Young Children with Brain Tumors Treated with Proton Therapy and Chemotherapy

ABSTRACT SUMMARY: PT promises to reduce side effects in children with brain tumors by sparing normal tissue compared with 3D conformal or intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Information is lacking about the combined effects of PT and chemotherapy in young children. We describe imaging changes in 8 very young children with localized brain tumors who received PT after chemotherapy. Mostly transient signal abnormalities and enhancement in brain parenchyma were observed by serial MR imaging, which were consistent with radiation-induced effects on normal-appearing tissue. Correlation with PT planning data revealed that the areas of imaging abnormality were located within or adjacent to the volume that received the highest radiation dose. Radiologists should be aware of these findings in children who receive PT after chemotherapy. In this report, we describe the time course of these PT-related imaging findings and correlate them with treatment and clinical outcomes. ABBREVIATIONS: AT/RT ϭ atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor; CGE ϭ cobalt gray equivalent; CPC ϭ choroid plexus carcinoma; PNET ϭ primitive neuroectoderma

Giant sacral schwannoma: A report of six cases

Sacral and presacral schwannomas are often found incidentally, because they present with vague symptoms or symptomless. Schwannoma occurring in this area occasionally presents with enormous dimensions, known as a giant schwannoma. The tumor removal is a surgical challenge due to the difficult approach and abundant vascularity. The aim of this study is to review cases of giant sacral schwannomas focusing the surgical management and outcome. Six patients with sacral and presacral schwannoma were treated surgically. The patients included two males and four females, and the mean age was 47.8 years. All patients experienced pain at the time of presentation. The tumors were classified as intraosseous type in one case, dumb-bell type in four cases, and retroperitoneal type in one case. The tumors were removed with a piecemeal subtotal excision in three patients, a partial excision in two patients, and enucleation in one patient. The surgeries were performed by the combination of an anterior and posterior approach in three patients, a posterior approach in two patients, and an anterior approach in one patient. The mean surgical time was 7.8 hrs, and the mean blood loss was 2572 g. The tumor recurred in one patient after the partial excision and was removed completely in a second surgery. No patient, including the patient who underwent the second surgery, presented with pain and obvious neurological deficit at the final follow-up. The surgical treatment of the giant sacral schwannoma with a piecemeal subtotal excision can achieve a good outcome, avoiding unnecessary neurological deficit