Investigation of the interaction of He and D in FeBSi alloy

He and H can be produced by nuclear reaction. In addition, energetic particles of He and T and D, which are isotopes of H, in the plasma of fusion reactor induce the damage in the surface of materials, such as erosion, sputtering and blistering. To investigate the interaction of He and D, amorphous and crystalline FeBSi alloys were irradiated by He or D₂ or He?+?D₂ ions with 5?keV. The results of thermal desorption indicated that more He atoms were trapped in both the amorphous and crystalline alloy irradiated by He ions than D atoms in those alloys irradiated by D₂ ions. Although He and D atoms were trapped in FeBSi alloy irradiated by He?+?D₂ ions, desorption peaks of D₂ and He were separated. Absorption of D in an amorphous alloy was influenced by the presence of He; however, absorption of He was independent of D₂ irradiation in both alloys.     

Retention and thermal desorption of helium in amorphous and crystalline FeBSi alloys

Helium retention in metals is related to their atomic structure and the type of defects they contain. In order to investigate the dependence of helium retention on structure, amorphous Fe₇₉B₁₆Si₅ and crystalline FeBSi alloys were irradiated by helium ions at room temperature. In the crystalline alloy irradiated with 5 keV He⁺ ions, three types of helium trapping sites were found: surface defects produced by the irradiation, interstitial-type dislocation loops, and voids. Although these defects did not exist in the amorphous FeBSi alloy, we did observe thermal desorption peaks related to all three types. In addition, helium was released during the crystallization of amorphous FeBSi that had been irradiated by He⁺ ions.     

Nucleation of He bubbles in amorphous FeBSi alloy irradiated with He ions

It is interesting to investigate the formation of He bubbles in amorphous alloys because point defects do not exist in amorphous materials. In the present study, the microstructural evolution of amorphous Fe₇₉B₁₆Si₅ alloy, either irradiated with 5?keV He⁺ ions or implanted with 150?eV He⁺ ions without causing displacement damage, and then annealed at a high temperature, was investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Vacancy-type defects were formed in the amorphous alloy after irradiation with 5?keV He⁺ ions, and He bubbles formed during annealing the irradiated samples at high temperature. On the other hand, for samples implanted with 150?eV He⁺ ions, although He atoms are also trapped in the free volume, no He bubbles were observed during annealing the samples even up to 873?K. In conclusion, the formation of He bubbles is related to the formation and migration of vacancy-type defects even in amorphous alloys.     

Structural changes induced by low-energy electron irradiation in GaSb

Structural changes in GaSb (001) thin films upon low-energy electron (125?keV) irradiation have been studied by in situ transmission electron microscopy. No structural changes were observed for irradiation at room temperature. However, in a sample irradiated at 473?K domains of {110} variant, rotated 90° from each other, were formed in the matrix. The average diameter of the domains was approximately 18?nm in the sample irradiated to a fluence of 4.8?×?10²⁴?electrons/m². It is considered that the domains are pseudo-{110} planes in the matrix formed by electron-irradiation-induced Shockley partial dislocations.     

Interrelated emission and spin–spin relaxation feature mediated by VO+ defects in Gd2O3 nanorods subjected to swift ion impact

We report on the manifestation and interconnected photoluminescence and electron paramagnetic resonance responses in gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃) nanorods subjected to 80 MeV carbon ion irradiation. On increasing the irradiation fluence between 1 × 10¹¹ and 3 × 10¹² ions/cm², the emission associated with neutral oxygen vacancies (V_Ox), positioned at ~350 nm, undergoes a steady increase compared to that associated with singly charged vacancies (V_O⁺), located at ~414 nm. The enhancement of spin–spin relaxation time (τ_ss) is ascribed to a substantial changeover from V_O⁺ to V_Ox defects with irradiation, the former being recognized as the major contributor to paramagnetic centres. Interconnected luminescence and spin–spin relaxation could provide insight for making advanced nanophosphors and spin valve elements.     

Eating behaviors and emotional distress are predicted by treatment and adverse outcome in patients with type 2 diabetes

Depression and anxiety are hightly prevalent among patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), however not commonly related to outcomes, treatment and comorbidities. Eating behaviors could also have an implication. To evaluate the relation between mood and eating behaviors with demographic, physical, treatment, biochemical profiles and chronic comorbidities in T2D we conducted this exploratory cross sectional study in a population from Mexico. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire Revised 21 (TFEQ-R21) were correlated with age, gender, blood pressure, treatment and comorbidities (nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy and cardiopathy). Multi-linear regression models and 2^k factorial analyses were conducted. Sixty-one patients (31 male) 55 years old (SD 13) with at least 5 years of T2D were included. Anxiety correlated with depression (r = 0.25, p < 0.05). Gender (women) (std B 0.026, p < 0.001), insulin therapy (std B 0.3, p = 0.11), systolic blood pressure (std B 0.263, p = 0.02) and cardiovascular disease (std B 0.232, p = 0.035) predicted depression. Insulin therapy had a positive effect in cognitive restraint. (std B 0.32, p = 0.001). Age (std B 0.37, p = 0.003) and systolic blood pressure (std B 0.237, p = 0.048) predicted positively emotional eating (not previously published). 2^k factorial analyses proved additive interaction between complications and insulin therapy with depression. This study supports the relation between mood disorders and eating behaviors with demographic, physical, treatment, biochemical profiles and chronic comorbidities in T2D and the additive interaction between factors and mood disorders.     

Formation of Cu precipitates and vacancy clusters in neutron-irradiated Fe–Cu alloys

Two Fe–Cu binary model alloys, Fe–0.3Cu and Fe–0.6Cu, were irradiated with fission neutrons at doses ranging from 4?×?10^?6 to 0.16 dpa (displacements per atom) at ～573 K to investigate the formation of Cu precipitates and microstructural evolution. The Cu content only affected the formation of Cu precipitates and microvoids at low doses. In Fe–0.3Cu, the formation of microvoids and Cu precipitates initiated at doses of 1.2?×?10^?4 and 4?×?10^?5 dpa, respectively. On the other hand, the formation of microvoids started at a dose of 4?×?10^?4 dpa in Fe–0.6Cu, and Cu precipitates were formed even after irradiation to 4?×?10^?6 dpa. On further irradiation, the difference in the formation of Cu precipitates and microvoids was small. Microvoids grew with increasing irradiation dose up to 3?×?10^?3 dpa in both alloys. Prominent aggregation of Cu atoms occurred upon irradiation from 3?×?10^?3 to 1.6?×?10^?2 dpa and the microvoids shrank. The Cu precipitates no longer grew, and microvoids nucleated and grew in the matrix above a dose of 1.6?×?10^?2 dpa in both alloys. The present studies clearly reveal the relationships between the formation and growth of Cu precipitates and microvoids with irradiation dose.     

Observation of Cu nanometre scale clusters formed in Fe85Si2B8P4Cu1 nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloy by a spherical aberration-corrected TEM/STEM

Microstructure of a nanocrystalline soft magnetic Fe₈₅Si₂B₈P₄Cu₁ alloy (NANOMET^®) was investigated by the state of the art spherical aberration-corrected TEM/STEM. Observation by TEM shows that the microstructure of NANOMET^® heat treated at 738 K for 600 s which exhibits the optimum soft magnetic properties has homogeneously distributed bcc-Fe nanocrystallites with the average grain size of 30 nm embedded in an amorphous matrix. Elemental mappings indicate that P is excluded from bcc-Fe grains and enriched outside the grains, which causes to retard the grain growth of bcc-Fe crystallites. The aberration-corrected STEM-EDS analysis with the ultrafine electron probe successfully proved that Cu atoms form nanometre scale clusters inside and/or outside the bcc-Fe nanocrystallites.     

Secondary defects induced by ion and electron irradiation of GaSb

Secondary defects induced by ion and electron irradiation up to 6?dpa (displacements per atom) at liquid-nitrogen temperature in GaSb thin films are compared. For Sn ion (60?keV) irradiation, voids were observed. However, for high-energy electron (2?MeV) irradiation, interstitial-type dislocation loops were produced. The densities of voids and interstitial-type dislocation loops were almost equivalent (8?×?10¹⁴?voids/m² and 3?×?10¹⁴?loops/m²) after irradiations at the same damage level of 6?dpa. It is concluded that the formation of voids by ion irradiation follows the creation of localised vacancy defects in cascade damage.     

Cascade effects on the irradiation stability of amorphous SiOC

We studied the heavy ion radiation tolerance of amorphous silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) alloys by in situ Kr ion irradiation within a transmission electron microscopy. The amorphous SiOC thin films were grown via co-sputtering from SiO₂ and SiC targets on a surface-oxidized Si (100) substrate. These films were irradiated by 1 MeV Kr ions at both room temperature and 300 °C with damage levels up to 5 displacements per atom (dpa). TEM characterization shows no sign of crystallization, void formation or segregation in all irradiated samples. Our findings suggest that SiOC alloys are a class of promising radiation tolerant materials.     

Indentation behaviour of ion-irradiated X-750 Ni-based superalloy

The mechanical properties of an ion-irradiated Ni-based superalloy have been evaluated using nano-indentation hardness tests. A high-energy Ni ion beam was employed for irradiation at room temperature up to different doses. Nano-indentation tests were carried out in the range of 100–1000 nm to measure hardness changes of the experimental alloy. The results show softening of the irradiated material compared to the un-irradiated material, with the softening being more pronounced at the higher dose. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy characterisation reveals that γ′-precipitate instability (disordering/dissolution) is the main reason for the softening behaviour and this outweighs the hardening effect of irradiation-induced defects.     

Testing social-cognitive mediators for objective estimates of physical activity from the Healthy Eating and Active Living for Diabetes in Primary Care Networks (HEALD-PCN) study

Objective: More evidence from prospective studies is needed to determine ‘if’ and ‘how’ social cognitive constructs mediate behaviour change. In a longitudinal study, we aimed to examine potential social cognitive mediators of objectively measured physical activity (PA) behaviour among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who participated in a six-month PA intervention. Methods: All participants from the proven effective Healthy Eating and Active Living for Diabetes in Primary Care Networks trial were included for this secondary analysis. Change in pedometer-derived daily step counts (baseline to six months) was the outcome of interest. Primary constructs of interest were from Social Cognitive Theory, however constructs from and Theory of Planned Behaviour were also tested in a mediating variable framework using a product-of-coefficients test. Results: The sample (N = 198) had a mean age of 59.5 (SD 8.3) years, haemoglobin A1c 6.8% (SD 1.1), 50% women, BMI 33.6 kg/m² (SD 6.5), systolic pressure 125.6 mmHg (SD 16.2) and average daily steps were 5879 (SD 3130). Daily pedometer-determined steps increased for the intervention group compared to usual care control at six-months (1481 [SD 2631] vs. 336 [SD 2712]; adjusted p = .002). There was a significant action theory test effect for ‘planning’ (A = .21, SE = .10, p = .037), and significant conceptual theory test results for ‘subjective norms’ (B = 657, SE = 312, p = .037) and ‘cons’ (B = ?664, SE = 270, p = .015). None of the constructs satisfied the criteria for mediation. Conclusions: We were unable to account for the effect of a pedometer-based PA intervention for people with T2D through our examination of mediators. Our findings are inconsistent with some literature concerning PA interventions in diabetes; this may be due to variability in measures used or in study populations.     

Narcissism,self-esteem,and the phenomenology of autobiographical memories

Across two studies, we investigated the influence of narcissism and self-esteem along with gender on phenomenological ratings across the four subscales of the Autobiographical Memory Questionnaire (AMQ; impact, recollection, rehearsal, and belief). Memory cues varied in valence (positive vs. negative) and agency (agentic vs. communal). In Study 2, we used different memory cues reflecting these four Valence by Agency conditions and additionally investigated retrieval times for the autobiographical memories (AMs). Results were consistent with the agency model of narcissism [Campbell, W. K., Brunell, A. B., & Finkel, E. J. (2006). Narcissism, interpersonal self-regulation, and romantic relationships: An agency model approach. In E. J. Finkel & K. D. Vohs (Eds.), Self and relationships: Connecting intrapersonal and interpersonal processes. New York, NY: Guilford], which characterises narcissists as being more concerned with agentic (self-focused) rather than communal (other-focused) positive self-relevant information. Narcissism predicted greater phenomenology across the four subscales for the positive-agentic memories (Study 1: clever; Study 2: attractive, talented) as well as faster memory retrieval times. Narcissism also predicted greater recollection and faster retrieval times for the negative-communal AMs (Study 1: rude; Study 2: annoying, dishonest). In contrast, self-esteem predicted greater phenomenology and faster retrieval times for the positive-communal AMs (Study 1: cooperative; Study 2: romantic, sympathetic). In both studies, results of LIWC analyses further differentiated between narcissism and self-esteem in the content (word usage) of the AMs.     

Abnormally high residual dislocation density in pure aluminum after Al/Ti/Al laminate annealing for seven days

We report an abnormally high residual dislocation density in aluminium in an Al/Ti/Al laminate annealed at 873 K for seven days. The residual dislocation density reaches 7.5 × 10¹⁴ m^?2, higher than that in aluminum after severe plastic deformation processes such as accumulative roll bonding and high-pressure torsion. It is proposed that the high residual dislocation density may result from obstruction of the movement of TiAl₃ nanoparticles by the grain boundary and Ti atoms conglomerating at vacancies distributed in the aluminium matrix at a high temperature for a sufficient time to allow a relatively stable crystal.     

Cognitive abnormalities and cerebral perfusion defects in a community-dwelling cohort of elderly men with MMSE within the normal range

Objectives: Mini Mental State Examination’s (MMSE’s) sensitivity in its upper level is questioned, hence we investigated cognitive abnormalities and defects in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in elderly with MMSE scores ≥24.

Methods: One hundred and four men at age 81 with MMSE scores ≥24 (mean 28.4 ± 1.7), no dementia or stroke, were examined with neuropsychological test battery, and their rCBF was estimated using ^99mTc-HMPAO SPECT.

Results: MMSE was very sparsely correlated with rCBF. Instead, visuo-spatial tests were correlated with rCBF in parietal and occipital lobe, verbal tests with rCBF in frontal and temporal-parietal lobes, and most of all between Digit Symbol and all rCBF regions, especially in subcortical gray and white matter. In a cluster of low achievers, test of Synonyms, followed by Digit Symbol and Benton test, had highest discriminatory importance. Low achievers had generalized rCBF changes especially in subcortical areas. Only lower scores on two MMSE items, figure drawing and calculation, could discriminate the clusters.

Conclusion: A substantial number of octogenarian men with MMSE ≥ 24p have widespread rCBF changes corresponding to a decreased speeded performance and verbal capacity.     

A self-regulation-based intervention to increase physical activity in cancer patients

The study examined whether a behavior-change intervention focusing on self-regulatory strategies and emphasizing role model support increases physical activity (PA) among insufficiently active (not meeting PA guidelines of 150 min/week) cancer patients. Ambulatory cancer patients [N = 72; 54% female; M = 56 years, SD = 12.34; most with breast or colon cancer (34, 15%)] were enrolled in the MOTIVACTION-study, a 4-week intervention (1-hr counseling, followed by weekly phone calls), with pretest (T1), posttest (T2) and a 10-week follow-up (T3). Participants were randomized to either an exercise or to a stress management intervention (active control). The exercise intervention emphasized self-regulatory strategies (e.g. action- and coping planning and self-monitoring); patients were also encouraged to contact a physically active same-sex role model as a potential exercise partner. The active control condition consisted of coping and relaxation techniques. Sixty-seven patients remained in the study and completed the SQUASH assessment of PA and a measure of perceived stress. PA was validated by Actigraph accelerometry. At T2, 46% of the patients in the exercise group and 19% of stress management patients increased their activity levels to meet PA guidelines (>150 min/week; χ²(1) = 5.51, p = .019). At T3, participants in the exercise intervention maintained their exercise level (46%), but also 31% of the stress management patients met the guidelines. All patients reported reductions in perceived stress. Additional analyses comparing patients in the exercise group by role model contact (63% realized contact) revealed that those who had contact with their role model were significantly more likely to adhere to the recommended guidelines (T2:50%; T3:64%) compared to those who did not have contact with a role model (T2:39%; T3:15%), suggesting the potential of mobilizing role model support to facilitate PA. In sum, cancer patients may not only benefit from an exercise intervention emphasizing self-regulation, but also from stress management, regarding both reducing stress and increasing PA.     

Long-range interaction of radiation-generated self-interstitial atoms and adatoms on tungsten surface

ABSTRACT

The morphological modification of the W surface induced by specimen irradiation with 5?keV He atoms was studied at the atomic level using low-temperature ?eld ion microscope techniques. The major impact-induced damage mode on W {110} surface was found to be the formation of adatom sets produced by radiation-generated self-interstitial atoms emerging at the surface. The long-range interaction was revealed by evaluating the experimental probability density of finding two radiation-generated adatoms at a given separation in comparison with the probability density corresponding to a random distribution of adatoms. The statistically significant difference of these distributions consists of the absence or severe reduction of observed adatom pairs with separations in the range 5–11?Å. The experimental distribution was characterised by a relatively open arrangement of adatoms with the closest separation of about 11?Å. Our field ion microscope observations also reveal the self-organisation of radiation-generated W adatoms into atomic chains with the lateral interatomic separation substantially larger than the nearest-neighbor distance. These effects indicate the existence of long-range interactions between radiation-generated adatoms and radiation-generated self-interstitial atoms in the subsurface region.     

Amorphization of cubic zirconia by caesium-ion implantation

Stabilized cubic zirconia is a promising candidate material for use as an inert fuel matrix for 'burning' excess Pu in light-water nuclear reactors. Zirconia is also considered to be an excellent nuclear waste form for direct geological disposal. Both applications are based on zirconia's high solubility for actinides, high chemical durability and high stability under irradiation. We report the first evidence of solid-state amorphization of yttria-stabilized cubic zirconia (YSZ) by 400keV Cs-ion implantation to 1 x 10²¹ ions m^-2 at room temperature. Amorphization of YSZ is caused by the large size incompatibility and low mobility of Cs ions in the YSZ structure, reflecting a relatively low solubility of Cs in YSZ. Nevertheless, the Cs concentration at which amorphization of YSZ occurred (about 8at.%) is well above the value that will typically be reached in an inert fuel matrix.     

Dimensionality of posttraumatic stress symptoms: a confirmatory factor analysis of DSM-IV symptom clusters and other symptom models

Recent exploratory [Taylor, S., Kuch, K., Koch, W. J., Crockett, D. J., & Passey, G. (1998). The structure of posttraumatic stress symptoms. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 107, 154-160.] and confirmatory [Buckley, T. C., Blanchard, E. B., & Hickling, E. J. (1998). A confirmatory factor analysis of posttraumatic stress symptoms. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 36, 1091-1099; King, D. W., Leskin, G. A., King, L. A., & Weathers, F. W. (1998). Confirmatory factor analysis of the clinician-administered PTSD scale: evidence for the dimensionality of posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychological Assessment, 10, 90-96.] factor analytic investigations suggest that the three symptom clusters of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual [4th ed.; DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.] may not provide the best conceptualization of symptom dimensionality. However, the alternative models have not been in agreement, nor have they been compared against each other or models based on the DSM-IV. The purpose of the present investigation was to test a series of dimensional models suggested by these recent factor analytic investigations and the DSM-IV. Using data collected with the PTSD Checklist--Civilian Version [Weathers, F. W., Litz, B. T., Huska, J. A., & Keane, T. M. (1994). PCL-C for DSM-IV. Boston: National Center for PTSD--Behavioral Science Division.] from 349 referrals to a primary care medical clinic, we used confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate a: (1) hierarchical four-factor model, (2) four-factor intercorrelated model, (3) hierarchical three-factor model, (4) three-factor intercorrelated model, and (5) hierarchical two-factor model. The hierarchical four-factor model (comprising four first-order factors corresponding to reexperiencing, avoidance, numbing, and hyperarousal all subsumed by a higher-order general factor) provided the best overall fit to the data; although, all models met some standards specified for good model fit. More research is needed to establish the dimensional nature of PTSD symptoms and to assess whether identified dimensions differ as a function of the trauma experience. Implications for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment are also discussed.     

Type D personality,illness perception,social support and quality of life in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients

The previous studies reported Type D was associated with poor quality of life (QoL), increased psychological distress, and impaired health status in cardiac patients. The aim of this study is to assess the relationships among Type D personality, illness perception, social support, and investigate the impact of Type D personality on QoL in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. Type D personality was assessed by the Chinese 14-item Type D Personality Scale (DS14). Illness perceptions were assessed using the Chinese version of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B-IPQ). Social support status was assessed by the well-validated social support rating scale (SSRS). Patients’ QoL was assessed by using Medical Outcomes Short Form 36 (SF-36), respectively. The Type Ds had significantly lower objective support score (8.18 ± 2.56 vs. 9.67 ± 3.28, p = 0.0001), subjective support score (6.71 ± 2.0 vs. 7.62 ± 1.93, p = 0.0001) and utilization of social support score (6.76 ± 2.0 vs. 7.61 ± 1.94, p = 0.0001) than that of the non-type Ds. Type Ds believed their illness had much more serious consequences (7.67 ± 2.64 vs. 6.27 ± 3.45, p < 0.001), and experience much more symptoms that they attributed to their illness (6.65 ± 2.54 vs. 7.31 ± 2.36, p = 0.023). Significant differences were found between Type Ds and non-Type Ds in PCS (40.53 ± 6.42 vs. 48.54 ± 6.21 p < 0.001) and MCS (41.7 1 ± 10.20 vs. 46.35 ± 9.31, p = 0.012). The correlation analysis demonstrated that Type D was negatively associated with physical component score (PCS) (r = –0.29, p < 0.01), mental component score (MCS) (r = –0.31, p < 0.01), and social support (r = –0.24, p < 0.001). Using multiple linear regression analysis, we found that Type D personality was independently associated with PCS (β = –0.32, p < 0.001) and MCS (β = –0.24, p < 0.001). Type D personality was a predictor of poor QoL in CAPD patients. The current study is the first to identify a strong association among Type D, illness perceptions, social support and QoL in CAPD patients. The worse illness perceptions and lower social support level therefore represent possible mechanisms to explain the link between Type D and poor QoL in CAPD patients.