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A translucent Al-containing garnet type electrolyte (Al-LLZTO) with high lithium-ion conductivity was made by pressure filtration followed by sintering to study in-situ lithium dendrite growth. A transparent tube furnace was built for in-situ dendrite growth studies above room temperature. In-situ lithium dendrite growth in a garnet-type electrolyte under an applied DC voltage was investigated at three different temperatures (room temperature, 100 °C, and 200 °C (above the melting point of lithium)). Critical current density (CCD) was estimated based on a previous model developed for sodium dendrites (which are actually filaments) in Na-β"-alumina. The CCD defined here is different than most of the reported work in lithium and lithium-ion batteries. When the temperature is higher than room temperature but lower than the melting point of lithium, lithium dendrites grow rapidly. However, when the temperature is above the melting point of lithium, no lithium dendrites were observed under similar testing conditions. This is because the CCD for liquid lithium dendrites to form is much higher than that for solid lithium dendrites to form. Approximate estimates of the CCD below and above the melting point of lithium are also given. This investigation provides significant insights into dendrite (filament) growth above room temperature, and possible prevention of lithium dendrites in working solid-state lithium-ion batteries, and the efficiency improvement of solid-state batteries. • Growth of lithium dendrites has been observed optically in-situ in opaque discs of Al-containing garnet type electrolyte (Al-LLZTO). • The mechanism of lithium dendrite growth in solid-state electrolyte has been throughly discussed. • The observed effect of temperature gives insight on how to avoid metal dendrite formation in solid ion conductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the thermodynamic activity of two lanthanide chlorides (CeCl 3 and NdCl 3 ) in molten LiCl-KCl eutectic salt measured using open circuit potentiometry has been reported. Activity coefficient of CeCl 3 was found to be strongly dependent on the concentration of CeCl 3 in a concentration window of up to 4.66 mol % CeCl 3 . The activity coefficient of NdCl 3 could not be measured due to the uncertainty in NdCl 3/ NdCl 2 molar ratio in the salt, however the thermodynamic activity was measured relative to a 5 mol% Ag∣AgCl reference electrode. The concurrent analysis of data presented in this paper along with previously published activity data for LaCl 3 and GdCl 3 demonstrates that the departure from ideal solution behavior shown by the rare earths chlorides correlates with ionic size of underlying rare earth element. The smaller the ionic size of the species under consideration, the greater its departure from ideal solution behavior. Further, using the activity data of all four rare earth chlorides, an ionic size dependent correlation was developed. Using this empirical correlation, it is possible to calculate the activity of all species from La(Z = 57) to Gd (Z = 64) for a concentration of up to 2.5 mol% rare earth chloride in LiCl-KCl molten salt at 773 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During normal operations, the only deposition on a spent nuclear fuel electrorefiner cathode consists of uranium. A computer model, ERAD, was used to simulate conditions under which the electrorefiner salt was progressively contaminated from spent nuclear fuel processing without operator intervention. The model was adjusted to reflect three scenarios: one in which salt removed with every cathode deposit was returned but the UCl 3 concentration was never adjusted, one in which the salt was not removed and UCl 3 concentration was never adjusted, and one in which the Pu/U ratio in the salt was allowed to reach a value of one before starting the first scenario. Under the base conditions simulated, uranium initially deposits alone but eventually plutonium begins to co-deposit along with uranium. Up to 350 g of plutonium was calculated to deposit along with 8.3–9.5 kg of uranium. While precise tracking of changes in the salt composition may not be possible, the model was able to identify markers for plutonium deposition by tracking changes in electrode potential. This type of marker should ultimately provide inspectors with more options for situations when they have limited access to electrorefiner data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The region of far peripheral vision, beyond 60 degrees of visual angle, is important to the evaluation of peripheral dark shadows (negative dysphotopsia) seen by some intraocular lens (IOL) patients. Theoretical calculations show that the limited diameter of an IOL affects ray paths at large angles, leading to a dimming of the main image for small pupils, and to peripheral illumination by light bypassing the IOL for larger pupils. These effects are rarely bothersome, and cataract surgery is highly successful, but there is a need to improve the characterization of far peripheral vision, for both pseudophakic and phakic eyes. Perimetry is the main quantitative test, but the purpose is to evaluate pathologies rather than characterize vision (and object and image regions are no longer uniquely related in the pseudophakic eye). The maximum visual angle is approximately 1050, but there is limited information about variations with age, race, or refractive error (in case there is an unexpected link with the development of myopia), or about how clear cornea, iris location, and the limiting retina are related. Also, the detection of peripheral motion is widely recognized to be important, yet rarely evaluated. Overall, people rarely complain specifically about this visual region, but with "normal" vision including an IOL for >5% of people, and increasing interest in virtual reality and augmented reality, there are new reasons to characterize peripheral vision more completely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we apply an advanced safeguards approach and associated methods for process monitoring to a hypothetical nuclear material processing system. The assessment regarding the state of the processing facility is conducted at a system-centric level formulated in a hybrid framework. This utilizes architecture for integrating both time- and event-driven data and analysis for decision making. While the time-driven layers of the proposed architecture encompass more traditional process monitoring methods based on time series data and analysis, the event-driven layers encompass operation monitoring methods based on discrete event data and analysis. By integrating process- and operation-related information and methodologies within a unified framework, the task of anomaly detection is greatly improved. This is because decision-making can benefit from not only known time-series relationships among measured signals but also from known event sequence relationships among generated events. This available knowledge at both time series and discrete event layers can then be effectively used to synthesize observation solutions that optimally balance sensor and data processing requirements. The application of the proposed approach is then implemented on an illustrative monitored system based on pyroprocessing and results are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of the rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) to molten LiCl-KCl eutectic mixtures for electroanalytical measurements is presented. This enabled the measurement of the limiting current which was observed to follow a linear trend with the rotational rate raised to 0.64–0.65 power on average, which closely agrees with existing RCE mass-transfer correlations. This is the first publication of electroanalytical RCE measurements in LiCl-KCl eutectic based molten salt mixtures, to our knowledge. These measurements were made in mixtures of molten LiCl-KCl eutectic containing UCl 3 and MgCl 2 . Kinetic parameters were calculated for Mg 2+ in LiCl-KCl eutectic. The exchange current density ( i o ) of Mg 2+ deposition varied with mole fraction ( x ) according to i o (A cm −2 ) = 1.64 x 0.689 . The parameters from RCE measurements were also applied in an electrochemical co-deposition model entitled DREP to detect and predict the deposition rate of U and Mg. DREP succeeded in detecting the co-deposition of U and Mg, even when Mg constituted less than 0.5 wt% of the deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermodynamic behavior of lanthanides in molten salt systems is of significant scientific interest for the spent fuel reprocessing of Generation IV reactors. In this study, the apparent standard reduction potential (apparent potential) and activity coefficient of LaCl 3 were determined in a molten salt solution of eutectic LiCl-KCl as a function of concentration of LaCl 3 . The effect of adding up to 1.40 mol % CsCl was also investigated. These properties were determined by measuring the open circuit potential of the La—La(III) redox couple in a high temperature molten salt electrochemical cell. Both the apparent potential and activity coefficient exhibited a strong dependence on concentration. A low concentration (0.69 mol %) of CsCl had no significant effect on the measured properties, while a higher concentration (1.40 mol %) of CsCl caused an increase (become more positive) in the apparent potential and activity coefficient at the higher range of LaCl 3 concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At local scales, habitat availability influences interactions between native and invasive species. Habitat availability may also predict patterns in native communities and invasive species at biogeographic scales when both native and invasive species have specific habitat requirements. The New Zealand porcelain crab, Petrolisthes elongatus , has invaded intertidal rocky shores around Tasmania, Australia, where it is found in high densities (>1800 m 2 ) under rocks. A hierarchical sampling approach was used to investigate 1) the relationship between habitat availability (rock cover) and the biomass and abundance of P. elongatus , and 2) the relationship between P. elongatus biomass and native communities at local and regional scales. Invertebrate communities and habitat availability were sampled at multiple sites in the north and south regions of Tasmania. P. elongatus biomass and abundance were positively correlated with rock cover and patterns were consistent at the biogeographic scale (between regions). P. elongatus biomass was positively correlated with native species richness, biomass and abundance highlighting their co-dependence on rock cover. However, multivariate analyses indicated a different native community structure with increasing P. elongatus biomass. Flat, strongly adhering gastropods (chitons and limpets) were positively correlated with P. elongatus biomass, whereas mobile gastropods and crabs were negatively correlated with P. elongatus biomass. Despite local scale variation, there were clear consistent relationships between habitat-availability and the biomass of P. elongatus , and between native communities and the biomass of P. elongatus suggesting that the relationships between native and invasive species may be predictable at large spatial scales. Moreover, the strong relationships between P. elongatus biomass and changes in native community structure suggest a greater understanding of its impact is needed so that appropriate management plans can be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct electrolytic reduction of UO 2 in LiCl-Li 2 O was performed with a platinum anode surrounded by a mesh shroud. The anode shroud was comprised of three pieces; shaft, cage and screen. The shaft and cage were made of Haynes C2000 and the screen was made of Hastelloy C276. Five reduction tests were performed sequentially with the same anode/shroud set, while two other reduction tests did not use an anode shroud. Based on mass measurements, the average rate of platinum loss from corrosion was determined to be 1.69 µm/hr. It was confirmed with X-ray diffraction that a layer of lithium platinate forms on the surface of the anode. The anode shroud was found to increase the anodic potential by 0.25 V. After each test, a corrosion coupon was removed from the Haynes C2000 anode shroud and analyzed via scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Salt samples were taken after each test and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results indicated that nickel, chromium, and molybdenum were all depleted from the Hastelloy C276 shroud and accumulated in the molten salt. SEM-EDS line scans were used to estimate linear corrosion rates. Based on nickel, chromium, and molybdenum, the shroud corrosion rates were determined to be 0.36, 0.49, and 0.51 µm/hr, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explicit motor sequence learning is impaired in Parkinson's disease (PD). Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the motor cortex in healthy can improve explicit motor learning, but comparative effects in PD are unknown. This exploratory study aims to examine the effect of single session tDCS on explicit motor sequence learning in PD. Thirty-three people with mild to moderate PD learnt a short and long finger tapping sequence with their right hand. Participants received either anodal, cathodal, or sham tDCS applied over the left primary motor cortex during task practice. Single- and dual-task finger tapping performance was assessed before and after task practice and functional near-infrared spectroscopy used to measure task related changes of oxygenated haemoglobin. Finger tapping performance of short and long sequences under single-task conditions significantly improved following practice (p = 0.010 and p < 0.001, respectively). A condition-by-time interaction trend was observed for the long finger tapping sequence (p = 0.069) driven by improved performance in the cathodal (p = 0.001) and sham (p < 0.001) tDCS conditions, but not anodal tDCS (p = 0.198). The primary and premotor cortex and supplementary motor area were active in all tasks. No interaction or main effects were observed for task related changes of oxygenated haemoglobin. PD patients retain the capacity to learn an explicit sequence of movements. Motor cortex tDCS does not improve explicit motor learning in PD and anodal tDCS may even suppress the rate of learning. • People with PD retain capacity for explicit motor learning. • Single session tDCS over M1 does not enhance explicit motor learning in PD. • Anodal tDCS over M1 may inhibit explicit motor learning of long sequences in PD. • Task related cortical haemodynamic activity is unchanged by tDCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] An alternative approach to safeguarding and monitoring pyroprocessing is proposed. [•] Possible signals to be used to monitor an electrorefiner are identified. [•] An inverse model was developed to determine deposition rates at the cathode. [•] The sensitivity of certain parameters in the inverse model are presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Finding pathogenic mutations in monogenic diseases represents one of the significant milestones of late 20th century molecular genetics. Mutation data can improve genetic counseling, assist disease modeling and provide a basis for translational research and therapeutics. The logistics of detecting disease mutations, however, has not always been easy or straightforward. Traditional approaches using genetic linkage or candidate gene analysis have often been laborious and expensive, but the advent of next generation sequencing technologies is changing the very nature of modern-day gene discovery and mutation detection. The application of whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing has demonstrated how these new approaches can improve diagnostic sensitivity as well as disclose completely novel and unsuspected disease-gene associations. Use of next generation sequencing in inherited diseases that display genetic heterogeneity is already a cost-effective methodology for mutation detection. Further reductions in sequencing costs and machine run time, as well as improved bioinformatics, are likely to lead to the incorporation of next generation sequencing into routine diagnostics within clinical genetics. In the short term, the impact of next generation sequencing on the genetically diverse and clinically protean heritable connective tissue disorders is likely to mean more comprehensive documentation of individual mutations. Longer term, dissection of bioinformatics data may lead to further insight into individual prognosis and an era of new personal therapeutics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a debilitating chronic inflammatory skin condition of unclear etiology. It may segregate as an autosomal dominant trait, and heterozygous mutations in the γ-secretase genes NCSTN, PSENEN, and PSEN1 have recently been reported in a small number of multiplex kindreds and sporadic cases. These mutations highlight γ-secretase (an enzyme that has been extensively investigated in familial Alzheimer's disease) to have an integral role in cutaneous biology and, more specifically, in HS. In this article, we review the recent genetic data, how they inform disease pathogenesis, and the long-term implications in HS and related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compartmentalization is essential in the organization of biological systems, playing a fundamental role in modulating biochemical activity. An appreciation of the impact that biological compartments have on chemical reactions and an understanding of the physical and chemical phenomena that affect their assembly and function have inspired the development of synthetic compartments. Organic compartments assembled from amphiphilic molecules or derived from biological materials, have formed the basis of initial work in the field. However, inorganic and hybrid organic–inorganic compartments that capitalize on the optical and catalytic properties of metal and semiconductor materials are emerging. Methods for arraying these microcompartment and nanocompartment materials in higher order systems promise to enable the scaling and integration of these technologies for industrial and commercial applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In terms of nuclear decay 18F is the most ideal PET nuclide but its short t 1/2 precludes its use for directly labelling whole antibodies due to their long blood residence times. Pre-targeted imaging using affinity systems such as Neutravidin™–biotin facilitates the application of short-lived nuclides by their attachment to biotin for imaging cell surface proteins targeted with Neutravidin™-conjugated antibodies. Methods: Boroaryl functionalised biotin was prepared with a PEG linker and radiolabelled by incubation with 18F in acidified aqueous solution. Cells expressing high (SKBr3), medium (MDA-MB-453) and low (MDA-MB-468) levels of HER-2 were pre-incubated with Neutravidin™-conjugated trastuzumab, washed, and then incubated with 18F-PEG-biotin. Results: The 18F-fluorination of boroaryl-PEG-biotin was much more efficient than reported for other versions of boroaryl-biotin. The novel 18F-PEG-biotin was demonstrated to bind to HER-2-expressing cells in-vitro pre-incubated with Neutravidin™-conjugated trastuzumab. Conclusion: Biotin can be functionalised with boroaryl and readily 18F-radiolabelled in aqueous solution and will bind to cells pre-incubated with Neutravidin™–antibody conjugates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A better understanding of how confinement, crowding and reduced dimensionality modulate reactivity and reaction dynamics will aid in the rational and systematic discovery of functionality in complex biological systems. Artificial microfabricated and nanofabricated structures have helped elucidate the effects of nanoscale spatial confinement and segregation on biological behavior, particularly when integrated with microfluidics, through precise control in both space and time of diffusible signals and binding interactions. Examples of nanostructured interfaces for synthetic biology include the development of cell-like compartments for encapsulating biochemical reactions, nanostructured environments for fundamental studies of diffusion, molecular transport and biochemical reaction kinetics, and regulation of biomolecular interactions as functions of microfabricated and nanofabricated topological constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The biotin–avidin affinity system is exploited in pre-targeted imaging using avidin-conjugated antibodies. 18F-FDG is available at all PET centres. 18F-FDG forms oximes by reaction with oxyamine. Herein we describe the synthesis of oxyamine—funtionalised biotin, its 18F-labelling by conjugation with 18F-FDG and confirm its ability to interact with avidin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ca–Br cycle is a promising method for efficiently producing hydrogen from water; however, it suffers from limitations inherent to gas–solid reactions. The cycle depends on the repeatable transformation of calcium bromide to calcium oxide and back to calcium bromide. The use of pure solids for these reactions would lead to rapid particle degradation and slow reaction kinetics. To circumvent these problems, a new reactor concept based on molten calcium bromide with dissolved calcium oxide has been proposed and developed. Preliminary experimental results indicate that the solubility of calcium oxide in calcium bromide at 800°C is at least 1.2wt%, a level that is expected to be high enough to make the proposed process work as designed. Early attempts to hydrolyze molten calcium bromide indicated that solid calcium oxide formation may inhibit reactivity, and thus injection of the moisture into the salt must be optimized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Development has been initiated on a three-reaction, hybrid thermochemical-electrolytic process for splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. This process can be run at , making it suitable for linking to nuclear reactors that run colder than the very highest temperature gas cooled reactors. This feature also makes the materials requirements less stringent than for high temperature cycles, many of which require temperatures in the range of 800–. The process consists of three reactions—two thermochemical and one electrolytic. The thermochemical reactions sum to the reverse Deacon reaction. The electrolytic step involves the electrolysis of anhydrous HCl. The estimated energy savings for this process relative to electrolysis of water are in the vicinity of 15%, due to the low energy requirements of anhydrous HCl electrolysis. Preliminary experimental results indicate that a silicalite-supported catalyst for the reverse Deacon reaction has the potential of promoting fast reaction kinetics and long-term stability of the solids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to investigate the viability of using Be as a redox agent in a molten Flibe (2LiF–BeF2) blanket, a series of kinetics experiments were performed in which HF was bubbled through Flibe with varying concentrations of dissolved Be. The feed gas consisted of 910–1800ppm HF and 0.1–0.2vol.% H2, with the balance comprised of He. A cylindrical rod of Be was contacted with the salt for periods of time ranging from 600 to 3600s, resulting in mole fractions in the salt ranging from 4.3×10−5 to 2.6×10−4. Initially, high HF conversion levels in excess of 90% were observed. As HF reacted with the Be, the conversion levels slowly dropped over a period of several hours to a few days. A simple kinetic model, which is first order in both HF and Be concentration has been coupled with a non-mixed reactor model to yield a good fit to the data. Application of this model indicates that Be should be suitable for keeping the TF concentration in the salt below 0.02ppb. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A model has been developed and tested for its ability to describe the ion exchange of fission product species between zeolite and a molten salt bath used for pyroprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. The model is based on a system at equilibrium and assumes species interacting with zeolite are chemically independent of each other. This assumption was tested via a set of salt–zeolite contact experiments. Zeolite 4A was batch contacted with Cs ternary salt (CsCl–LiCl–KCl), Nd ternary salt (NdCl3–LiCl–KCl) or Cs–Nd quaternary salt (CsCl–NdCl3–LiCl–KCl) until ion exchange steady state was reached. Results from ternary salt and zeolite chemical analyses were used to determine model parameters for all species present. These parameters, in turn, were applied to compute estimated compositions of zeolite contacted with quaternary salt. The estimated compositions compare favorably with results from chemical analyses of the zeolite–quaternary salt experiment samples. Based on the data collected, the model is modified for predictive capability for a range of salt compositions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The synthesis and single crystal structure of RbZrOAsO4 are reported. This phase is the first fully characterised isostructure of potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP or KTiOPO4) to contain only zirconium on the octahedral cation sites. The Zr1O6 octahedron shows a displacement of Zr towards an octahedral edge, and the Zr2O6 octahedron is virtually undistorted. The corresponding TiO6 groups in titanium-containing KTP types both show a displacement of the Ti atom towards an octahedral vertex. Crystal data: RbZrOAsO4, Mr=331.61, orthorhombic, Pna21 (No. 33), a=13.7538 (6) Å, b=6.8835 (3) Å, c=11.2712 (5) Å, V=1067.09 (8) Å3, Z=8, R(F)=0.034, wR(F2)=0.080. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The growth of nanotechnology, the emergence of ‘nanobiotechnology’, and the incorporation of living organisms in biomicroelectronic devices are revolutionizing the interdisciplinary opportunities for microbiologists to participate in understanding, developing and exploiting microbial processes in and from the environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Mersey estuary is the most contaminated estuary in British waters. Detailed studies are underway on the pathology of flounder (Platichthys flesus) from the Mersey and on flounder from the nearby, but less contaminated, Dee estuary. Flounder breed offshore but spend a lot of time in the estuaries, penetrating into freshwater. These flatfish are in close contact with sediments and will be exposed to exenobiotic stored in the sediments. Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) are flatfish which enter the Mersey with the tidal flow but spend less time in the estuary than flounder and are less likely to show evidence of pollutant exposure. Over 20 plaice were collected from the Mersey. Samples of the liver, kidney and gonad were fixed in 10% formal saline, processed into paraffin wax and 5 μm sections cut and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Liver changes consisted of variable amounts of glycogen/lipid storage product, minor perivenular and perivascular fibrosis, and helminth parasitisation. No tumours or foci of cellular alteration, necrosis and inflammation were seen. In the gonad only changes consistent with normal gonadal cycling was seen. These studies provide evidence that plaice show little or no evidence of toxic pathological damage resulting from their stay in the estuary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Technoeconomic model integrating ICE + ORC engines for CHP applications. • Commercial ICE and ORC engines are evaluated in 30 real supermarket buildings. • Optimal ORC engine capacities in these supermarkets range from 20 to 30 kW e. • ORC engine payback times range from 4 to 9 years depending on the building. • For improved performance exhaust-gas heat recovery should be considered. We examine the opportunities and challenges of deploying integrated organic Rankine cycle (ORC) engines to recover heat from low-temperature jacket-water cooling circuits of small-scale gas-fired internal combustion engines (ICEs), for the supply of combined heat and power (CHP) to supermarkets. Based on data for commercially-available ICE and ORC engines, a techno-economic model is developed and applied to simulate system performance in real buildings. Under current market trends and for the specific (low-temperature) ICE + ORC CHP configuration investigated here, results show that the ICE determines most economic savings, while the ORC engine does not significantly impact the integrated CHP system performance. The ORC engines have long payback times (4–9 years) in this application, because: (1) they do not displace high-value electricity, as the value of exporting electricity to the grid is low, and (2) it is more profitable to use the heat from the ICEs for space heating rather than for electricity conversion. Commercial ORC engines are most viable (payback ≈ 4 years) in buildings with high electrical demands and low heat-to-power ratios. The influence of factors such as the ORC engine efficiency, capital cost and energy prices is also evaluated, highlighting performance gaps and identifying promising areas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin disease, caused by the mutation in the gamma-secretase genes such as Nicastrin (NCSTN), Presenilins (PSENEN) and Presenilin-1 (PSEN1). It further states that HS affects one percent of Europeans and may segregate as an autosomal dominant trait and heterozygous mutations in the gamma-secretase genes. It also presents diagrams depicting the location of all mutations within the gamma-secretase complex.

A letter to the editor is presented regarding the study on the disease-associated variants identification in the RNF114 psoriasis susceptibility gene promoter region.

A letter to the editor is presented regarding Presenilin Enhancer-2 (PSENEN), and Nicastrin (NCSTN) mutations in hidradenitis suppurativa.

The provision of temporary, specially designed artificial habitat may help support populations of the Endangered Whites' seahorse Hippocampus whitei in the face of rapid coastal urbanisation and declining natural habitats. Three designs of artificial habitat (Seahorse Hotels) were installed in Port Stephens, New South Wales, Australia, where natural habitats had significantly declined. Mark recapture surveys were used to assess seahorse site fidelity and population parameters, and the effect of Seahorse Hotel design on seahorse abundance, epibiotic growth and mobile epifaunal seahorse prey was determined. The Seahorse Hotels sustained a substantial population of seahorses (64; 57–72 95% confidence intervals) in comparison to recent local population estimates. There were no significant differences in seahorse abundance, mobile epifauna or epibiotic growth among the three different hotel designs. This research demonstrated that H. whitei will inhabit Seahorse Hotels in absence of natural habitat, and additional complexity in these artificial structures was not necessary to support seahorse populations. Temporary structures such as Seahorse Hotels will be a valuable tool in supporting H. whitei and other Syngnathid populations through infrastructure maintenance or habitat modification. • Seahorse Hotels are a temporary artificial habitat for seahorses. • They are trialled here for the Endangered seahorse Hippocampus whitei. • Seahorses Hotels supported a relatively large population of seahorses. • Additional complexity was not necessary to support seahorses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Organic Rankine cycle engines are optimised for exhaust from stationary gas engines. • Two configurations are assessed using energy usage data for thirty buildings. • Use of jacket water increases power output by 20% but reduces project viability. • System with condenser heat supplied to building shows 3.5- to 7.5-year payback. For buildings with low heat-to-power demand ratios, the installation of internal combustion engines (ICEs) for the onsite provision of combined heat and power (CHP) results in large amounts of surplus heat. In the UK, such installations risk being ineligible for the CHP Quality Assurance (CHPQA) programme, thereby incurring additional levies. In this work, a technoeconomic optimisation of small-scale organic Rankine cycle (ORC) engines is performed, in which the ORC engines recover heat from the ICE exhaust gases in order to increase the overall efficiency of this combined solution and meet the CHPQA requirements. Two competing system configurations are assessed. In the first, the ORC engine also recovers heat from the CHP-ICE jacket water to generate additional power. In the second, the ORC engine operates at a higher condensing temperature, which prohibits jacket-water heat recovery but allows heat from the condenser to be delivered to the building. When optimised for minimum specific investment cost, the first configuration is initially found to deliver 20% more power (25.8 kW) at design conditions, and a minimum specific investment cost (1600 £/kW) that is 8% lower than the second configuration. However, the first configuration leads to less heat from the CHP-ICE being supplied to the building, increasing the cost of meeting the heat demand. By establishing part-load performance curves for both the CHP-ICE and ORC engines, the economic benefits from realistic operation can be evaluated. The present study goes beyond previous work by testing the configurations against a comprehensive database of real historical electricity and heating demand for thirty energy-intensive buildings at half-hour resolution. The discounted payback period for the second configuration is found to lie between 3.5 and 7.5 years for all of the buildings considered, while the first configuration is seen to recoup capital investment costs for only 23% of the buildings. The broad applicability of the second configuration offers attractive opportunities to increase manufacturing volumes and reduce unit costs. The findings are relevant to a range of buildings with heat-to-power demand ratios from 20% to 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the historical processes that transformed tar sands bitumen in the Athabasca river basin into a natural resource of Canada. The discourse of the resource was first applied to bitumen during the second half of the nineteenth century as the settler colonial state dispatched geologists into the region to quantify, calculate, and measure its properties, and to speculate upon its potential economic applications. The re-storying of bitumen as a natural resource fostered a sense of resource nationalism among citizens of this newly formed state, who projected their fantasies of a settler colonial future upon the stored potentialities that the resource offered. In turn, this desire to secure resources on behalf of the Canadian nation served to consolidate the state's incursion into the Athabasca, enabling the spatial reorganization of the region in accordance with the settler resource imaginary. Drawing on Deleuze and Guattari, I suggest that we can think about this relationship between settler colonialism and the resource as a "resource desiring machine," where both the subject and the object of desire are co-produced through the relationship of desire itself. Moreover, I argue that this can help us to rethink the relationship between resources and violence. Rather than asking how and when resources cause violence, I argue that violence is inherent to the very category of resource. Violence is the constitutive moment of resource-making, and sustaining the resource imaginary relies on the ongoing violence (threatened or actual) of political and economic institutions such as private property and the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to examine the dynamic patterns of neural activity underlying the auditory steady-state response. We examined the continuous time-series of responses to a 32-Hz amplitude modulation. Fluctuations in the amplitude of the evoked response were found to be mediated by non-linear interactions with oscillatory processes both at the same source, in the alpha and beta frequency bands, and in the opposite hemisphere. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A steady stream of research has fueled excitement in the field of synthetic biology. Logic gates, oscillators, and memory elements constructed using genetic and biochemical components have all been demonstrated. However, the nagging question remains as to how higher levels of complexity can be designed into these synthetic systems. A recent paper from Collins'' group provides some answers to this question. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on a study related to the next-generation diagnostics for genodermatoses. It mentions that the morpho-spatial nature of genodermatoses also adds the conundrum of mosaic disease; and more specific and discrete morphological phenotypes typifying many dermatoses have revealed diverse genes converging on a common phenotype in contrast to classic quantitative traits, such as metabolic disease or blood pressure.

Abstract Electrochemical methods have been developed to measure metal ion concentrations in spent nuclear fuel electrorefiner by correlating concentration with current response. Analytes UCl 3 and GdCl 3 were studied in LiCl-KCl eutectic solvent at 773 K. A mixture matrix, which consisted of varying concentrations of UCl 3 and GdCl 3 from 1 to 10 wt% and from 1 to 3 wt%, respectively, was tested. Optimized normal pulse voltammetry (NPV) measurements were made on this mixture matrix and used for the concentration correlations. The accuracy of the prediction was improved by including solution resistance compensation and minimizing the working electrode surface area. The presence of GdCl 3 showed no effect on the U3+ NPV reduction current, but high U concentrations affected the Gd3+ NPV reduction current. This is speculated to be due to increased migrational current in the molten salt mixture. The average relative measurement errors obtained were 1.6% and 2.7% for UCl 3 and GdCl 3 respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In a molten salt nuclear reactor system, the redox potential must be controlled for mitigating corrosion of structural materials. The paper presented a critical review on the available knowledge of redox potential control in molten fluoride salt systems. The major phenomena that affect the redox potential and material corrosion are fission, TF production by transmutation, and salt contamination with metal fluorides or other oxidizing impurities. Redox potential control methodologies include gas sparging, contacting the salt with a reducing metal, and adding soluble salt redox buffers to the salt. Redox potential measurement technologies include electrochemical sensors and optical spectroscopy. The paper also analyzed the current technology issues and recommended near future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The ISU held its 9th annual symposium in Strasbourg from 30 November to 2 December 2004, with the theme ‘Civil, Commercial and Security Space: What will drive the Next Decade?’ Speakers from industry, academe, space agencies, international organizations and the military presented a range of views on where the different sectors that make up space activity might be headed and, on the final day, sectoral discussion groups attempted to draw together some of the themes that had emerged. This report is an edited version of ISU President Michael Simpson''s closing speech, in which he summed up the findings of the discussion groups. The growing importance of user demand was considered likely to present the biggest change to the way space activity is carried out. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The drawdown of actinides is an important unit operation to enable the recycling of electrorefiner salt and minimization of waste. A new method for the drawdown of actinide chlorides from LiCl-KCl molten salt has been demonstrated here. Using the galvanic interaction between the Gd/Gd(III) and U/U(III) redox reactions, it is shown that UCl 3 concentration in eutectic LiCl-KCl can be reduced from 8.06 wt.% (1.39 mol %) to 0.72 wt.% (0.12 mol %) in about an hour via plating U metal onto a steel basket. This is a simple process for returning actinides to the electrorefiner and minimizing their loss to the salt waste stream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major sources of error for electroanalytical measurements in high-temperature molten salts is from the measurement of the working electrode (WE) area. A glass sealed working electrode (GSWE) was developed in order to set the exposed area of tungsten and reduce the error associated with WE area. The insulating property of the glass while in contact with molten salt was verified by observing the independence of electrochemical signals with adjustments in the WE position. The integrity of the glass coating was also confirmed by observing the stability of electrochemical signals (±1.9%) over several hours. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and normal pulse voltammetry (NPV) were applied at 10 different concentrations of UCl 3 . Above 0.17 mol dm −3 UCl 3 , the electrochemical signals from CV and NPV deviate significantly from linearity with concentration, but in opposite directions. A shift from reversible to quasi-reversible behavior and migration are theorized to cause the non-linearity for CV and NPV, respectively. A model is proposed to account for migration in NPV resulting in a significant error reduction in the electrochemical concentration measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several electrochemical techniques, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronopotentiometry-open circuit potential (CP-OCP), chronoamperometry (CA) and normal pulse voltammetry (NPV) were applied to the eutectic LiCl-KCl melt containing LaCl 3 and ThCl 4 at 773K. The dependence of diffusion coefficient of La(III) on concentration of LaCl 3 was investigated by using CV, CP and CA. As the concentration of LaCl 3 increases, the D La(III) value obtained from CV gradually decreases, while the values derived from CA and CP exhibit a dome-shaped variation trend. In the LiCl-KCl-LaCl 3 -ThCl 4 system, the diffusion coefficients of La(III) and Th(IV) are both approximately constant regardless of changes in the composition of LaCl 3 and ThCl 4 . Concentration correlations were developed for LaCl 3 and ThCl 4 using the normalized CV peak heights in addition to the diffusion-limited relationships for CV, CA and NPV. NPV was found to be superior for the concentration prediction over the range studied in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several countries have shown interest in developing the electrochemical treatment of used nuclear fuel (UNF), commonly termed pyroprocessing. From a proliferation perspective, an advantage of pyroprocessing is its inability to isolate pure plutonium. However, because plutonium is present in the process, it needs to be effectively safeguarded to protect against diversion of plutonium-containing materials that could be post-processed elsewhere. The most complicated unit to safeguard in the process is the electrorefiner where UNF is chemically separated into several material entities. Molten LiCl–KCl serves as the electrolyte into which actinides (including uranium and plutonium), rare earths, and other active metals from the fuel are partitioned after being oxidized to chloride salts. Various voltammetric methods are being developed to measure the concentration of actinides in the molten salt in near-real-time. However, these methods have mostly been applied to molten salt mixtures containing a single actinide. Unfortunately, the presence of multiple actinides will create interferences in the electrochemical responses which could make traditional analysis of voltammetric data inaccurate for determining individual species concentrations. It is proposed to use multivariate techniques to more accurately predict concentrations of multiple actinides from voltammetric data. Two techniques, principal component analysis and partial least squares, are demonstrated on experimental and simulated data for molten salt mixtures containing uranium and plutonium. These techniques consistently yielded more accurate predictions of uranium and plutonium concentrations than simply using peak height. Possible methods of employing multivariate techniques in safeguarding an electrorefiner are also demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Options for reducing purified metal chlorides to metallic form were evaluated in support of the development of a metal purification process based on the conversion of impure metal via hydriding followed by chlorination. Metallothermic reduction of CeCl 3 was tested using Li, Ca, and Na as reductant metals with and without a molten salt solvent in MgO and Y 2 O 3 -coated MgO crucibles. The effects of added reductant metal form, crucible material and dimensions, and mixture hold times above Ce melting temperature were studied. Direct contact of Li and CeCl 3 was ineffective due to their immiscibility. A low-density alloy was formed between Li and Ce using Li in a LiCl solvent. Na was ineffective at reducing CeCl 3 to any measurable degree. The highest percent recovery (71.4 %) and consolidation of Ce was achieved when using Ca in a CaCl 2 -NaCl solvent with 99.8 % removal of CeCl 3 from the salt. Side reaction with MgO crucibles was found to be at least partially responsible for reduced Ce recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Frequently mutated genes in OSCC: TP53 (64%), FAT1 (27%), CDKN2A , CASP8 and DNAH7. • Tumor somatic mutations of OSCC can be detected in saliva DNA at high sensitivity. • The mutation detection is independent of primary site of the tumor or tumor stage. The incidence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) continues to increase and although advances have been made in treatment, it still has a poor overall survival with local relapse being common. Conventional imaging methods are not efficient at detecting recurrence at an early stage when still potentially curable. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of using saliva to detect the presence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to provide additional evidence for the potential of this approach. Fresh tumor, whole blood and saliva were collected from patients with OSCC before treatment. Whole exome sequencing (WES) or gene panel sequencing of tumor DNA was performed to identify somatic mutations in tumors and to select genes for performing gene panel sequencing on saliva samples. The most commonly mutated genes identified in primary tumors by DNA sequencing were TP53 and FAT1. Gene panel sequencing of paired saliva samples detected tumor derived mutations in 9 of 11 (82%) patients. The mean variant allele frequency for the mutations detected in saliva was 0.025 (range 0.004 – 0.061). Somatic tumor mutations can be detected in saliva with high frequency in OSCC irrespective of site or stage of disease using a limited panel of genes. This work provides additional evidence for the suitability of using saliva as liquid biopsy in OSCC and has the potential to improve early detection of recurrence in OSCC. Trials are currently underway comparing this approach to standard imaging techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to meet the safeguard requirements for Nuclear Material Control and Accountability (MC&A) in liquid-fueled molten salt reactors, fuel salt transportation, and fuel cycle processes, it is important to develop effective methods for measuring and monitoring the mass of molten fuel salt or coolant salt. This paper seeks to validate the radioactive tracer dilution (RTD) method used for determining the mass of irradiated uranium-bearing molten salt. Small scale testing was conducted for this method by irradiating 6.065 g of MgCl–KCl–UCl 3 salt mixture with 1.21 mg of 235U at The Ohio State University, resulting in a neutron fluence of 4.0 × 1016 n/cm2. Gamma spectra were acquired over the course of a 42-day period starting in March 2023 to assess fission products and activity levels of the 22Na tracer that was added before irradiation. No additional interference peaks were observed to overlap with the 1274.54 keV energy peak from 22Na, aside from the known 154Eu peaks, which can be corrected based on prior studies. By placing a thin piece of lead between the source and detector, deadtime was effectively reduced while still allowing observation of the higher-energy peaks, most notably around the 154Eu peak at 1004.76 keV used for interference correction. Overall, the uranium salt irradiation techniques applied in this experiment demonstrate the potential of the RTD method to effectively measure small irradiated samples for large scale molten fuel salt applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent system experimental studies have been performed to provide measurement and analysis of oxygen bubble distributions at different sparging rates in LiCl-KCl molten salt at 500°C using a high-speed digital camera and an oxygen sensor. The results reveal that bubble sizes and rise velocities increased with an increase in oxygen sparging rate. The bubbles observed were ellipsoidal in shape, and an equivalent diameter based on the ellipsoid volume was calculated, ranging from 0.00263 m to 0.00407 m. Results also show that the bubble equivalent diameters are normally distributed. A Fanning friction factor correlation was used to predict a bubble's rise velocity. The oxygen mass transfer coefficients were calculated using the oxygenation model; these values were on the order of 10-4 m/s and followed a decreasing trend corresponding to an increasing bubble size and sparging rate. The diffusivities were calculated based on two different approaches--one based on physics of the bubbles and the other on systematic properties. The diffusivity values calculated from bubble physics are 1.65 x 10-9 m²/s to 8.40 x 10-4 m²/s, which are within the range suggested by literature for gases in liquids of a similar viscosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A parametric study has been conducted to identify the effects of several parameters on the separation of CsCl from molten LiCl–KCl salt via a melt crystallization process. A reverse vertical Bridgman technique was used to grow the salt ingots. The investigated parameters were: (1) the advancement rate, (2) the crucible lid configuration, (3) the amount of salt mixture, (4) the initial composition of CsCl, and (5) the temperature difference between the high and low furnace zones. From each grown salt ingot, samples were taken axially and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results show that CsCl concentrations at the top of the ingots were low and increased to a maximum at the bottom of the salt. Salt (LiCl–KCl) recycle percentages for the experiments ranged from 50% to 75% and the CsCl composition in the waste salt was low. To increase the recycle percentage and the concentration of CsCl in the waste form, multiple crystallization stages were explored showing that they were practical under the optimal experimental conditions at 5.0mm/h rate with a lid configuration and temperature difference of 200°C for a total of five crystallization stages. Up to 88% of the LiCl–KCl salt can be recycled under these proposed conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: Acrocallosal syndrome (ACLS) is a rare genetically heterogeneous disorder characterised by a variety of developmental anomalies including agenesis or hypoplasia of the corpus callosum. ACLS and the related disorder, hydrolethalus syndrome, have recently been reported to be caused by mutations in the KIF7 gene. In the present study we report a 15 year follow up of a consanguineous family with ACLS and the results of exome sequencing. Results: A novel in-frame deletion KIF7 mutation (p.218-221del) was detected. This is the first deletion mutation in KIF7 described in ACLS and is predicted to disrupt the KIF7 protein within the kinesin motor domain. Also present, in addition to the homozygous KIF7 mutation, were loss of function variants in known ciliopathy genes; AHI1 (p.R830W), BBS2 (p.N70S) and BBS4 (p.M472V). Conclusion: KIF7 has previously been demonstrated to regulate function of primary cilia and ACLS is now categorised as a ciliopathy – a group of disorders in which oligogenic disease is frequent. The finding of known loss of function variants in ciliopathy associated genes, AHI1, BBS2 and BBS4 in addition to KIF7 mutations provides evidence for oligogenic inheritance in ACLS and suggests that this might contribute to the phenotypic variability of KIF7-related disorders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Experimentation, data analysis, and modeling of ion exchange kinetics between fission products (cesium and strontium) and zeolite-A beads in molten LiCl–KCl have been performed to support optimization of an electrochemical process to treat used nuclear fuel. Models based on pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order sorption as well as diffusion have been adapted and compared to experimental data to assess their validity in describing the system. Individual experiments were performed with different concentrations of CsCl or SrCl2 in the LiCl–KCl salt. Zeolite beads were removed from the molten salt at prescribed intervals of time and prepared for analysis by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Results indicate maximum cesium (Cs) and strontium (Sr) loading occurred at approximately 31min and 104min of contact, respectively. The rate of loading and maximum loading were found to increase with increasing initial concentration of Cs or Sr. Data analysis included determination of rate constants and diffusion coefficients of the proposed models for each experimental condition. Results reveal that the diffusion model provides the best fit to the experimental data with average diffusion coefficients of 2.0×10−10 m2 s−1 for Cs and 6.3×10−11 m2 s−1 for Sr. This suggests that chemical diffusion is the dominant mechanism of mass transfer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]