Simulation of the nanostructure evolution under irradiation in Fe-C alloys

Peer reviewe

The nanostructure evolution in Fe–C systems under irradiation at 560 K

Peer reviewe

Oral microbiota in oropharyngeal cancers: friend or foe?

Oral microbiome is a complex population of micro-organisms, which by cross-talking with the local immune system, plays a major role in the immune homeostasis of the oral cavity, further contributing in the physiology of the gastro-intestinal microbiota. Understanding their involvement in the onset and pathogenesis of oropharyngeal cancers is paramount, despite very few reports deal with the fundamental role exerted by oral microbiota disorders, such as dysbiosis and impairment in the oral microbiome composition as causative factors in the development of oropharyngeal tumors. Current research, via metabolomic or meta-transcriptomic analyses, is wondering how this complex microbial population regulates the immune homeostasis in oral and pharyngeal mucosa and whether changes in bacterial composition may give insights on the role of oral microbiome in the development of oropharyngeal tumors, so to prevent their occurrence

Towards a single European strategic research and innovation agenda on materials for all reactor generations through dedicated projects

The goal of the ORIENT-NM action is to produce a single European strategic vision on research and innovation concerning nuclear materials in the EU, serving all reactor generations and nuclear systems. The key in this endeavour is to focus on advanced materials science practices that, combined with digital techniques, will enable acceleration in materials development, manufacturing, supply, qualification, and monitoring, in support of nuclear energy safety, efficiency, economy and sustainability. The research agenda will be rooted in existing virtuous examples of nuclear materials science projects. Here the results of three of them are summarised, thereby covering different reactor applications and families of materials, as well as a range of advanced material research approaches. GEMMA addressed a number of key areas concerning the development and qualification of metallic structural materials for GenIV reactor conditions, focusing on austenitic steels and their compatibility with several non-aqueous coolants, their welds and the modelling of their stability under irradiation. INSPYRE was an integrated project applying a basic science approach to (U,Pu)O2 fuels, to develop physics-based models for the behaviour of nuclear fuels under irradiation and improve fuel performance codes. Modelling was also the focus of the M4F project, which brought together the fission and fusion materials communities to study the effects of localised deformation under irradiation in ferritic/martensitic steels and to develop good practices to use ion irradiation as a tool to evaluate radiation effects on materials

Insights from atomistic models on loop nucleation and growth in α-Fe thin films under Fe+ 100 keV irradiation

The question of how loops nucleate and grow in α-Fe under irradiation is addressed using object kinetic Monte Carlo with parameters from molecular dynamics and density functional theory calculations. Two models are considered for the formation of loops, both based on recent atomistic simulations. In one model loops are formed by the interaction between ½ loops. In a second model small interstitial clusters, nucleated in the collision cascade, can grow as or ½ loops. Comparing results from the calculations to experimental measurements of loop densities, ratios and sizes produced by Fe+ 100 keV irradiation of UHP Fe thin films at room temperature, the validity of the models is assessed. For these experimental conditions, the reaction model does not seem to be very efficient in the production of loops due to the fast recombination of ½ loops to surfaces. Therefore, in our thin film simulations (at very low carbon concentrations) most loops are a result of the nucleation model. In bulk simulations this effect could change since the probability of interactions between ½ loops would increase. Moreover, simulations show that total visible cluster concentration depends strongly on sample thickness and carbon content, while crystal orientation does not seem to have a significant role. Finally, the ratio of to ½ visible clusters changes with increased carbon concentration.This work has been carried out within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium and has received funding from the Euratom research and training programme 2014-2018 under grant agreement No 633053. The research leading to these results is partly funded by the European Atomic Energy Communitys (Euratom) Seventh Framework Programme FP7/2007e2013 under grant agreement No. 604862 (MatISSE project) and in the framework of the EERA (European Energy Research Alliance) Joint Programme on Nuclear Materials

Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Lessons learned from acute respiratory distress syndrome?

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibrotic lung disease characterized by progressive loss of lung function and poor prognosis. The so-called acute exacerbation of IPF (AE-IPF) may lead to severe hypoxemia requiring mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU). AE-IPF shares several pathophysiological features with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a very severe condition commonly treated in this setting. A review of the literature has been conducted to underline similarities and differences in the management of patients with AE-IPF and ARDS. During AE-IPF, diffuse alveolar damage and massive loss of aeration occurs, similar to what is observed in patients with ARDS. Differently from ARDS, no studies have yet concluded on the optimal ventilatory strategy and management in AE-IPF patients admitted to the ICU. Notwithstanding, a protective ventilation strategy with low tidal volume and low driving pressure could be recommended similarly to ARDS. The beneficial effect of high levels of positive end-expiratory pressure and prone positioning has still to be elucidated in AE-IPF patients, as well as the precise role of other types of respiratory assistance (e.g., extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) or innovative therapies (e.g., polymyxin-B direct hemoperfusion). The use of systemic drugs such as steroids or immunosuppressive agents in AE-IPF is controversial and potentially associated with an increased risk of serious adverse reactions. Common pathophysiological abnormalities and similar clinical needs suggest translating to AE-IPF the lessons learned from the management of ARDS patients. Studies focused on specific therapeutic strategies during AE-IPF are warranted

Materials for Sustainable Nuclear Energy: A European Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for All Reactor Generations

Nuclear energy is presently the single major low-carbon electricity source in Europe and is overall expected to maintain (perhaps eventually even increase) its current installed power from now to 2045. Long-term operation (LTO) is a reality in essentially all nuclear European countries, even when planning to phase out. New builds are planned. Moreover, several European countries, including non-nuclear or phasing out ones, have interests in next generation nuclear systems. In this framework, materials and material science play a crucial role towards safer, more efficient, more economical and overall more sustainable nuclear energy. This paper proposes a research agenda that combines modern digital technologies with materials science practices to pursue a change of paradigm that promotes innovation, equally serving the different nuclear energy interests and positions throughout Europe. This paper chooses to overview structural and fuel materials used in current generation reactors, as well as their wider spectrum for next generation reactors, summarising the relevant issues. Next, it describes the materials science approaches that are common to any nuclear materials (including classes that are not addressed here, such as concrete, polymers and functional materials), identifying for each of them a research agenda goal. It is concluded that among these goals are the development of structured materials qualification test-beds and materials acceleration platforms (MAPs) for materials that operate under harsh conditions. Another goal is the development of multi-parameter-based approaches for materials health monitoring based on different non-destructive examination and testing (NDE&T) techniques. Hybrid models that suitably combine physics-based and data-driven approaches for materials behaviour prediction can valuably support these developments, together with the creation and population of a centralised, “smart” database for nuclear materials