NIST Standard Reference Material 3600: Absolute Intensity Calibration Standard for Small-Angle X-ray Scattering.

PubMed

Allen, Andrew J; Zhang, Fan; Kline, R Joseph; Guthrie, William F; Ilavsky, Jan

2017-04-01

The certification of a new standard reference material for small-angle scattering [NIST Standard Reference Material (SRM) 3600: Absolute Intensity Calibration Standard for Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS)], based on glassy carbon, is presented. Creation of this SRM relies on the intrinsic primary calibration capabilities of the ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering technique. This article describes how the intensity calibration has been achieved and validated in the certified Q range, Q = 0.008-0.25 Å -1 , together with the purpose, use and availability of the SRM. The intensity calibration afforded by this robust and stable SRM should be applicable universally to all SAXS instruments that employ a transmission measurement geometry, working with a wide range of X-ray energies or wavelengths. The validation of the SRM SAXS intensity calibration using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is discussed, together with the prospects for including SANS in a future renewal certification.

Implementation of a small-angle scattering model in MCNPX for very cold neutron reflector studies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Grammer, Kyle B.; Gallmeier, Franz X.

Current neutron moderator media do not sufficiently moderate neutrons below the cold neutron regime into the very cold neutron (VCN) regime that is desirable for some physics applications. Nesvizhevsky et al [1] have demonstrated that nanodiamond powder efficiently reflect VCN via small angle scattering. He suggests that these effects could be exploited to boost the neutron output of a VCN moderator. Simulation studies of nanoparticle reflectors are being investigated as part of the development of a VCN source option for the SNS second target station. We are pursuing an expansion of the MCNPX code by implementation of an analytical small-anglemore » scattering function [2], which is adaptable by scattering particle sizes, distributions, and packing fractions in order to supplement currently existing scattering kernels. The analytical model and preliminary studies using MCNPX will be discussed.« less

Small-angle neutron scattering investigations of Co-doped iron oxide nanoparticles. Preliminary results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Creanga, Dorina; Balasoiu, Maria; Soloviov, Dmitro; Balasoiu-Gaina, Alexandra-Maria; Puscasu, Emil; Lupu, Nicoleta; Stan, Cristina

2018-03-01

Preliminary small-angle neutron scattering investigations on aqueous suspensions of several cobalt doped ferrites (CoxFe3-xO4, x=0; 0.5; 1) nanoparticles prepared by chemical co-precipitation method, are reported. The measurements were accomplished at the YuMO instrument in function at the IBR-2 reactor. Results of intermediary data treatment are presented and discussed.

The suite of small-angle neutron scattering instruments at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

DOE PAGES

Heller, William T.; Cuneo, Matthew J.; Debeer-Schmitt, Lisa M.; ...

2018-02-21

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is home to the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), a high-flux research reactor, and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), the world's most intense source of pulsed neutron beams. The unique co-localization of these two sources provided an opportunity to develop a suite of complementary small-angle neutron scattering instruments for studies of large-scale structures: the GP-SANS and Bio-SANS instruments at the HFIR and the EQ-SANS and TOF-USANS instruments at the SNS. This article provides an overview of the capabilities of the suite of instruments, with specific emphasis on how they complement each other. As a result, amore » description of the plans for future developments including greater integration of the suite into a single point of entry for neutron scattering studies of large-scale structures is also provided.« less

The suite of small-angle neutron scattering instruments at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Heller, William T.; Cuneo, Matthew J.; Debeer-Schmitt, Lisa M.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is home to the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), a high-flux research reactor, and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), the world's most intense source of pulsed neutron beams. The unique co-localization of these two sources provided an opportunity to develop a suite of complementary small-angle neutron scattering instruments for studies of large-scale structures: the GP-SANS and Bio-SANS instruments at the HFIR and the EQ-SANS and TOF-USANS instruments at the SNS. This article provides an overview of the capabilities of the suite of instruments, with specific emphasis on how they complement each other. As a result, amore » description of the plans for future developments including greater integration of the suite into a single point of entry for neutron scattering studies of large-scale structures is also provided.« less

Multiple magnetic scattering in small-angle neutron scattering of Nd-Fe-B nanocrystalline magnet.

PubMed

Ueno, Tetsuro; Saito, Kotaro; Yano, Masao; Ito, Masaaki; Shoji, Tetsuya; Sakuma, Noritsugu; Kato, Akira; Manabe, Akira; Hashimoto, Ai; Gilbert, Elliot P; Keiderling, Uwe; Ono, Kanta

2016-06-20

We have investigated the influence of multiple scattering on the magnetic small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) from a Nd-Fe-B nanocrystalline magnet. We performed sample-thickness- and neutron-wavelength-dependent SANS measurements, and observed the scattering vector dependence of the multiple magnetic scattering. It is revealed that significant multiple scattering exists in the magnetic scattering rather than the nuclear scattering of Nd-Fe-B nanocrystalline magnet. It is considered that the mean free path of the neutrons for magnetic scattering is rather short in Nd-Fe-B magnets. We analysed the SANS data by the phenomenological magnetic correlation model considering the magnetic microstructures and obtained the microstructural parameters.

Multiple magnetic scattering in small-angle neutron scattering of Nd–Fe–B nanocrystalline magnet

PubMed Central

Ueno, Tetsuro; Saito, Kotaro; Yano, Masao; Ito, Masaaki; Shoji, Tetsuya; Sakuma, Noritsugu; Kato, Akira; Manabe, Akira; Hashimoto, Ai; Gilbert, Elliot P.; Keiderling, Uwe; Ono, Kanta

2016-01-01

We have investigated the influence of multiple scattering on the magnetic small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) from a Nd–Fe–B nanocrystalline magnet. We performed sample-thickness- and neutron-wavelength-dependent SANS measurements, and observed the scattering vector dependence of the multiple magnetic scattering. It is revealed that significant multiple scattering exists in the magnetic scattering rather than the nuclear scattering of Nd–Fe–B nanocrystalline magnet. It is considered that the mean free path of the neutrons for magnetic scattering is rather short in Nd–Fe–B magnets. We analysed the SANS data by the phenomenological magnetic correlation model considering the magnetic microstructures and obtained the microstructural parameters. PMID:27321149

Short-focus and ultra-wide-angle lens design in wavefront coding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jiyan; Huang, Yuanqing; Xiong, Feibing

2016-10-01

Wavefront coding (WFC) is a hybrid technology designed to increase depth of field of conventional optics. The goal of our research is to apply this technology to the short-focus and ultra-wide-angle lens which suffers from the aberration related with large field of view (FOV) such as coma and astigmatism. WFC can also be used to compensate for other aberration which is sensitive to the FOV. Ultra-wide-angle lens has a little depth of focus because it has small F number and short-focus. We design a hybrid lens combing WFC with the ultra-wide-angle lens. The full FOV and relative aperture of the final design are up to170° and 1/1.8 respectively. The focal length is 2 mm. We adopt the cubic phase mask (CPM) in the design. The conventional design will have a wide variation of the point spread function (PSF) across the FOV and it is very sensitive with the variation of the FOV. The new design we obtain the PSF is nearly invariant over the whole FOV. But the result of the design also shows the little difference between the horizontal and vertical length of the PSF. We analyze that the CPM is non-symmetric phase mask and the FOV is so large, which will generate variation in the final image quality. For that reason, we apply a new method to avoid that happened. We try to make the rays incident on the CPM with small angle and decrease the deformation of the PSF. The experimental result shows the new method to optimize the CPM is fit for the ultra-wide-angle lens. The research above will be a helpful instruction to design the ultra-wide-angle lens with WFC.

Quasielastic small-angle neutron scattering from heavy water solutions of cyclodextrins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kusmin, André; Lechner, Ruep E.; Saenger, Wolfram

2011-01-01

We present a model for quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) by an aqueous solution of compact and inflexible molecules. This model accounts for time-dependent spatial pair correlations between the atoms of the same as well as of distinct molecules and includes all coherent and incoherent neutron scattering contributions. The extension of the static theory of the excluded volume effect [A. K. Soper, J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 9, 2399 (1997)] to the time-dependent (dynamic) case allows us to obtain simplified model expressions for QENS spectra in the low Q region in the uniform fluid approximation. The resulting expressions describe the quasielastic small-angle neutron scattering (QESANS) spectra of D _2O solutions of native and methylated cyclodextrins well, yielding in particular translational and rotational diffusion coefficients of these compounds in aqueous solution. Finally, we discuss the full potential of the QESANS analysis (that is, beyond the uniform fluid approximation), in particular, the information on solute-solvent interactions (e.g., hydration shell properties) that such an analysis can provide, in principle.

Magnetic small-angle neutron scattering of bulk ferromagnets.

PubMed

Michels, Andreas

2014-09-24

We summarize recent theoretical and experimental work in the field of magnetic small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) of bulk ferromagnets. The response of the magnetization to spatially inhomogeneous magnetic anisotropy and magnetostatic stray fields is computed using linearized micromagnetic theory, and the ensuing spin-misalignment SANS is deduced. Analysis of experimental magnetic-field-dependent SANS data of various nanocrystalline ferromagnets corroborates the usefulness of the approach, which provides important quantitative information on the magnetic-interaction parameters such as the exchange-stiffness constant, the mean magnetic anisotropy field, and the mean magnetostatic field due to jumps ΔM of the magnetization at internal interfaces. Besides the value of the applied magnetic field, it turns out to be the ratio of the magnetic anisotropy field Hp to ΔM, which determines the properties of the magnetic SANS cross-section of bulk ferromagnets; specifically, the angular anisotropy on a two-dimensional detector, the asymptotic power-law exponent, and the characteristic decay length of spin-misalignment fluctuations. For the two most often employed scattering geometries where the externally applied magnetic field H0 is either perpendicular or parallel to the wave vector k0 of the incoming neutron beam, we provide a compilation of the various unpolarized, half-polarized (SANSPOL), and uniaxial fully-polarized (POLARIS) SANS cross-sections of magnetic materials.

Investigation of the structure of unilamellar dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine vesicles in aqueous sucrose solutions by small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kiselev, M. A., E-mail: elena@jinr.ru; Zemlyanaya, E. V.; Zhabitskaya, E. I.

2015-01-15

The structure of a polydispersed population of unilamellar dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) vesicles in sucrose solutions has been investigated by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Calculations within the model of separated form factors (SFF) show that the structure of the vesicle system depends strongly on the sucrose concentration.

Ultra-short ion and neutron pulse production

DOEpatents

Leung, Ka-Ngo; Barletta, William A.; Kwan, Joe W.

2006-01-10

An ion source has an extraction system configured to produce ultra-short ion pulses, i.e. pulses with pulse width of about 1 .mu.s or less, and a neutron source based on the ion source produces correspondingly ultra-short neutron pulses. To form a neutron source, a neutron generating target is positioned to receive an accelerated extracted ion beam from the ion source. To produce the ultra-short ion or neutron pulses, the apertures in the extraction system of the ion source are suitably sized to prevent ion leakage, the electrodes are suitably spaced, and the extraction voltage is controlled. The ion beam current leaving the source is regulated by applying ultra-short voltage pulses of a suitable voltage on the extraction electrode.

Detection of vapor nanobubbles by small angle neutron scattering (SANS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popov, Emilian; He, Lilin; Dominguez-Ontiveros, Elvis; Melnichenko, Yuri

2018-04-01

Experiments using boiling water on untreated (roughness 100-300 nm) metal surfaces using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) show the appearance of structures that are 50-70 nm in size when boiling is present. The scattering signal disappears when the boiling ceases, and no change in the signal is detected at any surface temperature condition below saturation. This confirms that the signal is caused by vapor nanobubbles. Two boiling regimes are evaluated herein that differ by the degree of subcooling (3-10 °C). A polydisperse spherical model with a log-normal distribution fits the SANS data well. The size distribution indicates that a large number of nanobubbles exist on the surface during boiling, and some of them grow into large bubbles.

Direct Observation Of Nanoparticle-Surfactant Interactions Using Small Angle Neutron Scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Sugam; Aswal, V. K.

2010-12-01

Interactions of anionic silica nanoparticles with anionic, cationic and nonionic surfactants have directly been studied by contrast variation small angle neutron scattering (SANS). The measurements are performed on 1 wt% of both silica nanoparticles and surfactants of anionic sodium dodecyle sulphate (SDS), cationic dodecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB) and non-ionic polyoxyethylene 10 lauryl ether (C12E10) in aqueous solution. We show that there is no direct interaction in the case of SDS with silica particles, whereas strong interaction for DTAB leads to the aggregation of silica particles. The interaction of C12E10 is found through the micelles adsorbed on the silica particles.

Small-angle neutron scattering study of micropore collapse in amorphous solid water.

PubMed

Mitterdorfer, Christian; Bauer, Marion; Youngs, Tristan G A; Bowron, Daniel T; Hill, Catherine R; Fraser, Helen J; Finney, John L; Loerting, Thomas

2014-08-14

Vapor-deposited amorphous solid water (ASW) is the most abundant solid molecular material in space, where it plays a direct role in both the formation of more complex chemical species and the aggregation of icy materials in the earliest stages of planet formation. Nevertheless, some of its low temperature physics such as the collapse of the micropore network upon heating are still far from being understood. Here we characterize the nature of the micropores and their collapse using neutron scattering of gram-quantities of D2O-ASW of internal surface areas up to 230 ± 10 m(2) g(-1) prepared at 77 K. The model-free interpretation of the small-angle scattering data suggests micropores, which remain stable up to 120-140 K and then experience a sudden collapse. The exact onset temperature to pore collapse depends on the type of flow conditions employed in the preparation of ASW and, thus, the specific surface area of the initial deposit, whereas the onset of crystallization to cubic ice is unaffected by the flow conditions. Analysis of the small-angle neutron scattering signal using the Guinier-Porod model suggests that a sudden transition from three-dimensional cylindrical pores with 15 Å radius of gyration to two-dimensional lamellae is the mechanism underlying the pore collapse. The rather high temperature of about 120-140 K of micropore collapse and the 3D-to-2D type of the transition unraveled in this study have implications for our understanding of the processing and evolution of ices in various astrophysical environments.

Small-Angle and Ultrasmall-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS/USANS) Study of New Albany Shale: A Treatise on Microporosity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bahadur, Jitendra; Radlinski, Andrzej P.; Melnichenko, Yuri B.

We applied small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and ultrasmall-angle neutron scattering (USANS) techniques to study the microstructure of several New Albany shales of different maturity. It has been established that the total porosity decreases with maturity and increases somewhat for post-mature samples. A new method of SANS data analysis was developed, which allows the extraction of information about the size range and number density of micropores from the relatively flat scattering intensity observed in the limit of the large scattering vector Q. Macropores and significant number of mesopores are surface fractals, and their structure can be described in terms of themore » polydisperse spheres (PDSP) model. The model-independent Porod invariant method was employed to estimate total porosity, and the results were compared with the PDSP model results. It has been demonstrated that independent evaluation of incoherent background is crucial for accurate interpretation of the scattering data in the limit of large Q-values. Moreover, pore volumes estimated by the N 2 and CO 2 adsorption, as well as via the mercury intrusion technique, have been compared with those measured by SANS/USANS, and possible reasons for the observed discrepancies are discussed.« less

Small-Angle and Ultrasmall-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS/USANS) Study of New Albany Shale: A Treatise on Microporosity

DOE PAGES

Bahadur, Jitendra; Radlinski, Andrzej P.; Melnichenko, Yuri B.; ...

2014-12-17

We applied small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and ultrasmall-angle neutron scattering (USANS) techniques to study the microstructure of several New Albany shales of different maturity. It has been established that the total porosity decreases with maturity and increases somewhat for post-mature samples. A new method of SANS data analysis was developed, which allows the extraction of information about the size range and number density of micropores from the relatively flat scattering intensity observed in the limit of the large scattering vector Q. Macropores and significant number of mesopores are surface fractals, and their structure can be described in terms of themore » polydisperse spheres (PDSP) model. The model-independent Porod invariant method was employed to estimate total porosity, and the results were compared with the PDSP model results. It has been demonstrated that independent evaluation of incoherent background is crucial for accurate interpretation of the scattering data in the limit of large Q-values. Moreover, pore volumes estimated by the N 2 and CO 2 adsorption, as well as via the mercury intrusion technique, have been compared with those measured by SANS/USANS, and possible reasons for the observed discrepancies are discussed.« less

An upgrade beamline for combined wide, small and ultra small-angle x-ray scattering at the ESRF

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Van Vaerenbergh, Pierre; Léonardon, Joachim; Sztucki, Michael

2016-07-27

This contribution presents the main design features of the upgraded beamline ID02 (TRUSAXS). The beamline combines different small-angle X-ray scattering techniques in one unique instrument. The key component of this instrument is an evacuated (5×10{sup −3} mbar) stainless steel detector tube of length 34 m and diameter 2 m. Three different detectors (Rayonix MX170, Pilatus 300 K and FReLoN 4M) are housed inside a motorized wagon which travels along a rail system with very low parasitic lateral movements (± 0.3 mm). This system allows automatically changing the sample-to-detector distance from about 1 m to 31 m and selecting the desiredmore » detector. In addition, a wide angle detector (Rayonix LX170) is installed just above the entrance cone of the tube for optional wide-angle X-ray scattering measurements. The beamstop system enables monitoring of the X-ray beam intensity in addition to blocking the primary beam, and automated insertion of selected masks behind the primary beamstop. The focusing optics and collimation system permit to cover a scattering vector (q) range of 0.002 nm{sup −1} ≤ q ≤ 50 nm{sup −1} with one unique setting using 0.1 nm X-ray wavelength for moderate flux (5×10{sup 12} photons/sec). However, for higher flux (6x10{sup 13} photons/sec) or higher resolution (minimum q < 0.001 nm{sup −1}), focusing and collimation, respectively need to be varied. For a sample-to-detector distance of 31 m and 0.1 nm wavelength, two dimensional ultra small-angle X-ray scattering patterns can be recorded down to q≈0.001 nm{sup −1} with far superior quality as compared to one dimensional profiles obtained with a Bonse-Hart instrument.« less

Structural and mechanical properties of cardiolipin lipid bilayers determined using neutron spin echo, small angle neutron and X-ray scattering, and molecular dynamics simulations

DOE PAGES

Pan, Jianjun; Cheng, Xiaolin; Sharp, Melissa; ...

2014-10-29

We report that the detailed structural and mechanical properties of a tetraoleoyl cardiolipin (TOCL) bilayer were determined using neutron spin echo (NSE) spectroscopy, small angle neutron and X-ray scattering (SANS and SAXS, respectively), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We used MD simulations to develop a scattering density profile (SDP) model, which was then utilized to jointly refine SANS and SAXS data. In addition to commonly reported lipid bilayer structural parameters, component distributions were obtained, including the volume probability, electron density and neutron scattering length density.

Structure of spontaneously formed solid-electrolyte interphase on lithiated graphite determined using small-angle neutron scattering

DOE PAGES

Sacci, Robert L.; Banuelos, Jose Leobardo; Veith, Gabriel M.; ...

2015-03-25

We report the first small-angle neutron scattering of a chemically formed solid-electrolyte interphase from LixC6 reacting with ethylene carbonate/dimethyl carbon solvent. This provides a different and perhaps simpler view of SEI formation than the usual electrochemically-driven reaction. We show that an organic layer coats the graphite particles filling in micro-pores and is polymeric in nature being 1-3 nm thick. We used inelastic neutron scattering to probe the chemistry, and we found that the SEI showed similar inelastic scattering to polyethylene oxide.

Small-angle neutron scattering study of a monoclonal antibody using free-energy constraints.

PubMed

Clark, Nicholas J; Zhang, Hailiang; Krueger, Susan; Lee, Hyo Jin; Ketchem, Randal R; Kerwin, Bruce; Kanapuram, Sekhar R; Treuheit, Michael J; McAuley, Arnold; Curtis, Joseph E

2013-11-14

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) contain hinge-like regions that enable structural flexibility of globular domains that have a direct effect on biological function. A subclass of mAbs, IgG2, have several interchain disulfide bonds in the hinge region that could potentially limit structural flexibility of the globular domains and affect the overall configuration space available to the mAb. We have characterized human IgG2 mAb in solution via small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and interpreted the scattering data using atomistic models. Molecular Monte Carlo combined with molecular dynamics simulations of a model mAb indicate that a wide range of structural configurations are plausible, spanning radius of gyration values from ∼39 to ∼55 Å. Structural ensembles and representative single structure solutions were derived by comparison of theoretical SANS profiles of mAb models to experimental SANS data. Additionally, molecular mechanical and solvation free-energy calculations were carried out on the ensemble of best-fitting mAb structures. The results of this study indicate that low-resolution techniques like small-angle scattering combined with atomistic molecular simulations with free-energy analysis may be helpful to determine the types of intramolecular interactions that influence function and could lead to deleterious changes to mAb structure. This methodology will be useful to analyze small-angle scattering data of many macromolecular systems.

Structural studies of Neurospora crassa LPMO9D and redox partner CDHIIA using neutron crystallography and small-angle scattering.

PubMed

Bodenheimer, Annette M; O'Dell, William B; Stanley, Christopher B; Meilleur, Flora

2017-08-07

Sensitivity to hydrogen/deuterium and lack of observable radiation damage makes cold neutrons an ideal probe the structural studies of proteins with highly photosensitive groups such as the copper center of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and heme redox cofactors of cellobiose dehydrogenases (CDHs). Here, neutron crystallography and small-angle neutron scattering are used to investigate Neurospora crassa LPMO9D (NcLPMO9D) and CDHIIA (NcCDHIIA), respectively. The presence of LPMO greatly enhances the efficiency of commercial glycoside hydrolase cocktails in the depolymerization of cellulose. LPMOs can receive electrons from CDHs to activate molecular dioxygen for the oxidation of cellulose resulting in chain cleavage and disruption of local crystallinity. Using neutron protein crystallography, the hydrogen/deuterium atoms of NcLPMO9D could be located throughout the structure. At the copper active site, the protonation states of the side chains of His1, His84, His157 and Tyr168, and the orientation of water molecules could be determined. Small-angle neutron scattering measurements provided low resolution models of NcCDHIIA with both the dehydrogenase and cytochrome domains in oxidized states that exhibited elongated conformations. This work demonstrates the suitability of neutron diffraction and scattering for characterizing enzymes critical to oxidative cellulose deconstruction. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structural studies of Neurospora crassa LPMO9D and redox partner CDHIIA using neutron crystallography and small-angle scattering

DOE PAGES

Bodenheimer, Annette M.; O'Dell, William B.; Stanley, Christopher B.; ...

2017-03-04

Sensitivity to hydrogen/deuterium and lack of observable radiation damage makes cold neutrons an ideal probe the structural studies of proteins with highly photosensitive groups such as the copper center of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and heme redox cofactors of cellobiose dehydrogenases (CDHs). In this paper, neutron crystallography and small-angle neutron scattering are used to investigate Neurospora crassa LPMO9D (NcLPMO9D) and CDHIIA (NcCDHIIA), respectively. The presence of LPMO greatly enhances the efficiency of commercial glycoside hydrolase cocktails in the depolymerization of cellulose. LPMOs can receive electrons from CDHs to activate molecular dioxygen for the oxidation ofmore » cellulose resulting in chain cleavage and disruption of local crystallinity. Using neutron protein crystallography, the hydrogen/deuterium atoms of NcLPMO9D could be located throughout the structure. At the copper active site, the protonation states of the side chains of His1, His84, His157 and Tyr168, and the orientation of water molecules could be determined. Small-angle neutron scattering measurements provided low resolution models of NcCDHIIA with both the dehydrogenase and cytochrome domains in oxidized states that exhibited elongated conformations. Finally, this work demonstrates the suitability of neutron diffraction and scattering for characterizing enzymes critical to oxidative cellulose deconstruction.« less

Structural studies of Neurospora crassa LPMO9D and redox partner CDHIIA using neutron crystallography and small-angle scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bodenheimer, Annette M.; O'Dell, William B.; Stanley, Christopher B.

Sensitivity to hydrogen/deuterium and lack of observable radiation damage makes cold neutrons an ideal probe the structural studies of proteins with highly photosensitive groups such as the copper center of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and heme redox cofactors of cellobiose dehydrogenases (CDHs). In this paper, neutron crystallography and small-angle neutron scattering are used to investigate Neurospora crassa LPMO9D (NcLPMO9D) and CDHIIA (NcCDHIIA), respectively. The presence of LPMO greatly enhances the efficiency of commercial glycoside hydrolase cocktails in the depolymerization of cellulose. LPMOs can receive electrons from CDHs to activate molecular dioxygen for the oxidation ofmore » cellulose resulting in chain cleavage and disruption of local crystallinity. Using neutron protein crystallography, the hydrogen/deuterium atoms of NcLPMO9D could be located throughout the structure. At the copper active site, the protonation states of the side chains of His1, His84, His157 and Tyr168, and the orientation of water molecules could be determined. Small-angle neutron scattering measurements provided low resolution models of NcCDHIIA with both the dehydrogenase and cytochrome domains in oxidized states that exhibited elongated conformations. Finally, this work demonstrates the suitability of neutron diffraction and scattering for characterizing enzymes critical to oxidative cellulose deconstruction.« less

Dispersed SiC nanoparticles in Ni observed by ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering

DOE PAGES

Xie, R.; Ilavsky, J.; Huang, H. F.; ...

2016-11-24

In this paper, a metal-ceramic composite, nickel reinforced with SiC nanoparticles, was synthesized and characterized for its potential application in next-generation molten salt nuclear reactors. Synchrotron ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) measurements were conducted on the composite. The size distribution and number density of the SiC nanoparticles in the material were obtained through data modelling. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy characterization were performed to substantiate the results of the USAXS measurements. Tensile tests were performed on the samples to measure the change in their yield strength after doping with the nanoparticles. Finally, the average interparticle distance was calculated from the USAXSmore » results and is related to the increased yield strength of the composite.« less

Small-Angle Neutron Scattering and Neutron Spin Echo Characterization of Monoclonal Antibody Self-Associations at High Concentrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yearley, Eric; Zarraga, Isidro (Dan); Godfrin, Paul (Doug); Perevozchikova, Tatiana; Wagner, Norman; Liu, Yun

2013-03-01

Concentrated therapeutic protein formulations offer numerous delivery and stability challenges. In particular, it has been found that several therapeutic proteins exhibit a large increase in viscosity as a function of concentration that may be dependent on the protein-protein interactions. Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) and Neutron Spin Echo (NSE) investigations have been performed to probe the protein-protein interactions and diffusive properties of highly concentrated MAbs. The SANS data demonstrate that the inter-particle interactions for a highly viscous MAb at high concentrations (MAb1) are highly attractive, anisotropic and change significantly with concentration while the viscosity and interactions do not differ considerably for MAb2. The NSE results furthermore indicate that MAb1 and MAb2 have strong concentration dependencies of dynamics at high Q that are correlated to the translational motion of the proteins. Finally, it has also been revealed that the individual MAb1 proteins form small clusters at high concentrations in contrast to the MAb2 proteins, which are well-dispersed. It is proposed that the formation of these clusters is the primary cause of the dramatic increase in viscosity of MAb1 in crowded or concentrated environments.

Vacuum System Upgrade for Extended Q-Range Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Diffractometer (EQ-SANS) at SNS

DOE PAGES

Stone, Christopher M.; Williams, Derrick C.; Price, Jeremy P.

2016-09-23

The Extended Q-Range Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Diffractometer (EQ-SANS) instrument at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), Oak Ridge, Tennessee, incorporates a 69m3 detector vessel with a vacuum system which required an upgrade with respect to performance, ease of operation, and maintenance. The upgrade focused on improving pumping performance as well as optimizing system design to minimize opportunity for operational error. This upgrade provided the following practical contributions: Reduced time required to evacuate from atmospheric pressure to 2mTorr from 500-1,000 minutes to 60-70 minutes Provided turn-key automated control with a multi-faceted interlock for personnel and machine safety.

Vacuum System Upgrade for Extended Q-Range Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Diffractometer (EQ-SANS) at SNS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stone, Christopher M.; Williams, Derrick C.; Price, Jeremy P.

The Extended Q-Range Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Diffractometer (EQ-SANS) instrument at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), Oak Ridge, Tennessee, incorporates a 69m3 detector vessel with a vacuum system which required an upgrade with respect to performance, ease of operation, and maintenance. The upgrade focused on improving pumping performance as well as optimizing system design to minimize opportunity for operational error. This upgrade provided the following practical contributions: Reduced time required to evacuate from atmospheric pressure to 2mTorr from 500-1,000 minutes to 60-70 minutes Provided turn-key automated control with a multi-faceted interlock for personnel and machine safety.

Spin waves in full-polarized state of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya helimagnets: Small-angle neutron scattering study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grigoriev, S. V.; Sukhanov, A. S.; Altynbaev, E. V.; Siegfried, S.-A.; Heinemann, A.; Kizhe, P.; Maleyev, S. V.

2015-12-01

We develop the technique to study the spin-wave dynamics of the full-polarized state of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya helimagnets by polarized small-angle neutron scattering. We have experimentally proven that the spin-waves dispersion in this state has the anisotropic form. We show that the neutron scattering image displays a circle with a certain radius which is centered at the momentum transfer corresponding to the helix wave vector in helimagnetic phase ks, which is oriented along the applied magnetic field H . The radius of this circle is directly related to the spin-wave stiffness of this system. This scattering depends on the neutron polarization showing the one-handed nature of the spin waves in Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya helimagnets in the full-polarized phase. We show that the spin-wave stiffness A for MnSi helimagnet decreased twice as the temperature increases from zero to the critical temperature Tc.

Structure of polyacrylic acid and polymethacrylic acid solutions : a small angle neutron scattering study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moussaid, A.; Schosseler, F.; Munch, J. P.; Candau, S. J.

1993-04-01

The intensity scattered from polyacrylic acid and polymethacrylic acid solutions has been measured by small angle neutron scattering experiemnts. The influence of polymer concentration, ionization degree, temperature and salt content has been investigated. Results are in qualitative agreement with a model which predicts the existence of microphases in the unstable region of the phase diagram. Quantitative comparison with the theory is performed by fitting the theoretical structure factor to the experimental data. For a narrow range of ionizaiton degrees nearly quantitative agreement with the theory is found for the polyacrylic acide system.

Hierarchical Pore Morphology of Cretaceous Shale: A Small-Angle Neutron Scattering and Ultrasmall-Angle Neutron Scattering Study

DOE PAGES

Bahadur, J.; Melnichenko, Y. B.; Mastalerz, Maria; ...

2014-09-25

Shale reservoirs are becoming an increasingly important source of oil and natural gas supply and a potential candidate for CO 2 sequestration. Understanding the pore morphology in shale may provide clues to making gas extraction more efficient and cost-effective. The porosity of Cretaceous shale samples from Alberta, Canada, collected from different depths with varying mineralogical compositions, has been investigated by small- and ultrasmall-angle neutron scattering. Moreover these samples come from the Second White Specks and Belle Fourche formations, and their organic matter content ranges between 2 and 3%. The scattering length density of the shale specimens has been estimated usingmore » the chemical composition of the different mineral components. Scattering experiments reveal the presence of fractal and non-fractal pores. It has been shown that the porosity and specific surface area are dominated by the contribution from meso- and micropores. The fraction of closed porosity has been calculated by comparing the porosities estimated by He pycnometry and scattering techniques. There is no correlation between total porosity and mineral components, a strong correlation has been observed between closed porosity and major mineral components in the studied specimens.« less

Measurements of droplet size in shear-driven atomization using ultra-small angle x-ray scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kastengren, A.; Ilavsky, J.; Viera, Juan Pablo

Measurements of droplet size in optically-thick, non-evaporating, shear-driven sprays have been made using ultra-small angle x-ray scattering (USAXS). The sprays are produced by orifice-type nozzles coupled to diesel injectors, with measurements conducted from 1 – 24 mm from the orifice, spanning from the optically-dense near-nozzle region to more dilute regions where optical diagnostics are feasible. The influence of nozzle diameter, liquid injection pressure, and ambient density were examined. The USAXS measurements reveal few if any nanoscale droplets, in conflict with a popular computational model of diesel spray breakup. The average droplet diameter rapidly decreases with downstream distance from the nozzlemore » until a plateau value is reached, after which only small changes are seen in droplet diameter. This plateau droplet size is consistent with the droplets being small enough to be stable with respect to further breakup. As a result, liquid injection pressure and nozzle diameter have the biggest impact on droplet size, while ambient density has a smaller effect.« less

Measurements of droplet size in shear-driven atomization using ultra-small angle x-ray scattering

DOE PAGES

Kastengren, A.; Ilavsky, J.; Viera, Juan Pablo; ...

2017-03-16

Measurements of droplet size in optically-thick, non-evaporating, shear-driven sprays have been made using ultra-small angle x-ray scattering (USAXS). The sprays are produced by orifice-type nozzles coupled to diesel injectors, with measurements conducted from 1 – 24 mm from the orifice, spanning from the optically-dense near-nozzle region to more dilute regions where optical diagnostics are feasible. The influence of nozzle diameter, liquid injection pressure, and ambient density were examined. The USAXS measurements reveal few if any nanoscale droplets, in conflict with a popular computational model of diesel spray breakup. The average droplet diameter rapidly decreases with downstream distance from the nozzlemore » until a plateau value is reached, after which only small changes are seen in droplet diameter. This plateau droplet size is consistent with the droplets being small enough to be stable with respect to further breakup. As a result, liquid injection pressure and nozzle diameter have the biggest impact on droplet size, while ambient density has a smaller effect.« less

Irena : tool suite for modeling and analysis of small-angle scattering.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ilavsky, J.; Jemian, P.

2009-04-01

Irena, a tool suite for analysis of both X-ray and neutron small-angle scattering (SAS) data within the commercial Igor Pro application, brings together a comprehensive suite of tools useful for investigations in materials science, physics, chemistry, polymer science and other fields. In addition to Guinier and Porod fits, the suite combines a variety of advanced SAS data evaluation tools for the modeling of size distribution in the dilute limit using maximum entropy and other methods, dilute limit small-angle scattering from multiple non-interacting populations of scatterers, the pair-distance distribution function, a unified fit, the Debye-Bueche model, the reflectivity (X-ray and neutron)more » using Parratt's formalism, and small-angle diffraction. There are also a number of support tools, such as a data import/export tool supporting a broad sampling of common data formats, a data modification tool, a presentation-quality graphics tool optimized for small-angle scattering data, and a neutron and X-ray scattering contrast calculator. These tools are brought together into one suite with consistent interfaces and functionality. The suite allows robust automated note recording and saving of parameters during export.« less

Clustering of water molecules in ultramicroporous carbon: In-situ small-angle neutron scattering

DOE PAGES

Bahadur, Jitendra; Contescu, Cristian I.; Rai, Durgesh K.; ...

2016-10-19

The adsorption of water is central to most of the applications of microporous carbon as adsorbent material. We report early kinetics of water adsorption in the microporous carbon using in-situ small-angle neutron scattering. It is observed that adsorption of water occurs via cluster formation of molecules. Interestingly, the cluster size remains constant throughout the adsorption process whereas number density of clusters increases with time. The role of surface chemistry of microporous carbon on the early kinetics of adsorption process was also investigated. Lastly, the present study provides direct experimental evidence for cluster assisted adsorption of water molecules in microporous carbonmore » (Do-Do model).« less

Nondestructive hydrogen analysis of steam-oxidized Zircaloy-4 by wide-angle neutron scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Yong; Qian, Shuo; Garrison, Ben; Smith, Tyler; Kim, Peter

2018-04-01

A nondestructive neutron scattering method to precisely measure the hydrogen content in high-temperature steam-oxidized Zircaloy-4 cladding was developed. Zircaloy-4 cladding was used to produce hydrided specimens with hydrogen content up to ≈500 wppm. Following hydrogen charging, the hydrogen content of the hydrided specimens was measured using the vacuum hot extraction method, by which the samples with desired hydrogen concentrations were selected for the neutron study. The hydrided samples were then oxidized in steam up to ≈6.0 wt. % at 1100 °C. Optical microscopy shows that our hydriding procedure results in uniform distribution of circumferential hydrides across the wall thickness, and uniform oxide layers were formed on the sample surfaces by the steam oxidation. Small- and wide-angle neutron scattering were simultaneously performed to provide a quick (less than an hour per sample) measurement of the hydrogen content in various types of hydrided and oxidized Zircaloy-4. Our study demonstrates that the hydrogen in pre-oxidized Zircaloy-4 cladding can be measured very accurately by both small- and wide-angle neutron scattering. For steam-oxidized samples, the small-angle neutron scattering is contaminated with coherent scattering from additional structural features induced by the steam oxidation. However, the scattering intensity of the wide-angle neutron scattering increases proportionally with the hydrogen charged in the samples. The hydrogen content and wide-angle neutron scattering intensity are highly linearly correlated for the oxidized cladding samples examined in this work, and can be used to precisely determine the hydrogen content in steam-oxidized Zircaloy-4 samples. Hydrogen contents determined by neutron scattering of oxidation samples were also found to be consistent with the results of chemical analysis within acceptable margins for error.

Nondestructive hydrogen analysis of steam-oxidized Zircaloy-4 by wide-angle neutron scattering

DOE PAGES

Yan, Yong; Qian, Shuo; Garrison, Ben; ...

2018-04-15

In this study, a nondestructive neutron scattering method to precisely measure the hydrogen content in high-temperature steam-oxidized Zircaloy-4 cladding was developed. Zircaloy-4 cladding was used to produce hydrided specimens with hydrogen content up to ≈500 wppm. Following hydrogen charging, the hydrogen content of the hydrided specimens was measured using the vacuum hot extraction method, by which the samples with desired hydrogen concentrations were selected for the neutron study. The hydrided samples were then oxidized in steam up to ≈6.0wt. % at 1100°C. Optical microscopy shows that our hydriding procedure results in uniform distribution of circumferential hydrides across the wall thickness,more » and uniform oxide layers were formed on the sample surfaces by the steam oxidation. Small- and wide-angle neutron scattering were simultaneously performed to provide a quick (less than an hour per sample) measurement of the hydrogen content in various types of hydrided and oxidized Zircaloy-4. Our study demonstrates that the hydrogen in pre-oxidized Zircaloy-4 cladding can be measured very accurately by both small- and wide-angle neutron scattering. For steam-oxidized samples, the small-angle neutron scattering is contaminated with coherent scattering from additional structural features induced by the steam oxidation. However, the scattering intensity of the wide-angle neutron scattering increases proportionally with the hydrogen charged in the samples. The hydrogen content and wide-angle neutron scattering intensity are highly linearly correlated for the oxidized cladding samples examined in this work, and can be used to precisely determine the hydrogen content in steam-oxidized Zircaloy-4 samples. Hydrogen contents determined by neutron scattering of oxidation samples were also found to be consistent with the results of chemical analysis within acceptable margins for error.« less

Nondestructive hydrogen analysis of steam-oxidized Zircaloy-4 by wide-angle neutron scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yan, Yong; Qian, Shuo; Garrison, Ben

In this study, a nondestructive neutron scattering method to precisely measure the hydrogen content in high-temperature steam-oxidized Zircaloy-4 cladding was developed. Zircaloy-4 cladding was used to produce hydrided specimens with hydrogen content up to ≈500 wppm. Following hydrogen charging, the hydrogen content of the hydrided specimens was measured using the vacuum hot extraction method, by which the samples with desired hydrogen concentrations were selected for the neutron study. The hydrided samples were then oxidized in steam up to ≈6.0wt. % at 1100°C. Optical microscopy shows that our hydriding procedure results in uniform distribution of circumferential hydrides across the wall thickness,more » and uniform oxide layers were formed on the sample surfaces by the steam oxidation. Small- and wide-angle neutron scattering were simultaneously performed to provide a quick (less than an hour per sample) measurement of the hydrogen content in various types of hydrided and oxidized Zircaloy-4. Our study demonstrates that the hydrogen in pre-oxidized Zircaloy-4 cladding can be measured very accurately by both small- and wide-angle neutron scattering. For steam-oxidized samples, the small-angle neutron scattering is contaminated with coherent scattering from additional structural features induced by the steam oxidation. However, the scattering intensity of the wide-angle neutron scattering increases proportionally with the hydrogen charged in the samples. The hydrogen content and wide-angle neutron scattering intensity are highly linearly correlated for the oxidized cladding samples examined in this work, and can be used to precisely determine the hydrogen content in steam-oxidized Zircaloy-4 samples. Hydrogen contents determined by neutron scattering of oxidation samples were also found to be consistent with the results of chemical analysis within acceptable margins for error.« less

Bending moduli of microemulsions; comparison of results from small angle neutron scattering and neutron spin-echo spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monkenbusch, M.; Holderer, O.; Frielinghaus, H.; Byelov, D.; Allgaier, J.; Richter, D.

2005-08-01

The properties of bicontinuous microemulsions, consisting of water, oil and a surfactant, depend to a large extent on the bending moduli of the surfactant containing oil-water interface. In systems with CiEj as surfactant these moduli can be modified by the addition of diblock copolymers (boosting effect) and homopolymers (inverse boosting effect) or a combination of both. The influence of the addition of homopolymers (PEPX and PEOX, X = 5 or 10 kg/mol molecular weight) on the structure, bending modulus and dynamics of the surfactant layer is studied with small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and neutron spin-echo spectroscopy (NSE). Besides providing information on the microemulsion structure, neutron scattering is a microscopic probe that can be used to measure the local bending modulus κ. The polymer addition gives access to a homologous series of microemulsions with changing κ values. We relate the results obtained by analysis of SANS to those from NSE experiments. Comparison of the bending moduli obtained sheds light on the different renormalization length scales for NSE and SANS. Comparison of SANS and NSE derived κ values yields a consistent picture if renormalization properties are observed. Finally a ready to use method for converting NSE data into reliable values for κ is presented.

Detection of submicron-sized raft-like domains in membranes by small-angle neutron scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pencer, J.; Mills, T.; Anghel, V.; Krueger, S.; Epand, R. M.; Katsaras, J.

2005-12-01

Using coarse grained models of heterogeneous vesicles we demonstrate the potential for small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) to detect and distinguish between two different categories of lateral segregation: 1) unilamellar vesicles (ULV) containing a single domain and 2) the formation of several small domains or “clusters” (~10 nm in radius) on a ULV. Exploiting the unique sensitivity of neutron scattering to differences between hydrogen and deuterium, we show that the liquid ordered (lo) DPPC-rich phase can be selectively labeled using chain deuterated dipalymitoyl phosphatidylcholine (dDPPC), which greatly facilitates the use of SANS to detect membrane domains. SANS experiments are then performed in order to detect and characterize, on nanometer length scales, lateral heterogeneities, or so-called “rafts”, in ~30 nm radius low polydispersity ULV made up of ternary mixtures of phospholipids and cholesterol. For 1:1:1 DOPC:DPPC:cholesterol (DDC) ULV we find evidence for the formation of lateral heterogeneities on cooling below 30 °C. These heterogeneities do not appear when DOPC is replaced by SOPC. Fits to the experimental data using coarse grained models show that, at room temperature, DDC ULV each exhibit approximately 30 domains with average radii of ~10 nm.

Small Angle Neutron Scattering Observation of Chain Retraction after a Large Step Deformation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Blanchard, A.; Heinrich, M.; Pyckhout-Hintzen, W.

The process of retraction in entangled linear chains after a fast nonlinear stretch was detected from time-resolved but quenched small angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments on long, well-entangled polyisoprene chains. The statically obtained SANS data cover the relevant time regime for retraction, and they provide a direct, microscopic verification of this nonlinear process as predicted by the tube model. Clear, quantitative agreement is found with recent theories of contour length fluctuations and convective constraint release, using parameters obtained mainly from linear rheology. The theory captures the full range of scattering vectors once the crossover to fluctuations on length scales belowmore » the tube diameter is accounted for.« less

Nonuniformity in natural rubber as revealed by small-angle neutron scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering, and atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Karino, Takeshi; Ikeda, Yuko; Yasuda, Yoritaka; Kohjiya, Shinzo; Shibayama, Mitsuhiro

2007-02-01

The microscopic structures of natural rubber (NR) and deproteinized NR (DPNR) were investigated by means of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). They were compared to those of isoprene rubber (IR), which is a synthetic analogue of NR in terms of chemical structure without any non-rubber components like proteins. Comparisons of the structure and mechanical properties of NR, DPNR, and IR lead to the following conclusions. (i) The well-known facts, for example, the outstanding green strength of NR and strain-induced crystallization, are due not much to the presence of proteins but to other components such as the presence of phospholipids and/or the higher stereoregularity of NR. It also became clear the naturally residing proteins accelerate the upturn of stress at low strain. The protein phases work as cross-linking sites and reinforcing fillers in the rubbery matrix. (ii) The microscopic structures of NR were successfully reproduced by SANS intensity functions consisting of squared-Lorentz and Lorentz functions, indicating the presence of inhomogeneities in bulk and thermal concentration fluctuations in swollen state, respectively. On the other hand, IR rubbers were homogeneous in bulk. (iii) The inhomogeneities in NR are assigned to protein aggregates of the order of 200 A or larger. Although these aggregates are larger in size as well as in volume fraction than those of cross-link inhomogeneities introduced by cross-linking, they are removed by deproteinization. (iv) Swelling of both NR and IR networks introduces gel-like concentration fluctuations whose mesh size is of the order of 20 A.

Structured water in polyelectrolyte dendrimers: Understanding small angle neutron scattering results through atomistic simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Bin; Kerkeni, Boutheïna; Egami, Takeshi; Do, Changwoo; Liu, Yun; Wang, Yongmei; Porcar, Lionel; Hong, Kunlun; Smith, Sean C.; Liu, Emily L.; Smith, Gregory S.; Chen, Wei-Ren

2012-04-01

Based on atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the small angle neutron scattering (SANS) intensity behavior of a single generation-4 polyelectrolyte polyamidoamine starburst dendrimer is investigated at different levels of molecular protonation. The SANS form factor, P(Q), and Debye autocorrelation function, γ(r), are calculated from the equilibrium MD trajectory based on a mathematical approach proposed in this work. The consistency found in comparison against previously published experimental findings (W.-R. Chen, L. Porcar, Y. Liu, P. D. Butler, and L. J. Magid, Macromolecules 40, 5887 (2007)) leads to a link between the neutron scattering experiment and MD computation, and fresh perspectives. The simulations enable scattering calculations of not only the hydrocarbons but also the contribution from the scattering length density fluctuations caused by structured, confined water within the dendrimer. Based on our computational results, we explore the validity of using radius of gyration RG for microstructure characterization of a polyelectrolyte dendrimer from the scattering perspective.

Small angle neutron scattering study of the gemini nonionic surfactant in heavy water solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajewska, A.

2012-03-01

The nonionic gemini surfactant α α'-[2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7diyl]bis[ω hydroxyl-polyoxyethylene] (S-10) was investigated in heavy water solutions only for concentrations: 2.3%, 2.5%,3%, 3.4%, 4% and 5% at temperature 25°C with small angle neutron scattering (SANS) method. All of surfactants solutions were prepared using D2O (99.9% deuterated, Prikladnaia Chimia, St. Petersburg, Russia) as a solvent. The nonionic gemini surfactant S-10 was obtained from Air Products & Chemicals, Inc., and used without further purification. All SANS measurements were performed on V-4 SANS spectrometer at BENSC, Berlin (Germany). Neutrons were used in wavelength range of 0.02 - 4 nm-1. For the measurements quartz cells of were used during experiment. Up to 14 such cells were placed in a holder. Results from experiment was calculated and evaluated with PCG 2.0 program from Graz University (Austria). In the investigated solutions two axis ellipsoidal micelles was observed.

Primary Data Treatment Software for Position-Sensitive Detector of Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Spectrometer in the Isotropic Pattern Scattering Case

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soloviev, Alexei; Kutuzov, Sergei; Ivankov, Olexander; Kuklin, Alexander

2018-02-01

A new data converter has been created for the new position-sensitive detector (PSD) of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) spectrometer YuMO. In the isotropic pattern scattering case, it provides the possibility for processing PSD data with the SAS data processing program that has already been in use.

Investigation of Monodisperse Dendrimeric Polysaccharide Nanoparticle Dispersions Using Small Angle Neutron Scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atkinson, John; Nickels, Jonathan; Papp-Szabo, Erzsi; Katsaras, John; Dutcher, John

2015-03-01

Phytoglycogen is a highly branched polysaccharide that is very similar to the energy storage molecule glycogen. We have isolated monodisperse phytoglycogen nanoparticles from corn and these particles are attractive for applications in the cosmetic, food and beverage, and biomedical industries. Many of these promising applications are due to the special interaction between the nanoparticles and water, which results in: (1) high solubility; (2) low viscosity and high stability in aqueous dispersions; and (3) a remarkable capacity to sequester and retain water. Our rheology measurements indicate that the nanoparticles behave like hard spheres in water, with the viscosity diverging for concentrations >25% (w/w). Because of this, aqueous suspensions of phytoglycogen provide an ideal platform for detailed testing of theories of colloidal glasses and jamming. To further explore the interaction of the phytoglycogen particles and water, we have performed small angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements on the Extended Q-Range SANS (EQ-SANS) diffractometer at the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Measurements performed on phytoglycogen dispersions in mixtures of hydrogenated and deuterated water have allowed us to determine the particle size and average particle spacing as a function of the phytoglycogen concentration in the limits of dilute and concentrated dispersions.

Use of Small Angle Neutron Scattering to Study Various Properties of Wool and Mohair Fibres

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Franklyn, C. B.; Toeroek, Gy.

2011-12-13

To maintain a competitive edge in the wool and mohair industry, a detailed knowledge and understanding of the properties of wool fibres is essential. Standard techniques are used to determine fibre diameter, length and strength; however, properties such as hydroscopicity, lustre and changes in fibre structure following chemical or mechanical treatment are not so well understood. The unique capabilities of small angle neutron scattering to study changes in the supermolecular structure of wool fibres, particularly at the level of the microfibril-matrix complex, have been used to provide previously unknown features of the fibres. The results of these studies are presented.

A Study of Cross-linked Regions of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Gels by Small-Angle Neutron Scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lawrence, Mathias B.; Desa, J. A. E.; Aswal, V. K.

2011-07-01

A poly(vinyl alcohol)-borax cross-linked hydrogel has been studied by Small Angle Neutron Scattering as a function of borax concentration in the wave-vector transfer (Q) range of 0.017 Å-1 to 0.36 Å-1. It is found that as the concentration of borax increases, so does the intensity of scattering in this range. Beyond a borax concentration of 2 mg/ml, the increase in cross-linked PVA chains leads to cross-linked units larger than 150 Å as evidenced by a reduction in intensity in the lower Q region.

Characterization of Polystyrene Soft Nanoparticles Using Small Angle Neutron Scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, Halie; White, Tyler; Saito, Tomonori; Dadmun, Mark

Polymer nanocomposites have become a prominent area of research recently. With a growing variety of nanoparticles available, research probing the influence of particle morphology on the overall nanocomposite properties is also increasing. Nanoparticle dispersion is controlled by both the chemical nature and morphology of the nanoparticle where a crosslinked, fuzzy organic nanoparticle is anticipated to enhance the overall miscibility and create a homogenous dispersion within a like-polymer matrix. A semi-batch microemulsion polymerization forms organic, soft nanoparticles where the precise structure of the nanoparticle is controlled by monomer rate of addition and crosslinking density. We will report small angle neutron scattering results that correlate synthetic conditions to the structural characteristics of soft nanoparticles. This analysis provides characterization of the individual nanoparticle molecular weight, the radius of the crosslinked core, the thickness of the fuzzy interfacial layer, and provides insight into the overall topography of the soft nanoparticle. This research provides a pathway to investigate the effect of nanoscale structural features of the nanoparticle on their individual properties and those of nanocomposites that contain these soft nanoparticles. DOE-BES, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering.

A microstructural comparison of two nuclear-grade martensitic steels using small-angle neutron scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coppola, R.; Fiori, F.; Little, E. A.; Magnani, M.

1997-06-01

Results are presented of a small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) study on two 10-13% Cr martensitic stainless steels of interest for nuclear applications, viz. DIN 1.4914 (MANET specification, for fusion reactors) and AISI 410. The investigation has focussed principally on microstructural effects associated with the differences in chromium content between the two alloys. The size distribution functions determined from nuclear and magnetic SANS components for the two steels given identical heat treatments are in accord with an interpretation based on the presence of ˜ 1 nm size CCr aggregates in the microstructure. Much larger (˜ 10 nm) scattering inhomogeneities with different magnetic contrast are also present and tentatively identified as carbides.

Protein structure and interactions in the solid state studied by small-angle neutron scattering.

PubMed

Curtis, Joseph E; McAuley, Arnold; Nanda, Hirsh; Krueger, Susan

2012-01-01

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is uniquely qualified to study the structure of proteins in liquid and solid phases that are relevant to food science and biotechnological applications. We have used SANS to study a model protein, lysozyme, in both the liquid and water ice phases to determine its gross-structure, interparticle interactions and other properties. These properties have been examined under a variety of solution conditions before, during, and after freezing. Results for lysozyme at concentrations of 50 mg mL(-1) and 100 mg mL(-1), with NaCl concentrations of 0.4 M and 0 M, respectively, both in the liquid and frozen states, are presented and implications for food science are discussed.

Recent applications of small-angle neutron scattering in strongly interacting soft condensed matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wignall, G. D.; Melnichenko, Y. B.

2005-08-01

Before the application of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) to the study of polymer structure, chain conformation studies were limited to light and small-angle x-ray scattering techniques, usually conducted in dilute solution owing to the difficulties of separating the inter- and intrachain contributions to the structure. The unique role of neutron scattering in soft condensed matter arises from the difference in the coherent scattering length between deuterium (bD = 0.67 × 10-12 cm) and hydrogen (bH = -0.37 × 10-12 cm), which results in a marked difference in scattering power (contrast) between molecules synthesized from normal (hydrogeneous) and deuterated monomer units. Thus, deuterium labelling techniques may be used to 'stain' molecules and make them 'visible' in the condensed state and other crowded environments, such as concentrated solutions of overlapping chains. For over two decades, SANS has proved to be a powerful tool for studies of structure-property relationships in polymeric systems and has made it possible to extract unique information about their size, shape, conformational changes and molecular associations. These applications are now so numerous that an exhaustive review of the field is no longer practical, so the authors propose to focus on the use of SANS for studies of strongly interacting soft matter systems. This paper will therefore discuss basic theory and practical aspects of the technique and will attempt to explain the physics of scattering with the minimum of unnecessary detail and mathematical rigour. Examples will be given to demonstrate the power of SANS and to show how it has helped to unveil universal aspects of the behaviour of macromolecules in such apparently diverse systems as polymer solutions, blends, polyelectrolytes and supercritical mixtures. The aim of the authors is to aid potential users who have a general scientific background, but no specialist knowledge of scattering, to understand the potential of the

SUSANS With Polarized Neutrons.

PubMed

Wagh, Apoorva G; Rakhecha, Veer Chand; Strobl, Makus; Treimer, Wolfgang

2005-01-01

Super Ultra-Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SUSANS) studies over wave vector transfers of 10(-4) nm(-1) to 10(-3) nm(-1) afford information on micrometer-size agglomerates in samples. Using a right-angled magnetic air prism, we have achieved a separation of ≈10 arcsec between ≈2 arcsec wide up- and down-spin peaks of 0.54 nm neutrons. The SUSANS instrument has thus been equipped with the polarized neutron option. The samples are placed in a uniform vertical field of 8.8 × 10(4) A/m (1.1 kOe). Several magnetic alloy ribbon samples broaden the up-spin neutron peak significantly over the ±1.3 × 10(-3) nm(-1) range, while leaving the down-spin peak essentially unaltered. Fourier transforms of these SUSANS spectra corrected for the instrument resolution, yield micrometer-range pair distribution functions for up- and down-spin neutrons as well as the nuclear and magnetic scattering length density distributions in the samples.

SUSANS With Polarized Neutrons

PubMed Central

Wagh, Apoorva G.; Rakhecha, Veer Chand; Strobl, Makus; Treimer, Wolfgang

2005-01-01

Super Ultra-Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SUSANS) studies over wave vector transfers of 10–4 nm–1 to 10–3 nm–1 afford information on micrometer-size agglomerates in samples. Using a right-angled magnetic air prism, we have achieved a separation of ≈10 arcsec between ≈2 arcsec wide up- and down-spin peaks of 0.54 nm neutrons. The SUSANS instrument has thus been equipped with the polarized neutron option. The samples are placed in a uniform vertical field of 8.8 × 104 A/m (1.1 kOe). Several magnetic alloy ribbon samples broaden the up-spin neutron peak significantly over the ±1.3 × 10–3 nm–1 range, while leaving the down-spin peak essentially unaltered. Fourier transforms of these SUSANS spectra corrected for the instrument resolution, yield micrometer-range pair distribution functions for up- and down-spin neutrons as well as the nuclear and magnetic scattering length density distributions in the samples. PMID:27308127

Small angle neutron scattering study on the structural variation of lysozyme in bioprotectants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koda, Shota; Takayama, Haruki; Shibata, Tomohiko; Mori, Tatsuya; Kojima, Seiji; Park, In-Sung; Shin, Tae-Gyu

2015-05-01

The thermal denaturation and subsequent structural variation of lysozyme in various bioprotectant candidate solutions such as trehalose and choline acetate have been investigated by using small angle neutron scattering and differential scanning calorimetry. The gyration radius shows little change with the addition of additives in a native state at room temperature. On heating the lysozyme solution, a remarkable increase in the gyration radius is observed at temperatures above the denaturation temperature without any bioprotectants. Such an increase is suppressed by the additives owing to the intermolecular interactions between the lysozyme molecules and the bioprotectants of trehalose and choline acetate. The fractal dimension of lysozyme varies slightly with the addition of the bioprotectant solutions, and shows a remarkable drop in the vicinity of the denaturation temperature for all the solutions.

Polyhydroxyalkanoate-based natural synthetic hybrid copolymer films: A small-angle neutron scattering study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foster, L. John R.; Knott, Robert; Sanguanchaipaiwong, Vorapat; Holden, Peter J.

2006-11-01

Polyhydroxyalkanoates have attracted attention as biodegradable alternatives to conventional thermoplastics and as biomaterials. Through modification of their biosynthesis using Pseudomonas oleovorans, we have manipulated the material properties of these biopolyesters and produced a natural-synthetic hybrid copolymer of polyhydroxyoctanoate- block-diethylene glycol (PHO- b-DEG). A mixture of PHO and PHO-DEG were solvent cast from analytical grade chloroform and analysed using small-angle neutron scattering. A scattering pattern, easily distinguished above the background, was displayed by the films with a diffraction ring at q∼0.12 Å -1. This narrow ring of intensity is suggestive of a highly ordered system. Analysis of the diffraction pattern supported this concept and showed a d-spacing of approximately 50 Å. In addition, conformation of the hybrid polymer chains can be manipulated to support their self-assembly into ordered microporous films.

Fast, quantitative, and nondestructive evaluation of hydrided LWR fuel cladding by small angle incoherent neutron scattering of hydrogen

DOE PAGES

Yan, Y.; Qian, S.; Littrell, K.; ...

2015-02-13

A non-destructive neutron scattering method to precisely measure the uptake of hydrogen and the distribution of hydride precipitates in light water reactor (LWR) fuel cladding was developed. Zircaloy-4 cladding used in commercial LWRs was used to produce hydrided specimens. The hydriding apparatus consists of a closed stainless steel vessel that contains Zr alloy specimens and hydrogen gas. Following hydrogen charging, the hydrogen content of the hydrided specimens was measured using the vacuum hot extraction method, by which the samples with desired hydrogen concentration were selected for the neutron study. Optical microscopy shows that our hydriding procedure results in uniform distributionmore » of circumferential hydrides across the wall. Small angle neutron incoherent scattering was performed in the High Flux Isotope Reactor at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This study demonstrates that the hydrogen in commercial Zircaloy-4 cladding can be measured very accurately in minutes by this nondestructive method over a wide range of hydrogen concentrations from a very small amount ( 20 ppm) to over 1000 ppm. The hydrogen distribution in a tube sample was obtained by scaling the neutron scattering rate with a factor determined by a calibration process using standard, destructive direct chemical analysis methods on the specimens. This scale factor will be used in future tests with unknown hydrogen concentrations, thus providing a nondestructive method for absolute hydrogen concentration determination.« less

Structural formation of huntingtin-like aggregates probed by small-angle neutron scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stanley, Christopher B; Perevozchikova, Tatiana; Berthelier-Jung, Valerie M

2011-01-01

In several neurodegenerative disorders, including Huntington s disease (HD), aspects concerning the earliest of protein structures that form along the aggregation pathway have increasingly gained attention since these particular species are likely to be neurotoxic. We used time-resolved small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) to probe in solution these transient structures formed by peptides having the N-terminal sequence context of mutant huntingtin (Htt) exon 1. We obtained snapshots of the formed aggregates as the kinetic reaction ensued to yield quantitative information on their size and mass. At the early stage, small precursor species with an initial radius of gyration (Rg) of 16.1more » 5.9 and average mass of a dimer to trimer were monitored. Structural growth was treated as two modes with a transition from three-dimensional early aggregate formation to two-dimensional fibril growth and association. Our SANS results on the internal structure of the mature fibrils demonstrate loose packing with about 1 peptide per 4.75 -sheet repeat distance, which is shown to be quantitatively consistent with a -helix model. This research provides new insights into the structures forming along the pathway of Htt exon 1 aggregation and should assist in determining the role that precursors play in neuronal toxicity.« less

Characterization of zein assemblies by ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering

DOE PAGES

Uzun, Suzan; Ilavsky, Jan; Padua, Graciela Wild

2017-03-23

Zein, a protein of corn, has an amphiphilic molecule capable of self-assembly into distinctly different structures. In this work, ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) was applied to investigate the formation of self-assembled zein structures in binary solvent systems of ethanol and water. Our study included observing structural changes due to aging. Three hierarchical structures were identified in zein-solvent systems, molecular zein 2D films, believed to be formed by zein rods assembled first into one-dimensional fibers and then into two-dimensional films, and 3D spherical aggregates. Aging did not change the size or shape of primary units, but promoted their self-assembly into intermediatemore » 2D structures and shaped 3D structures into well19 defined spheres. We found that the rheological parameters, consistency index (K) and behavior index (n), storage and loss moduli (G’ and G”) were also measured. K and n, changed markedly with aging, from nearly Newtonian low consistency fresh samples to highly viscous pseudoplastic aged samples. G’ and G” increased with aging for all samples reflecting increased interactions among zein self-assembled structures. Furthermore, viscoelastic parameters indicated that zein dispersions formed gels upon aging. It was observed that USAX reported on molecular scale self-assembly processes, while rheological measurements reported on the macroscale interaction between self-assembled particles. Raman spectra suggested that α-helix to β-sheet transformations prompted zein self-assembly, which influenced the size and morphology of molecular assemblies and ultimately the rheological properties of zein dispersions.« less

Small-angle neutron scattering study of the structure of mixed micellar solutions based on heptaethylene glycol monotetradecyl ether and cesium dodecyl sulfate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rajewska, A., E-mail: aldonar@jinr.ru; Medrzycka, K.; Hallmann, E.

2016-01-15

The micellization in mixed aqueous systems based on a nonionic surfactant, heptaethylene glycol monotetradecyl ether (C{sub 14}E{sub 7}), and an anionic surfactant, cesium dodecyl sulfate, has been investigated by small-angle neutron scattering. Preliminary data on the behavior of the C{sub 14}E{sub 7} aqueous solutions (with three concentrations, 0.17, 0.5, and 1%) mixed with a small amount of anionic surfactant, cesium dodecyl sulfate, are reported.

Small-angle neutron scattering reveals the assembly mode and oligomeric architecture of TET, a large, dodecameric aminopeptidase

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Appolaire, Alexandre; Girard, Eric; Colombo, Matteo

2014-11-01

The present work illustrates that small-angle neutron scattering, deuteration and contrast variation, combined with in vitro particle reconstruction, constitutes a very efficient approach to determine subunit architectures in large, symmetric protein complexes. In the case of the 468 kDa heterododecameric TET peptidase machine, it was demonstrated that the assembly of the 12 subunits is a highly controlled process and represents a way to optimize the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme. The specific self-association of proteins into oligomeric complexes is a common phenomenon in biological systems to optimize and regulate their function. However, de novo structure determination of these important complexesmore » is often very challenging for atomic-resolution techniques. Furthermore, in the case of homo-oligomeric complexes, or complexes with very similar building blocks, the respective positions of subunits and their assembly pathways are difficult to determine using many structural biology techniques. Here, an elegant and powerful approach based on small-angle neutron scattering is applied, in combination with deuterium labelling and contrast variation, to elucidate the oligomeric organization of the quaternary structure and the assembly pathways of 468 kDa, hetero-oligomeric and symmetric Pyrococcus horikoshii TET2–TET3 aminopeptidase complexes. The results reveal that the topology of the PhTET2 and PhTET3 dimeric building blocks within the complexes is not casual but rather suggests that their quaternary arrangement optimizes the catalytic efficiency towards peptide substrates. This approach bears important potential for the determination of quaternary structures and assembly pathways of large oligomeric and symmetric complexes in biological systems.« less

Applicability of the two-angle differential method to response measurement of neutron-sensitive devices at the RCNP high-energy neutron facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masuda, Akihiko; Matsumoto, Tetsuro; Iwamoto, Yosuke; Hagiwara, Masayuki; Satoh, Daiki; Sato, Tatsuhiko; Iwase, Hiroshi; Yashima, Hiroshi; Nakane, Yoshihiro; Nishiyama, Jun; Shima, Tatsushi; Tamii, Atsushi; Hatanaka, Kichiji; Harano, Hideki; Nakamura, Takashi

2017-03-01

Quasi-monoenergetic high-energy neutron fields induced by 7Li(p,n) reactions are used for the response evaluation of neutron-sensitive devices. The quasi-monoenergetic high-energy field consists of high-energy monoenergetic peak neutrons and unwanted continuum neutrons down to the low-energy region. A two-angle differential method has been developed to compensate for the effect of the continuum neutrons in the response measurements. In this study, the two-angle differential method was demonstrated for Bonner sphere detectors, which are typical examples of moderator-based neutron-sensitive detectors, to investigate the method's applicability and its dependence on detector characteristics. Experiments were performed under 96-387 MeV quasi-monoenergetic high-energy neutron fields at the Research Center for Nuclear Physics (RCNP), Osaka University. The measurement results for large high-density polyethylene (HDPE) sphere detectors agreed well with Monte Carlo calculations, which verified the adequacy of the two-angle differential method. By contrast, discrepancies were observed in the results for small HDPE sphere detectors and metal-induced sphere detectors. The former indicated that detectors that are particularly sensitive to low-energy neutrons may be affected by penetrating neutrons owing to the geometrical features of the RCNP facility. The latter discrepancy could be consistently explained by a problem in the evaluated cross-section data for the metals used in the calculation. Through those discussions, the adequacy of the two-angle differential method was experimentally verified, and practical suggestions were made pertaining to this method.

Small-angle neutron scattering study of recombinant yeast-derived human hepatitis B virus surface antigen vaccine particle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, M.; Ito, Y.; Kameyama, K.; Imai, M.; Ishikawa, N.; Takagi, T.

1995-02-01

The overall and internal structure of recombinant yeast-derived human hepatitis B virus surface antigen vaccine particles was investigated by small-angle neutron scattering using the contrast variation method. The vaccine is a nearly spherical particle, and its contrast-matching point was determined to be at about 24% D 2O content, indicating that a large part of the vaccine particle is occupied by lipids and carbohydrates from the yeast. The Stuhrmann plot suggests that the surface antigens exist predominantly in the peripheral region of the particle, which is favorable to the induction of anti-virus antibodies.

Survey of background scattering from materials found in small-angle neutron scattering.

PubMed

Barker, J G; Mildner, D F R

2015-08-01

Measurements and calculations of beam attenuation and background scattering for common materials placed in a neutron beam are presented over the temperature range of 300-700 K. Time-of-flight (TOF) measurements have also been made, to determine the fraction of the background that is either inelastic or quasi-elastic scattering as measured with a 3 He detector. Other background sources considered include double Bragg diffraction from windows or samples, scattering from gases, and phonon scattering from solids. Background from the residual air in detector vacuum vessels and scattering from the 3 He detector dome are presented. The thickness dependence of the multiple scattering correction for forward scattering from water is calculated. Inelastic phonon background scattering at small angles for crystalline solids is both modeled and compared with measurements. Methods of maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio by material selection, choice of sample thickness and wavelength, removal of inelastic background by TOF or Be filters, and removal of spin-flip scattering with polarized beam analysis are discussed.

Survey of background scattering from materials found in small-angle neutron scattering

PubMed Central

Barker, J. G.; Mildner, D. F. R.

2015-01-01

Measurements and calculations of beam attenuation and background scattering for common materials placed in a neutron beam are presented over the temperature range of 300–700 K. Time-of-flight (TOF) measurements have also been made, to determine the fraction of the background that is either inelastic or quasi-elastic scattering as measured with a 3He detector. Other background sources considered include double Bragg diffraction from windows or samples, scattering from gases, and phonon scattering from solids. Background from the residual air in detector vacuum vessels and scattering from the 3He detector dome are presented. The thickness dependence of the multiple scattering correction for forward scattering from water is calculated. Inelastic phonon background scattering at small angles for crystalline solids is both modeled and compared with measurements. Methods of maximizing the signal-to-noise ratio by material selection, choice of sample thickness and wavelength, removal of inelastic background by TOF or Be filters, and removal of spin-flip scattering with polarized beam analysis are discussed. PMID:26306088

Characterization of nano-sized oxides in Fe-12Cr oxide-dispersion-strengthened ferritic steel using small-angle neutron scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Young-Soo; Mao, Xiaodong; Jang, Jinsung; Kim, Tae-Kyu

2015-04-01

The ferritic ODS steel was manufactured by hot isostatic pressing and heat treatment. The nano-sized microstructures such as yttrium oxides and Cr oxides were quantitatively analyzed by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). The effects of the fabrication conditions on the nano-sized microstructure were investigated in relation to the quantitative analysis results obtained by SANS. The ratio between magnetic and nuclear scattering components was calculated, and the characteristics of the nano-sized yttrium oxides are discussed based on the SANS analysis results.

Universality of the helimagnetic transition in cubic chiral magnets: Small angle neutron scattering and neutron spin echo spectroscopy studies of FeCoSi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bannenberg, L. J.; Kakurai, K.; Falus, P.; Lelièvre-Berna, E.; Dalgliesh, R.; Dewhurst, C. D.; Qian, F.; Onose, Y.; Endoh, Y.; Tokura, Y.; Pappas, C.

2017-04-01

We present a comprehensive small angle neutron scattering and neutron spin echo spectroscopy study of the structural and dynamical aspects of the helimagnetic transition in Fe1 -xCoxSi with x =0.30 . In contrast to the sharp transition observed in the archetype chiral magnet MnSi, the transition in Fe1 -xCoxSi is gradual, and long-range helimagnetic ordering coexists with short-range correlations over a wide temperature range. The dynamics are more complex than in MnSi and involve long relaxation times with a stretched exponential relaxation which persists even under magnetic field. These results in conjunction with an analysis of the hierarchy of the relevant length scales show that the helimagnetic transition in Fe1 -xCoxSi differs substantially from the transition in MnSi and question the validity of a universal approach to the helimagnetic transition in chiral magnets.

Study of nanoscale structures in hydrated biomaterials using small-angle neutron scattering

PubMed Central

Luk, Arnold; Murthy, N. Sanjeeva; Wang, Wenjie; Rojas, Ramiro; Kohn, Joachim

2012-01-01

Distribution of water in three classes of biomedically relevant and degradable polymers was investigated using small-angle neutron scattering. In semicrystalline polymers, such as poly(lactic acid) and poly(glycolic acid), water was found to diffuse preferentially into the noncrystalline regions. In amorphous polymers, such as poly(D,L-lactic acid) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), the scattering after 7-days of incubation was attributed to water in microvoids that form following the hydrolytic degradation of the polymer. In amorphous copolymers containing hydrophobic segments (desaminotyrosyl-tyrosine ethyl ester) and hydrophilic blocks (poly(ethylene glycol) PEG), a sequence of distinct regimes of hydration were observed: homogeneous distribution (~ 10 Å length scales) at <13 wt% PEG (~ 1 water per EG), clusters of hydrated domains (~50 Å radius) separated at 24 wt% PEG (1 to 2 water per EG), uniformly distributed hydrated domains at 41 wt% PEG (~ 4 water per EG), and phase inversion at > 50 wt% PEG ( > 6 water per EG ). Increasing PEG content increased the number of these domains with only a small decrease in distance between the domains. These discrete domains appeared to coalesce to form submicron droplets at ~60 °C, above the melting temperature of crystalline PEG. Significance of such observations on the evolution of μm size channels that form during hydrolytic erosion is discussed. PMID:22227373

Characterization of oligomerization of a peptide from the ebola virus glycoprotein by small-angle neutron scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Egorov, V. V.; Gorshkov, A. N.; Murugova, T. N.; Vasin, A. V.; Lebedev, D. V.; Isaev-Ivanov, V. V.; Kiselev, O. I.

2016-01-01

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) studies showed that model peptides QNALVCGLRQ (G33) and QNALVCGLRG (G31) corresponding to region 551-560 of the GP protein of the Sudan Ebola virus are prone to oligomerization in solution. Both peptides can form amyloid-like fibrills. The G33 peptide forms fibrils within one day of incubation, whereas the fibrillogenesis of the G31 peptide is observed only after incubation for several months. The possible role of the observed processes in the pathogenesis and the possibility of applying a combination of the TEM and SANS techniques to search for new compounds that are able to influence the protein oligomerization are discussed.

Non-destructive evaluation of nano-sized structure of thin film devices by using small angle neutron scattering.

PubMed

Shin, E J; Seong, B S; Choi, Y; Lee, J K

2011-01-01

Nano-sized multi-layers copper-doped SrZrO3, platinum (Pt) and silicon oxide (SiO2) on silicon substrates were prepared by dense plasma focus (DPF) device with the high purity copper anode tip and analyzed by using small angle neutron scattering (SANS) to establish a reliable method for the non-destructive evaluation of the under-layer structure. Thin film was well formed at the time-to-dip of 5 microsec with stable plasma of DPF. Several smooth intensity peaks were periodically observed when neutron beam penetrates the thin film with multi-layers perpendicularly. The platinum layer is dominant to intensity peaks, where the copper-doped SrZnO3 layer next to the platinum layer causes peak broadening. The silicon oxide layer has less effect on the SANS spectra due to its relative thick thickness. The SANS spectra shows thicknesses of platinum and copper-doped SrZnO3 layers as 53 and 25 nm, respectively, which are well agreement with microstructure observation.

Spin-wave dynamics in the helimagnet FeGe studied by small-angle neutron scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siegfried, S.-A.; Sukhanov, A. S.; Altynbaev, E. V.; Honecker, D.; Heinemann, A.; Tsvyashchenko, A. V.; Grigoriev, S. V.

2017-04-01

We have studied the spin-wave stiffness of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya helimagnet FeGe in a temperature range from 225 K up to TC≈278.7 K by small-angle neutron scattering. The method we have used is based on [Grigoriev et al., Phys. Rev. B 92, 220415(R) (2015), 10.1103/PhysRevB.92.220415] and was extended here for the application in polycrystalline samples. We confirm the validity of the anisotropic spin-wave dispersion for FeGe caused by the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. We have shown that the spin-wave stiffness A for the FeGe helimagnet decreases with a temperature as A (T ) =194 [1 -0.7 (T/TC) 4.2] meVÅ 2 . The finite value of the spin-wave stiffness A =58 meVÅ 2 at TC classifies the order-disorder phase transition in FeGe as being the first-order one.

The ultrastructure and flexibility of thylakoid membranes in leaves and isolated chloroplasts as revealed by small-angle neutron scattering.

PubMed

Unnep, R; Zsiros, O; Solymosi, K; Kovács, L; Lambrev, P H; Tóth, T; Schweins, R; Posselt, D; Székely, N K; Rosta, L; Nagy, G; Garab, G

2014-09-01

We studied the periodicity of the multilamellar membrane system of granal chloroplasts in different isolated plant thylakoid membranes, using different suspension media, as well as on different detached leaves and isolated protoplasts-using small-angle neutron scattering. Freshly isolated thylakoid membranes suspended in isotonic or hypertonic media, containing sorbitol supplemented with cations, displayed Bragg peaks typically between 0.019 and 0.023Å(-1), corresponding to spatially and statistically averaged repeat distance values of about 275-330 Å⁻¹. Similar data obtained earlier led us in previous work to propose an origin from the periodicity of stroma thylakoid membranes. However, detached leaves, of eleven different species, infiltrated with or soaked in D2O in dim laboratory light or transpired with D2O prior to measurements, exhibited considerably smaller repeat distances, typically between 210 and 230 Å⁻¹, ruling out a stromal membrane origin. Similar values were obtained on isolated tobacco and spinach protoplasts. When NaCl was used as osmoticum, the Bragg peaks of isolated thylakoid membranes almost coincided with those in the same batch of leaves and the repeat distances were very close to the electron microscopically determined values in the grana. Although neutron scattering and electron microscopy yield somewhat different values, which is not fully understood, we can conclude that small-angle neutron scattering is a suitable technique to study the periodic organization of granal thylakoid membranes in intact leaves under physiological conditions and with a time resolution of minutes or shorter. We also show here, for the first time on leaves, that the periodicity of thylakoid membranes in situ responds dynamically to moderately strong illumination. This article is part of a special issue entitled: photosynthesis research for sustainability: keys to produce clean energy. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Estimation and modeling of coal pore accessibility using small angle neutron scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Rui; Liu, Shimin; Bahadur, Jitendra

Gas diffusion in coal is controlled by nano-structure of the pores. The interconnectivity of pores not only determines the dynamics of gas transport in the coal matrix but also influences the mechanical strength. In this study, small angle neutron scattering (SANS) was employed to quantify pore accessibility for two coal samples, one of sub-bituminous rank and the other of anthracite rank. Moreover, a theoretical pore accessibility model was proposed based on scattering intensities under both vacuum and zero average contrast (ZAC) conditions. Our results show that scattering intensity decreases with increasing gas pressure using deuterated methane (CD 4) at lowmore » Q values for both coals. Pores smaller than 40 nm in radius are less accessible for anthracite than sub-bituminous coal. On the contrary, when the pore radius is larger than 40 nm, the pore accessibility of anthracite becomes larger than that of sub-bituminous coal. Only 20% of pores are accessible to CD 4 for anthracite and 37% for sub-bituminous coal, where the pore radius is 16 nm. For these two coals, pore accessibility and pore radius follows a power-law relationship.« less

Estimation and modeling of coal pore accessibility using small angle neutron scattering

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Rui; Liu, Shimin; Bahadur, Jitendra; ...

2015-09-04

Gas diffusion in coal is controlled by nano-structure of the pores. The interconnectivity of pores not only determines the dynamics of gas transport in the coal matrix but also influences the mechanical strength. In this study, small angle neutron scattering (SANS) was employed to quantify pore accessibility for two coal samples, one of sub-bituminous rank and the other of anthracite rank. Moreover, a theoretical pore accessibility model was proposed based on scattering intensities under both vacuum and zero average contrast (ZAC) conditions. Our results show that scattering intensity decreases with increasing gas pressure using deuterated methane (CD 4) at lowmore » Q values for both coals. Pores smaller than 40 nm in radius are less accessible for anthracite than sub-bituminous coal. On the contrary, when the pore radius is larger than 40 nm, the pore accessibility of anthracite becomes larger than that of sub-bituminous coal. Only 20% of pores are accessible to CD 4 for anthracite and 37% for sub-bituminous coal, where the pore radius is 16 nm. For these two coals, pore accessibility and pore radius follows a power-law relationship.« less

Characterization of oligomerization of a peptide from the ebola virus glycoprotein by small-angle neutron scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Egorov, V. V., E-mail: vlaegur@omrb.pnpi.spb.ru; Gorshkov, A. N.; Murugova, T. N.

2016-01-15

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) studies showed that model peptides QNALVCGLRQ (G33) and QNALVCGLRG (G31) corresponding to region 551–560 of the GP protein of the Sudan Ebola virus are prone to oligomerization in solution. Both peptides can form amyloid-like fibrills. The G33 peptide forms fibrils within one day of incubation, whereas the fibrillogenesis of the G31 peptide is observed only after incubation for several months. The possible role of the observed processes in the pathogenesis and the possibility of applying a combination of the TEM and SANS techniques to search for new compounds that are ablemore » to influence the protein oligomerization are discussed.« less

X-ray diffraction gratings: Precise control of ultra-low blaze angle via anisotropic wet etching

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Voronov, Dmitriy L.; Naulleau, Patrick; Gullikson, Eric M.

2016-07-25

Diffraction gratings are used from micron to nanometer wavelengths as dispersing elements in optical instruments. At shorter wavelengths, crystals can be used as diffracting elements, but due to the 3D nature of the interaction with light are wavelength selective rather than wavelength dispersing. There is an urgent need to extend grating technology into the x-ray domain of wavelengths from 1 to 0.1 nm, but this requires the use of gratings that have a faceted surface in which the facet angles are very small, typically less than 1°. Small facet angles are also required in the extreme ultra-violet and soft x-ray energymore » ranges in free electron laser applications, in order to reduce power density below a critical damage threshold. In this work, we demonstrate a technique based on anisotropic etching of silicon designed to produce very small angle facets with a high degree of perfection.« less

Neutron Reflectivity and Grazing Angle Diffraction

PubMed Central

Ankner, J. F.; Majkrzak, C. F.; Satija, S. K.

1993-01-01

Over the last 10 years, neutron reflectivity has emerged as a powerful technique for the investigation of surface and interfacial phenomena in many different fields. In this paper, a short review of some of the work on neutron reflectivity and grazing-angle diffraction as well as a description of the current and planned neutron rcflectometers at NIST is presented. Specific examples of the characterization of magnetic, superconducting, and polymeric surfaces and interfaces are included. PMID:28053457

Portable mini-chamber for temperature dependent studies using small angle and wide angle x-ray scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dev, Arun Singh; Kumar, Dileep; Potdar, Satish; Pandit, Pallavi; Roth, Stephan V.; Gupta, Ajay

2018-04-01

The present work describes the design and performance of a vacuum compatible portable mini chamber for temperature dependent GISAXS and GIWAXS studies of thin films and multilayer structures. The water cooled body of the chamber allows sample annealing up to 900 K using ultra high vacuum compatible (UHV) pyrolytic boron nitride heater, thus making it possible to study the temperature dependent evolution of structure and morphology of two-dimensional nanostructured materials. Due to its light weight and small size, the chamber is portable and can be accommodated at synchrotron facilities worldwide. A systematic illustration of the versatility of the chamber has been demonstrated at beamline P03, PETRA-III, DESY, Hamburg, Germany. Temperature dependent grazing incidence small angle x-ray scattering (GISAXS) and grazing incidence wide angle x-ray scattering (GIWAXS) measurements were performed on oblique angle deposited Co/Ag multilayer structure, which jointly revealed that the surface diffusion in Co columns in Co/Ag multilayer enhances by increasing temperature from RT to ˜573 K. This results in a morphology change from columnar tilted structure to densely packed morphological isotropic multilayer.

Fabrication of Ultra-thin Color Films with Highly Absorbing Media Using Oblique Angle Deposition.

PubMed

Yoo, Young Jin; Lee, Gil Ju; Jang, Kyung-In; Song, Young Min

2017-08-29

Ultra-thin film structures have been studied extensively for use as optical coatings, but performance and fabrication challenges remain.  We present an advanced method for fabricating ultra-thin color films with improved characteristics. The proposed process addresses several fabrication issues, including large area processing. Specifically, the protocol describes a process for fabricating ultra-thin color films using an electron beam evaporator for oblique angle deposition of germanium (Ge) and gold (Au) on silicon (Si) substrates.  Film porosity produced by the oblique angle deposition induces color changes in the ultra-thin film. The degree of color change depends on factors such as deposition angle and film thickness. Fabricated samples of the ultra-thin color films showed improved color tunability and color purity. In addition, the measured reflectance of the fabricated samples was converted into chromatic values and analyzed in terms of color. Our ultra-thin film fabricating method is expected to be used for various ultra-thin film applications such as flexible color electrodes, thin film solar cells, and optical filters. Also, the process developed here for analyzing the color of the fabricated samples is broadly useful for studying various color structures.

Biological Small Angle Scattering: Techniques, Strategies and Tips

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chaudhuri, Barnali; Muñoz, Inés G.; Urban, Volker S.

This book provides a clear, comprehensible and up-to-date description of how Small Angle Scattering (SAS) can help structural biology researchers. SAS is an efficient technique that offers structural information on how biological macromolecules behave in solution. SAS provides distinct and complementary data for integrative structural biology approaches in combination with other widely used probes, such as X-ray crystallography, Nuclear magnetic resonance, Mass spectrometry and Cryo-electron Microscopy. The development of brilliant synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) beam lines has increased the number of researchers interested in solution scattering. SAS is especially useful for studying conformational changes in proteins, highly flexible proteins,more » and intrinsically disordered proteins. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) with neutron contrast variation is ideally suited for studying multi-component assemblies as well as membrane proteins that are stabilized in surfactant micelles or vesicles. SAS is also used for studying dynamic processes of protein fibrillation in amyloid diseases, and pharmaceutical drug delivery. The combination with size-exclusion chromatography further increases the range of SAS applications.The book is written by leading experts in solution SAS methodologies. The principles and theoretical background of various SAS techniques are included, along with practical aspects that range from sample preparation to data presentation for publication. Topics covered include techniques for improving data quality and analysis, as well as different scientific applications of SAS. With abundant illustrations and practical tips, we hope the clear explanations of the principles and the reviews on the latest progresses will serve as a guide through all aspects of biological solution SAS.The scope of this book is particularly relevant for structural biology researchers who are new to SAS. Advanced users of the technique will find it

Quantitative 3D determination of self-assembled structures on nanoparticles using small angle neutron scattering.

PubMed

Luo, Zhi; Marson, Domenico; Ong, Quy K; Loiudice, Anna; Kohlbrecher, Joachim; Radulescu, Aurel; Krause-Heuer, Anwen; Darwish, Tamim; Balog, Sandor; Buonsanti, Raffaella; Svergun, Dmitri I; Posocco, Paola; Stellacci, Francesco

2018-04-09

The ligand shell (LS) determines a number of nanoparticles' properties. Nanoparticles' cores can be accurately characterized; yet the structure of the LS, when composed of mixture of molecules, can be described only qualitatively (e.g., patchy, Janus, and random). Here we show that quantitative description of the LS' morphology of monodisperse nanoparticles can be obtained using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), measured at multiple contrasts, achieved by either ligand or solvent deuteration. Three-dimensional models of the nanoparticles' core and LS are generated using an ab initio reconstruction method. Characteristic length scales extracted from the models are compared with simulations. We also characterize the evolution of the LS upon thermal annealing, and investigate the LS morphology of mixed-ligand copper and silver nanoparticles as well as gold nanoparticles coated with ternary mixtures. Our results suggest that SANS combined with multiphase modeling is a versatile approach for the characterization of nanoparticles' LS.

Measurement of the Neutron Lifetime with Ultra-cold Neutrons Stored in a Magneto-gravitational Trap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ezhov, V. F.; Andreev, A. Z.; Ban, G.; Bazarov, B. A.; Geltenbort, P.; Glushkov, A. G.; Knyazkov, V. A.; Kovrizhnykh, N. A.; Krygin, G. B.; Naviliat-Cuncic, O.; Ryabov, V. L.

2018-05-01

We report a measurement of the neutron lifetime using ultra-cold neutrons stored in a magneto-gravitational trap made of permanent magnets. Neutrons surviving in the trap after fixed storage times have been counted and the trap losses have continuously been monitored during storage by detecting neutrons leaking from the trap. The value of the neutron lifetime resulting from this measurement is τ n = (878.3 ± 1.6stat ± 1.0syst) s. A unique feature of this experiment is the monitoring of leaking neutrons providing a robust control of the main systematic loss.

Micro-focused Small Angle Neutron Scattering and Imaging for Science and Engineering Using RTP--A Preliminary Study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mohamed, Abdul Aziz; Al Rashid Megat Ahmad, Megat Harun; Md Idris, Faridah

2010-01-05

Malaysian Nuclear Agency's (Nuclear Malaysia) Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) facility--(MYSANS)--is utilizing low flux of thermal neutron at the agency's 1 MW TRIGA reactor. As the design nature of the 8 m SANS facility can allow object resolution in the range between 5 and 80 nm to be obtained. It can be used to study alloys, ceramics and polymers in certain area of problems that relate to samples containing strong scatterers or contrast. The current SANS system at Malaysian Nuclear Agency is only capable to measure Q in limited range with a PSD (128x128) fixed at 4 m from themore » sample. The existing reactor hall that incorporate this MYSANS facility has a layout that prohibits the rebuilding of MYSANS therefore the position between the wavelength selector (HOPG) and sample and the PSD cannot be increased for wider Q range. The flux of the neutron at current sample holder is very low which around 10{sup 3} n/cm{sup 2}/sec. Thus it is important to rebuild the MYSANS to maximize the utilization of neutron. Over the years, the facility has undergone maintenance and some changes have been made. Modification on secondary shutter and control has been carried out to improve the safety level of the instrument. A compact micro-focus SANS method can suit this objective together with an improve cryostat system. This paper will explain some design concept and approaches in achieving higher flux and the modification needs to establish the micro-focused SANS.« less

Ultra small angle x-ray scattering in complex mixtures of triacylglycerols

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peyronel, Fernanda; Quinn, Bonnie; Marangoni, Alejandro G.; Pink, David A.

2014-11-01

Ultra-small angle x-ray scattering (USAXS) has been used to elucidate, in situ, the aggregation structure of unsheared model edible oils. Each system comprised one or two solid lipids and a combination of liquid lipids. The 3D nano- to micro-structures of each system were characterized. The length scale investigated, using the Bonse-Hart camera at beamline ID-15D at the Advanced Photon Source, ANL, ranged from 300 Å-10 µm. Using the Unified Fit model, level-1 analysis showed that the scatterers were 2D objects with either a smooth, a rough, or a diffuse surface. These 2D objects had an average radius of gyration Rg1 between 200-1500 Å. Level-2 analysis displayed a slope between -1 and -2. Use of the Guinier-Porod model gave s ≈ 1 thus showing that it was cylinders (TAGwoods) aggregating with fractal dimension 1 ≤ D2 ≤ 2. D2 = 1 is consistent with 1D structures formed from TAGwoods, while D2 = 2 implies that the TAGwoods had formed structures characteristic of diffusion or reaction limited cluster-cluster aggregation (DLCA/RLCA). These aggregates exhibited radii of gyration, Rg2, between 2500 and 6500 Å. Level-3 analyses showed diffuse surfaces, for most of the systems. These interpretations are in accord with theoretical models which studied crystalline nano-platelets (CNPs) coated with nano-scale layers arising from phase separation at the CNP surfaces. These layers could be due to either liquid-liquid phase separation with the CNPs coated, uniformly or non-uniformly, by a diffuse layer of TAGs, or solid-liquid phase separation with the CNPs coated by a rough layer of crystallites. A fundamental understanding of the self-organizing structures arising in these systems helps advance the characterization of fat crystal networks from nanometres to micrometres. This research can be used to design novel fat structures that use healthier fats via nano- and meso-scale structural engineering.

Small-angle neutron scattering study of the short-range organization of dispersed CsNi[Cr(CN){sub 6}] nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ridier, Karl; Gillon, Béatrice; André, Gilles

2015-09-21

Prussian blue analogues magnetic nanoparticles (of radius R{sub 0} = 2.4–8.6 nm) embedded in PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) or CTA{sup +} (cetyltrimethylammonium) matrices have been studied using neutron diffraction and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) at several concentrations. For the most diluted particles in neutral PVP, the SANS signal is fully accounted for by a “single-particle” spherical form factor with no structural correlations between the nanoparticles and with radii comparable to those inferred from neutron diffraction. For higher concentration in PVP, structural correlations modify the SANS signal with the appearance of a structure factor peak, which is described using an effective “mean-field” model. A newmore » length scale R{sup * }≈ 3R{sub 0}, corresponding to an effective repulsive interaction radius, is evidenced in PVP samples. In CTA{sup +}, electrostatic interactions play a crucial role and lead to a dense layer of CTA{sup +} around the nanoparticles, which considerably alter the SANS patterns as compared to PVP. The SANS data of nanoparticles in CTA{sup +} are best described by a core-shell model without visible inter-particle structure factor.« less

Joint small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering data analysis of asymmetric lipid vesicles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Eicher, Barbara; Heberle, Frederick A.; Marquardt, Drew T.

2017-02-28

Low- and high-resolution models describing the internal transbilayer structure of asymmetric lipid vesicles have been developed. These models can be used for the joint analysis of small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering data. The models describe the underlying scattering length density/electron density profiles either in terms of slabs or through the so-called scattering density profile, previously applied to symmetric lipid vesicles. Both models yield structural details of asymmetric membranes, such as the individual area per lipid, and the hydrocarbon thickness of the inner and outer bilayer leaflets. The scattering density profile model, however, comes at a cost of increased computational effortmore » but results in greater structural resolution, showing a slightly lower packing of lipids in the outer bilayer leaflet of ~120 nm diameter palmitoyloleoyl phosphatidylcholine (POPC) vesicles, compared to the inner leaflet. Here, analysis of asymmetric dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine/POPC vesicles did not reveal evidence of transbilayer coupling between the inner and outer leaflets at 323 K, i.e.above the melting transition temperature of the two lipids.« less

Small-Angle Neutron Scattering on Crosslink Distribution of Epoxy Networks.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-10-01

distinct second phase or heterogeneity has been detected. Small- angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), 1 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) ,2 electron ... paramagnetic resonance (EPR),3 and glass transition 4temperature (Tg) measurements reveal a second phase which is attri- . buted to a heterogeneous...FUNDING/SPONSORING lab. OFFICE SYMBOL 9. PROCUREMENT INSTRUMENT IDENTIFICATION NUMBER * ORGANIZATION I (If applticable)j F3361 5-84-C-5020 * Bc ADDRESS

AN ULTRA-LOW-MASS AND SMALL-RADIUS COMPACT OBJECT IN 4U 1746-37?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Zhaosheng; Qu, Zhijie; Guo, Yanjun

Photospheric radius expansion (PRE) bursts have already been used to constrain the masses and radii of neutron stars. RXTE observed three PRE bursts in 4U 1746-37, all with low touchdown fluxes. We discuss here the possibility of a low-mass neutron star in 4U 1746-37 because the Eddington luminosity depends on stellar mass. With typical values of hydrogen mass fraction and color correction factor, a Monte Carlo simulation was applied to constrain the mass and radius of a neutron star in 4U 1746-37. 4U 1746-37 has a high inclination angle. Two geometric effects, the reflection of the far-side accretion disk andmore » the obscuration of the near-side accretion disk, have also been included in the mass and radius constraints of 4U 1746-37. If the reflection of the far-side accretion disk is accounted for, a low-mass compact object (mass of 0.41 ± 0.14 M {sub ☉} and radius of 8.73 ± 1.54 km at 68% confidence) exists in 4U 1746-37. If another effect operated, 4U 1746-37 may contain an ultra-low-mass and small-radius object (M = 0.21 ± 0.06 M {sub ☉}, R = 6.26 ± 0.99 km at 68% confidence). Combining all possibilities, the mass of 4U 1746-37 is 0.41{sub −0.30}{sup +0.70} M{sub ⊙} at 99.7% confidence. For such low-mass neutron stars, it could be reproduced by a self-bound compact star, i.e., a quark star or quark-cluster star.« less

SMALL-ANGLE NEUTRON SCATTERING CHARACTERIZATION OF THE STRUCTURE OF NANOPOROUS CARBONS FOR ENERGY-RELATED APPLICATIONS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

He, Lilin; Mavila Chathoth, Suresh; Melnichenko, Yuri B

2011-01-01

We used small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and neutron contrast variation to study the structure of four nanoporouscarbons prepared by thermo-chemical etching of titanium carbide TiC in chlorine at 300, 400, 600, and 800 C with pore diameters ranging between -4 and -11 {angstrom}. SANS patterns were obtained from dry samples and samples saturated with deuterium oxide (D{sub 2}O) in order to delineate origin of the power law scattering in the low Q domain as well as to evaluate pore accessibility for D{sub 2}O molecules. SANS cross section of all samples was fitted to Debye-Anderson-Brumberger (DAB), DAB-Kirste-Porod models as well asmore » to the Guinier and modified Guinier formulae for cylindrical objects, which allowed for evaluating the radii of gyration as well as the radii and lengths of the pores under cylindrical shape approximation. SANS data from D{sub 2}O-saturated samples indicate that strong upturn in the low Q limit usually observed in the scattering patterns from microporous carbon powders is due to the scattering from outer surface of the powder particles. Micropores are only partially filled with D{sub 2}O molecules due to geometrical constraints and or partial hydrophobicity of the carbon matrix. Structural parameters of the dry carbons obtained using SANS are compared with the results of the gas sorption measurements and the values agree for carbide-derived carbons (CDCs) obtained at high chlorination temperatures (>600 C). For lower chlorination temperatures, pore radii obtained from gas sorption overestimate the actual pore size as calculated from SANS for two reasons: inaccessible small pores are present and the model-dependent fitting based on density functional theory models assumes non-spherical pores, whereas SANS clearly indicates that the pore shape in microporous CDC obtained at low chlorination temperatures is nearly spherical.« less

Preparing Monodisperse Macromolecular Samples for Successful Biological Small-Angle X-ray and Neutron Scattering Experiments

PubMed Central

Jeffries, Cy M.; Graewert, Melissa A.; Blanchet, Clément E.; Langley, David B.; Whitten, Andrew E.; Svergun, Dmitri I

2017-01-01

Small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS) are techniques used to extract structural parameters and determine the overall structures and shapes of biological macromolecules, complexes and assemblies in solution. The scattering intensities measured from a sample contain contributions from all atoms within the illuminated sample volume including the solvent and buffer components as well as the macromolecules of interest. In order to obtain structural information, it is essential to prepare an exactly matched solvent blank so that background scattering contributions can be accurately subtracted from the sample scattering to obtain the net scattering from the macromolecules in the sample. In addition, sample heterogeneity caused by contaminants, aggregates, mismatched solvents, radiation damage or other factors can severely influence and complicate data analysis so it is essential that the samples are pure and monodisperse for the duration of the experiment. This Protocol outlines the basic physics of SAXS and SANS and reveals how the underlying conceptual principles of the techniques ultimately ‘translate’ into practical laboratory guidance for the production of samples of sufficiently high quality for scattering experiments. The procedure describes how to prepare and characterize protein and nucleic acid samples for both SAXS and SANS using gel electrophoresis, size exclusion chromatography and light scattering. Also included are procedures specific to X-rays (in-line size exclusion chromatography SAXS) and neutrons, specifically preparing samples for contrast matching/variation experiments and deuterium labeling of proteins. PMID:27711050

Elucidation of spin echo small angle neutron scattering correlation functions through model studies.

PubMed

Shew, Chwen-Yang; Chen, Wei-Ren

2012-02-14

Several single-modal Debye correlation functions to approximate part of the overall Debey correlation function of liquids are closely examined for elucidating their behavior in the corresponding spin echo small angle neutron scattering (SESANS) correlation functions. We find that the maximum length scale of a Debye correlation function is identical to that of its SESANS correlation function. For discrete Debye correlation functions, the peak of SESANS correlation function emerges at their first discrete point, whereas for continuous Debye correlation functions with greater width, the peak position shifts to a greater value. In both cases, the intensity and shape of the peak of the SESANS correlation function are determined by the width of the Debye correlation functions. Furthermore, we mimic the intramolecular and intermolecular Debye correlation functions of liquids composed of interacting particles based on a simple model to elucidate their competition in the SESANS correlation function. Our calculations show that the first local minimum of a SESANS correlation function can be negative and positive. By adjusting the spatial distribution of the intermolecular Debye function in the model, the calculated SESANS spectra exhibit the profile consistent with that of hard-sphere and sticky-hard-sphere liquids predicted by more sophisticated liquid state theory and computer simulation. © 2012 American Institute of Physics

Evolution of the pore structure during the early stages of the alkali-activation reaction: An in situ small-angle neutron scattering investigation

DOE PAGES

White, Claire E.; Olds, Daniel P.; Hartl, Monika; ...

2017-02-01

The long-term durability of cement-based materials is influenced by the pore structure and associated permeability at the sub-micrometre length scale. With the emergence of new types of sustainable cements in recent decades, there is a pressing need to be able to predict the durability of these new materials, and therefore nondestructive experimental techniques capable of characterizing the evolution of the pore structure are increasingly crucial for investigating cement durability. Here, small-angle neutron scattering is used to analyze the evolution of the pore structure in alkali-activated materials over the initial 24 h of reaction in order to assess the characteristic poremore » sizes that emerge during these short time scales. By using a unified fitting approach for data modeling, information on the pore size and surface roughness is obtained for a variety of precursor chemistries and morphologies (metakaolin- and slag-based pastes). Furthermore, the impact of activator chemistry is elucidatedviathe analysis of pastes synthesized using hydroxide- and silicate-based activators. It is found that the main aspect influencing the size of pores that are accessible using small-angle neutron scattering analysis (approximately 10–500 Å in diameter) is the availability of free silica in the activating solution, which leads to a more refined pore structure with smaller average pore size. Furthermore, as the reaction progresses the gel pores visible using this scattering technique are seen to increase in size.« less

The study of the structural properties of very low viscosity sodium alginate by small-angle neutron scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badita, C. R.; Aranghel, D.; Radulescu, A.; Anitas, E. M.

2016-03-01

Sodium alginate is a linear polymer extract from brown algae and it is used in the biomedical, food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries as solution property modifiers and gelling agents. But despite the extensive studies of the alginate gelation process, still some fundamental questions remain unresolved. The fractal behavior of very low viscosity sodium alginate solutions and their influence on the critical gelation of alginate induced by Ca2+ ions were investigated using Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) measurements. SANS data are interpreted using both standard linear plots and the Beaucage model. The scattering intensity is dependent by alginate concentration and Ca2+ concentration. From a critical concentration of 1.0 % w/w our polymer swelled forming spherical structures with rough surfaces. Also the addition of the salt induces the collapse and the appearance of the aggregation and clusters formation.

Dielectric RheoSANS - Simultaneous Interrogation of Impedance, Rheology and Small Angle Neutron Scattering of Complex Fluids.

PubMed

Richards, Jeffrey J; Gagnon, Cedric V L; Krzywon, Jeffery R; Wagner, Norman J; Butler, Paul D

2017-04-10

A procedure for the operation of a new dielectric RheoSANS instrument capable of simultaneous interrogation of the electrical, mechanical and microstructural properties of complex fluids is presented. The instrument consists of a Couette geometry contained within a modified forced convection oven mounted on a commercial rheometer. This instrument is available for use on the small angle neutron scattering (SANS) beamlines at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Center for Neutron Research (NCNR). The Couette geometry is machined to be transparent to neutrons and provides for measurement of the electrical properties and microstructural properties of a sample confined between titanium cylinders while the sample undergoes arbitrary deformation. Synchronization of these measurements is enabled through the use of a customizable program that monitors and controls the execution of predetermined experimental protocols. Described here is a protocol to perform a flow sweep experiment where the shear rate is logarithmically stepped from a maximum value to a minimum value holding at each step for a specified period of time while frequency dependent dielectric measurements are made. Representative results are shown from a sample consisting of a gel composed of carbon black aggregates dispersed in propylene carbonate. As the gel undergoes steady shear, the carbon black network is mechanically deformed, which causes an initial decrease in conductivity associated with the breaking of bonds comprising the carbon black network. However, at higher shear rates, the conductivity recovers associated with the onset of shear thickening. Overall, these results demonstrate the utility of the simultaneous measurement of the rheo-electro-microstructural properties of these suspensions using the dielectric RheoSANS geometry.

Fractal Structures on Fe3O4 Ferrofluid: A Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giri Rachman Putra, Edy; Seong, Baek Seok; Shin, Eunjoo; Ikram, Abarrul; Ani, Sistin Ari; Darminto

2010-10-01

A small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) which is a powerful technique to reveal the large scale structures was applied to investigate the fractal structures of water-based Fe3O4ferrofluid, magnetic fluid. The natural magnetite Fe3O4 from iron sand of several rivers in East Java Province of Indonesia was extracted and purified using magnetic separator. Four different ferrofluid concentrations, i.e. 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 Molar (M) were synthesized through a co-precipitation method and then dispersed in tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) as surfactant. The fractal aggregates in ferrofluid samples were observed from their SANS scattering distributions confirming the correlations to their concentrations. The mass fractal dimension changed from about 3 to 2 as ferrofluid concentration increased showing a deviation slope at intermediate scattering vector q range. The size of primary magnetic particle as a building block was determined by fitting the scattering profiles with a log-normal sphere model calculation. The mean average size of those magnetic particles is about 60 - 100 Å in diameter with a particle size distribution σ = 0.5.

Interpretation of small-angle diffraction experiments on opal-like photonic crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marlow, F.; Muldarisnur, M.; Sharifi, P.; Zabel, H.

2011-08-01

Comprehensive structural information on artificial opals involving the deviations from the strongly dominating face-centered cubic structure is still missing. Recent structure investigations with neutrons and synchrotron sources have shown a high degree of order but also a number of unexpected scattering features. Here, we point out that the exclusion of the allowed 002-type diffraction peaks by a small atomic form factor is not obvious and that surface scattering has to be included as a possible source for the diffraction peaks. Our neutron diffraction data indicate that surface scattering is the main reason for the smallest-angle peaks in the diffraction patterns.

Structural changes in C–S–H gel during dissolution: Small-angle neutron scattering and Si-NMR characterization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Trapote-Barreira, Ana, E-mail: anatrapotebarreira@gmail.com; Porcar, Lionel; Large Scale Structure Group, Institut Laue Langevin, Grenoble

2015-06-15

Flow-through experiments were conducted to study the calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H) gel dissolution kinetics. During C–S–H gel dissolution the initial aqueous Ca/Si ratio decreases to reach the stoichiometric value of the Ca/Si ratio of a tobermorite-like phase (Ca/Si = 0.83). As the Ca/Si ratio decreases, the solid C–S–H dissolution rate increases from (4.5 × 10{sup −} {sup 14} to 6.7 × 10{sup −} {sup 12}) mol m{sup −} {sup 2} s{sup −} {sup 1}. The changes in the microstructure of the dissolving C–S–H gel were characterized by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and {sup 29}Si magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance ({sup 29}Si-MAS NMR). Themore » SANS data were fitted using a fractal model. The SANS specific surface area tends to increase with time and the obtained fit parameters reflect the changes in the nanostructure of the dissolving solid C–S–H within the gel. The {sup 29}Si MAS NMR analyses show that with dissolution the solid C–S–H structure tends to a more ordered tobermorite structure, in agreement with the Ca/Si ratio evolution.« less

The study of the structural properties of very low viscosity sodium alginate by small-angle neutron scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Badita, C. R., E-mail: ramona@tandem.nipne.ro; University of Bucharest, Faculty of Physics, Atomiştilor 405, CP MG - 11, RO – 077125, Bucharest-Magurele; Aranghel, D., E-mail: daranghe@nipne.ro

2016-03-25

Sodium alginate is a linear polymer extract from brown algae and it is used in the biomedical, food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries as solution property modifiers and gelling agents. But despite the extensive studies of the alginate gelation process, still some fundamental questions remain unresolved. The fractal behavior of very low viscosity sodium alginate solutions and their influence on the critical gelation of alginate induced by Ca{sup 2+} ions were investigated using Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) measurements. SANS data are interpreted using both standard linear plots and the Beaucage model. The scattering intensity is dependent by alginate concentration and Ca{supmore » 2+} concentration. From a critical concentration of 1.0 % w/w our polymer swelled forming spherical structures with rough surfaces. Also the addition of the salt induces the collapse and the appearance of the aggregation and clusters formation.« less

Application of ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering / X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy to relate equilibrium or non-equilibrium dynamics to microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allen, Andrew; Zhang, Fan; Levine, Lyle; Ilavsky, Jan

2013-03-01

Ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) can probe microstructures over the nanometer-to-micrometer scale range. Through use of a small instrument entrance slit, X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) exploits the partial coherence of an X-ray synchrotron undulator beam to provide unprecedented sensitivity to the dynamics of microstructural change. In USAXS/XPCS studies, the dynamics of local structures in a scale range of 100 nm to 1000 nm can be related to an overall hierarchical microstructure extending from 1 nm to more than 1000 nm. Using a point-detection scintillator mode, the equilibrium dynamics at ambient temperature of small particles (which move more slowly than nanoparticles) in aqueous suspension have been quantified directly for the first time. Using a USAXS-XPCS scanning mode for non-equilibrium dynamics incipient processes within dental composites have been elucidated, prior to effects becoming detectable using any other technique. Use of the Advanced Photon Source, an Office of Science User Facility operated for the United States Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) Office of Science by Argonne National Laboratory, was supported by the U.S. DOE under Contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357.

Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) Studies on the Structural Evolution of Pyromellitamide Self-assembled Gels

DOE PAGES

Scott, Jamieson; Tong, Katie; William, Hamilton; ...

2014-10-31

The kinetics of aggregation of two pyromellitamide gelators; tetrabutyl- (C4) and tetrahexylpyromellitamide (C6), in deuterated cyclohexane has been investigated by small angle neutron scattering (SANS) for up to six days. The purpose of this study was to improve our understanding of how self-assembled gels are formed. Short-term (< 3 hour) time scales revealed multiple phases with the data for the tetrabutylpyromellitamide C4 indicating one dimensional stacking and aggregation corresponding to a multi-fiber braided cluster arrangement that is about 35 Å in diameter. The corresponding tetrahexylpyromellitamide C6 data suggests that the C6 also forms one-dimensional stacks but that these aggregate tomore » a thicker multi-fiber braided cluster that have a diameter of 61.8 Å. Over a longer period of time, the radius, persistence length and contour length all continue to increase in 6 days after cooling. This data suggests that structural changes in self-assembled gels occur over a period exceeding several days and that fairly subtle changes in the structure (e.g. tail-length) can influence the packing of molecules in self-assembled gels on the single-to-few fiber bundle stage.« less

Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) studies on the structural evolution of pyromellitamide self-assembled gels.

PubMed

Jamieson, Scott A; Tong, Katie W K; Hamilton, William A; He, Lilin; James, Michael; Thordarson, Pall

2014-11-25

The kinetics of aggregation of two pyromellitamide gelators, tetrabutyl- (C4) and tetrahexyl-pyromellitamide (C6), in deuterated cyclohexane has been investigated by small angle neutron scattering (SANS) for up to 6 days. The purpose of this study was to improve our understanding of how self-assembled gels are formed. Short-term (< 3 h) time scales revealed multiple phases with the data for the tetrabutylpyromellitamide C4, indicating one-dimensional stacking and aggregation corresponding to a multifiber braided cluster arrangement that is about 35 Å in diameter. The corresponding tetrahexylpyromellitamide C6 data suggest that the C6 also forms one-dimensional stacks but that these aggregate to a thicker multifiber braided cluster that has a diameter of about 62 Å. Over a longer period of time, the radius, persistence length, and contour length all continue to increase in 6 days after cooling. These data suggest that structural changes in self-assembled gels occur over a period exceeding several days and that fairly subtle changes in the structure (e.g., tail-length) can influence the packing of molecules in self-assembled gels on the single-to-few fiber bundle stage.

Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) Studies on the Structural Evolution of Pyromellitamide Self-assembled Gels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Scott, Jamieson; Tong, Katie; William, Hamilton

The kinetics of aggregation of two pyromellitamide gelators; tetrabutyl- (C4) and tetrahexylpyromellitamide (C6), in deuterated cyclohexane has been investigated by small angle neutron scattering (SANS) for up to six days. The purpose of this study was to improve our understanding of how self-assembled gels are formed. Short-term (< 3 hour) time scales revealed multiple phases with the data for the tetrabutylpyromellitamide C4 indicating one dimensional stacking and aggregation corresponding to a multi-fiber braided cluster arrangement that is about 35 Å in diameter. The corresponding tetrahexylpyromellitamide C6 data suggests that the C6 also forms one-dimensional stacks but that these aggregate tomore » a thicker multi-fiber braided cluster that have a diameter of 61.8 Å. Over a longer period of time, the radius, persistence length and contour length all continue to increase in 6 days after cooling. This data suggests that structural changes in self-assembled gels occur over a period exceeding several days and that fairly subtle changes in the structure (e.g. tail-length) can influence the packing of molecules in self-assembled gels on the single-to-few fiber bundle stage.« less

Ultra-Wideband Angle-of-Arrival Tracking Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arndt, G. Dickey; Ngo, Phong H.; Phan, Chau T.; Gross, Julia; Ni, Jianjun; Dusl, John

2010-01-01

Systems that measure the angles of arrival of ultra-wideband (UWB) radio signals and perform triangulation by use of those angles in order to locate the sources of those signals are undergoing development. These systems were originally intended for use in tracking UWB-transmitter-equipped astronauts and mobile robots on the surfaces of remote planets during early stages of exploration, before satellite-based navigation systems become operational. On Earth, these systems could be adapted to such uses as tracking UWB-transmitter-equipped firefighters inside buildings or in outdoor wildfire areas obscured by smoke. The same characteristics that have made UWB radio advantageous for fine resolution ranging, covert communication, and ground-penetrating radar applications in military and law-enforcement settings also contribute to its attractiveness for the present tracking applications. In particular, the waveform shape and the short duration of UWB pulses make it possible to attain the high temporal resolution (of the order of picoseconds) needed to measure angles of arrival with sufficient precision, and the low power spectral density of UWB pulses enables UWB radio communication systems to operate in proximity to other radio communication systems with little or no perceptible mutual interference.

Small angle scattering from protein/sugar conjugates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jackson, Andrew; White, John

2006-11-01

The Maillard reaction between free amine groups on proteins and sugars is well known. We have examined the effect of the reaction of the casein group of milk proteins with sugars on their nanoscale structure and aggregation. The small angle neutron scattering from beta casein and sodium caseinate and their sugar conjugates have been studied as a function of solution concentration. At high conjugate concentration (greater than ca. 5 mg/ml) the addition of sugar reduces supra-micellar aggregation of the protein whilst at lower concentration, where the protein is expected to be deaggregated already, little effect is seen. Guinier analysis of the scattering data show a radius of gyration of around 75 A˚ for beta casein in solution and around 80 A˚ for the sucrose conjugate.

Solution Structure of an Intramembrane Aspartyl Protease via Small Angle Neutron Scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Naing, Swe-Htet; Oliver, Ryan C.; Weiss, Kevin L.

Intramembrane aspartyl proteases (IAPs) comprise one of four families of integral membrane proteases that hydrolyze substrates within the hydrophobic lipid bilayer. IAPs include signal peptide peptidase, which processes remnant signal peptides from nascent polypeptides in the endoplasmic reticulum, and presenilin, the catalytic component of the γ-secretase complex that processes Notch and amyloid precursor protein. Despite their broad biomedical reach, basic structure-function relationships of IAPs remain active areas of research. Characterization of membrane-bound proteins is notoriously challenging due to their inherently hydrophobic character. For IAPs, oligomerization state in solution is one outstanding question, with previous proposals for monomer, dimer, tetramer, andmore » octamer. Here we used small angle neutron scattering (SANS) to characterize n-dodecyl-β-D-maltopyranoside (DDM) detergent solutions containing and absent a microbial IAP ortholog. A unique feature of SANS is the ability to modulate the solvent composition to mask all but the enzyme of interest. The signal from the IAP was enhanced by deuteration and, uniquely, scattering from DDM and buffers were matched by the use of both tail-deuterated DDM and D 2O. The radius of gyration calculated for IAP and the corresponding ab initio consensus model are consistent with a monomer. The model is slightly smaller than the crystallographic IAP monomer, suggesting a more compact protein in solution compared with the crystal lattice. In conclusion, our study provides direct insight into the oligomeric state of purified IAP in surfactant solution, and demonstrates the utility of fully contrast-matching the detergent in SANS to characterize other intramembrane proteases and their membrane-bound substrates.« less

Solution Structure of an Intramembrane Aspartyl Protease via Small Angle Neutron Scattering

DOE PAGES

Naing, Swe-Htet; Oliver, Ryan C.; Weiss, Kevin L.; ...

2018-02-06

Intramembrane aspartyl proteases (IAPs) comprise one of four families of integral membrane proteases that hydrolyze substrates within the hydrophobic lipid bilayer. IAPs include signal peptide peptidase, which processes remnant signal peptides from nascent polypeptides in the endoplasmic reticulum, and presenilin, the catalytic component of the γ-secretase complex that processes Notch and amyloid precursor protein. Despite their broad biomedical reach, basic structure-function relationships of IAPs remain active areas of research. Characterization of membrane-bound proteins is notoriously challenging due to their inherently hydrophobic character. For IAPs, oligomerization state in solution is one outstanding question, with previous proposals for monomer, dimer, tetramer, andmore » octamer. Here we used small angle neutron scattering (SANS) to characterize n-dodecyl-β-D-maltopyranoside (DDM) detergent solutions containing and absent a microbial IAP ortholog. A unique feature of SANS is the ability to modulate the solvent composition to mask all but the enzyme of interest. The signal from the IAP was enhanced by deuteration and, uniquely, scattering from DDM and buffers were matched by the use of both tail-deuterated DDM and D 2O. The radius of gyration calculated for IAP and the corresponding ab initio consensus model are consistent with a monomer. The model is slightly smaller than the crystallographic IAP monomer, suggesting a more compact protein in solution compared with the crystal lattice. In conclusion, our study provides direct insight into the oligomeric state of purified IAP in surfactant solution, and demonstrates the utility of fully contrast-matching the detergent in SANS to characterize other intramembrane proteases and their membrane-bound substrates.« less

Recent advances in the UltraScan SOlution MOdeller (US-SOMO) hydrodynamic and small-angle scattering data analysis and simulation suite.

PubMed

Brookes, Emre; Rocco, Mattia

2018-03-28

The UltraScan SOlution MOdeller (US-SOMO) is a comprehensive, public domain, open-source suite of computer programs centred on hydrodynamic modelling and small-angle scattering (SAS) data analysis and simulation. We describe here the advances that have been implemented since its last official release (#3087, 2017), which are available from release #3141 for Windows, Linux and Mac operating systems. A major effort has been the transition from the legacy Qt3 cross platform software development and user interface library to the modern Qt5 release. Apart from improved graphical support, this has allowed the direct implementation of the newest, almost two-orders of magnitude faster version of the ZENO hydrodynamic computation algorithm for all operating systems. Coupled with the SoMo-generated bead models with overlaps, ZENO provides the most accurate translational friction computations from atomic-level structures available (Rocco and Byron Eur Biophys J 44:417-431, 2015a), with computational times comparable with or faster than those of other methods. In addition, it has allowed us to introduce the direct representation of each atom in a structure as a (hydrated) bead, opening interesting new modelling possibilities. In the small-angle scattering (SAS) part of the suite, an indirect Fourier transform Bayesian algorithm has been implemented for the computation of the pairwise distance distribution function from SAS data. Finally, the SAS HPLC module, recently upgraded with improved baseline correction and Gaussian decomposition of not baseline-resolved peaks and with advanced statistical evaluation tools (Brookes et al. J Appl Cryst 49:1827-1841, 2016), now allows automatic top-peak frame selection and averaging.

Small Angle Neutron Scattering Studies on Blends of Poly (Styrene-ran-Vinyl Phenol) with Liquid Crystalline Polyurethane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehta, Rujul

2005-03-01

Molecular composites, composed of uniformly dispersed rigid-rod liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) molecules in a flexible amorphous polymer matrix, have remained hitherto elusive due to a scarcity of miscible systems containing a LCP and an amorphous polymer. The production of such a blend, with an experimentally accessible miscibility window, has become possible by modifying the architecture of the flexible polymer, so as to induce favorable intermolecular hydrogen bonding. Specifically, liquid crystalline polyurethanes (LCPU) are found to be miscible with a copolymer of styrene and vinyl phenol; with optimum hydrogen bonding between the carbonyl groups of the urethane linkages and the hydroxyl groups present in the styrenic matrix. Availability of a truly miscible molecular composite presents a unique opportunity of studying the confirmation of polymer chains containing rigid-rods that are uniformly dispersed in a flexible coil matrix. A system consisting of the LCPU and the deuterated styrenic copolymer containing 20% vinyl phenol is examined by Small Angle Neutron Scattering at the National Center for Neutron Research at Gaithersburg and Technology, and the Institute of Solid State Research (IFF) at Jülich. Scattering curves for neat dPS-VPh did not fit the Debye-Bueche model; indicating complex structure. A two correlation length Debye-Bueche model was considered to accommodate for this nonlinear behavior. This model utilizes four fitting parameters, including two correlation lengths a1 and a2, corresponding to a Debye-Bueche model and Guinier model.

Initial characterization of mudstone nanoporosity with small angle neutron scattering using caprocks from carbon sequestration sites.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McCray, John; Navarre-Sitchler, Alexis; Mouzakis, Katherine

Geological carbon sequestration relies on the principle that CO{sub 2} injected deep into the subsurface is unable to leak to the atmosphere. Structural trapping by a relatively impermeable caprock (often mudstone such as a shale) is the main trapping mechanism that is currently relied on for the first hundreds of years. Many of the pores of the caprock are of micrometer to nanometer scale. However, the distribution, geometry and volume of porosity at these scales are poorly characterized. Differences in pore shape and size can cause variation in capillary properties and fluid transport resulting in fluid pathways with different capillarymore » entry pressures in the same sample. Prediction of pore network properties for distinct geologic environments would result in significant advancement in our ability to model subsurface fluid flow. Specifically, prediction of fluid flow through caprocks of geologic CO{sub 2} sequestration reservoirs is a critical step in evaluating the risk of leakage to overlying aquifers. The micro- and nanoporosity was analyzed in four mudstones using small angle neutron scattering (SANS). These mudstones are caprocks of formations that are currently under study or being used for carbon sequestration projects and include the Marine Tuscaloosa Group, the Lower Tuscaloosa Group, the upper and lower shale members of the Kirtland Formation, and the Pennsylvanian Gothic shale. Total organic carbon varies from <0.3% to 4% by weight. Expandable clay contents range from 10% to {approx}40% in the Gothic shale and Kirtland Formation, respectively. Neutrons effectively scatter from interfaces between materials with differing scattering length density (i.e. minerals and pores). The intensity of scattered neutrons, I(Q), where Q is the scattering vector, gives information about the volume of pores and their arrangement in the sample. The slope of the scattering data when plotted as log I(Q) vs. log Q provides information about the fractality or

Characterization of nanoparticles of lidocaine in w/o microemulsions using small-angle neutron scattering and dynamic light scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shukla, A.; Kiselev, M. A.; Hoell, A.; Neubert, R. H. H.

2004-08-01

Microemulsions (MEs) are of special interest because a variety of Reactants can be introduced into the nanometer-sized aqueous domains, leading to materials with controlled size and shape [1,2]. In the past few years, significant research has been conducted in the reverse ME-mediated synthesis of organic nanoparticles [3,4]. In this study, a w/o ME medium was employed for the synthesis of lidocaine by direct precipitation in w/o microemulsion systems: water/isopropylpalmitat/Tween80/Span80. The particle size as well as the location of nanoparticles in the ME droplet were characterized by means of dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small angle neutron scattering (SANS). It is observed that lidocaine precipitated in the aqueous cores because of its insolubility in water. Hydrodynamic radius and gyration radius of microemulsion droplets were estimated as ~15 nm and ~4.50 nm from DLS and SANS respectively. Furthermore, different size parameters obtained by DLS and SANS experiments were compared

Small angle neutron scattering study of polyelectrolyte brushes grafted to well-defined gold nanoparticle interfaces.

PubMed

Jia, Haidong; Grillo, Isabelle; Titmuss, Simon

2010-05-18

Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) has been used to study the conformations, and response to added salt, of a polyelectrolyte layer grafted to the interfaces of well-defined gold nanoparticles. The polyelectrolyte layer is prepared at a constant coverage by grafting thiol-functionalized polystyrene (M(w) = 53k) to gold nanoparticles of well-defined interfacial curvature (R(c) = 26.5 nm) followed by a soft-sulfonation of 38% of the segments to sodium polystyrene sulfonate (NaPSS). The SANS profiles can be fit by Fermi-Dirac distributions that are consistent with a Gaussian distribution but are better described by a parabolic distribution plus an exponential tail, particularly in the high salt regime. These distributions are consistent with the predictions and measurements for osmotic and salted brushes at interfaces of low curvature. When the concentration of added salt exceeds the concentration of counterions inside the brush, there is a salt-induced deswelling, but even at the highest salt concentration the brush remains significantly swollen due to a short-ranged excluded volume interaction. This is responsible for the observed resistance to aggregation of these comparatively high concentration polyelectrolyte stabilized gold nanoparticle dispersions even in the presence of a high concentration of added salt.

Model-based Approaches for the Determination of Lipid Bilayer Structure from Small-Angle Neutron and X-ray Scattering Data

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Heberle, Frederick A; Pan, Jianjun; Standaert, Robert F

2012-01-01

Some of our recent work has resulted in the detailed structures of fully hydrated, fluid phase phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) bilayers. These structures were obtained from the joint refinement of small-angle neutron and X-ray data using the scattering density profile (SDP) models developed by Ku erka et al. (Ku erka et al. 2012; Ku erka et al. 2008). In this review, we first discuss models for the standalone analysis of neutron or X-ray scattering data from bilayers, and assess the strengths and weaknesses inherent in these models. In particular, it is recognized that standalone data do not contain enoughmore » information to fully resolve the structure of inherently disordered fluid bilayers, and therefore may not provide a robust determination of bilayer structural parameters, including the much sought after area per lipid. We then discuss the development of matter density-based models (including the SDP model) that allow for the joint refinement of different contrast neutron and X-ray data sets, as well as the implementation of local volume conservation in the unit cell (i.e., ideal packing). Such models provide natural definitions of bilayer thicknesses (most importantly the hydrophobic and Luzzati thicknesses) in terms of Gibbs dividing surfaces, and thus allow for the robust determination of lipid areas through equivalent slab relationships between bilayer thickness and lipid volume. In the final section of this review, we discuss some of the significant findings/features pertaining to structures of PC and PG bilayers as determined from SDP model analyses.« less

Small Angle X-ray and Neutron Scattering: Powerful Tools for Studying the Structure of Drug-Loaded Liposomes

PubMed Central

Di Cola, Emanuela; Grillo, Isabelle; Ristori, Sandra

2016-01-01

Nanovectors, such as liposomes, micelles and lipid nanoparticles, are recognized as efficient platforms for delivering therapeutic agents, especially those with low solubility in water. Besides being safe and non-toxic, drug carriers with improved performance should meet the requirements of (i) appropriate size and shape and (ii) cargo upload/release with unmodified properties. Structural issues are of primary importance to control the mechanism of action of loaded vectors. Overall properties, such as mean diameter and surface charge, can be obtained using bench instruments (Dynamic Light Scattering and Zeta potential). However, techniques with higher space and time resolution are needed for in-depth structural characterization. Small-angle X-ray (SAXS) and neutron (SANS) scattering techniques provide information at the nanoscale and have therefore been largely used to investigate nanovectors loaded with drugs or other biologically relevant molecules. Here we revise recent applications of these complementary scattering techniques in the field of drug delivery in pharmaceutics and medicine with a focus to liposomal carriers. In particular, we highlight those aspects that can be more commonly accessed by the interested users. PMID:27043614

Magnetic small-angle neutron scattering on bulk metallic glasses: A feasibility study for imaging displacement fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mettus, Denis; Deckarm, Michael; Leibner, Andreas; Birringer, Rainer; Stolpe, Moritz; Busch, Ralf; Honecker, Dirk; Kohlbrecher, Joachim; Hautle, Patrick; Niketic, Nemanja; Fernández, Jesús Rodríguez; Barquín, Luis Fernández; Michels, Andreas

2017-12-01

Magnetic-field-dependent small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) has been utilized to study the magnetic microstructure of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs). In particular, the magnetic scattering from soft magnetic Fe70Mo5Ni5P12.5B2.5C5 and hard magnetic (Nd60Fe30Al10) 92Ni8 alloys in the as-prepared, aged, and mechanically deformed state is compared. While the soft magnetic BMGs exhibit a large field-dependent SANS response with perturbations originating predominantly from spatially varying magnetic anisotropy fields, the SANS cross sections of the hard magnetic BMGs are only weakly dependent on the field, and their angular anisotropy indicates the presence of scattering contributions due to spatially dependent saturation magnetization. Moreover, we observe an unusual increase in the magnetization of the rare-earth-based alloy after deformation. Analysis of the SANS cross sections in terms of the correlation function of the spin misalignment reveals the existence of field-dependent anisotropic long-wavelength magnetization fluctuations on a scale of a few tens of nanometers. We also give a detailed account of how the SANS technique relates to unraveling displacement fields on a mesoscopic length scale in disordered magnetic materials.

Mean-field Ising crossover and the critical exponents γ, ν, and η for a polymer blend: d-PB/PS studied by small-angle neutron scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janssen, S.; Schwahn, D.; Springer, T.

1992-05-01

The critical behavior of the polymer blend d-PB/PS was investigated by small-angle neutron scattering experiments. 3D Ising behavior was clearly observed with the critical exponents γ=1.26+/-0.01, ν=0.59+/-0.01, and η=0.047+/-0.004. The crossover to mean-field behavior occurs at T*=Tc+5.4 K. This is compared with the results of other experiments and the Landau-Ginzburg criterion. The Q dependence of the structure factor S(Q) follows the Ornstein-Zernike form in both regimes.

Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Studies of Magnetic Correlation Lengths in Nanoparticle Assemblies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majetich, Sara

2009-03-01

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements of ordered arrays of surfactant-coated magnetic nanoparticle reveal characteristic length scales associated with interparticle and intraparticle magnetic ordering. The high degree of uniformity in the monodisperse nanoparticle size and spacing leads to a pronounced diffraction peak and allows for a straightforward determination of these length scales [1]. There are notable differences in these length scales depending on the particle moment, which depends on the material (Fe, Co, Fe3O4) and diameter, and also on whether the metal particle core is surrounded by an oxide shell. For 8.5 nm particles containing an Fe core and thick Fe3O4 shell, evidence of a spin flop phase is seen in the magnetite shell when a field is applied , but not when the shell thickness is ˜0.5 nm [2]. 8.0 nm particles with an e-Co core and 0.75 nm CoO shell show no exchange bias effects while similar particles with a 2 nm thick shell so significant training effects below 90 K. Polarized SANS studied of 7 nm Fe3O4 nanoparticle assemblies show the ability to resolve the magnetization components in 3D. [4pt] [1] M. Sachan, C. Bonnoit, S. A. Majetich, Y. Ijiri, P. O. Mensah-Bonsu, J. A. Borchers, and J. J. Rhyne, Appl. Phys. Lett. 92, 152503 (2008). [0pt] [2] Yumi Ijiri, Christopher V. Kelly, Julie A. Borchers, James J. Rhyne, Dorothy F. Farrell, Sara A. Majetich, Appl. Phys. Lett. 86, 243102-243104 (2005). [0pt] [3] K. L. Krycka, R. Booth, J. A. Borchers, W. C. Chen, C. Conlon, T. Gentile, C. Hogg, Y. Ijiri, M. Laver, B. B. Maranville, S. A. Majetich, J. Rhyne, and S. M. Watson, Physica B (submitted).

Effect of annealing conditions on the microstructure and magnetic properties of sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets as seen by magnetic small-angle neutron scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Périgo, Élio A.; Titov, Ivan; Weber, Raoul; Mettus, Denis; Peral, Inma; Vallcorba, Oriol; Honecker, Dirk; Feoktystov, Artem; Michels, Andreas

2018-03-01

We have investigated the effect of the annealing conditions (heating rate and temperature) on the magnetic microstructure of sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets by means of magnetometry, scanning electron microscopy, high-energy synchrotron x-ray diffraction, and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). While the temperature treatment has a strong effect on the coercivity (reduction by about 50% on annealing), the associated changes in the microstructure do surprisingly not show up (or at best only very weakly) in the neutron-scattering signal, which probes a mesoscopic real-space length scale ranging between about 1–300 nm. On the other hand, the x-ray data reveal microstructural changes in the Nd-rich phases, presumably due to modifications in grain-boundary regions. Moreover, we observe an unusual diamond-shaped angular anisotropy in the SANS cross section, which strongly points towards the existence of texture in the nuclear microstructure.

Small Angle Neutron-Scattering Studies of the Core Structure of Intact Neurosecretory Vesicles.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krueger, Susan Takacs

Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) was used to study the state of the dense cores within intact neurosecretory vesicles. These vesicles transport the neurophysin proteins, along with their associated hormones, oxytocin or vasopressin, from the posterior pituitary gland to the bloodstream, where the entire vesicle contents are released. Knowledge of the vesicle core structure is important in developing an understanding of this release mechanism. Since the core constituents exist in a dense state at concentrations which cannot be reproduced (in solution) in the laboratory, a new method was developed to determine the core structure from SANS experiments performed on intact neurosecretory vesicles. These studies were complemented by biochemical assays performed to determine the role, if any, played by phospholipids in the interactions between the core constituents. H_2O/D_2 O ratio in the solvent can be adjusted, using the method of contrast variation, such that the scattering due to the vesicle membranes is minimized, thus emphasizing the scattering originating from the cores. The applicability of this method for examining the interior of biological vesicles was tested by performing an initial study on human red blood cells, which are similar in structure to other biological vesicles. Changes in intermolecular hemoglobin interactions, occurring when the ionic strength of the solvent was varied or when the cells were deoxygenated, were examined. The results agreed with those expected for dense protein solutions, indicating that the method developed was suitable for the study of hemoglobin within the cells. Similar SANS studies were then performed on intact neurosecretory vesicles. The experimental results were inconsistent with model calculations which assumed that the cores consisted of small, densely-packed particles or large, globular aggregates. Although a unique model could not be determined, the data suggest that the core constituents form long aggregates of

Structure-Property Relationships of Architectural Coatings by Neutron Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakatani, Alan

2015-03-01

Architectural coatings formulations are multi-component mixtures containing latex polymer binder, pigment, rheology modifiers, surfactants, and colorants. In order to achieve the desired flow properties for these formulations, measures of the underlying structure of the components as a function of shear rate and the impact of formulation variables on the structure is necessary. We have conducted detailed measurements to understand the evolution under shear of local microstructure and larger scale mesostructure in model architectural coatings formulations by small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and ultra small angle neutron scattering (USANS), respectively. The SANS results show an adsorbed layer of rheology modifier molecules exist on the surface of the latex particles. However, the additional hydrodynamic volume occupied by the adsorbed surface layer is insufficient to account for the observed viscosity by standard hard sphere suspension models (Krieger-Dougherty). The USANS results show the presence of latex aggregates, which are fractal in nature. These fractal aggregates are the primary structures responsible for coatings formulation viscosity. Based on these results, a new model for the viscosity of coatings formulations has been developed, which is capable of reproducing the observed viscosity behavior.

Structural characterization of the phospholipid stabilizer layer at the solid-liquid interface of dispersed triglyceride nanocrystals with small-angle x-ray and neutron scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmiele, Martin; Schindler, Torben; Unruh, Tobias; Busch, Sebastian; Morhenn, Humphrey; Westermann, Martin; Steiniger, Frank; Radulescu, Aurel; Lindner, Peter; Schweins, Ralf; Boesecke, Peter

2013-06-01

Dispersions of crystalline nanoparticles with at least one sufficiently large unit cell dimension can give rise to Bragg reflections in the small-angle scattering range. If the nanocrystals possess only a small number of unit cells along these particular crystallographic directions, the corresponding Bragg reflections will be broadened. In a previous study of phospholipid stabilized dispersions of β-tripalmitin platelets [Unruh, J. Appl. Crystallogr.JACGAR0021-889810.1107/S0021889807044378 40, 1008 (2007)], the x-ray powder pattern simulation analysis (XPPSA) was developed. The XPPSA method facilitates the interpretation of the rather complicated small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) curves of such dispersions of nanocrystals. The XPPSA method yields the distribution function of the platelet thicknesses and facilitates a structural characterization of the phospholipid stabilizer layer at the solid-liquid interface between the nanocrystals and the dispersion medium from the shape of the broadened 001 Bragg reflection. In this contribution an improved and extended version of the XPPSA method is presented. The SAXS and small-angle neutron scattering patterns of dilute phospholipid stabilized tripalmitin dispersions can be reproduced on the basis of a consistent simulation model for the particles and their phospholipid stabilizer layer on an absolute scale. The results indicate a surprisingly flat arrangement of the phospholipid molecules in the stabilizer layer with a total thickness of only 12 Å. The stabilizer layer can be modeled by an inner shell for the fatty acid chains and an outer shell including the head groups and additional water. The experiments support a dense packing of the phospholipid molecules on the nanocrystal surfaces rather than isolated phospholipid domains.

Small angle neutron scattering analyses and high temperature mechanical properties of nano-structured oxide dispersion strengthened steels produced via cryomilling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Jeoung Han; Byun, Thak Sang; Shin, Eunjoo

2015-08-17

Three oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) steels are produced in order to investigate the effect of the mechanical alloying (MA) temperature on the microstructural evolution and high temperature mechanical properties. The microstructural evolution with different MA conditions is examined using small angle neutron scattering. As the MA temperature decreases, the density of the nanoclusters below 10 nm increases and their mean diameter decreases. A low temperature during MA leads to a high strength in the compression tests performed at 500 *C; however, this effect disappears in testing at 900 *C. The milling process at *70 *C exhibits excellent high fracture toughness, whichmore » is better than the benchmark material 14YWT-SM10. However, the *150 *C milling process results in significantly worse fracture toughness properties. The reasons for this strong temperature dependency are discussed.« less

Effective interactions in lysozyme aqueous solutions: a small-angle neutron scattering and computer simulation study.

PubMed

Abramo, M C; Caccamo, C; Costa, D; Pellicane, G; Ruberto, R; Wanderlingh, U

2012-01-21

We report protein-protein structure factors of aqueous lysozyme solutions at different pH and ionic strengths, as determined by small-angle neutron scattering experiments. The observed upturn of the structure factor at small wavevectors, as the pH increases, marks a crossover between two different regimes, one dominated by repulsive forces, and another one where attractive interactions become prominent, with the ensuing development of enhanced density fluctuations. In order to rationalize such experimental outcome from a microscopic viewpoint, we have carried out extensive simulations of different coarse-grained models. We have first studied a model in which macromolecules are described as soft spheres interacting through an attractive r(-6) potential, plus embedded pH-dependent discrete charges; we show that the uprise undergone by the structure factor is qualitatively predicted. We have then studied a Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) model, in which only central interactions are advocated; we demonstrate that this model leads to a protein-rich/protein-poor coexistence curve that agrees quite well with the experimental counterpart; experimental correlations are instead reproduced only at low pH and ionic strengths. We have finally investigated a third, "mixed" model in which the central attractive term of the DLVO potential is imported within the distributed-charge approach; it turns out that the different balance of interactions, with a much shorter-range attractive contribution, leads in this latter case to an improved agreement with the experimental crossover. We discuss the relationship between experimental correlations, phase coexistence, and features of effective interactions, as well as possible paths toward a quantitative prediction of structural properties of real lysozyme solutions. © 2012 American Institute of Physics

Fabrication of zero contact angle ultra-super hydrophilic surfaces.

PubMed

Jothi Prakash, C G; Clement Raj, C; Prasanth, R

2017-06-15

Zero contact angle surfaces have been created with the combined effect of nanostructure and UV illumination. The contact angle of titanium surface has been optimized to 3.25°±1°. with nanotubular structures through electrochemical surface modification. The porosity and surface energy of tubular TiO 2 layer play critical role over the surface wettability and the hydrophilicity of the surface. The surface free energy has been enhanced from 23.72mJ/m 2 (bare titanium surface) to 87.11mJ/m 2 (nanotubular surface). Similar surface with TiO 2 nanoparticles coating shows superhydrophilicity with contact angle up to 5.63°±0.95°. This implies liquid imbibition and surface curvature play a crucial role in surface hydrophilicity. The contact angle has been further reduced to 0°±0.86° by illuminating the surface with UV radiation. Results shows that by tuning the nanotube morphology, highly porous surfaces can be fabricated to reduce contact angle and enhance wettability. This study provides an insight into the inter-relationship between surface structural factors and ultra-superhydrophilic surfaces which can help to optimize thermal hydraulic and self cleaning surfaces. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Interaction of the Full-length Bax Protein with Biomimetic Mitochondrial Liposomes: A Small-Angle Neutron Scattering and Fluorescence Study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Satsoura, D; Kucerka, Norbert; Shivakumar, S

2012-01-01

In response to apoptotic stimuli, the pro-apoptotic protein Bax inserts in the outer mitochondrial membrane, resulting in the formation of pores and the release of several mitochondrial components, and sealing the cell's fate. To study the binding of Bax to membranes, we used an in vitro system consisting of 50 nm diameter liposomes prepared with a lipid composition mimicking that of mitochondrial membranes in which recombinant purified full-length Bax was inserted via activation with purified tBid. We detected the association of the protein with the membrane using fluorescence fluctuation methods, and found that it could well be described by anmore » equilibrium between soluble and membrane-bound Bax and that at a high protein-toliposome ratio the binding seemed to saturate at about 15 Bax proteins per 50 nm diameter liposome. We then obtained structural data for samples in this saturated binding regime using small-angle neutron scattering under different contrast matching conditions. Utilizing a simple model to fit the neutron data, we observed that a significant amount of the protein mass protrudes above the membrane, in contrast to the conjecture that all of the membrane-associated Bax states are umbrella-like. Upon protein binding, we also observed a thinning of the lipid bilayer accompanied by an increase in liposome radius, an effect reminiscent of the action of antimicrobial peptides on membranes.« less

Small-angle neutron scattering study of a dense microemulsion system formed with an ionic liquid

DOE PAGES

Kang, T.; Qian, S.; Smith, G. S.; ...

2017-09-07

Mixtures of water, octane and 1-octanol with 1-tetradecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (C14MIM·Cl), often referred to as a surface active ionic liquid (SAIL), form water-in-oil microemulsions that have potential application as extraction media for various metal ions. Here in this work, we present a structural study by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) of dense microemulsions formed by surfactant-rich mixtures of these four compounds to understand how the SAIL can be used to tune the structures and properties of the microemulsions. The SANS experiments revealed that the microemulsions formed are composed of two phases, a water-in-oil microemulsion and a bicontinuous microemulsion, which becomes the dominantmore » phase at high surfactant concentration. In this concentration regime, the surfactant film becomes more rigid, having a higher bending modulus that results from the parallel stacking of the imidazolium ring of the SAIL. At lower surfactant concentrations, the molecular packing of the SAIL does not change with the water content of the microemulsion. Finally, the results presented here correlate well with previously observed changes in the interaction between the IL cation and metal ions (Y. Tong, L. Han and Y. Yang, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 2012, 51, 16438–16443), while the capacity of the microemulsion system for water remains high enough for using the system as an extraction medium.« less

Small-angle neutron scattering study of a dense microemulsion system formed with an ionic liquid

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kang, T.; Qian, S.; Smith, G. S.

Mixtures of water, octane and 1-octanol with 1-tetradecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (C14MIM·Cl), often referred to as a surface active ionic liquid (SAIL), form water-in-oil microemulsions that have potential application as extraction media for various metal ions. Here in this work, we present a structural study by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) of dense microemulsions formed by surfactant-rich mixtures of these four compounds to understand how the SAIL can be used to tune the structures and properties of the microemulsions. The SANS experiments revealed that the microemulsions formed are composed of two phases, a water-in-oil microemulsion and a bicontinuous microemulsion, which becomes the dominantmore » phase at high surfactant concentration. In this concentration regime, the surfactant film becomes more rigid, having a higher bending modulus that results from the parallel stacking of the imidazolium ring of the SAIL. At lower surfactant concentrations, the molecular packing of the SAIL does not change with the water content of the microemulsion. Finally, the results presented here correlate well with previously observed changes in the interaction between the IL cation and metal ions (Y. Tong, L. Han and Y. Yang, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 2012, 51, 16438–16443), while the capacity of the microemulsion system for water remains high enough for using the system as an extraction medium.« less

Preliminary analysis of the distribution of water in human hair by small-angle neutron scattering.

PubMed

Kamath, Yash; Murthy, N Sanjeeva; Ramaprasad, Ram

2014-01-01

Diffusion and distribution of water in hair can reveal the internal structure of hair that determines the penetration of various products used to treat hair. The distribution of water into different morphological components in unmodified hair, cuticle-free hair, and hair saturated with oil at various levels of humidity was examined using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) by substituting water with deuterium oxide (D(2)O). Infrared spectroscopy was used to follow hydrogen-deuterium exchange. Water present in hair gives basically two types of responses in SANS: (i) interference patterns, and (ii) central diffuse scattering (CDS) around the beam stop. The amount of water in the matrix between the intermediate filaments that gives rise to interference patterns remained essentially constant over the 50-98% humidity range without swelling this region of the fiber extensively. This observation suggests that a significant fraction of water in the hair, which contributes to the CDS, is likely located in a different morphological region of hair that is more like pores in a fibrous structure, which leads to significant additional swelling of the fiber. Comparison of the scattering of hair treated with oil shows that soybean oil, which diffuses less into hair, allows more water into hair than coconut oil. These preliminary results illustrate the utility of SANS for evaluating and understanding the diffusion of deuterated liquids into different morphological structures in hair.

Probing the anisotropic vortex lattice in the Fe-based superconductor KFe2As2 using small angle neutron scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Debeer-Schmitt, Lisa M; Dewhurst, Charles; Kikuchi, Hiroko

Using small angle neutron scattering, the anisotropy of the magnetic vortex lattice (VL), in the heavily hole-doped pnictide superconductor, KFe2As2, was studied. Well-ordered VL scattering patterns were measured with elds applied in directions between B k c and the basal plane, rotating either towards [100] or [110]. Slightly distorted hexagonal patterns were observed when B k c. However, the scattering pattern distorted strongly as the eld was rotated away from the c- axis. At low eld, the arrangement of vortices is strongly aected by the anisotropy of penetration depth in the plane perpendicular to the eld. By tting the distortionmore » with the anisotropic London model, we obtained an estimate of 3:4 for the anisotropy factor, , between the in-plane and c-axis penetration depths at the lowest temperature studied. The results further reveal VL phase transitions as a function of eld direction. We discuss these transitions using the "Hairy Ball" theorem.« less

Modified interactions among globular proteins below isoelectric point in the presence of mono-, di- and tri-valent ions: A small angle neutron scattering study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Kaushik; Kundu, Sarathi; Mehan, Sumit; Aswal, V. K.

2016-02-01

Both short range attraction and long range electrostatic repulsion exist among globular protein Bovine Serum Albumin in solution below its isoelectric point (pI ≈ 4.8). At pD ≈ 4.0, below pI, protein has a net positive surface charge although local charge inhomogeneity presents. Small angle neutron scattering study reveals that in the presence of both mono-(Na+) and di-(Ni2+) valent ions attractive interaction increases and repulsive interaction decreases with the increase of salt concentration. However, for tri-valent (Fe3+) ions, both attractive and repulsive interaction increases with increasing salt concentration but the relative strength of repulsion is more than the attraction.

Porosity of the Marcellus Shale: A contrast matching small-angle neutron scattering study

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bahadur, Jitendra; Ruppert, Leslie F.; Pipich, Vitaliy; Sakurovs, Richard; Melnichenko, Yuri B.

2018-01-01

Neutron scattering techniques were used to determine the effect of mineral matter on the accessibility of water and toluene to pores in the Devonian Marcellus Shale. Three Marcellus Shale samples, representing quartz-rich, clay-rich, and carbonate-rich facies, were examined using contrast matching small-angle neutron scattering (CM-SANS) at ambient pressure and temperature. Contrast matching compositions of H2O, D2O and toluene, deuterated toluene were used to probe open and closed pores of these three shale samples. Results show that although the mean pore radius was approximately the same for all three samples, the fractal dimension of the quartz-rich sample was higher than for the clay-rich and carbonate-rich samples, indicating different pore size distributions among the samples. The number density of pores was highest in the clay-rich sample and lowest in the quartz-rich sample. Contrast matching with water and toluene mixtures shows that the accessibility of pores to water and toluene also varied among the samples. In general, water accessed approximately 70–80% of the larger pores (>80 nm radius) in all three samples. At smaller pore sizes (~5–80 nm radius), the fraction of accessible pores decreases. The lowest accessibility to both fluids is at pore throat size of ~25 nm radii with the quartz-rich sample exhibiting lower accessibility than the clay- and carbonate-rich samples. The mechanism for this behaviour is unclear, but because the mineralogy of the three samples varies, it is likely that the inaccessible pores in this size range are associated with organics and not a specific mineral within the samples. At even smaller pore sizes (~<2.5 nm radius), in all samples, the fraction of accessible pores to water increases again to approximately 70–80%. Accessibility to toluene generally follows that of water; however, in the smallest pores (~<2.5 nm radius), accessibility to toluene decreases, especially in the clay-rich sample which

Characterisation of large scale structures in starch granules via small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering.

PubMed

Doutch, James; Gilbert, Elliot P

2013-01-02

Small angle scattering (SAS) techniques have a distinguished track record in illuminating the semi-crystalline lamellar structure of the starch granule. To date, there have been few attempts to use SAS techniques to characterise larger-scale structures reported from imaging techniques such as growth rings, blocklets or pores, nor how these structures would modulate the well-known scattering arising from the semi-crystalline lamellar structure. In this study, SAS data collected over an extended q range were gathered from dry and hydrated starch powders from varied botanical sources. The use of neutrons and X-rays, as well as comparing dry and hydrated granules, allowed different levels of contrast in scattering length density to be probed and therefore selected structural regions to be highlighted. The lowest q range, 0.002-0.04 Å(-1), was found to be dominated by scattering from the starch granules themselves, especially in the dry powders; however an inflection point from a low contrast structure was observed at 0.035 Å(-1). The associated scattering was interpreted within a unified scattering framework with the inflexion point correlating with a structure with radius of gyration ~90 Å - a size comparable to small blocklets or superhelices. In hydrated starches, it is observed that there is an inflection point between lamellar and q(-4) power-law scattering regions at approximately 0.004 Å(-1) which may correlate with growth rings and large blocklets. The implications of these findings on existing models of starch lamellar scattering are discussed. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Two hump-shaped angular distributions of neutrons and soft X-rays in a small plasma focus device.

PubMed

Habibi, Morteza

2018-03-01

Angular distributions of soft X-rays (SXRs) and neutrons emitted by a small plasma focus device (PFD) were investigated simultaneously using TLD-100 dosimeters and Geiger-Muller activation counters, respectively. The distributions represented two humps with a small dip at the angular position 0° and reduced from the angles of ± 15° and ± 30° for the neutrons and SXRs, respectively. The maximum yield of 2.98 × 10 8 neutrons per shot of the device was obtained at 13.5kV and 6.5mbar. A time of flight (TOF) of 75.2ns between the hard X-ray and the neutron peaks corresponds to neutrons with energy of 2.67MeV. A similar behavior was observed between the angular distributions of neutron and soft X-ray emissions. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Small angle neutron scattering study of sodium dodecyl sulfate micellar growth driven by addition of a hydrotropic salt.

PubMed

Hassan, P A; Fritz, Gerhard; Kaler, Eric W

2003-01-01

The structures of aggregates formed in aqueous solutions of an anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), with the addition of a cationic hydrotropic salt, p-toluidine hydrochloride (PTHC), have been investigated by small angle neutron scattering (SANS). The SANS spectra exhibit a pronounced peak at low salt concentration, indicating the presence of repulsive intermicellar interactions. Model-independent real space information about the structure is obtained from a generalized indirect Fourier transformation (GIFT) technique in combination with a suitable model for the interparticle structure factor. The interparticle interaction is captured using the rescaled mean spherical approximation (RMSA) closure relation and a Yukawa form of the interaction potential. Further quantification of the geometrical parameters of the micelles was achieved by a complete fit of the SANS data using a prolate ellipsoidal form factor and the RMSA structure factor. The present study shows that PTHC induces a decrease in the fractional charge of the micelles due to adsorption at the micellar surface and consequent growth of the SDS micelles from nearly globular to rodlike as the concentration of PTHC increases.

Characterization of polymer adsorption onto drug nanoparticles using depletion measurements and small-angle neutron scattering.

PubMed

Goodwin, Daniel J; Sepassi, Shadi; King, Stephen M; Holland, Simon J; Martini, Luigi G; Lawrence, M Jayne

2013-11-04

Production of polymer and/or surfactant-coated crystalline nanoparticles of water-insoluble drugs (nanosuspensions) using wet bead milling is an important formulation approach to improve the bioavailability of said compounds. Despite the fact that there are a number of nanosuspensions on the market, there is still a deficiency in the characterization of these nanoparticles where further understanding may lead to the rational selection of polymer/surfactant. To this end small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements were performed on drug nanoparticles milled in the presence of a range of polymers of varying molecular weight. Isotopic substitution of the aqueous solvent to match the scattering length density of the drug nanoparticles (i.e., the technique of contrast matching) meant that neutron scattering resulted only from the adsorbed polymer layer. The layer thickness and amount of hydroxypropylcellulose adsorbed on nabumetone nanoparticles derived from fitting the SANS data to both model-independent and model dependent volume fraction profiles were insensitive to polymer molecular weight over the range Mv = 47-112 kg/mol, indicating that the adsorbed layer is relatively flat but with tails extending up to approximately 23 nm. The constancy of the absorbed amount is in agreement with the adsorption isotherm determined by measuring polymer depletion from solution in the presence of the nanoparticles. Insensitivity to polymer molecular weight was similarly determined using SANS measurements of nabumetone or halofantrine nanoparticles stabilized with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose or poly(vinylpyrrolidone). Additionally SANS studies revealed the amount adsorbed, and the thickness of the polymer layer was dependent on both the nature of the polymer and drug particle surface. The insensitivity of the adsorbed polymer layer to polymer molecular weight has important implications for the production of nanoparticles, suggesting that lower molecular weight polymers

Ultra-wideband, Wide Angle and Polarization-insensitive Specular Reflection Reduction by Metasurface based on Parameter-adjustable Meta-Atoms.

PubMed

Su, Jianxun; Lu, Yao; Zhang, Hui; Li, Zengrui; Lamar Yang, Yaoqing; Che, Yongxing; Qi, Kainan

2017-02-09

In this paper, an ultra-wideband, wide angle and polarization-insensitive metasurface is designed, fabricated, and characterized for suppressing the specular electromagnetic wave reflection or backward radar cross section (RCS). Square ring structure is chosen as the basic meta-atoms. A new physical mechanism based on size adjustment of the basic meta-atoms is proposed for ultra-wideband manipulation of electromagnetic (EM) waves. Based on hybrid array pattern synthesis (APS) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, the selection and distribution of the basic meta-atoms are optimized simultaneously to obtain the ultra-wideband diffusion scattering patterns. The metasurface can achieve an excellent RCS reduction in an ultra-wide frequency range under x- and y-polarized normal incidences. The new proposed mechanism greatly extends the bandwidth of RCS reduction. The simulation and experiment results show the metasurface can achieve ultra-wideband and polarization-insensitive specular reflection reduction for both normal and wide-angle incidences. The proposed methodology opens up a new route for realizing ultra-wideband diffusion scattering of EM wave, which is important for stealth and other microwave applications in the future.

Feasibility and applications of the spin-echo modulation option for a small angle neutron scattering instrument at the European Spallation Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kusmin, A.; Bouwman, W. G.; van Well, A. A.; Pappas, C.

2017-06-01

We describe theoretical and practical aspects of spin-echo modulated small-angle neutron scattering (SEMSANS) as well as the potential combination with SANS. Based on the preliminary technical designs of SKADI (a SANS instrument proposed for the European Spallation Source) and a SEMSANS add-on, we assess the practicability, feasibility and scientific merit of a combined SANS and SEMSANS setup by calculating tentative SANS and SEMSANS results for soft matter, geology and advanced material samples that have been previously studied by scattering methods. We conclude that lengths from 1 nm up to 0.01 mm can be observed simultaneously in a single measurement. Thus, the combination of SANS and SEMSANS instrument is suited for the simultaneous observation of a wide range of length scales, e.g. for time-resolved studies of kinetic processes in complex multiscale systems.

Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) Instrument Performance and Validation Using Silver Nanoparticles

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-01

Intercalibration of small-angle X- Ray and neutron-scattering data. Journal of Applied Crystallography . 1988;21:629–638. 7. Zhang F, Ilavsky J, Long GG...Materials Transactions A. 2009;41:1151–1158. 8. Kusz J, Bohm H. Performance of a confocal multilayer X-ray optic. Journal of Applied Crystallography ...Journal of Applied Crystallography . 2004;37:369–380. 10. Orthaber D, Bergmann A, Glatter O. SAXS experiments on absolute scale with Kratky systems using

Small Angle X ray Scattering (SAXS) Instrument Performance and Validation Using Silver Nanoparticles

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-12-01

Intercalibration of small-angle X- Ray and neutron-scattering data. Journal of Applied Crystallography . 1988;21:629–638. 7. Zhang F, Ilavsky J, Long GG...Materials Transactions A. 2009;41:1151–1158. 8. Kusz J, Bohm H. Performance of a confocal multilayer X-ray optic. Journal of Applied Crystallography ...Journal of Applied Crystallography . 2004;37:369–380. 10. Orthaber D, Bergmann A, Glatter O. SAXS experiments on absolute scale with Kratky systems using

A Hierarchical Algorithm for Fast Debye Summation with Applications to Small Angle Scattering

PubMed Central

Gumerov, Nail A.; Berlin, Konstantin; Fushman, David; Duraiswami, Ramani

2012-01-01

Debye summation, which involves the summation of sinc functions of distances between all pair of atoms in three dimensional space, arises in computations performed in crystallography, small/wide angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) and small angle neutron scattering (SANS). Direct evaluation of Debye summation has quadratic complexity, which results in computational bottleneck when determining crystal properties, or running structure refinement protocols that involve SAXS or SANS, even for moderately sized molecules. We present a fast approximation algorithm that efficiently computes the summation to any prescribed accuracy ε in linear time. The algorithm is similar to the fast multipole method (FMM), and is based on a hierarchical spatial decomposition of the molecule coupled with local harmonic expansions and translation of these expansions. An even more efficient implementation is possible when the scattering profile is all that is required, as in small angle scattering reconstruction (SAS) of macromolecules. We examine the relationship of the proposed algorithm to existing approximate methods for profile computations, and show that these methods may result in inaccurate profile computations, unless an error bound derived in this paper is used. Our theoretical and computational results show orders of magnitude improvement in computation complexity over existing methods, while maintaining prescribed accuracy. PMID:22707386

Ultra-Small-Angle X-ray Scattering – X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy Studies of Incipient Structural Changes in Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Based Dental Composites

PubMed Central

Zhang, F.; Allen, A.J.; Levine, L.E.; Espinal, L.; Antonucci, J.M.; Skrtic, D.; O’Donnell, J.N.R.; Ilavsky, J.

2012-01-01

The local structural changes in amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) based dental composites were studied under isothermal conditions using both static, bulk measurement techniques and a recently developed methodology based on combined ultra-small angle X-ray scattering – X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (USAXS-XPCS), which permits a dynamic approach. While results from conventional bulk measurements do not show clear signs of structural change, USAXS-XPCS results reveal unambiguous evidence for local structural variations on a similar time scale to that of water loss in the ACP fillers. A thermal-expansion based simulation indicates that thermal behavior alone does not account for the observed dynamics. Together, these results suggest that changes in the water content of ACP affect the composite morphology due to changes in ACP structure that occur without an amorphous-to-crystalline conversion. It is also noted that biomedical materials research could benefit greatly from USAXS-XPCS, a dynamic approach. PMID:22374649

PASTIS2 and CROCODILE: XYZ-wide angle polarisation analysis for thermal neutrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Enderle, Mechthild; Jullien, David; Petoukhov, Alexander; Mouveau, Pascal; Andersen, Ken; Courtois, Pierre

2017-06-01

We present a wide-angle device for inelastic neutron scattering with XYZ-polarisation analysis (PASTIS2). PASTIS2 employs a banana-shaped Si-walled 3He-filter for the polarisation analysis and allows pillar-free neutron scattering for horizontal scattering angles 0-100◦. The guide field direction at the sample can be chosen vertical or with 45◦ incremental steps in the horizontal scattering plane. When PASTIS2 is implemented on a polarised neutron beam, the incident neutron spin can be flipped with an easy-to-optimise broad-band adiabatic resonant flipper (CROCODILE) independent of the guide field direction at the sample position. We have tested the performance of this new device on the polarised thermal triple-axis spectrometer IN20 at the Institut Laue-Langevin, equipped with Heusler monochromator and the FlatCone multi-analyser, and discuss its potential for future instruments.

Ultra-wideband, Wide Angle and Polarization-insensitive Specular Reflection Reduction by Metasurface based on Parameter-adjustable Meta-Atoms

PubMed Central

Su, Jianxun; Lu, Yao; Zhang, Hui; Li, Zengrui; (Lamar) Yang, Yaoqing; Che, Yongxing; Qi, Kainan

2017-01-01

In this paper, an ultra-wideband, wide angle and polarization-insensitive metasurface is designed, fabricated, and characterized for suppressing the specular electromagnetic wave reflection or backward radar cross section (RCS). Square ring structure is chosen as the basic meta-atoms. A new physical mechanism based on size adjustment of the basic meta-atoms is proposed for ultra-wideband manipulation of electromagnetic (EM) waves. Based on hybrid array pattern synthesis (APS) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, the selection and distribution of the basic meta-atoms are optimized simultaneously to obtain the ultra-wideband diffusion scattering patterns. The metasurface can achieve an excellent RCS reduction in an ultra-wide frequency range under x- and y-polarized normal incidences. The new proposed mechanism greatly extends the bandwidth of RCS reduction. The simulation and experiment results show the metasurface can achieve ultra-wideband and polarization-insensitive specular reflection reduction for both normal and wide-angle incidences. The proposed methodology opens up a new route for realizing ultra-wideband diffusion scattering of EM wave, which is important for stealth and other microwave applications in the future. PMID:28181593

Properties of surfactant films in water-in-CO2 microemulsions obtained by small-angle neutron scattering.

PubMed

Yan, Ci; Sagisaka, Masanobu; James, Craig; Rogers, Sarah; Alexander, Shirin; Eastoe, Julian

2014-12-01

The formation, stability and structural properties of normal liquid phase microemulsions, stabilized by hydrocarbon surfactants, comprising water and hydrocarbon oils can be interpreted in terms of the film bending rigidity (energy) model. Here, this model is tested for unusual water-in-CO2 (w/c) microemulsions, formed at high pressure with supercritical CO2 (sc-CO2) as a solvent and fluorinated surfactants as stabilizers. Hence, it is possible to explore the generality of this model for other types of microemulsions. High Pressure Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (HP-SANS) has been used to study w/c microemulsions, using contrast variation to highlight scattering from the stabilizing fluorinated surfactant films: these data show clear evidence for spherical core-shell structures for the microemulsion droplets. The results extend understanding of w/c microemulsions since previous SANS studies are based only on scattering from water core droplets. Here, detailed structural parameters for the surfactant films, such as thickness and film bending energy, have been extracted from the core-shell SANS profiles revealed by controlled contrast variation. Furthermore, at reduced CO2 densities (∼0.7gcm(-3)), elongated cylindrical droplet structures have been observed, which are uncommon for CO2 microemulsions/emulsions. The implications of the presence of cylindrical micelles and droplets for applications of CO2, and viscosity enhancements are discussed. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ultra Wideband Polarization-Selective Conversions of Electromagnetic Waves by Metasurface under Large-Range Incident Angles.

PubMed

Yin, Jia Yuan; Wan, Xiang; Zhang, Qian; Cui, Tie Jun

2015-07-23

We propose an ultra-wideband polarization-conversion metasurface with polarization selective and incident-angle insensitive characteristics using anchor-shaped units through multiple resonances. The broadband characteristic is optimized by the genetic optimization algorithm, from which the anchor-shaped unit cell generates five resonances, resulting in expansion of the operating frequency range. Owing to the structural feature of the proposed metasurface, only x- and y-polarized incident waves can reach high-efficiency polarization conversions, realizing the polarization-selective property. The proposed metasurface is also insensitive to the angle of incident waves, which indicates a promising future in modern communication systems. We fabricate and measure the proposed metasurface, and both the simulated and measured results show ultra-wide bandwidth for the x- and y-polarized incident waves.

Ultra Wideband Polarization-Selective Conversions of Electromagnetic Waves by Metasurface under Large-Range Incident Angles

PubMed Central

Yin, Jia Yuan; Wan, Xiang; Zhang, Qian; Cui, Tie Jun

2015-01-01

We propose an ultra-wideband polarization-conversion metasurface with polarization selective and incident-angle insensitive characteristics using anchor-shaped units through multiple resonances. The broadband characteristic is optimized by the genetic optimization algorithm, from which the anchor-shaped unit cell generates five resonances, resulting in expansion of the operating frequency range. Owing to the structural feature of the proposed metasurface, only x- and y-polarized incident waves can reach high-efficiency polarization conversions, realizing the polarization-selective property. The proposed metasurface is also insensitive to the angle of incident waves, which indicates a promising future in modern communication systems. We fabricate and measure the proposed metasurface, and both the simulated and measured results show ultra-wide bandwidth for the x- and y-polarized incident waves. PMID:26202495

Internal Structure of 15 nm 3-Helix Micelle Revealed by Small-Angle Neutron Scattering and Coarse-Grained MD Simulation.

PubMed

Ang, JooChuan; Ma, Dan; Lund, Reidar; Keten, Sinan; Xu, Ting

2016-10-10

3-Helix micelles (3HM) formed by self-assembly of peptide-polymer conjugate amphiphiles have shown promise as a nanocarrier platform due to their long-circulation, deep tumor penetration, selective accumulation in tumor, and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for glioblastoma therapy. There is a need to understand the structural contribution to the high in vivo stability and performance of 3HM. Using selective deuteration, the contrast variation technique in small-angle neutron scattering, and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation, we determined the spatial distribution of each component within 3HM. Our results show a slightly deformed polyethylene glycol (PEG) conformation within the micelle that is radially offset from its conjugation site toward the exterior of the micelle and a highly solvated shell. Surprisingly, ∼85 v/v % of 3HM is water, unusually higher than any micellar nanocarrier based on our knowledge. The result will provide important structural insights for future studies to uncover the molecular origin of 3HM's in vivo performance, and development of the nanocarriers.

A mildly relativistic wide-angle outflow in the neutron-star merger event GW170817

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mooley, K. P.; Nakar, E.; Hotokezaka, K.; Hallinan, G.; Corsi, A.; Frail, D. A.; Horesh, A.; Murphy, T.; Lenc, E.; Kaplan, D. L.; de, K.; Dobie, D.; Chandra, P.; Deller, A.; Gottlieb, O.; Kasliwal, M. M.; Kulkarni, S. R.; Myers, S. T.; Nissanke, S.; Piran, T.; Lynch, C.; Bhalerao, V.; Bourke, S.; Bannister, K. W.; Singer, L. P.

2018-02-01

GW170817 was the first gravitational-wave detection of a binary neutron-star merger. It was accompanied by radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum and localized to the galaxy NGC 4993 at a distance of 40 megaparsecs. It has been proposed that the observed γ-ray, X-ray and radio emission is due to an ultra-relativistic jet being launched during the merger (and successfully breaking out of the surrounding material), directed away from our line of sight (off-axis). The presence of such a jet is predicted from models that posit neutron-star mergers as the drivers of short hard-γ-ray bursts. Here we report that the radio light curve of GW170817 has no direct signature of the afterglow of an off-axis jet. Although we cannot completely rule out the existence of a jet directed away from the line of sight, the observed γ-ray emission could not have originated from such a jet. Instead, the radio data require the existence of a mildly relativistic wide-angle outflow moving towards us. This outflow could be the high-velocity tail of the neutron-rich material that was ejected dynamically during the merger, or a cocoon of material that breaks out when a jet launched during the merger transfers its energy to the dynamical ejecta. Because the cocoon model explains the radio light curve of GW170817, as well as the γ-ray and X-ray emission (and possibly also the ultraviolet and optical emission), it is the model that is most consistent with the observational data. Cocoons may be a ubiquitous phenomenon produced in neutron-star mergers, giving rise to a hitherto unidentified population of radio, ultraviolet, X-ray and γ-ray transients in the local Universe.

A mildly relativistic wide-angle outflow in the neutron-star merger event GW170817.

PubMed

Mooley, K P; Nakar, E; Hotokezaka, K; Hallinan, G; Corsi, A; Frail, D A; Horesh, A; Murphy, T; Lenc, E; Kaplan, D L; De, K; Dobie, D; Chandra, P; Deller, A; Gottlieb, O; Kasliwal, M M; Kulkarni, S R; Myers, S T; Nissanke, S; Piran, T; Lynch, C; Bhalerao, V; Bourke, S; Bannister, K W; Singer, L P

2018-02-08

GW170817 was the first gravitational-wave detection of a binary neutron-star merger. It was accompanied by radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum and localized to the galaxy NGC 4993 at a distance of 40 megaparsecs. It has been proposed that the observed γ-ray, X-ray and radio emission is due to an ultra-relativistic jet being launched during the merger (and successfully breaking out of the surrounding material), directed away from our line of sight (off-axis). The presence of such a jet is predicted from models that posit neutron-star mergers as the drivers of short hard-γ-ray bursts. Here we report that the radio light curve of GW170817 has no direct signature of the afterglow of an off-axis jet. Although we cannot completely rule out the existence of a jet directed away from the line of sight, the observed γ-ray emission could not have originated from such a jet. Instead, the radio data require the existence of a mildly relativistic wide-angle outflow moving towards us. This outflow could be the high-velocity tail of the neutron-rich material that was ejected dynamically during the merger, or a cocoon of material that breaks out when a jet launched during the merger transfers its energy to the dynamical ejecta. Because the cocoon model explains the radio light curve of GW170817, as well as the γ-ray and X-ray emission (and possibly also the ultraviolet and optical emission), it is the model that is most consistent with the observational data. Cocoons may be a ubiquitous phenomenon produced in neutron-star mergers, giving rise to a hitherto unidentified population of radio, ultraviolet, X-ray and γ-ray transients in the local Universe.

Core-shell structure of Miglyol/poly(D,L-lactide)/Poloxamer nanocapsules studied by small-angle neutron scattering.

PubMed

Rübe, Andrea; Hause, Gerd; Mäder, Karsten; Kohlbrecher, Joachim

2005-10-03

The contrast variation technique in small angle neutron scattering (SANS) was used to investigate the inner structure of nanocapsules on the example of poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) nanocapsules. The determination of the PLA and Poloxamer shell thickness was the focus of this study. Highest sensitivity on the inner structure of the nanocapsules was obtained when the scattering length density of the solvent was varied between the one of the Miglyol core and the PLA shell. According to the fit data the PLA shell thickness was 9.8 nm. The z-averaged radius determined by SANS experiments correlated well with dynamic light scattering (DLS) results, although DLS values were systematically slightly higher than the ones measured by SANS. This could be explained by taking into account the influence of Poloxamer attached to the nanocapsules surface. For a refined fit model with a second shell consisting of Poloxamer, SANS values and DLS values fitted well with each other. The characterization method presented here is significant because detailed insights into the nanocapsule and the Poloxamer shell were gained for the first time. This method could be used to develop strategies for the optimization of the shell properties concerning controlled release and to study changes in the shell structure during degradation processes.

Molecular conformation of the full-length tumor suppressor NF2/Merlin—a small angle neutron scattering study

PubMed Central

Khajeh, Jahan Ali; Ju, Jeong Ho; Atchiba, Moussoubaou; Allaire, Marc; Stanley, Christopher; Heller, William T.; Callaway, David J.E.; Bu, Zimei

2014-01-01

Summary The tumor suppressor protein Merlin inhibits cell proliferation upon establishing cell-cell contacts. Because Merlin has high sequence similarity to the Ezrin-Radixin-Moesin (ERM) family of proteins, the structural model of ERM protein autoinhibition and cycling between closed/resting and open/active conformational states is often employed to explain Merlin function. However, recent biochemical studies suggest alternative molecular models of Merlin function. Here, we have determined the low resolution molecular structure and binding activity of Merlin and a Merlin(S518D) mutant that mimics the inactivating phosphorylation at S518 using small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and binding experiments. SANS shows that in solution both Merlin and Merlin(S518D) adopt a closed conformation, but binding experiments indicate that a significant fraction of either Merlin or Merlin(S518D) is capable of binding to the target protein NHERF1. Upon binding to the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate lipid, the wild-type Merlin adopts a more open conformation than in solution, but Merlin(S518D) remains in a closed conformation. This study supports a rheostat model of Merlin in NHERF1 binding, and contributes to resolve a controversy about the molecular conformation and binding activity of Merlin. PMID:24882693

Report detailing comparative analysis of results from high flux isotope reactor and national institute of standards technology small-angle neutron scattering experiments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sokolov, Mikhail A.; Littrell, Ken; Wells, Peter

, see Ref. [5] and [6] for details. UCSB has performed a large number of SANS experiments in the past at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Center for Neutron Research (NCNR). These data are taken from RPV steels irradiated in a wide range of flux-fluence space and will be very useful in comparing to the upcoming UCSB ATR-2 irradiation characterization since most of the SANS experiments with ATR-2 materials will be performed at ORNL High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). However in the previous report [7], some discrepancies were observed between HFIR and NCNR generated data. One of the hypotheses was that there was some kind of extra scattering occurring off the sample holders that results in the HFIR curves falling above the NCNR curves. To test this hypothesis, UCSB provided thermally aged samples that have been previously run at NCNR to ORNL for testing at HFIR while ORNL performed some improvements to experimental set up at HFIR. This report provides the status for the Level 3 Milestone (M3LW-15OR0402013), Complete report detailing comparative analysis of results from High Flux Isotope Reactor and National Institute of Standards and Technology small-angle neutron scattering experiments. This milestone is associated with small-angle neutron scattering characterization at the High Flux Isotope Reactor of various model alloys that had been previously characterized at NCNR by UCSB.« less

Ultra-wideband and broad-angle linear polarization conversion metasurface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Hengyi; Gu, Changqing; Chen, Xinlei; Li, Zhuo; Liu, Liangliang; Martín, Ferran

2017-05-01

In this work, a metasurface acting as a linear polarization rotator, that can efficiently convert linearly polarized electromagnetic waves to cross polarized waves within an ultra wide frequency band and with a broad incident angle, is proposed. Based on the electric and magnetic resonant features of the unit cell, composed by a double-head arrow, a cut-wire, and two short V-shaped wire structures, three resonances, which lead to the bandwidth expansion of cross-polarization reflections, are generated. The simulation results show that an average polarization conversion ratio of 90% from 17.3 GHz to 42.2 GHz can be achieved. Furthermore, the designed metasurface exhibits polarization insensitivity within a broad incident angle, from 0° to 50°. The experiments conducted on the fabricated metasurface are in good agreement with the simulations. The proposed metasurface can find potential applications in reflector antennas, imaging systems, and remote sensors operating at microwave frequencies.

Structures and interactions among globular proteins above the isoelectric point in the presence of divalent ions: A small angle neutron scattering and dynamic light scattering study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kundu, Sarathi; Pandit, Subhankar; Abbas, Sohrab; Aswal, V. K.; Kohlbrecher, J.

2018-02-01

Small angle neutron scattering study reveals that at pD ≈ 7.0, above the isoelectric point of the globular protein Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA), in the presence of different divalent ions (Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+), the short-range attractive interaction remains nearly constant and the intermediate-range repulsive interaction decreases with increasing salt concentration up to a certain concentration value but after that remains unchanged. However, for the monovalent ion (Na+), repulsive interaction decreases gradually up to 1 M salt concentration. Dynamic light scattering study shows that for all ions, diffusion coefficient of BSA decreases with increasing salt concentration and then nearly saturates.

Structural analysis of Fe–Mn–O nanoparticles in glass ceramics by small angle scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Raghuwanshi, Vikram Singh, E-mail: vikram.raghuwanshi@helmholtz-berlin.de; Harizanova, Ruzha; Tatchev, Dragomir

2015-02-15

Magnetic nanocrystals containing Fe and Mn were obtained by annealing of silicate glasses with the composition 13.6Na{sub 2}O–62.9SiO{sub 2}–8.5MnO–15.0Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3−x} (mol%) at 580 °C for different periods of time. Here, we present Small Angle Neutron Scattering using Polarized neutrons (SANSPOL) and Anomalous Small Angle X-ray Scattering (ASAXS) investigation on these glass ceramic samples. Analysis of scattering data from both methods reveals the formation of spherical core–shell type of nanoparticles with mean sizes between 10 nm and 100 nm. ASAXS investigation shows the particles have higher concentration of iron atoms and the shell like region surrounding the particles is enrichedmore » in SiO{sub 2}. SANSPOL investigation shows the particles are found to be magnetic and are surrounded by a non-magnetic shell-like region. - Graphical abstract: Magnetic spherical core–shell nanoparticles in glass ceramics: SANSPOL and ASAXS investigations. - Highlights: • Formation and growth mechanisms of magnetic nanoparticles in silicate glass. • SANSPOL and ASAXS methods employed to evaluate quantitative information. • Analyses showed formation of nanoparticles with spherical core–shell structures. • Core of the particle is magnetic and surrounded by weak magnetic shell like region.« less

Structure of biodiesel based bicontinuous microemulsions for environmentally compatible decontamination: A small angle neutron scattering and freeze fracture electron microscopy study.

PubMed

Wellert, S; Karg, M; Imhof, H; Steppin, A; Altmann, H-J; Dolle, M; Richardt, A; Tiersch, B; Koetz, J; Lapp, A; Hellweg, T

2008-09-01

Most toxic industrial chemicals and chemical warfare agents are hydrophobic and can only be solubilized in organic solvents. However, most reagents employed for the degradation of these toxic compounds can only be dissolved in water. Hence, microemulsions are auspicious media for the decontamination of a variety of chemical warfare agents and pesticides. They allow for the solubilization of both the lipophilic toxics and the hydrophilic reagent. Alkyl oligoglucosides and plant derived solvents like rapeseed methyl ester enable the formulation of environmentally compatible bicontinuous microemulsions. In the present article the phase behavior of such a microemulsion is studied and the bicontinuous phase is identified. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and freeze fracture electron microscopy (FFEM) measurements are used to characterize the structure of the bicontinuous phase and allow for an estimation of the total internal interface. Moreover, also the influence of the co-surfactant (1-pentanol) on the structural parameters of the bicontinuous phase is studied with SANS.

Effects of macromolecular crowding on the structure of a protein complex: A small-angle scattering study of superoxide dismutase

DOE PAGES

Rajapaksha, Ajith; Stanley, Christopher B.; Todd, Brian A.

2015-02-17

Macromolecular crowding can alter the structure and function of biological macromolecules. We used small angle scattering (SAS) to measure the change in size of a protein complex, superoxide dismutase (SOD), induced by macromolecular crowding. Crowding was induced using 400 MW polyethylene glycol (PEG), triethylene glycol (TEG), methyl- -glucoside ( -MG) and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Parallel small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) allowed us to unambiguously attribute apparent changes in radius of gyration to changes in the structure of SOD. For a 40% PEG solution, we find that the volume of SOD was reduced by 9%.more » Considering the osmotic pressure due to PEG, this deformation corresponds to a highly compressible structure. SAXS done in the presence of TEG suggests that for further deformation beyond a 9% decrease in volume the resistance to deformation may increase dramatically.« less

Probing the Complex Architecture of Multimodular Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes Using a Combination of Small Angle X-Ray Scattering and X-Ray Crystallography.

PubMed

Czjzek, Mirjam; Ficko-Blean, Elizabeth

2017-01-01

The various modules in multimodular carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) may function in catalysis, carbohydrate binding, protein-protein interactions or as linkers. Here, we describe how combining the biophysical techniques of Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) and macromolecular X-ray crystallography (XRC) provides a powerful tool for examination into questions related to overall structural organization of ultra multimodular CAZymes.

Solution Structure of an Amyloid-Forming Protein During Photoinitiated Hexamer-Dodecamer Transitions Revealed Through Small-Angle Neutron Scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hamill,A.; Wang, S.; Lee, Jr., C.

2007-01-01

Shape-reconstruction analysis applied to small angle neutron scattering (SANS) data is used to determine the in vitro conformations of {alpha}-chymotrypsin oligomers that form as a result of partial unfolding with a photoresponsive surfactant. In the presence of the photoactive surfactant under visible light, the native oligomers (dimers or compact hexamers) rearrange into expanded corkscrew-like hexamers. Converting the surfactant to the photopassive form with UV light illumination causes the hexamers to laterally aggregate and intertwine into dodecamers with elongated, twisted conformations containing cross-sectional dimensions similar to amyloid protofilaments. Secondary-structure measurements with FT-IR indicate that this photoinduced hexamer-to-dodecamer association occurs through intermolecularmore » {beta} sheets stabilized with hydrogen bonds, similar to amyloid formation. Traditional structural characterization techniques such as X-ray crystallography and NMR are not easily amenable to the study of these non-native protein conformations; however, SANS is ideally suited to the study of these associated intermediates, providing direct observation of the mechanism of oligomeric formation in an amyloid-forming protein. Combined with photoinitiated hexamer-to-dodecamer associations in the presence of the photoresponsive surfactant, this study could provide unique insight into the amyloidosis disease pathway, as well as novel disease treatment strategies.« less

Small angle neutron scattering from 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ionic liquids ([Cnmim][PF6], n=4, 6, and 8)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardacre, Christopher; Holbrey, John D.; Mullan, Claire L.; Youngs, Tristan G. A.; Bowron, Daniel T.

2010-08-01

The presence of local anisotropy in the bulk, isotropic, and ionic liquid phases—leading to local mesoscopic inhomogeneity—with nanoscale segregation and expanding nonpolar domains on increasing the length of the cation alkyl-substituents has been proposed on the basis of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. However, there has been little conclusive experimental evidence for the existence of intermediate mesoscopic structure between the first/second shell correlations shown by neutron scattering on short chain length based materials and the mesophase structure of the long chain length ionic liquid crystals. Herein, small angle neutron scattering measurements have been performed on selectively H/D-isotopically substituted 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ionic liquids with butyl, hexyl, and octyl substituents. The data show the unambiguous existence of a diffraction peak in the low-Q region for all three liquids which moves to longer distances (lower Q), sharpens, and increases in intensity with increasing length of the alkyl substituent. It is notable, however, that this peak occurs at lower values of Q (longer length scale) than predicted in any of the previously published MD simulations of ionic liquids, and that the magnitude of the scattering from this peak is comparable with that from the remainder of the amorphous ionic liquid. This strongly suggests that the peak arises from the second coordination shells of the ions along the vector of alkyl-chain substituents as a consequence of increasing the anisotropy of the cation, and that there is little or no long-range correlated nanostructure in these ionic liquids.

Water metamaterial for ultra-broadband and wide-angle absorption.

PubMed

Xie, Jianwen; Zhu, Weiren; Rukhlenko, Ivan D; Xiao, Fajun; He, Chong; Geng, Junping; Liang, Xianling; Jin, Ronghong; Premaratne, Malin

2018-02-19

A subwavelength water metamaterial is proposed and analyzed for ultra-broadband perfect absorption at microwave frequencies. We experimentally demonstrate that this metamaterial shows over 90% absorption within almost the entire frequency band of 12-29.6 GHz. It is also shown that the proposed metamaterial exhibits a good thermal stability with its absorption performance almost unchanged for the temperature range from 0 to 100°C. The study of the angular tolerance of the metamaterial absorber shows its ability of working at wide angles of incidence. Given that the proposed water metamaterial absorber is low-cost and easy for manufacture, we envision it may find numerous applications in electromagnetics such as broadband scattering reduction and electromagnetic energy harvesting.

A versatile UHV transport and measurement chamber for neutron reflectometry under UHV conditions.

PubMed

Syed Mohd, A; Pütter, S; Mattauch, S; Koutsioubas, A; Schneider, H; Weber, A; Brückel, T

2016-12-01

We report on a versatile mini ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chamber which is designed to be used on the MAgnetic Reflectometer with high Incident Angle of the Jülich Centre for Neutron Science at Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum in Garching, Germany. Samples are prepared in the adjacent thin film laboratory by molecular beam epitaxy and moved into the compact chamber for transfer without exposure to ambient air. The chamber is based on DN 40 CF flanges and equipped with sapphire view ports, a small getter pump, and a wobble stick, which serves also as sample holder. Here, we present polarized neutron reflectivity measurements which have been performed on Co thin films at room temperature in UHV and in ambient air in a magnetic field of 200 mT and in the Q-range of 0.18 Å -1 . The results confirm that the Co film is not contaminated during the polarized neutron reflectivity measurement. Herewith it is demonstrated that the mini UHV transport chamber also works as a measurement chamber which opens new possibilities for polarized neutron measurements under UHV conditions.

A versatile UHV transport and measurement chamber for neutron reflectometry under UHV conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syed Mohd, A.; Pütter, S.; Mattauch, S.; Koutsioubas, A.; Schneider, H.; Weber, A.; Brückel, T.

2016-12-01

We report on a versatile mini ultra-high vacuum (UHV) chamber which is designed to be used on the MAgnetic Reflectometer with high Incident Angle of the Jülich Centre for Neutron Science at Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum in Garching, Germany. Samples are prepared in the adjacent thin film laboratory by molecular beam epitaxy and moved into the compact chamber for transfer without exposure to ambient air. The chamber is based on DN 40 CF flanges and equipped with sapphire view ports, a small getter pump, and a wobble stick, which serves also as sample holder. Here, we present polarized neutron reflectivity measurements which have been performed on Co thin films at room temperature in UHV and in ambient air in a magnetic field of 200 mT and in the Q-range of 0.18 Å-1. The results confirm that the Co film is not contaminated during the polarized neutron reflectivity measurement. Herewith it is demonstrated that the mini UHV transport chamber also works as a measurement chamber which opens new possibilities for polarized neutron measurements under UHV conditions.

The conformation of Pluronic block copolymers adsorbed on carbon nanotubes and their interaction with water studied by small-angle neutron scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cohen, Yachin; Granite, Meirav; Pyckhout-Hintzen, Wim; Radulescu, Aurel

2010-03-01

Amphiphilic block copolymers are particularly useful in dispersing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) in water. Small-angle neutron scattering measurements conducted at different D2O/H2O content of the dispersing medium provide quantitative information on the adsorption density and conformation of the polymer interacting with the nanotube surface. Data is presented on Pluronic F108 - (EO)132(PO)50(EO)132 and F127 (EO)100(PO)65(EO)100, where EO-ethylene oxide and PO-propylene oxide, well below the critical micellization temperature of the polymer. A dense coating of the PPO blocks on the nanotube surface is determined with the PEO chains extended from the cylindrical core-shell structure. The data from the two Pluronic systems show minimal scattering at about 70% D2O in the dispersing water, which exhibit a q -1 power law of the scattering vector (q ). This indicates near matching of the polymer chains at a surprisingly high scattering length density. The model fit required considerations of tight association of water molecules around PEO chains and slight isotopic selectivity.

Colliding Neutron Stars as the Source of Heavy Elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohler, Susanna

2016-09-01

requires mergers to have occurred very early in the galaxys history. Can double-neutron-star systems merge quickly enough to account for the observed chemical enrichment?Small Kicks and Fast MergersFraction of double-neutron-star systems that remain bound, vs. the magnitude of the kick they receive. A typical escape velocity for an ultra-faint dwarf is ~15 km/s; roughly 55-65% of binaries receive smaller kicks than that and wouldnt be ejected from an ultra-faint dwarf. [Beniamini et al. 2016]Led by Paz Beniamini, a team of scientists from the Racah Institute of Physics at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has set out to answer these questions. Using the statistics of our galaxys double-neutron-star population, the team performed Monte Carlo simulations to estimate the distributions of mass ejection and kick velocities for the systems.Beniamini and collaborators find that, for typical initial separations, more than half of neutron star binaries are born with small enough kicks that they remain bound and arent ejected even from small, ultra-faint dwarf galaxies.The team also used their statistics to calculate the time until merger for the population of binaries, finding that ~90% of the double-neutron-star systems merge within 300 Myr, and around 15% merge within 100 Myr quick enough to enrich even the old population of stars.This population of systems that remain confined to the galaxy and merge rapidly can therefore explain the observations of r-process material in ultra-faint dwarf galaxies. Beniamini and collaborators work suggests that the merger of neutron stars is indeed a viable model for the production of heavy elements in our universe.CitationPaz Beniamini et al 2016 ApJ 829 L13. doi:10.3847/2041-8205/829/1/L13

On the role of block copolymer additives for calcium carbonate crystallization: small angle neutron scattering investigation by applying contrast variation.

PubMed

Endo, Hitoshi; Schwahn, Dietmar; Cölfen, Helmut

2004-05-15

The role of the double-hydrophilic block copolymer poly(ethylen glycol)-block-poly(methacrylic acid) (PEG-b-PMAA) on the morphogenesis of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was studied by applying the contrast variation small angle neutron scattering technique. The morphology and size of CaCO3 crystals is strongly affected by the addition of PEG-b-PMAA. In order to determine the partial scattering functions of the polymer and CaCO3 mineral, we developed both an experimental and theoretical approach with a sophisticated method of their determination from the scattering intensity. Partial scattering functions give detailed information for each component. In particular, the partial scattering function of the polymer, Spp, shows a monotonic slope with Q(-2 to -3) where the scattering vector Q is low (Q < 0.01 Angstrom(-1)), which is a clear evidence that the polymer within the CaCO3 mineral has a mass fractal dimension. The other partial scattering functions reflected the geometry of the CaCO3 particles or the "interaction" of polymer and CaCO3 on a microscopic scale, which leads to a coherent view with Spp.

Structural and phase transition changes of sodium dodecyl sulfate micellar solution in alcohols probed by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putra, Edy Giri Rachman; Patriati, Arum

2015-04-01

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements on 0.3M sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micellar solutions have been performed in the presence of n-alcohols, from ethanol to decanol at different alcohol concentrations, 2-10 wt%. The ellipsoid micellar structure which occurred in the 0.3M SDS in aqueous solution with the size range of 30-50 Å has different behavior at various hydrocarbon chain length and concentration of alcohols. At low concentration and short chain-length of alcohols, such as ethanol, propanol, and butanol, the size of micelles reduced and had a spherical-like structure. The opposite effect occurred as medium to long chain alcohols, such as hexanol, octanol and decanol was added into the 0.3M SDS micellar solutions. The micelles structure changed to be more elongated in major axis and then crossed the critical phase transition from micellar solution into liquid crystal phase as lamellar structure emerged by further addition of alcohols. The inter-lamellar distances were also depending on the hydrocarbon chain length and concentration of alcohols. In the meantime, the persistent micellar structures occurred in addition of medium chain of n-alcohol, pentanol at all concentrations.

The estimation of dynamic contact angle of ultra-hydrophobic surfaces using inclined surface and impinging droplet methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jasikova, Darina; Kotek, Michal

2014-03-01

The development of industrial technology also brings with optimized surface quality, particularly where there is contact with food. Application ultra-hydrophobic surface significantly reduces the growth of bacteria and facilitates cleaning processes. Testing and evaluation of surface quality are used two methods: impinging droplet and inclined surface method optimized with high speed shadowgraphy, which give information about dynamic contact angle. This article presents the results of research into new methods of measuring ultra-hydrophobic patented technology.

Recent advancements of wide-angle polarization analysis with 3He neutron spin filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, W. C.; Gentile, T. R.; Ye, Q.; Kirchhoff, A.; Watson, S. M.; Rodriguez-Rivera, J. A.; Qiu, Y.; Broholm, C.

2016-09-01

Wide-angle polarization analysis with polarized 3He based neutron spin filters (NSFs) has recently been employed on the Multi-Axis Crystal Spectrometer (MACS) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology Center for Neutron Research (NCNR). Over the past several years, the apparatus has undergone many upgrades to address the fundamental requirements for wide angle polarization analysis using spin exchange optical pumping based 3He NSFs. In this paper, we report substantial improvements in the on-beam-line performance of the apparatus and progress toward routine user capability. We discuss new standard samples used for 3He NSF characterization and the flipping ratio measurement on MACS. We further discuss the management of stray magnetic fields produced by operation of superconducting magnets on the MACS instrument, which can significantly reduce the 3He polarization relaxation time. Finally, we present the results of recent development of horseshoe-shaped wide angle cells.

A high pressure study of calmodulin-ligand interactions using small-angle X-ray and elastic incoherent neutron scattering.

PubMed

Cinar, Süleyman; Al-Ayoubi, Samy; Sternemann, Christian; Peters, Judith; Winter, Roland; Czeslik, Claus

2018-01-31

Calmodulin (CaM) is a Ca 2+ sensor and mediates Ca 2+ signaling through binding of numerous target ligands. The binding of ligands by Ca 2+ -saturated CaM (holo-CaM) is governed by attractive hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions that are weakened under high pressure in aqueous solutions. Moreover, the potential formation of void volumes upon ligand binding creates a further source of pressure sensitivity. Hence, high pressure is a suitable thermodynamic variable to probe protein-ligand interactions. In this study, we compare the binding of two different ligands to holo-CaM as a function of pressure by using X-ray and neutron scattering techniques. The two ligands are the farnesylated hypervariable region (HVR) of the K-Ras4B protein, which is a natural binding partner of holo-CaM, and the antagonist trifluoperazine (TFP), which is known to inhibit holo-CaM activity. From small-angle X-ray scattering experiments performed up to 3000 bar, we observe a pressure-induced partial unfolding of the free holo-CaM in the absence of ligands, where the two lobes of the dumbbell-shaped protein are slightly swelled. In contrast, upon binding TFP, holo-CaM forms a closed globular conformation, which is pressure stable at least up to 3000 bar. The HVR of K-Ras4B shows a different binding behavior, and the data suggest the dissociation of the holo-CaM/HVR complex under high pressure, probably due to a less dense protein contact of the HVR as compared to TFP. The elastic incoherent neutron scattering experiments corroborate these findings. Below 2000 bar, pressure induces enhanced atomic fluctuations in both holo-CaM/ligand complexes, but those of the holo-CaM/HVR complex seem to be larger. Thus, the inhibition of holo-CaM by TFP is supported by a low-volume ligand binding, albeit this is not associated with a rigidification of the complex structure on the sub-ns Å-scale.

Neutron Detection With Ultra-Fast Digitizer and Pulse Identification Techniques on DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Y. B.; Heidbrink, W. W.; Piglowski, D. A.

2013-10-01

A prototype system for neutron detection with an ultra-fast digitizer and pulse identification techniques has been implemented on the DIII-D tokamak. The system consists of a cylindrical neutron fission chamber, a charge sensitive amplifier, and a GaGe Octopus 12-bit CompuScope digitizer card installed in a Linux computer. Digital pulse identification techniques have been successfully performed at maximum data acquisition rate of 50 MSPS with on-board memory of 2 GS. Compared to the traditional approach with fast nuclear electronics for pulse counting, this straightforward digital solution has many advantages, including reduced expense, improved accuracy, higher counting rate, and easier maintenance. The system also provides the capability of neutron-gamma pulse shape discrimination and pulse height analysis. Plans for the upgrade of the old DIII-D neutron counting system with these techniques will be presented. Work supported by the US Department of Energy under SC-G903402, and DE-FC02-04ER54698.

Influence of Carbide Modifications on the Mechanical Properties of Ultra-High-Strength Stainless Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, Joo-Young; Park, Soo-Keun; Kwon, Hoon; Cho, Ki-Sub

2017-10-01

The mechanical properties of ultra-high-strength secondary hardened stainless steels with varying Co, V, and C contents have been studied. A reduced-Co alloy based on the chemical composition of Ferrium S53 was made by increasing the V and C content. This changed the M2C-strengthened microstructure to a MC plus M2C-strengthened microstructure, and no deteriorative effects were observed for peak-aged and over-aged samples despite the large reduction in Co content from 14 to 7 wt pct. The mechanical properties according to alloying modification were associated with carbide precipitation kinetics, which was clearly outlined by combining analytical tools including small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) as well as an analytical TEM with computational simulation.

Visualization of oil behavior in a small 4-cycle engine with electrical motoring by neutron radiography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, M.; Sugimoto, K.; Asano, H.; Murakawa, H.; Takenaka, N.; Mochiki, K.

2009-06-01

Neutron radiography is suitable for the visualization of liquid behavior in a metallic machine. Observation of oil behavior in a small 4-cycle engine on operating was carried out by using the neutron radiography facility at JRR-3 in JAEA. The engine was not fired but operated by an electrical motor. Movies were taken by a neutron image intensifier with a color CCD camera of 8-bit resolution, 30 frames/s and 640×480 pixels developed by Toshiba Corp. The engine was placed on a turn table and was rotated, so the movie could be taken from any angle. Numbers of revolution of the engine were changed from 260 to 1200 rpm. Visualized images of the mechanism and the oil behavior in the engine were obtained.

Small-angle scattering study of Aspergillus awamori glycoprotein glucoamylase

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schmidt, A. E., E-mail: schmidt@omrb.pnpi.spb.ru; Shvetsov, A. V.; Kuklin, A. I.

2016-01-15

Glucoamylase from fungus Aspergillus awamori is glycoside hydrolase that catalyzes the hydrolysis of α-1,4- and α-1,6-glucosidic bonds in glucose polymers and oligomers. This glycoprotein consists of a catalytic domain and a starch-binding domain connected by an O-glycosylated polypeptide chain. The conformation of the linker, the relative arrangement of the domains, and the structure of the full-length enzyme are unknown. The structure of the recombinant glucoamylase GA1 was studied by molecular modelling and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) methods. The experimental SANS data provide evidence that glucoamylase exists as a monomer in solution and contains a glycoside component, which makes a substantialmore » contribution to the scattering. The model of full-length glucoamylase, which was calculated without taking into account the effect of glycosylation, is consistent with the experimental data and has a radius of gyration of 33.4 ± 0.6 Å.« less

Observations of ULF oscillations in the ion fluxes at small pitch angles with ATS 6. [low energy particle detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Su, S.-Y.; Mcpherron, R. L.; Konradi, A.; Fritz, T. A.

1980-01-01

The ultra-low-frequency modulation of ion flux densities at small pitch angles observed by ATS 6 is examined, with particular attention given to a detailed analysis of a representative event. ULF modulation events with maximum modulation at small pitch angles were identified 14 times during the first eight months of operation of the NOAA low-energy particle detector on ATS 6. For the event of October 23, 1974, maximum flux modulation, with a maximum/minimum intensity ratio of 3.7, was observed in the 100 to 150 keV detector at an angle of 32 deg to the ambient field. Spectral analysis of magnetic field data reveals a right elliptically polarized magnetic perturbation with a 96-sec period and a 5-gamma rms amplitude, propagating in the dipole meridian at an angle of about 15 deg to the ambient field and the dipole axis. Proton flux modulation is found to lag the field by up to 180 deg for the lowest-energy channel. Observations are compared with the drift wave, MHD slow wave, and bounce resonant interaction associated with transverse wave models, and it is found that none of the wave models can adequately account for all of the correlated particle and field oscillations.

Structural hierarchy of chromatin in chicken erythrocyte nuclei based on small-angle neutron scattering: Fractal nature of the large-scale chromatin organization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lebedev, D. V., E-mail: isaev@omrb.pnpi.spb.ru; Filatov, M. V.; Kuklin, A. I.

The chromatin organization in chicken erythrocyte nuclei was studied by small-angle neutron scattering in the scattering-vector range from 1.5 x 10{sup -1} to 10{sup -4} A{sup -1} with the use of the contrast-variation technique. This scattering-vector range corresponds to linear dimensions from 4 nm to 6 {mu}m and covers the whole hierarchy of chromatin structures, from the nucleosomal structure to the entire nucleus. The results of the present study allowed the following conclusions to be drawn: (1) both the chromatin-protein structure and the structure of the nucleic acid component in chicken erythrocyte nuclei have mass-fractal properties, (2) the structure ofmore » the protein component of chromatin exhibits a fractal behavior on scales extending over two orders of magnitude, from the nucleosomal size to the size of an entire nucleus, and (3) the structure of the nucleic acid component of chromatin in chicken erythrocyte nuclei is likewise of a fractal nature and has two levels of organization or two phases with the crossover point at about 300-400 nm.« less

The Pluto System At Small Phase Angles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verbiscer, Anne J.; Buie, Marc W.; Binzel, Richard; Ennico, Kimberly; Grundy, William M.; Olkin, Catherine B.; Showalter, Mark Robert; Spencer, John R.; Stern, S. Alan; Weaver, Harold A.; Young, Leslie; New Horizons Science Team

2016-10-01

Hubble Space Telescope observations of the Pluto system acquired during the New Horizons encounter epoch (HST Program 13667, M. Buie, PI) span the phase angle range from 0.06 to 1.7 degrees, enabling the measurement and characterization of the opposition effect for Pluto and its satellites at 0.58 microns using HST WFC3/UVIS with the F350LP filter, which has a broadband response and a pivot wavelength of 0.58 microns. At these small phase angles, differences in the opposition effect width and amplitude appear. The small satellites Nix and Hydra both exhibit a very narrow opposition surge, while the considerably larger moon Charon has a broader opposition surge. Microtextural surface properties derived from the shape and magnitude of the opposition surge of each surface contain a record of the collisional history of the system. We combine these small phase angle observations with those made at larger phase angles by the New Horizons Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI), which also has a broadband response with a pivot wavelength of 0.61 microns, to produce the most complete disk-integrated solar phase curves that we will have for decades to come. Modeling these disk-integrated phase curves generates sets of photometric parameters that will inform spectral modeling of the satellite surfaces as well as terrains on Pluto from spatially resolved New Horizons Ralph Linear Etalon Imaging Spectral Array (LEISA) data from 1.2 to 2.5 microns. Rotationally resolved phase curves of Pluto reveal opposition effects that only appear at phase angles less than 0.1 degree and have widths and amplitudes that are highly dependent on longitude and therefore on Pluto's diverse terrains. The high albedo region informally known as Sputnik Planum dominates the disk-integrated reflectance of Pluto on the New Horizons encounter hemisphere. These results lay the groundwork for observations at true opposition in 2018, when the Pluto system will be observable at phase angles so small that

Input comparison of radiogenic neutron estimates for ultra-low background experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooley, J.; Palladino, K. J.; Qiu, H.; Selvi, M.; Scorza, S.; Zhang, C.

2018-04-01

Ultra-low-background experiments address some of the most important open questions in particle physics, cosmology and astrophysics: the nature of dark matter, whether the neutrino is its own antiparticle, and does the proton decay. These rare event searches require well-understood and minimized backgrounds. Simulations are used to understand backgrounds caused by naturally occurring radioactivity in the rock and in every piece of shielding and detector material used in these experiments. Most important are processes like spontaneous fission and (α,n) reactions in material close to the detectors that can produce neutrons. A comparison study of the (α,n) reactions between two dedicated software packages is detailed. The cross section libraries, neutron yields, and spectra from the Mei-Zhang-Hime and the SOURCES-4A codes are presented. The resultant yields and spectra are used as inputs to direct dark matter detector toy models in GEANT4, to study the impact of their differences on background estimates and fits. Although differences in neutron yield calculations up to 50% were seen, there was no systematic difference between the Mei-Hime-Zhang and SOURCES-4A results. Neutron propagation simulations smooth differences in spectral shape and yield, and both tools were found to meet the broad requirements of the low-background community.

Small angle neutron scattering applications in fuel science

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thiyagarajan, P.; Cody, G.D.; Hunt, J.E.

1995-08-01

A wide range of physical and chemical methods have been used to study complex, multicomponent systems in fuel chemistry (crude oil, coal), and we are still far from complete understanding. Since chemical modification and/or solvent extraction of coal result in a number of different systems, it is important to understand the products in terms of their colloidal properties as a function of the solvent type, as well as other physical conditions. This would be helpful in design of processing techniques. Another area of research where SANS can be useful is characterization of the synthetic and modified clays being developed formore » processing in the petroleum industry. Major limitations for performing SANS experiments are nonavailability/high cost sof certain deuterated solvents and the paucity of beam time at the neutron scattering centers. This paper reports briefly on analysis of coal and asphaltenes.« less

Effect of urea on heat-induced gelation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) studied by rheology and small angle neutron scattering (SANS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nnyigide, Osita Sunday; Oh, Yuna; Song, Hyeong Yong; Park, Eun-kyoung; Choi, Soo-Hyung; Hyun, Kyu

2017-05-01

This paper reports the effects of urea on the heat-induced gelation of bovine serum albumin (BSA), which was studied by the tube inversion method, rheological measurements, and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). An increase in the urea concentration accelerated the rate of gelation because the protein molecules have already been unfolded to some extent during sample preparation in the urea solution. In addition, the BSA solution in the presence of urea underwent a sol-gel-sol transition during the time sweep test at a constant temperature of 80oC. On the other hand, the BSA solution without urea turned into a hard and brittle gel that did not return to the solution state during isothermal heating at a constant temperature of 80oC. Aggregation and re-bonding of the denatured and unfolded protein chains led to gel formation. Urea added to the protein denatures its tertiary and secondary structures by simultaneously disrupting the hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and altering the solvent properties. Furthermore, urea induces thermoreversible chemical interactions in BSA solutions leading to the formation of a gel with dynamic properties under these experimental conditions.

Agreement between image grading of conventional (45°) and ultra wide-angle (200°) digital images in the macula in the Reykjavik eye study.

PubMed

Csutak, A; Lengyel, I; Jonasson, F; Leung, I; Geirsdottir, A; Xing, W; Peto, T

2010-10-01

To establish the agreement between image grading of conventional (45°) and ultra wide-angle (200°) digital images in the macula. In 2008, the 12-year follow-up was conducted on 573 participants of the Reykjavik Eye Study. This study included the use of the Optos P200C AF ultra wide-angle laser scanning ophthalmoscope alongside Zeiss FF 450 conventional digital fundus camera on 121 eyes with or without age-related macular degeneration using the International Classification System. Of these eyes, detailed grading was carried out on five cases each with hard drusen, geographic atrophy and chorioretinal neovascularisation, and six cases of soft drusen. Exact agreement and κ-statistics were calculated. Comparison of the conventional and ultra wide-angle images in the macula showed an overall 96.43% agreement (κ=0.93) with no disagreement at end-stage disease; although in one eye chorioretinal neovascularisation was graded as drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment. Of patients with drusen only, the exact agreement was 96.1%. The detailed grading showed no clinically significant disagreement between the conventional 45° and 200° images. On the basis of our results, there is a good agreement between grading conventional and ultra wide-angle images in the macula.

A SMALL-ANGLE DRILL-HOLE WHIPSTOCK

DOEpatents

Nielsen, D.E.; Olsen, J.L.; Bennett, W.P.

1963-01-29

A small angle whipstock is described for accurately correcting or deviating a drill hole by a very small angle. The whipstock is primarily utilized when drilling extremely accurate, line-of-slight test holes as required for diagnostic studies related to underground nuclear test shots. The invention is constructed of a length of cylindrical pipe or casing, with a whipstock seating spike extending from the lower end. A wedge-shaped segment is secured to the outer circumference of the upper end of the cylinder at a position diametrically opposite the circumferential position of the spike. Pin means are provided for affixing the whipstock to a directional drill bit and stem to alloy orienting and setting the whipstock properly in the drill hole. (AEC)

Phase behavior of blends of linear and branched polyethylenes in the molten and solid states by small-angle neutron scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Alamo, R.G.; Mandelkern, L.; Londono, J.D.

1994-01-17

The state of mixing in blends of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in the liquid and solid state has been examined by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) in conjunction with deuterium labeling. In the melt, SANS results indicate that HDPE/LDPE mixtures from a single-phase solution for all concentrations, including blends containing high volume fractions ([phi] > 0.5) of branched polymer, for which multiphase melts have previously been suggested. Proper accounting for isotope effects is essential to avoid artifacts, because the H/D interaction parameter is sufficiently large ([sub [chi]HD] [approximately] 4 [times] 10[sup [minus]4]) to cause phase separation in themore » amorphous state for molecular weights (MW) >150,000. In the solid state, after slow cooling from the melt ([approximately]0.75 C/min), the HDPE/LDPE system shows extensive segregation into separate domains [approximately]100--300 [angstrom] in size. Both the shape and magnitude of the absolute scattering cross section are consistent with the conclusion that the components are extensively segregated into separate lamellae. Two-peak melting curves obtained for such mixtures support the SANS interpretation, and the segregation of components in the solid state is therefore a consequence of crystallization mechanisms rather than incompatibility in the liquid state.« less

Structural and phase transition changes of sodium dodecyl sulfate micellar solution in alcohols probed by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Putra, Edy Giri Rachman; Patriati, Arum; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Gadjah Mada, Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia giri@batan.go.id

2015-04-16

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements on 0.3M sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micellar solutions have been performed in the presence of n-alcohols, from ethanol to decanol at different alcohol concentrations, 2–10 wt%. The ellipsoid micellar structure which occurred in the 0.3M SDS in aqueous solution with the size range of 30–50 Å has different behavior at various hydrocarbon chain length and concentration of alcohols. At low concentration and short chain-length of alcohols, such as ethanol, propanol, and butanol, the size of micelles reduced and had a spherical-like structure. The opposite effect occurred as medium to long chain alcohols, such as hexanol,more » octanol and decanol was added into the 0.3M SDS micellar solutions. The micelles structure changed to be more elongated in major axis and then crossed the critical phase transition from micellar solution into liquid crystal phase as lamellar structure emerged by further addition of alcohols. The inter-lamellar distances were also depending on the hydrocarbon chain length and concentration of alcohols. In the meantime, the persistent micellar structures occurred in addition of medium chain of n-alcohol, pentanol at all concentrations.« less

Modeling Bloch oscillations in ultra-small Josephson junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vora, Heli; Kautz, Richard; Nam, Sae Woo; Aumentado, Jose

In a seminal paper, Likharev et al. developed a theory for ultra-small Josephson junctions with Josephson coupling energy (Ej) less than the charging energy (Ec) and showed that such junctions demonstrate Bloch oscillations which could be used to make a fundamental current standard that is a dual of the Josephson volt standard. Here, based on the model of Geigenmüller and Schön, we numerically calculate the current-voltage relationship of such an ultra-small junction which includes various error processes present in a nanoscale Josephson junction such as random quasiparticle tunneling events and Zener tunneling between bands. This model allows us to explore the parameter space to see the effect of each process on the width and height of the Bloch step and serves as a guide to determine whether it is possible to build a quantum current standard of a metrological precision using Bloch oscillations.

Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Study of Interplay of Attractive and Repulsive Interactions in Nanoparticle-Polymer System.

PubMed

Kumar, Sugam; Aswal, Vinod K; Kohlbrecher, Joachim

2016-02-16

The phase behavior of nanoparticle (silica)-polymer (polyethylene glycol) system without and with an electrolyte (NaCl) has been studied. It is observed that nanoparticle-polymer system behaves very differently in the presence of electrolyte. In the absence of electrolyte, the nanoparticle-polymer system remains in one-phase even at very high polymer concentrations. On the other hand, a re-entrant phase behavior is found in the presence of electrolyte, where one-phase (individual) system undergoes two-phase (nanoparticle aggregation) and then back to one-phase with increasing polymer concentration. The regime of two-phase system has been tuned by varying the electrolyte concentration. The polymer concentration range over which the two-phase system exists is significantly enhanced with the increase in the electrolyte concentration. These systems have been characterized by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments of contrast-marching the polymer to the solvent. The data are modeled using a two-Yukawa potential accounting for both attractive and repulsive parts of the interaction between nanoparticles. The phase behavior of nanoparticle-polymer system is explained by interplay of attractive (polymer-induced attractive depletion between nanoparticles) and repulsive (nanoparticle-nanoparticle electrostatic repulsion and polymer-polymer repulsion) interactions present in the system. In the absence of electrolyte, the strong electrostatic repulsion between nanoparticles dominates over the polymer-induced depletion attraction and the nanoparticle system remains in one-phase. With addition of electrolyte, depletion attraction overcomes electrostatic repulsion at some polymer concentration, resulting into nanoparticle aggregation and two-phase system. Further addition of polymer increases the polymer-polymer repulsion which eventually reduces the strength of depletion and hence re-entrant phase behavior. The effects of varying electrolyte concentration on the phase

Characterization of white poplar and eucalyptus after ionic liquid pretreatment as a function of biomass loading using X-ray diffraction and small angle neutron scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yuan, Xueming; Duan, Yonghao; He, Lilin

A systematic study was done to understand interactions among biomass loading during ionic liquid (IL) pretreatment, biomass type and biomass structures. White poplar and eucalyptus samples were pretreated using 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EmimOAc) at 110 °C for 3 h at biomass loadings of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 wt%. All of the samples were chemically characterized and tested for enzymatic hydrolysis. Physical structures including biomass crystallinity and porosity were measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and small angle neutron scattering (SANS), respectively. SANS detected pores of radii ranging from ~25 to 625 Å, enabling assessment of contributions of pores with different sizes to increased porositymore » after pretreatment. Contrasting dependences of sugar conversion on white poplar and eucalyptus as a function of biomass loading were observed and cellulose crystalline structure was found to play an important role.« less

Characterization of white poplar and eucalyptus after ionic liquid pretreatment as a function of biomass loading using X-ray diffraction and small angle neutron scattering.

PubMed

Yuan, Xueming; Duan, Yonghao; He, Lilin; Singh, Seema; Simmons, Blake; Cheng, Gang

2017-05-01

A systematic study was performed to understand interactions among biomass loading during ionic liquid (IL) pretreatment, biomass type and biomass structures. White poplar and eucalyptus samples were pretreated using 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EmimOAc) at 110°C for 3h at biomass loadings of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25wt%. All of the samples were chemically characterized and tested for enzymatic hydrolysis. Physical structures including biomass crystallinity and porosity were measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and small angle neutron scattering (SANS), respectively. SANS detected pores of radii ranging from ∼25 to 625Å, enabling assessment of contributions of pores with different sizes to increased porosity after pretreatment. Contrasting dependences of sugar conversion on white poplar and eucalyptus as a function of biomass loading were observed and cellulose crystalline structure was found to play an important role. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A small-angle neutron scattering study of the kinetics of phase separation in a supersaturated Ni-12.5 at. pct Si alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polat, S.; Chen, Haydn; Epperson, J. E.

1989-04-01

The kinetic behavior of precipitation in a supersaturated Ni-12.5 at. pct Si alloy single crystal has been studied by the small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) technique to supplement earlier transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) work. The SANS measurements performed at room temperature on quenched specimens subjected to isothermal anneals at 400, 450, 505, and 550 °C for various amounts of time have revealed the presence of an interference peak in the scattering function. The particle size, determined according to the Guinier approximation, is found to grow in accordance with the diffusion controlled model put forth by Lifshitz and Slyozov, and independently by Wagner. The activation energy for solute diffusion is determined using the rate constants governing the growth of particle size and the variation of the mean interparticle distance. Results are in agreement with the values given in the literature. Transition from an earlier growth stage has been observed, and enhanced diffusion is noted at temperatures below 505 °C; both observations are consistent with the previous X-ray results. The dynamical scaling law appears to be followed by the data obtained in the coarsening stage. A disruption of scaling occurs at the point when the particle growth changes from a parabolic rate behavior to a cubic coarsening rate. Dynamical scaling offers the potential for projecting the service lifetimes for components from experimental measurements carried out over a much shorter time interval. Discrepancies in the size parameters determined by different techniques are discussed.

Characterization of Nanoparticles and Colloids in Aquatic Systems 1. Small Angle Neutron Scattering Investigations of Suwannee River Fulvic Acid Aggregates in Aqueous Solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diallo, Mamadou S.; Glinka, Charles J.; Goddard, William A.; Johnson, James H.

2005-10-01

Fulvic acids (FA) and humic acids (HA) constitute 30-50% of dissolved organic matter in natural aquatic systems. In aqueous solutions, a commonly accepted view is that FA and HA exist as soluble macroligands at low concentration and as supramolecular aggregates at higher concentration. The size, shape and structure of these aggregates are still the subject of ongoing debate in the environmental chemistry literature. In this article, we use small angle neutron scattering (SANS) to assess the effects of solute concentration, solution pH and background electrolyte (NaCl) concentration on the structures of Suwannee River FA (SRFA) aggregates in D2O. The qualitative features of the SANS curves and data analysis are not consistent with the view point that SRFA forms micelle-like aggregates as its concentration in aqueous solution increases. We find that SRFA forms fractal aggregates in D20 with size greater than 242 nm. The SRFA aggregates undergo a significant degree of restructuring in compactness as solution pH, solute concentration and NaCl concentration increase.

The morphology of blends of linear and branched polyethylenes by small-angle neutron and x-ray scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Londono, J.D.; Wignall, G.D.; Lin, J.S.

1995-12-31

The solid-state morphology and liquid-state homogeneity of blends of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) were investigated by small-angle neutron and x-ray scattering (SANS and SAXS). The solid state morphology was investigated as a function of composition and cooling rate from the melt. After slow cooling, the evidence indicated that the mixtures were either completely (HDPE-rich blends) or almost completely (LDPE-rich blends) phase separated into separate HDPE and LDPE lamellae over the whole compositional range. In contrast, for rapidly quenched blends the components are extensively co-crystallized for all concentrations, though the SANS data indicated that the branched component hadmore » a tendency to be preferentially located in the inter-lamellar regions. In the liquid state, the blends were homogeneous at all compositions, showing that the solid state morphology is not determined by the melt structure, but is a function of the crystallization kinetics. Further evidence for blend homogeneity in the liquid is presented. In particular the authors examine the hypothesis that a phase separated mixture might give a scattering pattern similar to a homogeneous blend if the domain sizes were larger than the maximum spatial resolution of the SANS experiment (D > 2{pi}/Q{sub min} {approximately} 2,000 {angstrom}). In this scenario, the differential scattering cross section d{Sigma}/d{Omega}(Q) {approximately} Q{sup {minus}2}, though phase separation decreases the cross section in this Q-range with respect to the homogeneous blend. For HDPE/LDPE blends in the melt, this decrease in intensity was not observed, thus ruling out the possibility of phase separation.« less

Resolution of ab initio shapes determined from small-angle scattering.

PubMed

Tuukkanen, Anne T; Kleywegt, Gerard J; Svergun, Dmitri I

2016-11-01

Spatial resolution is an important characteristic of structural models, and the authors of structures determined by X-ray crystallography or electron cryo-microscopy always provide the resolution upon publication and deposition. Small-angle scattering of X-rays or neutrons (SAS) has recently become a mainstream structural method providing the overall three-dimensional structures of proteins, nucleic acids and complexes in solution. However, no quantitative resolution measure is available for SAS-derived models, which significantly hampers their validation and further use. Here, a method is derived for resolution assessment for ab initio shape reconstruction from scattering data. The inherent variability of the ab initio shapes is utilized and it is demonstrated how their average Fourier shell correlation function is related to the model resolution. The method is validated against simulated data for proteins with known high-resolution structures and its efficiency is demonstrated in applications to experimental data. It is proposed that henceforth the resolution be reported in publications and depositions of ab initio SAS models.

Resolution of ab initio shapes determined from small-angle scattering

PubMed Central

Tuukkanen, Anne T.; Kleywegt, Gerard J.; Svergun, Dmitri I.

2016-01-01

Spatial resolution is an important characteristic of structural models, and the authors of structures determined by X-ray crystallography or electron cryo-microscopy always provide the resolution upon publication and deposition. Small-angle scattering of X-rays or neutrons (SAS) has recently become a mainstream structural method providing the overall three-dimensional structures of proteins, nucleic acids and complexes in solution. However, no quantitative resolution measure is available for SAS-derived models, which significantly hampers their validation and further use. Here, a method is derived for resolution assessment for ab initio shape reconstruction from scattering data. The inherent variability of the ab initio shapes is utilized and it is demonstrated how their average Fourier shell correlation function is related to the model resolution. The method is validated against simulated data for proteins with known high-resolution structures and its efficiency is demonstrated in applications to experimental data. It is proposed that henceforth the resolution be reported in publications and depositions of ab initio SAS models. PMID:27840683

Astronomers Find the First 'Wind Nebula' Around a Rare Ultra-Magnetic Neutron Star

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-06-21

Astronomers have discovered a vast cloud of high-energy particles called a wind nebula around a rare ultra-magnetic neutron star, or magnetar, for the first time. The find offers a unique window into the properties, environment and outburst history of magnetars, which are the strongest magnets in the universe. A neutron star is the crushed core of a massive star that ran out of fuel, collapsed under its own weight, and exploded as a supernova. Each one compresses the equivalent mass of half a million Earths into a ball just 12 miles (20 kilometers) across, or about the length of New York's Manhattan Island. Neutron stars are most commonly found as pulsars, which produce radio, visible light, X-rays and gamma rays at various locations in their surrounding magnetic fields. When a pulsar spins these regions in our direction, astronomers detect pulses of emission, hence the name. Credit: ESA/XMM-Newton/Younes et al. 2016

Tracking of Short Distance Transport Pathways in Biological Tissues by Ultra-Small Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Segmehl, Jana S.; Lauria, Alessandro; Keplinger, Tobias; Berg, John K.; Burgert, Ingo

2018-03-01

In this work, ultra-small europium-doped HfO2 nanoparticles were infiltrated into native wood and used as trackers for studying penetrability and diffusion pathways in the hierarchical wood structure. The high electron density, laser induced luminescence, and crystallinity of these particles allowed for a complementary detection of the particles in the cellular tissue. Confocal Raman microscopy and high-resolution synchrotron scanning wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) measurements were used to detect the infiltrated particles in the native wood cell walls. This approach allows for simultaneously obtaining chemical information of the probed biological tissue and the spatial distribution of the integrated particles. The in-depth information about particle distribution in the complex wood structure can be used for revealing transport pathways in plant tissues, but also for gaining better understanding of modification treatments of plant scaffolds aiming at novel functionalized materials.

Protein crowding in solution, frozen and freeze-dried states: small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering study of lysozyme/sorbitol/water systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krueger, Susan; Khodadadi, Sheila; Clark, Nicholas; McAuley, Arnold; Cristiglio, Viviana; Theyencheri, Narayanan; Curtis, Joseph; Shalaev, Evgenyi

2015-03-01

For effective preservation, proteins are often stored as frozen solutions or in glassy states using a freeze-drying process. However, aggregation is often observed after freeze-thaw or reconstitution of freeze-dried powder and the stability of the protein is no longer assured. In this study, small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering (SANS and SAXS) have been used to investigate changes in protein-protein interaction distances of a model protein/cryoprotectant system of lysozyme/sorbitol/water, under representative pharmaceutical processing conditions. The results demonstrate the utility of SAXS and SANS methods to monitor protein crowding at different stages of freezing and drying. The SANS measurements of solution samples showed at least one protein interaction peak corresponding to an interaction distance of ~ 90 Å. In the frozen state, two protein interaction peaks were observed by SANS with corresponding interaction distances at 40 Å as well as 90 Å. On the other hand, both SAXS and SANS data for freeze-dried samples showed three peaks, suggesting interaction distances ranging from ~ 15 Å to 170 Å. Possible interpretations of these interaction peaks will be discussed, as well as the role of sorbitol as a cryoprotectant during the freezing and drying process.

Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy and Small Angle Neutron Scattering Characterization of Nanostructural Features in Irradiated Fe-Cu-Mn Alloys

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wirth, B D; Asoka-Kumar, P; Howell, R H

2001-01-01

Radiation embrittlement of nuclear reactor pressure vessel steels results from a high number density of nanometer sized Cu-Mn-Ni rich precipitates (CRPs) and sub-nanometer matrix features, thought to be vacancy-solute cluster complexes (VSC). However, questions exist regarding both the composition of the precipitates and the defect character and composition of the matrix features. We present results of positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) characterization of irradiated and thermally aged Fe-Cu and Fe-Cu-Mn alloys. These complementary techniques provide insight into the composition and character of both types of nanoscale features. The SANS measurements indicate populations of CRPs andmore » VSCs in both alloys. The CRPs are coarser in the Fe-Cu alloy and the number densities of CRP and VSC increase with the addition of Mn. The PAS involved measuring both the positron lifetimes and the Doppler broadened annihilation spectra in the high momentum region to provide elemental sensitivity at the annihilation site. The spectra in Fe-Cu-Mn specimens thermally aged to peak hardness at 450 C and irradiated at 288 C are nearly identical to elemental Cu. Positron lifetime and spectrum measurements in Fe-Cu specimens irradiated at 288 C clearly show the existence of long lifetime ({approx}500 ps) open volume defects, which also contain Cu. Thus the SANS and PAS provide a self-consistent picture of nanostructures composed of CRPs and VSCs and tend to discount high Fe concentrations in the CRPs.« less

Realization of an Ultra-thin Metasurface to Facilitate Wide Bandwidth, Wide Angle Beam Scanning.

PubMed

Bah, Alpha O; Qin, Pei-Yuan; Ziolkowski, Richard W; Cheng, Qiang; Guo, Y Jay

2018-03-19

A wide bandwidth, ultra-thin, metasurface is reported that facilitates wide angle beam scanning. Each unit cell of the metasurface contains a multi-resonant, strongly-coupled unequal arm Jerusalem cross element. This element consists of two bent-arm, orthogonal, capacitively loaded strips. The wide bandwidth of the metasurface is achieved by taking advantage of the strong coupling within and between its multi-resonant elements. A prototype of the proposed metasurface has been fabricated and measured. The design concept has been validated by the measured results. The proposed metasurface is able to alleviate the well-known problem of impedance mismatch caused by mutual coupling when the main beam of an array is scanned. In order to validate the wideband and wide scanning ability of the proposed metasurface, it is integrated with a wideband antenna array as a wide angle impedance matching element. The metasurface-array combination facilitates wide angle scanning over a 6:1 impedance bandwidth without the need for bulky dielectrics or multi-layered structures.

Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Reveals pH-Dependent Conformational Changes in Trichoderma reesei Cellobiohydrolase I: Implications for Enzymatic Activity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pingali, Sai Venkatesh; O'Neill, Hugh Michael; McGaughey, Joseph

2011-01-01

Cellobiohydrolase I (Cel7A) of the fungus Trichoderma reesei (now classified as an anamorph of Hypocrea jecorina) hydrolyzes crystalline cellulose to soluble sugars, making it of key interest for producing fermentable sugars from biomass for biofuel production. The activity of the enzyme is pH-dependent, with its highest activity occurring at pH 4 5. To probe the response of the solution structure of Cel7A to changes in pH, we measured small angle neutron scattering of it in a series of solutions having pH values of 7.0, 6.0, 5.3, and 4.2. As the pH decreases from 7.0 to 5.3, the enzyme structure remainsmore » well defined, possessing a spatial differentiation between the cellulose binding domain and the catalytic core that only changes subtly. At pH 4.2, the solution conformation of the enzyme changes to a structure that is intermediate between a properly folded enzyme and a denatured, unfolded state, yet the secondary structure of the enzyme is essentially unaltered. The results indicate that at the pH of optimal activity, the catalytic core of the enzyme adopts a structure in which the compact packing typical of a fully folded polypeptide chain is disrupted and suggest that the increased range of structures afforded by this disordered state plays an important role in the increased activity of Cel7A through conformational selection.« less

Ultra-small lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles for tumor-penetrating drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dehaini, Diana; Fang, Ronnie H.; Luk, Brian T.; Pang, Zhiqing; Hu, Che-Ming J.; Kroll, Ashley V.; Yu, Chun Lai; Gao, Weiwei; Zhang, Liangfang

2016-07-01

Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles, consisting of a polymeric core coated by a layer of lipids, are a class of highly scalable, biodegradable nanocarriers that have shown great promise in drug delivery applications. Here, we demonstrate the facile synthesis of ultra-small, sub-25 nm lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles using an adapted nanoprecipitation approach and explore their utility for targeted delivery of a model chemotherapeutic. The fabrication process is first optimized to produce a monodisperse population of particles that are stable under physiological conditions. It is shown that these ultra-small hybrid nanoparticles can be functionalized with a targeting ligand on the surface and loaded with drug inside the polymeric matrix. Further, the in vivo fate of the nanoparticles after intravenous injection is characterized by examining the blood circulation and biodistribution. In a final proof-of-concept study, targeted ultra-small hybrid nanoparticles loaded with the cancer drug docetaxel are used to treat a mouse tumor model and demonstrate improved efficacy compared to a clinically available formulation of the drug. The ability to synthesize a significantly smaller version of the established lipid-polymer hybrid platform can ultimately enhance its applicability across a wider range of applications.

Small-Angle Scatter Measurement.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wein, Steven Jay

The design, analysis, and performance of a small -angle scatterometer are presented. The effects of the diffraction background, geometrical aberrations and system scatter at the small-angles are separated. Graphs are provided that quantify their contribution. The far-field irradiance distributions of weakly truncated and untruncated Gaussian beams are compared. The envelope of diffraction ringing is shown to decrease proportionately with the level of truncation in the pupil. Spherical aberration and defocus are shown to have little effect on the higher-order diffraction rings of Gaussian apertures and as such will have a negligible effect on most scatter measurements. A method is presented for determining the scattered irradiance level for a given BRDF in relation to the peak irradiance of the point spread function. A method of Gaussian apodization is presented and tested that allows the level of diffraction ringing to become a design parameter. Upon sufficient reduction of the diffraction background, the scattered light from the scatterometers' primary mirror is seen to be the limiting component of the small-angle instrument profile. The scatterometer described was able to make a meaningful measurement close enough to the specular direction at 0.6328mum in order to observe the characteristic height and width of the scatter function. This allowed the rms roughness and autocorrelation length of the surface to be determined from the scatter data at this wavelength. The inferred rms roughness agreed well with an independent optical profilometer measurement of the surface. The BRDF of the samples were also measured at 10.6mum. The rms roughness inferred from this scatter data did not agree with the other measurements. The BRDF did not scale in accordance with the scaler diffraction theory of microrough surfaces. The scattering in the visible was dominated by the effects of surface roughness whereas the scattering in the far-infrared was apparently dominated by the

High longitudinal relaxivity of ultra-small gadolinium oxide prepared by microsecond laser ablation in diethylene glycol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Ningqi; Tian, Xiumei; Xiao, Jun; Hu, Wenyong; Yang, Chuan; Li, Li; Chen, Dihu

2013-04-01

Ultra-small gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) can be used as T1-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contrast agent own to its high longitudinal relaxivity (r1) and has attracted intensive attention in these years. In this paper, ultra-small Gd2O3 nanoparticles of 3.8 nm in diameter have been successfully synthesized by a microsecond laser ablating a gadolinium (Gd) target in diethylene glycol (DEG). The growth inhibition effect induced by the large viscosity of DEG makes it possible to synthesize ultra-small Gd2O3 by laser ablation in DEG. The r1 value and T1-weighted MR images are measured by a 3.0 T MRI spectroscope. The results show these nanoparticles with a high r1 value of 9.76 s-1 mM-1 to be good MRI contrast agents. We propose an explanation for the high r1 value of ultra-small Gd2O3 by considering the decreasing factor (surface to volume ratio of the nanoparticles, S/V) and the increasing factor (water hydration number of the Gd3+ on Gd2O3 surface, q), which offer a new look into the relaxivity studies of MRI contrast agents. Our research provides a new approach to preparing ultra-small Gd2O3 of high r1 value by laser ablation in DEG and develops the understanding of high relaxivity of ultra-small Gd2O3 MRI contrast agents.

Sphere-to-rod transition of non-surface-active amphiphilic diblock copolymer micelles: a small-angle neutron scattering study.

PubMed

Kaewsaiha, Ploysai; Matsumoto, Kozo; Matsuoka, Hideki

2007-08-28

Micellization behavior of amphiphilic diblock copolymers with strong acid groups, poly(hydrogenated isoprene)-block-poly(styrenesulfonate), was investigated by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). We have reported previously (Kaewsaiha, P.; Matsumoto, K.; Matsuoka, H. Langmuir 2005, 21, 9938) that this strongly ionic amphiphilic diblock copolymer shows almost no surface activity but forms micelles in water. In this study, the size, shape, and internal structures of the micelles formed by these unique copolymers in aqueous solution were duly investigated. The SANS data were well described by the theoretical form factor of a core-shell model and the Pedersen core-corona model. The micellar shape strongly depends on the hydrophobic chain length of the block copolymer. The polymer with the shortest hydrophobic chain was suggested to form spherical micelles, whereas the scattering curves of the longer hydrophobic chain polymers showed a q-1 dependence, reflecting the formation of rodlike micelles. Furthermore, the addition of salt at high concentration also induced the sphere-to-rod transition in micellar shape as a result of the shielding effect of electrostatic repulsion. The corona thickness was almost constant up to the critical salt concentration (around 0.2 M) and then decreased with further increases in salt concentration, which is in qualitatively agreement with existing theories. The spherical/rodlike micelle ratio was also constant up to the critical salt concentration and then decreased. The micelle size and shape of this unique polymer could be described by the common concept of the packing parameter, but the anomalously stable nature of the micelle (up to 1 M NaCl) is a special characteristic.

An ultra-relativistic outflow from a neutron star accreting gas from a companion.

PubMed

Fender, Rob; Wu, Kinwah; Johnston, Helen; Tzioumis, Tasso; Jonker, Peter; Spencer, Ralph; Van Der Klis, Michiel

2004-01-15

Collimated relativistic outflows-also known as jets-are amongst the most energetic phenomena in the Universe. They are associated with supermassive black holes in distant active galactic nuclei, accreting stellar-mass black holes and neutron stars in binary systems and are believed to be responsible for gamma-ray bursts. The physics of these jets, however, remains something of a mystery in that their bulk velocities, compositions and energetics remain poorly determined. Here we report the discovery of an ultra-relativistic outflow from a neutron star accreting gas within a binary stellar system. The velocity of the outflow is comparable to the fastest-moving flows observed from active galactic nuclei, and its strength is modulated by the rate of accretion of material onto the neutron star. Shocks are energized further downstream in the flow, which are themselves moving at mildly relativistic bulk velocities and are the sites of the observed synchrotron emission from the jet. We conclude that the generation of highly relativistic outflows does not require properties that are unique to black holes, such as an event horizon.

Ultra-Thin Dual-Band Polarization-Insensitive and Wide-Angle Perfect Metamaterial Absorber Based on a Single Circular Sector Resonator Structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Hao; Cheng, Yong Zhi

2018-01-01

We present a simple design for an ultra-thin dual-band polarization-insensitive and wide-angle perfect metamaterial absorber (PMMA) based on a single circular sector resonator structure (CSRS). Both simulation and experimental results reveal that two resonance peaks with average absorption above 99% can be achieved. The dual-band PMMA is ultra-thin with total thickness of 0.5 mm, which is angles of polarization and incidence for both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes. Furthermore, the absorption properties of the PMMA can be adjusted by varying the geometric parameters of the unit-cell structure.

Deuterium Labeling Together with Contrast Variation Small-angle Neutron Scattering Suggests How Skp Captures and Releases Unfolded Outer Membrane Proteins

PubMed Central

Zaccai, Nathan R.; Sandlin, Clifford W.; Hoopes, James T.; Curtis, Joseph E.; Fleming, Patrick J.; Fleming, Karen G.; Krueger, Susan

2016-01-01

In gram-negative bacteria, the chaperone protein Skp forms specific and stable complexes with membrane proteins while they are transported across the periplasm to the outer membrane. The jellyfish-like architecture of Skp is similar to the eukaryotic and archeal prefoldins and the mitochondrial Tim chaperones, that is α-helical ‘tentacles’ extend from a β-strand ‘body’ to create an internal cavity. Contrast variation small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments on Skp alone in solution and bound in two different complexes to unfolded outer membrane proteins (uOMPs), OmpA and OmpW, demonstrate that the helical tentacles of Skp bind their substrate in a clamp-like mechanism in a conformation similar to that previously observed in the apo crystal structure of Skp. Deuteration of the uOMP component combined with contrast variation analysis allowed the shapes of Skp and uOMP as well as the location of uOMP with respect to Skp to be determined in both complexes. This represents unique information that could not be obtained without deuterium labeling of the uOMPs. The data yield the first direct structural evidence that the α-helical Skp tentacles move closer together on binding its substrate and that the structure of Skp is different when binding different uOMPs. This work presents, by example, a tutorial on performing SANS experiments using both deuterium labeling and contrast variation, including SANS theory, sample preparation, data collection, sample quality validation, data analysis and structure modeling. PMID:26791979

Morphological Study of Poly(vinylbenzyl chloride)-Grafted Poly(ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene) [ETFE-g-PVBC] Films Using Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Analysis.

PubMed

Song, J M; Ko, B S; Sohn, J Y; Shin, J

2016-06-01

In this study, the effect of degree of the grafting and crosslinking on the morphology of the crystalline domain in poly(vinylbenzyl chloride)-grafted poly(ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene) [ETFE-g-PVBC] films was investigated using a SANS (small-angle neutron scattering) analysis. The grafted films can be used as a precursor for ion-exchange membrane. ETFE-g-PVBC films with various degrees of cross-linking were prepared by a simultaneous irradiation grafting of vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC) and divinylbenzene (DVB) onto an ETFE film. The SEM-EDX (scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) results of a cross-sectional distribution of ETFE-g-PVBC films showed that the chlorine atoms were well-distributed throughout the films. SANS profiles of the PVBC-grafted films in the absence of a DVB crosslinker showed that the crystalline domain peaks were observed and the peak maximum position shifted significantly from 0.032 Å-(-1) to 0.02 Å(-1) with an increase in the degree of grafting. However, peak maximum positions of the PVBC-grafted films in the presence of a DVB crosslinker shifted slightly from 0.02 Å(-1) to 0.024 Å(-1) with an increase in the amount of DVB monomer at same degree of grafting. These results indicate that the degree of grafting and crosslinking affect the morphology of the crystalline domain in the ETFE-g-PVBC films.

Neutron scattering studies of crude oil viscosity reduction with electric field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Enpeng

topic. Dr. Tao with his group at Temple University, using his electro or magnetic rheological viscosity theory has developed a new technology, which utilizes electric or magnetic fields to change the rheology of complex fluids to reduce the viscosity, while keeping the temperature unchanged. After we successfully reduced the viscosity of crude oil with field and investigated the microstructure changing in various crude oil samples with SANS, we have continued to reduce the viscosity of heavy crude oil, bunker diesel, ultra low sulfur diesel, bio-diesel and crude oil and ultra low temperature with electric field treatment. Our research group developed the viscosity electrorheology theory and investigated flow rate with laboratory and field pipeline. But we never visualize this aggregation. The small angle neutron scattering experiment has confirmed the theoretical prediction that a strong electric field induces the suspended nano-particles inside crude oil to aggregate into short chains along the field direction. This aggregation breaks the symmetry, making the viscosity anisotropic: along the field direction, the viscosity is significantly reduced. The experiment enables us to determine the induced chain size and shape, verifies that the electric field works for all kinds of crude oils, paraffin-based, asphalt-based, and mix-based. The basic physics of such field induced viscosity reduction is applicable to all kinds of suspensions.

Ultra-broadband and wide-angle perfect absorber based on composite metal-semiconductor grating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xu; Wang, Zongpeng; Hou, Yumin

2018-01-01

In this letter, we present an ultra-broadband and wide-angle perfect absorber based on composite Ge-Ni grating. Near perfect absorption above 90% is achieved in a wide frequency range from 150 nm to 4200 nm, which covers almost the full spectrum of solar radiation. The absorption keeps robust in a wide range of incident angle from 0º to 60º. The upper triangle Ge grating works as an antireflection coating. The lower Ni grating works as a reflector and an effective energy trapper. The guided modes inside Ge grating are excited due to reflection of the lower Ni grating surface. In longer wavelength band, gap surface plasmons (GSPs) in the Ni grating are excited and couple with the guided modes inside the Ge grating. The coupled modes extend the perfect absorption band to the near-infrared region (150 nm-4200 nm). This design has potential application in photovoltaic devices and thermal emitters.

Contrast variation by dynamic nuclear polarization and time-of-flight small-angle neutron scattering. I. Application to industrial multi-component nanocomposites.

PubMed

Noda, Yohei; Koizumi, Satoshi; Masui, Tomomi; Mashita, Ryo; Kishimoto, Hiroyuki; Yamaguchi, Daisuke; Kumada, Takayuki; Takata, Shin-Ichi; Ohishi, Kazuki; Suzuki, Jun-Ichi

2016-12-01

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) at low temperature (1.2 K) and high magnetic field (3.3 T) was applied to a contrast variation study in small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) focusing on industrial rubber materials. By varying the scattering contrast by DNP, time-of-flight SANS profiles were obtained at the pulsed neutron source of the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC). The concentration of a small organic molecule, (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-yl)oxy (TEMPO), was carefully controlled by a doping method using vapour sorption into the rubber specimens. With the assistance of microwave irradiation (94 GHz), almost full polarization of the paramagnetic electronic spin of TEMPO was transferred to the spin state of hydrogen (protons) in the rubber materials to obtain a high proton spin polarization ( P H ). The following samples were prepared: (i) a binary mixture of styrene-butadiene random copolymer (SBR) with silica particles (SBR/SP); and (ii) a ternary mixture of SBR with silica and carbon black particles (SBR/SP/CP). For the binary mixture (SBR/SP), the intensity of SANS significantly increased or decreased while keeping its q dependence for P H = -35% or P H = 40%, respectively. The q behaviour of SANS for the SBR/SP mixture can be reproduced using the form factor of a spherical particle. The intensity at low q (∼0.01 Å -1 ) varied as a quadratic function of P H and indicated a minimum value at P H = 30%, which can be explained by the scattering contrast between SP and SBR. The scattering intensity at high q (∼0.3 Å -1 ) decreased with increasing P H , which is attributed to the incoherent scattering from hydrogen. For the ternary mixture (SBR/SP/CP), the q behaviour of SANS was varied by changing P H . At P H = -35%, the scattering maxima originating from the form factor of SP prevailed, whereas at P H = 29% and P H = 38%, the scattering maxima disappeared. After decomposition of the total SANS according to inverse matrix

A ultra-small-angle self-mixing sensor system with high detection resolution and wide measurement range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Bo; Wang, Dehui; Zhou, Lin; Wu, Shuang; Xiang, Rong; Zhang, Wenhua; Gui, Huaqiao; Liu, Jianguo; Wang, Huanqing; Lu, Liang; Yu, Benli

2017-06-01

The self-mixing technique based on the traditional reflecting mirror has been demonstrated with great merit for angle sensing applications. Here we demonstrate a modified self-reflection-mixing angle measurement system by combine a right-angle prism to self-mixing angle measurement. In our system, the wavelength is crucial to the angle measurement resolution. For a microchip solid-state laser, the measurement resolution can reach 0.49 mrad, while the resolution for the He-Ne laser is 0.53 mrad. In addition, the ranges in the system with the microchip solid-state laser and He-Ne laser are up to 22 mrad and 24.9 mrad respectively. This modified angle measurement system effectively combines the advantage of self-mixing measurement system with a compact structure, providing interesting features such as of high requisition of resolution and precision.

The Coherent Backscattering Opposition Effect: Measurements at Very Small Phase Angles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nelson, R.; Hapke, B.; Smythe, W.; Horn, L.; Herrera, P.; Gharakanian, V.

1993-01-01

This oral presentation explains that measurements of the opposition surge (the nonlinear increase in reflectance seen in particulate materials when observed at small phase angles) are the first ever made using the JPL long-arm goniometer, which permits very small phase angle measuremnets to be made.

Small Angle X-Ray Scattering Detector

DOEpatents

Hessler, Jan P.

2004-06-15

A detector for time-resolved small-angle x-ray scattering includes a nearly constant diameter, evacuated linear tube having an end plate detector with a first fluorescent screen and concentric rings of first fiber optic bundles for low angle scattering detection and an annular detector having a second fluorescent screen and second fiber optic bundles concentrically disposed about the tube for higher angle scattering detection. With the scattering source, i.e., the specimen under investigation, located outside of the evacuated tube on the tube's longitudinal axis, scattered x-rays are detected by the fiber optic bundles, to each of which is coupled a respective photodetector, to provide a measurement resolution, i.e., dq/q, where q is the momentum transferred from an incident x-ray to an x-ray scattering specimen, of 2% over two (2) orders of magnitude in reciprocal space, i.e., q.sub.max /q.sub.min.congruent.100.

The MONDO project: A secondary neutron tracker detector for particle therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valle, S. M.; Battistoni, G.; Patera, V.; Pinci, D.; Sarti, A.; Sciubba, A.; Spiriti, E.; Marafini, M.

2017-02-01

During Particle Therapy treatments the patient irradiation produces, among different types of secondary radiation, an abundant flux of neutrons that can release a significant dose far away from the tumour region. A precise measurement of their flux, energy and angle distributions is eagerly needed in order to improve the Treatment Planning Systems software and to properly take into account the risk of late complications in the whole body. The technical challenges posed by a neutron detector aiming for high detection efficiency and good backtracking precision will be addressed within the MONDO project, whose main goal is to develop a tracking detector targeting fast and ultra-fast secondary neutrons. The neutron tracking principle is based on the reconstruction of two consequent elastic scattering interactions of a neutron with a target material. Reconstructing the recoiling protons it is hence possible to measure the energy and incoming direction of the neutron. Plastic scintillators will be used as scattering and detection media: the tracker is being developed as a matrix of squared scintillating fibres of 250 μm side. The light produced and collected in fibres will be amplified using a triple GEM-based image intensifier and acquired using CMOS Single Photon Avalanche Diode arrays. Using therapeutic beams, the principal detector goal will be the measurement of the neutron production yields, as a function of production angle and energy.

A small-angle large-acceptance detection system for hadrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalantar-Nayestanaki, N.; Bacelar, J. C. S.; Brandenburg, S.; Huisman, H.; Messchendorp, J. G.; Mul, F. A.; Schadmand, S.; van der Schaaf, K.; Schippers, J. M.; Volkerts, M.

2000-04-01

The performance of a segmented large-acceptance detector, capable of measuring particles at small forward angles, is presented. The Small-Angle Large-Acceptance Detector (SALAD), was built to handle very high rates of particles impinging on the detector. Particles down to a few MeV can be detected with it. The position of charged particles is measured by two Multi-Wire Proportional Chambers while scintillator blocks are used to measure the energy of the detected particle. A stack of thin scintillators placed behind the energy detectors allows for a hardware rejection (veto) of high-energy particles going through the scintillator blocks.

Deuterium Labeling Together with Contrast Variation Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Suggests How Skp Captures and Releases Unfolded Outer Membrane Proteins.

PubMed

Zaccai, Nathan R; Sandlin, Clifford W; Hoopes, James T; Curtis, Joseph E; Fleming, Patrick J; Fleming, Karen G; Krueger, Susan

2016-01-01

In Gram-negative bacteria, the chaperone protein Skp forms specific and stable complexes with membrane proteins while they are transported across the periplasm to the outer membrane. The jellyfish-like architecture of Skp is similar to the eukaryotic and archaeal prefoldins and the mitochondrial Tim chaperones, that is the α-helical "tentacles" extend from a β-strand "body" to create an internal cavity. Contrast variation small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments on Skp alone in solution and bound in two different complexes to unfolded outer membrane proteins (uOMPs), OmpA and OmpW, demonstrate that the helical tentacles of Skp bind their substrate in a clamp-like mechanism in a conformation similar to that previously observed in the apo crystal structure of Skp. Deuteration of the uOMP component combined with contrast variation analysis allowed the shapes of Skp and uOMP as well as the location of uOMP with respect to Skp to be determined in both complexes. This represents unique information that could not be obtained without deuterium labeling of the uOMPs. The data yield the first direct structural evidence that the α-helical Skp tentacles move closer together on binding its substrate and that the structure of Skp is different when binding different uOMPs. This work presents, by example, a tutorial on performing SANS experiments using both deuterium labeling and contrast variation, including SANS theory, sample preparation, data collection, sample quality validation, data analysis, and structure modeling. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Neutron reflecting supermirror structure

DOEpatents

Wood, J.L.

1992-12-01

An improved neutron reflecting supermirror structure comprising a plurality of stacked sets of bilayers of neutron reflecting materials. The improved neutron reflecting supermirror structure is adapted to provide extremely good performance at high incidence angles, i.e. up to four time the critical angle of standard neutron mirror structures. The reflection of neutrons striking the supermirror structure at a high critical angle provides enhanced neutron throughput, and hence more efficient and economical use of neutron sources. 2 figs.

Neutron reflecting supermirror structure

DOEpatents

Wood, James L.

1992-01-01

An improved neutron reflecting supermirror structure comprising a plurality of stacked sets of bilayers of neutron reflecting materials. The improved neutron reflecting supermirror structure is adapted to provide extremely good performance at high incidence angles, i.e. up to four time the critical angle of standard neutron mirror structures. The reflection of neutrons striking the supermirror structure at a high critical angle provides enhanced neutron throughput, and hence more efficient and economical use of neutron sources.

The very low angle detector for high-energy inelastic neutron scattering on the VESUVIO spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perelli Cippo, E.; Gorini, G.; Tardocchi, M.; Pietropaolo, A.; Andreani, C.; Senesi, R.; Rhodes, N. J.; Schooneveld, E. M.

2008-05-01

The Very Low Angle Detector (VLAD) bank has been installed on the VESUVIO spectrometer at the ISIS spallation neutron source. The new device allows for high-energy inelastic neutron scattering measurements, at energies above 1 eV, maintaining the wave vector transfer lower than 10Å-1. This opens a still unexplored region of the kinematical (q, ω) space, enabling new and challenging experimental investigations in condensed matter. This paper describes the main instrumental features of the VLAD device, including instrument design, detector response, and calibration procedure.

Spontaneous imbibition of water and determination of effective contact angles in the Eagle Ford Shale Formation using neutron imaging

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

DiStefano, Victoria H.; Cheshire, Michael C.; McFarlane, Joanna

Understanding of fundamental processes and prediction of optimal parameters during the horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing process results in economically effective improvement of oil and natural gas extraction. Although, the modern analytical and computational models can capture fracture growth, there is a lack of experimental data on spontaneous imbibition and wettability in oil and gas reservoirs for the validation of further model development. In this work, we used neutron imaging to measure the spontaneous imbibition of water into fractures of Eagle Ford Shale with known geometries and fracture orientations. An analytical solution for a set of nonlinear second-order differential equationsmore » was applied to the measured imbibition data to determine effective contact angles. The analytical solution fit the measured imbibition data reasonably well and determined effective contact angles were slightly higher than static contact angles due to effects of in-situ changes in velocity, surface roughness, and heterogeneity of mineral surfaces on the fracture surface. Additionally, small fracture widths may have retarded imbibition and affected model fits, which suggests that average fracture widths are not satisfactory for modeling imbibition in natural systems.« less

Small-angle-neutron-scattering from giant water-in-oil microemulsion droplets. II. Polymer-decorated droplets in a quaternary system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foster, Tobias; Sottmann, Thomas; Schweins, Ralf; Strey, Reinhard

2008-02-01

Amphiphilic block copolymers of the type poly(ethylenepropylene)-co-poly(ethyleneoxide) dramatically enhance the solubilisation efficiency of non-ionic surfactants in microemulsions that contain equal volumes of water in oil. Consequently, the length scale of the microstructure of such bicontinuous microemulsions is dramatically increased up to the order of a few 100nm. In this paper, we show that this so-called efficiency boosting effect can also be applied to water-in-oil microemulsions with droplet microstructure. Such giant water-in-oil microemulsions would provide confined compartments in which chemical reactions of biological macromolecules can be performed on a single molecule level. With this motivation we investigated the phase behavior and the microstructure of oil-rich microemulsions containing D2O, n-decane(d22), C10E4 and the amphiphilic block copolymer PEP5-PEO5 [poly(ethylenepropylene)-co-poly(ethyleneoxide), weight per block of 5000g/mol]. We found that 15wt% of water can be solubilised by 5wt% of surfactant and block copolymer when about 6wt% of surfactant is replaced by the block copolymer. Small-angle-neutron-scattering experiments were performed to determine the length scales and microstructure topologies of the oil-rich microemulsions. To analyze the scattering data, we derived a novel form factor that also takes into account the scattering contribution of the hydrophobic part of the block copolymer molecules that reside in the surfactant shell. The quantitative analysis of the scattering data with this form factor shows that the radius of the largest droplets amounts up to 30nm. The novel form factor also yielded qualitative information on the stretching of the polymer chains in dependence on the polymer surface density and the droplet radius.

Microstructural characterization of dental zinc phosphate cements using combined small angle neutron scattering and microfocus X-ray computed tomography.

PubMed

Viani, Alberto; Sotiriadis, Konstantinos; Kumpová, Ivana; Mancini, Lucia; Appavou, Marie-Sousai

2017-04-01

To characterize the microstructure of two zinc phosphate cement formulations in order to investigate the role of liquid/solid ratio and composition of powder component, on the developed porosity and, consequently, on compressive strength. X-ray powder diffraction with the Rietveld method was used to study the phase composition of zinc oxide powder and cements. Powder component and cement microstructure were investigated with scanning electron microscopy. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and microfocus X-ray computed tomography (XmCT) were together employed to characterize porosity and microstructure of dental cements. Compressive strength tests were performed to evaluate their mechanical performance. The beneficial effects obtained by the addition of Al, Mg and B to modulate powder reactivity were mitigated by the crystallization of a Zn aluminate phase not involved in the cement setting reaction. Both cements showed spherical pores with a bimodal distribution at the micro/nano-scale. Pores, containing a low density gel-like phase, developed through segregation of liquid during setting. Increasing liquid/solid ratio from 0.378 to 0.571, increased both SANS and XmCT-derived specific surface area (by 56% and 22%, respectively), porosity (XmCT-derived porosity increased from 3.8% to 5.2%), the relative fraction of large pores ≥50μm, decreased compressive strength from 50±3MPa to 39±3MPa, and favored microstructural and compositional inhomogeneities. Explain aspects of powder design affecting the setting reaction and, in turn, cement performance, to help in optimizing cement formulation. The mechanism behind development of porosity and specific surface area explains mechanical performance, and processes such as erosion and fluoride release/uptake. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Three-dimensional Model of Human Platelet Integrin αIIbβ3 in Solution Obtained by Small Angle Neutron Scattering*

PubMed Central

Nogales, Aurora; García, Carolina; Pérez, Javier; Callow, Phil; Ezquerra, Tiberio A.; González-Rodríguez, José

2010-01-01

Integrin αIIbβ3 is the major membrane protein and adhesion receptor at the surface of blood platelets, which after activation plays a key role in platelet plug formation in hemostasis and thrombosis. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and shape reconstruction algorithms allowed formation of a low resolution three-dimensional model of whole αIIbβ3 in Ca2+/detergent solutions. Model projections after 90° rotation along its long axis show an elongated and “arched” form (135°) not observed before and a “handgun” form. This 20-nm-long structure is well defined, despite αIIbβ3 multidomain nature and expected segmental flexibility, with the largest region at the top, followed by two narrower and smaller regions at the bottom. Docking of this SANS envelope into the high resolution structure of αIIbβ3, reconstructed from crystallographic and NMR data, shows that the solution structure is less constrained, allows tentative assignment of the disposition of the αIIb and β3 subunits and their domains within the model, and points out the structural analogies and differences of the SANS model with the crystallographic models of the recombinant ectodomains of αIIbβ3 and αVβ3 and with the cryo-electron microscopy model of whole αIIbβ3. The ectodomain is in the bent configuration at the top of the model, where αIIb and β3 occupy the concave and convex sides, respectively, at the arched projection, with their bent knees at its apex. It follows the narrower transmembrane region and the cytoplasmic domains at the bottom end. αIIbβ3 aggregated in Mn2+/detergent solutions, which impeded to get its SANS model. PMID:19897481

Beyond simple small-angle X-ray scattering: developments in online complementary techniques and sample environments.

PubMed

Bras, Wim; Koizumi, Satoshi; Terrill, Nicholas J

2014-11-01

Small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS, WAXS) are standard tools in materials research. The simultaneous measurement of SAXS and WAXS data in time-resolved studies has gained popularity due to the complementary information obtained. Furthermore, the combination of these data with non X-ray based techniques, via either simultaneous or independent measurements, has advanced understanding of the driving forces that lead to the structures and morphologies of materials, which in turn give rise to their properties. The simultaneous measurement of different data regimes and types, using either X-rays or neutrons, and the desire to control parameters that initiate and control structural changes have led to greater demands on sample environments. Examples of developments in technique combinations and sample environment design are discussed, together with a brief speculation about promising future developments.

Small-angle neutron scattering study of specific interaction and coordination structure formed by mono-acetyl-substituted dibenzo-20-crown-6-ether and cesium ions

DOE PAGES

Motokawa, Ryuhei; Kobayashi, Tohru; Endo, Hitoshi; ...

2015-10-26

This study uses small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) to elucidate the coordination structure of the complex of mono-acetyl-substituted dibenzo-20-crown-6-ether (ace-DB20C6) with cesium ions (Cs +). SANS profiles obtained for the complex of ace-DB20C6 and Cs + (ace-DB20C6/Cs) in deuterated dimethyl sulfoxide indicated that Cs + coordination resulted in a more compact structure than the free ace-DB20C6. The data were fitted well with SANS profiles calculated using Debye function for scattering on an absolute scattering intensity scale. For this theoretical calculation of the scattering profiles, the coordination structure proposed based on density functional theory calculation was used. Furthermore, we conclude that themore » SANS analysis experimentally supports the proposed coordination structure of ace-DB20C6/Cs and suggests the following: (1) the complex of ace-DB20C6 and Cs + is formed with an ace-DB20C6/Cs molar ratio of 1/1 and (2) the two benzene rings of ace-DB20C6 fold around Cs + above the center of the crown ether ring of ace-DB20C6.« less

Small-angle neutron scattering study of specific interaction and coordination structure formed by mono-acetyl-substituted dibenzo-20-crown-6-ether and cesium ions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Motokawa, Ryuhei; Kobayashi, Tohru; Endo, Hitoshi

This study uses small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) to elucidate the coordination structure of the complex of mono-acetyl-substituted dibenzo-20-crown-6-ether (ace-DB20C6) with cesium ions (Cs +). SANS profiles obtained for the complex of ace-DB20C6 and Cs + (ace-DB20C6/Cs) in deuterated dimethyl sulfoxide indicated that Cs + coordination resulted in a more compact structure than the free ace-DB20C6. The data were fitted well with SANS profiles calculated using Debye function for scattering on an absolute scattering intensity scale. For this theoretical calculation of the scattering profiles, the coordination structure proposed based on density functional theory calculation was used. Furthermore, we conclude that themore » SANS analysis experimentally supports the proposed coordination structure of ace-DB20C6/Cs and suggests the following: (1) the complex of ace-DB20C6 and Cs + is formed with an ace-DB20C6/Cs molar ratio of 1/1 and (2) the two benzene rings of ace-DB20C6 fold around Cs + above the center of the crown ether ring of ace-DB20C6.« less

A new ultrasonic transducer sample cell for in situ small-angle scattering experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Sudipta; Bleuel, Markus; Schneider, Gerald J.

2018-01-01

Ultrasound irradiation is a commonly used technique for nondestructive diagnostics or targeted destruction. We report on a new versatile sonication device that fits in a variety of standard sample environments for neutron and X-ray scattering instruments. A piezoelectric transducer permits measuring of the time-dependent response of the sample in situ during or after sonication. We use small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) to demonstrate the effect of a time-dependent perturbation on the structure factor of micelles formed from sodium dodecyl sulfate surfactant molecules. We observe a substantial change in the micellar structure during and after exposure to ultrasonic irradiation. We also observe a time-dependent relaxation to the equilibrium values of the unperturbed system. The strength of the perturbation of the structure factor depends systematically on the duration of sonication. The relaxation behavior can be well reproduced after multiple times of sonication. Accumulation of the recorded intensities of the different sonication cycles improves the signal-to-noise ratio and permits reaching very short relaxation times. In addition, we present SANS data for the micellar form factor on alkyl-poly (ethylene oxide) surfactant molecules irradiated by ultrasound. Due to the flexibility of our new in situ sonication device, different experiments can be performed, e.g., to explore molecular potentials in more detail by introducing a systematic time-dependent perturbation.

Application of X-ray and neutron small angle scattering techniques to study the hierarchical structure of plant cell walls: a review.

PubMed

Martínez-Sanz, Marta; Gidley, Michael J; Gilbert, Elliot P

2015-07-10

Plant cell walls present an extremely complex structure of hierarchically assembled cellulose microfibrils embedded in a multi-component matrix. The biosynthesis process determines the mechanism of cellulose crystallisation and assembly, as well as the interaction of cellulose with other cell wall components. Thus, a knowledge of cellulose microfibril and bundle architecture, and the structural role of matrix components, is crucial for understanding cell wall functional and technological roles. Small angle scattering techniques, combined with complementary methods, provide an efficient approach to characterise plant cell walls, covering a broad and relevant size range while minimising experimental artefacts derived from sample treatment. Given the system complexity, approaches such as component extraction and the use of plant cell wall analogues are typically employed to enable the interpretation of experimental results. This review summarises the current research status on the characterisation of the hierarchical structure of plant cell walls using small angle scattering techniques. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pore Characterization of Shale Rock and Shale Interaction with Fluids at Reservoir Pressure-Temperature Conditions Using Small-Angle Neutron Scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, M.; Hjelm, R.; Watkins, E.; Xu, H.; Pawar, R.

2015-12-01

Oil/gas produced from unconventional reservoirs has become strategically important for the US domestic energy independence. In unconventional realm, hydrocarbons are generated and stored in nanopores media ranging from a few to hundreds of nanometers. Fundamental knowledge of coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical (THMC) processes that control fluid flow and propagation within nano-pore confinement is critical for maximizing unconventional oil/gas production. The size and confinement of the nanometer pores creates many complex rock-fluid interface interactions. It is imperative to promote innovative experimental studies to decipher physical and chemical processes at the nanopore scale that govern hydrocarbon generation and mass transport of hydrocarbon mixtures in tight shale and other low permeability formations at reservoir pressure-temperature conditions. We have carried out laboratory investigations exploring quantitative relationship between pore characteristics of the Wolfcamp shale from Western Texas and the shale interaction with fluids at reservoir P-T conditions using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). We have performed SANS measurements of the shale rock in single fluid (e.g., H2O and D2O) and multifluid (CH4/(30% H2O+70% D2O)) systems at various pressures up to 20000 psi and temperature up to 150 oF. Figure 1 shows our SANS data at different pressures with H2O as the pressure medium. Our data analysis using IRENA software suggests that the principal changes of pore volume in the shale occurred on smaller than 50 nm pores and pressure at 5000 psi (Figure 2). Our results also suggest that with increasing P, more water flows into pores; with decreasing P, water is retained in the pores.

Self-assembled ultra small ZnO nanocrystals for dye-sensitized solar cell application

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Patra, Astam K.; Dutta, Arghya; Bhaumik, Asim, E-mail: msab@iacs.res.in

2014-07-01

We demonstrate a facile chemical approach to produce self-assembled ultra-small mesoporous zinc oxide nanocrystals using sodium salicylate (SS) as a template under hydrothermal conditions. These ZnO nanomaterials have been successfully fabricated as a photoanode for the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) in the presence of N719 dye and iodine–triiodide electrolyte. The structural features, crystallinity, purity, mesophase and morphology of the nanostructure ZnO are investigated by several characterization tools. N{sub 2} sorption analysis revealed high surface areas (203 m{sup 2} g{sup −1}) and narrow pore size distributions (5.1–5.4 nm) for different samples. The mesoporous structure and strong photoluminescence facilitates the high dyemore » loading at the mesoscopic void spaces and light harvesting in DSSC. By utilizing this ultra-small ZnO photoelectrode with film thickness of about 7 μm in the DSSC with an open-circuit voltage (V{sub OC}) of 0.74 V, short-circuit current density (J{sub SC}) of 3.83 mA cm{sup −2} and an overall power conversion efficiency of 1.12% has been achieved. - Graphical abstract: Ultra-small ZnO nanocrystals have been synthesized with sodium salicylate as a template and using it as a photoanode in a dye-sensitized solar cell 1.12% power conversion efficiency has been observed. - Highlights: • Synthesis of self-assembled ultra-small mesoporous ZnO nanocrystals by using sodium salicylate as a template. • Mesoporous ZnO materials have high BET surface areas and void space. • ZnO nanoparticles serve as a photoanode for the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). • Using ZnO nanocrystals as photoelectrode power conversion efficiency of 1.12% has been achieved.« less

Quasi-static Design of Electrically Small Ultra-Wideband Antennas

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-02-01

this design reduces the width of the antenna, which implies that the bulb shape can be non -spherical at high frequencies. The stored energy in an...conclusion. The Quasi-static Antenna Design Algorithm generates three UWB non -spherical bulb shapes. The non -spherical bulb shape performs as well...TECHNICAL REPORT 3056 February 2017 Quasi-static Design of Electrically Small Ultra-Wideband Antennas Thomas O. Jones III Approved for public

Vertically integrated visible and near-infrared metasurfaces enabling an ultra-broadband and highly angle-resolved anomalous reflection.

PubMed

Gao, Song; Lee, Sang-Shin; Kim, Eun-Soo; Choi, Duk-Yong

2018-06-21

An optical device with minimized dimensions, which is capable of efficiently resolving an ultra-broad spectrum into a wide splitting angle but incurring no spectrum overlap, is of importance in advancing the development of spectroscopy. Unfortunately, this challenging task cannot be easily addressed through conventional geometrical or diffractive optical elements. Herein, we propose and demonstrate vertically integrated visible and near-infrared metasurfaces which render an ultra-broadband and highly angle-resolved anomalous reflection. The proposed metasurface capitalizes on a supercell that comprises two vertically concatenated trapezoid-shaped aluminum antennae, which are paired with a metallic ground plane via a dielectric layer. Under normal incidence, reflected light within a spectral bandwidth of 1000 nm ranging from λ = 456 nm to 1456 nm is efficiently angle-resolved to a single diffraction order with no spectrum overlap via the anomalous reflection, exhibiting an average reflection efficiency over 70% and a substantial angular splitting of 58°. In light of a supercell pitch of 1500 nm, to the best of our knowledge, the micron-scale bandwidth is the largest ever reported. It is noted that the substantially wide bandwidth has been accomplished by taking advantage of spectral selective vertical coupling effects between antennae and ground plane. In the visible regime, the upper antenna primarily renders an anomalous reflection by cooperating with the lower antenna, which in turn cooperates with the ground plane and produces phase variations leading to an anomalous reflection in the near-infrared regime. Misalignments between the two antennae have been particularly inspected to not adversely affect the anomalous reflection, thus guaranteeing enhanced structural tolerance of the proposed metasurface.

Forward Helion Scattering and Neutron Polarization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Buttimore, N. H.

The elastic scattering of spin half helium-3 nuclei at small angles can show a sufficiently large analyzing power to enable the level of helion polarization to be evaluated. As the helion to a large extent inherits the polarization of its unpaired neutron the asymmetry observed in helion collisions can be transformed into a measurement of the polarization of its constituent neutron. Neutron polarimetry therefore relies upon understanding the spin dependence of the electromagnetic and hadronic interactions in the region of interference where there is an optimal analyzing power.

Contrast variation by dynamic nuclear polarization and time-of-flight small-angle neutron scattering. I. Application to industrial multi-component nanocomposites1

PubMed Central

Noda, Yohei; Koizumi, Satoshi; Masui, Tomomi; Mashita, Ryo; Kishimoto, Hiroyuki; Yamaguchi, Daisuke; Kumada, Takayuki; Takata, Shin-ichi; Ohishi, Kazuki; Suzuki, Jun-ichi

2016-01-01

Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) at low temperature (1.2 K) and high magnetic field (3.3 T) was applied to a contrast variation study in small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) focusing on industrial rubber materials. By varying the scattering contrast by DNP, time-of-flight SANS profiles were obtained at the pulsed neutron source of the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC). The concentration of a small organic molecule, (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-yl)oxy (TEMPO), was carefully controlled by a doping method using vapour sorption into the rubber specimens. With the assistance of microwave irradiation (94 GHz), almost full polarization of the paramagnetic electronic spin of TEMPO was transferred to the spin state of hydrogen (protons) in the rubber materials to obtain a high proton spin polarization (P H). The following samples were prepared: (i) a binary mixture of styrene–butadiene random copolymer (SBR) with silica particles (SBR/SP); and (ii) a ternary mixture of SBR with silica and carbon black particles (SBR/SP/CP). For the binary mixture (SBR/SP), the intensity of SANS significantly increased or decreased while keeping its q dependence for P H = −35% or P H = 40%, respectively. The q behaviour of SANS for the SBR/SP mixture can be reproduced using the form factor of a spherical particle. The intensity at low q (∼0.01 Å−1) varied as a quadratic function of P H and indicated a minimum value at P H = 30%, which can be explained by the scattering contrast between SP and SBR. The scattering intensity at high q (∼0.3 Å−1) decreased with increasing P H, which is attributed to the incoherent scattering from hydrogen. For the ternary mixture (SBR/SP/CP), the q behaviour of SANS was varied by changing P H. At P H = −35%, the scattering maxima originating from the form factor of SP prevailed, whereas at P H = 29% and P H = 38%, the scattering maxima disappeared. After decomposition of the total SANS according to inverse matrix

Beyond simple small-angle X-ray scattering: developments in online complementary techniques and sample environments

PubMed Central

Bras, Wim; Koizumi, Satoshi; Terrill, Nicholas J

2014-01-01

Small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS, WAXS) are standard tools in materials research. The simultaneous measurement of SAXS and WAXS data in time-resolved studies has gained popularity due to the complementary information obtained. Furthermore, the combination of these data with non X-ray based techniques, via either simultaneous or independent measurements, has advanced understanding of the driving forces that lead to the structures and morphologies of materials, which in turn give rise to their properties. The simultaneous measurement of different data regimes and types, using either X-rays or neutrons, and the desire to control parameters that initiate and control structural changes have led to greater demands on sample environments. Examples of developments in technique combinations and sample environment design are discussed, together with a brief speculation about promising future developments. PMID:25485128

Neutron reflecting supermirror structure

DOEpatents

Wood, James L.

1992-01-01

An improved neutron reflecting supermirror structure comprising a plurality of stacked sets of bilayers of neutron reflecting materials. The improved neutron reflecting supermirror structure is adapted to provide extremely good performance at high incidence angles, i.e. up to four time the critical angle of standard neutron mirror structures. The reflection of neutrons striking the supermirror structure at a high critical angle provides enhanced neutron throughput, and hence more efficient and economical use of neutron sources. One layer of each set of bilayers consist of titanium, and the second layer of each set of bilayers consist of an alloy of nickel with carbon interstitially present in the nickel alloy.

Astronomers Find the First 'Wind Nebula' Around a Rare Ultra-Magnetic Neutron Star

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

Astronomers have discovered a vast cloud of high-energy particles called a wind nebula around a rare ultra-magnetic neutron star, or magnetar, for the first time. The find offers a unique window into the properties, environment and outburst history of magnetars, which are the strongest magnets in the universe. A neutron star is the crushed core of a massive star that ran out of fuel, collapsed under its own weight, and exploded as a supernova. Each one compresses the equivalent mass of half a million Earths into a ball just 12 miles (20 kilometers) across, or about the length of New York's Manhattan Island. Neutron stars are most commonly found as pulsars, which produce radio, visible light, X-rays and gamma rays at various locations in their surrounding magnetic fields. When a pulsar spins these regions in our direction, astronomers detect pulses of emission, hence the name. Read more: go.nasa.gov/28PVUop Credit: ESA/XMM-Newton/Younes et al. 2016 NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram

New Frontier in Probing Fluid Transport in Low-Permeability Geomedia: Applications of Elastic and Inelastic Neutron Scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, M.; Hjelm, R.; Sussman, A. J.

2016-12-01

Low-permeability geomedia are prevalent in subsurface environments. They have become increasingly important in a wide range of applications such as CO2-sequestration, hydrocarbon recovery, enhanced geothermal systems, legacy waste stewardship, high-level radioactive waste disposal, and global security. The flow and transport characteristics of low-permeability geomedia are dictated by their exceedingly low permeability values ranging from 10-6 to 10-12 darcy with porosities dominated by nanoscale pores. Developing new characterization methods and robust computational models that allow estimation of transport properties of low-permeability geomedia has been identified as a critical basic research and technology development need for controlling subsurface and fluids flow. Due to its sensibility to hydrogen and flexible sample environment, neutron based elastic and inelastic scattering can, through various techniques, interrogate all the nanoscale pores in the sample whether they are fluid accessible or not, and readily characterize interfacial waters. In this presentation, we will present two studies revealing the effects of nanoscale pore confinement on fluid dynamics in geomedia. In one study, we use combined (ultra-small)/small-angle elastic neutron scatterings to probe nanoporous features responses in geological materials to transport processes. In the other study, incoherent inelastic neutron scattering was used to distingwish between intergranular pore water and fluid inclusion moisture in bedded rock salt, and to explore their thermal stablibility. Our work demonstrates that neutron based elastic and inelastic scatterings are techniques of choice for in situ probing hydrocarbon and water behavior in nanoporous materials, providing new insights into water-rock interaction and fluids transport in low-permeability geomaterials.

GUIDE FOR POLARIZED NEUTRONS

DOEpatents

Sailor, V.L.; Aichroth, R.W.

1962-12-01

The plane of polarization of a beam of polarized neutrons is changed by this invention, and the plane can be flipped back and forth quicitly in two directions in a trouble-free manner. The invention comprises a guide having a plurality of oppositely directed magnets forming a gap for the neutron beam and the gaps are spaced longitudinally in a spiral along the beam at small stepped angles. When it is desired to flip the plane of polarization the magnets are suitably rotated to change the direction of the spiral of the gaps. (AEC)

Analysis of the solution structure of Thermosynechococcus elongatus photosystem I in n-dodecyl-β-d-maltoside using small-angle neutron scattering and molecular dynamics simulation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Le, Rosemary K.; Harris, Bradley J.; Iwuchukwu, Ifeyinwa J.

2014-05-01

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation were used to investigate the structure of trimeric photosystem I (PSI) from Thermosynechococcus elongatus (T. elongatus) stabilized in n-dodecyl-β-d-maltoside (DDM) detergent solution. Scattering curves of detergent and protein–detergent complexes were measured at 18% D2O, the contrast match point for the detergent, and 100% D2O, allowing observation of the structures of protein/detergent complexes. It was determined that the maximum dimension of the PSI–DDM complex was consistent with the presence of a monolayer belt of detergent around the periphery of PSI. A dummy-atom reconstruction of the shape of the complex from the SANSmore » data indicates that the detergent envelope has an irregular shape around the hydrophobic periphery of the PSI trimer rather than a uniform, toroidal belt around the complex. A 50 ns MD simulation model (a DDM ring surrounding the PSI complex with extra interstitial DDM) of the PSI–DDM complex was developed for comparison with the SANS data. The results suggest that DDM undergoes additional structuring around the membrane-spanning surface of the complex instead of a simple, relatively uniform belt, as is generally assumed for studies that use detergents to solubilize membrane proteins.« less

An Ultra-Low Power Turning Angle Based Biomedical Signal Compression Engine with Adaptive Threshold Tuning.

PubMed

Zhou, Jun; Wang, Chao

2017-08-06

Intelligent sensing is drastically changing our everyday life including healthcare by biomedical signal monitoring, collection, and analytics. However, long-term healthcare monitoring generates tremendous data volume and demands significant wireless transmission power, which imposes a big challenge for wearable healthcare sensors usually powered by batteries. Efficient compression engine design to reduce wireless transmission data rate with ultra-low power consumption is essential for wearable miniaturized healthcare sensor systems. This paper presents an ultra-low power biomedical signal compression engine for healthcare data sensing and analytics in the era of big data and sensor intelligence. It extracts the feature points of the biomedical signal by window-based turning angle detection. The proposed approach has low complexity and thus low power consumption while achieving a large compression ratio (CR) and good quality of reconstructed signal. Near-threshold design technique is adopted to further reduce the power consumption on the circuit level. Besides, the angle threshold for compression can be adaptively tuned according to the error between the original signal and reconstructed signal to address the variation of signal characteristics from person to person or from channel to channel to meet the required signal quality with optimal CR. For demonstration, the proposed biomedical compression engine has been used and evaluated for ECG compression. It achieves an average (CR) of 71.08% and percentage root-mean-square difference (PRD) of 5.87% while consuming only 39 nW. Compared to several state-of-the-art ECG compression engines, the proposed design has significantly lower power consumption while achieving similar CRD and PRD, making it suitable for long-term wearable miniaturized sensor systems to sense and collect healthcare data for remote data analytics.

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies of the structure of mesoporous silicas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zienkiewicz-Strzałka, M.; Skibińska, M.; Pikus, S.

2017-11-01

Mesoporous ordered silica nanostructures show strong interaction with X-ray radiation in the range of small-angles. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements based on the elastically scattered X-rays are important in analysis of condensed matter. In the case of mesoporous silica materials SAXS technique provides information on the distribution of electron density in the mesoporous material, in particular describing their structure and size of the unit cell as well as type of ordered structure and finally their parameters. The characterization of nanopowder materials, nanocomposites and porous materials by Small-Angle X-ray Scattering seems to be valuable and useful. In presented work, the SAXS investigation of structures from the group of mesoporous ordered silicates was performed. This work has an objective to prepare functional materials modified by noble metal ions and nanoparticles and using the small-angle X-ray scattering to illustrate their properties. We report the new procedure for describing mesoporous materials belonging to SBA-15 and MCM-41 family modified by platinum, palladium and silver nanoparticles, based on detailed analysis of characteristic peaks in the small-angle range of X-ray scattering. This procedure allows to obtained the most useful parameters for mesoporous materials characterization and their successfully compare with experimental measurements reducing the time and material consumption with good precision for particles and pores with a size below 10 nm.

Combination of acoustic levitation with small angle scattering techniques and synchrotron radiation circular dichroism. Application to the study of protein solutions.

PubMed

Cristiglio, Viviana; Grillo, Isabelle; Fomina, Margarita; Wien, Frank; Shalaev, Evgenyi; Novikov, Alexey; Brassamin, Séverine; Réfrégiers, Matthieu; Pérez, Javier; Hennet, Louis

2017-01-01

The acoustic levitation technique is a useful sample handling method for small solid and liquids samples, suspended in air by means of an ultrasonic field. This method was previously used at synchrotron sources for studying pharmaceutical liquids and protein solutions using x-ray diffraction and small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS). In this work we combined for the first time this containerless method with small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and synchrotron radiation circular dichroism (SRCD) to study the structural behavior of proteins in solutions during the water evaporation. SANS results are also compared with SAXS experiments. The aggregation behavior of 45μl droplets of lysozyme protein diluted in water was followed during the continuous increase of the sample concentration by evaporating the solvent. The evaporation kinetics was followed at different drying stage by SANS and SAXS with a good data quality. In a prospective work using SRCD, we also studied the evolution of the secondary structure of the myoglobin protein in water solution in the same evaporation conditions. Acoustic levitation was applied for the first time with SANS and the high performances of the used neutron instruments made it possible to monitor fast container-less reactions in situ. A preliminary work using SRCD shows the potentiality of its combination with acoustic levitation for studying the evolution of the protein structure with time. This multi-techniques approach could give novel insights into crystallization and self-assembly phenomena of biological compound with promising potential applications in pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industry. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Science for Life" Guest Editor: Dr. Austen Angell, Dr. Salvatore Magazù and Dr. Federica Migliardo. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Microbeam Small-Angle X-ray Scattering Study on Enamel Crystallites in Subsurface Lesion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yagi, N.; Ohta, N.; Matsuo, T.; Tanaka, T.; Terada, Y.; Kamasaka, H.; Kometani, T.

2010-10-01

The early caries lesion in bovine tooth enamel was studied by two different X-ray diffraction systems at the SPring-8 third generation synchrotron radiation facility. Both allowed us simultaneous measurement of the small and large angle regions. The beam size was 6μm at BL40XU and 50μm at BL45XU. The small-angle scattering from voids in the hydroxyapatite crystallites and the wide-angle diffraction from the hydroxyapatite crystals were observed simultaneously. At BL40XU an X-ray image intensifier was used for the small-angle and a CMOS flatpanel detector for the large-angle region. At BL45XU, a large-area CCD detector was used to cover both regions. A linear microbeam scan at BL40XU showed a detailed distribution of voids and crystals and made it possible to examine the structural details in the lesion. The two-dimensional scan at BL45XU showed distribution of voids and crystals in a wider region in the enamel. The simultaneous small- and wide-angle measurement with a microbeam is a powerful tool to elucidate the mechanisms of demineralization and remineralization in the early caries lesion.

Monte Carlo calculation of large and small-angle electron scattering in air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cohen, B. I.; Higginson, D. P.; Eng, C. D.; Farmer, W. A.; Friedman, A.; Grote, D. P.; Larson, D. J.

2017-11-01

A Monte Carlo method for angle scattering of electrons in air that accommodates the small-angle multiple scattering and larger-angle single scattering limits is introduced. The algorithm is designed for use in a particle-in-cell simulation of electron transport and electromagnetic wave effects in air. The method is illustrated in example calculations.

Ultra Small Aperture Terminal: System Design and Test Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sohn, Philip Y.; Reinhart, Richard C.

1996-01-01

The Ultra Small Aperture Terminal (USAT) has been developed to test and demonstrate remote and broadcast satcom applications via the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS). The design of these ground stations emphasize small size, low power consumption, portable and rugged terminals. Each ground station includes several custom design parts such as 35 cm diameter antenna, 1/4 Watt transmitter with built-in upconverter, and 4.0 dB Noise Figure (NF) receiver with built-in downconverter. In addition, state-of-the-art commercial parts such as highly stable ovenized crystal oscillators and dielectric resonator oscillators are used in the ground station design. Presented in this paper are system level design description, performance, and sample applications.

Simultaneous small-angle neutron scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic measurements on cocrystals of syndiotactic polystyrene with polyethylene glycol dimethyl ethers.

PubMed

Kaneko, Fumitoshi; Seto, Naoki; Sato, Shuma; Radulescu, Aurel; Schiavone, Maria Maddalena; Allgaier, Jürgen; Ute, Koichi

2016-10-01

Syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) is a crystalline polymer which has a unique property; it is able to form cocrystals with a wide range of chemical compounds, in which the guest molecules are confined in the vacancies of the host sPS crystalline region. Recently, it has been found that even polyethylene glycol oligomers with a molecular weight of more than several hundreds can be introduced into the sPS crystalline region. It is quite important to know how such a long-chain molecule is stored in the host sPS lattice. To tackle this issue, a new simultaneous measurement method combing small-angle neutron scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (SANS/FTIR), which has been recently developed by the authors, was applied to an sPS cocrystal with polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether with a molecular weight of 500 (PEGDME500). The temperature-dependent changes of the SANS profile and FTIR spectrum were followed from room temperature up to 413 K for a one-dimensionally oriented SANS/PEGDME500 cocrystal sample. The intensity of the reflections due to the stacking of crystalline lamellae showed a significant temperature dependence. The two-dimensional pattern in the high Q region of SANS also changed depending on temperature. The combined information obtained by SANS and FTIR suggested that PEGDME500 molecules are distributed in both the crystalline and amorphous regions in the low-temperature region close to room temperature, but they are predominantly included in the amorphous region in the high-temperature region. It was also suggested by the two-dimensional SANS profile that PEGDME500 molecules in the crystalline region have an elongated structure along the thickness direction of the crystalline lamellae.

Monte Carlo calculation of large and small-angle electron scattering in air

DOE PAGES

Cohen, B. I.; Higginson, D. P.; Eng, C. D.; ...

2017-08-12

A Monte Carlo method for angle scattering of electrons in air that accommodates the small-angle multiple scattering and larger-angle single scattering limits is introduced. In this work, the algorithm is designed for use in a particle-in-cell simulation of electron transport and electromagnetic wave effects in air. The method is illustrated in example calculations.

High-efficiency, broad-band and wide-angle optical absorption in ultra-thin organic photovoltaic devices.

PubMed

Wang, Wenyan; Hao, Yuying; Cui, Yanxia; Tian, Ximin; Zhang, Ye; Wang, Hua; Shi, Fang; Wei, Bin; Huang, Wei

2014-03-10

Metal nanogratings as one of the promising architectures for effective light trapping in organic photovoltaics (OPVs) have been actively studied over the past decade. Here we designed a novel metal nanowall grating with ultra-small period and ultra-high aspect-ratio as the back electrode of the OPV device. Such grating results in the strong hot spot effect in-between the neighboring nanowalls and the localized surface plasmon effect at the corners of nanowalls. These combined effects make the integrated absorption efficiency of light over the wavelength range from 400 to 650 nm in the active layer for the proposed structure, with respect to the equivalent planar structure, increases by 102% at TM polarization and by 36.5% at the TM/TE hybrid polarization, respectively. Moreover, it is noted that the hot spot effect in the proposed structure is more effective for ultra-thin active layers, which is very favorable for the exciton dissociation and charge collection. Therefore such a nanowall grating is expected to improve the overall performance of OPV devices.

Ultra-small and broadband polarization splitters based on double-slit interference

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, Chengwei; Li, Hongyun; Gong, Qihuang

2016-03-07

An ultra-small and broadband polarization splitter is numerically and experimentally demonstrated based on the double-slit interference in a polymer-film-coated double-slit structure. The hybrid slab waveguide (air-polymer-Au) supports both the transverse-magnetic and transverse-electric modes. The incident beam from the back side can excite these two guided modes of orthogonally polarized states in the hybrid structure. By exploiting the difference slit widths and the large mode birefringence, these two guided modes propagate to the opposite directions along the front metal surface. Moreover, the short interference length broadens the operation bandwidth. Experimentally, a polarization splitter with a lateral dimension of only about 1.6 μmmore » and an operation bandwidth of 50 nm is realized. By designing the double-slit structure in a hybrid strip waveguide, the device dimension can be significant downscaled to about 0.3 × 1.3 μm{sup 2}. Such an ultra-small and broadband polarization splitter may find important applications in the integrated photonic circuits.« less

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate Clusters the Cell Adhesion Molecule CD44 and Assembles a Specific CD44-Ezrin Heterocomplex, as Revealed by Small Angle Neutron Scattering*

PubMed Central

Chen, Xiaodong; Khajeh, Jahan Ali; Ju, Jeong Ho; Gupta, Yogesh K.; Stanley, Christopher B.; Do, Changwoo; Heller, William T.; Aggarwal, Aneel K.; Callaway, David J. E.; Bu, Zimei

2015-01-01

The cell adhesion molecule CD44 regulates diverse cellular functions, including cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction, cell motility, migration, differentiation, and growth. In cells, CD44 co-localizes with the membrane-cytoskeleton adapter protein Ezrin that links the CD44 assembled receptor signaling complexes to the cytoskeletal actin network, which organizes the spatial and temporal localization of signaling events. Here we report that the cytoplasmic tail of CD44 (CD44ct) is largely disordered. Upon binding to the signaling lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), CD44ct clusters into aggregates. Further, contrary to the generally accepted model, CD44ct does not bind directly to the FERM domain of Ezrin or to the full-length Ezrin but only forms a complex with FERM or with the full-length Ezrin in the presence of PIP2. Using contrast variation small angle neutron scattering, we show that PIP2 mediates the assembly of a specific heterotetramer complex of CD44ct with Ezrin. This study reveals the role of PIP2 in clustering CD44 and in assembling multimeric CD44-Ezrin complexes. We hypothesize that polyvalent electrostatic interactions are responsible for the assembly of CD44 clusters and the multimeric PIP2-CD44-Ezrin complexes. PMID:25572402

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-Bisphosphate Clusters the Cell Adhesion Molecule CD44 and Assembles a Specific CD44-Ezrin Heterocomplex, as Revealed by Small Angle Neutron Scattering

DOE PAGES

Khajeh, Jahan Ali; Ju, Jeong Ho; Gupta, Yogesh K.; ...

2015-01-08

The cell adhesion molecule CD44 regulates diverse cellular functions, including cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction, cell motility, migration, differentiation, and growth. In cells, CD44 co-localizes with the membrane-cytoskeleton adapter protein Ezrin, which links the CD44 assembled receptor signaling complexes to the cytoskeletal actin and organizes the spatial and temporal localization of signaling events. Here we report that the cytoplasmic tail of CD44 (CD44ct) is largely disordered and adopts an autoinhibited conformation, which prevents CD44ct from binding directly to activated Ezrin in solution. Binding to the signaling lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphlate (PIP2) disrupts autoinhibition in CD44ct, and activates CD44ct to associate with Ezrin.more » Further, using contrast variation small angle neutron scattering, we show that PIP2 mediates the assembly of a specific hetero-tetramer complex of CD44ct with Ezrin. This study reveals a novel autoregulation mechanism in the cytoplasmic tail of CD44 and the role of PIP2 in mediating the assembly of multimeric CD44ct-Ezrin complexes. We hypothesize that polyvalent electrostatic interactions are responsible for the assembly of multimeric PIP2-CD44-Ezrin complexes.« less

An Ultra-Low Power Turning Angle Based Biomedical Signal Compression Engine with Adaptive Threshold Tuning

PubMed Central

Zhou, Jun; Wang, Chao

2017-01-01

Intelligent sensing is drastically changing our everyday life including healthcare by biomedical signal monitoring, collection, and analytics. However, long-term healthcare monitoring generates tremendous data volume and demands significant wireless transmission power, which imposes a big challenge for wearable healthcare sensors usually powered by batteries. Efficient compression engine design to reduce wireless transmission data rate with ultra-low power consumption is essential for wearable miniaturized healthcare sensor systems. This paper presents an ultra-low power biomedical signal compression engine for healthcare data sensing and analytics in the era of big data and sensor intelligence. It extracts the feature points of the biomedical signal by window-based turning angle detection. The proposed approach has low complexity and thus low power consumption while achieving a large compression ratio (CR) and good quality of reconstructed signal. Near-threshold design technique is adopted to further reduce the power consumption on the circuit level. Besides, the angle threshold for compression can be adaptively tuned according to the error between the original signal and reconstructed signal to address the variation of signal characteristics from person to person or from channel to channel to meet the required signal quality with optimal CR. For demonstration, the proposed biomedical compression engine has been used and evaluated for ECG compression. It achieves an average (CR) of 71.08% and percentage root-mean-square difference (PRD) of 5.87% while consuming only 39 nW. Compared to several state-of-the-art ECG compression engines, the proposed design has significantly lower power consumption while achieving similar CRD and PRD, making it suitable for long-term wearable miniaturized sensor systems to sense and collect healthcare data for remote data analytics. PMID:28783079

Small-angle x-ray scattering investigations of extrudates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pikus, Stanislaw; Jamroz, Jerzy

1997-02-01

The small-angle X-ray scattering investigations of the extrudes are presented. The investigations of the different samples of starch by means of the SAXS indicate the new possibilities for using this method for extrudates examination. Results obtained by SAXS method of close dependance between intensity SAXS scattering and characteristic parameters of the extrudates were shown.

Probing He bubbles in naturally aged and annealed δ-Pu alloys using ultra-small-angle x-ray scattering

DOE PAGES

Jeffries, J. R.; Hammons, J. A.; Willey, T. M.; ...

2017-10-31

We report the self-irradiation of Pu alloys generates He that is trapped within the metal matrix in the form of He bubbles. The distribution of these He bubbles in δ-phase Pu-Ga alloys exhibits a peak near a radius of 0.7 nm, and this size is remarkably stable as function of time. When annealed, the He bubbles in δ-Pu alloys grow, coarsening the distribution. However, the magnitude of this coarsening is uncertain, as different experimental methods reveal bubbles that differ by at least one order of magnitude. Small-angle x-ray scattering results, which can probe a wide range of bubble sizes, implymore » only a mild coarsening of the He bubble distribution for an annealing treatment of 425 °C for 24 h, and analysis of the He bubble content suggests that He is actually lost from the bubbles with annealing.« less

Small angle slot divertor concept for long pulse advanced tokamaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, H. Y.; Sang, C. F.; Stangeby, P. C.; Lao, L. L.; Taylor, T. S.; Thomas, D. M.

2017-04-01

SOLPS-EIRENE edge code analysis shows that a gas-tight slot divertor geometry with a small-angle (glancing-incidence) target, named the small angle slot (SAS) divertor, can achieve cold, dissipative/detached divertor conditions at relatively low values of plasma density at the outside midplane separatrix. SAS exhibits the following key features: (1) strong enhancement of the buildup of neutral density in a localized region near the plasma strike point on the divertor target; (2) spreading of the cooling front across the divertor target with the slot gradually flaring out from the strike point, thus effectively reducing both heat flux and erosion on the entire divertor target surface. Such a divertor may potentially provide a power and particle handling solution for long pulse advanced tokamaks.

Design of a probe for two-dimensional small angle detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Haixia; Wang, Xuanze; Zhong, Yuning; Yang, Liangen; Cao, Hongduan

2008-10-01

A novel two-dimensional small angle probe is introduced, which is based on principle of auto-collimation and utilizes quadrant Si-photoelectric detector (QPD) as detection device. AC modulation, AC magnification and absolute value demodulation are incorporated to restrain the DC excursion caused by background light and noise etc and to improve the sensitivity and stability of angle detection. To ensure that while the laser is shining, the current signal (converted into voltage signal) of QPD also is linear to the AC modulation voltage, this paper adopted AC modulation signal (5400Hz) with a DC offset. AC magnification circuit with reasonable parameters is designed to inhibit DC drift and the impact of industrial frequency noise and to ensure good amplification to signal frequency at the same time. A piezoelectric-driven micro-angle generator is designed to demarcate the angle. The calibration data are input to single chip, and the measurement of angles can be shown in SMC1602A.

Effect of benzocaine and propranolol on phospholipid-based bilayers.

PubMed

Mangiapia, G; Gvaramia, M; Kuhrts, L; Teixeira, J; Koutsioubas, A; Soltwedel, O; Frielinghaus, H

2017-12-06

Cell membranes play a fundamental role in protecting the cell from its surroundings, in addition to hosting many proteins with fundamental biological tasks. A study of drug/lipid interactions is a necessary and important step in fully clarifying the role and action mechanism of active ingredients, and shedding light on possible complications caused by drug overdosage. In this paper, the influence of benzocaine and propranolol drugs on the structure of l-α-phosphatidylcholine-based membranes has been investigated by means of neutron reflectivity, grazing incidence small angle neutron scattering, and small/ultra-small angle neutron scattering. Investigations allowed discovering a stiffening of the membranes and the formation of stalks, caused by the presence of benzocaine. On the other hand, disordered bilayers (lamellar powders) and highly curved structures were found in the presence of propranolol. The results obtained may be rationalized in terms of the molecular structures of drugs and may serve as a starting point for explaining the toxic behavior in long-term and overdosage scenarios.

A highly ordered mesostructured material containing regularly distributed phenols: preparation and characterization at a molecular level through ultra-fast magic angle spinning proton NMR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Roussey, Arthur; Gajan, David; Maishal, Tarun K; Mukerjee, Anhurada; Veyre, Laurent; Lesage, Anne; Emsley, Lyndon; Copéret, Christophe; Thieuleux, Chloé

2011-03-14

Highly ordered organic-inorganic mesostructured material containing regularly distributed phenols is synthesized by combining a direct synthesis of the functional material and a protection-deprotection strategy and characterized at a molecular level through ultra-fast magic angle spinning proton NMR spectroscopy.

Small-angle x-ray scattering in amorphous silicon: A computational study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paudel, Durga; Atta-Fynn, Raymond; Drabold, David A.; Elliott, Stephen R.; Biswas, Parthapratim

2018-05-01

We present a computational study of small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) in amorphous silicon (a -Si) with particular emphasis on the morphology and microstructure of voids. The relationship between the scattering intensity in SAXS and the three-dimensional structure of nanoscale inhomogeneities or voids is addressed by generating large high-quality a -Si networks with 0.1%-0.3% volume concentration of voids, as observed in experiments using SAXS and positron annihilation spectroscopy. A systematic study of the variation of the scattering intensity in the small-angle scattering region with the size, shape, number density, and the spatial distribution of the voids in the networks is presented. Our results suggest that the scattering intensity in the small-angle region is particularly sensitive to the size and the total volume fraction of the voids, but the effect of the geometry or shape of the voids is less pronounced in the intensity profiles. A comparison of the average size of the voids obtained from the simulated values of the intensity, using the Guinier approximation and Kratky plots, with that of the same from the spatial distribution of the atoms in the vicinity of void surfaces is presented.

Using Neutron Scattering and Mercury Intrusion Techniques to Characterize Micro- and Nano-Pore Structure of Shale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Y.; Barber, T.; Hu, Q.; Bleuel, M.

2017-12-01

The micro- and nano-pore structure of oil shale plays a critical role in hydrocarbon storage and migration. This study aims to characterize the pore structure of three Bakken members (i.e., upper organic-rich shale, middle silty/sandy dolomites, and lower organic-rich shale), through small and ultra-small angle neutron scattering (SANS and USANS) techniques, as well as mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) analyses. SANS/USANS have the capabilities of measuring total porosity (connected and closed porosity) across nm-mm spectrum, not measurable than other fluid-invasion approaches, such as MICP which obtains connected porosity and pore-throat size distribution. Results from both techniques exhibit different features of upper/lower Bakken and middle Bakken, as a result of various mineral composition and organic matter contents. Middle Bakken is primarily dominated by the mineral pores, while in the upper and lower Bakken, organic pores contribute a significant portion of total porosity. A combination of USANS/SANS and MICP techniques gives a comprehensive picture of shale micro- and nano-pore structure.

Effect of Protein Incorporation on the Nanostructure of the Bicontinuous Microemulsion Phase of Winsor-III Systems: A Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Study

DOE PAGES

Hayes, Douglas G.; Gomez del Rio, Javier A.; Ye, Ran; ...

2015-01-20

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) analysis using the Teubner₋Strey model has been employed to evaluate the effect of protein incorporation into the middle, bicontinuous microemulsion (BμE) phase of Winsor-III (W III) systems formed by an aerosol-OT (AOT)/alkyl ethoxylate mixed surfactant system to understand better the extraction of proteins into and out of BμEs and to study the effect of proteins on a system that serves as a biomimetic analog of cell membranes. Under conditions of high salinity, the incorporation of positively charged proteins cytochrome c, lysozyme, and α-chymotrypsin, near their solubilization limit in the BμEs promoted the release of water andmore » oil from the BμEs, a decrease in the quasi-periodic repeat distance (d), an increase in ordering (a decrease in the amphiphilicity factor, f a) for the surfactant monolayers, and a decrease in the surface area per surfactant headgroup, suggesting that the proteins affected the self-assembly of components in the BμE phase and produced Debye shielding of AOTs sulfonate headgroup. For W III systems possessing lower salinity, cytochrome c reduced the efficiency of surfactant in the BμE phase, noted by increases in d and f a, suggesting that the enzyme and AOT underwent ion pairing. We find that the results of this study demonstrate the importance of ionic strength to modulate proteinsurfactant interactions, which in turn will control the release of proteins encapsulated in the BμEs, relevant to W III-based protein extraction and controlled release from BμE delivery systems, and demonstrate the utility of BμEs as a model system to understand the effect of proteins on biomembranes.« less

Physical properties of aqueous solutions of a thermo-responsive neutral copolymer and an anionic surfactant: turbidity and small-angle neutron scattering studies.

PubMed

Galant, Céline; Kjøniksen, Anna-Lena; Knudsen, Kenneth D; Helgesen, Geir; Lund, Reidar; Laukkanen, Antti; Tenhu, Heikki; Nyström, Bo

2005-08-16

Aqueous mixtures of the anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant and thermo-responsive poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) chains grafted with omega-methoxy poly(ethylene oxide) undecyl alpha-methacrylate (PVCL-g-C11EO42) have been characterized using turbidimetry and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). Turbidity measurements show that the addition of SDS to a dilute aqueous copolymer solution (1.0 wt %) induces an increase of the cloud point (CP) value and a decrease of the turbidity at high temperatures. In parallel, SANS results show a decrease of both the average distance between chains and the global size of the objects in solution at high temperatures as the SDS concentration is increased. Combination of these findings reveals that the presence of SDS in the PVCL-g-C11EO42 solutions (1.0 wt %) promotes the formation of smaller aggregates and, consequently, leads to a more homogeneous distribution of the chains in solution upon heating of the mixtures. Moreover, the SANS data results show that the internal structure of the formed aggregates becomes more swollen as the SDS concentration increases. On the other hand, the addition of moderate amounts of SDS (up to 4 mm) to a semidilute copolymer solution (5.0 wt %) gives rise to a more pronounced aggregation as the temperature rises; turbidity and SANS studies reveal in this case a decrease of the CP value and an increase of the scattered intensity at low q. The overall picture that emerges from this study is that the degree of aggregation can be accurately tuned by varying parameters such as the temperature, level of surfactant addition, and polymer concentration.

A Review of Significant Advances in Neutron Imaging from Conception to the Present

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brenizer, J. S.

advances in computer processing speed and increased memory storage. For example, images with enhanced contrast are created by using the reflection, refraction, diffraction and ultra small angle scattering interactions. It is somewhat ironic that, like the first development of neutron images, the technique remains limited by the availability of high-intensity neutron sources, both in the facility cost and portability.

The roles of RIIbeta linker and N-terminal cyclic nucleotide-binding domain in determining the unique structures of Type IIbeta Protein Kinase A. A small angle X-ray and neutron scattering study

DOE PAGES

Blumenthal, Donald K.; Copps, Jeffrey; Smith-Nguyen, Eric V.; ...

2014-08-11

Protein kinase A (PKA) is ubiquitously expressed and is responsible for regulating many important cellular functions in response to changes in intracellular cAMP concentrations. Moreover, the PKA holoenzyme is a tetramer (R 2:C 2), with a regulatory subunit homodimer (R 2) that binds and inhibits two catalytic (C) subunits; binding of cAMP to the regulatory subunit homodimer causes activation of the catalytic subunits. Four different R subunit isoforms exist in mammalian cells, and these confer different structural features, subcellular localization, and biochemical properties upon the PKA holoenzymes they form. The holoenzyme containing RIIβ is structurally unique in that the typemore » IIβ holoenzyme is much more compact than the free RIIβ homodimer. We have used small angle x-ray scattering and small angle neutron scattering to study the solution structure and subunit organization of a holoenzyme containing an RIIβ C-terminal deletion mutant (RIIβ(1–280)), which is missing the C-terminal cAMP-binding domain to better understand the structural organization of the type IIβ holoenzyme and the RIIβ domains that contribute to stabilizing the holoenzyme conformation. These results demonstrate that compaction of the type IIβ holoenzyme does not require the C-terminal cAMP-binding domain but rather involves large structural rearrangements within the linker and N-terminal cyclic nucleotide-binding domain of the RIIβ homodimer. The structural rearrangements are significantly greater than seen previously with RIIα and are likely to be important in mediating short range and long range interdomain and intersubunit interactions that uniquely regulate the activity of the type IIβ isoform of PKA.« less

Low cost and thin metasurface for ultra wide band and wide angle polarization insensitive radar cross section reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ameri, Edris; Esmaeli, Seyed Hassan; Sedighy, Seyed Hassan

2018-05-01

A planar low cost and thin metasurface is proposed to achieve ultra-wideband radar cross section (RCS) reduction with stable performance with respect to polarization and incident angles. This metasurface is composed of two different artificial magnetic conductor unit cells arranged in a chessboard like configuration. These unit cells have a Jerusalem cross pattern with different thicknesses, which results in wideband out-phase reflection and RCS reduction, consequently. The designed metasurface reduces RCS more than 10-dB from 13.6 GHz to 45.5 GHz (108% bandwidth) and more than 20-dB RCS from 15.2 GHz to 43.6 GHz (96.6%). Moreover, the 10-dB RCS reduction bandwidth is very stable (more than 107%) for both TE and TM polarizations. The good agreement between simulations and measurement results proves the design, properly. The ultra-wide bandwidth, low cost, low profile, and stable performance of this metasurface prove its high capability compared with the state-of-the-art references.

Application of the discrete generalized multigroup method to ultra-fine energy mesh in infinite medium calculations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gibson, N. A.; Forget, B.

2012-07-01

The Discrete Generalized Multigroup (DGM) method uses discrete Legendre orthogonal polynomials to expand the energy dependence of the multigroup neutron transport equation. This allows a solution on a fine energy mesh to be approximated for a cost comparable to a solution on a coarse energy mesh. The DGM method is applied to an ultra-fine energy mesh (14,767 groups) to avoid using self-shielding methodologies without introducing the cost usually associated with such energy discretization. Results show DGM to converge to the reference ultra-fine solution after a small number of recondensation steps for multiple infinite medium compositions. (authors)

Flatness metrology based on small-angle deflectometric procedures with electronic tiltmeters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ehret, G.; Laubach, S.; Schulz, M.

2017-06-01

The measurement of optical flats, e. g. synchrotron or XFEL mirrors, with single nanometer topography uncertainty is still challenging. At PTB, we apply for this task small-angle deflectometry in which the angle between the direction of the beam sent to the surface and the beam detected is small. Conventional deflectometric systems measure the surface angle with autocollimators whose light beam also represents the straightness reference. An advanced flatness metrology system was recently implemented at PTB that separates the straightness reference task from the angle detection task. We call it `Exact Autocollimation Deflectometric Scanning' because the specimen is slightly tilted in such a way that at every scanning position the specimen is `exactly' perpendicular to the reference light beam directed by a pentaprism to the surface under test. The tilt angle of the surface is then measured with an additional autocollimator. The advantage of the EADS method is that the two tasks (straightness reference and measurement of surface slope) are separated and each of these can be optimized independently. The idea presented in this paper is to replace this additional autocollimator by one or more electro-mechanical tiltmeters, which are typically faster and have a higher resolution than highly accurate commercially available autocollimators. We investigate the point stability and the linearity of a highly accurate electronic tiltmeter. The pros and cons of using tiltmeters in flatness metrology are discussed.

Recent advances in polarized 3 He based neutron spin filter development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Wangchun; Gentile, Thomas; Erwin, Ross; Watson, Shannon; Krycka, Kathryn; Ye, Qiang; NCNR NIST Team; University of Maryland Team

2015-04-01

Polarized 3 He neutron spin filters (NSFs) are based on the strong spin-dependence of the neutron absorption cross section by 3 He. NSFs can polarize large area, widely divergent, and broadband neutron beams effectively and allow for combining a neutron polarizer and a spin flipper into a single polarizing device. The last capability utilizes 3 He spin inversion based on the adiabatic fast passage (AFP) nuclear magnetic resonance technique. Polarized 3 He NSFs are significantly expanding the polarized neutron measurement capabilities at the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR). Here we present an overview of 3 He NSF applications to small-angle neutron scattering, thermal triple axis spectrometry, and wide-angle polarization analysis. We discuss a recent upgrade of our spin-exchange optical pumping (SEOP) systems that utilize chirped volume holographic gratings for spectral narrowing. The new capability allows us to polarize rubidium/potassium hybrid SEOP cells over a liter in volume within a day, with 3 He polarizations up to 88%, Finally we discuss how we can achieve nearly lossless 3 He polarization inversion with AFP.

Pore characteristics and their emergent effect on water adsorption and transport in clays using small-angle neutron scattering with contrast variation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, M.; Hartl, M.; Wang, Y.; Hjelm, R.

2013-12-01

In nuclear waste management, clays are canonical materials in the construction of engineered barriers. They are also naturally occurring reactive minerals which play an important role in retention and colloidal facilitated reactive transport in subsurface systems. Knowledge of total and accessible porosity in clays is crucial in determining fluids transport behavior in clays. It will provide fundamental insight on the performance efficiency of specific clays as a barrier material and their role in regulating radionuclide transport in subsurface environments. The aim of the present work is to experimentally investigate the change in pore characteristics of clays as function of moisture content, and to determine their pore character in relation to their water retention capacity. Recent developments in small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) techniques allow quantitative measurement of pore morphology and size distribution of various materials in their pristine state under various sample environments (exposure to solution, high temperature, and so on). Furthermore, due to dramatic different neutron scattering properties of hydrogen and deuterium, one can readily use contrast variation, which is the isotopic labeling with various ratios of H and D (e.g. mixture of H2O/D2O) to highlight or suppress features of the sample. This is particularly useful in the study of complex pore system such as clays. In this study, we have characterized the pore structures for a number of clays including clay minerals and field samples which are relevant to high-level waste systems under various sample environments (e.g., humidity, temperature and pressure) using SANS. Our results suggest that different clays show unique pore features under various sample environments. To distinguish between accessible/non-accessible pores and the nature of pore filling (e.g. the quantity of H2O adsorbed by clays, and the distribution of H2O in relation to pore character) to water, clays were exposed for

Modified sine bar device measures small angles with high accuracy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thekaekara, M.

1968-01-01

Modified sine bar device measures small angles with enough accuracy to calibrate precision optical autocollimators. The sine bar is a massive bar of steel supported by two cylindrical rods at one end and one at the other.

An ultra-small NiFe2O4 hollow particle/graphene hybrid: fabrication and electromagnetic wave absorption property.

PubMed

Yan, Feng; Guo, Dong; Zhang, Shen; Li, Chunyan; Zhu, Chunling; Zhang, Xitian; Chen, Yujin

2018-02-08

Herein, ultra-small NiFe 2 O 4 hollow particles, with the diameter and wall thickness of only 6 and 1.8 nm, respectively, were anchored on a graphene surface based on the nanoscale Kirkendall effect. The hybrid exhibits an excellent electromagnetic wave absorption property, comparable or superior to that of most reported absorbers. Our strategy may open a way to grow ultra-small hollow particles on graphene for applications in many fields such as eletromagnetic wave absorption and energy storage and conversion.

3D reconstruction of carbon nanotube networks from neutron scattering experiments

DOE PAGES

Mahdavi, Mostafa; Baniassadi, Majid; Baghani, Mostafa; ...

2015-09-03

Structure reconstruction from statistical descriptors, such as scattering data obtained using x-rays or neutrons, is essential in understanding various properties of nanocomposites. Scattering based reconstruction can provide a realistic model, over various length scales, that can be used for numerical simulations. In this study, 3D reconstruction of a highly loaded carbon nanotube (CNT)-conducting polymer system based on small and ultra-small angle neutron scattering (SANS and USANS, respectively) data was performed. These light-weight and flexible materials have recently shown great promise for high-performance thermoelectric energy conversion, and their further improvement requires a thorough understanding of their structure-property relationships. The first stepmore » in achieving such understanding is to generate models that contain the hierarchy of CNT networks over nano and micron scales. The studied system is a single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS). SANS and USANS patterns of the different samples containing 10, 30, and 50 wt% SWCNTs were measured. These curves were then utilized to calculate statistical two-point correlation functions of the nanostructure. These functions along with the geometrical information extracted from SANS data and scanning electron microscopy images were used to reconstruct a representative volume element (RVE) nanostructure. Generated RVEs can be used for simulations of various mechanical and physical properties. This work, therefore, introduces a framework for the reconstruction of 3D RVEs of high volume faction nanocomposites containing high aspect ratio fillers from scattering experiments.« less

3D reconstruction of carbon nanotube networks from neutron scattering experiments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mahdavi, Mostafa; Baniassadi, Majid; Baghani, Mostafa

Structure reconstruction from statistical descriptors, such as scattering data obtained using x-rays or neutrons, is essential in understanding various properties of nanocomposites. Scattering based reconstruction can provide a realistic model, over various length scales, that can be used for numerical simulations. In this study, 3D reconstruction of a highly loaded carbon nanotube (CNT)-conducting polymer system based on small and ultra-small angle neutron scattering (SANS and USANS, respectively) data was performed. These light-weight and flexible materials have recently shown great promise for high-performance thermoelectric energy conversion, and their further improvement requires a thorough understanding of their structure-property relationships. The first stepmore » in achieving such understanding is to generate models that contain the hierarchy of CNT networks over nano and micron scales. The studied system is a single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS). SANS and USANS patterns of the different samples containing 10, 30, and 50 wt% SWCNTs were measured. These curves were then utilized to calculate statistical two-point correlation functions of the nanostructure. These functions along with the geometrical information extracted from SANS data and scanning electron microscopy images were used to reconstruct a representative volume element (RVE) nanostructure. Generated RVEs can be used for simulations of various mechanical and physical properties. This work, therefore, introduces a framework for the reconstruction of 3D RVEs of high volume faction nanocomposites containing high aspect ratio fillers from scattering experiments.« less

Difference structures from time-resolved small-angle and wide-angle x-ray scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nepal, Prakash; Saldin, D. K.

2018-05-01

Time-resolved small-angle x-ray scattering/wide-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) is capable of recovering difference structures directly from difference SAXS/WAXS curves. It does so by means of the theory described here because the structural changes in pump-probe detection in a typical time-resolved experiment are generally small enough to be confined to a single residue or group in close proximity which is identified by a method akin to the difference Fourier method of time-resolved crystallography. If it is assumed, as is usual with time-resolved structures, that the moved atoms lie within the residue, the 100-fold reduction in the search space (assuming a typical protein has about 100 residues) allows the exaction of the structure by a simulated annealing algorithm with a huge reduction in computing time and leads to a greater resolution by varying the positions of atoms only within that residue. This reduction in the number of potential moved atoms allows us to identify the actual motions of the individual atoms. In the case of a crystal, time-resolved calculations are normally performed using the difference Fourier method, which is, of course, not directly applicable to SAXS/WAXS. The method developed in this paper may be thought of as a substitute for that method which allows SAXS/WAXS (and hence disordered molecules) to also be used for time-resolved structural work.

PREFACE Proceedings of the XIV International Conference on Small-Angle Scattering, SAS-2009

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, Stephen; Terrill, Nicholas

2010-10-01

The XIV International Conference on Small-Angle Scattering, SAS-2009, was held in Oxford UK, 13-18 September 2009, and was jointly organised under the auspices of the International Union of Crystallography Commission on SAS by a team from the Diamond Light Source and the ISIS Pulsed Neutron Source - their first such joint venture - with help from the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council. It was the first time that this long running and successful series of conferences on the application, science and technology of small-angle scattering techniques had been staged in the UK. The UK has a proud heritage in small-angle scattering: as home to one of the world's first SANS instruments (at AERE Harwell), as the site of the world's first 2nd generation X-ray Synchrotron (the SRS at Daresbury with its suite of SAXS beamlines), and latterly as the location of the world's most successful pulsed source SANS instrument. Indeed, 2009 also marked the 25th Anniversary of neutron operations at ISIS and the opening of a Second Target Station. Whilst the SRS ceased operations in 2008, its mantle has been inherited by the Diamond synchrotron. Many delegates took the opportunity to visit both Diamond and ISIS during a conference excursion. Despite the prevailing global economic downturn, we were delighted that 434 delegates from 32 different countries were able to attend SAS-2009; two-thirds were drawn from the UK, Germany, Japan, the USA and France, but there were also sizeable contingents from Australia, Korea, Taiwan and South America. In many ways this geographical spread reflects the present and emerging distribution, respectively, of 3rd generation X-ray synchrotrons and high-flux neutron sources, although the scope of the conference was not solely limited to these probes. Financial support from the IUCr enabled us to grant bursaries to attend SAS-2009 to 12 delegates from emerging countries (Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, India, Nepal, Romania, Russia and the Ukraine). The

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate clusters the cell adhesion molecule CD44 and assembles a specific CD44-Ezrin heterocomplex, as revealed by small angle neutron scattering.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaodong; Khajeh, Jahan Ali; Ju, Jeong Ho; Gupta, Yogesh K; Stanley, Christopher B; Do, Changwoo; Heller, William T; Aggarwal, Aneel K; Callaway, David J E; Bu, Zimei

2015-03-06

The cell adhesion molecule CD44 regulates diverse cellular functions, including cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction, cell motility, migration, differentiation, and growth. In cells, CD44 co-localizes with the membrane-cytoskeleton adapter protein Ezrin that links the CD44 assembled receptor signaling complexes to the cytoskeletal actin network, which organizes the spatial and temporal localization of signaling events. Here we report that the cytoplasmic tail of CD44 (CD44ct) is largely disordered. Upon binding to the signaling lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), CD44ct clusters into aggregates. Further, contrary to the generally accepted model, CD44ct does not bind directly to the FERM domain of Ezrin or to the full-length Ezrin but only forms a complex with FERM or with the full-length Ezrin in the presence of PIP2. Using contrast variation small angle neutron scattering, we show that PIP2 mediates the assembly of a specific heterotetramer complex of CD44ct with Ezrin. This study reveals the role of PIP2 in clustering CD44 and in assembling multimeric CD44-Ezrin complexes. We hypothesize that polyvalent electrostatic interactions are responsible for the assembly of CD44 clusters and the multimeric PIP2-CD44-Ezrin complexes. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Detecting neutrons by forward recoil protons at the Energy & Transmutation facility: Detector development and calibration with 14.1-MeV neutrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afanasev, S.; Vishnevskiy, A.; Vishnevskiy, D.; Rogachev, A.; Tyutyunnikov, S.

2017-05-01

As part of the Energy & Transmutation project, we are developing a detector for neutrons with energies in the 10-100 MeV range emitted from the target irradiated by a charged-particle beam. The neutron is detected by measuring the time-of-flight and total kinetic energy of the forward-going recoil proton [1] knocked out at a small angle from a thin layer of plastic scintillator, which has to be selected against an intense background created by γ quanta, scattered neutrons, and charged particles. On the other hand, neutron energy has to be measured over the full range with no extra tuning of the detector operation regime. Initial measurements with a source of 14.1-MeV neutrons are reported.

Small angle neutron and X-ray studies of carbon structures with metal atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lebedev, V. T.; Szhogina, A. A.; Bairamukov, V. Yu

2017-05-01

Encapsulation of metal atoms inside carbon single-wall cages or within multi-layer cells has been realized using molecular precursors and high temperature processes transforming them into desirable structures. Endohedral fullerenols Fe@C60(OH)X with 3d-metal (iron) have been studied by SANS in aqueous solutions where they form stable globular clusters with radii R C ∼ 10-12 nm and aggregation numbers N C ∼ 104. This self-assembly is a crucial feature of paramagnetic fullerenols as perspective contrast agents for Magneto-Resonance Imaging in medicine. Cellular carbon-metal structures have been created by the pyrolysis of diphthalocyanines of lanthanides and actinides. It was established that these ultra porous matrices consist of globular cells of molecular precursor size (∼ 1 nm) which are aggregated into superstructures. This provides retain of metal atoms inside matrices which may serve for safety storage of spent fuel of nuclear power plants.

Disordered porous solids : from chord distributions to small angle scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levitz, P.; Tchoubar, D.

1992-06-01

Disordered biphasic porous solids are examples of complex interfacial media. Small angle scattering strongly depends on the geometrical properties of the internal surface partitioning a porous system. Properties of the second derivative of the bulk autocorrelation function quantitatively defines the level of connection between the small angle scattering and the statistical properties of this interface. A tractable expression of this second derivative, involving the pore and the mass chord distribution functions, was proposed by Mering and Tchoubar (MT). Based on the present possibility to make a quantitative connection between imaging techniques and the small angle scattering, this paper tries to complete and to extend the MT approach. We first discuss how chord distribution functions can be used as fingerprints of the structural disorder. An explicit relation between the small angle scattering and these chord distributions is then proposed. In a third part, the application to different types of disorder is critically discussed and predictions are compared to available experimental data. Using image processing, we will consider three types of disorder : the long-range Debye randomness, the “ correlated " disorder with a special emphasis on the structure of a porous glass (the vycor), and, finally, complex structures where length scale invariance properties can be observed. Les solides poreux biphasiques sont des exemples de milieux interfaciaux complexes. La diffusion aux petits angles (SAS) dépend fortement des propriétés géométriques de l'interface partitionant le milieu poreux. Les propriétés de la dérivée seconde de la fonction d'autocorrélation de densité définit quantitativement le niveau de connection entre la diffusion aux petits angles et les caractéristiques statistiques de cette interface. Une expression utilisable de cette seconde dérivée, impliquant les distributions de cordes associées à la phase massique et au réseau de pores, fut

Simultaneous small-angle neutron scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic measurements on cocrystals of syndiotactic polystyrene with polyethylene glycol dimethyl ethers1

PubMed Central

Kaneko, Fumitoshi; Seto, Naoki; Sato, Shuma; Radulescu, Aurel; Schiavone, Maria Maddalena; Allgaier, Jürgen; Ute, Koichi

2016-01-01

Syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) is a crystalline polymer which has a unique property; it is able to form cocrystals with a wide range of chemical compounds, in which the guest molecules are confined in the vacancies of the host sPS crystalline region. Recently, it has been found that even polyethylene glycol oligomers with a molecular weight of more than several hundreds can be introduced into the sPS crystalline region. It is quite important to know how such a long-chain molecule is stored in the host sPS lattice. To tackle this issue, a new simultaneous measurement method combing small-angle neutron scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (SANS/FTIR), which has been recently developed by the authors, was applied to an sPS cocrystal with polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether with a molecular weight of 500 (PEGDME500). The temperature-dependent changes of the SANS profile and FTIR spectrum were followed from room temperature up to 413 K for a one-dimensionally oriented SANS/PEGDME500 cocrystal sample. The intensity of the reflections due to the stacking of crystalline lamellae showed a significant temperature dependence. The two-dimensional pattern in the high Q region of SANS also changed depending on temperature. The combined information obtained by SANS and FTIR suggested that PEGDME500 molecules are distributed in both the crystalline and amorphous regions in the low-temperature region close to room temperature, but they are predominantly included in the amorphous region in the high-temperature region. It was also suggested by the two-dimensional SANS profile that PEGDME500 molecules in the crystalline region have an elongated structure along the thickness direction of the crystalline lamellae. PMID:27738412

Ultra-small dye-doped silica nanoparticles via modified sol-gel technique.

PubMed

Riccò, R; Nizzero, S; Penna, E; Meneghello, A; Cretaio, E; Enrichi, F

2018-01-01

In modern biosensing and imaging, fluorescence-based methods constitute the most diffused approach to achieve optimal detection of analytes, both in solution and on the single-particle level. Despite the huge progresses made in recent decades in the development of plasmonic biosensors and label-free sensing techniques, fluorescent molecules remain the most commonly used contrast agents to date for commercial imaging and detection methods. However, they exhibit low stability, can be difficult to functionalise, and often result in a low signal-to-noise ratio. Thus, embedding fluorescent probes into robust and bio-compatible materials, such as silica nanoparticles, can substantially enhance the detection limit and dramatically increase the sensitivity. In this work, ultra-small fluorescent silica nanoparticles (NPs) for optical biosensing applications were doped with a fluorescent dye, using simple water-based sol-gel approaches based on the classical Stöber procedure. By systematically modulating reaction parameters, controllable size tuning of particle diameters as low as 10 nm was achieved. Particles morphology and optical response were evaluated showing a possible single-molecule behaviour, without employing microemulsion methods to achieve similar results. Graphical abstractWe report a simple, cheap, reliable protocol for the synthesis and systematic tuning of ultra-small (< 10 nm) dye-doped luminescent silica nanoparticles.

Tables for Supersonic Flow Around Right Circular Cones at Small Angle of Attack

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sims, Joseph L.

1964-01-01

The solution of supersonic flow fields by the method of characteristics requires that starting conditions be known. Ferri, in reference 1, developed a method-of-characteristics solution for axially symmetric bodies of revolution at small angles of attack. With computing machinery that is now available, this has become a feasible method for computing the aerodynamic characteristics of bodies near zero angle of attack. For sharp-nosed bodies of revolution, the required starting line may be obtained by computing the flow field about a cone at a small angle of attack. This calculation is readily performed using Stone's theory in reference 2. Some solutions of this theory are available in reference 3. However, the manner in which these results are presented, namely in a wind-fixed coordinate system, makes their use somewhat cumbersome. Additionally, as pointed out in reference 4, the flow component perpendicular to the meridian planes was computed incorrectly. The results contained herein have been computed in the same basic manner as those of reference 3 with the correct velocity normal to the meridian planes. Also, all results have been transferred into the body-fixed coordinate system. Therefore, the values tabulated herein may be used, in conjunction with the respective zero-angle-of-attack results of reference 5, as starting conditions for the method-of-characteristics solution of the flow field about axially symmetric bodies of revolution at small angles of attack. As in the zero-angle-of-attack case (ref. 5) the present results have been computed using the ideal gas value of 1.4 for the ratio of the specific heats of air. Solutions are given for cone angles from 2.5 deg to 30 deg in increments of 2.5 deg. For each cone angle, results were computed for a constant series of free-stream Mach numbers from 1.5 to 20. In addition, a solution was computed which yielded the minimum free-stream Mach number for a completely supersonic conical flow field. For cone angles of

Evaluation of solution stability for two-component polydisperse systems by small-angle scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kryukova, A. E.; Konarev, P. V.; Volkov, V. V.

2017-12-01

The article is devoted to the modelling of small-angle scattering data using the program MIXTURE designed for the study of polydisperse multicomponent mixtures. In this work we present the results of solution stability studies for theoretical small-angle scattering data sets from two-component models. It was demonstrated that the addition of the noise to the data influences the stability range of the restored structural parameters. The recommendations for the optimal minimization schemes that permit to restore the volume size distributions for polydisperse systems are suggested.

Rotatable Small Permanent Magnet Array for Ultra-Low Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Instrumentation: A Concept Study.

PubMed

Vogel, Michael W; Giorni, Andrea; Vegh, Viktor; Pellicer-Guridi, Ruben; Reutens, David C

2016-01-01

We studied the feasibility of generating the variable magnetic fields required for ultra-low field nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry with dynamically adjustable permanent magnets. Our motivation was to substitute traditional electromagnets by distributed permanent magnets, increasing system portability. The finite element method (COMSOL®) was employed for the numerical study of a small permanent magnet array to calculate achievable magnetic field strength, homogeneity, switching time and magnetic forces. A manually operated prototype was simulated and constructed to validate the numerical approach and to verify the generated magnetic field. A concentric small permanent magnet array can be used to generate strong sample pre-polarisation and variable measurement fields for ultra-low field relaxometry via simple prescribed magnet rotations. Using the array, it is possible to achieve a pre-polarisation field strength above 100 mT and variable measurement fields ranging from 20-50 μT with 200 ppm absolute field homogeneity within a field-of-view of 5 x 5 x 5 cubic centimetres. A dynamic small permanent magnet array can generate multiple highly homogeneous magnetic fields required in ultra-low field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) instruments. This design can significantly reduce the volume and energy requirements of traditional systems based on electromagnets, improving portability considerably.

Ultra-small rhenium clusters supported on graphene.

PubMed

Miramontes, Orlando; Bonafé, Franco; Santiago, Ulises; Larios-Rodriguez, Eduardo; Velázquez-Salazar, Jesús J; Mariscal, Marcelo M; Yacaman, Miguel José

2015-03-28

The adsorption of very small rhenium clusters (2-13 atoms) supported on graphene was studied by high-angle annular dark field-scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). The atomic structure of the clusters was fully resolved with the aid of density functional theory calculations and STEM simulations. It was found that octahedral and tetrahedral structures work as seeds to obtain more complex morphologies. Finally, a detailed analysis of the electronic structure suggested that a higher catalytic effect can be expected in Re clusters when adsorbed on graphene than in isolated ones.

The roles of the RIIβ linker and N-terminal cyclic nucleotide-binding domain in determining the unique structures of the type IIβ protein kinase A: a small angle x-ray and neutron scattering study.

PubMed

Blumenthal, Donald K; Copps, Jeffrey; Smith-Nguyen, Eric V; Zhang, Ping; Heller, William T; Taylor, Susan S

2014-10-10

Protein kinase A (PKA) is ubiquitously expressed and is responsible for regulating many important cellular functions in response to changes in intracellular cAMP concentrations. The PKA holoenzyme is a tetramer (R2:C2), with a regulatory subunit homodimer (R2) that binds and inhibits two catalytic (C) subunits; binding of cAMP to the regulatory subunit homodimer causes activation of the catalytic subunits. Four different R subunit isoforms exist in mammalian cells, and these confer different structural features, subcellular localization, and biochemical properties upon the PKA holoenzymes they form. The holoenzyme containing RIIβ is structurally unique in that the type IIβ holoenzyme is much more compact than the free RIIβ homodimer. We have used small angle x-ray scattering and small angle neutron scattering to study the solution structure and subunit organization of a holoenzyme containing an RIIβ C-terminal deletion mutant (RIIβ(1-280)), which is missing the C-terminal cAMP-binding domain to better understand the structural organization of the type IIβ holoenzyme and the RIIβ domains that contribute to stabilizing the holoenzyme conformation. Our results demonstrate that compaction of the type IIβ holoenzyme does not require the C-terminal cAMP-binding domain but rather involves large structural rearrangements within the linker and N-terminal cyclic nucleotide-binding domain of the RIIβ homodimer. The structural rearrangements are significantly greater than seen previously with RIIα and are likely to be important in mediating short range and long range interdomain and intersubunit interactions that uniquely regulate the activity of the type IIβ isoform of PKA. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Distinguishing oil and water layers in a cracked porous medium using pulsed neutron logging data based on Hudson's crack theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xueang; Yang, Zhichao; Tang, Bin; Wang, Renbo; Wei, Xiong

2018-05-01

During geophysical surveys, water layers may interfere with the detection of oil layers. In order to distinguish between oil and water layers in porous cracked media, research on the properties of the cracks, the oil and water layers, and their relation to pulsed neutron logging characteristics is essential. Using Hudson's crack theory, we simulated oil and water layers in a cracked porous medium with different crack parameters corresponding to the well log responses. We found that, in a cracked medium with medium-angle (40°-50°) cracks, the thermal neutron count peak value is higher and more sensitive than those in low-angle and high-angle crack environments; in addition, the thermal neutron density distribution shows more minimum values than in other cases. Further, the thermal neutron count and the rate of change for the oil layer are greater than those of the water layer, and the time spectrum count peak value for the water layer in middle-high-angle (40°-70°) cracked environments is higher than that of the oil layer. The thermal neutron density distribution sensitivity is higher in the water layer with a range of small crack angles (0°-30°) than in the oil layer with the same range of angles. In comparing the thermal neutron density distribution, thermal neutron count peak, thermal neutron density distribution sensitivity, and time spectrum maximum in the oil and water layers, we find that neutrons in medium-angle (40°-50°) cracked reservoirs are more sensitive to deceleration and absorption than those in water layers; neutrons in approximately horizontal (0°-30°) cracked water layers are more sensitive to deceleration than those in reservoirs. These results can guide future work in the cracked media neutron logging field.

Decoder calibration with ultra small current sample set for intracortical brain-machine interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Peng; Ma, Xuan; Chen, Luyao; Zhou, Jin; Wang, Changyong; Li, Wei; He, Jiping

2018-04-01

Objective. Intracortical brain-machine interfaces (iBMIs) aim to restore efficient communication and movement ability for paralyzed patients. However, frequent recalibration is required for consistency and reliability, and every recalibration will require relatively large most current sample set. The aim in this study is to develop an effective decoder calibration method that can achieve good performance while minimizing recalibration time. Approach. Two rhesus macaques implanted with intracortical microelectrode arrays were trained separately on movement and sensory paradigm. Neural signals were recorded to decode reaching positions or grasping postures. A novel principal component analysis-based domain adaptation (PDA) method was proposed to recalibrate the decoder with only ultra small current sample set by taking advantage of large historical data, and the decoding performance was compared with other three calibration methods for evaluation. Main results. The PDA method closed the gap between historical and current data effectively, and made it possible to take advantage of large historical data for decoder recalibration in current data decoding. Using only ultra small current sample set (five trials of each category), the decoder calibrated using the PDA method could achieve much better and more robust performance in all sessions than using other three calibration methods in both monkeys. Significance. (1) By this study, transfer learning theory was brought into iBMIs decoder calibration for the first time. (2) Different from most transfer learning studies, the target data in this study were ultra small sample set and were transferred to the source data. (3) By taking advantage of historical data, the PDA method was demonstrated to be effective in reducing recalibration time for both movement paradigm and sensory paradigm, indicating a viable generalization. By reducing the demand for large current training data, this new method may facilitate the application

Pulsed-neutron monochromator

DOEpatents

Mook, H.A. Jr.

1984-01-01

In one aspect, the invention is an improved pulsed-neutron monochromator of the vibrated-crystal type. The monochromator is designed to provide neutron pulses which are characterized both by short duration and high density. A row of neutron-reflecting crystals is disposed in a neutron beam to reflect neutrons onto a common target. The crystals in the row define progressively larger neutron-scattering angles and are vibrated sequentially in descending order with respect to the size of their scattering angles, thus generating neutron pulses which arrive simultaneously at the target. Transducers are coupled to one end of the crystals to vibrate them in an essentially non-resonant mode. The transducers propagate transverse waves in the crystal which progress longitudinally therein. The waves are absorbed at the undriven ends of the crystals by damping material mounted thereon. In another aspect, the invention is a method for generating neutron pulses characterized by high intensity and short duration.

Pulsed-neutron monochromator

DOEpatents

Mook, Jr., Herbert A.

1985-01-01

In one aspect, the invention is an improved pulsed-neutron monochromator of the vibrated-crystal type. The monochromator is designed to provide neutron pulses which are characterized both by short duration and high density. A row of neutron-reflecting crystals is disposed in a neutron beam to reflect neutrons onto a common target. The crystals in the row define progressively larger neutron-scattering angles and are vibrated sequentially in descending order with respect to the size of their scattering angles, thus generating neutron pulses which arrive simultaneously at the target. Transducers are coupled to one end of the crystals to vibrate them in an essentially non-resonant mode. The transducers propagate transverse waves in the crystal which progress longitudinally therein. The wave are absorbed at the undriven ends of the crystals by damping material mounted thereon. In another aspect, the invention is a method for generating neutron pulses characterized by high intensity and short duration.

Structural Significance of Lipid Diversity as Studied by Small Angle Neutron and X-ray Scattering

DOE PAGES

Kučerka, Norbert; Heberle, Frederick A.; Pan, Jianjun; ...

2015-09-21

In this paper, we review recent developments in the rapidly growing field of membrane biophysics, with a focus on the structural properties of single lipid bilayers determined by different scattering techniques, namely neutron and X-ray scattering. The need for accurate lipid structural properties is emphasized by the sometimes conflicting results found in the literature, even in the case of the most studied lipid bilayers. Increasingly, accurate and detailed structural models require more experimental data, such as those from contrast varied neutron scattering and X-ray scattering experiments that are jointly refined with molecular dynamics simulations. This experimental and computational approach producesmore » robust bilayer structural parameters that enable insights, for example, into the interplay between collective membrane properties and its components (e.g., hydrocarbon chain length and unsaturation, and lipid headgroup composition). Finally, from model studies such as these, one is better able to appreciate how a real biological membrane can be tuned by balancing the contributions from the lipid’s different moieties (e.g., acyl chains, headgroups, backbones, etc.).« less

The Wide Angle Neutron Diffractometer (WAND) at HFIR: possibilities and future

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frontzek, Matthias; Andrews, Katie M.; Chakoumakos, Bryan C.

The Wide Angle Neutron Diffractometer (WAND) at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has been built and continues to be, a joint project between ORNL and the Japan Atomic Energy Agency. Equipped with a 1-dimensional position sensitive detector (PSD), the instrument is a multi-purpose instrument for both powder and single crystal diffraction. WAND is currently in the process of a 2-phase upgrade to become a world class, general purpose instrument. In phase 1, finished in the beginning of 2016, the whole instrument was practically re-built from scratch, keeping only the front end and the 1-D PSD. Phase 2 will replace the 1-D PSD with the state of the art BNL120 2D-PSD which comes from the Lujan Neutron Scattering Center. We are currently integrating the detector off-line into the data acquisition architecture at HFIR. The new instrument, WAND2, will be available for general users in the proposal call 2018A. In our contribution we present results from experiments on WAND after phase 1. The upgrade now allows mounting the whole suite of available sample environment (50 mK to 1500 K, magnetic fields (5 T), high pressures (4 GPa)). We will further discuss the scientific impact the new capabilities of WAND2 will have.

Ultra-small particles of iron oxide as peroxidase for immunohistochemical detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yihang; Song, Mengjie; Xin, Zhuang; Zhang, Xiaoqing; Zhang, Yu; Wang, Chunyu; Li, Suyi; Gu, Ning

2011-06-01

Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) modified ultra-small particles of iron oxide (USPIO) were synthesized through a two-step process. The first step: oleic acid (OA) capped Fe3O4 (OA-USPIO) were synthesized by a novel oxidation coprecipitation method in H2O/DMSO mixing system, where DMSO acts as an oxidant simultaneously. The second step: OA was replaced by DMSA to obtain water-soluble nanoparticles. The as-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by TEM, FTIR, TGA, VSM, DLS, EDS and UV-vis. Hydrodynamic sizes and Peroxidase-like catalytic activity of the nanoparticles were investigated. The hydrodynamic sizes of the nanoparticles (around 24.4 nm) were well suited to developing stable nanoprobes for bio-detection. The kinetic studies were performed to quantitatively evaluate the catalytic ability of the peroxidase-like nanoparticles. The calculated kinetic parameters indicated that the DMSA-USPIO possesses high catalytic activity. Based on the high activity, immunohistochemical experiments were established: using low-cost nanoparticles as the enzyme instead of expensive HRP, Nimotuzumab was conjugated onto the surface of the nanoparticles to construct a kind of ultra-small nanoprobe which was employed to detect epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) over-expressed on the membrane of esophageal cancer cell. The proper sizes of the probes and the result of membranous immunohistochemical staining suggest that the probes can be served as a useful diagnostic reagent for bio-detection.

Neutrons measure phase behavior in pores at Angstrom size

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bardoel, Agatha A; Melnichenko, Yuri B

Researchers have measured the phase behavior of green house gases in pores at the Angstrom-level, using small angle neutron scattering (SANS) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's High Flux Isotope Reactor. Yuri Melnichenko, an instrument scientist on the General Purpose Small Angle Neutron Scattering (GP SANS) Diffractometer at ORNL's High Flux Isotope Reactor, his postdoctoral associate Lilin He and collaborators Nidia Gallego and Cristian Contescu from the Material Sciences Division (ORNL) were engaged in the work. They were studying nanoporous carbons to assess their attractiveness as storage media for hydrogen, with a view to potential use for on-board hydrogen storagemore » for transportation applications. Nanoporous carbons can also serve as electrode material for supercapacitors and batteries. The researchers successfully determined that the most efficiently condensing pore size in a carbon nanoporous material for hydrogen storage is less than one nanometer. In a paper recently published by the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the collaborators used small angle neutron scattering to study how hydrogen condenses in small pores at ambient temperature. They discovered that the surface-molecule interactions create internal pressures in pores that may exceed the external gas pressure by a factor of up to 50. 'This is an exciting result,' Melnichenko said, 'as you achieve extreme densification in pores 'for free', i.e. without spending any energy. These results can be used to guide the development of new carbon adsorbents tailored to maximize hydrogen storage capacities.' Another important factor that defines the adsorption capacity of sub-nanometer pores is their shape. In order to get accurate structural information and maximize sorption capacity, it is important that pores are small and of approximately uniform size. In collaboration with Drexel University's Yury Gogotsi who supplied the samples, Melnichenko and his collaborators used the GP SANS

Single-stage surgery for symptomatic small-angle strabismus under topical anaesthesia.

PubMed

Zou, Leilei; Liu, Rui; Liu, Hong; Huang, Liwen; Liu, Yan; Wang, Aihou

2014-04-01

To report outcomes of single-stage surgery under topical anaesthesia for the treatment of small-angle strabismus. Case series. Thirteen patients, 7 males and 6 females, with a median age of 32 years (range, 20-59 years) were included. Patients with symptomatic small-angle strabismus with stable deviations of no more than 20 prism diopters (PD) in horizontal and 10 PD in vertical were consecutively recruited from the Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University between January 2010 and April 2012. Single-stage surgery was performed under topical anaesthesia. Outcome measures were PD, Amblyopia and Strabismus Questionnaire (ASQE) scores, and subjective reduction of symptoms. The median duration of symptoms was 40 months (range, 6-96 months). Nine patients had horizontal deviations, 3 had vertical deviations, and 1 had an exodeviation combined with a vertical deviation. All surgeries were completed without complications, and no patients experienced significant discomfort. All patients reported elimination of symptoms on postoperative day 1. Two patients required a second procedure at 1 week because of a return of symptoms. At 6-month follow-up, no patient reported recurrence of symptoms. The overall ASQE score improved from 70 preoperatively to 96 postoperatively (p = 0.001). These results suggest single-stage surgery under topical anaesthesia is an effective treatment for small-angle strabismus. A large, randomized, prospective study to confirm these findings is warranted. © 2013 Canadian Ophthalmological Society Published by Canadian Ophthalmological Society All rights reserved.

Rotatable Small Permanent Magnet Array for Ultra-Low Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Instrumentation: A Concept Study

PubMed Central

Vegh, Viktor; Reutens, David C.

2016-01-01

Object We studied the feasibility of generating the variable magnetic fields required for ultra-low field nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry with dynamically adjustable permanent magnets. Our motivation was to substitute traditional electromagnets by distributed permanent magnets, increasing system portability. Materials and Methods The finite element method (COMSOL®) was employed for the numerical study of a small permanent magnet array to calculate achievable magnetic field strength, homogeneity, switching time and magnetic forces. A manually operated prototype was simulated and constructed to validate the numerical approach and to verify the generated magnetic field. Results A concentric small permanent magnet array can be used to generate strong sample pre-polarisation and variable measurement fields for ultra-low field relaxometry via simple prescribed magnet rotations. Using the array, it is possible to achieve a pre-polarisation field strength above 100 mT and variable measurement fields ranging from 20–50 μT with 200 ppm absolute field homogeneity within a field-of-view of 5 x 5 x 5 cubic centimetres. Conclusions A dynamic small permanent magnet array can generate multiple highly homogeneous magnetic fields required in ultra-low field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) instruments. This design can significantly reduce the volume and energy requirements of traditional systems based on electromagnets, improving portability considerably. PMID:27271886

Research on a Neutron Detector With a Boron-Lined Honeycomb Neutron Converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Zhujun; Yang, Yigang; Li, Yulan; Zhang, Zhi; Wang, Xuewu

2017-04-01

A new design of the boron-lined gaseous neutron detector composed of a boron-lined honeycomb neutron converter and an electron multiplier is proposed in this paper. The motivation for this research was to decrease the manufacturing difficulty and improve the robustness of the boron-lined gaseous neutron detector. The numerous anode wires in the traditional designs were removed, and the gas electron multiplier (GEM) was used as the electron multiplier. To drive the ionized electrons produced inside the honeycomb structure out to the incident surface of the GEM, a drift electric field was applied inside the holes of the honeycomb structure. The design principles of this detector were discussed. Geant4, Maxwell11, and Garfield9 were used to estimate the neutron absorption efficiency and the electron migration process. A prototype detector was constructed and experimentally evaluated. Both the simulation and experimental results indicate that this detector has the potential to be used in the applications of small angle neutron scattering for scientific research, and to replace the currently used 3He detectors, which have the trouble of very limited supply of 3He gas.

Imaging method based on attenuation, refraction and ultra-small-angle-scattering of x-rays

DOEpatents

Wernick, Miles N.; Chapman, Leroy Dean; Oltulu, Oral; Zhong, Zhong

2005-09-20

A method for detecting an image of an object by measuring the intensity at a plurality of positions of a transmitted beam of x-ray radiation emitted from the object as a function of angle within the transmitted beam. The intensity measurements of the transmitted beam are obtained by a crystal analyzer positioned at a plurality of angular positions. The plurality of intensity measurements are used to determine the angular intensity spectrum of the transmitted beam. One or more parameters, such as an attenuation property, a refraction property and a scatter property, can be obtained from the angular intensity spectrum and used to display an image of the object.

Determination of the spin Hall angle in single-crystalline Pt films from spin pumping experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keller, Sascha; Mihalceanu, Laura; Schweizer, Matthias R.; Lang, Philipp; Heinz, Björn; Geilen, Moritz; Brächer, Thomas; Pirro, Philipp; Meyer, Thomas; Conca, Andres; Karfaridis, Dimitrios; Vourlias, George; Kehagias, Thomas; Hillebrands, Burkard; Papaioannou, Evangelos Th

2018-05-01

We report on the determination of the spin Hall angle in ultra-clean, defect-reduced epitaxial Pt films. By applying vector network analyzer ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy to a series of single crystalline Fe (12 nm) /Pt (t Pt) bilayers we determine the real part of the spin mixing conductance (4.4 ± 0.2) × 1019 m‑2 and reveal a very small spin diffusion length in the epitaxial Pt (1.1 ± 0.1) nm film. We investigate the spin pumping and ISHE in a stripe microstucture excited by a microwave coplanar waveguide antenna. By using their different angular dependencies, we distinguish between spin rectification effects and the inverse spin Hall effect. The relatively large value of the spin Hall angle (5.7 ± 1.4)% shows that ultra-clean e-beam evaporated non-magnetic materials can also have a comparable spin-to-charge current conversion efficiency as sputtered high resistivity layers.

Neutronographic investigations of supramolecular structures on upgraded small-angle spectrometer YuMO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuklin, A. I.; Rogachev, A. V.; Soloviov, D. V.; Ivankov, O. I.; Kovalev, Yu S.; Utrobin, P. K.; Kutuzov, S. A.; Soloviev, A. G.; Rulev, M. I.; Gordeliy, V. I.

2017-05-01

Abstract.The work is a review of neutronographic investigations of supramolecular structures on upgraded small-angle spectrometer YuMO. Here, key parameters of small-angle spectrometers are considered. It is shown that two-detector system is the basis of YuMO upgrade. It allows to widen the dynamic q-range twice. In result, the available q-range is widened and dynamic q-range and data collection rate are doubled. The detailed description of YuMO spectrometer is given.The short review of experimental researches made on the spectrometer in the polymers field, biology, material science and physical chemistry is given. The current investigations also have a methodological aspect. It is shown that upgraded spectrometer provides advanced world level of research of supramolecular structures.

All plastic ultra-small size imaging lens unit fabrication and evaluation for endoscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishii, Kenta; Okamoto, Dai; Ushio, Makoto; Tai, Hidetoshi; Nishihara, Atsuhiko; Tokuda, Kimio; Kawai, Shinsuke; Kitagawa, Seiichiro

2017-02-01

There is demand for small-size lens units for endoscope and industrial applications. Polished glass lenses with a diameter of 1 - 2mm exist, however plastic lenses similar in size are not commonplace. For low-cost, light-weight, and mass production, plastic lens fabrication is extremely beneficial. Especially, in the medical field, there is strong demand for disposable lens unit for endoscopes which prevent contamination due to reuse of the lens. Therefore, high mass producible and low cost becomes increasingly important. This paper reports our findings on injection-molded ultra-small size plastic lens units with a diameter of 1.3mm and total thickness of 1.4mm. We performed optical design, injection molding, and lens unit assembly for injection moldable, high imaging performance ultra-small sized lens units. We prioritize a robust product design, considering injection molding properties and lens unit assembly, with feedback from molding simulations reflected into the optical design. A mold capable of high precision lens positioning is used to fabricate the lenses and decrease the variability of the assembly. The geometric dimensions of the resulting lenses, are measured and used in the optical simulation to validate the optical performance, and a high agreement is reported. The injection molding of the lens and the assembly of the lens unit is performed with high precision, and results in high optical performance.

Ultra high field TOF-MRA: A method to visualize small cerebral vessels. 7T TOF-MRA sequence parameters on different MRI scanners - Literature review.

PubMed

Grochowski, Cezary; Staśkiewicz, Grzegorz

Time-of-flight (TOF) angiography is a technique allowing to visualize the blood flow in vessels. 7T ToF-MRA is able to visualize the whole Circle of Willis including small perforating branches without any known side effects as opposed to usually used DSA and CTA with high exposition to the radiation and high doses of contrast as far as CTA is concerned. The aim of this review is to describe ultra-high field ToF-MRA and present different protocol data depending on the scanner used in the study. PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Google Scholar databases were searched. Selection of studies for this systematic review included 7T magnetic resonance angiography studies. We searched for type of head coil used in various studies, flip angle, echo time, repetition time, field-of-view (FOV), number of slices per slab, matrix, voxel size and acquisition time. Visualization for the small perforating vessels of the Circle of Willis, that are not fully visualized using low-field-strength MRA is improving with increasing magnetic field strength, which has been proved by several studies. Ultra-high filed ToF-MRA has found to be a superior method in depicting cerebral microvasculature. 7T ToF-MRA seems to be a reliable method for visualization of arteries up to the second order cerebral arteries and has a potential to replace DSA. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o.

The origin of ultra-compact binaries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hachisu, Izumi; Miyaji, Shigeki; Saio, Hideyuki

1987-01-01

The origin of ultra-compact binaries composed of a neutron star and a low-mass (about 0.06 solar mass) white dwarf is considered. Taking account of the systemic losses of mass and angular momentum, it was found that a serious difficulty exists in the scenarios which involve tidal captures of a normal star (a main sequence star or a red giant) by a neutron star. This difficulty can be avoided if a red giant star is captured by a massive white dwarf (M is approx. greater than 1.2 solar masses), which becomes a neutron star through the accretion induced collapse.

The Turbulent Flow in Diffusers of Small Divergence Angle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gourzhienko, G. A.

1947-01-01

The turbulent flow in a conical diffuser represents the type of turbulent boundary layer with positive longitudinal pressure gradient. In contrast to the boundary layer problem, however, it is not necessary that the pressure distribution along the limits of the boundary layer(along the axis of the diffuser) be given, since this distribution can be obtained from the computation. This circumstance, together with the greater simplicity of the problem as a whole, provides a useful basis for the study of the extension of the results of semiempirical theories to the case of motion with a positive pressure gradient. In the first part of the paper,formulas are derived for the computation of the velocity and.pressure distributions in the turbulent flow along, and at right angles to, the axis of a diffuser of small cone angle. The problem is solved.

An ultra-HTS process for the identification of small molecule modulators of orphan G-protein-coupled receptors.

PubMed

Cacace, Angela; Banks, Martyn; Spicer, Timothy; Civoli, Francesca; Watson, John

2003-09-01

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the most successful target proteins for drug discovery research to date. More than 150 orphan GPCRs of potential therapeutic interest have been identified for which no activating ligands or biological functions are known. One of the greatest challenges in the pharmaceutical industry is to link these orphan GPCRs with human diseases. Highly automated parallel approaches that integrate ultra-high throughput and focused screening can be used to identify small molecule modulators of orphan GPCRs. These small molecules can then be employed as pharmacological tools to explore the function of orphan receptors in models of human disease. In this review, we describe methods that utilize powerful ultra-high-throughput screening technologies to identify surrogate ligands of orphan GPCRs.

Ultra-wideband polarization-insensitive and wide-angle thin absorber based on resistive metasurfaces with three resonant modes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Long; Lv, Zhiyong

2017-08-01

In this paper, a metamaterial absorber is designed, fabricated, and experimentally demonstrated to realize ultra-wideband absorption, which is composed of three layers of square resistive metasurfaces with different dimensions. Multilayer resistive metasurfaces can not only broaden the absorption bandwidth but also adjust the impedance matching based on multi-resonant modes. The total thickness of the proposed absorber is 3.8 mm, which is only 0.09 λ at the lowest frequency. The bandwidth of absorptivity more than 90% is from 7.0 GHz to 37.4 GHz, and the relative absorption bandwidth is about 137%. The proposed absorber has good polarization-insensitiveness and wide incident angle stability. The measured results agree well with the theoretical design and the numerical simulations.

An innovative small angle slot divertor concept for long pulse advanced tokamaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Houyang

2017-10-01

A new Small Angle Slot (SAS) divertor is being developed in DIII-D to address the challenge of efficient divertor heat dispersal at the relatively low plasma density required for non-inductive current drive in future advanced tokamaks. SAS features a small incident angle near the plasma strike point on the divertor target plate with a progressively opening slot. SOLPS (B2-Eirene) edge code analysis finds that SAS can achieve strong plasma cooling when the strike point is placed near the small angle target plate in the slot, leading to low electron temperature Te across the entire divertor target. This is enabled by strong coupling between a gas tight slot and directed neutral recycling by the small angle target to enhance neutral buildup near the target. SOLPS analysis reveals a strong correlation between Te and D2 density at the target for various divertor configurations including the flat target, slanted target, and lower single null divertor. The strong correlation suggests that achievement of low Te may reduce essentially to identifying the divertor baffle geometry that achieves the highest target gas density at a given upstream condition. The SAS divertor concept has recently been tested in DIII-D for a range of plasma configurations and conditions with precise control of slot strike point location. In confirmation of SOLPS predictions, a sharp transition is observed when the strike point is moved to the critical outer corner of SAS. A set of Langmuir probes imbedded in SAS show that the Te radial profile, which is peaked at the strike point when it is located away from the SAS corner, becomes low across the target when the strike point is located near the corner. With further increase in density, deep-slot detachment occurs with Te 1 eV, measured by the unique DIII-D divertor Thomson Scattering diagnostic. Work supported by US DOE under DE-FC02-04ER54698.

MONDO: A tracker for the characterization of secondary fast and ultrafast neutrons emitted in particle therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mirabelli, R.; Battistoni, G.; Giacometti, V.; Patera, V.; Pinci, D.; Sarti, A.; Sciubba, A.; Traini, G.; Marafini, M.

2018-01-01

In Particle Therapy (PT) accelerated charged particles and light ions are used for treating tumors. One of the main limitation to the precision of PT is the emission of secondary particles due to the beam interaction with the patient: secondary emitted neutrons can release a significant dose far from the tumor. Therefore, a precise characterization of their flux, production energy and angle distribution is eagerly needed in order to improve the Treatment Planning Systems (TPS) codes. The principal aim of the MONDO (MOnitor for Neutron Dose in hadrOntherapy) project is the development of a tracking device optimized for the detection of fast and ultra-fast secondary neutrons emitted in PT. The detector consists of a matrix of scintillating square fibres coupled with a CMOS-based readout. Here, we present the characterization of the detector tracker prototype and CMOS-based digital SPAD (Single Photon Avalanche Diode) array sensor tested with protons at the Beam Test Facility (Frascati, Italy) and at the Proton Therapy Centre (Trento, Italy), respectively.

SMALL ANGLE SCATTERING OF X-RAYS BY PLASTICALLY DEFORMED SINGLE CRYSTALS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Robinson, W.H.; Smoluchowski, R.

1959-05-01

The small-angle scattering of x rays from single crystals of magnesium plastically deformed by simple shear was measured in the angular range of 4' to 5 deg . The crystals were subjected to both unidirectional and cyclic shear stresses applied along the STAl 1 2-bar 0! direction. Thin slices of the deformed single crystals were prepared using strainfree cutting and polishing techniques. The thin slices had orientations such that the slip direction was either parallel or perpendicular to the incident x-ray beam in order to observe any anisotropy in the scattering that might be due to dislocations. It was foundmore » that those samples which contained deformation twins within the irradiated volume produced rather large scattered intensity. This scattered intensity is interpreted as being due to double Bragg scattering. The scattered intensity from other specimens was attributed to surface scattering. No evidence for small angle scattering by dislocations was found. (auth)« less

Spatial distribution of intra-molecular water and polymeric components in polyelectrolyte dendrimers revealed by small angle scattering investigations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Bin; Li, Xin; Do, Changwoo; Kim, Tae-Hwan; Shew, Chwen-Yang; Liu, Yun; Yang, Jun; Hong, Kunlun; Porcar, Lionel; Chen, Chun-Yu; Liu, Emily L.; Smith, Gregory S.; Herwig, Kenneth W.; Chen, Wei-Ren

2011-10-01

An experimental scheme using contrast variation small angle neutron scattering technique is developed to investigate the structural characteristics of amine-terminated poly(amidoamine) dendrimers solutions. Using this methodology, we present the dependence of both the intra-dendrimer water and the polymer distribution on molecular protonation, which can be precisely adjusted by tuning the pH of the solution. Assuming spherical symmetry of the spatial arrangement of the constituent components of dendrimer, and that the atomic ratio of hydrogen-to-deuterium for the solvent residing within the cavities of dendrimer is identical to that for the solvent outside the dendrimer, the intra-dendrimer water distribution along the radial direction is determined. Our result clearly reveals an outward relocation of the peripheral groups, as well as enhanced intra-dendrimer hydration, upon increasing the molecular protonation and, therefore, allows the determination of segmental backfolding in a quantitative manner. The connection between these charge-induced structural changes and our recently observed progressively active segmental dynamics is also discussed.

Edible oil structures at low and intermediate concentrations. II. Ultra-small angle X-ray scattering of in situ tristearin solids in triolein

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peyronel, Fernanda; Ilavsky, Jan; Mazzanti, Gianfranco; Marangoni, Alejandro G.; Pink, David A.

2013-12-01

Ultra-small angle X-ray scattering has been used for the first time to elucidate, in situ, the aggregation structure of a model edible oil system. The three-dimensional nano- to micro-structure of tristearin solid particles in triolein solvent was investigated using 5, 10, 15, and 20% solids. Three different sample preparation procedures were investigated: two slow cooling rates of 0.5°/min, case 1 (22 days of storage at room temperature) and case 2 (no storage), and one fast cooling of 30°/min, case 3 (no storage). The length scale investigated, by using the Bonse-Hart camera at beamline ID-15D at the Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, covered the range from 300 Å to 10 μm. The unified fit and the Guinier-Porod models in the Irena software were used to fit the data. The former was used to fit 3 structural levels. Level 1 structures showed that the primary scatterers were essentially 2-dimensional objects for the three cases. The scatterers possessed lateral dimensions between 1000 and 4300 Å. This is consistent with the sizes of crystalline nanoplatelets present which were observed using cryo-TEM. Level 2 structures were aggregates possessing radii of gyration, Rg2 between 1800 Å and 12000 Å and fractal dimensions of either D2=1 for case 3 or 1.8≤D2≤2.1 for case 1 and case 2. D2 = 1 is consistent with unaggregated 1-dimensional objects. 1.8 ≤ D2 ≤ 2.1 is consistent with these 1-dimensional objects (below) forming structures characteristic of diffusion or reaction limited cluster-cluster aggregation. Level 3 structures showed that the spatial distribution of the level 2 structures was uniform, on the average, for case 1, with fractal dimension D3≈3 while for case 2 and case 3 the fractal dimension was D3≈2.2, which suggested that the large-scale distribution had not come to equilibrium. The Guinier-Porod model showed that the structures giving rise to the aggregates with a fractal dimension given by D2 in the unified fit level 2

Complementary uses of small angle X-ray scattering and X-ray crystallography.

PubMed

Pillon, Monica C; Guarné, Alba

2017-11-01

Most proteins function within networks and, therefore, protein interactions are central to protein function. Although stable macromolecular machines have been extensively studied, dynamic protein interactions remain poorly understood. Small-angle X-ray scattering probes the size, shape and dynamics of proteins in solution at low resolution and can be used to study samples in a large range of molecular weights. Therefore, it has emerged as a powerful technique to study the structure and dynamics of biomolecular systems and bridge fragmented information obtained using high-resolution techniques. Here we review how small-angle X-ray scattering can be combined with other structural biology techniques to study protein dynamics. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Biophysics in Canada, edited by Lewis Kay, John Baenziger, Albert Berghuis and Peter Tieleman. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Wave-induced loss of ultra-relativistic electrons in the Van Allen radiation belts.

PubMed

Shprits, Yuri Y; Drozdov, Alexander Y; Spasojevic, Maria; Kellerman, Adam C; Usanova, Maria E; Engebretson, Mark J; Agapitov, Oleksiy V; Zhelavskaya, Irina S; Raita, Tero J; Spence, Harlan E; Baker, Daniel N; Zhu, Hui; Aseev, Nikita A

2016-09-28

The dipole configuration of the Earth's magnetic field allows for the trapping of highly energetic particles, which form the radiation belts. Although significant advances have been made in understanding the acceleration mechanisms in the radiation belts, the loss processes remain poorly understood. Unique observations on 17 January 2013 provide detailed information throughout the belts on the energy spectrum and pitch angle (angle between the velocity of a particle and the magnetic field) distribution of electrons up to ultra-relativistic energies. Here we show that although relativistic electrons are enhanced, ultra-relativistic electrons become depleted and distributions of particles show very clear telltale signatures of electromagnetic ion cyclotron wave-induced loss. Comparisons between observations and modelling of the evolution of the electron flux and pitch angle show that electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves provide the dominant loss mechanism at ultra-relativistic energies and produce a profound dropout of the ultra-relativistic radiation belt fluxes.

Wave-induced loss of ultra-relativistic electrons in the Van Allen radiation belts

PubMed Central

Shprits, Yuri Y.; Drozdov, Alexander Y.; Spasojevic, Maria; Kellerman, Adam C.; Usanova, Maria E.; Engebretson, Mark J.; Agapitov, Oleksiy V.; Zhelavskaya, Irina S.; Raita, Tero J.; Spence, Harlan E.; Baker, Daniel N.; Zhu, Hui; Aseev, Nikita A.

2016-01-01

The dipole configuration of the Earth's magnetic field allows for the trapping of highly energetic particles, which form the radiation belts. Although significant advances have been made in understanding the acceleration mechanisms in the radiation belts, the loss processes remain poorly understood. Unique observations on 17 January 2013 provide detailed information throughout the belts on the energy spectrum and pitch angle (angle between the velocity of a particle and the magnetic field) distribution of electrons up to ultra-relativistic energies. Here we show that although relativistic electrons are enhanced, ultra-relativistic electrons become depleted and distributions of particles show very clear telltale signatures of electromagnetic ion cyclotron wave-induced loss. Comparisons between observations and modelling of the evolution of the electron flux and pitch angle show that electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves provide the dominant loss mechanism at ultra-relativistic energies and produce a profound dropout of the ultra-relativistic radiation belt fluxes. PMID:27678050

Vesicle Adhesion and Fusion Studied by Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering.

PubMed

Komorowski, Karlo; Salditt, Annalena; Xu, Yihui; Yavuz, Halenur; Brennich, Martha; Jahn, Reinhard; Salditt, Tim

2018-04-24

We have studied the adhesion state (also denoted by docking state) of lipid vesicles as induced by the divalent ions Ca 2+ or Mg 2+ at well-controlled ion concentration, lipid composition, and charge density. The bilayer structure and the interbilayer distance in the docking state were analyzed by small-angle x-ray scattering. A strong adhesion state was observed for DOPC:DOPS vesicles, indicating like-charge attraction resulting from ion correlations. The observed interbilayer separations of ∼1.6 nm agree quantitatively with the predictions of electrostatics in the strong coupling regime. Although this phenomenon was observed when mixing anionic and zwitterionic (or neutral) lipids, pure anionic membranes (DOPS) with highest charge density σ resulted in a direct phase transition to a multilamellar state, which must be accompanied by rupture and fusion of vesicles. To extend the structural assay toward protein-controlled docking and fusion, we have characterized reconstituted N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors in controlled proteoliposome suspensions by small-angle x-ray scattering. Copyright © 2018 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Design of an ultra low power CMOS pixel sensor for a future neutron personal dosimeter

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Y.; Hu-Guo, C.; Husson, D.

2011-07-01

Despite a continuously increasing demand, neutron electronic personal dosimeters (EPDs) are still far from being completely established because their development is a very difficult task. A low-noise, ultra low power consumption CMOS pixel sensor for a future neutron personal dosimeter has been implemented in a 0.35 {mu}m CMOS technology. The prototype is composed of a pixel array for detection of charged particles, and the readout electronics is integrated on the same substrate for signal processing. The excess electrons generated by an impinging particle are collected by the pixel array. The charge collection time and the efficiency are the crucial pointsmore » of a CMOS detector. The 3-D device simulations using the commercially available Synopsys-SENTAURUS package address the detailed charge collection process. Within a time of 1.9 {mu}s, about 59% electrons created by the impact particle are collected in a cluster of 4 x 4 pixels with the pixel pitch of 80 {mu}m. A charge sensitive preamplifier (CSA) and a shaper are employed in the frond-end readout. The tests with electrical signals indicate that our prototype with a total active area of 2.56 x 2.56 mm{sup 2} performs an equivalent noise charge (ENC) of less than 400 e - and 314 {mu}W power consumption, leading to a promising prototype. (authors)« less

Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Investigation of Growth Modifiers on Hydrate Crystal Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Thomas; Hutter, Jeffrey L.; Lin, M.; King, H. E., Jr.

1998-03-01

Hydrates are crystals consisting of small molecules enclathrated within an ice-like water cage. Suppression of their growth is important in the oil industry. The presence of small quantities of specific polymers during hydrate crystallization can induce a transition from an octahedral to planar growth habit. This symmetry breaking is surprising because of the suppression of two 111 planes relative to the other six crystallographically equivalent faces. To better understand the surface effects leading to this behavior, we have studied the surface adsorption of these growth-modifing polymers onto the hydrate crytals using SANS. The total hydrate surface area, as measured by Porod scattering, increases in the presence of the growth modifier, but, no significant increase in polymer concentration on the crystal surfaces is found. Implications for possible growth mechanisms will be discussed.

Neutronics Analysis of SMART Small Modular Reactor using SRAC 2006 Code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramdhani, Rahmi N.; Prastyo, Puguh A.; Waris, Abdul; Widayani; Kurniadi, Rizal

2017-07-01

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are part of a new generation of nuclear reactor being developed worldwide. One of the advantages of SMR is the flexibility to adopt the advanced design concepts and technology. SMART (System integrated Modular Advanced ReacTor) is a small sized integral type PWR with a thermal power of 330 MW that has been developed by KAERI (Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute). SMART core consists of 57 fuel assemblies which are based on the well proven 17×17 array that has been used in Korean commercial PWRs. SMART is soluble boron free, and the high initial reactivity is mainly controlled by burnable absorbers. The goal of this study is to perform neutronics evaluation of SMART core with UO2 as main fuel. Neutronics calculation was performed by using PIJ and CITATION modules of SRAC 2006 code with JENDL 3.3 as nuclear data library.

Report of the wwPDB Small-Angle Scattering Task Force: data requirements for biomolecular modeling and the PDB.

PubMed

Trewhella, Jill; Hendrickson, Wayne A; Kleywegt, Gerard J; Sali, Andrej; Sato, Mamoru; Schwede, Torsten; Svergun, Dmitri I; Tainer, John A; Westbrook, John; Berman, Helen M

2013-06-04

This report presents the conclusions of the July 12-13, 2012 meeting of the Small-Angle Scattering Task Force of the worldwide Protein Data Bank (wwPDB; Berman et al., 2003) at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The task force includes experts in small-angle scattering (SAS), crystallography, data archiving, and molecular modeling who met to consider questions regarding the contributions of SAS to modern structural biology. Recognizing there is a rapidly growing community of structural biology researchers acquiring and interpreting SAS data in terms of increasingly sophisticated molecular models, the task force recommends that (1) a global repository is needed that holds standard format X-ray and neutron SAS data that is searchable and freely accessible for download; (2) a standard dictionary is required for definitions of terms for data collection and for managing the SAS data repository; (3) options should be provided for including in the repository SAS-derived shape and atomistic models based on rigid-body refinement against SAS data along with specific information regarding the uniqueness and uncertainty of the model, and the protocol used to obtain it; (4) criteria need to be agreed upon for assessment of the quality of deposited SAS data and the accuracy of SAS-derived models, and the extent to which a given model fits the SAS data; (5) with the increasing diversity of structural biology data and models being generated, archiving options for models derived from diverse data will be required; and (6) thought leaders from the various structural biology disciplines should jointly define what to archive in the PDB and what complementary archives might be needed, taking into account both scientific needs and funding. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mandala Networks: ultra-small-world and highly sparse graphs

PubMed Central

Sampaio Filho, Cesar I. N.; Moreira, André A.; Andrade, Roberto F. S.; Herrmann, Hans J.; Andrade, José S.

2015-01-01

The increasing demands in security and reliability of infrastructures call for the optimal design of their embedded complex networks topologies. The following question then arises: what is the optimal layout to fulfill best all the demands? Here we present a general solution for this problem with scale-free networks, like the Internet and airline networks. Precisely, we disclose a way to systematically construct networks which are robust against random failures. Furthermore, as the size of the network increases, its shortest path becomes asymptotically invariant and the density of links goes to zero, making it ultra-small world and highly sparse, respectively. The first property is ideal for communication and navigation purposes, while the second is interesting economically. Finally, we show that some simple changes on the original network formulation can lead to an improved topology against malicious attacks. PMID:25765450

Neutron measurements in near-Earth orbit with COMPTEL

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, D. J.; Aarts, H.; Bennett, K.; Lockwood, J. A.; Mcconnell, M. L.; Ryan, J. M.; Schoenfelder, V.; Steinle, H.; Peng, X.

1995-01-01

The fast neutron flux in near-Earth orbit has been measured with the COMPTEL instrument on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO). For this measurement one of COMPTEL's seven liquid scintillator modules was used as an uncollimated neutron detector with threshold of 12.8 MeV. The measurements cover a range of 4.8 to 15.5 GV in vertical cutoff rigidity and 3 deg to 177 deg in spacecraft geocenter zenith angle. One of the measurements occurred near the minimum of the deepest Forbush decrease ever observed by ground-level neutron monitors. After correction for solar modulation, the total flux is well fitted by separable functions in rigidity and zenith angle. With the spacecraft pointed near the nadir the flux is consistent with balloon measurements of the atmospheric neutron albedo. The flux varies by about a factor of 4 between the extremes of rigidity and a factor of 2 between the extremes of zenith angle. The effect of the spacecraft mass in shielding the detector from the atmospheric neutron albedo is much more important than its role as a source of additional secondary neutrons. The neutron spectral hardness varies little with rigidity or zenith angle and lies in the range spanned by earlier atmospheric neutron albedo measurements.

CORRECTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH ON-PHANTOM CALIBRATIONS OF NEUTRON PERSONAL DOSEMETERS.

PubMed

Hawkes, N P; Thomas, D J; Taylor, G C

2016-09-01

The response of neutron personal dosemeters as a function of neutron energy and angle of incidence is typically measured by mounting the dosemeters on a slab phantom and exposing them to neutrons from an accelerator-based or radionuclide source. The phantom is placed close to the source (75 cm) so that the effect of scattered neutrons is negligible. It is usual to mount several dosemeters on the phantom together. Because the source is close, the source distance and the neutron incidence angle vary significantly over the phantom face, and each dosemeter may receive a different dose equivalent. This is particularly important when the phantom is angled away from normal incidence. With accelerator-produced neutrons, the neutron energy and fluence vary with emission angle relative to the charged particle beam that produces the neutrons, contributing further to differences in dose equivalent, particularly when the phantom is located at other than the straight-ahead position (0° to the beam). Corrections for these effects are quantified and discussed in this article. © Crown copyright 2015.

Nondispersive neutron focusing method beyond the critical angle of mirrors

DOEpatents

Ice, Gene E.

2008-10-21

This invention extends the Kirkpatrick-Baez (KB) mirror focusing geometry to allow nondispersive focusing of neutrons with a convergence on a sample much larger than is possible with existing KB optical schemes by establishing an array of at least three mirrors and focusing neutrons by appropriate multiple deflections via the array. The method may be utilized with supermirrors, multilayer mirrors, or total external reflection mirrors. Because high-energy x-rays behave like neutrons in their absorption and reflectivity rates, this method may be used with x-rays as well as neutrons.

A small-angle x-ray scattering system with a vertical layout

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Zhen; Chen, Xiaowei; Meng, Lingpu

A small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) system with a vertical layout (V-SAXS) has been designed and constructed for in situ detection on nanostructures, which is well suitable for in situ study on self-assembly of nanoparticles at liquid interface and polymer processing. A steel-tower frame on a reinforced basement is built as the supporting skeleton for scattering beam path and detector platform, ensuring the system a high working stability and a high operating accuracy. A micro-focus x-ray source combining parabolic three-dimensional multi-layer mirror and scatteringless collimation system provides a highly parallel beam, which allows us to detect the very small angle range.more » With a sample-to-detector distance of 7 m, the largest measurable length scale is 420 nm in real space. With a large sample zone, it is possible to install different experimental setups such as film stretching machine, which makes the system perfect to follow the microstructures evolution of materials during processing. The capability of the V-SAXS on in situ study is tested with a drying experiment of a free latex droplet, which confirms our initial design.« less

A small-angle x-ray scattering system with a vertical layout.

PubMed

Wang, Zhen; Chen, Xiaowei; Meng, Lingpu; Cui, Kunpeng; Wu, Lihui; Li, Liangbin

2014-12-01

A small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) system with a vertical layout (V-SAXS) has been designed and constructed for in situ detection on nanostructures, which is well suitable for in situ study on self-assembly of nanoparticles at liquid interface and polymer processing. A steel-tower frame on a reinforced basement is built as the supporting skeleton for scattering beam path and detector platform, ensuring the system a high working stability and a high operating accuracy. A micro-focus x-ray source combining parabolic three-dimensional multi-layer mirror and scatteringless collimation system provides a highly parallel beam, which allows us to detect the very small angle range. With a sample-to-detector distance of 7 m, the largest measurable length scale is 420 nm in real space. With a large sample zone, it is possible to install different experimental setups such as film stretching machine, which makes the system perfect to follow the microstructures evolution of materials during processing. The capability of the V-SAXS on in situ study is tested with a drying experiment of a free latex droplet, which confirms our initial design.

SCATTERING OF NEUTRONS BY $alpha$-PARTICLES AT 14.1 Mev

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fasoli, U.; Zago, G.

1963-12-01

The angular distribution of 14.1-Mev neutrons elastically scattered by alpha particles was measured by observing the alpha recoils in a helium-filled cloud chamber. The results are in satisfactory agreement with those previously obtained by others. Inspection of the small-angle region of the measured distribution shows that phase shifts of orbital angular momentum higher than L = 1 are not negligible, although, according to the present experiment, quantitative information on D-waves turns out to be somewhat elusive. The azimuthal angular distribution agrees well with the value P = 0.02 of the neutron beam polarization, as measured by Perkins. (auth)

Effects of magnetic field strength and particle aggregation on relaxivity of ultra-small dual contrast iron oxide nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ta, Hang T.; Li, Zhen; Wu, Yuao; Cowin, Gary; Zhang, Shaohua; Yago, Anya; Whittaker, Andrew K.; Xu, Zhi Ping

2017-11-01

This study aims to compare the relaxivities of ultra-small dual positive and negative contrast iron oxide nanoparticles (DCION) at different magnetic field strengths ranging from 4.7 to 16.4 T at physiological temperatures; and to investigate the effect of particle aggregation on relaxivities. Relaxivities of DCIONs were determined by magnetic resonance imaging scanners at 4.7, 7, 9.4, and 16.4 T. Both longitudinal (T 1) and transverse relaxation times (T 2) were measured by appropriate spin-echo sequences. It has been found that both longitudinal and transverse relaxivities are significantly dependent on the magnetic field strength. Particle aggregation also strongly affects the relaxivities. Awareness of the field strength and particle colloid stability is crucial for the comparison and evaluation of relaxivity values of these ultra-small iron oxide nanoparticles, and also for their medical applications as contrast agents.

Ultra Low Level Environmental Neutron Measurements Using Superheated Droplet Detectors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fernandes, A.C.; Centro de Fisica Nuclear, Universidade de Lisboa. Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 2, 1649- 003 Lisboa; Felizardo, M.

2015-07-01

Through the application of superheated droplet detectors (SDDs), the SIMPLE project for the direct search for dark matter (DM) reached the most restrictive limits on the spin-dependent sector to date. The experiment is based on the detection of recoils following WIMP-nuclei interaction, mimicking those from neutron scattering. The thermodynamic operation conditions yield the SDDs intrinsically insensitive to radiations with linear energy transfer below ∼150 keVμm{sup -1} such as photons, electrons, muons and neutrons with energies below ∼40 keV. Underground facilities are increasingly employed for measurements in a low-level radiation background (DM search, gamma-spectroscopy, intrinsic soft-error rate measurements, etc.), where themore » rock overburden shields against cosmic radiation. In this environment the SDDs are sensitive only to α-particles and neutrons naturally emitted from the surrounding materials. Recently developed signal analysis techniques allow discrimination between neutron and α-induced signals. SDDs are therefore a promising instrument for low-level neutron and α measurements, namely environmental neutron measurements and α-contamination assays. In this work neutron measurements performed in the challenging conditions of the latest SIMPLE experiment (1500 mwe depth with 50-75 cm water shield) are reported. The results are compared with those obtained by detailed Monte Carlo simulations of the neutron background induced by {sup 238}U and {sup 232}Th traces in the facility, shielding and detector materials. Calculations of the neutron energy distribution yield the following neutron fluence rates (in 10{sup -8} cm{sup -2}s{sup -1}): thermal (<0.5 eV): 2.5; epithermal (0.5 eV-100 keV): 2.2; fast (>1 MeV): 3.9. Signal rates were derived using standard cross sections and codes routinely employed in reactor dosimetry. The measured and calculated neutron count rates per unit of active mass were 0.15 ct/kgd and 0.33 ct/kg-d respectively. As

Future directions in high-pressure neutron diffraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guthrie, M.

2015-04-01

The ability to manipulate structure and properties using pressure has been well known for many centuries. Diffraction provides the unique ability to observe these structural changes in fine detail on lengthscales spanning atomic to nanometre dimensions. Amongst the broad suite of diffraction tools available today, neutrons provide unique capabilities of fundamental importance. However, to date, the growth of neutron diffraction under extremes of pressure has been limited by the weakness of available sources. In recent years, substantial government investments have led to the construction of a new generation of neutron sources while existing facilities have been revitalized by upgrades. The timely convergence of these bright facilities with new pressure-cell technologies suggests that the field of high-pressure (HP) neutron science is on the cusp of substantial growth. Here, the history of HP neutron research is examined with the hope of gleaning an accurate prediction of where some of these revolutionary capabilities will lead in the near future. In particular, a dramatic expansion of current pressure-temperature range is likely, with corresponding increased scope for extreme-conditions science with neutron diffraction. This increase in coverage will be matched with improvements in data quality. Furthermore, we can also expect broad new capabilities beyond diffraction, including in neutron imaging, small angle scattering and inelastic spectroscopy.

Use of botulinum toxin in small-angle heterotropia and decompensating heterophoria: a review of the literature.

PubMed

Ripley, L; Rowe, F J

2007-01-01

Botulinum toxin has been used extensively in strabismus management. However, less is published regarding its use in small-angled manifest deviations or decompensating heterophorias, where an alternative to surgery is required. The aim of this review is to look at the use and effectiveness of botulinum toxin in managing small-angled manifest deviations, both constant and intermittent, and decompensating heterophorias. These types of strabismus can prove difficult to manage, as the angle present is often too small for surgery to be advised, but it may still cause a cosmetic or symptom-producing problem. A search of the English speaking literature was undertaken using Medline facilities as well as a limited manual search of non-Medline journals and transactions. A brief overview is provided for mechanisms of action, complications and dose effects, and diagnostic and therapeutic uses of botulinum toxin. The main reported complications are those of ptosis, induced vertical deviation and subconjunctival haemorrhage. The higher the dose, the greater the risk of complications. In small-angle strabismus, botulinum toxin is reported as particularly useful in cases of acquired and acute-onset esotropia in aiding maintenance of binocular vision. It is useful for additional management of surgically under- or over-corrected esotropia, particularly for those with potential for binocular vision. Less effect is reported in primary exotropia versus primary esotropia. It is the management of choice for consecutive exotropia, particularly when patients have had previous multiple surgery and where there is a risk for postoperative diplopia. Botulinum toxin has a specific role in decompensated heterophoria, allowing the visual axes a chance to 'lock on' and subsequently maintain binocular vision. Successful outcomes are reported after 1-2 injections only but the results are best in cases of heterophoria with little near-distance angle disparity.

Calculation of Spectra of Neutrons and Charged Particles Produced in a Target of a Neutron Generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaganov, V. V.

2017-12-01

An algorithm for calculating the spectra of neutrons and associated charged particles produced in the target of a neutron generator is detailed. The products of four nuclear reactions 3H( d, n)4He, 2H( d, n)3He, 2H( d, p)3H, and 3He( d, p)4He are analyzed. The results of calculations are presented in the form of neutron spectra for several emission angles and spectra of associated charged particles emitted at an angle of 180° for a deuteron initial energy of 0.13 MeV.

Small-angle neutron scattering study of magnetic ordering and inhomogeneity across the martensitic phase transformation in Ni 50–xCo xMn₄₀Sn₁₀ alloys

DOE PAGES

Bhatti, Kanwal Preet; El-Khatib, S.; Srivastava, Vijay; ...

2012-04-27

The Heusler-derived multiferroic alloy Ni 50–xCo xMn₄₀Sn₁₀ has recently been shown to exhibit, at just above room temperature, a highly reversible martensitic phase transformation with an unusually large magnetization change. In this work the nature of the magnetic ordering above and below this transformation has been studied in detail in the critical composition range x = 6–8 via temperature-dependent (5–600 K) magnetometry and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). We observe fairly typical paramagnetic to long-range-ordered ferromagnetic phase transitions on cooling to 420–430 K, with the expected critical spin fluctuations, followed by first-order martensitic phase transformations to a nonferromagnetic state below 360–390more » K. The static magnetization reveals complex magnetism in this low-temperature nonferromagnetic phase, including a Langevin-like field dependence, distinct spin freezing near 60 K, and significant exchange bias effects, consistent with superparamagnetic blocking of ferromagnetic clusters of nanoscopic dimensions. We demonstrate that these spin clusters, whose existence has been hypothesized in a variety of martensitic alloys exhibiting competition between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic exchange interactions, can be directly observed by SANS. The scattering data are consistent with a liquidlike spatial distribution of interacting magnetic clusters with a mean center-to-center spacing of 12 nm. Considering the behavior of the superparmagnetism, cooling-field and temperature-dependent exchange bias, and magnetic SANS, we discuss in detail the physical form and origin of these spin clusters, their intercluster interactions, the nature of the ground-state magnetic ordering in the martensitic phase, and the implications for our understanding of such alloy systems.« less

SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF ULTRA-SMALL QUANTITIES OF NICKEL IN INDIUM (in Russian)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Peshkova, V.M.; Bochkova, V.M.; Astakhova, E.K.

1961-09-01

alpha -Benzil doxime permits the determination of nickel by measuring optical density in the region of maximum absortption (at 275 m mu ), after the reagent excess is removed by washing the extract with alkali. Conditions were found for the spectrophotometric determination of ultra-small quantities (down to 0.005 gamma ) of nickel with alpha -benzil dioxime in the soultion of its pure salt, in the presence of cobalt and copper. A method was developed for the determination of traces of nickel down to 5 x 10 /sup -7%/ in metallic indium. The reproducibility of method is +25%. (auth)

Effective phase function of light scattered at small angles by polydisperse particulate media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turcu, I.

2008-06-01

Particles with typical dimensions higher than the light wavelength and relative refraction indexes close to one, scatter light mainly in the forward direction where the scattered light intensity has a narrow peak. For particulate media accomplishing these requirements the light scattered at small angles in a far-field detecting set-up can be described analytically by an effective phase function (EPF) even in the multiple scattering regime. The EPF model which was built for monodispersed systems has been extended to polydispersed media. The main ingredients consist in the replacement of the single particle phase function and of the optical thickness with their corresponding averaged values. Using a Gamma particle size distribution (PSD) as a testing model, the effect of polydispersity was systematically investigated. The increase of the average radius or/and of the PSD standard deviation leads to the decrease of the angular spreading of the small angle scattered light.

Design of a liquid membrane target for high repetition rate neutron generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poole, Patrick; Andereck, C. David; Storm, Mike; Schumacher, Douglass

2013-10-01

Ultra-bright, pulsed, spatially-small sources of energetic neutrons have applications in radiography and non-destructive remote sensing. Neutrons can be generated by a process wherein ions accelerated from a laser-irradiated primary target subsequently bombard a converter material, causing neutron-producing nuclear reactions, such as 7Li(d,n)8Be. Deuterons from this process are suppressed by contamination that builds up on the rear of the solid primary target. To eliminate this issue we propose a self-replenishing liquid membrane target consisting of heavy water and deuterated surfactant, formed in-vacuum within a moveable wire frame. In addition to removing issues associated with solid target positioning and collateral damage, this apparatus provides flow rate and target thickness control, and allows for the high repetition rates required to generate desired neutron fluxes with a portable laser-based system. The apparatus design will be presented, as well as a novel interferometric method that measures the membrane thickness using tightly-focused light. This work was performed with support from DARPA.

TILT ANGLE AND FOOTPOINT SEPARATION OF SMALL AND LARGE BIPOLAR SUNSPOT REGIONS OBSERVED WITH HMI

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McClintock, B. H.; Norton, A. A., E-mail: u1049686@umail.usq.edu.au, E-mail: aanorton@stanford.edu

2016-02-10

We investigate bipolar sunspot regions and how tilt angle and footpoint separation vary during emergence and decay. The Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager on board the Solar Dynamic Observatory collects data at a higher cadence than historical records and allows for a detailed analysis of regions over their lifetimes. We sample the umbral tilt angle, footpoint separation, and umbral area of 235 bipolar sunspot regions in Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager—Debrecen Data with an hourly cadence. We use the time when the umbral area peaks as time zero to distinguish between the emergence and decay periods of each region and we limitmore » our analysis of tilt and separation behavior over time to within ±96 hr of time zero. Tilt angle evolution is distinctly different for regions with small (≈30 MSH), midsize (≈50 MSH), and large (≈110 MSH) maximum umbral areas, with 45 and 90 MSH being useful divisions for separating the groups. At the peak umbral area, we determine median tilt angles for small (7.°6), midsize (5.°9), and large (9.°3) regions. Within ±48 hr of the time of peak umbral area, large regions steadily increase in tilt angle, midsize regions are nearly constant, and small regions show evidence of negative tilt during emergence. A period of growth in footpoint separation occurs over a 72-hr period for all of the regions from roughly 40 to 70 Mm. The smallest bipoles (<9 MSH) are outliers in that they do not obey Joy's law and have a much smaller footpoint separation. We confirm the Muñoz-Jaramillo et al. results that the sunspots appear to be two distinct populations.« less

Total variation-based neutron computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barnard, Richard C.; Bilheux, Hassina; Toops, Todd; Nafziger, Eric; Finney, Charles; Splitter, Derek; Archibald, Rick

2018-05-01

We perform the neutron computed tomography reconstruction problem via an inverse problem formulation with a total variation penalty. In the case of highly under-resolved angular measurements, the total variation penalty suppresses high-frequency artifacts which appear in filtered back projections. In order to efficiently compute solutions for this problem, we implement a variation of the split Bregman algorithm; due to the error-forgetting nature of the algorithm, the computational cost of updating can be significantly reduced via very inexact approximate linear solvers. We present the effectiveness of the algorithm in the significantly low-angular sampling case using synthetic test problems as well as data obtained from a high flux neutron source. The algorithm removes artifacts and can even roughly capture small features when an extremely low number of angles are used.

Recent advances in laser-driven neutron sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alejo, A.; Ahmed, H.; Green, A.; Mirfayzi, S. R.; Borghesi, M.; Kar, S.

2016-11-01

Due to the limited number and high cost of large-scale neutron facilities, there has been a growing interest in compact accelerator-driven sources. In this context, several potential schemes of laser-driven neutron sources are being intensively studied employing laser-accelerated electron and ion beams. In addition to the potential of delivering neutron beams with high brilliance, directionality and ultra-short burst duration, a laser-driven neutron source would offer further advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness, compactness and radiation confinement by closed-coupled experiments. Some of the recent advances in this field are discussed, showing improvements in the directionality and flux of the laser-driven neutron beams.

Precipitation of α' in neutron irradiated commercial FeCrAl alloys

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Field, Kevin G.; Littrell, Kenneth C.; Briggs, Samuel A.

2017-08-17

In this paper, Alkrothal 720 and Kanthal APMT™, two commercial FeCrAl alloys, were neutron irradiated up to damage doses of 7.0 displacements per atom (dpa) in the temperature range of 320 to 382 °C to characterize the α' precipitation in these alloys using small-angle neutron scattering. Both alloys exhibited α' precipitation. Kanthal APMT™ exhibited higher number densities and volume fraction, a result attributed to its higher Cr content compared with Alkrothal 720. Finally, trends observed as a function of damage dose (dpa) are consistent with literature trends for both FeCr and FeCrAl alloys

New compact neutron supermirror transmission polarizer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syromyatnikov, V. G.; Pusenkov, V. M.

2017-06-01

A new compact neutron supermirror transmission polarizer is suggested. The polarizer consists of a set of plates transparent to neutrons placed in the magnet gap. There are no air gaps between the plates. Polarizing supermirror coating without absorbing underlayer is deposited on the polished surfaces of the plates. Magnetic and nonmagnetic layers of the supermirror coating as well as the material of the plates have nearly equal neutron-optical potentials for spin-down neutrons. There is a considerable difference between neutron-optical potentials of layers in the supermirror structure for spin-up neutrons. As a result, spin-up neutrons reflect from the supermirror coating and deviate from their initial trajectories whereas spin-down neutrons do not practically reflect from the coating and, consequently, do not deviate from their initial trajectories. Thus, spin-down neutrons dominate near the axis of distribution of intensity on the angle for the beam transmitted through this polarizer, i.e., the beam is substantially polarized. Application is discussed of this polarizer in a research facility for small angle scattering of monochromatic neutrons with wavelengths λ = 4.5÷20 Å. The polarizing cross section of the beam of this facility is 30×30 mm2. Calculated parameters are presented of a polarizer on silicon plates with supermirror CoFe/TiZr (m = 2) coating. The suggested polarizer is compared with solid state bender, S-bender and widely known transmission neutron polarizer V- cavity in the same spectral range. Two polarizers are used to cover the wavelength range λ = 4.5 ÷20 Å: the first one whose length is 50 мм covers the range λ = 4.5 ÷10 Å and the second one whose length is 21.2 мм covers the range λ = 10 ÷20 Å. The length of each of these polarizers is more than 30 times smaller than that of V-cavity! On the other hand, basic parameters of the proposed polarizer, polarization of the beam falling on the sample P and transmission coefficient T

Magnetic compound refractive lens for focusing and polarizing cold neutron beams.

PubMed

Littrell, K C; te Velthuis, S G E; Felcher, G P; Park, S; Kirby, B J; Fitzsimmons, M R

2007-03-01

Biconcave cylindrical lenses are used to focus beams of x rays or neutrons using the refractive properties of matter. In the case of neutrons, the refractive properties of magnetic induction can similarly focus and simultaneously polarize the neutron beam without the concomitant attenuation of matter. This concept of a magnetic refractive lens was tested using a compound lens consisting of 99 pairs of cylindrical permanent magnets. The assembly successfully focused the intensity of a white beam of cold neutrons of one spin state at the detector, while defocusing the other. This experiment confirmed that a lens of this nature may boost the intensity locally by almost an order of magnitude and create a polarized beam. An estimate of the performance of a more practically dimensioned device suitable for incorporation in reflectometers and slit-geometry small angle scattering instruments is given.

An Ultra-wideband and Polarization-independent Metasurface for RCS Reduction.

PubMed

Su, Pei; Zhao, Yongjiu; Jia, Shengli; Shi, Wenwen; Wang, Hongli

2016-02-11

In this paper, an ultra-wideband and polarization-independent metasurface for radar cross section (RCS) reduction is proposed. The unit cell of the metasurface operates in a linear cross-polarization scheme in a broad band. The phase and amplitude of cross-polarized reflection can be separately controlled by its geometry and rotation angle. Based on the diffuse reflection theory, a 3-bit coding metasurface is designed to reduce the RCS in an ultra-wide band. The wideband property of the metasurface benefits from the wideband cross polarization conversion and flexible phase modulation. In addition, the polarization-independent feature of the metasurface is achieved by tailoring the rotation angle of each element. Both the simulated and measured results demonstrate that the proposed metasurface can reduce the RCS significantly in an ultra-wide frequency band for both normal and oblique incidences, which makes it promising in the applications such as electromagnetic cloaking.

Neutron diffraction study of aqueous Laponite suspensions at the NIMROD diffractometer.

PubMed

Tudisca, V; Bruni, F; Scoppola, E; Angelini, R; Ruzicka, B; Zulian, L; Soper, A K; Ricci, M A

2014-09-01

The process of dynamical arrest, leading to formation of different arrested states such as glasses and gels, along with the closely related process of aging, is central for both basic research and technology. Here we report on a study of the time-dependent structural evolution of two aqueous Laponite clay suspensions at different weight concentrations. Neutron diffraction experiments have been performed with the near and intermediate range order diffractometer (NIMROD) that allows studies of the structure of liquids and disordered materials over a continuous length scale ranging from 1 to 300 Å, i.e., from the atomistic to the mesoscopic scales. NIMROD is presently a unique diffractometer, bridging the length scales traditionally investigated by small angle neutron scattering or small angle x-ray scattering with that accessible by traditional diffractometers for liquids. Interestingly, we have unveiled a signature of aging of both suspensions in the length scale region of NIMROD. This phenomenon, ascribed to sporadic contacts between Laponite platelets at long times, has been observed with the sample arrested as gel or as repulsive glass. Moreover, water molecules within the layers closest to Laponite platelets surface show orientational and translational order, which maps into the crystalline structure of Laponite.

Neutron Star Natal Kick and Jets in Core Collapse Supernovae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bear, Ealeal; Soker, Noam

2018-03-01

We measure the angle between the neutron star (NS) natal kick direction and the inferred direction of jets according to the morphology of 12 core collapse supernova remnants (SNR), and find that the distribution is almost random, but missing small angles. The 12 SNRs are those for which we could both identify morphological features that we can attribute to jets and for which the direction of the NS natal kick is given in the literature. Unlike some claims for spin-kick alignment, here we rule out jet-kick alignment. We discuss the cumulative distribution function of the jet-kick angles under the assumption that dense clumps that are ejected by the explosion accelerate the NS by the gravitational attraction, and suggest that the jet feedback explosion mechanism might in principle account for the distribution of jet-kick angles.

Scaling beta-delayed neutron measurements to large detector areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sutanto, F.; Nattress, J.; Jovanovic, I.

2017-08-01

We explore the performance of a cargo screening system that consists of two large-sized composite scintillation detectors and a high-energy neutron interrogation source by modeling and simulation. The goal of the system is to measure β-delayed neutron emission from an illicit special nuclear material by use of active interrogation. This task is challenging because the β-delayed neutron yield is small in comparison with the yield of the prompt fission secondary products, β-delayed neutrons are emitted with relatively low energies, and high neutron and gamma backgrounds are typically present. Detectors used to measure delayed neutron emission must exhibit high intrinsic efficiency and cover a large solid angle, which also makes them sensitive to background neutron radiation. We present a case study where we attempt to detect the presence of 5 kg-scale quantities of 235U in a standard air-filled cargo container using 14 MeV neutrons as a probe. We find that by using a total measurement time of ˜11.6 s and a dose equivalent of ˜1.7 mrem, the presence of 235U can be detected with false positive and false negative probabilities that are both no larger than 0.1%.

FINAL REPORT: DOE CONTRACT NUMBER FG0205ER64026 Biological Neutron Scattering: A Collaboration with the Oak Ridge Center for Structural Molecular Biology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Trewhella, Jill

2011-01-12

The overarching goal of this project was to promote applications of small-angle scattering in structural molecular biology by providing model examples of cutting edge applications that demonstrate the unique capabilities and potential of the DOE national user facilities at Oak Ridge, especially the newly commissioned BioSANS. The approach taken was three-fold: (1) to engage in high impact collaborative research projects that would benefit from small-angle neutron scattering to both demonstrate the power of the technique while expanding the potential user community; (2) to provide access to scattering facilities established at the University of Utah to as broad a set ofmore » researchers as possible to increase the expertise in small-angle scattering generally; and (3) to develop new methods and tools for small-angle scattering. To these ends, three major research collaborations were pursued that resulted in a significant body of published work where neutron scattering and contrast variation played a major role. These major collaborations involved studies of protein complexes involved in (1) bacterial transcription regulation and adaptive response (a DOE/BER priority area); (2) regulation of cardiac muscle; and (3) neuronal disorders. In addition, to broaden the impact of the project, smaller collaborative efforts were supported that used either small-angle X-ray or neutron scattering. Finally, the DOE supported facilities at the University of Utah were made available to researchers on a service basis and a number of independent groups took advantage of this opportunity. In all of this work, there was an emphasis on the training of students and post docs in scattering techniques, and a set of publications (a book chapter, a review, and an encyclopedia article) were produced to guide the non-specialist potential user of scattering techniques in successful applications of the techniques. We also developed a suite of user friendly web-based computational tools

A Search for Point Sources of EeV Neutrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pierre Auger Collaboration; Abreu, P.; Aglietta, M.; Ahlers, M.; Ahn, E. J.; Albuquerque, I. F. M.; Allard, D.; Allekotte, I.; Allen, J.; Allison, P.; Almela, A.; Alvarez Castillo, J.; Alvarez-Muñiz, J.; Alves Batista, R.; Ambrosio, M.; Aminaei, A.; Anchordoqui, L.; Andringa, S.; Antiči'c, T.; Aramo, C.; Arganda, E.; Arqueros, F.; Asorey, H.; Assis, P.; Aublin, J.; Ave, M.; Avenier, M.; Avila, G.; Badescu, A. M.; Balzer, M.; Barber, K. B.; Barbosa, A. F.; Bardenet, R.; Barroso, S. L. C.; Baughman, B.; Bäuml, J.; Baus, C.; Beatty, J. J.; Becker, K. H.; Bellétoile, A.; Bellido, J. A.; BenZvi, S.; Berat, C.; Bertou, X.; Biermann, P. L.; Billoir, P.; Blanco, F.; Blanco, M.; Bleve, C.; Blümer, H.; Boháčová, M.; Boncioli, D.; Bonifazi, C.; Bonino, R.; Borodai, N.; Brack, J.; Brancus, I.; Brogueira, P.; Brown, W. C.; Bruijn, R.; Buchholz, P.; Bueno, A.; Buroker, L.; Burton, R. E.; Caballero-Mora, K. S.; Caccianiga, B.; Caramete, L.; Caruso, R.; Castellina, A.; Catalano, O.; Cataldi, G.; Cazon, L.; Cester, R.; Chauvin, J.; Cheng, S. H.; Chiavassa, A.; Chinellato, J. A.; Chirinos Diaz, J.; Chudoba, J.; Cilmo, M.; Clay, R. W.; Cocciolo, G.; Collica, L.; Coluccia, M. R.; Conceição, R.; Contreras, F.; Cook, H.; Cooper, M. J.; Coppens, J.; Cordier, A.; Coutu, S.; Covault, C. E.; Creusot, A.; Criss, A.; Cronin, J.; Curutiu, A.; Dagoret-Campagne, S.; Dallier, R.; Daniel, B.; Dasso, S.; Daumiller, K.; Dawson, B. R.; de Almeida, R. M.; De Domenico, M.; De Donato, C.; de Jong, S. J.; De La Vega, G.; de Mello Junior, W. J. M.; de Mello Neto, J. R. T.; De Mitri, I.; de Souza, V.; de Vries, K. D.; del Peral, L.; del Río, M.; Deligny, O.; Dembinski, H.; Dhital, N.; Di Giulio, C.; Díaz Castro, M. L.; Diep, P. N.; Diogo, F.; Dobrigkeit, C.; Docters, W.; D'Olivo, J. C.; Dong, P. N.; Dorofeev, A.; dos Anjos, J. C.; Dova, M. T.; D'Urso, D.; Dutan, I.; Ebr, J.; Engel, R.; Erdmann, M.; Escobar, C. O.; Espadanal, J.; Etchegoyen, A.; Facal San Luis, P.; Falcke, H.; Farrar, G.; Fauth, A. C.; Fazzini, N.; Ferguson, A. P.; Fick, B.; Figueira, J. M.; Filevich, A.; Filipčič, A.; Fliescher, S.; Fracchiolla, C. E.; Fraenkel, E. D.; Fratu, O.; Fröhlich, U.; Fuchs, B.; Gaior, R.; Gamarra, R. F.; Gambetta, S.; García, B.; Garcia Roca, S. T.; Garcia-Gamez, D.; Garcia-Pinto, D.; Gascon Bravo, A.; Gemmeke, H.; Ghia, P. L.; Giller, M.; Gitto, J.; Glass, H.; Gold, M. S.; Golup, G.; Gomez Albarracin, F.; Gómez Berisso, M.; Gómez Vitale, P. F.; Gonçalves, P.; Gonzalez, J. G.; Gookin, B.; Gorgi, A.; Gouffon, P.; Grashorn, E.; Grebe, S.; Griffith, N.; Grigat, M.; Grillo, A. F.; Guardincerri, Y.; Guarino, F.; Guedes, G. P.; Hansen, P.; Harari, D.; Harrison, T. A.; Harton, J. L.; Haungs, A.; Hebbeker, T.; Heck, D.; Herve, A. E.; Hojvat, C.; Hollon, N.; Holmes, V. C.; Homola, P.; Hörandel, J. R.; Horvath, P.; Hrabovský, M.; Huber, D.; Huege, T.; Insolia, A.; Ionita, F.; Italiano, A.; Jansen, S.; Jarne, C.; Jiraskova, S.; Josebachuili, M.; Kadija, K.; Kampert, K. H.; Karhan, P.; Kasper, P.; Katkov, I.; Kégl, B.; Keilhauer, B.; Keivani, A.; Kelley, J. L.; Kemp, E.; Kieckhafer, R. M.; Klages, H. O.; Kleifges, M.; Kleinfeller, J.; Knapp, J.; Koang, D.-H.; Kotera, K.; Krohm, N.; Krömer, O.; Kruppke-Hansen, D.; Kuempel, D.; Kulbartz, J. K.; Kunka, N.; La Rosa, G.; Lachaud, C.; LaHurd, D.; Latronico, L.; Lauer, R.; Lautridou, P.; Le Coz, S.; Leão, M. S. A. B.; Lebrun, D.; Lebrun, P.; Leigui de Oliveira, M. A.; Letessier-Selvon, A.; Lhenry-Yvon, I.; Link, K.; López, R.; Lopez Agüera, A.; Louedec, K.; Lozano Bahilo, J.; Lu, L.; Lucero, A.; Ludwig, M.; Lyberis, H.; Maccarone, M. C.; Macolino, C.; Maldera, S.; Maller, J.; Mandat, D.; Mantsch, P.; Mariazzi, A. G.; Marin, J.; Marin, V.; Maris, I. C.; Marquez Falcon, H. R.; Marsella, G.; Martello, D.; Martin, L.; Martinez, H.; Martínez Bravo, O.; Martraire, D.; Masías Meza, J. J.; Mathes, H. J.; Matthews, J.; Matthews, J. A. J.; Matthiae, G.; Maurel, D.; Maurizio, D.; Mazur, P. O.; Medina-Tanco, G.; Melissas, M.; Melo, D.; Menichetti, E.; Menshikov, A.; Mertsch, P.; Meurer, C.; Meyhandan, R.; Mi'canovi'c, S.; Micheletti, M. I.; Minaya, I. A.; Miramonti, L.; Molina-Bueno, L.; Mollerach, S.; Monasor, M.; Monnier Ragaigne, D.; Montanet, F.; Morales, B.; Morello, C.; Moreno, E.; Moreno, J. C.; Mostafá, M.; Moura, C. A.; Muller, M. A.; Müller, G.; Münchmeyer, M.; Mussa, R.; Navarra, G.; Navarro, J. L.; Navas, S.; Necesal, P.; Nellen, L.; Nelles, A.; Neuser, J.; Nhung, P. T.; Niechciol, M.; Niemietz, L.; Nierstenhoefer, N.; Nitz, D.; Nosek, D.; Nožka, L.; Oehlschläger, J.; Olinto, A.; Ortiz, M.; Pacheco, N.; Pakk Selmi-Dei, D.; Palatka, M.; Pallotta, J.; Palmieri, N.; Parente, G.; Parizot, E.; Parra, A.; Pastor, S.; Paul, T.; Pech, M.; Peķala, J.; Pelayo, R.; Pepe, I. M.; Perrone, L.; Pesce, R.; Petermann, E.; Petrera, S.; Petrolini, A.; Petrov, Y.; Pfendner, C.; Piegaia, R.; Pierog, T.; Pieroni, P.; Pimenta, M.; Pirronello, V.; Platino, M.; Plum, M.; Ponce, V. H.; Pontz, M.; Porcelli, A.; Privitera, P.; Prouza, M.; Quel, E. J.; Querchfeld, S.; Rautenberg, J.; Ravel, O.; Ravignani, D.; Revenu, B.; Ridky, J.; Riggi, S.; Risse, M.; Ristori, P.; Rivera, H.; Rizi, V.; Roberts, J.; Rodrigues de Carvalho, W.; Rodriguez, G.; Rodriguez Cabo, I.; Rodriguez Martino, J.; Rodriguez Rojo, J.; Rodríguez-Frías, M. D.; Ros, G.; Rosado, J.; Rossler, T.; Roth, M.; Rouillé-d'Orfeuil, B.; Roulet, E.; Rovero, A. C.; Rühle, C.; Saftoiu, A.; Salamida, F.; Salazar, H.; Salesa Greus, F.; Salina, G.; Sánchez, F.; Santo, C. E.; Santos, E.; Santos, E. M.; Sarazin, F.; Sarkar, B.; Sarkar, S.; Sato, R.; Scharf, N.; Scherini, V.; Schieler, H.; Schiffer, P.; Schmidt, A.; Scholten, O.; Schoorlemmer, H.; Schovancova, J.; Schovánek, P.; Schröder, F.; Schulte, S.; Schuster, D.; Sciutto, S. J.; Scuderi, M.; Segreto, A.; Settimo, M.; Shadkam, A.; Shellard, R. C.; Sidelnik, I.; Sigl, G.; Silva Lopez, H. H.; Sima, O.; 'Smiałkowski, A.; Šmída, R.; Snow, G. R.; Sommers, P.; Sorokin, J.; Spinka, H.; Squartini, R.; Srivastava, Y. N.; Stanic, S.; Stapleton, J.; Stasielak, J.; Stephan, M.; Stutz, A.; Suarez, F.; Suomijärvi, T.; Supanitsky, A. D.; Šuša, T.; Sutherland, M. S.; Swain, J.; Szadkowski, Z.; Szuba, M.; Tapia, A.; Tartare, M.; Taşcău, O.; Tcaciuc, R.; Thao, N. T.; Thomas, D.; Tiffenberg, J.; Timmermans, C.; Tkaczyk, W.; Todero Peixoto, C. J.; Toma, G.; Tomankova, L.; Tomé, B.; Tonachini, A.; Travnicek, P.; Tridapalli, D. B.; Tristram, G.; Trovato, E.; Tueros, M.; Ulrich, R.; Unger, M.; Urban, M.; Valdés Galicia, J. F.; Valiño, I.; Valore, L.; van Aar, G.; van den Berg, A. M.; van Vliet, A.; Varela, E.; Vargas Cárdenas, B.; Vázquez, J. R.; Vázquez, R. A.; Veberič, D.; Verzi, V.; Vicha, J.; Videla, M.; Villaseñor, L.; Wahlberg, H.; Wahrlich, P.; Wainberg, O.; Walz, D.; Watson, A. A.; Weber, M.; Weidenhaupt, K.; Weindl, A.; Werner, F.; Westerhoff, S.; Whelan, B. J.; Widom, A.; Wieczorek, G.; Wiencke, L.; Wilczyńska, B.; Wilczyński, H.; Will, M.; Williams, C.; Winchen, T.; Wommer, M.; Wundheiler, B.; Yamamoto, T.; Yapici, T.; Younk, P.; Yuan, G.; Yushkov, A.; Zamorano Garcia, B.; Zas, E.; Zavrtanik, D.; Zavrtanik, M.; Zaw, I.; Zepeda, A.; Zhou, J.; Zhu, Y.; Zimbres Silva, M.; Ziolkowski, M.

2012-12-01

A thorough search of the sky exposed at the Pierre Auger Cosmic Ray Observatory reveals no statistically significant excess of events in any small solid angle that would be indicative of a flux of neutral particles from a discrete source. The search covers from -90° to +15° in declination using four different energy ranges above 1 EeV (1018 eV). The method used in this search is more sensitive to neutrons than to photons. The upper limit on a neutron flux is derived for a dense grid of directions for each of the four energy ranges. These results constrain scenarios for the production of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays in the Galaxy.

New opportunities for quasielastic and inelastic neutron scattering at steady-state sources using mechanical selection of the incident and final neutron energy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mamantov, Eugene

2015-06-12

We propose a modification of the neutron wide-angle velocity selector (WAVES) device that enables inelastic (in particular, quasielastic) scattering measurements not relying on the neutron time-of-flight. The proposed device is highly suitable for a steady-state neutron source, somewhat similar to a triple-axis spectrometer, but with simultaneous selection of the incident and final neutron energy over a broad range of scattering momentum transfer. Both the incident and final neutron velocities are defined by the WAVES geometry and rotation frequency. The variable energy transfer is achieved through the natural variation of the velocity of the transmitted neutrons as a function of themore » scattering angle component out of the equatorial plane.« less

Response Functions for Neutron Skyshine Analyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gui, Ah Auu

Neutron and associated secondary photon line-beam response functions (LBRFs) for point monodirectional neutron sources and related conical line-beam response functions (CBRFs) for azimuthally symmetric neutron sources are generated using the MCNP Monte Carlo code for use in neutron skyshine analyses employing the internal line-beam and integral conical-beam methods. The LBRFs are evaluated at 14 neutron source energies ranging from 0.01 to 14 MeV and at 18 emission angles from 1 to 170 degrees. The CBRFs are evaluated at 13 neutron source energies in the same energy range and at 13 source polar angles (1 to 89 degrees). The response functions are approximated by a three parameter formula that is continuous in source energy and angle using a double linear interpolation scheme. These response function approximations are available for a source-to-detector range up to 2450 m and for the first time, give dose equivalent responses which are required for modern radiological assessments. For the CBRF, ground correction factors for neutrons and photons are calculated and approximated by empirical formulas for use in air-over-ground neutron skyshine problems with azimuthal symmetry. In addition, a simple correction procedure for humidity effects on the neutron skyshine dose is also proposed. The approximate LBRFs are used with the integral line-beam method to analyze four neutron skyshine problems with simple geometries: (1) an open silo, (2) an infinite wall, (3) a roofless rectangular building, and (4) an infinite air medium. In addition, two simple neutron skyshine problems involving an open source silo are analyzed using the integral conical-beam method. The results obtained using the LBRFs and the CBRFs are then compared with MCNP results and results of previous studies.

Photometric Study Of 28978 Ixion At Small Phase Angle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rousselot, Philippe; Petit, J.

2010-10-01

Discovered in 2001, the Kuiper Belt Object 28978 Ixion belongs to the dynamical class of Plutinos. Because of its brightness (R magnitude about 19.5) it has been extensively studied, its diameter and albedo being estimated by Spitzer to be about 570 km and 15% (Stansberry et al., 2008). Absorption feature of cristalline water ice has been detected (Merlin et al., 2010) and negative linear polarisation has been measured (Boehnhardt et al., 2004). So far no lightcurve nor phase curve at very small phase angle has been published, the only information being that the lightcurve amplitude was inferior to 0.15 magnitude (Ortiz et al., 2003). We present new photometric observations obtained with the 3.5-m telescope NTT at the European Southern Observatory with broad band filters (B, V, R and I). These observations permit to derive a rotation period of 15.9+/-0.5 hr (if a single-peaked lightcurve is assumed) with a peak to peak amplitude of 0.06+/-0.03 magnitude. The phase curve does not reveal any bright opposition surge even for very small phase angle (α=0.02 deg). When our data are combined with the one of Boehnhardt et al. (up to α=1.34 deg) a linear fit provides a slope of 0.201+/-0.014 mag/deg. References : Boehnhardt H., Bagnulo S., Muinonen K. et al., 2004, A&A 415, L21-L25 Merlin F., Barucci M.A., de Bergh C. et al., 2010, Icarus 208, 945-954 Ortiz J.L., Gutiérrez P.J., Casanova V., Sota A., 2003, A&A 407, 1149-1155 Stansberry J., Grundy W., Brown M. et al., 2008, The Solar System Beyond Neptune, Univ. of Arizona Press, pp161-179

Beam-contamination-induced compositional alteration and its neutron-atypical consequences in ion simulation of neutron-induced void swelling

DOE PAGES

Gigax, Jonathan G.; Kim, Hyosim; Aydogan, Eda; ...

2017-05-16

Although accelerator-based ion irradiation has been widely accepted to simulate neutron damage, neutron-atypical features need to be carefully investigated. In this study, we have shown that Coulomb force drag by ion beams can introduce significant amounts of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen into target materials even under ultra-high vacuum conditions. The resulting compositional and microstructural changes dramatically suppress void swelling. By applying a beam-filtering technique, introduction of vacuum contaminants is greatly minimized and the true swelling resistance of the alloys is revealed and matches neutron behavior closely. These findings are a significant step toward developing standardized procedures for emulating neutron damage.

X-ray and Neutron Scattering Study of the Formation of Core–Shell-Type Polyoxometalates

DOE PAGES

Yin, Panchao; Wu, Bin; Mamontov, Eugene; ...

2016-02-05

A typical type of core-shell polyoxometalates can be obtained through the Keggin-type polyoxometalate-templated growth of a layer of spherical shell structure of {Mo 72Fe 30}. Small angle X-ray scattering is used to study the structural features and stability of the core-shell structures in aqueous solutions. Time-resolved small angle X-ray scattering is applied to monitor the synthetic reactions and a three-stage formation mechanism is proposed to describe the synthesis of the core-shell polyoxometalates based on the monitoring results. Quasi-elastic and inelastic neutron scattering are used to probe the dynamics of water molecules in the core-shell structures and two different types ofmore » water molecules, the confined and structured water, are observed. These water molecules play an important role in bridging core and shell structures and stabilizing the cluster structures. A typical type of core shell polyoxometalates can be obtained through the Keggin-type polyoxometalate-templated growth of a layer of spherical shell structure of {Mo 72Fe 30}. Small-angle X-ray scattering is used to study the structural features and stability of the core shell structures in aqueous solutions. Time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering is applied to monitor the synthetic reactions, and a three-stage formation mechanism is proposed to describe the synthesis of the core shell polyoxometalates based on the monitoring results. New protocols have been developed by fitting the X-ray data with custom physical models, which provide more convincing, objective, and completed data interpretation. Quasi-elastic and inelastic neutron scattering are used to probe the dynamics of water molecules in the core shell structures, and two different types of water molecules, the confined and structured water, are observed. These water molecules play an important role in bridging core and shell structures and stabilizing the cluster structures.« less

Anisotropy and multiband superconductivity in Sr 2 RuO 4 determined by small-angle neutron scattering studies of the vortex lattice [Anisotropy and multiband superconductivity in Sr 2 RuO 4

DOE PAGES

Kuhn, S. J.; Morgenlander, W.; Louden, E. R.; ...

2017-11-14

Despite numerous studies the exact nature of the order parameter in superconducting Sr 2RuO 4 remains unresolved. We have extended previous small-angle neutron scattering studies of the vortex lattice in this material to a wider field range, higher temperatures, and with the field applied close to both the <100> and <110> basal plane directions. Measurements at high field were made possible by the use of both spin polarization and analysis to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Rotating the field towards the basal plane causes a distortion of the square vortex lattice observed for H // <001> and also a symmetry changemore » to a distorted triangular symmetry for fields close to <100>.The vortex lattice distortion allows us to determine the intrinsic superconducting anisotropy between the c axis and the Ru-O basal plane, yielding a value of ~60 at low temperature and low to intermediate fields. This greatly exceeds the upper critical field anisotropy of ~20 at low temperature, reminiscent of Pauli limiting. Indirect evidence for Pauli paramagnetic effects on the unpaired quasiparticles in the vortex cores are observed, but a direct detection lies below the measurement sensitivity. The superconducting anisotropy is found to be independent of temperature but increases for fields > 1 T, indicating multiband superconductvity in Sr 2RuO 4. Lastly, the temperature dependence of the scattered intensity provides further support for gap nodes or deep minima in the superconducting gap.« less

Anisotropy and multiband superconductivity in Sr 2 RuO 4 determined by small-angle neutron scattering studies of the vortex lattice [Anisotropy and multiband superconductivity in Sr 2 RuO 4

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kuhn, S. J.; Morgenlander, W.; Louden, E. R.

Despite numerous studies the exact nature of the order parameter in superconducting Sr 2RuO 4 remains unresolved. We have extended previous small-angle neutron scattering studies of the vortex lattice in this material to a wider field range, higher temperatures, and with the field applied close to both the <100> and <110> basal plane directions. Measurements at high field were made possible by the use of both spin polarization and analysis to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Rotating the field towards the basal plane causes a distortion of the square vortex lattice observed for H // <001> and also a symmetry changemore » to a distorted triangular symmetry for fields close to <100>.The vortex lattice distortion allows us to determine the intrinsic superconducting anisotropy between the c axis and the Ru-O basal plane, yielding a value of ~60 at low temperature and low to intermediate fields. This greatly exceeds the upper critical field anisotropy of ~20 at low temperature, reminiscent of Pauli limiting. Indirect evidence for Pauli paramagnetic effects on the unpaired quasiparticles in the vortex cores are observed, but a direct detection lies below the measurement sensitivity. The superconducting anisotropy is found to be independent of temperature but increases for fields > 1 T, indicating multiband superconductvity in Sr 2RuO 4. Lastly, the temperature dependence of the scattered intensity provides further support for gap nodes or deep minima in the superconducting gap.« less

2017 publication guidelines for structural modelling of small-angle scattering data from biomolecules in solution: an update

PubMed Central

Duff, Anthony P.; Durand, Dominique; Gabel, Frank; Hendrickson, Wayne A.; Hura, Greg L.; Jacques, David A.; Kirby, Nigel M.; Kwan, Ann H.; Pérez, Javier; Pollack, Lois; Ryan, Timothy M.; Sali, Andrej; Schneidman-Duhovny, Dina; Vachette, Patrice; Westbrook, John

2017-01-01

In 2012, preliminary guidelines were published addressing sample quality, data acquisition and reduction, presentation of scattering data and validation, and modelling for biomolecular small-angle scattering (SAS) experiments. Bio­molecular SAS has since continued to grow and authors have increasingly adopted the preliminary guidelines. In parallel, integrative/hybrid determination of biomolecular structures is a rapidly growing field that is expanding the scope of structural biology. For SAS to contribute maximally to this field, it is essential to ensure open access to the information required for evaluation of the quality of SAS samples and data, as well as the validity of SAS-based structural models. To this end, the preliminary guidelines for data presentation in a publication are reviewed and updated, and the deposition of data and associated models in a public archive is recommended. These guidelines and recommendations have been prepared in consultation with the members of the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr) Small-Angle Scattering and Journals Commissions, the Worldwide Protein Data Bank (wwPDB) Small-Angle Scattering Validation Task Force and additional experts in the field. PMID:28876235

Small angle X-ray scattering analysis of the effect of cold compaction of Al/MoO3 thermite composites.

PubMed

Hammons, Joshua A; Wang, Wei; Ilavsky, Jan; Pantoya, Michelle L; Weeks, Brandon L; Vaughn, Mark W

2008-01-07

Nanothermites composed of aluminum and molybdenum trioxide (MoO(3)) have a high energy density and are attractive energetic materials. To enhance the surface contact between the spherical Al nanoparticles and the sheet-like MoO(3) particles, the mixture can be cold-pressed into a pelleted composite. However, it was found that the burn rate of the pellets decreased as the density of the pellets increased, contrary to expectation. Ultra-small angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) data and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to elucidate the internal structure of the Al nanoparticles, and nanoparticle aggregate in the composite. Results from both SEM imaging and USAXS analysis indicate that as the density of the pellet increased, a fraction of the Al nanoparticles are compressed into sintered aggregates. The sintered Al nanoparticles lost contrast after forming the larger aggregates and no longer scattered X-rays as individual particles. The sintered aggregates hinder the burn rate, since the Al nanoparticles that make them up can no longer diffuse freely as individual particles during combustion. Results suggest a qualitative relationship for the probability that nanoparticles will sinter, based on the particle sizes and the initial structure of their respective agglomerates, as characterized by the mass fractal dimension.

An Ultra-wideband and Polarization-independent Metasurface for RCS Reduction

PubMed Central

Su, Pei; Zhao, Yongjiu; Jia, Shengli; Shi, Wenwen; Wang, Hongli

2016-01-01

In this paper, an ultra-wideband and polarization-independent metasurface for radar cross section (RCS) reduction is proposed. The unit cell of the metasurface operates in a linear cross-polarization scheme in a broad band. The phase and amplitude of cross-polarized reflection can be separately controlled by its geometry and rotation angle. Based on the diffuse reflection theory, a 3-bit coding metasurface is designed to reduce the RCS in an ultra-wide band. The wideband property of the metasurface benefits from the wideband cross polarization conversion and flexible phase modulation. In addition, the polarization-independent feature of the metasurface is achieved by tailoring the rotation angle of each element. Both the simulated and measured results demonstrate that the proposed metasurface can reduce the RCS significantly in an ultra-wide frequency band for both normal and oblique incidences, which makes it promising in the applications such as electromagnetic cloaking. PMID:26864084

Calculations of transonic boattail flow at small angle of attack

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nakayama, A.; Chow, W. L.

1979-01-01

A transonic flow past a boattailed afterbody under a small angle of attack was examined. It is known that the viscous effect offers significant modifications of the pressure distribution on the afterbody. Thus, the formulation for the inviscid flow was based on the consideration of a flow past a nonaxisymmetric body. The full three dimensional potential equation was solved through numerical relaxation, and quasi-axisymmetric boundary layer calculations were performed to estimate the displacement effect. It was observed again that the viscous effects were not negligible. The trend of the final results agreed well with the experimental data.

Investigation of condensed matter by means of elastic thermal-neutron scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abov, Yu. G.; Dzheparov, F. S.; Elyutin, N. O.; Lvov, D. V.; Tyulyusov, A. N.

2016-07-01

The application of elastic thermal-neutron scattering in investigations of condensed matter that were performed at the Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics is described. An account of diffraction studies with weakly absorbing crystals, including studies of the anomalous-absorption effect and coherent effects in diffuse scattering, is given. Particular attention is given to exposing the method of multiple small-angle neutron scattering (MSANS). It is shown how information about matter inhomogeneities can be obtained by this method on the basis of Molière's theory. Prospects of the development of this method are outlined, and MSANS theory is formulated for a high concentration of matter inhomogeneities.

Ultra-wideband optical leaky-wave slot antennas.

PubMed

Wang, Yan; Helmy, Amr S; Eleftheriades, George V

2011-06-20

We propose and investigate an ultra-wideband leaky-wave antenna that operates at optical frequencies for the purpose of efficient energy coupling between localized nanoscale optical circuits and the far-field. The antenna consists of an optically narrow aluminum slot on a silicon substrate. We analyze its far-field radiation pattern in the spectral region centered around 1550 nm with a 50% bandwidth ranging from 2000 nm to 1200 nm. This plasmonic leaky-wave slot produces a maximum far-field radiation angle at 32° and a 3 dB beamwidth of 24° at its center wavelength. The radiation pattern is preserved within the 50% bandwidth suffering only insignificant changes in both the radiation angle and the beamwidth. This wide-band performance is quite unique when compared to other optical antenna designs. Furthermore, the antenna effective length for radiating 90% and 99.9% of the input power is only 0.5λ(0) and 1.5λ(0) respectively at 1550 nm. The versatility and simplicity of the proposed design along with its small footprint makes it extremely attractive for integration with nano-optical components using existing technologies.

Elastic and Inelastic Scattering of Neutrons using a CLYC array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Tristan; Doucet, E.; Chowdhury, P.; Lister, C. J.; Wilson, G. L.; Devlin, M.; Mosby, S.

2015-10-01

CLYC scintillators, which have dual neutron and gamma response, have recently ushered in the possibility of fast neutron spectroscopy without time-of-flight (TOF). A 16-element array of 1'' x 1'' 6Li-depleted CLYC crystals, where pulse-shape-discrimination is achieved via digital pulse processing, has been commissioned at UMass Lowell. In an experiment at LANSCE, high energy neutrons were used to bombard 56Fe and 238U targets, in order to measure elastic and inelastic neutron scattering cross sections as a function of energy and angle with the array. The array is placed very close to the targets for enhanced geometrical solid angles for scattered neutrons compared to standard neutron-TOF measurements. A pulse-height spectrum of scattered neutrons in the detectors is compared to the energy of the incident neutrons, which is measured via the TOF of the pulsed neutrons from the source to the detectors. Recoil corrections are necessary to combine the energy spectra from all the detectors to obtain angle-integrated elastic and inelastic cross-sections. The detection techniques, analysis procedures and results will be presented. Supported by NNSA-SSAA program through DOE Grant DE-NA00013008.

Synergistic Effect between Ultra-Small Nickel Hydroxide Nanoparticles and Reduced Graphene Oxide sheets for the Application in High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitor.

PubMed

Liu, Yonghuan; Wang, Rutao; Yan, Xingbin

2015-06-08

Nanoscale electrode materials including metal oxide nanoparticles and two-dimensional graphene have been employed for designing supercapacitors. However, inevitable agglomeration of nanoparticles and layers stacking of graphene largely hamper their practical applications. Here we demonstrate an efficient co-ordination and synergistic effect between ultra-small Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets for synthesizing ideal electrode materials. On one hand, to make the ultra-small Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles work at full capacity as an ideal pseudocapacitive material, RGO sheets are employed as an suitable substrate to anchor these nanoparticles against agglomeration. As a consequence, an ultrahigh specific capacitance of 1717 F g(-1) at 0.5 A g(-1) is achieved. On the other hand, to further facilitate ion transfer within RGO sheets as an ideal electrical double layer capacitor material, the ultra-small Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles are introduced among RGO sheets as the recyclable sacrificial spacer to prevent the stacking. The resulting RGO sheets exhibit superior rate capability with a high capacitance of 182 F g(-1) at 100 A g(-1). On this basis, an asymmetric supercapacitor is assembled using the two materials, delivering a superior energy density of 75 Wh kg(-1) and an ultrahigh power density of 40 000 W kg(-1).

Synergistic Effect between Ultra-Small Nickel Hydroxide Nanoparticles and Reduced Graphene Oxide sheets for the Application in High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitor

PubMed Central

Liu, Yonghuan; Wang, Rutao; Yan, Xingbin

2015-01-01

Nanoscale electrode materials including metal oxide nanoparticles and two-dimensional graphene have been employed for designing supercapacitors. However, inevitable agglomeration of nanoparticles and layers stacking of graphene largely hamper their practical applications. Here we demonstrate an efficient co-ordination and synergistic effect between ultra-small Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets for synthesizing ideal electrode materials. On one hand, to make the ultra-small Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles work at full capacity as an ideal pseudocapacitive material, RGO sheets are employed as an suitable substrate to anchor these nanoparticles against agglomeration. As a consequence, an ultrahigh specific capacitance of 1717 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 is achieved. On the other hand, to further facilitate ion transfer within RGO sheets as an ideal electrical double layer capacitor material, the ultra-small Ni(OH)2 nanoparticles are introduced among RGO sheets as the recyclable sacrificial spacer to prevent the stacking. The resulting RGO sheets exhibit superior rate capability with a high capacitance of 182 F g−1 at 100 A g−1. On this basis, an asymmetric supercapacitor is assembled using the two materials, delivering a superior energy density of 75 Wh kg−1 and an ultrahigh power density of 40 000 W kg−1. PMID:26053847

Ultra-Small Dualband Dualmode Microstrip Antenna Based on Novel Hybrid Resonator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Ji-Xu; Bai, Peng; Zheng, Hao-Zhong

2016-11-01

A novel hybrid resonator consists of right handed patch+composite right and left handed transmission line (RH+CRLH) is proposed for the first time aiming at both compactness and frequency manipulation. A demonstration with theoretical dispersion relations and EM simulation is provided for the correctness and efficiency. According to the new method, an ultra-small and dualband antenna operating around 2.4 GHz (n=0, Bluetooth band) and 3.5 GHz (n=+1, Wimax band) is designed, fabricated and measured, whose occupied area is only of 0.158 λ_0. Numerical and experimental results indicate that the antenna exhibits a good impendence match, low cross-polarization and comparable radiation gains in both bands. Excellent performances of the antennas based on hybrid resonators predict promising applications in multifunction wireless communication systems.

The combined control algorithm for large-angle maneuver of HITSAT-1 small satellite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhaowei, Sun; Yunhai, Geng; Guodong, Xu; Ping, He

2004-04-01

The HITSAT-1 is the first small satellite developed by Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) whose mission objective is to test several pivotal techniques. The large angle maneuver control is one of the pivotal techniques of HITSAT-1 and the instantaneous Eulerian axis control algorithm (IEACA) has been applied. Because of using the reaction wheels and magnetorquer as the control actuators, the combined control algorithm has been adopted during the large-angle maneuver course. The computer simulation based on the MATRIX×6.0 software has finished and the results indicated that the combined control algorithm reduced the reaction wheel speeds obviously, and the IEACA algorithm has the advantages of simplicity and efficiency.

Associated-particle sealed-tube neutron probe for nonintrusive inspection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rhodes, E.; Dickerman, C. E.

1997-02-01

The development and investigation of a small associated-particle sealed-tube neutron generator (APSTNG) show potential for the associated-particle method to move out of the laboratory into field applications. This paper is a review of ANL investigations of this technology. Alpha particles associated with 14-MeV neutrons generated from the D-T reaction travel in the opposite direction and are detected inside the sealed tube. Gamma-ray spectra of resulting neutron reactions in the inspected volume encompassed by the alpha-detector solid angle identify many nuclides. Flight-times determined from detection times of the gamma rays and alpha particles separate the prompt and delayed gamma-rays and can yield a separate coarse tomographic image of each identified nuclide, from a single orientation without collimation. A continuous ion beam allows data acquisition by relatively low-bandwidth electronics. When a compact sealed-tube neutron generator is used, a relatively small and easily maintainable inspection system can be developed, that is rugged enough to be transportable. Proof-of-concept laboratory experiments have been performed for simulated explosives, drugs, special nuclear materials, and chemical warfare agents. Efficient collection of maximum information from each detected neutron with low background rates can allow a much lower source intensity than pulsed accelerator methods and yield a preference for an APSTNG system, when it can provide adequate usable source intensity. Based on lessons learned with the present system, an advanced APSTNG system is being designed and built that will be transportable and yield substantial increases in neutron output and target lifetime.

Testing sTGC with small angle wire edges for the ATLAS new small wheel muon detector upgrade

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Roth, Itamar; Klier, Amit; Duchovni, Ehud

The LHC upgrade scheduled for 2018 is expected to significantly increase the accelerator's luminosity, and as a result the radiation background rates in the ATLAS Muon Spectrometer will increase too. Some of its components will have to be replaced in order to cope with these high rates. Newly designed small-strip Thin Gap chambers (sTGC) will replace them at the small wheel region. One of the differences between the sTGC and the currently used TGC is the alignment of the wires along the azimuthal direction. As a result, the outermost wires approach the detector's edge with a small angle. Such amore » configuration may be a cause for various problems. Two small dedicated chambers were built and tested in order to study possible edge effects that may arise from the new configuration. The sTGC appears to be stable and no spark have been observed, yet some differences in the detector response near the edge is seen and further studies should be carried out. (authors)« less

Characterizing Scintillator Response with Neutron Time-of-Flight

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palmisano, Kevin; Visca, Hannah; Caves, Louis; Wilkinson, Corey; McClow, Hannah; Padalino, Stephen; Forrest, Chad; Katz, Joe; Sangster, Craig; Regan, Sean

2017-10-01

Neutron scintillator diagnostics for ICF can be characterized using the neutron time-of-flight (nTOF) line on Geneseo's 1.7 MV Tandem Pelletron Accelerator. Neutron signals can be differentiated from gamma signals by employing a coincidence method called the associated particle technique (APT). In this measurement, a 2.1 MeV beam of deuterons incident on a deuterated polyethylene target produces neutrons via the d(d,n)3He reaction. A BC-412 plastic scintillator, placed at a scattering angle of 152º, detects 1.76 MeV neutrons in coincidence with the 2.56 MeV 3He ions at an associated angle of 10º. The APT is used to identify the 1.76 MeV neutron while the nTOF line determines its energy. By gating only mono-energetic neutrons, the instrument response function of the scintillator can be determined free from background scattered neutrons and gamma rays. Funded in part by a Grant from the DOE, through the Laboratory for Laser Energetics.

One-step synthesis of water-dispersible ultra-small Fe3O4 nanoparticles as contrast agents for T1 and T2 magnetic resonance imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Guannan; Zhang, Xuanjun; Skallberg, Andreas; Liu, Yaxu; Hu, Zhangjun; Mei, Xifan; Uvdal, Kajsa

2014-02-01

Uniform, highly water-dispersible and ultra-small Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized via a modified one-step coprecipitation approach. The prepared Fe3O4 nanoparticles not only show good magnetic properties, long-term stability in a biological environment, but also exhibit good biocompatibility in cell viability and hemolysis assay. Due to the ultra-small sized and highly water-dispersibility, they exhibit excellent relaxivity properties, the 1.7 nm sized Fe3O4 nanoparticles reveal a low r2/r1 ratio of 2.03 (r1 = 8.20 mM-1 s-1, r2 = 16.67 mM-1 s-1) and the 2.2 nm sized Fe3O4 nanoparticles also appear to have a low r2/r1 ratio of 4.65 (r1 = 6.15 mM-1 s-1, r2 = 28.62 mM-1 s-1). This demonstrates that the proposed ultra-small Fe3O4 nanoparticles have great potential as a new type of T1 magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents. Especially, the 2.2 nm sized Fe3O4 nanoparticles, have a competitive r1 value and r2 value compared to commercial contrasting agents such as Gd-DTPA (r1 = 4.8 mM-1 s -1), and SHU-555C (r2 = 69 mM-1 s-1). In vitro and in vivo imaging experiments, show that the 2.2 nm sized Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibit great contrast enhancement, long-term circulation, and low toxicity, which enable these ultra-small sized Fe3O4 nanoparticles to be promising as T1 and T2 dual contrast agents in clinical settings.Uniform, highly water-dispersible and ultra-small Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized via a modified one-step coprecipitation approach. The prepared Fe3O4 nanoparticles not only show good magnetic properties, long-term stability in a biological environment, but also exhibit good biocompatibility in cell viability and hemolysis assay. Due to the ultra-small sized and highly water-dispersibility, they exhibit excellent relaxivity properties, the 1.7 nm sized Fe3O4 nanoparticles reveal a low r2/r1 ratio of 2.03 (r1 = 8.20 mM-1 s-1, r2 = 16.67 mM-1 s-1) and the 2.2 nm sized Fe3O4 nanoparticles also appear to have a low r2/r1 ratio of 4.65 (r1 = 6.15 mM-1 s

Response functions for neutron skyshine analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gui, A.A.; Shultis, J.K.; Faw, R.E.

1997-02-01

Neutron and associated secondary photon line-beam response functions (LBRFs) for point monodirectional neutron sources are generated using the MCNP Monte Carlo code for use in neutron skyshine analysis employing the integral line-beam method. The LBRFs are evaluated at 14 neutron source energies ranging from 0.01 to 14 MeV and at 18 emission angles from 1 to 170 deg, as measured from the source-to-detector axis. The neutron and associated secondary photon conical-beam response functions (CBRFs) for azimuthally symmetric neutron sources are also evaluated at 13 neutron source energies in the same energy range and at 13 polar angles of source collimationmore » from 1 to 89 deg. The response functions are approximated by an empirical three-parameter function of the source-to-detector distance. These response function approximations are available for a source-to-detector distance up to 2,500 m and, for the first time, give dose equivalent responses that are required for modern radiological assessments. For the CBRFs, ground correction factors for neutrons and secondary photons are calculated and also approximated by empirical formulas for use in air-over-ground neutron skyshine problems with azimuthal symmetry. In addition, simple procedures are proposed for humidity and atmospheric density corrections.« less

Periodic magnetic field as a polarized and focusing thermal neutron spectrometer and monochromator.

PubMed

Cremer, J T; Williams, D L; Fuller, M J; Gary, C K; Piestrup, M A; Pantell, R H; Feinstein, J; Flocchini, R G; Boussoufi, M; Egbert, H P; Kloh, M D; Walker, R B

2010-01-01

A novel periodic magnetic field (PMF) optic is shown to act as a prism, lens, and polarizer for neutrons and particles with a magnetic dipole moment. The PMF has a two-dimensional field in the axial direction of neutron propagation. The PMF alternating magnetic field polarity provides strong gradients that cause separation of neutrons by wavelength axially and by spin state transversely. The spin-up neutrons exit the PMF with their magnetic spins aligned parallel to the PMF magnetic field, and are deflected upward and line focus at a fixed vertical height, proportional to the PMF period, at a downstream focal distance that increases with neutron energy. The PMF has no attenuation by absorption or scatter, as with material prisms or crystal monochromators. Embodiments of the PMF include neutron spectrometer or monochromator, and applications include neutron small angle scattering, crystallography, residual stress analysis, cross section measurements, and reflectometry. Presented are theory, experimental results, computer simulation, applications of the PMF, and comparison of its performance to Stern-Gerlach gradient devices and compound material and magnetic refractive prisms.

Periodic magnetic field as a polarized and focusing thermal neutron spectrometer and monochromator

PubMed Central

Cremer, J. T.; Williams, D. L.; Fuller, M. J.; Gary, C. K.; Piestrup, M. A.; Pantell, R. H.; Feinstein, J.; Flocchini, R. G.; Boussoufi, M.; Egbert, H. P.; Kloh, M. D.; Walker, R. B.

2010-01-01

A novel periodic magnetic field (PMF) optic is shown to act as a prism, lens, and polarizer for neutrons and particles with a magnetic dipole moment. The PMF has a two-dimensional field in the axial direction of neutron propagation. The PMF alternating magnetic field polarity provides strong gradients that cause separation of neutrons by wavelength axially and by spin state transversely. The spin-up neutrons exit the PMF with their magnetic spins aligned parallel to the PMF magnetic field, and are deflected upward and line focus at a fixed vertical height, proportional to the PMF period, at a downstream focal distance that increases with neutron energy. The PMF has no attenuation by absorption or scatter, as with material prisms or crystal monochromators. Embodiments of the PMF include neutron spectrometer or monochromator, and applications include neutron small angle scattering, crystallography, residual stress analysis, cross section measurements, and reflectometry. Presented are theory, experimental results, computer simulation, applications of the PMF, and comparison of its performance to Stern–Gerlach gradient devices and compound material and magnetic refractive prisms. PMID:20113108

Application of small-angle neutron scattering to the study of forces between magnetically chained monodisperse ferrofluid emulsion droplets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jain, Dr Nirmesh; Liu, Dr C K; Hawkett, Dr B. S.

2014-01-01

The optical magnetic chaining technique (MCT) developed by Leal-Calderon, Bibette and co-workers in the 1990 s allows precise measurements of force profiles between droplets in monodisperse ferrofluid emulsions. However, the method lacks an in-situ determination of droplet size and therefore requires the combination of separately acquired measurements of droplet chain periodicity versus an applied magnetic field from optical Bragg scattering and droplet diameter inferred from dynamic light scattering (DLS) to recover surface force-distance profiles between the colloidal particles. Compound refractive lens (CRL) focussed small-angle scattering (SANS) MCT should result in more consistent measurements of droplet size (form factor measurements inmore » the absence of field) and droplet chaining period (from structure factor peaks when the magnetic field is applied); and, with access to shorter length scales, extend force measurements to closer approaches than possible by optical measurements. We report on CRL-SANS measurements of monodisperse ferrofluid emulsion droplets aligned in straight chains by an applied field perpendicular to the incident beam direction. Analysis of the scattering from the closely spaced droplets required algorithms that carefully treated resolution and its effect on mean scattering vector magnitudes in order to determine droplet size and chain periods to sufficient accuracy. At lower applied fields scattering patterns indicate structural correlations transverse to the magnetic field direction due to the formation of intermediate structures in early chain growth.« less

A stress-controlled shear cell for small-angle light scattering and microscopy.

PubMed

Aime, S; Ramos, L; Fromental, J M; Prévot, G; Jelinek, R; Cipelletti, L

2016-12-01

We develop and test a stress-controlled, parallel plates shear cell that can be coupled to an optical microscope or a small angle light scattering setup, for simultaneous investigation of the rheological response and the microscopic structure of soft materials under an imposed shear stress. In order to minimize friction, the cell is based on an air bearing linear stage, the stress is applied through a contactless magnetic actuator, and the strain is measured through optical sensors. We discuss the contributions of inertia and of the small residual friction to the measured signal and demonstrate the performance of our device in both oscillating and step stress experiments on a variety of viscoelastic materials.

Suggestions for improving the efficiency of ground-based neutron monitors for detecting solar neutrons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Iucci, N.; Parisi, M.; Signorini, C.; Storini, M.; Villoresi, G.

1985-01-01

On the occasion of the June 3, 1982 intense gamma-ray solar flare a significant increase in counting rate due to solar neutrons was observed by the neutron monitors of Junsfraujoch and Lomnicky Stit located at middle latitudes and high altitudes. In spite of a larger detector employed and of the smaller solar zenith angle, the amplitude of the same event observed at Rome was much smaller and the statistical fluctuations of the salactic cosmic ray background higher than the ones registered at the two mountain stations, because of the greater atmospheric depth at which the Rome monitor is located. The effeciency for detecting a solar neutron event by a NM-64 monitor as a function of the Sun zenith angle, atmospheric depth and threshold rigidity of the station was studied.

Facile Syntheses of Monodisperse Ultra-Small Au Clusters

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bertino, Massimo F.; Sun, Zhong-Ming; Zhang, Rui

2006-11-02

During our effort to synthesize the tetrahedral Au20 cluster, we found a facile synthetic route to prepare monodisperse suspensions of ultra-small Au clusters AuN (N<12) using diphosphine ligands. In our monophasic and single-pot synthesis, a Au precursor ClAu(I)PPh3 and a bidentate phosphine ligand P(Ph)2(CH2)MP(Ph)2 (Ph = phenyl) are dissolved in an organic solvent. Au(I) is reduced slowly by a borane-tert-butylamine complex to form Au clusters coordinated by the diphosphine ligand. The Au clusters are characterized by both high resolution mass spectrometry and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. We found that the mean cluster size obtained depends on the chain length M ofmore » the ligand. In particular, a single monodispersed Au11 cluster is obtained with the P(Ph)2(CH2)3P(Ph)2 ligand, whereas P(Ph)2(CH2)MP(Ph)2 ligands with M = 5 and 6 yield Au10 and Au8 clusters. The simplicity of our synthetic method makes it suitable for large-scale production of nearly monodisperse ultrasmall Au clusters. It is suggested that diphosphines provide a set of flexible ligands to allow size-controlled synthesis of Au nanoparticles.« less

Neutron Polarization Analysis for Biphasic Solvent Extraction Systems

DOE PAGES

Motokawa, Ryuhei; Endo, Hitoshi; Nagao, Michihiro; ...

2016-06-16

Here we performed neutron polarization analysis (NPA) of extracted organic phases containing complexes, comprised of Zr(NO 3) 4 and tri-n-butyl phosphate, which enabled decomposition of the intensity distribution of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) into the coherent and incoherent scattering components. The coherent scattering intensity, containing structural information, and the incoherent scattering compete over a wide range of magnitude of scattering vector, q, specifically when q is larger than q* ≈ 1/R g, where R g is the radius of gyration of scatterer. Therefore, it is important to determine the incoherent scattering intensity exactly to perform an accurate structural analysis frommore » SANS data when R g is small, such as the aforementioned extracted coordination species. Although NPA is the best method for evaluating the incoherent scattering component for accurately determining the coherent scattering in SANS, this method is not used frequently in SANS data analysis because it is technically challenging. In this study, we successfully demonstrated that experimental determination of the incoherent scattering using NPA is suitable for sample systems containing a small scatterer with a weak coherent scattering intensity, such as extracted complexes in biphasic solvent extraction systems.« less

Neutron Scattering Measurements of Carbon Dioxide Adsorption in Pores within the Marcellus Shale: Implications for Sequestration.

PubMed

Stefanopoulos, Konstantinos L; Youngs, Tristan G A; Sakurovs, Richard; Ruppert, Leslie F; Bahadur, Jitendra; Melnichenko, Yuri B

2017-06-06

Shale is an increasingly viable source of natural gas and a potential candidate for geologic CO 2 sequestration. Understanding the gas adsorption behavior on shale is necessary for the design of optimal gas recovery and sequestration projects. In the present study neutron diffraction and small-angle neutron scattering measurements of adsorbed CO 2 in Marcellus Shale samples were conducted on the Near and InterMediate Range Order Diffractometer (NIMROD) at the ISIS Pulsed Neutron and Muon Source, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory along an adsorption isotherm of 22 °C and pressures of 25 and 40 bar. Additional measurements were conducted at approximately 22 and 60 °C at the same pressures on the General-Purpose Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (GP-SANS) instrument at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The structures investigated (pores) for CO 2 adsorption range in size from Å level to ∼50 nm. The results indicate that, using the conditions investigated densification or condensation effects occurred in all accessible pores. The data suggest that at 22 °C the CO 2 has liquid-like properties when confined in pores of around 1 nm radius at pressures as low as 25 bar. Many of the 2.5 nm pores, 70% of 2 nm pores, most of the <1 nm pores, and all pores <0.25 nm, are inaccessible or closed to CO 2 , suggesting that despite the vast numbers of micropores in shale, the micropores will be unavailable for storage for geologic CO 2 sequestration.

Comparison between wide-angle OCT angiography and ultra-wide field fluorescein angiography for detecting non-perfusion areas and retinal neovascularization in eyes with diabetic retinopathy.

PubMed

Sawada, Osamu; Ichiyama, Yusuke; Obata, Syunpei; Ito, Yuka; Kakinoki, Masashi; Sawada, Tomoko; Saishin, Yoshitsugu; Ohji, Masahito

2018-04-30

To compare the ability of wide-angle optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) with that of ultra-wide field fluorescein angiography (UWFFA) to detect non-perfusion areas (NPAs) or retinal neovascularization (NV) in eyes with diabetic retinopathy (DR). Patients with DR underwent UWFFA using the Optos® panoramic 200Tx imaging system and wide-angle OCTA with 12 × 12 mm fields of five visual fixations using the PLEX Elite 9000®. We compared the abilities of UWFFA and OCTA to detect NPAs and NV. Fifty-eight eyes of 33 patients (mean age, 60.0 years old; female/male, 16/17) with DR were evaluated. NPAs were detected in 47 out of 58 eyes using UWFFA and in 48 eyes using OCTA. NVs were detected in 25 out of the 58 eyes using UWFFA and in 26 eyes using OCTA. The sensitivity for detection of NPA using OCTA was 0.98, and the specificity was 0.82. The sensitivity for detection of NV was 1.0, and the specificity was 0.97. The wide-angle OCTA seems to be clinically useful for the detection of NPAs or NV.

Effect of ultra-high pressure on small animals, tardigrades and Artemia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ono, Fumihisa; Mori, Yoshihisa; Takarabe, Kenichi; Fujii, Akiko; Saigusa, Masayuki; Matsushima, Yasushi; Yamazaki, Daisuke; Ito, Eiji; Galas, Simon; Saini, Naurang L.

2016-12-01

This research shows that small animals, tardigrades (Milnesium tardigradum) in tun (dehydrated) state and Artemia salina cists (dried eggs) can tolerate the very high hydrostatic pressure of 7.5 GPa. It was really surprising that living organisms can survive after exposure to such a high pressure. We extended these studies to the extremely high pressure of 20 GPa by using a Kawai-type octahedral anvil press. After exposure to this pressure for 30 min, the tardigrades were soaked in pure water and investigated under a microscope. Their bodies regained metabolic state and no serious injury could be seen. But they were not alive. A few of Artemia eggs went part of the way to hatching after soaked in sea water, but they never grew any further. Comparing with the case of blue-green alga, these animals are weaker under ultra-high pressure.

General design method of ultra-broadband perfect absorbers based on magnetic polaritons.

PubMed

Liu, Yuanbin; Qiu, Jun; Zhao, Junming; Liu, Linhua

2017-10-02

Starting from one-dimensional gratings and the theory of magnetic polaritons (MPs), we propose a general design method of ultra-broadband perfect absorbers. Based on the proposed design method, the obtained absorber can keep the spectrum-average absorptance over 99% at normal incidence in a wide range of wavelengths; this work simultaneously reveals the robustness of the absorber to incident angles and polarization angles of incident light. Furthermore, this work shows that the spectral band of perfect absorption can be flexibly extended to near the infrared regime by adjusting the structure dimension. The findings of this work may facilitate the active design of ultra-broadband absorbers based on plasmonic nanostructures.

Mini-MITEE: Ultra Small, Ultra Light NTP Engines for Robotic Science and Manned Exploration Missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Powell, James; Maise, George; Paniagua, John

2006-01-01

A compact, ultra lightweight Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) engine design is described with the capability to carry out a wide range of unique and important robotic science missions that are not possible using chemical or Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP). The MITEE (MInature ReacTor EnginE) reactor uses hydrogeneous moderator, such as solid lithium-7 hydride, and high temperature cermet tungsten/UO2 nuclear fuel. The reactor is configured as a modular pressure tube assembly, with each pressure tube containing an outer annual shell of moderator with an inner annular region of W/UO2 cermet fuel sheets. H2 propellant flows radially inwards through the moderator and fuel regions, exiting at ~3000 K into a central channel that leads to a nozzle at the end of the pressure tube. Power density in the fuel region is 10 to 20 megawatts per liter, depending on design, producing a thrust output on the order of 15,000 Newtons and an Isp of ~1000 seconds. 3D Monte Carlo neutronic analyses are described for MITEE reactors utilizing various fissile fuel options (U-235, U-233, and Am242m) and moderators (7LiH and BeH2). Reactor mass ranges from a maximum of 100 kg for the 7LiH/U-235 option to a minimum of 28 kg for the BeH2/Am-242 m option. Pure thrust only and bi-modal (thrust plus electric power generation) MITEE designs are described. Potential unique robotic science missions enabled by the MITEE engine are described, including landing on Europa and exploring the ice sheet interior with return of samples to Earth, hopping to and exploring multiple sites on Mars, unlimited ramjet flight in the atmospheres of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune and landing on, and sample return from Pluto.

Mini-MITEE: Ultra Small, Ultra Light NTP Engines for Robotic Science and Manned Exploration Missions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Powell, James; Maise, George; Paniagua, John

2006-01-20

A compact, ultra lightweight Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) engine design is described with the capability to carry out a wide range of unique and important robotic science missions that are not possible using chemical or Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP). The MITEE (MInature ReacTor EnginE) reactor uses hydrogeneous moderator, such as solid lithium-7 hydride, and high temperature cermet tungsten/UO2 nuclear fuel. The reactor is configured as a modular pressure tube assembly, with each pressure tube containing an outer annual shell of moderator with an inner annular region of W/UO2 cermet fuel sheets. H2 propellant flows radially inwards through the moderator andmore » fuel regions, exiting at {approx}3000 K into a central channel that leads to a nozzle at the end of the pressure tube. Power density in the fuel region is 10 to 20 megawatts per liter, depending on design, producing a thrust output on the order of 15,000 Newtons and an Isp of {approx}1000 seconds. 3D Monte Carlo neutronic analyses are described for MITEE reactors utilizing various fissile fuel options (U-235, U-233, and Am242m) and moderators (7LiH and BeH2). Reactor mass ranges from a maximum of 100 kg for the 7LiH/U-235 option to a minimum of 28 kg for the BeH2/Am-242 m option. Pure thrust only and bi-modal (thrust plus electric power generation) MITEE designs are described. Potential unique robotic science missions enabled by the MITEE engine are described, including landing on Europa and exploring the ice sheet interior with return of samples to Earth, hopping to and exploring multiple sites on Mars, unlimited ramjet flight in the atmospheres of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune and landing on, and sample return from Pluto.« less

Ultra-small iron-gallic acid coordination polymer nanoparticles for chelator-free labeling of 64Cu and multimodal imaging-guided photothermal therapy.

PubMed

Jin, Qiutong; Zhu, Wenjun; Jiang, Dawei; Zhang, Rui; Kutyreff, Christopher J; Engle, Jonathan W; Huang, Peng; Cai, Weibo; Liu, Zhuang; Cheng, Liang

2017-08-31

Cancer nanotechnology has become the hot topic nowadays. While various kinds of nanomaterials have been widely explored for innovative cancer imaging and therapy applications, safe multifunctional nano-agents without long-term retention and toxicity are still demanded. Herein, iron-gallic acid coordination nanoparticles (Fe-GA CPNs) with ultra-small sizes are successfully synthesized by a simple method for multimodal imaging-guided cancer therapy. After surface modification with polyethylene glycol (PEG), the synthesized Fe-GA-PEG CPNs show high stability in various physiological solutions. Taking advantage of high near-infrared (NIR) absorbance as well as the T 1 -MR contrasting ability of Fe-GA-PEG CPNs, in vivo photoacoustic tomography (PAT) and magnetic resonance (MR) bimodal imaging are carried out, revealing the efficient passive tumor targeting of these ultra-small CPNs after intravenous (i.v.) injection. Interestingly, such Fe-GA-PEG CPNs could be labeled with the 64 Cu isotope via a chelator-free method for in vivo PET imaging, which also illustrates the high tumor uptake of Fe-GA CPNs. We further utilize Fe-GA-PEG CPNs for in vivo photothermal therapy and achieve highly effective tumor destruction after i.v. injection of Fe-GA-PEG CPNs and the following NIR laser irradiation of the tumors, without observing any apparent toxicity of such CPNs to the treated animals. Our work highlights the promise of ultra-small iron coordination nanoparticles for imaging-guided cancer therapy.

Neutron spectra as a function of angle at two meters from the Little Boy assembly

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Griffith, R.V.; Huntzinger, C.J.; Thorngate, J.H.

1984-07-02

Measurements of neutron spectra produced by the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Little Boy replica assembly (Comet) were made with a combined multisphere and liquid scintillator system, that has been widely used at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The combined system was used for measurements at the side (90/sup 0/) and nose (0/sup 0/) of the assembly; additional measurements were made at 45/sup 0/ using only the liquid scintillator. Data were obtained at two meters from the center of the reactive region of the assembly, with good agreement between the multisphere and scintillator results. Comparison with liquid scintillator measurements performedmore » by experimenters from the Canadian Defence Research Establishment, Ottawa (DREO) and calculations from LANL depended on the specific angle, obtaining the best agreement at 90/sup 0/. 32 references, 11 figures, 4 tables.« less

Influence of Neutron Sources and 10B Concentration on Boron Neutron Capture Therapy for Shallow and Deeper Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.

PubMed

Yu, Haiyan; Tang, Xiaobin; Shu, Diyun; Liu, Yuanhao; Geng, Changran; Gong, Chunhui; Hang, Shuang; Chen, Da

2017-03-01

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a radiotherapy that combines biological targeting and high Linear Energy Transfer (LET). It is considered a potential therapeutic approach for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It could avoid the inaccurate treatment caused by the lung motion during radiotherapy, because the dose deposition mainly depends on the boron localization and neutron source. Thus, B concentration and neutron sources are both principal factors of BNCT, and they play significant roles in the curative effect of BNCT for different cases. The purpose was to explore the feasibility of BNCT treatment for NSCLC with either of two neutron sources (the epithermal reactor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology named "MIT source" and the accelerator neutron source designed in Argentina named "MEC source") and various boron concentrations. Shallow and deeper lung tumors were defined in the Chinese hybrid radiation phantom, and the Monte Carlo method was used to calculate the dose to tumors and healthy organs. The MEC source was more appropriate to treat the shallow tumor (depth of 6 cm) with a shorter treatment time. However, the MIT source was more suitable for deep lung tumor (depth of 9 cm) treatment, as the MEC source is more likely to exceed the skin dose limit. Thus, a neutron source consisting of more fast neutrons is not necessarily suitable for deep treatment of lung tumors. Theoretical distribution of B in tumors and organs at risk (especially skin) was obtained to meet the treatable requirement of BNCT, which may provide the references to identify the feasibility of BNCT for the treatment of lung cancer using these two neutron sources in future clinical applications.

Calculations to support JET neutron yield calibration: Modelling of neutron emission from a compact DT neutron generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Čufar, Aljaž; Batistoni, Paola; Conroy, Sean; Ghani, Zamir; Lengar, Igor; Milocco, Alberto; Packer, Lee; Pillon, Mario; Popovichev, Sergey; Snoj, Luka; JET Contributors

2017-03-01

At the Joint European Torus (JET) the ex-vessel fission chambers and in-vessel activation detectors are used as the neutron production rate and neutron yield monitors respectively. In order to ensure that these detectors produce accurate measurements they need to be experimentally calibrated. A new calibration of neutron detectors to 14 MeV neutrons, resulting from deuterium-tritium (DT) plasmas, is planned at JET using a compact accelerator based neutron generator (NG) in which a D/T beam impinges on a solid target containing T/D, producing neutrons by DT fusion reactions. This paper presents the analysis that was performed to model the neutron source characteristics in terms of energy spectrum, angle-energy distribution and the effect of the neutron generator geometry. Different codes capable of simulating the accelerator based DT neutron sources are compared and sensitivities to uncertainties in the generator's internal structure analysed. The analysis was performed to support preparation to the experimental measurements performed to characterize the NG as a calibration source. Further extensive neutronics analyses, performed with this model of the NG, will be needed to support the neutron calibration experiments and take into account various differences between the calibration experiment and experiments using the plasma as a source of neutrons.

Fluence-compensated down-scattered neutron imaging using the neutron imaging system at the National Ignition Facility.

PubMed

Casey, D T; Volegov, P L; Merrill, F E; Munro, D H; Grim, G P; Landen, O L; Spears, B K; Fittinghoff, D N; Field, J E; Smalyuk, V A

2016-11-01

The Neutron Imaging System at the National Ignition Facility is used to observe the primary ∼14 MeV neutrons from the hotspot and down-scattered neutrons (6-12 MeV) from the assembled shell. Due to the strong spatial dependence of the primary neutron fluence through the dense shell, the down-scattered image is convolved with the primary-neutron fluence much like a backlighter profile. Using a characteristic scattering angle assumption, we estimate the primary neutron fluence and compensate the down-scattered image, which reveals information about asymmetry that is otherwise difficult to extract without invoking complicated models.

Ultra-high resolution crystal structure of recombinant caprine β-lactoglobulin.

PubMed

Crowther, Jennifer M; Lassé, Moritz; Suzuki, Hironori; Kessans, Sarah A; Loo, Trevor S; Norris, Gillian E; Hodgkinson, Alison J; Jameson, Geoffrey B; Dobson, Renwick C J

2014-11-03

β-Lactoglobulin (βlg) is the most abundant whey protein in the milks of ruminant animals. While bovine βlg has been subjected to a vast array of studies, little is known about the caprine ortholog. We present an ultra-high resolution crystal structure of caprine βlg complemented by analytical ultracentrifugation and small-angle X-ray scattering data. In both solution and crystalline states caprine βlg is dimeric (K(D)<5 μM); however, our data suggest a flexible quaternary arrangement of subunits within the dimer. These structural findings will provide insight into relationships among structural, processing, nutritional and immunological characteristics that distinguish cow's and goat's milk. Copyright © 2014 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Investigation of an optical sensor for small tilt angle detection of a precision linear stage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saito, Yusuke; Arai, Yoshikazu; Gao, Wei

2010-05-01

This paper presents evaluation results of the characteristics of the angle sensor based on the laser autocollimation method for small tilt angle detection of a precision linear stage. The sensor consists of a laser diode (LD) as the light source, and a quadrant photodiode (QPD) as the position-sensing detector. A small plane mirror is mounted on the moving table of the stage as a target mirror for the sensor. This optical system has advantages of high sensitivity, fast response speed and the ability for two-axis angle detection. On the other hand, the sensitivity of the sensor is determined by the size of the optical spot focused on the QPD, which is a function of the diameter of the laser beam projected onto the target mirror. Because the diameter is influenced by the divergence of the laser beam, this paper focuses on the relationship between the sensor sensitivity and the moving position of the target mirror (sensor working distance) over the moving stroke of the stage. The main error components that influence the sensor sensitivity are discussed and the optimal conditions of the optical system of the sensor are analyzed. The experimental result about evaluation of the effective working distance is also presented.

Focusing adaptive-optics for neutron spectroscopy at extreme conditions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Simeoni, G. G., E-mail: ggsimeoni@outlook.com; Physics Department E13, Technical University of Munich, D-85748 Garching; Valicu, R. G.

2015-12-14

Neutron Spectroscopy employing extreme-conditions sample environments is nowadays a crucial tool for the understanding of fundamental scientific questions as well as for the investigation of materials and chemical-physical properties. For all these kinds of studies, an increased neutron flux over a small sample area is needed. The prototype of a focusing neutron guide component, developed and produced completely at the neutron source FRM II in Garching (Germany), has been installed at the time-of-flight (TOF) disc-chopper neutron spectrometer TOFTOF and came into routine-operation. The design is based on the compressed Archimedes' mirror concept for finite-size divergent sources. It represents a uniquemore » device combining the supermirror technology with Adaptive Optics, suitable for broad-bandwidth thermal-cold TOF neutron spectroscopy (here optimized for 1.4–10 Å). It is able to squeeze the beam cross section down to a square centimeter, with a more than doubled signal-to-background ratio, increased efficiency at high scattering angles, and improved symmetry of the elastic resolution function. We present a comparison between the simulated and measured beam cross sections, as well as the performance of the instrument within real experiments. This work intends to show the unprecedented opportunities achievable at already existing instruments, along with useful guidelines for the design and construction of next-generation neutron spectrometers.« less

Neutron Yield With a Pulsed Surface Flashover Deuterium Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guethlein, G.; Falabella, S.; Sampayan, S. E.; Meyer, G.; Tang, V.; Kerr, P.

2009-03-01

As a step towards developing an ultra compact D-D neutron source for various defense and homeland security applications, a compact, low average power ion source is needed. Towards that end, we are testing a high current, pulsed surface flashover ion source, with deuterated titanium as the spark contacts. Neutron yield and source lifetime data will be presented using a low voltage (<100 kV) deuterated target. With 20 ns spark drive pulses we have shown >106 neutrons/s with 1 kHz PRF

The O H stretching band in ice Ih derived via eV neutron spectroscopy on VESUVIO using the new very low angle detector bank

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perelli-Cippo, E.; Gorini, G.; Tardocchi, M.; Andreani, C.; Pietropaolo, A.; Senesi, R.; Rhodes, N. J.; Schooneveld, E. M.

2006-06-01

Strong demand exists for an experimental facility enabling new experimental investigations on condensed matter systems based on epithermal neutron scattering at high energy and low momentum transfers. This need will be met by the very low angle detector (VLAD) bank, to be installed on the VESUVIO spectrometer at the ISIS spallation neutron source. The equipment will operate in the scattering angular range 1°<2θ<5°. Scattering measurements from a polycrystalline ice sample using a VLAD prototype demonstrates the effectiveness of the detection technique adopted for the construction of the full detector array. The resulting density of states in ice is 9±2 atoms/cell, in agreement with previous measurements.

The accurate assessment of small-angle X-ray scattering data

DOE PAGES

Grant, Thomas D.; Luft, Joseph R.; Carter, Lester G.; ...

2015-01-23

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) has grown in popularity in recent times with the advent of bright synchrotron X-ray sources, powerful computational resources and algorithms enabling the calculation of increasingly complex models. However, the lack of standardized data-quality metrics presents difficulties for the growing user community in accurately assessing the quality of experimental SAXS data. Here, a series of metrics to quantitatively describe SAXS data in an objective manner using statistical evaluations are defined. These metrics are applied to identify the effects of radiation damage, concentration dependence and interparticle interactions on SAXS data from a set of 27 previously described targetsmore » for which high-resolution structures have been determined via X-ray crystallography or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Studies show that these metrics are sufficient to characterize SAXS data quality on a small sample set with statistical rigor and sensitivity similar to or better than manual analysis. The development of data-quality analysis strategies such as these initial efforts is needed to enable the accurate and unbiased assessment of SAXS data quality.« less

Versatile application of indirect Fourier transformation to structure factor analysis: from X-ray diffraction of molecular liquids to small angle scattering of protein solutions.

PubMed

Fukasawa, Toshiko; Sato, Takaaki

2011-02-28

We highlight versatile applicability of a structure-factor indirect Fourier transformation (IFT) technique, hereafter called SQ-IFT. The original IFT aims at the pair distance distribution function, p(r), of colloidal particles from small angle scattering of X-rays (SAXS) and neutrons (SANS), allowing the conversion of the experimental form factor, P(q), into a more intuitive real-space spatial autocorrelation function. Instead, SQ-IFT is an interaction potential model-free approach to the 'effective' or 'experimental' structure factor to yield the pair correlation functions (PCFs), g(r), of colloidal dispersions like globular protein solutions for small-angle scattering data as well as the radial distribution functions (RDFs) of molecular liquids in liquid diffraction (LD) experiments. We show that SQ-IFT yields accurate RDFs of liquid H(2)O and monohydric alcohol reflecting their local intermolecular structures, in which q-weighted structure function, qH(q), conventionally utilized in many LD studies out of necessity of performing direct Fourier transformation, is no longer required. We also show that SQ-IFT applied to theoretically calculated structure factors for uncharged and charged colloidal dispersions almost perfectly reproduces g(r) obtained as a solution of the Ornstein-Zernike (OZ) equation. We further demonstrate the relevance of SQ-IFT in its practical applications, using SANS effective structure factors of lysozyme solutions reported in recent literatures which revealed the equilibrium cluster formation due to coexisting long range electrostatic repulsion and short range attraction between the proteins. Finally, we present SAXS experiments on human serum albumin (HSA) at different ionic strength and protein concentration, in which we discuss the real space picture of spatial distributions of the proteins via the interaction potential model-free route.

Ultra Small Aperture Terminal for Ka-Band SATCOM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Acosta, Roberto; Reinhart, Richard; Lee, Richard; Simons, Rainee

1997-01-01

An ultra small aperture terminal (USAT) at Ka-band frequency has been developed by Lewis Research Center (LeRC) for data rates up to 1.5 Mbps in the transmit mode and 40 Mbps in receive mode. The terminal consists of a 35 cm diameter offset-fed parabolic antenna which is attached to a solid state power amplifier and low noise amplifier. A single down converter is used to convert the Ka-band frequency to 70 MHz intermediate frequency (IF). A variable rate (9.6 Kbps to 10 Mbps) commercial modem with a standard RS-449/RS-232 interface is used to provide point-to-point digital services. The terminal has been demonstrated numerous times using the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) and the 4.5 in Link Evaluation Terminal (LET) in Cleveland. A conceptual design for an advanced terminal has also been developed. This advanced USAT utilizes Microwave Monolithic Integrated Circuit (MMIC) and flat plate array technologies. This terminal will be self contained in a single package which will include a 1 watt solid state amplifier (SSPA), low noise amplifier (LNA) and a modem card located behind the aperture of the array. The advanced USAT will be light weight, transportable, low cost and easy to point to the satellite. This paper will introduce designs for the reflector based and array based USAT's.

Microstructure of Amorphous and Semi-Crystalline Polymers.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-06-07

of these materials. Further, the occurrence of nodular structures is difficult to reconcile with the results of studies of small angle neutron ...scattering and small angle neutron scattering studies of the same materials. Based on the combined results of these studies , it is suggested that the nodular...relevance here were reviewed by Flory.’ In addition to these, the results of studies using small angle neutron scattering’ and wide angle X-ray scattering

Monovision correction for small-angle diplopia.

PubMed

Bujak, Matthew C; Leung, Andrea K; Kisilevsky, Mila; Margolin, Edward

2012-09-01

To assess quantitatively the efficacy of monovision correction in the treatment of acquired small-angle binocular diplopia in adult patients. Prospective, interventional case series. Twenty patients with symptomatic diplopia were enrolled in a prospective treatment trial at a tertiary university neuro-ophthalmology practice. All had stable deviations of 10 prism diopters or less for more than 3 months. Each received monovision spectacles, contact lenses, or both with distance correction in the dominant eye. Half received a +3.00-diopter add and the others received +2.50 diopters. The validated and standardized Diplopia Questionnaire and Amblyopia and Strabismus Questionnaire were used to quantify the efficacy of monovision correction for diplopia by measuring the functional impact on vision-specific quality of life. primary outcome: Based on the results of the Diplopia Questionnaire, 85% of patients experienced significant improvement in diplopia symptoms after monovision correction. There was a statistically significant 58.6% improvement in the Diplopia Questionnaire score in our patients (P < .0001). secondary outcome: The Amblyopia and Strabismus Questionnaire scores demonstrated improved quality of life and daily function after monovision correction (P = .03), especially in the areas of double vision(P = .0003) and social contact and appearance (P = .0002). Monovision decreased the frequency of diplopia and improved subjects' quality of life. Monovision may be a feasible alternative for presbyopic diplopic patients who are dissatisfied with other conservative treatment options. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reliable structural interpretation of small-angle scattering data from bio-molecules in solution--the importance of quality control and a standard reporting framework.

PubMed

Jacques, David A; Guss, Jules Mitchell; Trewhella, Jill

2012-05-17

Small-angle scattering is becoming an increasingly popular tool for the study of bio-molecular structures in solution. The large number of publications with 3D-structural models generated from small-angle solution scattering data has led to a growing consensus for the need to establish a standard reporting framework for their publication. The International Union of Crystallography recently established a set of guidelines for the necessary information required for the publication of such structural models. Here we describe the rationale for these guidelines and the importance of standardising the way in which small-angle scattering data from bio-molecules and associated structural interpretations are reported.

NASA'S Chandra Finds Superfluid in Neutron Star's Core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2011-02-01

NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory has discovered the first direct evidence for a superfluid, a bizarre, friction-free state of matter, at the core of a neutron star. Superfluids created in laboratories on Earth exhibit remarkable properties, such as the ability to climb upward and escape airtight containers. The finding has important implications for understanding nuclear interactions in matter at the highest known densities. Neutron stars contain the densest known matter that is directly observable. One teaspoon of neutron star material weighs six billion tons. The pressure in the star's core is so high that most of the charged particles, electrons and protons, merge resulting in a star composed mostly of uncharged particles called neutrons. Two independent research teams studied the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A, or Cas A for short, the remains of a massive star 11,000 light years away that would have appeared to explode about 330 years ago as observed from Earth. Chandra data found a rapid decline in the temperature of the ultra-dense neutron star that remained after the supernova, showing that it had cooled by about four percent over a 10-year period. "This drop in temperature, although it sounds small, was really dramatic and surprising to see," said Dany Page of the National Autonomous University in Mexico, leader of a team with a paper published in the February 25, 2011 issue of the journal Physical Review Letters. "This means that something unusual is happening within this neutron star." Superfluids containing charged particles are also superconductors, meaning they act as perfect electrical conductors and never lose energy. The new results strongly suggest that the remaining protons in the star's core are in a superfluid state and, because they carry a charge, also form a superconductor. "The rapid cooling in Cas A's neutron star, seen with Chandra, is the first direct evidence that the cores of these neutron stars are, in fact, made of superfluid and

Neutron Transport Simulations for NIST Neutron Lifetime Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Fangchen; BL2 Collaboration Collaboration

2016-09-01

Neutrons in stable nuclei can exist forever; a free neutron lasts for about 15 minutes on average before it beta decays to a proton, an electron, and an antineutrino. Precision measurements of the neutron lifetime test the validity of weak interaction theory and provide input into the theory of the evolution of light elements in the early universe. There are two predominant ways of measuring the neutron lifetime: the bottle method and the beam method. The bottle method measures decays of ultracold neutrons that are stored in a bottle. The beam method measures decay protons in a beam of cold neutrons of known flux. An improved beam experiment is being prepared at the National Institute of Science and Technology (Gaithersburg, MD) with the goal of reducing statistical and systematic uncertainties to the level of 1 s. The purpose of my studies was to develop computer simulations of neutron transport to determine the beam collimation and study the neutron distribution's effect on systematic effects for the experiment, such as the solid angle of the neutron flux monitor. The motivation for the experiment and the results of this work will be presented. This work was supported, in part, by a Grant to Gettysburg College from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute through the Precollege and Undergraduate Science Education Program.

The effect of amphiphilic polymers with a continuous amphiphilicity profile on the membrane properties in a bicontinuous microemulsions studied by neutron scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klemmer, Helge F. M.; Frielinghaus, Henrich; Allgaier, Jürgen; Ohl, Michael; Holderer, Olaf

2017-06-01

Microemulsion systems consisting of oil, water and surfactant have been studied with neutron scattering techniques. The amount of surfactant needed to form a microemulsion can be dramatically reduced by the addition of small amounts of amphiphilic block copolymers (boosting effect). Here, we studied the influence of block copolymers with gradually changing amphiphilicity from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS), neutron spin echo spectroscopy (NSE) and phase diagram measurements in combination give access to the elastic properties of the membrane. The underlying NSE experiments for this interpretation rely on smallest changes of the relaxation curves (of ca. 1% steps) for still small changes of the bending rigidity (of ca. 10% steps). This high reliability of the experiments conducted at the SNS-NSE displays the accuracy of the instrument itself and the latest developments of the evaluation software, which were necessary to interpret such tiny changes of the bending rigidity reliably.

Charge-dependent conformations and dynamics of pamam dendrimers revealed by neutron scattering and molecular dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Bin

Neutron scattering and fully atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) are employed to investigate the structural and dynamical properties of polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers with ethylenediamine (EDA) core under various charge conditions. Regarding to the conformational characteristics, we focus on scrutinizing density profile evolution of PAMAM dendrimers as the molecular charge of dendrimer increases from neutral state to highly charged condition. It should be noted that within the context of small angle neutron scattering (SANS), the dendrimers are composed of hydrocarbon component (dry part) and the penetrating water molecules. Though there have been SANS experiments that studied the charge-dependent structural change of PAMAM dendrimers, their results were limited to the collective behavior of the aforementioned two parts. This study is devoted to deepen the understanding towards the structural responsiveness of intra-molecular polymeric and hydration parts separately through advanced contrast variation SANS data analysis scheme available recently and unravel the governing principles through coupling with MD simulations. Two kinds of acids, namely hydrochloric and sulfuric acids, are utilized to tune the pH condition and hence the molecular charge. As far as the dynamical properties, we target at understanding the underlying mechanism that leads to segmental dynamic enhancement observed from quasielstic neutron scattering (QENS) experiment previously. PAMAM dendrimers have a wealth of potential applications, such as drug delivery agency, energy harvesting medium, and light emitting diodes. More importantly, it is regarded as an ideal system to test many theoretical predictions since dendrimers conjugate both colloid-like globular shape and polymer-like flexible chains. This Ph.D. research addresses two main challenges in studying PAMAM dendrimers. Even though neutron scattering is an ideal tool to study this PAMAM dendrimer solution due to its matching temporal and

Neutron scattering measurements of carbon dioxide adsorption in pores within the Marcellus Shale: Implications for sequestration

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stefanopoulos, Konstantinos L.; Youngs, Tristan G. A.; Sakurovs, Richard; Ruppert, Leslie F.; Bahadur, Jitendra; Melnichenko, Yuri B.

2017-01-01

Shale is an increasingly viable source of natural gas and a potential candidate for geologic CO2sequestration. Understanding the gas adsorption behavior on shale is necessary for the design of optimal gas recovery and sequestration projects. In the present study neutron diffraction and small-angle neutron scattering measurements of adsorbed CO2 in Marcellus Shale samples were conducted on the Near and InterMediate Range Order Diffractometer (NIMROD) at the ISIS Pulsed Neutron and Muon Source, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory along an adsorption isotherm of 22 °C and pressures of 25 and 40 bar. Additional measurements were conducted at approximately 22 and 60 °C at the same pressures on the General-Purpose Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (GP-SANS) instrument at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The structures investigated (pores) for CO2 adsorption range in size from Å level to ∼50 nm. The results indicate that, using the conditions investigated densification or condensation effects occurred in all accessible pores. The data suggest that at 22 °C the CO2 has liquid-like properties when confined in pores of around 1 nm radius at pressures as low as 25 bar. Many of the 2.5 nm pores, 70% of 2 nm pores, most of the <1 nm pores, and all pores <0.25 nm, are inaccessible or closed to CO2, suggesting that despite the vast numbers of micropores in shale, the micropores will be unavailable for storage for geologic CO2 sequestration.

CAMEA—A novel multiplexing analyzer for neutron spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Groitl, Felix; Graf, Dieter; Birk, Jonas Okkels; Markó, Márton; Bartkowiak, Marek; Filges, Uwe; Niedermayer, Christof; Rüegg, Christian; Rønnow, Henrik M.

2016-03-01

The analyzer detector system continuous angle multiple energy analysis will be installed on the cold-neutron triple-axis spectrometer RITA-2 at SINQ, PSI. CAMEA is optimized for efficiency in the horizontal scattering plane enabling rapid and detailed mapping of excitations. As a novelty the design employs a series of several sequential upward scattering analyzer arcs. Each arc is set to a different, fixed, final energy and scatters neutrons towards position sensitive detectors. Thus, neutrons with different final energies are recorded simultaneously over a large angular range. In a single data-acquisition many entire constant-energy lines in the horizontal scattering plane are recorded for a quasi-continuous angular coverage of about 60°. With a large combined coverage in energy and momentum, this will result in a very efficient spectrometer, which will be particularly suited for parametric studies under extreme conditions with restrictive sample environments (high field magnets or pressure cells) and for small samples of novel materials. In this paper we outline the concept and the specifications of the instrument currently under construction.

Designing Mixed Detergent Micelles for Uniform Neutron Contrast

DOE PAGES

Oliver, Ryan C.; Pingali, Sai Venkatesh; Urban, Volker S.

2017-09-29

Micelle-forming detergents provide an amphipathic environment that mimics lipid bilayers and are important tools used to solubilize and stabilize membrane proteins in solution for in vitro structural investigations. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) performed at the neutron contrast match point of detergent molecules allows observing the scattering signal from membrane proteins unobstructed by contributions from the detergent. However, we show here that even for a perfectly average-contrast matched detergent there arises significant core-shell scattering from the contrast difference between aliphatic detergent tails and hydrophilic head groups. This residual signal at the average detergent contrast match point interferes with interpreting structural datamore » of membrane proteins. This complication is often made worse by the presence of excess empty (protein-free) micelles. Here, we present an approach for the rational design of mixed micelles containing a deuterated detergent analog, which eliminates neutron contrast between core and shell, and allows the micelle scattering to be fully contrast matched to unambiguously resolve membrane protein structure using solution SANS.« less

Designing Mixed Detergent Micelles for Uniform Neutron Contrast

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oliver, Ryan C.; Pingali, Sai Venkatesh; Urban, Volker S.

Micelle-forming detergents provide an amphipathic environment that mimics lipid bilayers and are important tools used to solubilize and stabilize membrane proteins in solution for in vitro structural investigations. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) performed at the neutron contrast match point of detergent molecules allows observing the scattering signal from membrane proteins unobstructed by contributions from the detergent. However, we show here that even for a perfectly average-contrast matched detergent there arises significant core-shell scattering from the contrast difference between aliphatic detergent tails and hydrophilic head groups. This residual signal at the average detergent contrast match point interferes with interpreting structural datamore » of membrane proteins. This complication is often made worse by the presence of excess empty (protein-free) micelles. Here, we present an approach for the rational design of mixed micelles containing a deuterated detergent analog, which eliminates neutron contrast between core and shell, and allows the micelle scattering to be fully contrast matched to unambiguously resolve membrane protein structure using solution SANS.« less

Investigations on neutron irradiated 3D carbon fibre reinforced carbon composite material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venugopalan, Ramani; Alur, V. D.; Patra, A. K.; Acharya, R.; Srivastava, D.

2018-04-01

As against conventional graphite materials carbon-carbon (C/C) composite materials are now being contemplated as the promising candidate materials for the high temperature and fusion reactor owing to their high thermal conductivity and high thermal resistance, better mechanical/thermal properties and irradiation stability. The current need is for focused research on novel carbon materials for future new generation nuclear reactors. The advantage of carbon-carbon composite is that the microstructure and the properties can be tailor made. The present study encompasses the irradiation of 3D carbon composite prepared by reinforcement using PAN carbon fibers for nuclear application. The carbon fiber reinforced composite was subjected to neutron irradiation in the research reactor DHRUVA. The irradiated samples were characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), small angle neutron scattering (SANS), XRD and Raman spectroscopy. The DSC scans were taken in argon atmosphere under a linear heating program. The scanning was carried out at temperature range from 30 °C to 700 °C at different heating rates in argon atmosphere along with reference as unirradiated carbon composite. The Wigner energy spectrum of irradiated composite showed two peaks corresponding to 200 °C and 600 °C. The stored energy data for the samples were in the range 110-170 J/g for temperature ranging from 30 °C to 700 °C. The Wigner energy spectrum of irradiated carbon composite did not indicate spontaneous temperature rise during thermal annealing. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments have been carried out to investigate neutron irradiation induced changes in porosity of the composite samples. SANS data were recorded in the scattering wave vector range of 0.17 nm-1 to 3.5 nm-1. Comparison of SANS profiles of irradiated and unirradiated samples indicates significant change in pore morphology. Pore size distributions of the samples follow power law size distribution with

Small angle x-ray scattering with edge-illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Modregger, Peter; Cremona, Tiziana P.; Benarafa, Charaf; Schittny, Johannes C.; Olivo, Alessandro; Endrizzi, Marco

2016-08-01

Sensitivity to sub-pixel sample features has been demonstrated as a valuable capability of phase contrast x-ray imaging. Here, we report on a method to obtain angular-resolved small angle x-ray scattering distributions with edge-illumination- based imaging utilizing incoherent illumination from an x-ray tube. Our approach provides both the three established image modalities (absorption, differential phase and scatter strength), plus a number of additional contrasts related to unresolved sample features. The complementarity of these contrasts is experimentally validated by using different materials in powder form. As a significant application example we show that the extended complementary contrasts could allow the diagnosis of pulmonary emphysema in a murine model. In support of this, we demonstrate that the properties of the retrieved scattering distributions are consistent with the expectation of increased feature sizes related to pulmonary emphysema. Combined with the simplicity of implementation of edge-illumination, these findings suggest a high potential for exploiting extended sub-pixel contrasts in the diagnosis of lung diseases and beyond.

Exploring Boron Neutron Capture Therapy for non-small cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Farías, Rubén O; Bortolussi, Silva; Menéndez, Pablo R; González, Sara J

2014-12-01

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a radiotherapy that combines biological targeting and high LET radiation. It consists in the enrichment of tumour with (10)B and in the successive irradiation of the target with low energy neutrons producing charged particles that mainly cause non-repairable damages to the cells. The feasibility to treat Non Small Cells Lung Cancer (NSCLC) with BNCT was explored. This paper proposes a new approach to determine treatment plans, introducing the possibility to choose the irradiation start and duration to maximize the tumour dose. A Tumour Control Probability (TCP) suited for lung BNCT as well as other high dose radiotherapy schemes was also introduced. Treatment plans were evaluated in localized and disseminated lung tumours. Semi-ideal and real energy spectra beams were employed to assess the best energy range and the performance of non-tailored neutron sources for lung tumour treatments. The optimal neutron energy is within [500 eV-3 keV], lower than the 10 keV suggested for the treatment of deep-seated tumours in the brain. TCPs higher than 0.6 and up to 0.95 are obtained for all cases. Conclusions drawn from [Suzuki et al., Int Canc Conf J 1 (4) (2012) 235-238] supporting the feasibility of BNCT for shallow lung tumours are confirmed, however discussions favouring the treatment of deeper lesions and disseminated disease are also opened. Since BNCT gives the possibility to deliver a safe and potentially effective treatment for NSCLC, it can be considered a suitable alternative for patients with few or no treatment options. Copyright © 2014 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reflective small angle electron scattering to characterize nanostructures on opaque substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Friedman, Lawrence H.; Wu, Wen-Li; Fu, Wei-En; Chien, Yunsan

2017-09-01

Feature sizes in integrated circuits (ICs) are often at the scale of 10 nm and are ever shrinking. ICs appearing in today's computers and hand held devices are perhaps the most prominent examples. These smaller feature sizes demand equivalent advances in fast and accurate dimensional metrology for both development and manufacturing. Techniques in use and continuing to be developed include X-ray based techniques, optical scattering, and of course the electron and scanning probe microscopy techniques. Each of these techniques has their advantages and limitations. Here, the use of small angle electron beam scattering measurements in a reflection mode (RSAES) to characterize the dimensions and the shape of nanostructures on flat and opaque substrates is demonstrated using both experimental and theoretical evidence. In RSAES, focused electrons are scattered at angles smaller than 1 ° with the assistance of electron optics typically used in transmission electron microscopy. A proof-of-concept experiment is combined with rigorous electron reflection simulations to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of RSAES as a method of non-destructive measurement of shapes of features less than 10 nm in size on flat and opaque substrates.

Reflective Small Angle Electron Scattering to Characterize Nanostructures on Opaque Substrates.

PubMed

Friedman, Lawrence H; Wu, Wen-Li; Fu, Wei-En; Chien, Yunsan

2017-09-01

Features sizes in integrated circuits (ICs) are often at the scale of 10 nm and are ever shrinking. ICs appearing in today's computers and hand held devices are perhaps the most prominent examples. These smaller feature sizes demand equivalent advances in fast and accurate dimensional metrology for both development and manufacturing. Techniques in use and continuing to be developed include X-ray based techniques, optical scattering and of course the electron and scanning probe microscopy techniques. Each of these techniques have their advantages and limitations. Here the use of small angle electron beam scattering measurements in a reflection mode (RSAES) to characterize the dimensions and the shape of nanostructures on flat and opaque substrates is demonstrated using both experimental and theoretical evidence. In RSAES, focused electrons are scattered at angles smaller than 1° with the assistance of electron optics typically used in transmission electron microscopy. A proof-of-concept experiment is combined with rigorous electron reflection simulations to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of RSAES as a method of non-destructive measurement of shapes of features less than 10 nm in size on flat and opaque substrates.

Enhancing electrical energy storage capability of dielectric polymer nanocomposites via the room temperature Coulomb blockade effect of ultra-small platinum nanoparticles.

PubMed

Wang, Liwei; Huang, Xingyi; Zhu, Yingke; Jiang, Pingkai

2018-02-14

Introducing a high dielectric constant (high-k) nanofiller into a dielectric polymer is the most common way to achieve flexible nanocomposites for electrostatic energy storage devices. However, the significant decrease of breakdown strength and large increase of dielectric loss has long been known as the bottleneck restricting the enhancement of practical energy storage capability of the nanocomposites. In this study, by introducing ultra-small platinum (<2 nm) nanoparticles, high-k polymer nanocomposites with high breakdown strength and low dielectric loss were prepared successfully. Core-shell structured polydopamine@BaTiO 3 (PDA@BT) and core-satellite ultra-small platinum decorated PDA@BT (Pt@PDA@BT) were used as nanofillers. Compared with PDA@BT nanocomposites, the maximum discharged energy density of the Pt@PDA@BT nanocomposites is increased by nearly 70% because of the improved energy storage efficiency. This research provides a simple, promising and unique way to enhance energy storage capability of high-k polymer nanocomposites.

Small-angle scattering from 3D Sierpinski tetrahedron generated using chaos game

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slyamov, Azat

2017-12-01

We approximate a three dimensional version of deterministic Sierpinski gasket (SG), also known as Sierpinski tetrahedron (ST), by using the chaos game representation (CGR). Structural properties of the fractal, generated by both deterministic and CGR algorithms are determined using small-angle scattering (SAS) technique. We calculate the corresponding monodisperse structure factor of ST, using an optimized Debye formula. We show that scattering from CGR of ST recovers basic fractal properties, such as fractal dimension, iteration number, scaling factor, overall size of the system and the number of units composing the fractal.

Ultra-small and anionic starch nanospheres: formation and vitro thrombolytic behavior study.

PubMed

Huang, Yinjuan; Ding, Shenglong; Liu, Mingzhu; Gao, Chunmei; Yang, Jinlong; Zhang, Xinjie; Ding, Bin

2013-07-25

This paper is considered as the first report on the investigation of nattokinase (NK) release from anionic starch nanospheres. The ultra-small and anionic starch nanospheres were prepared by the method of reverse micro-emulsion crosslinking in this work. Starch nanospheres were characterized through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Effects of preparation conditions on particle size were studied. The cytotoxicity, biodegradable and vitro thrombolytic behaviors of nattokinase (NK) loaded anionic starch nanospheres were also studied. The results showed that the anionic starch nanospheres are non-toxic, biocompatible and biodegradable. Moreover, the anionic starch nanospheres can protect NK from fast biodegradation hence prolongs the circulation in vivo and can reduce the risk of acute hemorrhage complication by decreasing the thrombolysis rate. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A large 2D PSD for thermal neutron detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knott, R. B.; Smith, G. C.; Watt, G.; Boldeman, J. W.

1997-02-01

A 2D PSD based on a MWPC has been constructed for a small angle neutron scattering instrument. The active area of the detector was 640 × 640 mm 2. To meet the specifications for neutron detection efficiency and spatial resolution, and to minimise parallax, the gas mixture was 190 kPa 3He plus 100 kPa CF 4, and the active volume had a thickness of 30 mm. The design maximum neutron count rate of the detector was 10 5 events per secod. The (calculated) neutron detection efficiency was 60% for 2 Å neutrons and the (measured) neutron energy resolution on the anode grid was typically 20% (fwhm). The location of a neutron detection event within the active area was determined using the wire-by-wire method: the spatial resolution (5 × 5 mm 2) was thereby defined by the wire geometry. A 16-channel charge-sensitive preamplifier/amplifier/comparator module has been developed with a channel sensitivity of 0.1 V/fC, noise line width of 0.4 fC (fwhm) and channel-to-channel cross-talk of less than 5%. The Proportional Counter Operating System (PCOS III) (LeCroy Corp, USA) was used for event encoding. The ECL signals produced by the 16 channel modules were latched in PCOS III by a trigger pulse from the anode and the fast encoders produce a position and width for each event. The information was transferred to a UNIX workstation for accumulation and online display.

Epithermal neutron beams from the 7 Li(p,n) reaction near the threshold for neutron capture therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porras, I.; Praena, J.; Arias de Saavedra, F.; Pedrosa, M.; Esquinas, P.; L. Jiménez-Bonilla, P.

2016-11-01

Two applications for neutron capture therapy of epithermal neutron beams calculated from the 7Li ( p , n reaction are discussed. In particular, i) for a proton beam of 1920 keV of a 30 mA, a neutron beam of adequate features for BNCT is found at an angle of 80° from the forward direction; and ii) for a proton beam of 1910 keV, a neutron beam is obtained at the forward direction suitable for performing radiobiology experiments for the determination of the biological weighting factors of the fast dose component in neutron capture therapy.

Mineral crystal alignment in mineralized fracture callus determined by 3D small-angle X-ray scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yifei; Manjubala, Inderchand; Roschger, Paul; Schell, Hanna; Duda, Georg N.; Fratzl, Peter

2010-10-01

Callus tissue formed during bone fracture healing is a mixture of different tissue types as revealed by histological analysis. But the structural characteristics of mineral crystals within the healing callus are not well known. Since two-dimensional (2D) scanning small-angle X-ray scattering (sSAXS) patterns showed that the size and orientation of callus crystals vary both spatially and temporally [1] and 2D electron microscopic analysis implies an anisotropic property of the callus morphology, the mineral crystals within the callus are also expected to vary in size and orientation in 3D. Three-dimensional small-angle X-ray scattering (3D SAXS), which combines 2D SAXS patterns collected at different angles of sample tilting, has been previously applied to investigate bone minerals in horse radius [2] and oim/oim mouse femur/tibia [3]. We implement a similar 3D SAXS method but with a different way of data analysis to gather information on the mineral alignment in fracture callus. With the proposed accurate yet fast assessment of 3D SAXS information, it was shown that the plate shaped mineral particles in the healing callus were aligned in groups with their predominant orientations occurring as a fiber texture.

Structure in the Proton and the Neutron

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Hofstadter, R.

1958-06-01

between the limits 0.61 x 10{sup -13} cm and 0.80 x 10{sup -13} cm. The first value (0.61 x 10{sup -13} cm) is determined by examining the total deuteron electro-disintegration cross section at a given angle and incident energy and comparing this cross section with that of the free proton under the same conditions. The second value (0.80 x 10{sup -13} cm) is found by examining the peak of the deuteron electro-disintegration cross section. Because of possible contributions to the total cross section by mesonic exchange effects, the second method is believed to be slightly more accurate. The neutron size is, therefore, approximately (0.70 plus or minus 0.10) x 10{sup -13} cm and probably the larger size 0.90 x 10{sup -13} cm is correct. Thus the magnetic clouds of the neutron and proton are closely the same. The bearing of these results on the validity of electrodynamics is discussed. Because of the small radius implied by the neutron-electron experiments, there is an anomaly between the neutron and the proton. This is represented by the small charge radius for the neutron and the much larger radius of the proton. Additional information of the structure of the deuteron and on the production of pions by electrons is also furnished by the same experiments and will be discussed at the meeting. (auth)

Neutron-transmutation-doped germanium bolometers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palaio, N. P.; Rodder, M.; Haller, E. E.; Kreysa, E.

1983-01-01

Six slices of ultra-pure germanium were irradiated with thermal neutron fluences between 7.5 x 10 to the 16th and 1.88 x 10 to the 18th per sq cm. After thermal annealing the resistivity was measured down to low temperatures (less than 4.2 K) and found to follow the relationship rho = rho sub 0 exp(Delta/T) in the hopping conduction regime. Also, several junction FETs were tested for noise performance at room temperature and in an insulating housing in a 4.2 K cryostat. These FETs will be used as first stage amplifiers for neutron-transmutation-doped germanium bolometers.

SASfit: a tool for small-angle scattering data analysis using a library of analytical expressions.

PubMed

Breßler, Ingo; Kohlbrecher, Joachim; Thünemann, Andreas F

2015-10-01

SASfit is one of the mature programs for small-angle scattering data analysis and has been available for many years. This article describes the basic data processing and analysis workflow along with recent developments in the SASfit program package (version 0.94.6). They include (i) advanced algorithms for reduction of oversampled data sets, (ii) improved confidence assessment in the optimized model parameters and (iii) a flexible plug-in system for custom user-provided models. A scattering function of a mass fractal model of branched polymers in solution is provided as an example for implementing a plug-in. The new SASfit release is available for major platforms such as Windows, Linux and MacOS. To facilitate usage, it includes comprehensive indexed documentation as well as a web-based wiki for peer collaboration and online videos demonstrating basic usage. The use of SASfit is illustrated by interpretation of the small-angle X-ray scattering curves of monomodal gold nanoparticles (NIST reference material 8011) and bimodal silica nanoparticles (EU reference material ERM-FD-102).

Direct comparison of Fe-Cr unmixing characterization by atom probe tomography and small angle scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Couturier, Laurent, E-mail: laurent.couturier55@ho

The fine microstructure obtained by unmixing of a solid solution either by classical precipitation or spinodal decomposition is often characterized either by small angle scattering or atom probe tomography. This article shows that a common data analysis framework can be used to analyze data obtained from these two techniques. An example of the application of this common analysis is given for characterization of the unmixing of the Fe-Cr matrix of a 15-5 PH stainless steel during long-term ageing at 350 °C and 400 °C. A direct comparison of the Cr composition fluctuations amplitudes and characteristic lengths obtained with both techniquesmore » is made showing a quantitative agreement for the fluctuation amplitudes. The origin of the discrepancy remaining for the characteristic lengths is discussed. - Highlights: •Common analysis framework for atom probe tomography and small angle scattering •Comparison of same microstructural characteristics obtained using both techniques •Good correlation of Cr composition fluctuations amplitudes from both techniques •Good correlation of Cr composition fluctuations amplitudes with classic V parameter.« less

An Experimental Study of Ultra-Wide-Band and Ultra-Wide-Aperture Non-Collinear Acousto-Optic Diffraction in an Optically Biaxial Potassium Arsenate Titanyl Crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milkov, M. G.; Voloshinov, V. B.; Isaenko, L. I.; Vedenyapin, V. N.

2018-01-01

Acousto-optic interaction in an optically biaxial crystalline medium under propagation of light close to one of the optical axes of a potassium arsenate titanyl KTiOAsO4 crystal has been studied. The experimental dependences of the intensity of a diffracted optical beam on the angle of light incidence on an ultrasonic wave have been obtained. It has been shown that a flat cut of a wave-vector surface provides development of an ultra-wide-aperture and ultra-wide-band acousto-optic deflector to control radiation in the visible and infrared electromagnetic spectral ranges.

Ultra-low-loss tapered optical fibers with minimal lengths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagai, Ryutaro; Aoki, Takao

2014-11-01

We design and fabricate ultra-low-loss tapered optical fibers (TOFs) with minimal lengths. We first optimize variations of the torch scan length using the flame-brush method for fabricating TOFs with taper angles that satisfy the adiabaticity criteria. We accordingly fabricate TOFs with optimal shapes and compare their transmission to TOFs with a constant taper angle and TOFs with an exponential shape. The highest transmission measured for TOFs with an optimal shape is in excess of 99.7 % with a total TOF length of only 23 mm, whereas TOFs with a constant taper angle of 2 mrad reach 99.6 % transmission for a 63 mm TOF length.

Quantitative impact of small angle forward scatter on whole blood oximetry using a Beer-Lambert absorbance model.

PubMed

LeBlanc, Serge Emile; Atanya, Monica; Burns, Kevin; Munger, Rejean

2011-04-21

It is well known that red blood cell scattering has an impact on whole blood oximetry as well as in vivo retinal oxygen saturation measurements. The goal of this study was to quantify the impact of small angle forward scatter on whole blood oximetry for scattering angles found in retinal oximetry light paths. Transmittance spectra of whole blood were measured in two different experimental setups: one that included small angle scatter in the transmitted signal and one that measured the transmitted signal only, at absorbance path lengths of 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500 µm. Oxygen saturation was determined by multiple linear regression in the 520-600 nm wavelength range and compared between path lengths and experimental setups. Mean calculated oxygen saturation differences between setups were greater than 10% at every absorbance path length. The deviations to the Beer-Lambert absorbance model had different spectral dependences between experimental setups, with the highest deviations found in the 520-540 nm range when scatter was added to the transmitted signal. These results are consistent with other models of forward scatter that predict different spectral dependences of the red blood cell scattering cross-section and haemoglobin extinction coefficients in this wavelength range.

Morphological structure of Gluconacetobacter xylinus cellulose and cellulose-based organic-inorganic composite materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smyslov, R. Yu; Ezdakova, K. V.; Kopitsa, G. P.; Khripunov, A. K.; Bugrov, A. N.; Tkachenko, A. A.; Angelov, B.; Pipich, V.; Szekely, N. K.; Baranchikov, A. E.; Latysheva, E.; Chetverikov, Yu O.; Haramus, V.

2017-05-01

Scanning electron microscopy, ultra-small-angle neutron scattering (USANS), small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering (SANS and SAXS), as well as low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, were used in the studies of micro- and mesostructure of polymer matrix prepared from air-dry preliminarily disintegrated cellulose nano-gel film (synthesized by Gluconacetobacter xylinus) and the composites based on this bacterial cellulose. The composites included ZrO2 nanoparticles, Tb3+ in the form of low molecular weight salt and of metal-polymer complex with poly(vinylpyrrolydone)-poly(methacryloyl-o-aminobenzoic acid) copolymer. The combined analysis of the data obtained allowed revealing three levels of fractal organization in mesostructure of G. xylinus cellulose and its composites. It was shown that both the composition and an aggregation state of dopants have a significant impact on the structural characteristics of the organic-inorganic composites. The composites containing Tb3+ ions demonstrate efficient luminescence; its intensity is an order of magnitude higher in the case of the composites with the metal-polymer complex. It was found that there is the optimal content of ZrO2 nanoparticles in composites resulting in increased Tb3+ luminescence.

Lamping process and application of ultra small U-shaped, whispery gallery mode (WGM) based optic fiber sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Yuan Cheng; Chiang, Chia Chin

2015-07-01

This study success to smaller and control the diameter of single mode optical fiber whispery gallery mode (WGM) to diameter 0.8 mm nonetching and nontaping treated. The sensitivity of this type ultra-small U-shape WGM strengthens neither etching nor taping fibre. The sensitivity we apply to thermo test depends on wavelength shift from 40 ~ 96°C (R2 = 0.99 ). The specially characteristics of the optical fiber could be tested for temperature, refraction, vibration, concussion, and CO2 detection.

Grating-based holographic diffraction methods for X-rays and neutrons: phase object approximation and dynamical theory

DOE PAGES

Feng, Hao; Ashkar, Rana; Steinke, Nina; ...

2018-02-01

A method dubbed grating-based holography was recently used to determine the structure of colloidal fluids in the rectangular grooves of a diffraction grating from X-ray scattering measurements. Similar grating-based measurements have also been recently made with neutrons using a technique called spin-echo small-angle neutron scattering. The analysis of the X-ray diffraction data was done using an approximation that treats the X-ray phase change caused by the colloidal structure as a small perturbation to the overall phase pattern generated by the grating. In this paper, the adequacy of this weak phase approximation is explored for both X-ray and neutron grating holography.more » Additionally, it is found that there are several approximations hidden within the weak phase approximation that can lead to incorrect conclusions from experiments. In particular, the phase contrast for the empty grating is a critical parameter. Finally, while the approximation is found to be perfectly adequate for X-ray grating holography experiments performed to date, it cannot be applied to similar neutron experiments because the latter technique requires much deeper grating channels.« less

Ultra-fast fluence optimization for beam angle selection algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bangert, M.; Ziegenhein, P.; Oelfke, U.

2014-03-01

Beam angle selection (BAS) including fluence optimization (FO) is among the most extensive computational tasks in radiotherapy. Precomputed dose influence data (DID) of all considered beam orientations (up to 100 GB for complex cases) has to be handled in the main memory and repeated FOs are required for different beam ensembles. In this paper, the authors describe concepts accelerating FO for BAS algorithms using off-the-shelf multiprocessor workstations. The FO runtime is not dominated by the arithmetic load of the CPUs but by the transportation of DID from the RAM to the CPUs. On multiprocessor workstations, however, the speed of data transportation from the main memory to the CPUs is non-uniform across the RAM; every CPU has a dedicated memory location (node) with minimum access time. We apply a thread node binding strategy to ensure that CPUs only access DID from their preferred node. Ideal load balancing for arbitrary beam ensembles is guaranteed by distributing the DID of every candidate beam equally to all nodes. Furthermore we use a custom sorting scheme of the DID to minimize the overall data transportation. The framework is implemented on an AMD Opteron workstation. One FO iteration comprising dose, objective function, and gradient calculation takes between 0.010 s (9 beams, skull, 0.23 GB DID) and 0.070 s (9 beams, abdomen, 1.50 GB DID). Our overall FO time is < 1 s for small cases, larger cases take ~ 4 s. BAS runs including FOs for 1000 different beam ensembles take ~ 15-70 min, depending on the treatment site. This enables an efficient clinical evaluation of different BAS algorithms.

Application of advanced shearing techniques to the calibration of autocollimators with small angle generators and investigation of error sources.

PubMed

Yandayan, T; Geckeler, R D; Aksulu, M; Akgoz, S A; Ozgur, B

2016-05-01

The application of advanced error-separating shearing techniques to the precise calibration of autocollimators with Small Angle Generators (SAGs) was carried out for the first time. The experimental realization was achieved using the High Precision Small Angle Generator (HPSAG) of TUBITAK UME under classical dimensional metrology laboratory environmental conditions. The standard uncertainty value of 5 mas (24.2 nrad) reached by classical calibration method was improved to the level of 1.38 mas (6.7 nrad). Shearing techniques, which offer a unique opportunity to separate the errors of devices without recourse to any external standard, were first adapted by Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) to the calibration of autocollimators with angle encoders. It has been demonstrated experimentally in a clean room environment using the primary angle standard of PTB (WMT 220). The application of the technique to a different type of angle measurement system extends the range of the shearing technique further and reveals other advantages. For example, the angular scales of the SAGs are based on linear measurement systems (e.g., capacitive nanosensors for the HPSAG). Therefore, SAGs show different systematic errors when compared to angle encoders. In addition to the error-separation of HPSAG and the autocollimator, detailed investigations on error sources were carried out. Apart from determination of the systematic errors of the capacitive sensor used in the HPSAG, it was also demonstrated that the shearing method enables the unique opportunity to characterize other error sources such as errors due to temperature drift in long term measurements. This proves that the shearing technique is a very powerful method for investigating angle measuring systems, for their improvement, and for specifying precautions to be taken during the measurements.

Decorative power generating panels creating angle insensitive transmissive colors

PubMed Central

Lee, Jae Yong; Lee, Kyu-Tae; Seo, Sungyong; Guo, L. Jay

2014-01-01

We present ultra-thin (6 to 31 nm) undoped amorphous silicon/organic hybrid solar cell structure, which can transmit desired color of light. The transmitted colors show great angular tolerance due to the negligible optical phase associated with light propagating in ultra-thin amorphous silicon (a-Si) layers. We achieved the power conversion efficiency of the hybrid cells up to 2 %; and demonstrated that most of the absorbed photons in the undoped a-Si layer contributed to the extracted electric charges due to the suppressed electron-hole recombination in the ultra-thin a-Si layer. We also show the resonance is invariant with respect to the angle of incidence up to ±70° regardless of the polarization of the incident light. Our exploration provides a design to realize energy harvesting colored photovoltaic panels for innovative applications. PMID:24577075

Decorative power generating panels creating angle insensitive transmissive colors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jae Yong; Lee, Kyu-Tae; Seo, Sungyong; Guo, L. Jay

2014-02-01

We present ultra-thin (6 to 31 nm) undoped amorphous silicon/organic hybrid solar cell structure, which can transmit desired color of light. The transmitted colors show great angular tolerance due to the negligible optical phase associated with light propagating in ultra-thin amorphous silicon (a-Si) layers. We achieved the power conversion efficiency of the hybrid cells up to 2 %; and demonstrated that most of the absorbed photons in the undoped a-Si layer contributed to the extracted electric charges due to the suppressed electron-hole recombination in the ultra-thin a-Si layer. We also show the resonance is invariant with respect to the angle of incidence up to +/-70° regardless of the polarization of the incident light. Our exploration provides a design to realize energy harvesting colored photovoltaic panels for innovative applications.

Decorative power generating panels creating angle insensitive transmissive colors.

PubMed

Lee, Jae Yong; Lee, Kyu-Tae; Seo, Sungyong; Guo, L Jay

2014-02-28

We present ultra-thin (6 to 31 nm) undoped amorphous silicon/organic hybrid solar cell structure, which can transmit desired color of light. The transmitted colors show great angular tolerance due to the negligible optical phase associated with light propagating in ultra-thin amorphous silicon (a-Si) layers. We achieved the power conversion efficiency of the hybrid cells up to 2 %; and demonstrated that most of the absorbed photons in the undoped a-Si layer contributed to the extracted electric charges due to the suppressed electron-hole recombination in the ultra-thin a-Si layer. We also show the resonance is invariant with respect to the angle of incidence up to ± 70° regardless of the polarization of the incident light. Our exploration provides a design to realize energy harvesting colored photovoltaic panels for innovative applications.

Ultra-thin enhanced-absorption long-wave infrared detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shaohua; Yoon, Narae; Kamboj, Abhilasha; Petluru, Priyanka; Zheng, Wanhua; Wasserman, Daniel

2018-02-01

We propose an architecture for enhanced absorption in ultra-thin strained layer superlattice detectors utilizing a hybrid optical cavity design. Our detector architecture utilizes a designer-metal doped semiconductor ground plane beneath the ultra-subwavelength thickness long-wavelength infrared absorber material, upon which we pattern metallic antenna structures. We demonstrate the potential for near 50% detector absorption in absorber layers with thicknesses of approximately λ0/50, using realistic material parameters. We investigate detector absorption as a function of wavelength and incidence angle, as well as detector geometry. The proposed device architecture offers the potential for high efficiency detectors with minimal growth costs and relaxed design parameters.

Electric Dipole Polarizability of ^{48}Ca and Implications for the Neutron Skin.

PubMed

Birkhan, J; Miorelli, M; Bacca, S; Bassauer, S; Bertulani, C A; Hagen, G; Matsubara, H; von Neumann-Cosel, P; Papenbrock, T; Pietralla, N; Ponomarev, V Yu; Richter, A; Schwenk, A; Tamii, A

2017-06-23

The electric dipole strength distribution in ^{48}Ca between 5 and 25 MeV has been determined at RCNP, Osaka from proton inelastic scattering experiments at forward angles. Combined with photoabsorption data at higher excitation energy, this enables the first extraction of the electric dipole polarizability α_{D}(^{48}Ca)=2.07(22)  fm^{3}. Remarkably, the dipole response of ^{48}Ca is found to be very similar to that of ^{40}Ca, consistent with a small neutron skin in ^{48}Ca. The experimental results are in good agreement with ab initio calculations based on chiral effective field theory interactions and with state-of-the-art density-functional calculations, implying a neutron skin in ^{48}Ca of 0.14-0.20 fm.

Electric Dipole Polarizability of Ca 48 and Implications for the Neutron Skin

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Birkhan, J.; Miorelli, M.; Bacca, S.

The electric dipole strength distribution in 48Ca between 5 and 25 MeV has been determined at RCNP, Osaka, from proton inelastic scattering experiments at forward angles. Combined with photoabsorption data at higher excitation energy, this enables the rst extraction of the electric dipole polarizability D( 48Ca) = 2:07(22) fm 3. Remarkably, the dipole response of 48Ca is found to be very similar to that of 40Ca, consistent with a small neutron skin in 48Ca. The experimental results are in good agreement with ab initio calculations based on chiral e ective eld theory interactions and with state-of-the-art density-functional calculations, implying amore » neutron skin in 48Ca of 0:14 - 0:20 fm.« less

Electric Dipole Polarizability of Ca 48 and Implications for the Neutron Skin

DOE PAGES

Birkhan, J.; Miorelli, M.; Bacca, S.; ...

2017-06-23

The electric dipole strength distribution in 48Ca between 5 and 25 MeV has been determined at RCNP, Osaka, from proton inelastic scattering experiments at forward angles. Combined with photoabsorption data at higher excitation energy, this enables the rst extraction of the electric dipole polarizability D( 48Ca) = 2:07(22) fm 3. Remarkably, the dipole response of 48Ca is found to be very similar to that of 40Ca, consistent with a small neutron skin in 48Ca. The experimental results are in good agreement with ab initio calculations based on chiral e ective eld theory interactions and with state-of-the-art density-functional calculations, implying amore » neutron skin in 48Ca of 0:14 - 0:20 fm.« less

The morphology of blends of linear and branched polyethylenes in solid state by small-angle scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wignall, G.D.; Londono, J.D.; Alamo, R.G.

1995-12-01

We have used small-angle neutron and x-ray scattering (SANS And SAXS) to investigate the solid state morphology of blends of high-density and low-density polyethylenes (HDPE and LDPE). The blends are homogenous in the melt as demonstrated by SANS using the contrast obtained by deuterating the linear polymer, though they phase segregate on slow cooling (0.75{degree}C/min). For high concentrations ({theta} {ge} 0.5) of linear polymer, there are separate stacks of HDPE and LDPE lamellae, as indicated by 2-peak SAXS curves. For predominantly branched blends, the phase separation is less complete, and the components are separated within the same lamellar stack, withmore » alternating HDPE and LDPE lamellae. Moreover, the phases no longer consist of the pure components and the HDPE lamellae contain up to 15% LDPE. Rapid quenching into dry-ice/acetone (-78{degree}C) produces only one lamellar stack over the whole concentration range. The blends show extensive cocrystallization with a tendency for the branched material to be preferentially located in the amorphous regions. For high concentrations ({theta} {ge} 0.5) of HDPE-D the overall scattering length density is high and the excess concentration of LDPE between the lamellae enhances the contrast between the crystalline and amorphous phases. Thus, the interlamellar spacing (long period) is clearly visible in the SANS pattern. The blend morphology is a strong function of the quench rate and samples quenched less rapidly (e.g., into water at 23{degree}C) show a similar morphology to slowly cooled samples.« less

From X-Ray Telescopes to Neutron Focusing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gubarev, M. V.; Khaykovich, B.; Ramsey, B.; Moncton, D. E.

2011-01-01

In the case of neutrons the refractive index is slightly less than unity for most elements and their isotopes. Consequently, thermal and cold neutrons can be reflected from smooth surfaces at grazing-incidence angles. Hence, the optical technologies developed for x-ray astronomy can be applied for neutron focusing. The focusing capabilities of grazing incidence neutron imaging optics have been successfully demonstrated using nickel mirrors. The mirrors were fabricated using an electroformed nickel replication process at Marshall Space Flight Center. Results of the neutron optics experiments will be presented. Challenges of the neutron imaging optics as well as possible applications of the optics will be discussed.

Feasibility of Small Animal Anatomical and Functional Imaging with Neutrons: A Monte Carlo Simulation Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Medich, David C.; Currier, Blake H.; Karellas, Andrew

2014-10-01

A novel technique is presented for obtaining a single in-vivo image containing both functional and anatomical information in a small animal model such as a mouse. This technique, which incorporates appropriate image neutron-scatter rejection and uses a neutron opaque contrast agent, is based on neutron radiographic technology and was demonstrated through a series of Monte Carlo simulations. With respect to functional imaging, this technique can be useful in biomedical and biological research because it could achieve a spatial resolution orders of magnitude better than what presently can be achieved with current functional imaging technologies such as nuclear medicine (PET, SPECT) and fMRI. For these studies, Monte Carlo simulations were performed with thermal (0.025 eV) neutrons in a 3 cm thick phantom using the MCNP5 simulations software. The goals of these studies were to determine: 1) the extent that scattered neutrons degrade image contrast; 2) the contrasts of various normal and diseased tissues under conditions of complete scatter rejection; 3) the concentrations of Boron-10 and Gadolinium-157 required for contrast differentiation in functional imaging; and 4) the efficacy of collimation for neutron scatter image rejection. Results demonstrate that with proper neutron-scatter rejection, a neutron fluence of 2 ×107 n/cm2 will provide a signal to noise ratio of at least one ( S/N ≥ 1) when attempting to image various 300 μm thick tissues placed in a 3 cm thick phantom. Similarly, a neutron fluence of only 1 ×107 n/cm2 is required to differentiate a 300 μm thick diseased tissue relative to its normal tissue counterpart. The utility of a B-10 contrast agent was demonstrated at a concentration of 50 μg/g to achieve S/N ≥ 1 in 0.3 mm thick tissues while Gd-157 requires only slightly more than 10 μg/g to achieve the same level of differentiation. Lastly, neutron collimator with an L/D ratio from 50 to 200 were calculated to provide appropriate scatter

Investigating Structure and Dynamics of Proteins in Amorphous Phases Using Neutron Scattering.

PubMed

Castellanos, Maria Monica; McAuley, Arnold; Curtis, Joseph E

2017-01-01

In order to increase shelf life and minimize aggregation during storage, many biotherapeutic drugs are formulated and stored as either frozen solutions or lyophilized powders. However, characterizing amorphous solids can be challenging with the commonly available set of biophysical measurements used for proteins in liquid solutions. Therefore, some questions remain regarding the structure of the active pharmaceutical ingredient during freezing and drying of the drug product and the molecular role of excipients. Neutron scattering is a powerful technique to study structure and dynamics of a variety of systems in both solid and liquid phases. Moreover, neutron scattering experiments can generally be correlated with theory and molecular simulations to analyze experimental data. In this article, we focus on the use of neutron techniques to address problems of biotechnological interest. We describe the use of small-angle neutron scattering to study the solution structure of biological molecules and the packing arrangement in amorphous phases, that is, frozen glasses and freeze-dried protein powders. In addition, we discuss the use of neutron spectroscopy to measure the dynamics of glassy systems at different time and length scales. Overall, we expect that the present article will guide and prompt the use of neutron scattering to provide unique insights on many of the outstanding questions in biotechnology.

THE POLARIZATION OF NEUTRONS FROM THE STRIPPING OF DEUTERONS ON C$sup 1$$sup 2$

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Budzanowski, A.; Grotowski, K.; Niewodniczanski, H.

1961-01-01

The neutron polarization in the reaction C/sup 12/(d,n)N/sup 13/ at 12.9 Mev is measured as a function of the neutron emission angle. In addition, the neutron energy spectrum is measured at a fixed angle, in order to find the relative numbers of neutrons associated with various energy levels of N/sup 13/. The measured data are used to induce the properties of the N/sup 13/ energy levels studied. (T.F.H.)

Au Nanocage Functionalized with Ultra-small Fe3O4 Nanoparticles for Targeting T1-T2Dual MRI and CT Imaging of Tumor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Guannan; Gao, Wei; Zhang, Xuanjun; Mei, Xifan

2016-06-01

Diagnostic approaches based on multimodal imaging of clinical noninvasive imaging (eg. MRI/CT scanner) are highly developed in recent years for accurate selection of the therapeutic regimens in critical diseases. Therefore, it is highly demanded in the development of appropriate all-in-one multimodal contrast agents (MCAs) for the MRI/CT multimodal imaging. Here a novel ideal MCAs (F-AuNC@Fe3O4) were engineered by assemble Au nanocages (Au NC) and ultra-small iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4) for simultaneous T1-T2dual MRI and CT contrast imaging. In this system, the Au nanocages offer facile thiol modification and strong X-ray attenuation property for CT imaging. The ultra-small Fe3O4 nanoparticles, as excellent contrast agent, is able to provide great enhanced signal of T1- and T2-weighted MRI (r1 = 6.263 mM-1 s-1, r2 = 28.117 mM-1 s-1) due to their ultra-refined size. After functionalization, the present MCAs nanoparticles exhibited small average size, low aggregation and excellent biocompatible. In vitro and In vivo studies revealed that the MCAs show long-term circulation time, renal clearance properties and outstanding capability of selective accumulation in tumor tissues for simultaneous CT imaging and T1- and T2-weighted MRI. Taken together, these results show that as-prepared MCAs are excellent candidates as MRI/CT multimodal imaging contrast agents.

A large 2D PSD for thermal neutron detection

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)