Recoil energy dependence of primary radiation damage in tungsten from cascade overlap with voids

Models of radiation damage accumulation often assume a constant rate of additional primary damage formation during prolonged irradiation. However, molecular dynamics simulations have shown that the presence of pre-existing radiation-induced defects modifies the numbers of additional defects formed from individual cascades. In this work, we study the formation of defects in tungsten for a range of pri-mary recoil energies, for cascades that fully overlap with pre-existing voids of different sizes. We extend a recent model describing defect production in the presence of pre-existing damage to also account for the recoil energy dependence, and parametrize the extension based on our simulation data. We also an-alyze the morphology of the primary damage from cascades overlapping with voids, and show that the in-cascade formation of ( 1 0 0 ) dislocation loops in such events is more dependent on the size of the pre-existing void, than on the energy of the primary recoil. (c) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )Peer reviewe

A sensitive assay for dNTPs based on long synthetic oligonucleotides, EvaGreen dye and inhibitor-resistant high-fidelity DNA polymerase

Deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) are vital for the biosynthesis and repair of DNA. Their cellular concentration peaks during the S phase of the cell cycle. In non-proliferating cells, dNTP concentrations are low, making their reliable quantification from tissue samples of heterogeneous cellular composition challenging. Partly because of this, the current knowledge related to the regulation of and disturbances in cellular dNTP concentrations derive mostly from cell culture experiments with little corroboration at the tissue or organismal level. Here, we fill the methodological gap by presenting a simple non-radioactive microplate assay for the quantification of dNTPs with a minimum requirement of 4-12 mg of biopsy material. In contrast to published assays, this assay is based on long synthetic single-stranded DNA templates (50-200 nucleotides), an inhibitor-resistant high-fidelity DNA polymerase, and the double-stranded-DNA-binding EvaGreen dye. The assay quantified reliably less than 50 fmol of each of the four dNTPs and discriminated well against ribonucleotides. Additionally, thermostable RNAse HII-mediated nicking of the reaction products and a subsequent shift in their melting temperature allowed near-complete elimination of the interfering ribonucleotide signal, if present. Importantly, the assay allowed measurement of minute dNTP concentrations in mouse liver, heart and skeletal muscle.Peer reviewe

Controls on the composition and lability of dissolved organic matter in Siberia's Kolyma River basin

High-latitude northern rivers export globally significant quantities of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to the Arctic Ocean. Climate change, and its associated impacts on hydrology and potential mobilization of ancient organic matter from permafrost, is likely to modify the flux, composition, and thus biogeochemical cycling and fate of exported DOC in the Arctic. This study examined DOC concentration and the composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) across the hydrograph in Siberia's Kolyma River, with a particular focus on the spring freshet period when the majority of the annual DOC load is exported. The composition of DOM within the Kolyma basin was characterized using absorbance-derived measurements (absorbance coefficienta330, specific UV absorbance (SUVA254), and spectral slope ratio SR) and fluorescence spectroscopy (fluorescence index and excitation-emission matrices (EEMs)), including parallel factor analyses of EEMs. Increased surface runoff during the spring freshet led to DOM optical properties indicative of terrestrial soil inputs with high humic-like fluorescence, SUVA254, and low SRand fluorescence index (FI). Under-ice waters, in contrast, displayed opposing trends in optical properties representing less aromatic, lower molecular weight DOM. We demonstrate that substantial losses of DOC can occur via biological (∼30% over 28 days) and photochemical pathways (>29% over 14 days), particularly in samples collected during the spring freshet. The emerging view is therefore that of a more dynamic and labile carbon pool than previously thought, where DOM composition plays a fundamental role in controlling the fate and removal of DOC at a pan-Arctic scale

Anatomical correlates of cursoriality are compromised by body size and propensity to burrow in a group of small mammals (Lagomorpha)

Highly cursorial animals are specialised for fast, sustained running via specific morphological adaptations, notably including changes in limb segment length and mechanical advantage. Members of the order Lagomorpha (hares, rabbits and pikas) vary in cursorial ability; hares are generally highly cursorial, rabbits more frequently saltate, and pikas predominantly trot. Previous investigations of lagomorphs have identified anatomical trends correlated with this ‘cursoriality gradient’, however, the phylogenetic sampling of such investigations has been limited to three American species, namely the American pika (Ochotona princeps), brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani), and black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus). Here, we expand the phylogenetic sample and body size range by including novel data from Australian samples of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and European hare (L. europaeus), alongside unpublished data on the Eastern cottontail (S. floridanus). X-ray Computed Tomography and digital landmarking were used to capture proportions within the appendicular skeleton of ~ 40 specimens of each European species. In doubling the number of species studied, we find the previously-identified morphological gradients associated with cursorial behaviour are complicated when evaluated in the larger sample. The relative length and joint velocity of limbs was found to be lower than predicted in European rabbits and hares. Furthermore, we present a novel assessment of morphological integration in the lagomorph appendicular skeleton, finding between-limb covariation patterns that are generally similar to those of other mammals. Broadly, these results suggest cursoriality is only one of many selective forces driving lagomorph skeletal evolution, with variations in body size and fossoriality potentially having measurable impacts.Ellen M. Martin, Jesse W. Young, Connie D. Fellmann, Brian Kraatz, Emma Sherrat

Radiation damage in tungsten from cascade overlap with voids and vacancy clusters

We have performed a systematic molecular dynamics investigation of the effects of overlap of collision cascades in tungsten with pre-existing vacancy-type defects. In particular, we focus on the implications for fusion neutron irradiated tungsten in relation to comparisons with damage production under ion irradiation conditions. We find that overlap of a cascade with a vacancy-type defect decreases the number of new defects with roughly the same functional dependence as previously shown for interstitial clusters. We further find that different mechanisms govern the formation of dislocation loops, resulting in different Burgers vectors, depending on the degree of overlap between the cascade and the defect. Furthermore, we show that overlapping cascades consistently decrease the size of the pre-existing defect. We also observe void-induced cascade splitting at energies far below the subcascade splitting threshold in tungsten. The impact of these mechanisms on radiation damage accumulation and dose rate effects are discussed.Peer reviewe

The Ursinus Weekly, January 16, 1950

Poet Davison to appear at third Ursinus forum • Thirty-one make up semester grad list, largest at Ursinus • Coeds plan field day with Lorelei at hand • Y students journey for week-end work in negro slum area • Dr. High discusses facts of allergies for pre-med group • Campus agent plans Chesterfield series • Gals! Write pageant for fame, fortune, and fifteen dollars • WSGA names group to revise customs • Photographer films So much to be done • Student leaders complete schedule for second term • Myk enjoys life here; Admires labs, libraries • Frosh face finals • Bruin matmen garner eighth in win record • Grid lettermen pick Don Young to lead squad next season • Courtmen suffer defeat after edging Textile five • League games start in interdorm circuit • Coed athletes await opening of rosters with second termhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1582/thumbnail.jp

The Ursinus Weekly, October 15, 1951

Henning W. Prentis slated as speaker at Founders\u27 Day program, October 24 • Chaplain first Forum speaker on October 31 • Curtain Club adds sixty new members at annual party • New preceptress in charge of 646 Main • 300 books added to Library collection • Piano recital date moved to Nov. 8 • Cub and Key honor given to Jay Kern • Y plans weekend trip, arranges fireside chats • Date announced for civil service exam • WAA to sell socks, Christmas cards • Soph class plans year; Informal dance Nov. 3 • French Club discusses plans • Rev. Creager to speak • Juniors to sponsor G. E. House of Magic • German Club schedules trips and welcomes Inge Rudloff • 12 students become psychology majors • Spirit Committee fans campus enthusiasm • Editorials: No complaints; British voters go to polls; McCarthy vs. free speech • Letter to the editor • Dorm initiations give jokers a release • So the frosh love customs? Scribes of 1955 reveal all • Dr. Miller\u27s family hits high spots in European tour • Four teams open intradorm football • Hockey and soccer are overshadowed, but fortunately have excellent leaders • Dickinson hands Ursinus season\u27s second defeat • Dr. Roelofs keeps athletes in shape • Garnet eleven will play host to Bears Saturday • Alumnae team is undefeated; Faces Owlettes on Saturday • Harry Spangler succeeds Gerry Seeders as head coach of Ursinus court team • Bears defeated by Stevens Tech • Rittenhouse, Feldt to manage girls intramural program • Beardwood Chemical Society hears lecture on narcotics • Lit reading givenhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1523/thumbnail.jp

Interventions to Increase Follow-Up of Abnormal Cervical Cancer Screening Results: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION: Ensuring timely follow-up of abnormal screening results is essential for eliminating cervical cancer. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to review single and multicomponent interventions designed to improve follow-up of women with abnormal cervical cancer screening results. We report on effectiveness across studies, and describe what aspects of these interventions might be more impactful. METHODS: Publications were searched between January 2000 and December 2022. The search included observational, quasi-experimental (pre-post studies) and randomized controlled studies describing at least one intervention to increase follow-up of women with abnormal cervical cancer screening results. Outcomes of studies included completion of any follow-up (i.e., attending a follow-up appointment), timely diagnosis (i.e., colposcopy results within 90 days of screening) and time to diagnostic resolution (i.e., days between screening and final diagnosis). We assessed risk of bias for observational and quasi-experimental studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) tool and the Cochrane collaboration tool for randomized studies. We conducted a meta-analysis using studies where data were provided to estimate a summary average effect of the interventions on follow-up of patients and to identify characteristics of studies associated with an increased effectiveness of interventions. We extracted the comparison and intervention proportions of women with follow-up before and after the intervention (control and intervention) and plotted the odds ratios (ORs) of completing follow-up along with the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using forest plots for the interventions vs. controls when data were available. FINDINGS: From 7,457 identified studies, 28 met the inclusion criteria. Eleven (39%) of the included studies had used a randomized design. Most studies (63%) assessed completion of any follow-up visit as the primary outcome, whereas others measured time to definite diagnosis (15%) or diagnostic resolution (22%). Navigation was used as a type of intervention in 63% of the included studies. Most interventions utilized behavioral approaches to improve outcomes. The overall estimate of the OR for completion of follow-up for all interventions was 1.81 (1.36-2.42). The highest impact was for programs using more than one approach (multicomponent interventions) to improve outcomes with OR = 3.01 (2.03-4.46), compared with studies with single intervention approaches with OR = 1.56 (1.14-2.14). No statistical risks were noted from publication bias or small-study effects in the studies reviewed. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed large heterogeneity in how follow-up of abnormal cervical cancer screening results was defined. Our results suggest that multicomponent interventions were more effective than single component interventions and should be used to improve follow-up after abnormal cervical cancer screening results. Navigation appears to be an important tool for improving follow-up. We also provide recommendations for future studies and implications for policy in terms of better defining outcomes for these interventions

The Ursinus Weekly, January 9, 1950

Pi Gamma Mu approves Ursinus\u27 charter request • Five gain entrance into thespian frat at secret gathering • Neill to rule pagent; Letson, court chosen • YW prexy accepts place on committee of national Y group • Rosies admit seven at after-dinner tea • Ruby staff posts roster for photos of activities groups • Speaker to discuss field in insurance • Local audience lauds Harrop, Basile concert • Cub and Key plans journal to record members\u27 deeds • Dance and sports comprise pre-exam weekend events • School maintains system of scholarships and loans • Clara Hamm gains college board post on style magazine • Practice term ends for large \u2749 crop of future teachers • Tail of the Weekly tale • Heated court battle ends in 60-57 win for cadets • Cubs lose to P.M.C. in close 31-30 tilt • Fords trim bears 67-53 in second league game • Sports slate dispels biennial gloomy air of pre-exam days • Coach Waldo trains second tank squad since arriving here • Jayvees top Fords by one point edge • Bruin grapplers trounce Mules in opening matchhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1581/thumbnail.jp

210Po Log-normal distribution in human urines: Survey from Central Italy people

The death in London of the former secret service agent Alexander Livtinenko on 23 November 2006 generally attracted the attention of the public to the rather unknown radionuclide 210Po. This paper presents the results of a monitoring programme of 210Po background levels in the urines of noncontaminated people living in Central Italy (near the Republic of S. Marino). The relationship between age, sex, years of smoking, number of cigarettes per day, and 210Po concentration was also studied. The results indicated that the urinary 210Po concentration follows a surprisingly perfect Log-normal distribution. Log 210Po concentrations were positively correlated to age (p < 0.0001), number of daily smoked cigarettes (p = 0.006), and years of smoking (p = 0.021), and associated to sex (p = 0.019). Consequently, this study provides upper reference limits for each sub-group identified by significantly predictive variables