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At least 1,135 records · Page 63

The Acceptability of Iterative Reconstruction Algorithms in Head CT: An Assessment of Sinogram Affirmed Iterative Reconstruction (SAFIRE) vs. Filtered Back Projection (FBP) Using Phantoms

Computed tomography (CT) is the primary imaging investigation for many neurologic conditions with a proportion of patients incurring cumulative doses. Iterative reconstruction (IR) allows dose optimization, but head CT presents unique image quality complexities and may lead to strong reader preferences.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Inducing polarity in [VO{sub 3}]{sub n}{sup n-} chain compounds using asymmetric hydrogen-bonding networks

1,4-Bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine, (R)-3-aminopiperidine and (S)-3-aminopiperidine were used in the syntheses of [C{sub 10}H{sub 26}N{sub 4}][VO{sub 3}]{sub 2}{center_dot}2H{sub 2}O, [(R)-C{sub 5}H{sub 14}N{sub 2}][VO{sub 3}]{sub 2} and [(S)-C{sub 5}H{sub 14}N{sub 2}][VO{sub 3}]{sub 2}, which all contain similar [VO{sub 3}]{sub n}{sup n-} chains. Inversion symmetry within the 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine allows for crystallization of [C{sub 10}H{sub 26}N{sub 4}][VO{sub 3}]{sub 2}{center_dot}2H{sub 2}O in a centrosymmetric space group, while the use of enantiomerically pure sources of either (R)-3-aminopiperidine or (S)-3-aminopiperidine forces crystallographic noncentrosymmetry. Moreover, asymmetry in the hydrogen-bonding networks between the metavanadate chains and either [(R)-3-aminopiperidineH{sub 2}]{sup 2+} or [(S)-3-aminopiperidineH{sub 2}]{sup 2+} cations directs alignment of the chains and crystallization in a polar space group (C2, no. 5). Component and net dipole moments were calculated using iterative-Hirshfeld partial atomic charges. [(R)-C{sub 5}H{sub 14}N{sub 2}][VO{sub 3}]{sub 2} and [(S)-C{sub 5}H{sub 14}N{sub 2}][VO{sub 3}]{sub 2} both display type 1 phase-matching capabilities and exhibit second harmonic generation activities of {approx}140 Multiplication-Sign {alpha}-SiO{sub 2}. - Graphical abstract: One centrosymmetric and a pair of polar noncentrosymmetric templated metavanadates were synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions. Asymmetry in the hydrogen-bonding between either [(R)-C{sub 5}H{sub 14}N{sub 2}]{sup 2+} or [(S)-C{sub 5}H{sub 14}N{sub 2}]{sup 2+} and [VO{sub 3}]{sub n}{sup n-} chains results in polar structures that exhibit type 1 phase-matching capabilities. Hirshfeld surfaces were used to probe the hydrogen-bonding networks and component and net dipole moments were calculated from atomic positions and iterative-Hirshfeld partial charges. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer One centrosymmetric and a pair of polar templated metavanadate chain compounds are reported. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Asymmetry in the hydrogen-bonding networks drives the compound polarities. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Iterative-Hirshfeld partitioning was used to calculate partial atomic charges. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Net and component dipole moments are calculated for each compound. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Type 1 phase-matching behavior and SHG activities of {approx}140 Multiplication-Sign {alpha}-SiO{sub 2} are found.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Flexible all-carbon photovoltaics with improved thermal stability

The structurally robust nature of nanocarbon allotropes, e.g., semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and C{sub 60}s, makes them tantalizing candidates for thermally stable and mechanically flexible photovoltaic applications. However, C{sub 60}s rapidly dissociate away from the basal of SWCNTs under thermal stimuli as a result of weak intermolecular forces that “lock up” the binary assemblies. Here, we explore use of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) as geometrically tailored protecting layers to suppress the unwanted dissociation of C{sub 60}s. The underlying mechanisms are explained using a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and transition state theory, revealing the temperature dependent disassociation of C{sub 60}s from the SWCNT basal plane. Our strategy provides fundamental guidelines for integrating all-carbon based nano-p/n junctions with optimized structural and thermal stability. External quantum efficiency and output current–voltage characteristics are used to experimentally quantify the effectiveness of GNR membranes under high temperature annealing. Further, the resulting C{sub 60}:SWCNT:GNR ternary composites display excellent mechanical stability, even after iterative bending tests. - Graphical abstract: The incorporation of solvent resistant, mechanically flexible and electrically addressable 2-D soft graphene nanoribbons facilitates the assembly of photoconductive carbon nano-p/n junctions for thermally stable and flexible photovoltaic cells.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Proton discrimination in CLYC for fast neutron spectroscopy

The Cs 2 LiYCl 6 :Ce (CLYC) elpasolite scintillator is known for its response to fast and thermal neutrons along with good γ-ray energy resolution. While the 35 Cl(n,p) reaction has been identified as a potential means for CLYC-based fast neutron spectroscopy in the absence of time-of-flight (TOF), previous efforts to functionalize CLYC as a fast neutron spectrometer have been thwarted by the inability to isolate proton interactions from 6 Li(n,α) and 35 Cl(n,α) signals. This work introduces a new approach to particle discrimination in CLYC for fission spectrum neutrons using a multi-gate charge integration algorithm that provides excellent separation between protons and heavier charged particles. Neutron TOF data were collected using a 252 Cf source, an array of EJ-309 organic liquid scintillators, and a 6 Li-enriched CLYC scintillator outfitted with fast electronics. Modal waveforms were constructed corresponding to the different reaction channels, revealing significant differences in the pulse characteristics of protons and heavier charged particles at ultrafast, fast, and intermediate time scales. These findings informed the design of a pulse shape discrimination algorithm, which was validated using the TOF data. This study also proposes an iterative subtraction method to mitigate contributions from confounding reaction channels in proton and heavier charged particle pulse height spectra, opening the door for CLYC-based fast neutron and γ-ray spectroscopy while preserving sensitivity to thermal neutron capture signals.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Advanced two-phase subchannel method via non-linear iteration

A fast-running, robust two-phase flow, sub-channel model is presented based on non-linear solution of the steady-state subchannel fluid flow equations. The drift-flux model solves for conservation of liquid and vapor mass, mixture energy, and axial and transverse mixture momentum as part of an efficient planar marching scheme and nonlinear, nested outer and inner iteration. Here, models based on mechanistic subcooled boiling, two-phase turbulent void mixing, and drift are included. Solution verification and mesh convergence studies were performed for modern GE 10 × 10 fuel geometry and are shown to have excellent convergence behavior. Run time performance for a 50 axial mesh model showed 2.2 seconds on a single CPU core to tightly converge all 3D distributions (flow, void, pressure) for the GE 10 × 10 fuel geometry, supporting its efficient use within the Virtual Environment for Reactor Applications boiling water reactor framework.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Probing the role of solids loading and mix procedure on the properties of acoustically mixed materials for additive manufacturing

We report resonant acoustic mixing has been of particular interest for use in additive manufacturing since viscous, solids-loaded materials can be difficult to mix and inhomogeneity has adverse effects on print quality. In this study, we detail a method to iterate through different formulations and mix procedures and assess mixture quality. The approach utilizes a constant pressure-driven flow test to collect statistics on flow rate through a standard geometry. This test is first applied to well mixed formulations containing particulate solids and find that the results are sensitive to viscosity produced by solids content. We then consider the formulations at various stages of mixing and find that the spread in the volume measurements is indicative of the mixing quality; poorly mixed material yields measurements with wide distributions. We believe this testing approach can be useful when screening new formulations, developing mixing processes, or for quality control.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Multireference Equation-of-Motion Driven Similarity Renormalization Group: Theoretical Foundations and Applications to Ionized States

We present a formulation and implementation of an equation-of-motion (EOM) extension of the multireference driven similarity renormalization group (MR-DSRG) formalism for ionization potentials (IP-EOM-DSRG). The IP-EOM-DSRG formalism results in a Hermitian generalized eigenvalue problem, delivering accurate ionization potentials for strongly correlated systems. The EOM step scales as O(N 5 ) with the basis set size N, allowing for efficient calculation of spectroscopic properties, such as transition energies and intensities. The IP-EOM-DSRG formalism is combined with three truncation schemes of the parent MR-DSRG theory: an iterative nonperturbative method with up to two-body excitations [MR-LDSRG(2)] and second- and third-order perturbative approximations [DSRG-MRPT2/3]. We benchmark these variants by computing (1) the vertical valence ionization potentials of a series of small molecules at both equilibrium and stretched geometries; (2) the spectroscopic constants of several low-lying electronic states of the OH, CN, N 2 + , and CO + radicals; and (3) the binding curves of low-lying electronic states of the CN radical. A comparison with experimental data and theoretical results shows that all three IP-EOM-DSRG methods accurately reproduce the vertical ionization potentials and spectroscopic constants of these systems. Notably, the DSRG-MRPT3 and MR-LDSRG(2) versions outperform several state-of-the-art multireference methods of comparable or higher cost.

Hamiltonians↗

Firefly Algorithm Applied to Noncollinear Magnetic Phase Materials Prediction

In most noncollinear crystal magnets, the number of metastable states is quite large and any calculation that tries to predict the ground state can fall into one of the possible metastable phases. In this work, we generalize the population based meta-heuristic firefly algorithm to the problem of the noncollinear magnetic phase ground state prediction within density functional theory (DFT). We extend the different steps in the firefly algorithm to this specific problem by using polarized constrained DFT calculations, whereby using Lagrange multipliers the directions of the atom magnetic moments remain fixed. By locking the directions of the magnetic moments at each search iteration, the method allows one to explore the entire Born–Oppenheimer energy surface of existing and physically plausible noncollinear configurations present in a crystal. Finally, we demonstrate that the number of minima can be large, which restrains the use of exhaustive searches.

Algorithms↗

Chirality Amplified: Long, Discrete Helicene Nanoribbons

Here we report the synthesis of two polyhelicene frameworks consisting, from end-to-end, of 18 and 24 fused benzene rings. The latter exhibits the largest electronic circular dichroism in the visible spectrum of any molecule. These shape-persistent helical nanoribbons incorporate multiple helicenes, a class of contorted polycyclic aromatic molecules consisting of ortho-annulated rings. These conjugated, chiral molecules have interesting chemical, biological, and chiroptical properties; however, there are very few helicenes with extraordinary chiroptical response over a broad range of the visible spectrum—a key criterion for applications such as chiral optoelectronics. In this report, we show that coupling the polyhelicene framework with multiple perylene-diimide subunits elicits a significant chiroptic response. Notably, the molar circular dichroism increases faster than the absorptivity of these molecules as their helical axis lengthens. Computational analysis reveals that the greatly amplified circular dichroism arises from exciton-like interactions between the perylene-diimide and the helicene moieties. As a result, we predict that even greater chiroptic enhancement will result from further axial elongation of these nanoribbons, which can be readily enabled via the iterative synthetic method presented herein.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Long-time simulations for fixed input states on quantum hardware

Publicly accessible quantum computers open the exciting possibility of experimental dynamical quantum simulations. While rapidly improving, current devices have short coherence times, restricting the viable circuit depth. Despite these limitations, we demonstrate long-time, high fidelity simulations on current hardware. Specifically, we simulate an XY-model spin chain on Rigetti and IBM quantum computers, maintaining a fidelity over 0.9 for 150 times longer than is possible using the iterated Trotter method. Our simulations use an algorithm we call fixed state Variational Fast Forwarding (fsVFF). Recent work has shown an approximate diagonalization of a short time evolution unitary allows a fixed-depth simulation. fsVFF substantially reduces the required resources by only diagonalizing the energy subspace spanned by the initial state, rather than over the total Hilbert space. We further demonstrate the viability of fsVFF through large numerical simulations, and provide an analysis of the noise resilience and scaling of simulation errors.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Model-based iterative reconstruction with adaptive regularization for artifact reduction in electron tomography

Obtaining high-quality 3D reconstructions from electron tomography of crystalline particles embedded in lighter support elements is crucial for various material systems such as catalysts for fuel cell applications. However, significant challenges arise due to the limited tilt range, sparse and low signal-to-noise ratio of the measurements. In addition, small metal particles can cause strong streaking and shading artifacts in the 3D reconstructions when using conventional reconstruction algorithms due to the presence of Bragg diffraction and the large scattering cross-section difference between the materials of the particles and the background support regions. These artifacts lead to errors in the downstream characterization affecting extraction of critical features such as the size of the metal particles, their distribution and the volume of the lighter support regions. In this paper, we present a two-stage algorithm based on metal artifact reduction, utilizing model-based iterative reconstruction methods with adaptive adjustment of regularization parameters. Our approach yields high-quality 3D reconstructions compared to traditional algorithms, accurately capturing both the metal particles as well as the background support. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm through simulated and experimental bright-field electron tomography data, showing significant improvements in reconstruction quality compared to traditional methods.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Secondary electron emission and self-consistent charge transport in semi-insulating samples

Electron beam induced self-consistent charge transport and secondary electron emission (SEE) in insulators are described by means of an electron-hole flight-drift model (FDM) now extended by a certain intrinsic conductivity (c) and are implemented by an iterative computer simulation. Ballistic secondary electrons (SE) and holes, their attenuation to drifting charge carriers, and their recombination, trapping, and field- and temperature-dependent detrapping are included. As a main result the time dependent ''true'' secondary electron emission rate {delta}(t) released from the target material and based on ballistic electrons and the spatial distributions of currents j(x,t), charges {rho}(x,t), field F(x,t), and potential V(x,t) are obtained where V{sub 0} = V(0,t) presents the surface potential. The intrinsic electronic conductivity limits the charging process and leads to a conduction sample current to the support. In that case the steady-state total SE yield will be fixed below the unit: i.e., {sigma} {eta} + {delta} < 1.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Communication: Multistate quantum dynamics of photodissociation of carbon dioxide between 120 nm and 160 nm

UV absorption cross section of CO{sub 2} is studied using high level ab initio quantum chemistry for electrons and iterative quantum dynamics for nuclear motion on interacting global full dimensional potential energy surfaces. Six electronic states-1, 2, 3{sup 1}A{sup Prime} and 1, 2, 3{sup 1}A{sup Double-Prime }-are considered. At linearity, they correspond to the ground electronic state X(tilde sign){sup 1}{Sigma}{sub g}{sup +} and the optically forbidden but vibronically allowed valence states 1{sup 1}{Delta}{sub u}, 1{sup 1}{Sigma}{sub u}{sup -}, and 1{sup 1}{Pi}{sub g}. In the Franck-Condon region, these states interact via Renner-Teller and conical intersections and are simultaneously involved in an intricate network of non-adiabatic couplings. The absorption spectrum, calculated for many rotational states, reproduces the distinct two-band shape of the experimental spectrum measured at 190 K and the characteristic patterns of the diffuse structures in each band. Quantum dynamics unravel the relative importance of different vibronic mechanisms, while metastable resonance states, underlying the diffuse structures, provide dynamically based vibronic assignments of individual lines.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Pulsed laser deposition to synthesize the bridge structure of artificial nacre: Comparison of nano- and femtosecond lasers

Nature offers inspiration to new adaptive technologies that allow us to build amazing shapes and structures such as nacre using synthetic materials. Consequently, we have designed a pulsed laser ablation manufacturing process involving thin film deposition and micro-machining to create hard/soft layered 'brick-bridge-mortar' nacre of AlMgB{sub 14} (hard phase) with Ti (soft phase). In this paper, we report pulsed laser deposition (PLD) to mimic brick and bridge structures of natural nacre in AlMgB{sub 14}. Particulate formation inherent in PLD is exploited to develop the bridge structure. Mechanical behavior analysis of the AlMgB{sub 14}/Ti system revealed that the brick is to be 250 nm thick, 9 {mu}m lateral dimensions while the bridge (particle) is to have a diameter of 500 nm for a performance equivalent to natural nacre. Both nanosecond (ns) and femtosecond (fs) pulsed lasers were employed for PLD in an iterative approach that involves varying pulse energy, pulse repetition rate, and target-to-substrate distance to achieve the desired brick and bridge characteristics. Scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and optical profilometer were used to evaluate the film thickness, particle size and density, stoichiometry, and surface roughness of thin films. Results indicated that both ns-pulsed and fs-pulsed lasers produce the desired nacre features. However, each laser may be chosen for different reasons: fs-pulsed laser is preferred for much shorter deposition time, better stoichiometry, uniform-sized particles, and uniform film thickness, while ns-pulsed laser is favored for industrial acceptance, reliability, ease of handling, and low cost.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Analytic and algorithmic aspects of generalized harmonic sums and polylogarithms

In recent three-loop calculations of massive Feynman integrals within Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) and, e.g., in recent combinatorial problems the so-called generalized harmonic sums (in short S-sums) arise. They are characterized by rational (or real) numerator weights also different from ±1. In this article we explore the algorithmic and analytic properties of these sums systematically. We work out the Mellin and inverse Mellin transform which connects the sums under consideration with the associated Poincaré iterated integrals, also called generalized harmonic polylogarithms. In this regard, we obtain explicit analytic continuations by means of asymptotic expansions of the S-sums which started to occur frequently in current QCD calculations. In addition, we derive algebraic and structural relations, like differentiation with respect to the external summation index and different multi-argument relations, for the compactification of S-sum expressions. Finally, we calculate algebraic relations for infinite S-sums, or equivalently for generalized harmonic polylogarithms evaluated at special values. The corresponding algorithms and relations are encoded in the computer algebra package HarmonicSums.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Evaluating the performance of two neutron spectrum unfolding codes based on iterative procedures and artificial neural networks

In this work the performance of two neutron spectrum unfolding codes based on iterative procedures and artificial neural networks is evaluated. The first one code based on traditional iterative procedures and called Neutron spectrometry and dosimetry from the Universidad Autonoma de Zacatecas (NSDUAZ) use the SPUNIT iterative algorithm and was designed to unfold neutron spectrum and calculate 15 dosimetric quantities and 7 IAEA survey meters. The main feature of this code is the automated selection of the initial guess spectrum trough a compendium of neutron spectrum compiled by the IAEA. The second one code known as Neutron spectrometry and dosimetry with artificial neural networks (NDSann) is a code designed using neural nets technology. The artificial intelligence approach of neural net does not solve mathematical equations. By using the knowledge stored at synaptic weights on a neural net properly trained, the code is capable to unfold neutron spectrum and to simultaneously calculate 15 dosimetric quantities, needing as entrance data, only the rate counts measured with a Bonner spheres system. Similarities of both NSDUAZ and NSDann codes are: they follow the same easy and intuitive user's philosophy and were designed in a graphical interface under the LabVIEW programming environment. Both codes unfold the neutron spectrum expressed in 60 energy bins, calculate 15 dosimetric quantities and generate a full report in HTML format. Differences of these codes are: NSDUAZ code was designed using classical iterative approaches and needs an initial guess spectrum in order to initiate the iterative procedure. In NSDUAZ, a programming routine was designed to calculate 7 IAEA instrument survey meters using the fluence-dose conversion coefficients. NSDann code use artificial neural networks for solving the ill-conditioned equation system of neutron spectrometry problem through synaptic weights of a properly trained neural network. Contrary to iterative procedures, in neural net approach it is possible to reduce the rate counts used to unfold the neutron spectrum. To evaluate these codes a computer tool called Neutron Spectrometry and dosimetry computer tool was designed. The results obtained with this package are showed. The codes here mentioned are freely available upon request to the authors.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Photoionization cross section by Stieltjes imaging applied to coupled cluster Lanczos pseudo-spectra

A recently implemented asymmetric Lanczos algorithm for computing (complex) linear response functions within the coupled cluster singles (CCS), coupled cluster singles and iterative approximate doubles (CC2), and coupled cluster singles and doubles (CCSD) is coupled to a Stieltjes imaging technique in order to describe the photoionization cross section of atoms and molecules, in the spirit of a similar procedure recently proposed by Averbukh and co-workers within the Algebraic Diagrammatic Construction approach. Pilot results are reported for the atoms He, Ne, and Ar and for the molecules H{sub 2}, H{sub 2}O, NH{sub 3}, HF, CO, and CO{sub 2}.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Response of a partial wall to an external perturbation of rotating plasma

In this paper, we present the response of a 3D thin multiply connected wall to an external kink mode perturbation in axisymmetric tokamak configurations. To calculate the contribution of the plasma perturbed magnetic field in the vacuum region, we have made use of the concept of surface currents [following C. V. Atanasiu, A. H. Boozer, L. E. Zakharov, and A. A. Subbotin, Phys. Plasmas 6, 2781 (1999)]. The wall response is expressed in terms of a stream function of the wall surface currents, which are obtained by solving a diffusion type equation, taking into account the contribution of the wall currents themselves iteratively. The use of stream function makes the approach applicable for both well-studied earlier Resistive Wall Modes and for Wall Touching Kink Modes, which were discovered recently as a key phenomenon in disruptions [L. E. Zakharov, S. A. Galkin, and S. N. Gerasimov, Phys. Plasmas 19, 055703 (2012)]. New analytical expressions, suitable for numerical calculations of toroidal harmonics of the vacuum magnetic fields from the surface currents on axisymmetric shells, are derived.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗