The proton structure function F2 in the resonance region

Unique measurement of the proton structure function F2 in a wide two-dimensional region of x and Q**2 has been reported. The accessible kinematics covers entire resonance region up to W=2.5 GeV in the Q**2 interval from 0.1 to 4.5 GeV**2. Obtained data allowed for the first time an evaluation of moments of the structure function F2 directly from experimental data as well as an intensive study of the Bloom-Gilman duality phenomenon.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures, Proceedings of GDH2002 Conference, 3-6 July 2002, Genova, Italy, to be published in World Scientifi

Neutron spectrometer for fast nuclear reactors

In this paper we describe the development and first tests of a neutron spectrometer designed for high flux environments, such as the ones found in fast nuclear reactors. The spectrometer is based on the conversion of neutrons impinging on $^6$Li into $\alpha$ and $t$ whose total energy comprises the initial neutron energy and the reaction $Q$-value. The $^6$LiF layer is sandwiched between two CVD diamond detectors, which measure the two reaction products in coincidence. The spectrometer was calibrated at two neutron energies in well known thermal and 3 MeV neutron fluxes. The measured neutron detection efficiency varies from 4.2$\times 10^{-4}$ to 3.5$\times 10^{-8}$ for thermal and 3 MeV neutrons, respectively. These values are in agreement with Geant4 simulations and close to simple estimates based on the knowledge of the $^6$Li(n,$\alpha$)$t$ cross section. The energy resolution of the spectrometer was found to be better than 100 keV when using 5 m cables between the detector and the preamplifiers.Comment: submitted to NI

The Hepatic Microcirculation in Experimental Cirrhosis a Scanning Electron Microscopy Study of Microcorrosion Casts

The experimental model of liver cirrhosis induced by intragastric administration of CCl4 reproduces not only the histological picture of the postnecrotic cirrhosis but also its pathophysiological features. Corrosion casts of livers affected by CCl4-induced cirrhosis show the loss of the lobular pattern. Once the cirrhosis has completely developed, the whole microvascular bed appears to be composed of groups of sinusoid nodules of diameters varying between 0.3 and 1.5 mm.. Pre- and post-sinusoidal vessels and anastomoses between the former and the latter are mainly located at the perinodular spaces. This microvascular situation modifies the normal perfusion gradient within the parenchyma. Nevertheless, it can allow a still viable function

A retrospective study on the artificial mummification of the Blessed Andrea da Montereale (AD 1479)

Andrea da Montereale was a 15th Century Augustinian monk from the inner Abruzzo region, central Italy. We investigated the preservation mechanisms of his body by retrospective survey of textual sources and reports from the Canonical Recognitions. The partially mummified body of the Blessed Andrea da Montereale revealed indisputable evidence of artificial mummification (excerebration and evisceration cuts, absence of internal organs) at visual inspection. The cadaver features emphasized by the hagiographers (vivid colours, absence of putrefaction or bad smelling for thirty days after death, without balsams treatments) sounds like an unrequested explanation for the body miraculous preservation. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the twelfth known case of an embalmed body in Catholic Religion, the tenth in Central Italy, and the second one documented in the Abruzzo regio

A Phenomenological Description of (\pi^{-}\Delta^{++}) Photo- and Electroproduction in Nucleon Resonance Region

The (\pi^{-}\Delta^{++}) production on the nucleon by real and virtual photons is discussed as initial step in a simple model approach for the two pion photo- and electroproduction on the nucleon, with emphasis on nucleon resonance excitation which is of interest for new facilities like TJNAF. A calculation for (\pi^{-}\Delta^{++}) channel in resonance excitation region is presented and compared to existing experimental data along with a discussion of physical effects that we find to be of relevance. The calculation is proposed as a starting basis for the investigation of (N^{*}) electromagnetic form factors using experimental data about two pion production by real and virtual photons.Comment: 36 pages, 14 figures, to be published in Nucl. Phys.

New infrastructure for studies of transmutation and fast systems concepts

In this work we report initial studies on a low power Accelerator-Driven System as a possible experimental facility for the measurement of relevant integral nuclear quantities. In particular, we performed Monte Carlo simulations of minor actinides and fission products irradiation and estimated the fission rate within fission chambers in the reactor core and the reflector, in order to evaluate the transmutation rates and the measurement sensitivity. We also performed a photo-peak analysis of available experimental data from a research reactor, in order to estimate the expected sensitivity of this analysis method on the irradiation of samples in the ADS considered

RFP-MSR Hybrid Reactor Model for Tritium Breeding and Actinides Transmutation †

The studies on the development of fusion-fission hybrid reactors (FFHR) have gained consensus in recent years as an intermediate step before fusion energy. This work proposes a possible approach to FFHRs based on the coupling of a Reversed Field Pinch fusion machine and a Molten Salt Subcritical fission test bed. The proposed test bed is characterized by the coexistence of a fast-neutron fission core and a dedicated thermal-neutron zone, allowing the performing of tritium breeding and actinides transmutation studies. The neutronic design solutions and the results obtained by the irradiation of FLiBe salt (inside the thermal-neutron zone) and of an actinide target (inside the core) are shown. The outcomes of the analysis reveal the potential of FFHR systems as breeding/burner systems. In particular, the results regarding tritium breeding are very encouraging as the system is demonstrated to be able to reach a very high Tritium Breeding Ratio