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Background: Typhoid fever is a major health burden in Sub-Saharan Africa. Conventional anti-typhoid drugs are becoming more and more unavailable to most patients in Africa due to the increased costs and emerging drug resistance. Therefore, there is a need for the discovery of new antimicrobial agents to combat typhoid fever. Objective: This work aimed to investigate the bioactive components in Cyperus sphacelatus Rottb. (Cyperaceae) and test the antisalmonellal activity of the isolated compounds. Methods: Compound purification was done through column chromatography. Structure elucidation was accomplished based on the 1D and 2D NMR, IR and mass spectra. The biological assay was done using five bacterial strains, including Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica sérovars Typhi ATCC 6539 (STS), S. enterica subsp. enterica sérovars Typhi (ST), S. enteritidis (STE), S. enterica subsp. enterica sérovars Typhimurim (STM), and a resistant isolate of S. enterica subsp. enterica sérovars Typhi (ST566). Results: Three natural products were isolated from the methylene chloride extract of the rhizomes of C. sphacelatus, including a new furanoquinone, scabequinon-6(14)-ene (1) and two known compounds, cyperotundone (2) and vanillin (3). Compound 1 showed moderate antisalmonellal activity, with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 32 μg/mL against STM and STS. The best inhibitory result was obtained with compound 2 on STM with a MIC of 8 μg/mL. Compound 2 also gave the best minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 32 μg/mL on the STM strain. Conclusion: The discovery of the three antisalmonellal compounds from C. sphacelatus supports the addition of this plant to typhoid fever preparations.

The health crisis of the COVID-19 outbreak has global impacts on humanity and the economy. Such pandemic effects are believed to have influenced human behaviour; issues of panic buying (overbuying) and noncompliance among individuals are shown evident. However, the underlying understanding on such behaviours due to the pandemic remains unclear. Therefore, this perspective paper adopts the social dilemma theory and microeconomics concepts to analyse and explain the effects of COVID-19 on social behavioural reactions. It attempts to address the questions of what and why are the behaviours of individuals shown during the coronavirus pandemic and showcase how the theory is associated with current social phenomena. Real scenarios based on media reporting from the sociodemographic context of Malaysia, concerning the following issues; (i) competition over daily essentials; (ii) self-honesty of individuals; and (iii) adherence to government policies and measures enforcement (governance) were discussed. A conceptual framework was developed to illustrate interrelationships between social dilemma concepts and the phenomena. In essence, due to fear, uncertainty and greed, selfinterest and opportunistic (defective/unethical) behaviours of most individuals prevailing over societal collective interest amid the pandemic have been prevalently observed in the above instances, although a cooperative choice can eventually result in a better outcome for everyone. Not only do these non-cooperative behaviours of individuals create inconveniences, dissatisfactions and other forms of negative externalities, they also incentivise others to act selfishly, if no restrictions are imposed, that may eventually cause government interventions failures. This paper demonstrates the relevancy of the social dilemmas theory in better understanding fundamental human behavioural reactions amid the health crisis and the importance of incorporating the findings into government policymaking. These sociopsychological considerations help the government formulate holistic measures, namely stringent sanctions and monitoring enforcement, as well as incentivising cooperative and compliant behaviours of the public, which then contribute to curbing the COVID-19 pandemic more effectively.

Electric vector potential $\Theta(\boldsymbol{r})$ is a legitimate but rarely used tool to calculate the steady electric field in free-charge regions. Commonly, it is preferred to employ the scalar electric potential $\Phi(\boldsymbol{r})$ rather than $\Theta(\boldsymbol{r})$ in most of the electrostatic problems. However, the electric vector potential formulation can be a viable representation to study certain systems. One of them is the surface electrode SE, a planar finite region $\mathcal{A}_{-}$ kept at a fixed electric potential with the rest grounded including a gap of thickness $\nu$ between electrodes. In this document we use the \textit{Helmholtz Decomposition Theorem} and the electric vector potential formulation to provide integral expressions for the surface charge density and the electric field of the SE of arbitrary contour $\partial\mathcal{A}$. We also present an alternative derivation of the result found in [M. Oliveira and J. A. Miranda 2001 Eur. J. Phys. 22 31] for the gapless ($\nu=0$) surface electrode GSE without invoking any analogy between the GSE and magnetostatics. It is shown that electric vector potential and the electric field of the gapped circular SE at any point can be obtained from an average of the gapless solution on the gap. Keywords: Electric vector potential, surface-electrode, Helmholtz Decomposition, Green's theorem.

Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition with multifactorial pathophysiology. To date, there is no permanent cure and the disease is primarily managed by immunosuppressive drugs; long-term use promotes serious side effects including increased risk malignancies. The current study aimed to target neutrophil-myeloperoxidase, a key contributor to the pathogenesis of IBD, through the use of AZD3241that inhibits extracellular myeloperoxidase. Experimental colitis was induced in C57BL/6 male mice by 2% dextran sodium sulfate in drinking water ad libitum over 9 days. Mice received either normal drinking water and peanut butter (control), 2% DSS in drinking water and peanut butter or 2% DSS in drinking water and AZD3241 (30 mg/kg) dispersed in peanut butter daily for 9 days. Administered AZD3241 attenuated body weight loss (10% p

Ulcerative colitis is a condition characterised by the infiltration of leukocytes into the gastrointestinal wall. Leukocyte-MPO catalyses hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN) formation from chloride (Cl−) and thiocyanous (SCN−) anions, respectively. While HOCl indiscriminately oxidises biomolecules, HOSCN primarily targets low-molecular weight protein thiols. Oxidative damage mediated by HOSCN may be reversible, potentially decreasing MPO-associated host tissue destruction. This study investigated the effect of SCN− supplementation in a model of acute colitis. Female mice were supplemented dextran sodium sulphate (DSS, 3% w/v) in the presence of 10 mM Cl− or SCN− in drinking water ad libitum, or with salts (NaCl and NaSCN only) or water only (controls). Behavioural studies showed mice tolerated NaSCN and NaCl-treated water with water-seeking frequency. Ion-exchange chromatography showed increased fecal and plasma SCN− levels in thiocyanate supplemented mice; plasma SCN− reached similar fold-increase for smokers. Overall there was no difference in weight loss and clinical score, mucin levels, crypt integrity and extent of cellular infiltration between DSS/SCN− and DSS/Cl− groups. Neutrophil recruitment remained unchanged in DSS-treated mice, as assessed by fecal calprotectin levels. Total thiol and tyrosine phosphatase activity remained unchanged between DSS/Cl− and DSS/SCN− groups, however, colonic tissue showed a trend in decreased 3-chlorotyrosine (1.5-fold reduction, p

Thiocyanate (SCN−) is a pseudohalide anion omnipresent across mammals and is particularly concentrated in secretions within the oral cavity, digestive tract and airway. Thiocyanate can outcompete chlorine anions and other halides (F−, Br−, I−) as substrates for myeloperoxidase by undergoing two-electron oxidation with hydrogen peroxide. This forms their respective hypohalous acids (HOX where X− = halides) and in the case of thiocyanate, hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN), which is also a bactericidal oxidative species involved in the regulation of commensal and pathogenic microflora. Disease may dysregulate redox processes and cause imbalances in the oxidative profile, where typically favoured oxidative species, such as hypochlorous acid (HOCl), result in an overabundance of chlorinated protein residues. As such, the pharmacological capacity of thiocyanate has been recently investigated for its ability to modulate myeloperoxidase activity for HOSCN, a less potent species relative to HOCl, although outcomes vary significantly across different disease models. To date, most studies have focused on therapeutic effects in respiratory and cardiovascular animal models. However, we note other conditions such as rheumatic arthritis where SCN− administration may worsen patient outcomes. Here, we discuss the pathophysiological role of SCN− in diseases where MPO is implicated.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition characterised by leukocyte recruitment to the gut mucosa. Leukocyte myeloperoxidase (MPO) produces the two-electron oxidant hypochlorous acid (HOCl), damaging tissue and playing a role in cellular recruitment, thereby exacerbating gut injury. We tested whether the MPO-inhibitor, 4-Methoxy-TEMPO (MetT), ameliorates experimental IBD. Colitis was induced in C57BL/6 mice by 3% w/v dextran-sodium-sulfate (DSS) in drinking water ad libitum over 9-days with MetT (15 mg/kg; via i. p. injection) or vehicle control (10% v/v DMSO+90% v/v phosphate buffered saline) administered twice daily during DSS challenge. MetT attenuated body-weight loss (50%, p, Graphical abstract IBD is characterised by excessive leukocyte recruitment to the inflamed colon, degranulation/activation of myeloperoxidase (MPO), unregulated reactive oxygen (ROS) production that activates (filled) or inhibits (dashed) immune/tissue-remodeling pathways to elicit goblet cell loss/ulceration and colon damage. Nitroxides inhibit neutrophil-MPO activity/inflammation, limit oxidant production, normalise signaling and protect the colon.Image 1

The spallation neutron source target station is designed to safely, reliably, and efficiently convert a 1 GeV beam of protons to a high flux of about 1 meV neutrons that are available at 24 neutron scattering instrument beam lines. Research and development findings, design requirements, design description, initial checkout testing, and results from early operation with beam are discussed for each of the primary target subsystems, including the mercury target, neutron moderators and reflector, surrounding vessels and shielding, utilities, remote handling equipment, and instrumentation and controls. Future plans for the mercury target development program are also briefly discussed.

Successful detection of fissionable material contained in a variety of matrices was demonstrated by photon active interrogation of fissionable and inert target materials. Samples were irradiated with pulsed 15 MeV photons generated by a LINAC and tungsten electron/photon converter, operating at 15 Hz. Matrix materials included air (no matrix), wood, water, and lead. A unique dual mode gamma/neutron detector was used to acquire data from both fission product gamma and fission product neutron emission. Neutron emission was recorded by detecting the 478 keV capture gamma from the 10 B (n,α) 7 Li reaction, generating a photopeak in the recorded gamma spectrum. Two signatures were found to correctly differentiate between the fissionable target ( 238 U) and inert targets (lead, steel, air, and beryllium), with substantial differences in delayed gamma and neutron signatures for fissionable and inert materials in all cases. The signatures are simple to compute and are not significantly affected by system variations or interferences expected during cargo scanning.

The protection of astronauts and instrumentation from galactic cosmic rays and solar particle events is one of the primary constraints associated with mission planning in low earth orbit or deep space. To help satisfy this constraint, several computational tools have been developed to analyze the effectiveness of various shielding materials and structures exposed to space radiation. These tools are now being carefully scrutinized through a systematic effort of verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification. In this benchmark study, the deterministic transport code HZETRN is compared to the Monte Carlo transport codes HETC-HEDS and FLUKA for a 30 g/cm 2 water target protected by a 20 g/cm 2 aluminum shield exposed to a parameterization of the February 1956 solar particle event. Neutron and proton fluences as well as dose and dose equivalent are compared at various depths in the water target. The regions of agreement and disagreement between the three codes are quantified and discussed, and recommendations for future work are given.

The HZETRN deterministic radiation code is one of several tools developed to analyze the effects of harmful galactic cosmic rays (GCR) and solar particle events on mission planning and shielding for astronauts and instrumentation. This paper is a comparison study involving the two Monte Carlo transport codes, HETC–HEDS and FLUKA and the deterministic transport code, HZETRN. Each code is used to transport an ion from the 1977 solar minimum GCR spectrum impinging upon a 20 g/cm 2 aluminum slab followed by a 30 g/cm 2 water slab. This research is part of a systematic effort of verification and validation to quantify the accuracy of HZETRN and determine areas where it can be improved. Comparisons of dose and dose equivalent values at various depths in the water slab are presented in this report. This is followed by a comparison of the proton and forward, backward and total neutron flux at various depths in the water slab. Comparisons of the secondary light ion 2 H, 3 H, 3 He and 4 He fluxes are also examined.

Exposure estimates inside space vehicles, surface habitats, and high altitude aircrafts exposed to space radiation are highly influenced by secondary neutron production. The deterministic transport code HZETRN has been identified as a reliable and efficient tool for such studies, but improvements to the underlying transport models and numerical methods are still necessary. In this paper, the forward-backward (FB) and directionally coupled forward-backward (DC) neutron transport models are derived, numerical methods for the FB model are reviewed, and a computationally efficient numerical solution is presented for the DC model. Both models are compared to the Monte Carlo codes HETC-HEDS, FLUKA, and MCNPX, and the DC model is shown to agree closely with the Monte Carlo results. Finally, it is found in the development of either model that the decoupling of low energy neutrons from the light particle transport procedure adversely affects low energy light ion fluence spectra and exposure quantities. A first order correction is presented to resolve the problem, and it is shown to be both accurate and efficient.

Recently, the Monte Carlo transport code HETC has been extended to include the interactions and transport of energetic heavy ions. Here, for the first time, we compare predictions of fragment production and energy loss with laboratory data measured at Brookhaven National Laboratory and at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences in Japan. Very good agreement is found for predicted and measured energy loss spectra for a variety of incident laboratory beams and targets.

The 'Santa Isabel' pea is the most sown regional variety in Colombia. In order to evaluate the postharvest behavior of 'Santa Isabel', an experiment was conducted that subjected fresh podded peas to different edible wax-coating treatments (Taowax verduras, Ceratec, Ceratec wwd (without washing or disinfection), castor oil, and mineral oil) and compared them to treatments with the non-edible wax Cerabrix grees or without waxing (control). The peas were stored in a growth chamber for 2 weeks at a temperature of 7±2°C and a relative humidity of 70±8%. The coating of the pods significantly decreased the loss of fresh weight in the six treatments with coatings, as compared to the control (without coatings). The wax coatings that lost less water included Cerabrix grees (7.78%) and Taowax verduras (10.65%), as compared to the control (37.79%). The pH of the grains generally decreased during the 14 days of storage; however, after 10 days, the peas coated with Ceratec and Ceratec wwd again increased the pH of the grain. Furthermore, all of the coatings demonstrated a low incidence of pathogens in the pods, with the better results occurring in the non-edible Cerabrix grees and the edible Taowax verduras; the latter wax also had a good aroma, appearance, and color. La arveja 'Santa Isabel' es la variedad regional más sembrada en Colombia. Con el fin de evaluar el comportamiento poscosecha de 'Santa Isabel se realizó un experimento en el cual se sometieron frutos de arveja en fresco con vaina a tratamientos de encerado con cinco recubrimientos céreos comestibles diferentes (Cerabrix grees, Taowax verduras, Ceratec, Ceratec sld (sin lavado y desinfectado), aceite de higuerilla y aceite mineral) comparado con el recubrimiento no comestible Cerabrix grees y sin recubrir (testigo). Se almacenaron las arvejas en una cámara de crecimiento a temperatura de 7±2°C y humedad relativa de 70±8% durante 2 semanas. El recubrimiento de las vainas disminuyó significativamente la pérdida de peso fresco en los seis tratamientos con encerado comparado con el testigo. Los recubrimientos céreos que menos agua perdieron fueron Cerabrix grees (7,78%) y Taowax verduras (10,65%), comparado con el testigo (37,79%). El pH del grano, en general se redujo durante los 14 días del almacenamiento, sin embargo, después de los 10 días las arvejas recubiertas con Ceratec y Ceratec sld aumentaron de nuevo su pH del grano. Además, todos los recubrimientos mostraron una menor incidencia de los patógenos sobre las vainas, con los mejores resultados para el no comestible Cerabrix grees y el comestible Taowax verduras, esta última cera también tenía buen aroma, apariencia y color.

The planned rare isotope accelerator facility RIA in the US would become the most powerful radioactive beam facility in the world. RIA's driver accelerator will be a device capable of providing beams from protons to uranium at energies of at least 400 MeV per nucleon, with beam power up to 400 kW. Radioactive beam production relies on both the in-flight separation of fast beam fragments and on the ISOL technique. In both cases the high beam power poses major challenges for target technology and handling and on the design of the beam production areas. This paper will give a brief overview of RIA and discuss aspects of ongoing conceptual design work for the RIA target areas.

The Rare Isotope Accelerator (RIA) facility, planned to be built in the USA, will be capable of delivering diverse beams, from protons to uranium ions, with energies from 1 GeV to at least 400 MeV per nucleon to rare isotope-producing targets. High beam power—400 kW—will allow RIA to become the most powerful rare isotope beam facility in the world; however, it also creates challenges for the design of the isotope-production targets. This paper focuses on the isotope-separator-on-line (ISOL) target work, particularly the radiation transport aspects of the two-step fission target design. Simulations were performed with the PHITS, MCNPX, and MARS15 computer codes. A two-step ISOL target considered here consists of a mercury or tungsten primary target in which primary beam interactions release neutrons, which in turn induce fissions—and produce rare isotopes—in the secondary target filled with fissionable material. Three primary beams were considered: 1-GeV protons, 622-MeV/u deuterons, and 777-MeV/u 3He ions. The proton and deuterium beams were found to be about equivalent in terms of induced fission rates and heating rates in the target, while the 3He beam, without optimizing the target geometry, was less favorable, producing about 15% fewer fissions and about 50% higher heating rates than the proton beam at the same beam power.

A proof-of-principal experiment to investigate the interaction of a proton beam, high magnetic field, and high- Z target is planned to take place at CERN in early 2007. This experiment is part of the Muon Collider Collaboration, with participants from Brookhaven National Laboratory, Princeton University, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, European Organization for Nuclear Research-CERN, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. An unconstrained mercury jet target system that interacts with a high power (1 MW) proton beam in a high magnetic field (15 T) is being designed. The Hg jet diameter is 1-cm with a velocity up to 20 m/s. A laser optical diagnostic system will be incorporated into the target design to permit observation of the dispersal of the jet resulting from interaction with a 24 GeV proton beam with up to 20×10 12 ppp. The target system includes instruments for sensing mercury vapor, temperature, flow rate, and sump tank level, and the means to position the jet relative to the magnetic axis of a solenoid and the proton beam. The design considerations for the system include all issues dealing with safely handling approximately 23 l of Hg, transporting the target system and the mercury to CERN, decommissioning the experiment, and returning the mildly activated equipment and Hg to the US.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of temperature and solids loading on the viscosity of two nonaqueous ceramic suspensions. In this article, the viscosity of Al 2 O 3 suspensions with 5%-50% solids loading and hydroxyapatite suspensions with a solids loading of 5%-40% were measured at temperatures of 25°, 45°, 65°, and 75°C. The high-shear Newtonian viscosity at various temperatures was reduced to a single curve by the reduced viscosity and the temperature-adjusted solids volume fraction of the suspensions. The Krieger-Dougherty model, with the intrinsic viscosity corrected for particle geometry, was fitted to the data and was observed to provide a satisfactory description to the solids-loading-viscosity data for both suspensions.

The need for intense muon beams for muon colliders and for neutrino factories based on muon storage rings leads to a concept of 1-4 MW proton beams incident on a moving target that is inside a 20-T solenoid magnet, with a mercury jet as a preferred example. Novel technical issues for such a system include disruption of the mercury jet by the proton beam and distortion of the jet on entering the solenoid, as well as more conventional issues of materials lifetime and handling of activated materials in an intense radiation environment. As part of the R&D program of the Neutrino Factory and Muon Collider Collaboration, an R&D eort related to

A series of experiments on a mercury spallation target using high-peak-power GeV proton-beam from the Alternating Gradient Synchrotron (AGS) of Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) has been performed under an international collaboration among the laboratories in Japan, U.S. and Europe, namely the ASTE (AGS Spallation Target Experiment) collaboration. This paper reviews the current status of the experiments on neutronic performance of the mercury target.

Internal architecture has a direct impact on the mechanical and biological behaviors of porous hydroxyapatite (HA) implant. However, traditional processing methods provide minimal control in this regard. To address the issue, we developed a new processing method combining image-based design and solid free-form fabrication. We have previously published the processing method showing fabricated HA implants and their chemical properties. This study characterized the mechanical and the in vivo performance of designed HA implants. Thirteen HA implants with orthogonal channels at 40% porosity were tested on an Instron machine. The compressive strength and compressive modulus measured were 30+/-8 MPa and 1.4+/-0.4 GPa, comparable to coralline porous HA. Twenty-four cylindrical HA implants with two architecture designs, orthogonal and radial channels, were implanted in the mandibles of four Yucatan minipigs for 5 and 9 weeks. Normal bone regeneration occurred in both groups. At 9 weeks, bone penetrated 1.4mm into both scaffold designs. The percent bone ingrowth in the penetration zone was higher in the orthogonal channel design but not statistically different due to the low number of samples. However, the overall shape of the regenerated bone tissue was significantly different. In the orthogonal design, bone and HA formed an interpenetrating matrix, while in the radial design, the regenerated bone formed an intact piece at the center of the implant. These preliminary results showed that controlling the overall geometry of the regenerated bone tissue is possible through the internal architectural design of the scaffolds.

We consider the thermodynamic effects of an electrically charged impurity immersed in a two-dimensional two-component plasma, composed by particles with charges $\pm e$, at temperature $T$, at coupling $��=e^2/(k_B T)=2$, confined in a large disk of radius $R$. Particularly, we focus on the analysis of the charge density, the correlation functions, and the grand potential. Our analytical results show how the charges are redistributed in the circular geometry considered here. When we consider a positively charged impurity, the negative ions accumulate close to the impurity leaving an excess of positive charge that accumulates at the boundary of the disk. Due to the symmetry under charge exchange, the opposite effect takes place when we place a negative impurity. Both the cases in which the impurity charge is an integer multiple of the particle charges in the plasma, $\pm e$, and a fraction of them are considered; both situations require a slightly different mathematical treatments, showing the effect of the quantization of plasma charges. The bulk and tension effects in the plasma described by the grand potential are not modified by the introduction of the charged particle. Besides the effects due to the collapse coming from the attraction between oppositely charged ions, an additional topological term appears in the grand potential, proportional to $-n^2\ln(mR)$, with $n$ the dimensionless charge of the particle. This term modifies the central charge of the system, from $c=1$ to $c=1-6n^2$, when considered in the context of conformal field theories., 26 pages, 11 figures

An overview of the research and development program for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is presented. The materials-related efforts in target development are emphasized in order to provide a perspective for a number of specialized papers that are included in these proceedings. We give a brief introduction and historical sketch of the SNS project. Part of the materials R&D consists of calculations of radiation damage and of transmutation rates. He and H are considered to be the most important transmutation products. Radiation effects and Hg compatibility investigations make up the major part of the experimental effort. In the former, spallation irradiations are carried out in the LANSCE at Los Alamos National Laboratory and in the SINQ at the Paul Scherrer Institute. Irradiations that simulate aspects of a spallation environment are included to extend the parameter space of the spallation irradiations. The simulations are carried out at the low energy (MeV) accelerators of the TIF facility and at the HFIR reactor, both located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Irradiated specimens are tested for changes in mechanical properties and are characterized with respect to microstructural changes by transmission electron microscopy. The compatibility experiments cover both the effects of Hg on behavior in mechanical properties tests, and the effects of flowing Hg on mass transfer in target structural materials. The results of this extensive program of materials work indicate that the target design and materials performance will meet their intended service.

We present measurements of time-dependent CP-violating asymmetries in neutral B decays to several CP eigenstates. The measurement uses a data sample of 23x10(6) Upsilon(4S)-->BbarB decays collected by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric B Factory at SLAC. In this sample, we find events in which one neutral B meson is fully reconstructed in a CP eigenstate containing charmonium and the flavor of the other neutral B meson is determined from its decay products. The amplitude of the CP-violating asymmetry, which in the standard model is proportional to sin2beta, is derived from the decay time distributions in such events. The result is sin2beta = 0.34+/-0.20 (stat)+/-0.05 (syst).

The purpose and requirements of target systems as well as the technologies that are being utilized to design and build a state-of-the-art neutron spallation source, the Spallation Neutron Source, are discussed. Emphasis is given to the technology issues that present the greatest scientific challenges. The present facility configuration, ongoing analysis, and planned hardware research and development program are also described.

Neutronics analyses are now in progress to support initial selection of target system design features, materials, geometry, and component sizes for the proposed Spallation Neutron Source. Calculations have been performed to determine the neutron, proton, heavy-ion, and gamma-ray flux spectra as a function of time, energy, and space for the major components of the target station (target, moderators, reflectors, etc.). These analyses have also been performed to establish an initial set of performance characteristics for the neutron source. The methodology, reference performance characteristics, and results of initial optimization studies involving moderator poison plate location, target material performance, reflector performance, moderator position, and premoderator performance for the target system are presented.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee, USA, ORLaND is a collaboration proposing a major neutrino physics facility at the Spallation Neutrino Source (SNS) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. An underground bunker is proposed adjacent to the first target station of the SNS. The bunker is designed to house one large detector (2000 t) and a number of smaller (200 t) detectors. A comprehensive program of neutrino experiments is being developed that could span the lifetime of the Spallation Source.

The number of reactant nuclei in a series of foils surrounding a container of mercury that has been bombarded by 1.5-GeV protons is calculated and compared with experimental measurements. This procedure is done to aid in the validation of the mercury cross sections used in the design studies of the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). It is found that the calculations match the measurements to within the uncertainties inherent in the analysis.

Transmuting {sup 237}Np is among the fundamental tasks of minor actinide transmutation. This may be realized by reactor techniques when small admixtures of {sup 237}Np are put in solid fuels of breeders and by the latest technologies that involve continuous {sup 237}Np burnup in a heavy water solution. This solution can be recirculated in subcritical blankets of electronuclear heavy water or molten salt blanket facilities with high energy particle nucleus collisions providing the neutron source. Here, experimental determination of the resonance neutron absorption in a heavy water solution of 2.57 g/{ell} {sup 237}Np is presented. Experimental samples were irradiated in the MAKET critical plant. Prior to irradiation, {sup 237}Np was radiochemically purified to remove {sup 233}Pa. The experimental samples were prepared by evaporating two aliquot samples taken from the irradiated solution. The nuclide composition of the samples was analyzed using a GC-2518 Ge detector, a 1510 module, and an S-100 plate to emulate a multichannel analyzer in an IBM personal computer. The spectrometric resolution was 1.8 keV at the 1332-keV line. The gamma spectra were processed by the ASPRO code. The neutron flux was measured by two methods using Al + {sup 55}MN + {sup nat}Cu + {sup 197}Au +more » {sup nat}Lu alloy foils.« less

The results of experimental and computer simulation studies of the yields of residual product nuclei in Bi-209 thin targets irradiated by 130 MeV and 1.5 GeV protons are presented. The yields were measured by direct high-precision gamma-spectrometry. The gamma-spectrometer resolution was 1.8 keV in the 1332 keV line. The gamma-spectra were processed by the ASPRO code. The gamma-lines were identified, and the cross sections defined, by the SIGMA code using the GDISP radioactive database. The process was monitored by the Al-27(p,x)Na-24 reaction. Results are presented for comparisons between the 209-Bi(p,x) reaction yields obtained experimentally and simulated by the HETC, GNASH, LAHET, INUCL, CEM95, CASCADE, and ALICE codes.

We have used an extended version of the Cascade-Exciton Model (CEM) to analyze more than 600 excitation functions for proton induced reactions on 19 targets ranging from 12C to 197Au, for incident energies ranging from 10 MeV to 5 GeV. We have compared the calculations to available data, to calculations using approximately two dozen other models, and to predictions of several phenomenological systematics. We present here our conclusions concerning the relative roles of different reaction mechanisms in the production of specific final nuclides. We comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the CEM and suggest possible further improvements to the CEM and to other models.

The cavitation erosion rate for 316 stainless steel in mercury was found to increase in a nonlinear fashion with the maximum applied power. In addition, the incremental increase in erosion was observed to decrease with increased power in water, yet increased six to seven times when mercury was used as the cavitating fluid.

Future advances in several research areas are being based around accelerator facilities that employ targets for generating neutrons, neutrinos or rare isotopes. The demand for higher neutron intensities and particle or isotope production is driving facilities to higher accelerator powers and more intense beams on targets. The challenges to target development are significant for accepting higher power levels while maintaining reasonable lifetimes. In the case of short-pulse liquid metal spallation targets the most significant issue is cavitation damage erosion. Although research and development is underway, long-term progress is hampered by lack of a test facility that provides prototypic beam in a flexible testing and analysis environment. The requirements of such a facility are significant, but it was recognized by some in the spallation neutron source community that many of its features would be useful for the development of targets in other research areas. This paper outlines the requirements of a desired facility that serves not only the spallation source community, but also those of other research areas. The scope of requirements includes beam parameters, test cell infrastructure, remote handling, post-irradiation examination and waste handling. Discussion and consensus between the potential users is hoped to lead to collaboration towards making the facility a reality.

Results found during initial NSNS target station neutronic design efforts are reported including the success of comparing neutron sources at 1 eV and moderator performance normalized to 1 eV. The usefulness of an analytic form is demonstrated. The angular dependence of the neutron current from a moderator face is presented together with the changes in neutron current with variation of moderator width, poison plate location and moderator material. The formation of an equilibrium state at low neutron energy is also discussed.

We have developed the baseline design for a straw drift tube tracking system for the Solenoidal Detector Collaboration (SDC) detector. The system was designed to operate in the high-rate environment of a high luminosity hadron collider. We present an overview of the tracking system and the requirements it was expected to fulfill. We describe the construction and properties of the straw drift tubes. We discuss the design of the carbon-fiber foam-laminate shell, which supported the wire tension and held the straws in alignment. We also present descriptions of the designs of the front-end and digitization electronics as well as the electronics associated with the level 1 track trigger.