THE RADIOACTIVE ION BEAM FACILITY PROJECT FOR THE LEGNARO LABORATORIES

Abstract In the frame work of the Italian participation to the project of a high intensity proton facility for the energy amplifier and nuclear waste transmutations, the LNL has been proposed a project for the construction of a second generation facility for the production of radioactive ion beams (RIBs) by using the ISOL method. The final goal consists in the production of neutron rich RIBs with masses ranging from 80 to 160 by using primary beams of protons/ deuterons with energy of 100 MeV/u and 100 kW power. This project is proposed to be developed in about 10 years from now and intermediate milestones and experiments are foreseen and under consideration for the next INFN five year plan (1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003). In such period of time is proposed the construction of a deuteron accelerator of 20 MeV energy and 5 mA current, consisting of a RFQ (5 MeV) and a linac (20 MeV), and of a neutron area dedicated to the RIBs production and other applications. Besides the RIBs production, neutron beams for the BNCT applications and neutron physics are also planned. METHODS OF PRODUCTION Two methods can be used to produce RIBs and are the Projectile Fragmentation (PF) and the post-acceleration of isotopes produced by spallation, fragmentation, or fission reactions with high-intensity proton/light-ion beams in thick targets (ISOL method). The ISOL method takes a complementary approach to the production of RIBs. In the ISOL scheme a primary accelerator (or a nuclear reactor) yields a production beam of charged particles (or neutrons), which is sent on a thick, hot target. The radioactive species thereby produced are transported by a transfer tube to an ion source, then mass separated and breeding to higher charge state; the resulting ions are separated by an isotope/isobar separator, post-accelerated and sent into the experimental area. The comparison and choice between the PF and ISOL methods is strongly dependent on the physics to investigate. One of the relevant parameters for a comparison of the ISOL and the PF production methods is the RIBs production luminosity, which is independent of cross-section. The maximum production luminosity expected for an ISOL facility is three or four order of magnitude higher than in the PF figure. This because the luminosity can be achieved through the combination of a thick production target and a very intense primary beam. The proposed researches which are done at near-Coulomb barrier energies and below, involves studies of nuclear structure, low-energy nuclear reactions, astrophysics, and materials sciences applications and are best served by intense, high-quality, low-energy RIBs provided by the ISOL approach. This because the post-accelerator, optimized for high quality beams, provide the easy energy variability, high-energy precision and small emittances as demanded by the experiments. The main drawback to the ISOL method is that the diffusion/desorption from the production target and ionization of radioactive fragments are strongly element-dependent and slower than in the PF method. However, this feature can be also an advantage of the ISOL method because it give Z selectivity and, consequently, enhance beam purity

Target and PADC Track Detectors for Rare Isotope Studies

A higher yield of rare isotope production methods, for example, isotope separation on-line (ISOL), is expected to be developed for the EURISOL facility. In this paper as a part of the ongoing project, high power-target assembly and passive detector inclusion are given. Theoretical calculations of several configurations were done using Monte Carlo code FLUKA aimed to produce 1015 fiss/s on LEU-Cx target. The proposed radioactive ion beam (RIB) production relies on a high-power (4 MW) multibody target; a complete target design is given. Additionally we explore the possibility to employ PADC passive detector as a complementary system for RIB characterization, since these already demonstrated their importance in nuclear interactions phenomenology. In fact, information and recording rare and complex reaction product or short-lived isotope detection is obtained in an integral form through latent track formation. Some technical details on track formation and PADC detector etching conditions complete this study

Design of the EURISOL multi-MW target assembly: radiation and safety issues

The multi-MW target proposed for the EURISOL facility will be based on fission of uranium (or thorium) compounds to produce rare isotopes far from stability. A two-step process is used for the isotope production. First, neutrons are generated in a liquid mercury target, irradiated by the 1 GeV proton or deuteron beam, provided by the EURISOL linac driver. Then, the neutrons induce fission in a surrounding assembly of uranium carbide. R&D projects on several aspects of the target assembly are ongoing. Key criteria for the target design are a maximum beam power capability of 4 MW, a remote handling system with minimum downtime and maximum reliability, as well as radiation safety, minimization of hazards and the classification of the facility. In the framework of the ongoing radiation characterization and safety studies, radiation transport simulations have been performed to calculate the prompt radiation dose in the target and surrounding materials, as well as to determine shielding material and angle-dependent parameters. In this paper, we report the results of these studies and the proposed radiation shield design for the multi-MW target area. Furthermore, accurate estimates have been performed of the amount of fissile elements being produced in the uranium target assembly, for typical running conditions, in order to understand the implications for the classification of the facility. The results are reported and briefly discussed.Comment: 11 pages,5 figures, Invited talk at the SATIF-8 Workshop, May 22-24,2006, Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, Rep. Of Kore

EURISOL High Power Targets

Modern Nuclear Physics requires access to higher yields of rare isotopes, that relies on further development of the In-flight and Isotope Separation On-Line (ISOL) production methods. The limits of the In-Flight method will be applied via the next generation facilities FAIR in Germany, RIKEN in Japan and RIBF in the USA. The ISOL method will be explored at facilities including ISAC-TRIUMF in Canada, SPIRAL-2 in France, SPES in Italy, ISOLDE at CERN and eventually at the very ambitious multi-MW EURISOL facility. ISOL and in-flight facilities are complementary entities. While in-flight facilities excel in the production of very short lived radioisotopes independently of their chemical nature, ISOL facilities provide high Radioisotope Beam (RIB) intensities and excellent beam quality for 70 elements. Both production schemes are opening vast and rich fields of nuclear physics research. In this article we will introduce the targets planned for the EURISOL facility and highlight some of the technical and safety challenges that are being addressed. The EURISOL Radioactive Ion Beam production relies on three 100 kW target stations and a 4 MW converter target station, and aims at producing orders of magnitude higher intensities of approximately one thousand different radioisotopes currently available, and to give access to new rare isotopes. As an illustrative example of its potential, beam intensities of the order of 1013 132Sn ions pe r second will be available from EURISOL, providing ideal primary beams for further fragmentation or fusion reactions studies

Influence of rootstocks and pruning times on yield and on nutrient content and extraction in 'Niagara Rosada' grapevine.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of rootstocks and pruning times on yield and on nutrient content and extraction by pruned branches and harvested bunches of 'Niagara Rosada' grapevine in subtropical climate. The rootstocks 'IAC 766', 'IAC 572', 'IAC 313', 'IAC 571‑6', and '106‑8 Mgt' were evaluated. Treatments consisted of a combination between five rootstocks and three pruning times. At pruning, fresh and dry matter mass of branches were evaluated to estimate biomass accumulation. At harvest, yield was estimated by weighing of bunches per plant. Branches and bunches were sampled at pruning and at harvest, respectively, for nutrient content analysis. Nutrient content and dry matter mass of branches and bunches were used to estimate total nutrient extraction. 'Niagara Rosada' grapevine grafted onto the 'IAC 572' rootstock had the highest yield and dry matter mass of bunches, which were significantly different from the ones observed in 'Niagara Rosada'/'IAC 313'. 'Niagara Rosada' grafted onto the 'IAC 572' rootstock extracted the largest quantity of K, P, Mg, S, Cu, and Fe, differing from 'IAC 313' and 'IAC 766' in K and P extraction, and from '106‑8 Mgt' in Mg and S extraction. Winter pruning results in higher yield, dry matter accumulation by branches, and total nutrient content and extraction.Título em português: Influência de porta?enxertos e épocas de poda na produtividade e no teor e na extração de nutrientes na videira 'Niagara Rosada'

A new monoclonal antibody detects downregulation of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type γ in chronic myeloid leukemia patients

Background: Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor gamma (PTPRG) is a ubiquitously expressed member of the protein tyrosine phosphatase family known to act as a tumor suppressor gene in many different neoplasms with mechanisms of inactivation including mutations and methylation of CpG islands in the promoter region. Although a critical role in human hematopoiesis and an oncosuppressor role in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) have been reported, only one polyclonal antibody (named chPTPRG) has been described as capable of recognizing the native antigen of this phosphatase by flow cytometry. Protein biomarkers of CML have not yet found applications in the clinic, and in this study, we have analyzed a group of newly diagnosed CML patients before and after treatment. The aim of this work was to characterize and exploit a newly developed murine monoclonal antibody specific for the PTPRG extracellular domain (named TPγ B9-2) to better define PTPRG protein downregulation in CML patients. Methods: TPγ B9-2 specifically recognizes PTPRG (both human and murine) by flow cytometry, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunohistochemistry. Results: Co-localization experiments performed with both anti-PTPRG antibodies identified the presence of isoforms and confirmed protein downregulation at diagnosis in the Philadelphia-positive myeloid lineage (including CD34+/CD38bright/dim cells). After effective tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment, its expression recovered in tandem with the return of Philadelphia-negative hematopoiesis. Of note, PTPRG mRNA levels remain unchanged in tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) non-responder patients, confirming that downregulation selectively occurs in primary CML cells. Conclusions: The availability of this unique antibody permits its evaluation for clinical application including the support for diagnosis and follow-up of these disorders. Evaluation of PTPRG as a potential therapeutic target is also facilitated by the availability of a specific reagent capable to specifically detect its target in various experimental conditions

The prototype of radioactive ion source

The design and experimental results of the RIB source prototype are presented. A source will have the container of ²³⁵U compounds heated up to 2200-2500°C. Vapors of uranium fission obtained when the ion source is irradiated by the high-energy neutron flux, are then ionized and extracted from the source. In the experiments with the prototype loaded by ¹²C the source working temperature 2700°C was reached, the carbon ion current 10 nA was obtained. The total operation time of more than 100 hours with no performance degradation was demonstrated

Coastal observatories for monitoring of fish behaviour and their responses to environmental changes

The inclusion of behavioral components in the analysis of a community can be of paramount importance in marine ecology. Diel (i.e., 24-h based), seasonal activity rhythms, or longer durational in behavioral responses can result in shifts in populations, and therefore on measurable abundances. Here, we review the value of developing cabled video observatory technology for the remote, long-term, and high-frequency monitoring of fish and their environments in coastal temperate areas. We provide details on the methodological requirements and constraints for the appropriate measurement of fish behavior over various seasonal scales (24 h, seasonal, annual) with camera systems mounted at fixed observatory locations. We highlight the importance of using marine sensors to simultaneously collect relevant environmental data in parallel to image data acquisition. Here we present multiparametric video, oceanographic, and meteorological data collected from the Mediterranean observatory platform, OBSEA (www.​obsea.​es; 20 m water depth). These data are reviewed in relation to ongoing and future developments of cabled observatory science. Two key approaches for the future improvement of cabled observatory technology are: (1) the application of Artificial Intelligence to aid in the analysis of increasingly large, complex, and highly interrelated biological and environmental data sets, and (2) the development of geographical observational networks to enable the reliable spatial analysis of observed populations over extended distances