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Improper ferroelectricity and canted ferromagnetism in antiferromagnetically ordered hexagonal ferrites with A2-type spin configuration have been intensely studied due to their potential for room-temperature multiferroicity with strong magnetoelectric couplings. However, the subtle interplay between the magnetic structure and trimer structural distortion, which is a critical ingredient for ferroelectricity, has not been clearly verified in experiments due to the lack of control over trimer distortion. In this study, we report on Lu0.6In0.4FeO3, which exhibits weaker trimer distortion primarily related to the smaller tilting of the FeO5 bipyramids. The reduced vertical displacement of the equatorial oxygen of FeO5 located at the center of the trimer lowers the magnitude of the in-plane Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya vector component, resulting in the absence of canted ferromagnetism with the planar A1-type spin configuration, rather than the canted A2-type observed in other hexagonal ferrites. Our findings demonstrate that the degree of trimer distortion plays an important role in determining the spin configuration in related hexagonal systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the growth and feeding responses of the polyp stage of the moon jellyfish Aurelia coerulea to natural microzooplankton assemblages, bud production among A. coerulea polyps was monitored in field bottle incubation experiments using fractionated field seawater (<200-µm fraction) in summer. During this incubation period, feeding rates were measured twice by examining changes in the abundance of various microzooplankton taxa over two days. The number of buds increased with incubation period, reaching a mean of 5.8-9.3 buds per polyp after 16 days, at which point the carbon content of the new buds and the mother polyp was estimated to be 1.3-2.5 times higher than the carbon content of the initial polyp. Using these carbon content estimates, I calculated specific growth rates of 0.1-0.2 d-1 during the first 10 days. The results of the present feeding experiments suggest that polyps utilize diverse groups of microzooplankton and achieve relatively high carbon ingestion rates from ciliates, dinoflagellates, molluscs, and copepod nauplii. Total microzooplankton ingestion rates were estimated to be 4.05 and 3.27 µgC polyp-1 d-1 in the two experiments, respectively. These findings show that natural microzooplankton assemblages play a role as prey of polyps and can promote asexual reproduction of polyps under natural summer conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-SiAlON ceramics have been in use as engineering ceramics in the most arduous industrial environments such as molten metal handling, cutting tools, gas turbine engines, extrusion molds, thermocouple sheaths, protective cover for high-temperature sensors, etc., owing to their outstanding mechanical, thermal and chemical stability. Taking advantage of the intrinsic properties of α-SiAlONs, we investigate, in this paper, the possibility of using the Er-doped α-SiAlON (Er-α-SiAlON) ceramic as a high-temperature sensing material via its unique near-infrared to visible upconversion property. We first use neutron diffraction and density functional theory calculations to study the electronic structure and thermodynamic stability of Er-α-SiAlON. It is found that the interstitial doping of Er stabilizes the α-SiAlON structure via chemical bonds with O-atoms with N:O ratio of 5:2 in the seven-fold coordination sites of the Er3+ ion. Temperature-dependent upconversion emissions are then studied under 980 and 793 nm excitations over a temperature range of 298–1373 K and the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) technique has been employed to investigate the temperature sensing behavior. Temperature-dependent Raman behavior is also investigated. We demonstrate that using Er-α-SiAlON as a sensing material, the limit of temperature measurement via the FIR technique can be pushed well beyond 1200 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sensitivity of vegetated habitats to climate change and catastrophic disturbance, as well as their benefits to human beings, motivate efforts to estimate regional changes in distribution. This study examined the regional changes in the distribution of submerged macrophyte vegetation using aerial and satellite images from before and after the 2011 tsunami disturbance along the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan. We conducted an estimation of the change in the distribution of seagrass and macroalgal beds after the tsunami along the whole coastline (1,635 km). This was based on vegetation change in the 13 local areas (each <40 km) spanning 27% of the coastline and included 28% of the macroalgal area and 59% of the seagrass area documented in satellite imagery before the tsunami, using generalized linear modeling (GLM). We found that in the 13 local areas 716.8 and 1,990.3 ha of macroalgal beds and seagrass beds had disappeared, respectively, suggesting that seagrass beds were more impacted by the tsunami than macroalgal beds. Significant predictors in GLM indicated that more seagrass beds disappeared in geographically complex coastal areas, whereas macroalgal beds were only marginally affected in such areas. It was estimated that the total decline in seagrass beds was at least 76% along the whole coastline, whereas macroalgal beds decreased only by about 20%. The magnitude and predictors of losses in these two vegetated habitats were similar to earlier estimates, suggesting that our simplified method with GLM is sufficient to extrapolate monitoring data to a regional scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study that examined the effect of deformation on palladium-manganese-tin Heusler alloy with transmission electron microscopy, profile analysis of neutron powder diffraction pattern and magnetization measurement. Distribution of the dislocations in the sample; Existence of a large amount of antiphase domain boundaries in the cell walls; Large reduction in magnetization by cold working without any appreciable change in the Curie temperature.

Oyster and scallop aquaculture has flourished in Ofunato Bay, on the Sanriku Coast of Japan. Between 1967 and 2011, this bay was a highly enclosed area by a bay-mouth breakwater, and while the breakwater provided calm conditions suitable for aquaculture, there was concern about water quality deterioration. The Tohoku Earthquake off the Pacific coast and the subsequent major tsunami on 11 March 2011 caused extensive damage to the Sanriku Coast, resulting in the collapse of the breakwater of Ofunato Bay. We analyzed the monthly hydrographic observational data that were collected between 1996 and 2015, supplemented with hydrographic observations and direct current measurements that were carried out after the earthquake. The historical hydrographic observational data showed the lowest dissolved oxygen ( DO) concentrations were observed near the bottom in the bay. The average and standard deviation of the lowest DO concentrations of each monthly observation during the period before and after the earthquake were 5.81 ± 3.72 and 7.22 ± 1.49 mg L−1, respectively, and are significantly different. The oceanic water inflow and water exchange rate estimated by a box model based on the salt budget under the steady-state estuarine circulation were also significantly different before and after the earthquake. An increase in the inflow of oceanic water and the more rapid water exchange in the bay after the earthquake induced marked improvements in the bottom DO concentration. These changes are considered to be attributable to the improved circulation of oceanic water in the bay that resulted from the collapse of the bay-mouth breakwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2013, there was a significant decline in the wild seedling yield of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas in Matsushima Bay, Japan. We used hydrographic observational data obtained from 2009-2014 to determine whether hydrographic conditions explained the low yield and the absence of pre-attachment stage larvae. In August 2013, low salinity water was distributed at the surface resulting in a density difference between the surface and near the seafloor of the bay exceeding 10 kg m. This difference generated a strong outward driving force of 10.0 × 10 N m. We hypothesize that the oyster larvae were transferred out of the bay before they could reach the pre-attachment stage. The low salinity distribution resulted from increased precipitation associated with stagnation of a stationary rain front. In addition to the outflow driven by freshwater inputs into Matsushima Bay, freshwater derived from the Naruse River, located on the east of the bay, flowed into the bay and formed the horizontal circulation with increased water exchange resulting in the acceleration of the outflow of oyster larvae. The influence of freshwater from the Naruse River has likely increased in the bay as a result of topographical changes caused by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The value of planktonic ciliates as prey for the asexual reproduction of the polyp stage of the moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) was investigated by monitoring somatic growth (calyx diameter), bud production and prey consumption of polyps on a diet of the tintinnid ciliate Favella taraikaensis labeled with a stable nitrogen isotope (15N). These results were compared with those for polyps on a diet of metazoan larvae (Artemia spp.). In addition, nitrogen and carbon specific gross growth efficiencies on the ciliate diet were estimated from increased 15N content of polyps and consumption of ciliate 15N, and from the increase of polyp dry-weight (somatic growth and bud production), a weight:carbon factor and consumption of ciliate carbon, respectively. The calyx diameter of polyps increased with incubation time during the first 7–10days with ciliate prey and during the first 11–15days with Artemia prey. Bud production started after a lag period of 6–7days in all prey treatments, and the cumulative bud number increased with incubation time. The mean bud production rates after the initial lag period were higher with larger amounts of prey and estimated at 0.08–0.38indpolyp−1 d−1 with ciliate prey and 0.12–0.35ind.polyp−1 d−1 with Artemia prey. The mean relative change in calyx diameter with Artemia prey between day 10 and day 15 was significantly higher than that with ciliates at the same prey carbon supply, but bud production rate on a diet of Artemia consumed at 5μg-Cpolyp−1 d−1 was significantly lower than that on a diet of ciliates consumed at the same rate. Promotion of bud production of polyps on a diet of ciliates rather than the somatic growth may be related to fragility characteristic of the ciliate prey, which are easily digested and absorbed. The nitrogen specific gross growth efficiency of A. aurita polyps on a diet of ciliates ranged from 59% to 78% (mean 68%). The relatively high values were supported by high carbon specific gross growth efficiencies ranging from 42% to 64% (mean 54%). This characteristic of polyp may be due to the small size and the low metabolic loss of assimilated energy source. These results indicate that planktonic ciliates, which are readily available to polyps in nature, can serve as a sufficient diet for asexual production of A. aurita polyps. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study I investigated the seasonal occurrence of microzooplankton in the gut of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas. Gut contents consisted of various microzooplankton, including tintinnid ciliates, dinoflagellates ( Dinophysis spp.), copepods, copepod nauplii, bivalve larvae, and rotifers. Monthly variations in the abundance of protists (tintinnids and Dinophysis spp.) in the gut contents were significantly correlated with the variation in their abundances in the surrounding seawater, whereas this relationship was not significant with metazoans (copepods, copepod nauplii, and bivalve larvae). In laboratory experiments, oysters actively fed on ciliates. When oysters fed on ciliates labeled with a stable nitrogen isotope (N), the N:total N ratio of the oyster tissues was significantly higher than that for oysters under a no-food condition, suggesting that oysters assimilate nitrogen of the ciliates into their body tissues. Based on these results, I conclude that microzooplankton forms an important food source for oysters, especially when other food sources such as phytoplankton are not abundant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To clarify the value of planktonic ciliates as a prey source for the moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita), feeding rates of the polyp stage on Favella ehrenbergii, Strombidium sp., and Myrionecta rubra were quantified in laboratory experiments. The feeding responses on ciliates were compared with those on phytoplankton with similar equivalent spherical diameters (ESDs) by observation of the feeding behavior. The assimilation of ciliates ingested by A. aurita was examined by providing the ciliate Strombidinopsis jeokjo, labeled with nitrogen stable isotope (15N), to the polyps. A. aurita polyps fed on all species of ciliates. Feeding rates of A. aurita polyps as a function of ciliate concentration were fitted to a rectangular hyperbolic equation, and the maximum feeding rate was ca. 32cellsind−1 h−1 (0.33μgCind−1 h−1) for all ciliate species. The maximum feeding rate on M. rubra was significantly lower than those on the other ciliate genera, which is probably caused by the smaller cell size and distinctive motility of this species. Feeding incidences, defined by the movement of polyp tentacles, rarely occurred on nanophytoplankton with ESDs of ca. 20μm, and the feeding incidence on microphytoplankton with ESDs of ca. 30μm was significantly lower than that on a ciliate with a similar ESD, implying that phytoplankton is not an essential prey for mature A. aurita polyps. After polyps fed on 15N-labeled ciliates, the average nitrogen stable isotope ratio of polyps in the experimental treatments was significantly higher than that in the control, indicating that the polyps were able to assimilate nutrients from the captured ciliates. These results indicate that planktonic ciliates, a main component of microzooplankton and a frequently encountered energy source, likely serve as available food items for A. aurita polyps. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A time-of-flight (TOF) spectroscopic neutron imaging at a pulsed neutron source is expected to be a new material analysis tool because this method can non-destructively investigate the spatial dependence of the crystallographic and metallographic information in a bulk material. For quantitative evaluation of such information, a spectral analysis code for the transmission data is necessary. Therefore, we have developed a Rietveld-like analysis code, RITS. Furthermore, we have applied the RITS code to evaluation of the position dependence of the crystal orientation anisotropy, the preferred orientation and the crystallite size of a welded α-iron plate, and we successfully obtained the information on the texture and the microstructure. However, the reliability of the values given by the RITS code has not been evaluated yet in detail. For this reason, we compared the parameters provided by the RITS code with the parameters obtained by the neutron TOF powder diffractometry and its Rietveld analysis. Both the RITS code and the Rietveld analysis software indicated values close to each other, but there were systematic differences on the preferred orientation and the crystallite size. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Neutron resonance absorption spectroscopy (N-RAS) using a pulsed neutron source can be applied to time-of-flight (TOF) radiography, and the obtained parameters from the peak shape analysis can be reconstructed as the tomograms of nuclide distributions using computed tomography (CT). The problem is that the available spatial resolution is not sufficient for radiography imaging. In this study, we combined neutron and X-ray radiographies to improve the quantitative reconstruction of the neutron tomogram. The accelerator-based neutron source emits X-rays (or gamma-rays) at the same time the neutron pulse is emitted. We utilized the X-ray beam from the neutron source to obtain X-ray radiogram on the same beam line with neutron radiography and then reconstructed the neutron tomogram quantitatively with the help of a detailed sample internal structure obtained from the X-ray radiogram. We calculated the nuclide number density distribution tomogram using a statistical reconstruction procedure, which was easy to include in the structure model during the reconstruction. The obtained result of nuclide number density distribution showed good coincidence with the original object number density. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Since 2001, researchers, engineers and other members in the MLF (Materials and Life Science) division have not only intensively constructed instruments, but they have also been involved in facility management, including process control of beamline construction, safety, maintenance, user support, beamtime management, outreach, and development of the proposal system. Although the beam power achieved by the end of 2009 was only 1/10 of the designed value, it has reached 40 times the power of KENS's beam power. The repetition rate of 25 Hz, which is much smaller than that of the first target station at ISIS (50 Hz) and SNS (60 Hz), highlights the uniqueness of the neutron instruments at JPARC, where a wide dynamical range is attained with limited loss of neutrons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatty-acid esters of dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX1) in scallops Patinopecten yessoensis, mussels Mytilus coruscus, and toxic dinoflagellate Dinophysis species, collected from Japanese seawater, were analyzed by liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Precursor ion monitoring, multiple reaction monitoring for 18 fatty-acid esters of DTX1, and full-scan MS/MS spectra obtained with a hybrid triple–quadrupole linear-ion-trap mass spectrometer showed that 14:0, 16:0, and 16:1 esters were the most abundant 7- O-acyl-DTX1 analogues in bivalves. Fatty-acids esters formed by conjugations at hydroxyl positions other than the 7-position of DTX1 were not detected in the bivalves. DTX1 and okadaic acid-16:0 fatty-acid esters have been reported as the most abundant ester in bivalves in several previous studies; however, we found that 7- O-16:1-DTX1 was the most abundant ester in some mussels in which 16:1 was more dominant than 16:0 in the free fatty-acid profile. Comparison between 7- O-acyl-DTX1 and free fatty-acid profiles in the same bivalve samples suggests that polyunsaturated fatty acids are selectively excluded in enzymatic acylation of DTX1. No 7- O-acyl-DTX1 was detected in any single-cell isolates of D. fortii, D. acuminata, D. mitra, D. norvegica, D. tripos, D. infundibulus, and D. rotundata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We are developing the energy-selective neutron radiography and tomography technique by using the pulsed neutron source and the time-of-flight (TOF) spectroscopy. Neutron resonance absorption spectroscopy with computer tomography, N-RAS/CT, can non-destructively give the tomographic image indicating material information such as nuclide, density and temperature inside the object. The primary N-RAS/CT was performed by detecting prompt γ-rays emitted from nuclei absorbing neutrons as a function of neutron TOF. In this case, position dependent data need to be obtained by scanning the object with a moving slit. On the other hand, in this paper, we propose a new N-RAS/CT method using neutron transmission spectroscopy combined with 2-dimensional position sensitive neutron detector (2d-PSND), which is applicable to TOF measurement. The greatest feature of this method is shorter measurement time than the previous one because 2d-PSND can obtain spatial information at once. For this reason, we carried out the new N-RAS/CT experiment to examine its feasibility at the pulsed neutron facility based on the small accelerator. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We are developing the pulsed neutron imaging technique using the time-of-flight (TOF) spectroscopy. Neutron resonance absorption spectroscopy (N-RAS) can identify individual nuclides, deduce its density and study its dynamics by analyzing energy, intensity and Doppler broadening of each resonance absorption peak. N-RAS/ computer tomography (CT), which is N-RAS combined with CT, can non-destructively show the tomographic image indicating the distribution of resonance nuclide and its dynamics inside various materials. However, large resonance absorption cross-section frequently causes the self-shielding effect, distorting the reconstructed CT image. Therefore, in the previous experiment, we obtained a reconstructed CT image different from the real distribution of resonance nuclide, using a data processing method without the self-shielding correction. For this reason, we have proposed a new data processing method to correct the self-shielding effect for N-RAS/CT, and carried out Monte-Carlo simulations to examine the feasibility of this method. As a result, we have succeeded in establishing a procedure that produces the undistorted CT image, indicating the absolute value of resonance nuclide density. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Neutron tomography was studied using a neutron resonance absorption spectrometer installed on a pulsed neutron source. The neutron resonance absorption spectroscopy (N-RAS) is a method to study the dynamics of nuclides by analyzing the Doppler broadening of their resonance spectra. N-RAS can combine with the computer tomography (CT) technique to obtain the tomogram of an object. We developed the CT reconstructions which were repeated at each time-of-flight (TOF) channel and piled up the reconstructed images in order to make the resonance spectrum over the wide energy range. Finally, we could deduce the information of nuclides and its temperature distributions in the sample non-destructively. We call this new TOF tomography technique as neutron resonance imaging (NRI). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The production of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning toxins (okadaic acid analogues and other lipophilic toxins) by a culture of Dinophysis acuminata, fed with the autotrophic ciliate Myrionecta rubra, was confirmed by LC–MS analysis, and the toxin profile compared with that in the field assemblage of the same species. The growth response of D. acuminata to the density of the food organism was also examined in laboratory experiments. In semi-continuous culture experiments, the growth rates of D. acuminata increased with increasing density of M. rubra and a maximum growth rate of 0.67 per day was calculated. In batch culture experiments; the cellular content of PTX2 and DTX1 were 14.7–14.8 and 2.5–4.8pgcell−1, respectively. Okadaic acid, dinophysistoxin-3, pectenotoxin-1, pectenotoxin-6, yessotoxin (YTX) and 45-OHYTX were not detected. PTX2 was detected (cellular toxin content: 22pgcell−1), but DTX1 was not detected, in an extract of D. acuminata collected from natural seawater at the same location where the cultured D. acuminata specimens were isolated. These results strongly suggest that D. acuminata produces these toxins during cell growth and that environmental factors influence variations in the toxin composition and specific cellular toxicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ibaraki prefecture materials design diffractometer of J-PARC needs a neutron guide to increase beam intensity without sacrificing measurements of powder diffraction with good resolution, PDF analysis and small angle scattering. Non-parallel guides including elliptical ones have been compared with a linear-straight guide using the McStas simulation. The elliptical guide having the exit focal points away behind the sample position is available to increase the neutron flux at the sample but gives a slight lowering of the instrumental resolution. This elliptical guide gives also Garland peaks at short wavelengths that may give large ambiguities in powder diffraction measurements. Therefore, the linear-straight guide is considered as the best choice for this instrument to keep a good resolution and also a relatively high flux. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sea water environmental conditions over annual cycles were investigated and compared between two oyster farming areas, western Hiroshima Bay and Oginohama Bay (a branch of Ishinomaki Bay) in Miyagi Prefecture, to appropriately manage oyster culture or more efficiently utilize farming areas. The environmental parameters of temperature, salinity, nutrient concentrations (NO2–N, NO3–N, NH4–N, PO4–P, and SiO2–Si) and size-fractionated chlorophyll- a (<0.2, 2–20, >20µm), and abundances of microzooplankton were measured in each bay at the surface, and 2 and 5 m depth layers. Differences in the annual mean values and results with monthly paired Student's t-tests showed that salinity was lower, and temperature, nutrient (especially PO4–P) and chlorophyll- a concentrations, and abundance of microzooplankton, were higher in Hiroshima Bay than in Oginohama Bay. Differences in environmental conditions between inshore and offshore areas of each bay suggest that inflows of river water in western Hiroshima Bay and sea water from offshore had the most significant effects on the environmental conditions. It is concluded that such oceanographic and biological differences strongly affect the oyster farming system, especially regarding the optimum usage of offshore areas in Summer under clean, cold and stable seawater conditions, rather than food quantity in Hiroshima Bay, and under more abundant food conditions in Oginohama Bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth and feeding activities of the tintinnid ciliate Favella taraikaensis fed the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense were examined in laboratory experiments. Both growth and ingestion rates of F. taraikaensis as a function of the A. tamarense concentration were fitted to a rectangular hyperbolic equation. The maximum growth and ingestion rates of F. taraikaensis were 1.0 day−1 and 2.8 cells ind. h−1 (carbon specific ingestion rates: 3.5 day−1), respectively, which are both included in the range of previous data reported for Favella spp. feeding on other algae. The gross growth efficiency (GGE) of F. taraikaensis ranged from 0.26 to 0.49 (mean value 0.40) at the concentration of 10–800 cells ml−1, which is within the range of previous data on Favella spp. Also, the growth and ingestion rates and GGE of F. taraikaensis on A. tamarense were not significantly different from the values on another non-toxic dinoflagellate ( Heterocapsa triquetra) at two different prey concentrations. This indicates that the toxicity of A. tamarense probably did not influence the feeding and growth activities of F. taraikaensis at concentrations of less than ca. 800 cells ml−1. To evaluate the grazing by F. taraikaensis on A. tamarense blooms in the field, the population dynamics of A. tamarense were simulated based on the growth and ingestion parameters of F. taraikaensis. As a result, the grazing impact by F. taraikaensis was considered to potentially regulate the development of A. tamarense blooms. If the toxicity of A. tamarense does not influence the growth and feeding activities of F. taraikaensis, the occurrence of such grazer plankton are considered to be important for predicting the course of A. tamarense bloom dynamics under natural conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Neutron resonance absorption spectroscopy (N-RAS) associated with computer tomography was applied to thermometry for an inhomogeneous bulk object. This new method provides two-dimensional distributions of nuclide temperatures on the planar cross-section of an object as information from remote-sensing analysis. The experimental result showed good agreement with the actual temperature distribution inside the object, and the simulation of the experiment correctly reproduced the result. For greater accuracy, we need to achieve finer spatial resolution and better statistical reliance on N-RAS. The development of this novel approach has links to new industrial applications utilizing neutrons for remote sensing and non-destructive thermometry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The distribution of the main microbial loop components (bacteria, heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF), ciliates) was investigated at three sites: the inner, central and outer regions of Hiroshima Bay, Seto Inland Sea, Japan, in summer (June and August 1996 and July 1997). At the inner region site, lower salinity and higher concentrations of nutrients and chlorophyll a were observed than in the other regions. Bacterial, HNF and ciliate biomasses ranging from 32.6 to 170.1 µg C/L, from 1.5 to 84.8 µg C/L and from 0.1 to 91.7 µg C/L, respectively, were generally highest at the inner region site. The ciliate assemblages were mostly dominated by mixotrophic aloricate ciliates in the surface and near-surface layers. The relationship between the biomass of aloricate ciliates and their prey organisms showed significant linear correlations at the three sites. The slope of the regression line was lowest and the X -axis intercept of the line was highest at the inner region site, possibly suggesting relatively low energy transfer efficiency between them in this site. Hence, high biomass of less than 20 µm phytoplankton, bacteria and HNF may not be efficiently utilized by ciliates in the inner region of Hiroshima Bay, compared with the situation in other regions of the bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Alexandrium spp. resting cysts were found abundantly in faecal pellets collected from the bottom sediments at two stations in Hiroshima Bay. It is considered that these faecal pellets were excreted by the macrobenthos, such as polychaeta and mollusca, based on their size and morphology. Polychaeta was the most dominant macrobenthos, and mollusca was the second most dominant group in Hiroshima Bay. The resting cysts of Alexandrium spp. in the bottom sediments at the two stations were counted in both the faecal pellets of macrobenthos and in the surrounding sediment. As a result, the number of cysts in the faecal pellets accounted for 28.9–35.2% of total cysts. In addition, cysts isolated from faecal pellets had almost the same germination ability as those in the sediment. Thus, Alexandrium cysts are tolerant to the predation and digestive processes of macrobenthic organisms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The dynamic structure factors S (Q , ω) of liquid acetone were measured in a wide Q range 1.9–41.2 nm−1 with a high-resolution inelastic X-ray scattering (IXS) spectrometer installed at BL35XU of the SPring-8. Highly damped collective excitations of the longitudinal acoustic (LA) phonons are observed. The IXS spectra were analyzed by using a generalized Langevin formalism with the help of a sparse modeling to deduce reasonable Q dependences of the fitting parameters. The dispersion relation of the LA phonon excitations shows a highly positive deviation by about 65% from the adiabatic velocity of sound, which is larger than that in non-polar liquids such as CCl 4 and benzene with van der Waals interactions, due probably that the acetone is a polar liquid. Microscopic dynamic parameters, such as viscoelastic relaxation rates and viscosity, are discussed by comparing with existing macroscopic dynamic properties. The fast and slow viscoelastic relaxations correspond to the vibration dynamics and reorientation correlations, respectively. Dynamical velocity of sound of longitudinal acoustic phonons in liquid acetone obtained from inelastic X-ray scattering, which exceeds about 65% in the low Q region from hydrodynamic value of 1161 m/s. [Display omitted] • Phonon dynamics of acetone as a polar liquid is investigated by inelastic X-ray scattering. • Obtained data are analyzed by using generalized Langevin formalism. • Dispersion of longitudinal phonon shows highly positive deviation from hydrodynamics. • Viscoelastic relaxations in memory function are related to macroscopic correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4is) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) on quality of life (QOL) and treatment satisfaction have not been directly compared. This sub-analysis of a randomized-controlled trial with an SGLT2i, luseogliflozin, and DPP-4is compared their effects on QOL and treatment satisfaction of patients. Methods: This study recruited 623 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were drug-naïve or treated with antidiabetic agents other than SGLT2is and DPP-4is. The patients were randomized into luseogliflozin or DPP-4i group and followed for 52 weeks. This sub-analysis assessed QOL and treatment satisfaction using Oral Hypoglycemic Agent Questionnaire (OHA-Q) version 2 in the drug-naïve subgroup who were drug-naïve at baseline and with monotherapy with luseogliflozin or DPP-4i throughout the observation period (256 patients) at 24 and 52 weeks and in the add-on subgroup who were treated with OHAs other than SGLT2is and DPP-4is (204 patients) at baseline, 24 and 52 weeks. Results: In the drug-naïve subgroup, total (50.8 ± 8.2 in luseogliflozin group and 53.1 ± 10.0 in DPP-4i group, p = 0.048) and somatic symptom scores (22.4 ± 5.0 in luseogliflozin group and 24.4 ± 5.8 in DPP-4i group, p = 0.005) at 52 weeks (but not at 24 weeks) were significantly higher in DPP-4i group than in luseogliflozin group. In add-on subgroup, changes in total (3.3 ± 7.8 in luseogliflozin group and 0.9 ± 7.6 in DPP-4i group, p = 0.030) and treatment convenience (1.2 ± 3.9 in luseogliflozin group and − 0.6 ± 4.2 in DPP-4i group, p = 0.002) from baseline to 24 weeks (but not at 52 weeks) were significantly greater in luseogliflozin group than in DPP-4i group. The QOL related to safety or glycemic control was comparable between the groups. Conclusions: Physicians should pay attention to side effects of SGLT2is to maintain the patients' QOL when SGLT2is are initiated or added-on. Add-on of luseogliflozin increased patients' QOL more than DPP-4is. Considering patients' QOL and treatment satisfaction is important for selecting SGLT2is or DPP-4is. Trial Registration: UMIN000030128 and jRCTs031180241. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: LBE (Lead Bismuth Eutectic), which is a candidate for spallation targets, has some problems. One of them is expansion after solidification, which may bring about serious damage of an LBE loop. Two solid phases of β-phase (inter-metallic compound) and γ-phase (solid solution of Pb in Bi) appear in LBE, and it was reported that an increase of the γ-phase observed by X-ray corresponds to the volume expansion of LBE. We performed neutron spectroscopic transmission experiments using a pulsed neutron source in order to observe crystal transformation depending on the position and time for slow and rapid cooling LBE samples. It was found that the crystal structure of the slow cooling LBE varied depending on position while it was rather homogeneous for the rapid cooling sample. The re-crystallization of the γ-phase was more clearly observed for the rapid cooling sample than the slow one. We were able to obtain information of re-crystallization over the whole volume of the samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Spectroscopic transmission method using a pulsed neutron source combined with a 2-dimensional position sensitive detector is expected to give texture information of materials depending on the position. This method gives not only the transmission imaging of the objects but also the structural imaging obtained by the total cross-section of the materials including the Bragg edges. In order to study the structural change due to welding, we performed transmission experiments and obtained the cross-section map of the welded sample. In the case of welded samples, the cross-section changed depending on the position. It clearly showed the welded region, heat affected region, and as-cast region, and indicated texture change reflecting the cross-section. It suggests that the method will have a possibility to give more information on microstructure of materials, such as density change, grain size and so on. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Transmission data using a pulsed neutron source have information on neutron cross-section that reflects the crystal structure of the object, and combined with area detector we can obtain the structural change depending on the position in the object. We performed several experimental studies to observe the change of the structure. We demonstrate position-dependent structural change of the lead in solid. It was indicated that the structure changed largely within few millimeters region. Furthermore, we observed the cross-section change of stainless steel (SS) samples with different treatments, which may be the effect of crystal grain structure of the SS samples caused by different treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hydride ion conductors have made remarkable progress in recent years; in particular, the fluorite‐type LaH3‐δ series exhibits high conductivity around room temperature. However, its intrinsic character of hydrogen non‐stoichiometry still makes its application as a solid electrolyte challenging, for which high electronic insulation is essential. Here, Sr‐substituted LaH3‐δ with slight O2− incorporation, represented as La1‐xSrxH3‐x‐2yOy (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.6, y ≤ 0.171), is synthesized, which exhibits H− conductivity of 10−4 – 10−5 S cm−1 at room temperature. The galvanostatic discharge reaction using an all‐solid‐state cell composed of Ti|La1‐xSrxH3‐x‐2yOy|LaH3‐δ shows that the Ti electrode is completely hydrogenated to TiH2 for x ≥ 0.2, whereas a short circuit occurs for x = 0.1. These experimental observations, together with calculation studies on the density of states and the defect formation energy, provide clear evidence that electropositive cation, such as Sr, doping critically suppresses the electron conduction in LaH3‐δ. Achieving a superior H− conducting solid electrolyte is a novel milestone in the development of electrochemical devices that utilize its strong reducing ability (E°(H−/H2) = −2.25 V vs SHE), such as batteries with high energy density and electrolysis/fuel cells with high efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New solid compounds A3−xGaO4H1−y (A = Sr, Ba; x ∼0.15, y ∼0.3), which are the first oxyhydrides containing gallium ions, have been synthesized by high-pressure synthesis. Powder X-ray and neutron diffraction experiments revealed that the series adopts an anti-perovskite structure consisting of hydride-anion-centered HA6 octahedra with tetrahedral GaO4 polyanions, wherein the A- and H-sites show partial defect. Formation energy calculations from the raw materials support that stoichiometric Ba3GaO4H is thermodynamically stable with a wide band gap. Annealing the A = Ba powder under flowing Ar and O2 gas suggests topochemical H− desorption and O2−/H− exchange reactions, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Evidence of a direct comparison between dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4is) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) remains lacking, and no clear treatment strategy or rationale has been established using these drugs. This study aimed to compare the overall efficacy and safety of DPP-4is and the SGLT2i luseogliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Patients with T2DM who had not used antidiabetic agents or who had used antidiabetic agents other than SGLT2is and DPP-4is were enrolled in the study after written informed consent had been obtained. The enrolled patients were subsequently randomly assigned to either the luseogliflozin or DPP-4i group and followed up for 52 weeks. The primary (composite) endpoint was the proportion of patients who showed improvement in ≥ 3 endpoints among the following five endpoints from baseline to week 52: glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), weight, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), systolic blood pressure, and pulse rate. Results: A total of 623 patients were enrolled in the study and subsequently randomized to either the luseogliflozin or DPP-4i groups. The proportion of patients who showed improvement in ≥ 3 endpoints at week 52 was significantly higher in the luseogliflozin group (58.9%) than in the DPP-4i group (35.0%) (p < 0.001). When stratified by body mass index (BMI) (< 25 or ≥ 25 kg/m2) or age (< 65 or ≥ 65 years), regardless of BMI or age, the proportion of patients who achieved the composite endpoint was significantly higher in the luseogliflozin group than in the DPP-4i group. Hepatic function and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were also significantly improved in the luseogliflozin group compared with the DPP-4i group. The frequency of non-serious/serious adverse events did not differ between the groups. Conclusion: This study showed the overall efficacy of luseogliflozin compared with DPP-4is over the mid/long term, regardless of BMI or age. The results suggest the importance of assessing multiple aspects regarding the effects of diabetes management. Trial Registration Number: jRCTs031180241. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To perform quantitative analysis of constituent elements, including light atoms, by time-of-flight (TOF) type neutron imaging, a new analysis method using epithermal neutrons excluding resonance dips has been proposed. The method is based on fitting the theoretical neutron transmission spectrum calculated from evaluated nuclear data to a measured neutron transmission spectrum. Compared to conventional imaging methods such as those using neutron radiography or neutron resonance analysis, it has the advantage of being able to evaluate multiple/light elements. We applied this technique to a pulsed neutron transmission experiment at the Hokkaido University Neutron Source. A stack of iron and carbon plates was measured as a model sample consisting of heavy and light elements. The evaluated elemental densities show reasonable agreements within an error of 10%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermography using energy-dependent neutron transmission imaging can non-invasively and non-destructively visualize a real-space distribution of interior temperatures of a material in a container. Previously, resonance absorption broadening analysis and Bragg-edge shift analysis using energy-resolved neutron transmission have been developed, however some issues remain, e.g., imaging efficiency, substance limitation and temperature sensitivity. For this reason, we propose a new neutron thermography using the temperature dependence of inelastic scattering of cold neutrons. This method has some advantages, for example, the imaging efficiency is high because cold neutrons are measured with moderate wavelength resolution, and light elements can be analysed in principle. We investigated the feasibility of this new neutron thermography at pulsed neutron time-of-flight imaging instruments at ISIS in the United Kingdom and HUNS in Japan. A Rietveld-type transmission spectrum analysis program (RITS) was employed to refine temperature and atomic displacement parameters from the inelastic scattering cross-section analysis. Finally, we demonstrated interior thermography of an α-Fe sample of 10 mm thickness inside a vacuum chamber by using a neutron time-of-flight imaging detector at the compact accelerator-driven pulsed neutron source HUNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

K2NiF4‐type Ba–Li oxyhydride (BLHO) transitions to a so‐called hydride superionic conductor, exhibiting a high and essentially temperature‐independent hydride ion (H−) conductivity over 0.01 S cm−1 through the disordering of H− vacancies above 300 °C. In this study, a Ba–Li–Na–H–O oxyhydride system synthesized in which lithium is partially substituted with sodium in BLHO and investigated the effects of Na content on the phase transition behavior and the conductivity. Structural refinements and differential scanning calorimetry experiments confirmed a lowering trend in the phase transition temperatures and decreasing enthalpy changes for the transition with increasing Na content. Substitution of not <40% of Li with Na lowered the degree of ordered vacancies at the H− sites at room temperature and improved conductivities by more than two orders of magnitude in the low‐temperature region (T < 300 °C) before the phase transition. These findings clearly show that introducing Na into the lattice effectively stabilizes the high‐conductive phase of BLHO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic state in 6 H-type BaFeO3−δ at low temperature was studied using small-angle neutron scattering, positive-muon spin relaxation and magnetization measurements. These experiments demonstrate the appearance of two different types of magnetic states: an antiferromagnetic ordering with a long-range correlation and magnetic domains with a short-range correlation. The antiferromagnetic Fe spin arrangement occurs below 130 K. In contrast, the magnetic domains are formed below 170 K and the average size of the magnetic domains was estimated as ~124 Å. These results explain the discrepancy of the Néel temperatures between three measurement techniques: magnetization, neutron powder diffraction and Mössbauer measurements. Furthermore, it was found that the magnetic domains coexist with the long-range antiferromagnetic ordering below 130 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general performance of diffractometers at the first long pulse spallation source ESS, is compared with their counterparts at J-PARC, a short pulse spallation source. The difference in the inherent pulse structure of these neutron sources presents opportunities for new concepts for instrumentation, where performance does not scale simply with source power. The article describes advantages and disadvantages of those diffractometers, adapting to the very different source characteristics. We find that the two sources offer comparable performance in flux and resolution when operating in high-resolution mode. ESS offers significant advantages in tunability and flexibility, notably in the ability to relax resolution in order to increase flux for a given experiment. The slow repetition rate of ESS favors long instruments. On the other hand, J-PARC instruments perform very well in spite of the lower source power and allow better access to epithermal neutrons, of particular interest for PDF analysis of diffraction data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Liquid hydrogen is a realistic cold moderator material for high-power spallation neutron sources. The neutronic performance of a hydrogen moderator depends on the ortho/para ratio of hydrogen, and thus experimental data are needed that will clarify the ortho/para ratio effects on neutronic performance. In this study, we measured the neutronic performance of a liquid hydrogen moderator at several para hydrogen concentrations. Our experiment was performed at the Hokkaido University 45meV electron linac facility. The neutron energy spectra were measured by the time-of-flight method. Pulse shapes were measured by the Bragg scattering of a mica crystal. The neutron energy spectra change within 20%, depending on the para hydrogen concentrations. With increasing para hydrogen concentration, the pulse peak intensity increases and the pulse width becomes narrower. Furthermore, for a decoupled moderator, the pulse decay becomes faster with increasing para hydrogen concentration. From a viewpoint of the figure of merit (FOM=I/FWHM2) the para hydrogen moderator showed almost the same performance as that of the solid methane moderator, which is considered to be a high performance moderator for pulsed neutron source. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ibaraki Prefectural Government established Science Frontier 21 Initiative (SF21) in 2001. In SF21 the active co-operations between Tsukuba, Tokai and Hitachi areas are accelerated and two Prefecture''s neutron spectrometers have been constructed in order to establish the advanced industrial zone by setting the J-PARC as a key component. In addition, the industrial applications of neutron will be promoted. The objectives of SF21 are promotion of industrial applications of J-PARC, grow-up of neutron research scientists, and establishment of infrastructure supporting international collaboration. In this paper, outline of the two Ibaraki prefecture''s spectrometers are described. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We performed in situ neutron powder diffraction measurements of LaNi4.9Al0.1Dx along the desorption P–C isotherm using 90° banks of a TOF diffractometer. Structure of the hydride phase for various hydrogen contents was determined by Rietveld refinement. Variation of hydrogen site occupation in the hydride phase was clearly observed. The full hydride LaNi4.9Al0.1D6.1 has a P6mm structure with four hydrogen sites; 3c sites (O[La2Ni4]) with occupancy of 0.95(2) and three T sites, 6e1 (T[La2Ni2]), 6e2 (T[La1Ni3]) and 2b (T[Ni4]), with occupancies of 0.324(6), 0.195(6) and 0.22(1), respectively. In the two-phase region, the hydride phase has the limiting composition LaNi4.9Al0.1D5.0. Decreased hydrogen content from x = 6.1 to 5.0 in the hydride phase involved decrease of occupation in all sites, but behavior of the decrease depended on the sites. The 3c and 6e1 sites are preferably occupied in the limiting composition, whereas extra occupation caused by hydrogen solution in the hydride single-phase region is most preferable in the 6e2 sites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recently discovered massive Dirac fermions and room temperature skyrmions in the ferromagnetic kagome metal Fe3Sn2 have attracted extensive attention due to the potential applications in topological and spintronic devices. Because of its centrosymmetric lattice, the topological spin texture in Fe3Sn2 arises primarily from the competition between anisotropy and exchange interaction. In this Letter, we have identified the spin-reorientation at around 80 K by the magnetization and AC-susceptibility measurements. The evolution of the anisotropy is revealed by neutron powder diffraction data from 18 to 700 K, where the "breathing"-like kagome structure evolves into an ideal kagome lattice at higher temperature. Meanwhile, the deviation between the experimental and calculated results on heat capacity at high temperature and the softening of optical phonon modes in Raman spectra suggest the presence of anharmonic phonons in Fe3Sn2, which is responsible for the degeneracy of lattice thermal conductivity at high temperature. Our study indicates that Fe3Sn2 possesses a promising future in the design and development of topological, spintronic as well as thermoelectric devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal structure of sintered β-tricalcium phosphate, Ca3(PO4)2, was refined using a high-resolution neutron powder diffraction data and the Rietveld method. This material was confirmed to have a rhombohedral structure (space group R3c, Z=21). Unit-cell parameters with higher precision (a=b=10.4352(2) A˚, c=37.4029(5) A˚, α=β=90°, and γ=120° in the hexagonal setting) and positional parameters for oxygen with equal precision were obtained by the neutron powder diffraction technique, compared with the single-crystal X-ray diffraction data by Dickens et al. (J. Solid State Chem. 10 (1974) 232). The site Ca(4) with atomic coordinates [0.0, 0.0, −0.0851(6)] was confirmed to be very different from the other four Ca sites: The position Ca(4) is three-fold coordinated with oxygen atoms, and has lower occupancy factor of 0.43(4), and a higher isotropic thermal parameter. On the contrary, each of the Ca(1), Ca(2), Ca(3), and Ca(5) is fully occupied by one Ca atom and these positions are coordinated with seven, eight, eight, and six oxygen atoms, respectively. The bond valence sums of Ca(4) and Ca(5) are lower (0.7) and higher (2.7), respectively, than the others (1.8–2.1). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

High-temperature phase transition of lanthanum niobium titanate La0.64(Ti0.92,Nb0.08)O3 has been studied using neutron powder diffraction and the Rietveld method. The material is orthorhombic (Cmmm) between 295 and 534 K, while it is tetragonal (P4/mmm) between 637 and 740 K. The anti-phase tilt along the b axis of the oxygen octahedron around Ti and Nb atoms was found to induce the tetragonal-to-orthorhombic phase transition. The angle of the tilt and the b/a ratio of cell parameters decrease with an increase of temperature and become 0° and unity, respectively, at a transition temperature between 534 and 637 K. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Ferroelastic phase transition in BiVO 4 studied through Raman spectroscopy in the range of 298–898 K. • The most intense Raman band shows two distinct linear regimes below and above 550 K. • The point of the intersection of the linear regions gives the ferroelastic phase transition temperature of BiVO 4. BiVO 4 , a well-known photocatalyst and industrial pigment, undergoes a reversible ferroelastic phase transition at about 530 K. In this framework, identifying techniques that can accurately measure the signature of the ferroelastic phase transition would be very useful. We find that the most intense Raman band of BiVO 4 ceramics at 829 cm−1 shows an interesting temperature dependency, as it is non-linear in the investigated range of 298–898 K, while two distinct linear regimes can be distinguished below and above 550 K. The point of the intersection after extrapolating the two linear regions is 530 K, which happens to be the ferroelastic phase transition temperature of BiVO 4 from monoclinic to tetragonal phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials which show novel thermal properties can be used to make highly efficient and environmentally friendly energy systems for thermal energy storage and refrigeration through caloric effects. An A‐site‐ordered quadruple perovskite‐structure oxide, NdCu3Fe4O12, is found to release significant latent heat, 25.5 kJ kg−1 (157 J cc−1), at the intersite‐charge‐transfer transition temperature near room temperature. The transition is first‐order and accompanied by an unusual magnetic ordering and a large negative‐thermal‐expansion‐like volume change, and thus, it causes a large entropy change (84.2 J K−1 kg−1). The observed entropy change is comparable to the largest changes reported in inorganic solid materials, and more importantly, it is utilized through a colossal barocaloric effect. The adiabatic temperature change by applying 5.1 kbar pressure is estimated to reach 13.7 K, which means efficient refrigeration can be realized through this effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an article published in Advanced Energy Materials, researchers Genki Kobayashi and his team discuss their findings on electropositive metal doping into lanthanum hydride to create a hydride-ion-conducting solid electrolyte. Through a galvanostatic discharge test at room temperature, they were able to achieve complete electrochemical hydrogenation with a high Faraday efficiency. This research has implications for the development of electrochemical devices and solid electrolytes. [Extracted from the article]

The collection of wild oyster seedlings is an integral part of Pacific oyster aquaculture, necessitating efficient methods of seedling collection. Matsushima Bay is a key area for the production of oyster seedlings in Japan. To predict the transport of oyster larvae in the bay during the 2017 seedling collection season, we conducted particle tracking based on the finite volume community ocean model. Larval sampling was conducted early in the seedling collection season to observe the horizontal distribution of hatched larvae, which was then used as the initial distribution for particle tracking. Particle tracking was driven by the predicted tidal elevation, past meteorological forcing variables, and historical river discharges from the period of June–July 2015. This yielded a prediction of larval distribution after one week had elapsed. The location of the predicted daily highest density was predominantly on the eastern side of the bay and did not change considerably over time. The predicted larval distribution differed markedly from the observed distribution of pre‐attachment stage larvae, suggesting that processes other than the circulation in the bay influence actual larval transport. A model that included larval mortality and ontogenetic vertical migration was able to approximate the observed larval distribution, indicating the importance of these processes. Sensitivity analyses for the parameters relating these processes revealed that larvae tend to remain in the bay when they grow quickly. Although there were some differences between predicted and observed outcomes, our study represents notable progress in demonstrating the potential for predicting oyster larval transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problems caused by neutron-induced soft errors in electrical devices are becoming increasingly common in various applications. The neutron-energy-dependent soft-error rate is indispensable for evaluating the frequency of such errors in different neutron fields. We have observed the energy-dependent neutron-induced error rates continuously over the energy range of 1–800 MeV at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). This was made possible by using extremely fast circuits built into field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for time-of-flight measurement. Current experimental results revealed the overall trend of the error rate, which gradually increases up to 20 MeV. Interestingly, the rate depended on the type of device, and the errors occurred even below the threshold energy of the nuclear cross section of silicon, 2.75 MeV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoelectric material SnSe has aroused world-wide interests in the past years, and its inherent strong lattice anharmonicity is regarded as a crucial factor for its outstanding thermoelectric performance. However, the understanding of lattice anharmonicity in SnSe system remains inadequate, especially regarding how phonon dynamics are affected by this behavior. In this work, we present a comprehensive study of lattice dynamics on Na0.003Sn0.997Se0.9S0.1 by means of neutron total scattering, inelastic neutron scattering, Raman spectroscopy as well as frozen-phonon calculations. Lattice anharmonicity is evidenced by pair distribution function, inelastic neutron scattering and Raman measurements. By separating the effects of thermal expansion and multi-phonon scattering, we found that the latter is very significant in high-energy optical phonon modes. The strong temperature-dependence of these phonon modes indicate the anharmonicity in this system. Moreover, our data reveals that the linewidths of high-energy optical phonons become broadened with mild doping of sulfur. Our studies suggest that the thermoelectric performance of SnSe could be further enhanced by reducing the contributions of high-energy optical phonon modes to the lattice thermal conductivity via phonon engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy-resolved neutron imaging system, RADEN, has been installed at the pulsed neutron source in the Materials and Life Science Experimental Facility of the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex. In addition to conventional neutron radiography and tomography, RADEN, the world's first imaging beam-line at a pulsed neutron source, provides three main options for new, quantitative neutron imaging techniques: Bragg-edge imaging to visualize the spatial distribution of crystallographic information, resonance absorption imaging for elemental composition and temperature information, and polarized neutron imaging for magnetic field information. This paper describes the results of characterization studies of the neutronic performance and installed devices at RADEN and shows the results of several demonstration studies for pulsed neutron imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]