Scintillation Counting Research Articles

The effects of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and urocortins on the noradrenaline (NA) released from the locus coeruleus (LC)

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and stimulates the noradrenergic neurotransmission, both processes being implicated in the pathogenesis of anxiety and depression, but the intimate site and mechanism of interaction of CRF and CRF-related peptides, named urocortins (UCN1, UCN2, UCN3), with noradrenaline (NA) was not fully elucidated yet. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the actions of CRF and urocortins on the NA released from the rat locus coeruleus (LC), the primary source of NA in the brain, and the participation of CRF receptors (CRF1 and CRF2) in these actions. In order to do so, male Wistar rats were used, their LC were isolated and dissected, and the LC slices were incubated with tritium-labelled NA, superfused and stimulated electrically. During superfusion, the LC slices were treated with CRF, UCN1, UCN2 or UCN3, and, when significant effect was observed, pretreated with selective CRF1 antagonist antalarmin or selective CRF2 antagonist astressin2B. The release of tritium-labelled NA from the LC was determined by liquid scintillation counting. CRF and UCN1 increased significantly the tritium-labelled NA release from the LC, and these effects were reduced by antalarmin, but not by astressin2B. In addition, UCN2, but not UCN3, decreased significantly the tritium-labelled NA release from the LC, and this effect was reversed by astressin2B, but not antalarmin. Our results indicate the existence of two apparently opposing CRF systems in the LC, since activation of CRF1 by CRF and UCN1 stimulated, whereas activation of CRF2 by UCN2 inhibited the NA release.

Modification of the LSC method for determination of uranium in water

Uranium is a lithophile, reflecting its tendency to remain close to the earth's surface and be strongly bound to oxygen.A standard method ISO 13169:2018(E) “Water quality — Uranium — Test method using alpha liquid scintillation counting” is usually used for the determination of activity concentration of uranium in water samples by liquid scintillation counting. This paper presents the results of the modified application of the mentioned standard method and calibration results of LS counter Quantulus 1220, PerkinElmer. The applicability of the method was tested by using three different “two-phase” (water immiscible) scintillation cocktails produced by PerkinElmer: Ultima Gold F, Mineral Oil and Opti Fluor – O. For calibration purposes we used a natural uranium liquid calibration source, certified by Czech Metrology Institute, Prague. The innovation in the presented approach is that this calibration source was used as both alpha and beta emitter. As a first step in the calibration of the detector the discriminator factor, PSA was adjusted for each of the used scintillation cocktails. This step ensures the appropriate separation of alpha counts from beta counts in the obtained spectra.The obtained efficiencies for each of the scintillation cocktails are: for Ultima Gold F 75.6 (10)%, for Opti Fluor O 68 (9)% and for Mineral Oil 86 (6)%. The minimal detectable activities for the measuring time of 600 min are: for Ultima Gold F around 1 Bq/l, for Opti Fluor O 1.5 Bq/l and for Mineral Oil 1.3 Bq/l. In order to test the developed methodology samples of known activities were prepared with standard reference material and measured with all three scintillation cocktails. In addition to that, two samples of natural water from a former uranium mine were tested and gamma spectrometry results of the surrounding soil samples are also presented.

L-Histidine Modulates the Catalytic Activity and Conformational Changes of the HD3 Deoxyribozyme.

Background/Objectives: Riboswitches are functional nucleic acids that regulate biological processes by interacting with small molecules, such as metabolites, influencing gene expression. Artificial functional nucleic acids, including deoxyribozymes, have been developed through in vitro selection for various catalytic functions. In a previous study, an l-histidine-dependent deoxyribozyme was identified, exhibiting RNA cleavage activity in the presence of l-histidine resembling ribonuclease catalytic mechanisms. This study aims to clarify the role of l-histidine in the activity and structural formation of the l-histidine-dependent deoxyribozyme (HD), focusing on the binding properties and conformational changes of its derivative HD3. Methods: Conformational changes in HD3 were analyzed using circular dichroism (CD) under varying concentrations of l-histidine. Direct binding analysis was conducted using carbon-14 (14C)-labeled l-histidine and a liquid scintillation counter. The catalytic activity of HD3 in the presence of different l-histidine concentrations was measured. Results: The binding constant for l-histidine-induced conformational changes (Ka(CD)) was found to be 2.0 × 103 (M-1), whereas for catalytic activity (Ka(Rxn)) and scintillation counting (Ka(RI)), it was approximately 1.0 × 103 (M-1). Conclusions: l-Histidine plays an essential role in both the catalytic activity and structural formation of the HD3 deoxyribozyme. The consistent binding constants across different experimental methods highlight the significant contribution of l-histidine to the active folding of deoxyribozymes.

Assessment of radiological hazards in terms of gross α -β activities in groundwater in and around Beldih mine region of eastern India.

In the present study, liquid scintillation counting triple to double coincidence ratio technique is used to ascertain the gross α and β activity in groundwater samples collected from the Beldih mine region in the vicinity of the South Purulia Shear Zone (SPSZ) of Chota Nagpur Plateau in eastern India. A total of sixty samples were collected from deep tube wells located in the study area to assess the potential health threats caused by α and β emitting radionuclides present in these water samples. Average gross α activity in the region of study is 0.09 ± 0.05Bq/L, with a maximum of 3.22 ± 0.07Bq/L. On the other hand, the average gross β activity is found to be 0.13 ± 0.02Bq/L, with a maximum of 0.29 ± 0.02Bq/L. It was observed that gross α activity level in three samples exceeds the safety limit of 0.5Bq/L recommended by the World Health Organization. No significant gross β activity was observed. However, the radiological parameters for assessment of potential health threats due to ionizing radiation have been observed to be significantly high for adults. The results of this study indicate that the radiological assessment of groundwater in the Beldih mine region may be extended in future.

Assessment of Radon-222 in Selected Water Sources in Gwagwalada, Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria

The exposure of a population to high concentration of Radon-222 for a long period has significant health effects ranging from respiratory functional changes to cancer of the lungs. Also, a very high level of Radon-222 in drinking water can lead to stomach and gastrointestinal tract cancer. In this work, the activity concentrations of Radon-222 (222 Rn) were investigated from thirty (30) water samples which includes twenty (20) borehole water samples and ten (10) well water samples from Gwagwalada town using liquid scintillation counter at the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria. Radon-222 concentrations obtained from this analysis ranged within (7.72 to 172.30) Bq/L. The highest and the lowest Radon-222 activity concentration were recorded from borehole and well water samples at Abattoir and kasuwan Derey respectively. Borehole water samples recorded the highest mean radon concentration of 45.11Bq/L while well water samples recorded the lowest mean Radon-222 concentrations of 27.60Bq/L. From computed results, it was observed that 88.89% of the recorded values were found to be above the world average Maximum Contamination Level (MCL) of 10Bq/L set by the World Health Organization and the MCL of 11.1Bq/L set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA, 1991). Similarly, 15% of the recorded values were above the recommended action level of 100Bq/L set by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2008). Also, the corresponding Mean Annual Effective Doses estimated for the three (3) categories of people from the two (2) water types were found to be (0.331, 0.662 and 2.318) mSv/y in borehole water for adults, children and infant respectively. While due ingestion of Radon-222 in well water samples were found to be (0.201, 0.403 and I.417) mSv/y for adults, children and infants respectively. All the Mean Annual Effective Doses were found to be above World Health Organization's...

Development of compact electrolytic enrichment system for environmental tritium analysis.

The new electrolytic enrichment system with compact glass cell was designed. Three (Ni-Fe-Ni) electrodes are used, and electrolysis is carried out at a rate of 2.45g per h with constant current density of 120mA per cm2. This enrichment system allows the enrichment for small, limited sample volumes (e.g. Tritiated Water (HTO) recovered from air). With an initial water volume of 100ml, the tritium enrichment factor of 7 within 2days and a detection limit of 0.12Bq per L can be obtained by Liquid Scintillation Counter (LSC) measurement for 1000minutes, which is better than the direct measurement with 50ml sample water using large vial. It is also possible to perform the high enrichment process. The initial sample volume of 700ml enriched for 12days by manual refilling yields a tritium enrichment factor of around 43 and detection limit of 0.02Bq per L for 1000minutes of LSC measurement.

Characteristics of tritium, stable isotopes and chemical components in monthly precipitation at Hiroshima, Japan.

This article mainly discusses tritium concentrations in monthly precipitation at Hiroshima City during 2021. The tritium concentrations, which were measured with a low background liquid scintillation counter, fluctuated from 0.16 to 0.78BqL-1. Additionally, hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes and ionic species were measured in order to characterize precipitation, and their trends including tritium concentrations were compared with data collected in other regions of Japan in previous studies. Although the results showed the characteristics of precipitation were similar to those observed in the other regions, the tritium concentrations were found to be contrary to behavior expected from the latitude effect and some of the observed ionic components were suggested to be continental in origin. Since these results are not common at other sites in Japan, the tritium concentration in the westernmost region of Honshu, including Hiroshima City, may be influenced by Asian continental influences.

Tritium determination in natural water samples in Fukushima from 2022 to 2023 using an ultra-low-level tritium counting system.

The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident created large stockpiles of tritium containing cooling water, which is to be gradually released into the Pacific Ocean, gaining attention from surrounding countries, environmental groups, and local residents concerned with the possibility of increasing tritium concentrations in the water and food cycle. Establishing baseline concentration levels and monitoring tritium immission values are important for assuring public safety, providing data for scientific research and risk communication. Tritium concentrations in the environment are very low; therefore, tritium measurements require enrichment in order to estimate the radiation exposure from drinking water intake and provide information on the water cycle. Natural water samples were collected at Tomioka Town located south of the FDNPP. Samples were distilled, enriched by electrolysis, and re-distilled using an improved SPE method to preconcentrate tritium to measureable levels. Tritium concentrations were determined by a low-background liquid scintillation counter. The observed tritium concentrations were relatively low, rainwater had a mean and SD value of 0.40±0.13Bq/L, and freshwater samples showed similar concentrations, while brackish coastal water samples were below 0.13±0.02Bq/L. The observed tritium concentrations in this study are considered safe as effective doses based on annual drinking water intake; however, continous monitoring is necessary to assure public safety.

Differentiation of adsorption and degradation in steroid hormone micropollutants removal using electrochemical carbon nanotube membrane

The growing concern over micropollutants in aquatic ecosystems motivates the development of electrochemical membrane reactors (EMRs) as a sustainable water treatment solution. Nevertheless, the intricate interplay among adsorption/desorption, electrochemical reactions, and byproduct formation within EMR complicates the understanding of their mechanisms. Herein, the degradation of micropollutants using an EMR equipped with carbon nanotube membrane are investigated, employing isotope-labeled steroid hormone micropollutant. The integration of high-performance liquid chromatography with a flow scintillator analyzer and liquid scintillation counting techniques allows to differentiate hormone removal by concurrent adsorption and degradation. Pre-adsorption of hormone is found not to limit its subsequent degradation, attributed to the rapid adsorption kinetics and effective mass transfer of EMR. This analytical approach facilitates determining the limiting factors affecting the hormone degradation under variable conditions. Increasing the voltage from 0.6 to 1.2 V causes the degradation dynamics to transition from being controlled by electron transfer rates to an adsorption-rate-limited regime. These findings unravels some underlying mechanisms of EMR, providing valuable insights for designing electrochemical strategies for micropollutant control.

The Scintillation Counters of the High-Energy Particle Detector of the China Seismo-Electromagnetic (CSES-02) Satellite

The High-Energy Particle Detector (HEPD-02) is one of the scientific payloads of the China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES-02). The HEPD-02’s main purpose is to characterize the particle environment in the Earth’s vicinity, identifying sudden changes in the fluxes and correlating them with solar and terrestrial phenomena. Additionally, HEPD-02 also has capabilities in detecting Gamma-Ray Bursts. At the core of HEPD-02, a tower of scintillation counters made of plastic and LYSO crystals is able to recognize electrons in the range between 3 and 100 MeV, protons and nuclei between 30 and 200 MeV/n. Plastic scintillators covering the calorimeter on five sides allow to reject particles entering from the top and not completely absorbed within its volume. In this work, the design of the HEPD-02 is reviewed in comparison to its predecessor, HEPD-01, highlighting the innovations of the new design. The design of each scintillation counter type has been fully validated through a campaign of prototype realization, testing, and characterization. The production of the scintillation counters, including the PMT selection process, is also discussed. Finally, the performance of the counters is compared with simulations, showing an agreement of within 20% with the expected performance, thereby meeting expectations.

RadioPharm Posters PO0501: Characterization of the Energy Spectra of a Novel Source for Alpha DaRT Brachytherapy Using a Liquid Scintillation Counter

RadioPharm Posters PO0501: Characterization of the Energy Spectra of a Novel Source for Alpha DaRT Brachytherapy Using a Liquid Scintillation Counter

Groundwater renewal time by environmental tritium isotopes as a tracer for sustainable water resource management

Studying groundwater renewal time is a valuable tool to deepen the comprehension of sustainable groundwater resources specific to arid regions. Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen often used as an environmental tracer to study groundwater renewal time. The present work reports groundwater renewal times by the environmental tracer tritium to understand sustainable water resources in arid regions. First, groundwater samples were collected from wells in northeastern arid regions of Saudi Arabia. Then, an electrolysis process was employed to significantly increase the tritium level from twenty-five to thirty times the original concentration. Subsequently, the enriched water was analyzed using a liquid scintillation counter under optimized measurement conditions to determine the tritium concentration precisely. Two internationally recognized tritium laboratories conducted independent assessments to validate the estimated tritium levels. The verified tritium concentration was then used to estimate the groundwater renewal time using the Morgenstern and Pimenta curves. The results suggest that most of the monitored wells in the surveyed areas are more than a century old. Conversely, a few monitoring wells exhibit renewal times of several hundred years and may be considered nonrenewable water sources. These studies help to understand the geochemical characteristics of arid regions to ensure the sustainable management and protection of groundwater resources.

Enhancing low-level tritium detection in environmental waters: assessing the Hidex ULLA liquid scintillation counter

Tritium (³H) is a vital tracer in isotope hydrology and environmental studies, necessitating accurate and precise low-level detection methods. This study evaluated the performance of the new Hidex ULLA Liquid Scintillation Counter for ultra-low-level tritium assays in environmental water samples. The optimization of instrumental parameters enabled accurate and reproducible 3H measurements. Test samples (10–132 TU) were analyzed in triplicate, including 3H-free water and NIST traceable standards. The results demonstrated excellent accuracy and reproducibility, as evidenced by Zeta scores and linearity across these tritium concentrations. The system's stability over extended measurement time periods ensured reliable performance for routine ultra-low level 3H analysis. The optimization of key parameters such as coincidence time and region of interest (ROI) achieved the highest figure of merit (FoM) by using a 25 ns coincidence time and the DigPb open mode for optimal spectral fittings. Detection limits (DL) based on ISO11929 recommendations were significantly improved but highlighted the need for sample enrichment for most low-level environmental applications, with LSC counting times preferably exceeding 1000 min. Overall, the Hidex ULLA Liquid Scintillation Counter proved to be a robust and reliable instrument suitable for ultra-low-level tritium detection in environmental water samples.

Adiabatic light guide with S-shaped strips.

A light guide is an essential part of many scintillator counters and light collection systems. Our main interest is a light guide for a thin, wide scintillator that has high light transmission while converting the area of the light source to the shape of a photo-detector. We propose a variation of the light guide that avoids a 90° twist of the strips, reduces the length of the light pipe, and reduces the complexity of production. Detailed Monte Carlo simulation studies have been performed for a three-strip S-shaped light-guide system.

Non-extractable residues of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in soil

Perand polyfluoroalkyl substances have gained increased attention due to their persistence, ubiquitous presence in the environment, and toxicity. We hypothesised that the formation of non-extractable residues [NER] occurs in soils and contributes to the overall persistence of these priority pollutants, and that NER formation is controlled by temperature. To test these hypotheses, we used 14C-labelled perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA] as target compound, added it to two arable soils (Cambisol, Luvisol), and incubated them at 10 °C and 20 °C in the dark. To support potential co-metabolic decomposition, some samples were additionally fed with glucose to enhance microbial activity. The PFOA residues were then sequentially extracted using 0.01 M CaCl2, followed by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) with methanol or methanol/acetic acid after 0, 1, 3, 9, 30, 62, and 90 days of incubation. In addition, we monitored the release of 14C into the gas phase as well as [14C]-PFOA-NER after dry combustion and liquid scintillation counting. After 90 days, we found that the [14C]-PFOA content declined in the extraction order of CaCl2 ((bio)available fraction) > ASE (residual fraction) > NER > gas fraction), with most rapid changes occurring in the first 9 days of incubation. NER formation was different in the two soils and reached 5–9% of the applied amount in the Cambisol and Luvisol, respectively. Noteworthy the proportion of 14C-PFOA in the (bio)available fraction remained relatively stable over time at 56–62% of the applied amount, indicating the reversible transfer into this fraction from a bi-exponentially declining residual (ASE) pool. These dissipation patterns were neither influenced by temperature nor by the addition of glucose. We conclude that NER exist for PFOA, but that the majority of PFOA remains in (bio)available form, thus maintaining toxicity and mobility in soil for prolonged periods of time.

Enhanced biodegradation of trinitrotoluene in rhizosphere soil by native grasses

Soil contamination by the munition explosive residues of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and its metabolites resulting primarily from military operations has been identified as a threat to human health and ecosystems. Biodegradation by native plants to remove this hazardous compound or reduce its toxicity is considered a cost-effective and environmentally sound approach for the cleanup or restoration of TNT-contaminated soils. This study aims to investigate the TNT biodegradation and kinetics by two selected native grasses in the species-specific rhizosphere soils through growth chamber experiments. Native eastern gamma grass (Tripsacum dactyloides) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) were grown in soil spiked with 14C-TNT for 8 weeks. The 14C-TNT degradation and degradative metabolite profile in the rhizosphere soils were determined by liquid scintillation counter and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The results indicated that both native grass species significantly enhanced the TNT degradation in the rhizosphere soils as compared with the control rhizosphere soils. More than 95% of the applied 14C-TNT was degraded in the first 7 days, and the rate then reached a steady state afterward, but less than 10% of the TNT applied was completely mineralized and transformed into CO2. The degradative reaction was found to follow second-order kinetics. Six major TNT degradative metabolites have been detected and identified in the rhizosphere soils. Overall, switchgrass appeared more effective for biodegrading TNT than eastern gamma grass. This research demonstrated that the native grass species, especially switchgrass, has the potential to mitigate the adverse human health and ecological risks of TNT-contaminated sites and can be considered an environmentally friendly, sustainable approach to safeguarding human health from TNT contamination.

Radioactivity Levels, Spatial Distribution, and Radiological Risk Assessment of 226Ra, 228Ra, 40K, and 3H in Water Samples from Dhaka City and Savar, Bangladesh.

This investigation was conducted to measure the radioactivity levels of 226Ra, 228Ra, 40K, and 3H in the 13 most popular branded bottled mineral water (BMW), 12 groundwater sources consumed in Dhaka city, Bangladesh, and six water samples collected from the nuclear object site at Savar, adjacent to Dhaka. The activity of 3H was measured by using a liquid scintillation counter, and a gamma-ray spectrometer with an HPGe detector was used to measure the activity of other radionuclides. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 228Ra, 40K, and 3H in BMW samples and groundwater were found to be 1.81 ± 0.43, 1.74 ± 0.40, 43.08 ± 6.23, 2.42 ± 0.16, and 1.61 ± 0.51, 1.69 ± 0.45, 57.42 ± 3.16, and 3.02 ± 0.19 Bq/L, respectively. In addition, the activity concentrations of identified radionuclides in water samples collected from Savar were found to be 1.59 ± 0.43, 1.53 ± 0.50, 99.83 ± 3.05, and 2.95 ± 0.20 Bq/L. With the exception of 3H, the activity concentration and the annual effective dose of 40K, 226Ra, and 228Ra surpassed the acceptable thresholds of the WHO. The combined activity of radium (Rac) also exceeds the USEPA recommended maximum permissible limit of 0.185 Bq/L. The excess lifetime cancer risk results were below the permissible threshold of 10-3 for radiological risks. Groundwater was subjected to an AAS analysis for common metals (Na, Mg, and Ca) and heavy metals (Fe, Cr, Cu, and Pb). The results showed that the heavy metals were below the detection limit. Radionuclide contents in groundwater of Dhaka city were mapped spatially using a GIS technique. Statistical analyses such as one-way ANOVA, one sample t test, and Pearson's correlation analysis were also performed. According to Pearson's correlation analysis, 228Ra is mostly responsible for radiation risk in BMW and groundwater.

Incorporation of organic liquid waste in alkali activated mixed fly ash/blast furnace slag/metakaolin-based geopolymers

The solidification of liquid oils (Shell Spirax and Nevastane EP 100) used as simulants of radioactive liquid organic waste (RLOW) in a specifically developed mix fly ash, blast furnace slag and metakaolin based geopolymer was studied in the present work. The process consists of obtaining the geopolymer paste slurry, produced by dispersing the solid precursors in the aqueous alkaline solution, and then adding RLOW via direct incorporation into the slurry under mixing to create an emulsion, before the geopolymer hardens. Geopolymer/oil composites have been prepared with various oil content (10, 20, 30 and 40 %v.), and subsequently characterized to verify their compliance with basic waste acceptance criteria. The positive role of the addition of a superplasticizer, to improve the fluidity of the paste, the density, and the homogeneity of the structure of geopolymer hardened materials was also demonstrated. The mechanical and engineering properties of the pastes and of solidified materials have been verified via rheological measurements and compressive strength tests. The optimized reference formulation loaded with 30 %v. oil waste has been tested in terms of raw materials variability and mixing proportion as part of a robustness study. Finally, the possibility to incorporate in the developed formulation other surrogated RLOW (tributyl phosphate/dodecane (30/70) and Liquid Scintillation Cocktail) has been studied with promising results.

Single-photon elimination in liquid scintillation counting with pulse shape discrimination and delayed coincidence

Liquid scintillation counting is widely used in the rapid measurement of beta activity in environmental and biological samples. However, the single-photons generated by chemiluminescence and photoluminescence in liquid scintillation cocktails seriously affect the measurement accuracy of low-energy beta activity. A novel method based on the combination of the signal characteristic analysis and selective gate to eliminate the single-photon signal was developed. A preprocessing circuit made of a fast response time photomultiplier tube (PMT, Hamamatsu R9420), two charge-sensitive preamplifiers (CSP), two comparators, an analog switch and delay-line devices were designed and developed to verify the feasibility and effectiveness. The output signals from the last dynode were characterized in the pulse time and were used to discriminate the beta signals from the single-photon ones. The beta signals were “tagged” through pulse width detection, pulse width-amplitude transform and pulse-height discrimination with the first comparator, the first CSP and the second comparator. The “tagged” beta signal were applied to control the analog switch. The anode signals were specially delayed and then selected by the analog switch to achieve the single-photon signal elimination. Liquid scintillation cocktails containing 14C or NaOH used as beta or single-photon sources were provided to verify the feasibility of the principle. The results showed that the typical fall time of the single-photon and beta signal was 16.05ns and 43.17ns. The single-photon rejection ratio is 2.76 × 10−3 ± 3.89 × 10−5, and the detection efficiency is up to 93.02%±0.59%.

TDCRPy: A python package for TDCR measurements

The TDCR (Triple-to-Double Coincidence Ratio) measurement technique is a primary standardization method used by metrology laboratories to accurately determine the activity of radioactive solutions, particularly for radionuclides unsuitable for traditional coincidence counting methods, such as pure beta emitters. The TDCR method leverages a liquid scintillation counter equipped with three photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). This paper introduces TDCRPy, a novel Python package developed by the BIPM, designed to calculate detection efficiency of liquid scintillation counters using Monte Carlo simulations and decay data evaluations from the Decay Data Evaluation Project (DDEP). The software simulates particle interactions within the liquid scintillation counter, utilizing pre-calculated probability distributions for energy deposition. Comparisons with the PENNUC/NUR code and tests with measurement from the BIPM.RI(II)-K1.Co-60 key comparison demonstrate the potential of TDCRPy. This open-source package is distributed at https://pypi.org/project/TDCRPy and available for collaborative development on GitHub https://github.com/RomainCoulon/TDCRPy, where detailed user documentation can be found.