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At least 541 records · Page 30

Second spectrum of chromium (Cr II), Part III: Radiative lifetimes and transition probabilities from highly excited 3d{sup 4}5s levels

In this study we have extended our previous investigations of Cr II spectrum to levels of the 3d{sup 4}5s configuration. Once again an overall good agreement is observed for these levels between experimental oscillator strength values and our calculated data using two different approaches, namely the oscillator strength parameterization and the HFR+CPOL methods. Recurring to the latter model we have computed radiative lifetime values for 20 3d{sup 4}5s levels, confirming the well founded basis of recent experimental data, given in literature. From the use of the former method and with the help of a least squares fitting procedure to available experimental gf-values we have taken advantage of extracting for the first time the transition radial integral value for 3d{sup 4}4p−3d{sup 4}5s, 〈4p|r{sup 1}|5s〉=1.962±0.005, which is confirmed favorably by ab initio results, obtained by the HFR method scaled by a factor 0.92 or directly by the HFR+CPOL approach. Finally a long list of semi-empirical oscillator strength, transition probability and branching fraction values is generated for around 500 Cr II transitions depopulating the 3d{sup 4}5s levels. Our new gf data are compared successfully with those given by Kurucz.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Core polarization effects: Oscillator strengths, transition probabilities and radiative lifetimes of levels in Bi IV

In this work a systematic analysis of Bi IV atomic properties is presented. Ab initio relativistic Hartree–Fock calculations in an intermediate coupling (IC) formalism and taking into account Core Polarization Effects (CPE) are used. We use for the IC calculations the standard method of least square fitting of experimental energy levels by means of computer codes from Cowan which was modified in order to include CPE. Our calculations have been made from 17 configurations of Bi IV: 5d{sup 10}6s{sup 2}, 5d{sup 10}6p{sup 2}, 5d{sup 10}6sns (n= 7–10) and 5d{sup 10}6snd (n= 6–9) for even parity and 5d{sup 10}6snp (n=6,7), 5d{sup 10}6snf (n=5,6), 5d{sup 9}6s{sup 2}6p and 5d{sup 9}6s{sup 2}nf (n=5,6) for odd parity. Transition probabilities and oscillator strengths for 100 lines and some radiative lifetimes of Bi IV have been calculated. Besides a comparison of our results with the scarce experimental values available in the bibliography are presented. The presence of spectral lines of bismuth in stellar atmospheres has been reported in different stars. This is the motivation by this work can be very interest in astrophysical area. Recently the Bi IV is taking importance because it is considered as the main dopant in the prospective used for the design and synthesis of new scintillators.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Some results on the dynamics and transition probabilities for non self-adjoint hamiltonians

We discuss systematically several possible inequivalent ways to describe the dynamics and the transition probabilities of a quantum system when its hamiltonian is not self-adjoint. In order to simplify the treatment, we mainly restrict our analysis to finite dimensional Hilbert spaces. In particular, we propose some experiments which could discriminate between the various possibilities considered in the paper. An example taken from the literature is discussed in detail.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Transition probabilities for non self-adjoint Hamiltonians in infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces

In a recent paper we have introduced several possible inequivalent descriptions of the dynamics and of the transition probabilities of a quantum system when its Hamiltonian is not self-adjoint. Our analysis was carried out in finite dimensional Hilbert spaces. This is useful, but quite restrictive since many physically relevant quantum systems live in infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces. In this paper we consider this situation, and we discuss some applications to well known models, introduced in the literature in recent years: the extended harmonic oscillator, the Swanson model and a generalized version of the Landau levels Hamiltonian. Not surprisingly we will find new interesting features not previously found in finite dimensional Hilbert spaces, useful for a deeper comprehension of this kind of physical systems.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Identification of Patient Benefit From Proton Therapy for Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Patients Based on Individual and Subgroup Normal Tissue Complication Probability Analysis

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine, by treatment plan comparison along with normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) modeling, whether a subpopulation of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) could be identified that would gain substantial benefit from proton therapy in terms of NTCP. Methods and Materials: For 45 HNSCC patients, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) was compared to intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT). Physical dose distributions were evaluated as well as the resulting NTCP values, using modern models for acute mucositis, xerostomia, aspiration, dysphagia, laryngeal edema, and trismus. Patient subgroups were defined based on primary tumor location. Results: Generally, IMPT reduced the NTCP values while keeping similar target coverage for all patients. Subgroup analyses revealed a higher individual reduction of swallowing-related side effects by IMPT for patients with tumors in the upper head and neck area, whereas the risk reduction of acute mucositis was more pronounced in patients with tumors in the larynx region. More patients with tumors in the upper head and neck area had a reduction in NTCP of more than 10%. Conclusions: Subgrouping can help to identify patients who may benefit more than others from the use of IMPT and, thus, can be a useful tool for a preselection of patients in the clinic where there are limited PT resources. Because the individual benefit differs within a subgroup, the relative merits should additionally be evaluated by individual treatment plan comparisons.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Tumor Control Probability of Radiosurgery and Fractionated Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases

As part of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Working Group on Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy, tumor control probability (TCP) after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and fractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (fSRS) for brain metastases was modeled based on pooled dosimetric and clinical data from published English-language literature.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

A Novel Analytical Population Tumor Control Probability Model Includes Cell Density and Volume Variations: Application to Canine Brain Tumor

Tumor control probability (TCP) models based on Poisson statistics characterize the distribution of surviving clonogens. Thus enabling the calculation of TCP for individuals. To mathematically describe clinically observed survival data of patient cohorts it is necessary to extend the Poisson TCP model. This is typically done by either incorporating variations of model parameters or by using an empirical logistic model. The purpose of this work is the development of an analytical population TCP model by mechanistic extension of the Possion model.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Re-evaluating probable maximum precipitation estimates: sensitivity to transposition domains and storm rotation using modern datasets

This study examines the sensitivity of Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP) estimates to key methodological decisions embedded in the legacy approach adopted in the U.S. National Weather Service Hydrometeorological Reports No. 51 and No. 52. Although widely used for infrastructure design and risk regulation, fundamental aspects of PMP estimation—such as storm sample size, transposition domain, maximization procedures, and storm rotation—remain poorly constrained and lack formal guidance. Using the Red Rock watershed in Iowa as a case study, and leveraging the 2002–2023 NOAA Analysis of Record for Calibration (AORC) precipitation dataset, we systematically evaluate how each methodological choice, individually and in combination, influences PMP estimates. Our findings demonstrate that PMP is not a fixed physical upper bound but rather a modeling construct shaped heavily by user-defined assumptions. Notably, PMP values derived from modern gridded rainfall datasets can be substantially higher than the legacy estimate used in the original spillway design for Red Rock Dam. Decisions regarding storm sample size, domain extent, climatological window, and particularly storm rotation all contributed to higher PMP estimates. Storm rotation alone—a loosely constrained element in the current PMP practice—can amplify PMP by more than 25%. These results reveal the lack of standardized bounds in current PMP workflows and the need for systematic sensitivity and uncertainty analysis. As PMP estimation shifts toward probabilistic approaches, incorporating physically meaningful storm attributes will be key to developing more transparent, defensible methods for dam safety and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Probable maximum precipitation↗

Tumor control probability and the utility of 4D vs 3D dose calculations for stereotactic body radiotherapy for lung cancer

Four-dimensional (4D) dose calculations for lung cancer radiotherapy have been technically feasible for a number of years but have not become standard clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to determine if clinically significant differences in tumor control probability (TCP) exist between 3D and 4D dose calculations so as to inform the decision whether 4D dose calculations should be used routinely for treatment planning. Radiotherapy plans for Stage I-II lung cancer were created for 8 patients. Clinically acceptable treatment plans were created with dose calculated on the end-exhale 4D computed tomography (CT) phase using a Monte Carlo algorithm. Dose was then projected onto the remaining 9 phases of 4D-CT using the Monte Carlo algorithm and accumulated onto the end-exhale phase using commercially available deformable registration software. The resulting dose-volume histograms (DVH) of the gross tumor volume (GTV), planning tumor volume (PTV), and PTV{sub setup} were compared according to target coverage and dose. The PTV{sub setup} was defined as a volume including the GTV and a margin for setup uncertainties but not for respiratory motion. TCPs resulting from these DVHs were estimated using a wide range of alphas, betas, and tumor cell densities. Differences of up to 5 Gy were observed between 3D and 4D calculations for a PTV with highly irregular shape. When the TCP was calculated using the resulting DVHs for fractionation schedules typically used in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), the TCP differed at most by 5% between 4D and 3D cases, and in most cases, it was by less than 1%. We conclude that 4D dose calculations are not necessary for most cases treated with SBRT, but they might be valuable for irregularly shaped target volumes. If 4D calculations are used, 4D DVHs should be evaluated on volumes that include margin for setup uncertainty but not respiratory motion.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Evaluation of Beta-Delayed Neutron Emission Probabilities and Half-Lives for Z = 2–28

We present an evaluation and compilation of β-delayed neutron probabilities and half-lives for nuclei in the region Z = 2–28 ({sup 8}He–{sup 80}Ni). This article includes the recommended values of these quantities as well as a compiled list of experimental measurements for each nucleus in the region for which β-delayed neutron emission is possible. The literature cut-off for this work is August 15{sup th}, 2015. Some notable cases as well as new standards for β-delayed neutron measurements in this mass region are also discussed.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Neptunium transition probabilities estimated through laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) measurements

in tis report calibration free–laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) approaches are promising for the analysis of radioactive materials; however, a lack of reported fundamental properties for these materials is an obstacle to implementation. Spectra of laser induced plasmas containing Np and Sr, along with Saha–Boltzmann methods, were used to estimate the first reported transition probabilities (TPs) of Np. These TPs enabled the first attempt at CF-LIBS analysis of radioactive samples to predict Np/Sr ratios with a mean error of 3.86%. The presented methodology of TP estimation will be applied to the study of other actinides and allow broader applications of CF-15 LIBS in the nuclear field.

74 ATOMIC AND MOLECULAR PHYSICS↗

Hurricane Harvey Highlights: Need to Assess the Adequacy of Probable Maximum Precipitation Estimation Methods

Probable maximum precipitation (PMP) is the primary criterion used to design flood protection measures for critical infrastructures such as dams and nuclear power plants. Based on our analysis using the Stage IV (ST4) quantitative precipitation estimates, precipitation associated with Hurricane Harvey near Houston, Texas, represents a PMP-scale storm and partially exceeds the Hydrometeorological Report No. 51 (HMR51) 72-h PMP estimates at 5,000 mi 2 (ST4=805 mm; HMR51=780 mm) and 10,000 mi 2 (ST4=686 mm; HMR51=673 mm). We also find statistically significant increasing trends since 1949 in the annual maximum total precipitable water and dew point temperature observations along the US Gulf Coast region, suggesting that, if the trend continues, the theoretical upper bound of PMP could be even larger. Our analysis of Hurricane Harvey rainfall data demonstrates that an extremely large PMP-scale storm is physically possible and that PMP estimates should not be considered overly conservative. Furthermore, this case study highlights the need for improved PMP estimation methodologies to account for long-term trends and to ensure the safety of our critical infrastructures.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Determination of transition probabilities for the 3p → 3s transition array in neon using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

We present here a study of the optical emission spectra of the laser produced neon plasma generated by a Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm. The spectra were recorded using the laser induced breakdown spectroscopy 2000 detection system comprising of five spectrometers covering the entire visible region. The observed spectra yield all the optically allowed transitions between the 2p{sup 5}3p upper and 2p{sup 5}3s lower configurations based levels. The relative line strengths of all the dipole allowed transitions have been determined using the intensity ratios and compared with the J-file sum rule. The absolute transition probabilities have been calculated by using the lifetimes of the upper levels and the intensities of the observed spectral lines and show good agreement with the literature values.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Highly enhanced avalanche probability using sinusoidally-gated silicon avalanche photodiode

We report on visible light single photon detection using a sinusoidally-gated silicon avalanche photodiode. Detection efficiency of 70.6% was achieved at a wavelength of 520 nm when an electrically cooled silicon avalanche photodiode with a quantum efficiency of 72.4% was used, which implies that a photo-excited single charge carrier in a silicon avalanche photodiode can trigger a detectable avalanche (charge) signal with a probability of 97.6%.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Development and methodology of level 1 probability safety assessment at PUSPATI TRIGA Reactor

As a consequence of the accident at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan, the safety aspects of the one and only research reactor (31 years old) in Malaysia need be reviewed. Based on this decision, Malaysian Nuclear Agency in collaboration with Atomic Energy Licensing Board and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia develop a Level-1 Probability Safety Assessment on this research reactor. This work is aimed to evaluate the potential risks of incidents in RTP and at the same time to identify internal and external hazard that may cause any extreme initiating events. This report documents the methodology in developing a Level 1 PSA performed for the RTP as a complementary approach to deterministic safety analysis both in neutronics and thermal hydraulics. This Level-1 PSA work has been performed according to the procedures suggested in relevant IAEA publications and at the same time numbers of procedures has been developed as part of an Integrated Management System programme implemented in Nuclear Malaysia.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Dynamic mean field theory for lattice gas models of fluids confined in porous materials: Higher order theory based on the Bethe-Peierls and path probability method approximations

Recently we have developed a dynamic mean field theory (DMFT) for lattice gas models of fluids in porous materials [P. A. Monson, J. Chem. Phys. 128(8), 084701 (2008)]. The theory can be used to describe the relaxation processes in the approach to equilibrium or metastable states for fluids in pores and is especially useful for studying system exhibiting adsorption/desorption hysteresis. In this paper we discuss the extension of the theory to higher order by means of the path probability method (PPM) of Kikuchi and co-workers. We show that this leads to a treatment of the dynamics that is consistent with thermodynamics coming from the Bethe-Peierls or Quasi-Chemical approximation for the equilibrium or metastable equilibrium states of the lattice model. We compare the results from the PPM with those from DMFT and from dynamic Monte Carlo simulations. We find that the predictions from PPM are qualitatively similar to those from DMFT but give somewhat improved quantitative accuracy, in part due to the superior treatment of the underlying thermodynamics. This comes at the cost of greater computational expense associated with the larger number of equations that must be solved.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗