Initial Asymmetry Research Articles

Time to successful outcome vs. treatment duration in cranial remolding orthosis treatment.

Cranial remolding orthoses are an effective treatment of deformational plagiocephaly. Typical treatment durations are well documented. However, treatment duration can be affected by multiple factors and may not be a true representation of the time necessary to achieve a successful clinical outcome. This study compared the time to achieve a successful clinical outcome against the total treatment duration for cranial remolding orthosis therapy in infants with deformational plagiocephaly. This is a retrospective study of infants treated for deformational plagiocephaly with a cranial remolding orthosis. A total of 300 infants with deformational plagiocephaly who were treated with a cranial remolding orthosis were grouped by corrected age at initiation of treatment and by severity of deformity. A successful outcome was defined as achieving a final cranial vault asymmetry of 5 mm or less. For the 226 infants who achieved a successful outcome, time to successful outcome and treatment duration were compared between the groups. The time to successful outcome depended on severity but not on age at initiation. The median time to successful outcome ranged from 6 weeks to 17.5 weeks, depending on the severity of the deformity. Time to successful outcome was significantly shorter than treatment duration for infants with an initial cranial vault asymmetry of less than 17 mm. Current treatment durations for infants with moderate plagiocephaly may be longer than necessary. Estimated treatment time lines should be based on the initial severity of the infant's deformity.

A Synchronous Moon as a Possible Cause of Mars' Initial Triaxiality

AbstractThe paper addresses the possibility of a young Mars having had a massive moon, which synchronized the rotation of Mars, and gave Mars an initial asymmetric triaxiality to be later boosted by geological processes. It turns out that a moon of less than a third of the lunar mass was capable of producing a sufficient initial triaxiality. The asymmetry of the initial tidal shape of the equator depends on timing: the initial asymmetry is much stronger if the synchronous moon shows up already at the magma‐ocean stage. From the moment of synchronization of Mars' rotation with the moon's orbital motion, and until the moon was eliminated (as one possibility, by an impact in the beginning of the Late Heavy Bombardment), the moon was sustaining an early value of Mars' rotation rate.

A Markov model approach for statistical tropical cyclone wind radii baseline forecasts

Abstract A skill baseline for five-day, 34-, 50-, and 64-knot (1 kt = 0.514 m s−1) tropical cyclone (TC) wind radii forecasts is described. The Markov Model CLiper (MMCL) generates a sequence of 12-h forecasts out to a forecast length limited only by the length of the forecast track and intensity. The model employs a climatology of TC size based on infrared satellite imagery, a Markov chain, and a basin-specific drift. MMCL uses the initial wind radii and initial forecast track and intensity as input. Unlike the previously developed wind radii climatology and persistence model (DRCL) that reverts to a climatological size and shape after approximately 48 h, MMCL retains more of its initial size and asymmetry and is likely more palatable for use in operational forecasting. MMCL runs operationally in the western North Pacific basin, the North Indian Ocean, and the Southern Hemisphere for the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This work also describes the development of Atlantic and eastern North Pacific versions of MMCL. MMCL’s formulation allows unlimited extension of forecast lead time without reverting to a generic climatological size and shape. Independent forecast comparisons between MMCL and DRCL for the 2020–2022 seasons demonstrates that MMCL’s mean absolute errors are generally smaller and biases are closer to zero in North Atlantic, and eastern North Pacific basins, and in the Southern Hemisphere. This validation includes a few example forecasts and demonstrates that MMCL can be used both as a baseline for assessing wind radii forecast skill and operational use.

Cranial Remolding Orthosis Study on the Use of a Temperature Sensor to Measure Wear Time

ABSTRACT Introduction The effectiveness of cranial remolding orthoses (CROs) in treating nonsynostotic deformational plagiocephaly (DP) is anecdotally related to adherence. Efficacy of CROs has been evaluated but lacks evidence regarding necessary wear time to achieve a positive outcome. A 23 hr/d wear schedule is generally prescribed regardless of presentation. The study compares daily wear time to treatment outcomes. Materials and Methods Subjects Infants aged 3–18 months diagnosed with DP were included with initial cranial vault asymmetry (CVA) > 6 mm or cephalic ratio (CR) > 0.90. Subjects were treated with an Orthomerica STARband CRO. A total of 106 subjects enrolled, with 69 completed. Apparatus A questionnaire assessed caregiver’s reported adherence with the CRO. Maximum Integrated’s iButton temperature loggers (iButtons) recorded objective wear time. Procedures 3D head shape measurements via Orthomerica STARScanner, caregivers’ questionnaires, and iButton data were collected every 5–8 weeks. Data Analysis Descriptive statistics were obtained, and data reported as mean ± SD or median [25th, 75th percentiles]. Nonparametric sign tests were used to assess differences from CRO fabrication scan to subsequent follow-ups. Spearman rank correlations and corresponding 95% confidence intervals and P values between average wear time and change of measurements were obtained. Results Self-reported wear time was 22 (22, 23) hrs/d. Measured wear time was 17–18 (12, 20) hrs/d. Longer average wear time was significantly associated with larger reductions in CVA (P = 0.0054), CR (P = 0.0080), and CVAI (P = 0.0059). Conclusions Results showed longer average daily wear increased effectiveness in CRO treatment of plagiocephaly. Increased sample sizing is required to determine if generalizable to brachycephalic and asymmetrical brachycephalic head shapes. Clinical Relevance A CRO wear schedule of 23 hrs a day is currently recommended, but difficult for families to adhere. The impact of the study may indicate a more realistic wear schedule that would improve adherence while achieving optimal outcomes.

Transient Amplification of Broken Symmetry in Elastic Snap-Through.

A snap-through bifurcation occurs when a bistable structure loses one of its stable states and moves rapidly to the remaining state. For example, a buckled arch with symmetrically clamped ends can snap between an inverted and a natural state as the ends are released. A standard linear stability analysis suggests that the arch becomes unstable to asymmetric perturbations. Surprisingly, our experiments show that this is not always the case: symmetric transitions are also observed. Using experiments, numerics, and a toy model, we show that the symmetry of the transition depends on the rate at which the ends are released, with sufficiently fast loading leading to symmetric snap-through. Our toy model reveals that this behavior is caused by a region of the system's state space in which any initial asymmetry is amplified. The system may not enter this region when loaded fast (hence remaining symmetric), but will traverse it for some interval of time when loaded slowly, causing a transient amplification of asymmetry. Our toy model suggests that this behavior is not unique to snapping arches, but rather can be observed in dynamical systems where both a saddle-node and a pitchfork bifurcation occur in close proximity.

The potential of a targeted unilateral compound training program to reduce lower limb strength asymmetry and increase performance: a proof-of-concept in basketball.

This study investigates the efficacy of training methodologies aimed at mitigating asymmetries in lower limb strength and explosiveness among basketball players. Thirty male university basketball athletes were enrolled in this research. Initial assessments were made regarding their physical attributes, strength, and explosiveness. Subsequently, the participants were randomly allocated into two groups: an experimental group (EG, n = 15) and a control group (CG, n = 15). Over 10 weeks, the EG engaged in a unilateral compound training regimen, incorporating resistance training exercises such as split squats, Bulgarian split squats, box step-ups, and single-leg calf raises (non-dominant leg: three sets of six repetitions; dominant leg: one set of six repetitions) and plyometric drills including lunge jumps, single-leg hops with back foot raise, single-leg lateral jumps, and single-leg continuous hopping (non-dominant leg: three sets of 12 repetitions; dominant leg: one set of 12 repetitions). The CG continued with their standard training routine. Assessments of limb asymmetry and athletic performance were conducted before and after the intervention to evaluate changes. 1) Body morphology assessments showed limb length and circumference discrepancies of less than 3cm. The initial average asymmetry percentages in the single-leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ) for jump height, power, and impulse were 15.56%, 12.4%, and 4.48%, respectively. 2) Post-intervention, the EG demonstrated a significant reduction in the asymmetry percentages of SLCMJ height and power (p < 0.01), along with improvements in the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) test metrics (p < 0.05). 3) The EG also showed marked enhancements in the double-leg countermovement jump (CMJ) and standing long jump (SLJ) outcomes compared to the CG (p < 0.01), as well as in squat performance (p < 0.05). The 10-week unilateral compound training program effectively reduced the asymmetry in lower limb strength and explosiveness among elite male university basketball players, contributing to increased maximal strength and explosiveness.

Probing the eccentricity in protostellar discs: Modelling kinematics and morphologies

Context. Protostellar discs are mostly modelled as circular structures of gas and dust orbiting a protostar. However, a number of physical mechanisms, for example, the presence of a (sub)stellar companion or initial axial asymmetry, can cause the gas and dust orbital motion to become eccentric. Theoretical studies have revealed that, when present, disc eccentricity is expected to occur with predictable profiles that can be long-lasting and potentially observable in protostellar systems. Aims. We construct an analytical model predicting the typical features of the kinematics and morphology of eccentric protostellar discs, with the final goal of characterising the observational appearance of eccentricity in discs. Methods. We validate the model using a numerical simulation of a circumbinary disc (where the binary makes the disc eccentric). We finally post-process the simulation with Monte Carlo radiative transfer to study how eccentric features would appear through the ‘eyes’ of ALMA. Results. Besides the motion of the material on eccentric Keplerian orbits in the disc orbital plane, the most characteristic eccentric feature emerging from the analytical model is strong vertical motion with a typical anti-symmetric pattern (with respect to the disc line of pericentres). A circumbinary disc with a ≈ 40 au eccentric cavity (ecav = 0.2), carved by an abin = 15 au binary, placed at a distance d = 130 pc, is expected to host in its upper emission surface vertical oscillations up to vz ~ 400 m s−1 close to the cavity edge, that is to say, well within ALMA spectral and spatial resolution capabilities. A residual spiral pattern in the vertical velocity Δvz ~ 150 m s−1 of the simulation cannot be captured by the theoretical model, we speculate it to be possibly linked to the presence of a companion in the system.

Site and severity of facial asymmetry after bimaxillary surgery for class III deformity: a case-control study.

The study aimed (1) to evaluate the site and severity of facial asymmetry in Class III patients before and after bimaxillary surgery, and (2) to identify the influence of initial severity and positional jaw asymmetry on residual facial asymmetry. Preoperative and postoperative cone-beam computed tomography of 65 patients with Class III facial asymmetry who underwent bimaxillary surgery were evaluated. Five midline and 14 paramedian facial soft tissue landmarks were identified to assess facial asymmetry. The outcomes were compared to a control group consisting of 30 age- and gender-matched Class I subjects. The postoperative positional jaw asymmetry (i.e., shift, roll, yaw) of each osteotomy segment (maxilla, mandible, chin, ramus) was also measured. Before surgery, the asymmetry was more severe at the chin, middle and lower contour. Bimaxillary surgery effectively corrected facial asymmetry, particularly in achieving normalization of chin deviation. However, significant asymmetry persisted postoperatively in the middle and lower contour (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively), which was affected by the positional ramus asymmetry in the roll and shift. Deviation of the chin, middle and lower contour contributed significantly to overall facial asymmetry in Class III asymmetry. Despite normalization of the chin deviation after bimaxillary surgery, asymmetry persisted at the middle and lower contour, primarily as the result of insufficient correction of the positional ramus asymmetry. Understanding the residual asymmetry after bimaxillary surgery is important for minimizing deviation and optimizing the surgical planning for its correction.

Rapid translocation of NGR proteins driving polarization of PIN-activating D6 protein kinase during root gravitropism.

Root gravitropic bending represents a fundamental aspect of terrestrial plant physiology. Gravity is perceived by sedimentation of starch-rich plastids (statoliths) to the bottom of the central root cap cells. Following gravity perception, intercellular auxin transport is redirected downwards leading to an asymmetric auxin accumulation at the lower root side causing inhibition of cell expansion, ultimately resulting in downwards bending. How gravity-induced statoliths repositioning is translated into asymmetric auxin distribution remains unclear despite PIN auxin efflux carriers and the Negative Gravitropic Response of roots (NGR) proteins polarize along statolith sedimentation, thus providing a plausible mechanism for auxin flow redirection. In this study, using a functional NGR1-GFP construct, we visualized the NGR1 localization on the statolith surface and plasma membrane (PM) domains in close proximity to the statoliths, correlating with their movements. We determined that NGR1 binding to these PM domains is indispensable for NGR1 functionality and relies on cysteine acylation and adjacent polybasic regions as well as on lipid and sterol PM composition. Detailed timing of the early events following graviperception suggested that both NGR1 repolarization and initial auxin asymmetry precede the visible PIN3 polarization. This discrepancy motivated us to unveil a rapid, NGR-dependent translocation of PIN-activating AGCVIII kinase D6PK towards lower PMs of gravity-perceiving cells, thus providing an attractive model for rapid redirection of auxin fluxes following gravistimulation.

Rapid translocation of NGR proteins driving polarization of PIN-activating D6 protein kinase during root gravitropism

Root gravitropic bending represents a fundamental aspect of terrestrial plant physiology. Gravity is perceived by sedimentation of starch-rich plastids (statoliths) to the bottom of the central root cap cells. Following gravity perception, intercellular auxin transport is redirected downwards leading to an asymmetric auxin accumulation at the lower root side causing inhibition of cell expansion, ultimately resulting in downwards bending. How gravity-induced statoliths repositioning is translated into asymmetric auxin distribution remains unclear despite PIN auxin efflux carriers and the Negative Gravitropic Response of roots (NGR) proteins polarize along statolith sedimentation, thus providing a plausible mechanism for auxin flow redirection. In this study, using a functional NGR1-GFP construct, we visualized the NGR1 localization on the statolith surface and plasma membrane (PM) domains in close proximity to the statoliths, correlating with their movements. We determined that NGR1 binding to these PM domains is indispensable for NGR1 functionality and relies on cysteine acylation and adjacent polybasic regions as well as on lipid and sterol PM composition. Detailed timing of the early events following graviperception suggested that both NGR1 repolarization and initial auxin asymmetry precede the visible PIN3 polarization. This discrepancy motivated us to unveil a rapid, NGR-dependent translocation of PIN-activating AGCVIII kinase D6PK towards lower PMs of gravity-perceiving cells, thus providing an attractive model for rapid redirection of auxin fluxes following gravistimulation.

Magnetic field-induced narrow first-order and metamagnetic phase transitions of Nd5Ge3

We report on the magnetic behaviour of Nd5Ge3 by investigating through magnetization, neutron diffraction and muon spin relaxation measurements. Temperature dependent-magnetization, muon depolarization rate (λ), initial asymmetry (A0) and the stretched exponent (β) show a clear anomaly at the Néel temperature TN ∼ 54 K. However, the short-range correlated ferromagnetic interactions below TN are inferred from the diffuse scattering mechanism as revealed by zero-field neutron diffraction data. Narrow first order phase transition is due to the competing interaction of a high temperature weak-antiferromagnetic and low temperature glassy states. Magnetic field-induced reentrant spin glass state from a magnetic glass state is observed, before it transforms to a ferromagnetic state.

Exploring electromagnetic field effects and constraining transport parameters of QGP using STAR BES-II data

Heavy-ion collisions undergo various stages in their evolution and it is crucial to disentangle the initial- and final-stage effects. In this work, we report measurements of two types of observables: (i) charge-dependent directed flow (Δv1), which is sensitive to the initial ultra-strong electromagnetic fields, and (ii) flow correlations, such as rn(η) which is sensitive to the initial longitudinal de-correlation, and correlations among flow harmonics. These measurements contribute to constraining the initial state of the collisions, and through a comprehensive beam energy scan, we gain significant insights into the system evolution in the presence of initial spatial asymmetry and electromagnetic fields.

Supersymmetric baryogenesis in a hybrid inflation model

We study baryogenesis in a hybrid inflation model which is embedded to the minimal supersymmetric model with right-handed neutrinos. Inflation is induced by a linear combination of the right-handed sneutrinos and its decay reheats the universe. The decay products are stored in conserved numbers, which are transported under the interactions in equilibrium as the temperature drops down. We find that at least a few percent of the initial lepton asymmetry is left under the strong wash-out due to the lighter right-handed (s)neutrinos. To account for the observed baryon number and the active neutrino masses after a successful inflation, the inflaton mass and the Majorana mass scale should be 1013 GeV and mathcal{O} (109–1010) GeV, respectively.

Success Rates of Cranial Remolding Orthosis Treatment of Plagiocephaly Based on Initial Presentation.

ABSTRACT Introduction Cranial remolding orthoses (CROs) are used to treat deformational plagiocephaly. Treatment outcomes vary widely depending on treatment timing and severity of the deformity. The relative impact of these factors on success rates is not well known. Objective This study aimed to quantify success rates of CRO treatment, based on age at initiation of treatment and the severity of cranial deformity. Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of infants treated for positional plagiocephaly with a CRO. Methods A total of 300 infants with deformational plagiocephaly who were treated with a CRO were categorized into four groups by corrected age at initiation of orthotic treatment (&lt;22 weeks, 22–25 weeks, 26–30 weeks, and &gt;30 weeks) and into four groups by severity of their deformity (initial cranial vault asymmetry of 6–9 mm, 10–12 mm, 13–16 mm, and 17+ mm). Success rates were compared across the groups. A successful outcome was defined as achieving a final cranial vault asymmetry of 5 mm or less. Results The overall success rate for CRO treatment was 75%. However, success rates among the groups varied from 6% to 98%, depending on the severity and the age at initiation. Severity had a more significant effect on success rates than age at initiation. The age at initiation became more influential in determining the likelihood of success when the infant's deformity was severe. Conclusions The likelihood of achieving a successful treatment outcome with a CRO varies greatly depending on the severity of the deformity and corrected age at initiation of treatment, with severity having the greater impact. Clinical Relevance This study provides clinicians with treatment outcomes categorized by severity and corrected age at initiation to aid in setting appropriate expectations for treatment outcomes.

The Role of Natal Kicks in Forming Asymmetric Compact Binary Mergers

In their most recent observing run, the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration observed gravitational waves from compact binary mergers with highly asymmetric mass ratios, including both binary black holes (BBHs) and neutron star-black holes (NSBHs). It appears that NSBHs with mass ratios q ≃ 0.2 are more common than equally asymmetric BBHs, but the reason for this remains unclear. We use the binary population synthesis code cosmic to investigate the evolutionary pathways leading to the formation and merger of asymmetric compact binaries. We find that within the context of isolated binary stellar evolution, most asymmetric mergers start off as asymmetric stellar binaries. Because of the initial asymmetry, these systems tend to first undergo a dynamically unstable mass transfer phase. However, after the first star collapses into a compact object, the mass ratio is close to unity and the second phase of mass transfer is usually stable. According to our simulations, this stable mass transfer fails to shrink the orbit enough on its own for the system to merge. Instead, the natal kick received by the second-born compact object during its collapse is key in determining how many of these systems can merge. For the most asymmetric systems with mass ratios of q ≤ 0.1, the merging systems in our models receive an average kick magnitude of 255 km s−1 during the second collapse, while the average kick for non-merging systems is 59 km s−1. Because lower mass compact objects, like neutron stars, are expected to receive larger natal kicks than higher mass BHs, this may explain why asymmetric NSBH systems merge more frequently than asymmetric BBH systems.

Time-dependent Hartree-Fock study of quasifission trajectories in reactions forming Og294

Background: Fission modes in superheavy nuclei are expected to be impacted by quantum shell effects. Similar shell effects may be present in quasifission reactions, acting to hinder the mass equilibration process in heavy-ion collisions.Purpose: To investigate quasifission mechanisms in five different reactions forming $^{294}\mathrm{Og}$ as a compound nucleus and compare quasifission trajectories with predicted fission modes.Methods: The potential energy surface (PES) of $^{294}\mathrm{Og}$ is calculated using the static Hartree-Fock approach with BCS pairing correlations. Quasifission trajectories for central collisions at various energies are studied with the time-dependent Hartree-Fock theory.Results: The exit channel strongly depends on initial mass asymmetry and orientation, but it only exhibits small dependencies in the reaction energy. The $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}+^{246}\mathrm{Cf}$ reaction is affected by the PES topography, leading to either fusion or asymmetric fission. $^{126}\mathrm{Sn}+^{168}\mathrm{Er}$ reactions exhibit large total kinetic energies and compact scission configurations, which could be interpreted as an effect of the $Z=50$ spherical magic gap.Conclusions: Quasifission trajectories can be interpreted in terms of the underlying PES for low excitation energies. Future investigations of quasifission with temperature- and angular-momentum-dependent PES could be considered.

A new simplified distortional hardening model for nonlinear strain paths

The material behaviors under nonlinear strain paths have been successfully explained through distortional hardening model in which the yield surface is mainly rotating and contracting as plastic deformation occurs. In order to apply to industrial applications, it is beneficial for any constitutive model including distortional hardening model to have simplicity of equation, which is related to numerical efficiency, as well as accuracy in describing material behaviors. This study was mainly motivated to construct a simple form of equation for distortional hardening model with reasonable accuracy as the conventional distortional hardening models. In this paper, a new simplified distortional hardening model is proposed by considering one of the pioneering works for distortional hardening (Tozawa, 1978) and definition of homogeneous function. Any yield function could be used for initial anisotropy and asymmetry yielding. In addition, with the combination of isotropic hardening model for consistency condition, the new model could explain both isotropic and anisotropic hardening under proportional and non-proportional loading paths. The proposed model reasonably described the material behaviors including Basuchinger effect, permanent softening, nonlinear transient behavior, and yield surface contraction. Finally, the availability in finite element simulation has been identified from the springback prediction in U-draw bending.

Exploring Temporospatial Gait Asymmetry, Dynamic Balance, and Locomotor Capacity After a 12-Week Split-Belt Treadmill Training in Adolescents with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Study

Aim To investigate the effects of a 12-week split-belt treadmill walking (Sb-TW) practice using an error augmentation strategy on temporospatial gait asymmetries, dynamic balance, and locomotor capacity in adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy (ULCP). Methods Fifty-two adolescents with ULCP (age: 10–16 years) were randomized into either the Sb-TW group (n = 26; underwent repeated Sb-TW practice, with exaggeration of the initial step-length asymmetry, three times/week, for 12 sequential weeks) or control group (n = 26; received equivalent dosages of traditional single-belt treadmill training). Step-length and swing-time asymmetries, directional (LoSdirectional) and overall (LoSoverall) limits of stability, and locomotor capacity [6-minute walk test (6-MWT), Timed Up and Down Stair test (TUDS), and 10-m Shuttle Run Test (10mSRT)] were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results The Sb-TW group demonstrated more favorable changes in step-length asymmetry (p < .001, η 2 partial = 0.27), LoSdirectional [affected side direction (p = .033, η 2 partial = 0.09), forward direction (p = .004, η 2 partial = 0.16), and backward direction (p = .01, η 2 partial = 0.12)], and LoSoverall (p < .001, η 2 partial = 0.31) than the control group. Also, the Sb-TW group showed significantly higher locomotor capacity [6-MWT (p < .001, η 2 partial = 0.38), TUDS (p = .032, η 2 partial = 0.09), 10mSRT (p = .021, η 2 partial = 0.10)] as compared to the control group. Conclusion The Sb-TW-induced adaptations can be capitalized on for remediating spatial gait asymmetry, dynamic balance deficits, and impaired locomotor performance in adolescents with ULCP.

The Sensitivity of Tidal Channel Systems to Initial Bed Conditions, Vegetation, and Tidal Asymmetry

AbstractIn tidal environments, channel networks act as essential drainage pathways. Although the complex interactions between environmental factors have been studied extensively, the effects of the initial bathymetry on tidal network ontogeny are poorly understood. In this contribution, we used a numerical model to mimic a schematic tidal basin subjected to tidal forcing. The effects of the initial bathymetry and vegetation growth are analyzed by changing the features of randomly generated bed perturbation and the intertidal platform slope. Different perturbation densities mildly affect the growth of tidal networks, which, at equilibrium, share similar values in terms of channel length, tidal prism, and cross‐sectional area. The complexity and structure of channel networks are more sensitive to variations in the perturbation distribution. Increasing the initial bathymetry slope can shorten channels and reduce the tidal prism and drainage efficiency. Vegetation growth is found to invariably promote channel lengthening and narrowing, increasing the complexity and drainage efficiency of the system. An asymmetrical tidal forcing generally leads to longer channels and smaller unchanneled lengths. Under ebb‐dominant conditions, channels get deeper, and the increased channel length ensures a higher drainage efficiency. The insights of our study provide a deeper understanding of the environmental factors controlling the equilibrium morphology of tidal channel systems and their overall resilience. Further implications concern the restoration and management of coastal areas through the informed use of topographic changes and planting arrangements. Finally, accounting for the uncertainties associated with initial conditions is relevant when modeling other earth systems and comparing them with real systems.

Detection of Numerical Power Shift Anomalies in Burnup Modeling of a PWR Reactor

This paper presents the detection and interpretation of numerical power density anomalies in the full-core PWR reactor model, developed at the level of RPV. The study shows that in the Monte Carlo neutron transport coupled with burnup modeling, power density anomalies may occur and should be carefully investigated. The power density anomalies originate from the initial core asymmetry due to different designs of top and bottom reflectors and non-uniform initial axial neutron flux distribution. The power density anomalies increase with increasing fuel burnup due to spatial changes in 135Xe concentrations and following power density redistribution along the reactor core. A method for anomaly detection for the semi-symmetric reactor core is proposed.