Precise X-ray Research Articles

New constraints on axion-like particles from IXPE polarization data for magnetars

We derive new constraints on axion-like particles (ALPs) using precision X-ray polarization studies of magnetars. Specifically, we use the first detection of polarized X-rays from the magnetars 4U 0142+61 and 1RXS J170849.0-400910 by the ImagingX-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) to place bounds on the product of the ALP-photon and ALP-nucleon couplings, gaγgaN, with gaN being responsible for ALP production in the core of the magnetar and gaγ controlling the ALP-photon conversion probability in the magnetosphere. These bounds are most sensitive to the magnetar core temperature, and we use two benchmark values of 1×108 K and 5×108 K to derive our constraints. For the latter choice, our bounds are competitive with the existing bounds on the coupling product coming from a combination of CAST (for gaγ) and SN1987A (for gaN). We advocate for more precise and extensive observational campaigns in the higher end of the 2–8 keV spectral window, where ALP-induced polarization is the strongest. We further advocate for hard X-ray polarization studies of young, hot, near-Earth magnetars with strong magnetic fields.

Two-Dimensional Hydration and Triple-Interlayer Lattice Structures in Sulfate-Intercalated Graphene Oxide Nanosheets

Sulfate anions (SO42−) are pivotal in various scientific and industrial domains, including mineralogy, biology, and materials science. While extensive research has elucidated sulfate hydration in bulk solids, liquids, and gaseous clusters, a significant gap persists in understanding sulfate interactions within two-dimensional materials, particularly graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets. This study investigates the intricate hydration phenomena and novel triple-interlayer lattice configurations that emerge from sulfate intercalation in GO nanosheets. Utilizing a straightforward methodology for obtaining precise X-ray measurements of confined nanospaces, we analyzed the temperature-dependent behavior and structural characteristics of these systems. Our findings reveal how sulfate ions modulate interlayer spacing, the dynamics of GO layers, and phase transitions. This research offers an atomic-scale understanding of hybrid hydration behaviors within confined SO4-H2O nano-environments, advancing our knowledge of sulfate interactions in two-dimensional materials.

Technology development and applications of high precision extreme ultraviolet and X-ray thin film optical systems

Technology development and applications of high precision extreme ultraviolet and X-ray thin film optical systems

Poly(terephthalic acid diallyl ester) embedded by tantalum microspheres (PTADE@Ta) for precise and long-term X-ray imaging in the embolization

Poly(terephthalic acid diallyl ester) embedded by tantalum microspheres (PTADE@Ta) for precise and long-term X-ray imaging in the embolization

Retinomorphic X-ray detection using perovskite with hydrion-conductive organic cations

X-ray detection is crucial across various sectors, but traditional techniques face challenges such as inefficient data transmission, redundant sensing, high power consumption, and complexity. The innovative idea of a retinomorphic X-ray detector shows great potential. However, its implementation has been hindered by the absence of active layers capable of both detecting X-rays and serving as memory storage. In response to this critical gap, our study integrates hybrid perovskite with hydrion-conductive organic cations to develop a groundbreaking retinomorphic X-ray detector. This novel device stands at the nexus of technological innovation, utilising X-ray detection, memory, and preprocessing capabilities within a single hardware platform. The core mechanism underlying this innovation lies in the transport of electrons and holes within the metal halide octahedral frameworks, enabling precise X-ray detection. Concurrently, the hydrion movement through organic cations endows the device with short-term resistive memory, facilitating rapid data processing and retrieval. Notably, our retinomorphic X-ray detector boasts an array of formidable features, including reconfigurable short-term memory, a linear response curve, and an extended retention time. In practical terms, this translates into the efficient capture of motion projections with minimal redundant data, achieving a compression ratio of 18.06% and an impressive recognition accuracy of up to 98.6%. In essence, our prototype represents a paradigm shift in X-ray detection technology. With its transformative capabilities, this retinomorphic hardware is poised to revolutionize the existing X-ray detection landscape.

Improved cut weight predictions from DEXA scans of lamb carcasses enables more accurate allocation of cuts to processing plans

The value of precise dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) cut weight predictions to lamb allocation to cut plans is unknown. Lambs (n = 191) varying in carcase weight (HSCW) and GR (tissue depth over the 12th rib) were DEXA scanned and boned out to weigh retail cuts. Cut weights were predicted using HSCW; HSCW + GR; HSCW + DEXA and HSCW + DEXA image components in GLM models. DEXA improved cut weight predictions in most cuts (P < 0.05). A dataset of 10,000 carcases was then simulated using the associations between HSCW, GR and cut weights, before being truncated to 4500 lambs representing onel day's HSCW distribution. A lamb Carcase Optimisation Tool scenario was developed with 2–3 cut options per carcase section and cut weight thresholds applied to several cuts. Processing costs, market values and actual cut weights were input into the Optimiser to determine carcase allocation to cut options for optimised profits. This scenario was repeated using the predicted cut weights to determine the cut misallocations caused. DEXA-predicted cut weights produced 16.7% and 8.0% less misallocations than HSCW and GR. DEXA produced 20.8% and 14.3% less misallocations than HSCW and GR in shortloins, and 25.5% and 12.9% less in hindquarters. While cut misallocations have little direct impact on total profits, as product is over and under-valued when misallocated, reducing cut misallocations will improve processor compliance when sorting carcases into cut plans- reducing their need to retrim, downgrade and repackage product or the erosion of customer confidence caused by supplying product not meeting market specifications.

Localized Superconductivity in LaB6 Hexaboride with Dynamic Charge Stripes

Type II superconductivity with Tc ∼ 6 K is discovered in LaB6. The critical fields are determined and the estimates for the coherence length ξ(0) ∼ 240 Å, the Ginzburg−Landau parameter κGL ∼ 2, and the electron–phonon coupling constant λe−ph ≈ 0.75 are obtained. Precision X-ray diffraction studies at T = 30 K reveal three-dimensional charge-stripe structures in LaB6. The scenario of superconductivity localized near filamentary channels with a fluctuating electron density arising in the lanthanum hexaboride matrix is discussed.

SAPPHIRE —establishment of small animal proton and photon image-guided radiation experiments

The in vivo evolution of radiotherapy necessitates innovative platforms for preclinical investigation, bridging the gap between bench research and clinical applications. Understanding the nuances of radiation response, specifically tailored to proton and photon therapies, is critical for optimizing treatment outcomes. Within this context, preclinical in vivo experimental setups incorporating image guidance for both photon and proton therapies are pivotal, enabling the translation of findings from small animal models to clinical settings. The SAPPHIRE project represents a milestone in this pursuit, presenting the installation of the small animal radiation therapy integrated beamline (SmART+ IB, Precision X-Ray Inc., Madison, Connecticut, USA) designed for preclinical image-guided proton and photon therapy experiments at University Proton Therapy Dresden. Through Monte Carlo simulations, low-dose on-site cone beam computed tomography imaging and quality assurance alignment protocols, the project ensures the safe and precise application of radiation, crucial for replicating clinical scenarios in small animal models. The creation of Hounsfield lookup tables and comprehensive proton and photon beam characterizations within this system enable accurate dose calculations, allowing for targeted and controlled comparison experiments. By integrating these capabilities, SAPPHIRE bridges preclinical investigations and potential clinical applications, offering a platform for translational radiobiology research and cancer therapy advancements.

Characterisation of hygroelastic properties of compression and opposite wood found in branches of Norway spruce

The differential swelling seen between softwood opposite wood (OW) and its neighbouring compression wood (CW) developed in branches prompts several engineering issues such as dimensional instability and cracking. For a more efficient use of resources, the inevitable CW and OW should not be discarded or used as fuel, but incorporated into engineered wood products. Swelling is a hygroelastic phenomenon, where both the swelling and elastic properties of CW and OW are needed in order to make proper structural predictions. In this paper, swelling coefficients and moisture dependent elastic moduli for both CW and OW in the three principal material directions are provided along with measurements of moisture content, density, and microfibril angle. The small deformations necessitate the use of precise X-ray micro-computed tomography for measurements. The results indicate that CW and OW from Norway spruce branches differ in swelling, especially in longitudinal direction at low moisture content. It is noted that CW is a wood type with less pronounced anisotropic behaviour than both OW and normal wood from the stem, with the elastic moduli less sensitive to moisture changes in both longitudinal and transverse directions.

A wide-band, high-resolution semi-von Hamos spectrometer for K-shell multi-ionization atoms X-ray measurements

A wide-band, high-resolution vacuum semi-von Hamos spectrometer has been developed for analyzing the X-rays spectra of K-shell multi-ionization atoms. The spectrometer covers an energy dynamic range of 0.6 to 18 keV with a corresponding single exposure spectral bandwidth of 0.25–1.2 keV. This capability is achieved by the combination of different cylindrically bent crystals and an X-ray CCD detector mounted on a twistable bellows, allowing modulation of the Bragg angles from 27° to 47°. A detailed mathematical description is employed to understand the dependence of the geometrical parameters of the spectrometer on the imaging properties, energy spectrum bandwidth, resolving power, solid angle, and other relevant spectrometer characteristics. An energy calibration has been performed by using K X-rays generated by 10–30 keV electron beam interactions with solid KCl, CaF2 and Se targets. The spectrometer exhibits a resolving power better than 103, enabling the analysis of fine spectral structure of K X-ray transitions and the comparison of X-ray properties between pure elements and their compounds due to chemical effects. The spectrometer also finds applications in various fields requiring precise X-ray measurements, including synchrotron radiation experiments, tokamaks, laser plasma diagnostics and laboratory astrophysics.

XFEL structure of carbonic anhydrase II: a comparative study of XFEL, NMR, X-ray and neutron structures.

The combination of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) with serial femtosecond crystallography represents cutting-edge technology in structural biology, allowing the study of enzyme reactions and dynamics in real time through the generation of `molecular movies'. This technology combines short and precise high-energy X-ray exposure to a stream of protein microcrystals. Here, the XFEL structure of carbonic anhydrase II, a ubiquitous enzyme responsible for the interconversion of CO2 and bicarbonate, is reported, and is compared with previously reported NMR and synchrotron X-ray and neutron single-crystal structures.

On the Importance of Future, Precise, X-ray Measurements in Kaonic Atoms

Progress in the construction of precise X-ray detectors allows measurements of energies and widths of “upper levels” in K− mesic atoms. These can be used to determine sub-threshold Kaon-nucleon amplitudes, which are important in investigations of nuclear states of these mesons. The special case of the 2P state in Kaonic Helium is discussed and used to check the properties of the K− proton quasi-bound state. Similar attempts in other elements indicate a need for new, precise measurements.

Radiotherapy protocols for mouse cancer model.

Radiotherapy is a crucial treatment modality for cancer patients, with approximately 60% of individuals undergoing ionizing radiation as part of their disease management. In recent years, there has been a growing trend toward minimizing irradiation fields through the use of image-guided dosimetry and innovative technologies. These advancements allow for selective irradiation, delivering higher local doses while reducing the number of treatment sessions. Consequently, computer-assisted methods have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of radiotherapy in the curative and palliative treatment of various cancers. Although radiation therapy alone can effectively achieve local control in some cancer types, it may not be sufficient for others. As a result, further preclinical research is necessary to explore novel approaches including new schedules of radiotherapy treatments. Unfortunately, there is a concerning lack of correlation between clinical outcomes and experiments conducted on mouse models. We hypothesize that this disparity arises from the differences in irradiation strategies employed in preclinical studies compared to those used in clinical practice, which ultimately affects the translatability of findings to patients. In this study, we present two comprehensive radiotherapy protocols for the treatment of orthotopic melanoma and glioblastoma tumors. These protocols utilize a small animal radiation research platform, which is an ideal radiation device for delivering localized and precise X-ray doses to the tumor mass. By employing these platforms, we aim to limit the side effects associated with irradiating healthy surrounding tissues. Our detailed protocols offer a valuable framework for conducting preclinical studies that closely mimic clinical radiotherapy techniques, bridging the gap between experimental results and patient outcomes.

Evidence for nanosized magnetic clusters of Ce-ions in the archetypal heavy fermion metal CeB6

Fine details of crystal structure of archetypal CeB6 hexaboride with heavy fermions are studied at temperatures 85 and 500 K by precise X-ray diffraction technique. Small static Jahn-Teller distortions of a simple cubic lattice are observed at these temperatures, leading to emergence of (i) dynamic charge stripes along selected directions <110>, <100>, and <111> in the crystals in combination with (ii) vibrationally coupled pairs of Ce ions. Instead of a Currie-Weiss type behavior, the temperature dependence of magnetization M∼(T − TCrand)−0.8 with TCrand∼TQ∼3.3 K was deduced in a wide temperature range 5–800 K for various directions of external magnetic field, which indicates the Griffiths phase formation with nanosized clusters of magnetic ions in CeB6. Moreover, in contrast to the scenario of a single-ion Kondo lattice, when revealing the power-law behavior of the magnetic contribution ρm(T)∼T−0.4 to the resistivity in the range of 8–90 K, we conclude in favor of the regime of weak localization of charge carriers in CeB6. Fourier maps of electron density confirm the conclusion about the nanosized magnetic clusters of Ce ions in this archetypal strongly correlated electron system with unusual magnetic ground state.

Pharmacological Targeting of Interferon-Related DNA Damage Resistant Signature (IRDS) and XRCC4-Mediated DNA Repair Pathways ss a Novel Therapeutic Approach to DIPG Radio-Sensitization

Despite significant efforts to improve the outcomes of pediatric diffuse midline gliomas, such as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), prognosis remains dismal with a 5-year survival of <1%. The standard of care treatment for DIPG is fractionated radiation, but the disease inevitably progresses in 6 months or less. There is a significant unmet need to improve the clinical outcomes for pediatric DIPG patients. Approximately 70-80% of DIPG tumors contain mutations in TP53 tumor suppressor protein. These TP53 mutations are associated with resistance to radiation treatments in DIPG patients. The mechanisms of increased radio-resistance of p53-mutant DIPG are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to identify novel pharmacological agents that would augment radiation sensitivity of p53 mutant DIPG cell lines, and to establish their molecular mechanism of action. SF8628 pediatric DIPG cell line harboring p53 mutation was obtained from MilliporeSigma. CellRad benchtop X-ray irradiator (Precision X-Ray) was used for radiation sensitization experiments. Vi-CELL BLU cell viability analyzer was used for high-throughput screening of small molecule compound libraries with and without radiation treatments. Proteomics Core facility was utilized for mass spec analysis of protein targets of Compound-X. To identify novel drug candidates that would sensitize DIPG to therapeutic radiation, we carried out an unbiased screen of curated libraries of small molecules with diverse scaffolds in p53 mutant DIPG cells. This radio-sensitization screen yielded a single molecule, Compound-X, that was found to have profound growth-inhibitory and radiation-sensitizing effects in DIPG cells. Compound-X was found to induce a robust cell cycle arrest of DIPG cells in G2/M, the most radio-sensitive phase of the cell cycle. Furthermore, Compound-X elicited a massive apoptotic cell death of DIPG cells. An unbiased RNA sequencing approach revealed that Compound-X inhibits expression of the Interferon-related DNA damage Resistant Signature (IRDS), a sub-group of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) known to promote radiation and chemotherapy resistance in high-grade gliomas. To identify the target of Compound-X, we carried out affinity purification of Compound-X associated complexes from p53 mutant DIPG cell lysates. Mass spectrometry analysis of Compound-X-purified protein complexes identified XRCC4 as a protein that uniquely associated with Compound-X. RNAi knock-down experiments revealed that XRCC4 is required for cytotoxic effects of Compound-X. Importantly, Compound-X-mediated XRCC4 targeting caused a delay in DNA DSBs repair after radiation treatment. An unbiased screen of small molecule drug candidates identified a novel XRCC4-targeting agent, Compound-X, as potent radiation sensitizer in p53 mutant DIPG cells. This work may lead to clinical trials investigating novel XRCC4-targeting agent in pediatric patients with DIPG.

Studying The Impact of Electrolyte, Li Excess, NMC Blending, and Cycling Conditions on The Lifetime and Degradation of LMO/AG Cells Using UHPC Cycling, XRF, and Isothermal Microcalorimetry

The impact of electrolyte, Li excess, NMC blending, and cycling conditions on the performance of Li1+xMn2-xO4 (LMO)/Artificial Graphite (AG) cells was studied using ultra-high precision coulometry (UHPC), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC). Decreasing the Li excess resulted in severe capacity fade which was greatly improved by blending LMO with NMC622. The known synergy between NMC and LMO is electrolyte-dependant and was more significant at elevated temperatures. We showed with XRF that Mn deposition on the negative electrode occurs primarily during the early cycles and is reduced by increasing the Li excess in LMO or by blending with NMC622. IMC experiments demonstrates a correlation between parasitic heat flow and Mn loading on the negative electrode and gas generation. Finally, LiFSI co-salts were examined to suppress Al corrosion while retaining the beneficial role of LiFSI in improving cell performance.

Observation of valence electron-density distribution in covalent bond states by precise X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiati

Observation of valence electron-density distribution in covalent bond states by precise X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiati

Crystal structures of biocompatible Mg-, Zn-, and Co-whitlockites synthesized via one-step hydrothermal reaction

Abstract Large-scale single crystals of Ca9Mg(PO4)6(PO3OH), Ca9Zn(PO4)6(PO3OH), and Ca9Co(PO4)6(PO3OH) were synthesized using hydrothermal technique, and turned out to be similar to natural bone whitlockite. The hexagonal single crystals about 1 mm with high-quality were obtained with this method for the first time. The crystals were of sufficiently good quality for the precision X-ray structural investigation. The compounds crystallize in usual for this structural type trigonal space group R3c. Presence of hydrogen atom in the structure was confirmed by means of infra-red (IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and differential thermogravimetry (DTG) methods. Based on the analysis of the local bond valence sum (BVS), a conclusion on the localization of H atoms was made. The formation of O–H groups and hydrogen bonds H⋯O in vicinity of PO4 tetrahedra was shown and similar to bone whitlockite. This research provides new data on possibility of using hydrothermal technique for obtaining doped bone whitlockites. Hydrogen-containing doped whitlockites can combine bioactive properties and improve biocompatibility due to similarity to natural bond. New structural data are useful for finding the ways to better biocompatibility of whitlockite-based materials.

Low temperature singularities of electron density in a two-gap superconductor ZrB12

Fine details of crystal structure of ZrB12 two-gap superconductor are studied at low temperatures by precise x-ray diffraction technique. Small static Jahn-Teller distortions of a face centered cubic lattice are observed in the range 30–70 K, leading to emergence of two types singularities of electron density (ED). These are: (i) dynamic charge stripes along selected directions <110> and <112> in the crystal and (ii) triangular lattice of the ED antinodes located in the interstices of the boron lattice in the {111} planes. The second anomaly was detected for the first time, and it is very pronounced for ZrB12, being intensified at low temperatures. The anisotropy of the two-gap superconductivity in ZrB12 is confirmed by measurements of the low temperature heat capacity in a magnetic field directed along three principal axes in the crystal, H || [100], H || [110] and H || [111]. We conclude in favor of the magnetic field-induced anisotropy arising from the interaction of vortex lattice in this superconductor with fluctuating ED (charge stripes) of a two-type filamentary structure.

Observing the onset of pressure-driven K-shell delocalization.

The gravitational pressure in many astrophysical objects exceeds one gigabar (one billion atmospheres)1-3, creating extreme conditions where the distance between nuclei approaches the size of the K shell. This close proximity modifies these tightly bound states and, above a certain pressure, drives them into a delocalized state4. Both processes substantially affect the equation of state and radiation transport and, therefore, the structure and evolution of these objects. Still, our understanding of this transition is far from satisfactory and experimental data are sparse. Here we report on experiments that create and diagnose matter at pressures exceeding three gigabars at the National Ignition Facility5 where 184 laser beams imploded a beryllium shell. Bright X-ray flashes enable precision radiography and X-ray Thomson scattering that reveal both the macroscopic conditions and the microscopic states. The data show clear signs of quantum-degenerate electrons in states reaching 30 times compression, and a temperature of around two million kelvins. At the most extreme conditions, we observe strongly reduced elastic scattering, which mainly originates from K-shell electrons. We attribute this reduction to the onset of delocalization of the remaining K-shell electron. With this interpretation, the ion charge inferred from the scattering data agrees well with ab initio simulations, but it is significantly higher than widely used analytical models predict6.