Time-like Proton Form Factors with Initial State Radiation Technique

Electromagnetic form factors are fundamental quantities describing the internal structure of hadrons. They can be measured with scattering processes in the space-like region and annihilation processes in the time-like region. The two regions are connected by crossing symmetry. The measurements of the proton electromagnetic form factors in the time-like region using the initial state radiation technique are reviewed. Recent experimental studies have shown that initial state radiation processes at high luminosity electron-positron colliders can be effectively used to probe the electromagnetic structure of hadrons. The BABAR experiment at the B-factory PEP-II in Stanford and the BESIII experiment at BEPCII (an electron positron collider in the τ-charm mass region) in Beijing have measured the time-like form factors of the proton using the initial state radiation process e+e−→pp¯γ. The two kinematical regions where the photon is emitted from the initial state at small and large polar angles have been investigated. In the first case, the photon is in the region not covered by the detector acceptance and is not detected. The Born cross section and the proton effective form factor have been measured over a wide and continuous range of the the momentum transfer squared q2 from the threshold up to 42 (GeV/c)2. The ratio of electric and magnetic form factors of the proton has been also determined. In this report, the theoretical aspect and the experimental studies of the initial state radiation process e+e−→pp¯γ are described. The measurements of the Born cross section and the proton form factors obtained in these analyses near the threshold region and in the relatively large q2 region are examined. The experimental results are compared to the predictions from theory and models. Their impact on our understanding of the nucleon structure is discussed.

A Fit to the Available e+e-→Λc+Λ-c- cross Section Data Nearby Production Threshold by Means of a Strong Correction to the Coulomb Enhancement Factor

There are two available sets of data on the e+e−→Λc+Λ¯c− cross section at energies close to the production threshold, collected by the Belle and by the BESIII Collaborations. The measurement of the former, performed by means of the initial state radiation technique, is compatible with the presence of a resonance, called ψ(4660), observed also in other final states. On the contrary, the latter is measured an almost flat and hence non-resonant cross section in the energy region just above the production threshold, but the data stop before the possible rise in the cross section for the resonant production. We propose an effective model to describe the behavior of the data near this threshold, which is based on a Coulomb-like enhancement factor due to the strong interaction among the final state particles. In the framework of this model, it is possible to describe both datasets.

Potential role of functional imaging in predicting outcome for patients treated with carbon ion therapy: a review

Objective: Carbon ion radiation therapy (CIRT) is an emerging radiation technique with advantageous physical and radiobiologic properties compared to conventional radiotherapy (RT) providing better response in case of radioresistant and hypoxic tumors. Our aim is to critically review if functional imaging techniques could play a role in predicting outcome of CIRT-treated tumors, as already proven for conventional RT. Methods: 14 studies, concerning Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), were selected after a comprehensive search on multiple electronic databases from January 2000 to March 2020. Results: MRI studies (n = 5) focused on diffusion-weighted MRI and, even though quantitative parameters were the same in all studies (apparent diffusion coefficient, ADC), results were not univocal, probably due to different imaging acquisition protocols and tumoral histology. For PET studies (n = 9), different tracers were used such as [18F]FDG and other uncommon tracers ([11C]MET, [18F]FLT), with a relevant heterogeneity regarding parameters used for outcome assessment. Conclusion: No conclusion can be drawn on the predictive value of functional imaging in CIRT-treated tumors. A standardization of image acquisition, multi-institutional large trials and external validations are needed in order to establish the prognostic value of functional imaging in CIRT and to guide clinical practice. Advances in knowledge: Emerging studies focused on functional imaging’s role in predicting CIRT outcome. Due to the heterogeneity of images acquisition and studies, results are conflicting and prospective large studies with imaging standardized protocol are needed.

Water Absorption Kinetics in Composites Degraded by the Radiation Technique

Rubber-based wastes represent challenges facing the global community. Human health protection and preservation of environmental quality are strong reasons to find more efficient methods to induce degradation of latex/rubber products in order to replace devulcanization, incineration, or simply storage, and electron beam irradiation is a promising method that can be can be taken into account. Polymeric composites based on natural rubber and plasticized starch in amounts of 10 to 50 phr, obtained by benzoyl peroxide cross-linking, were subjected to 5.5 MeV electron beam irradiation in order to induce degradation, in the dose range of 150 to 450 kGy. A qualitative study was conducted on the kinetics of water absorption in these composites in order to appreciate their degradation degree. The percentages of equilibrium sorption and mass loss after equilibrium sorption were found to be dependent on irradiation dose and amount of plasticized starch. The mechanism of water transport in composites was studied not only through the specific absorption and diffusion parameters but also by the evaluation of the diffusion, intrinsic diffusion, permeation, and absorption coefficients.

Spheroid Nickel Nanoparticles Synthesized in CTAB Solution Using Gamma Radiation

Pure nickel nanoparticles with some paired grain shaped has been successfully synthesized using gamma radiation technique in aqueous system at ambient temperature without using reducing agent. Cetyl trimethylammonium bromide was used to prevent oxidation during radiolysis process and help to shape the nickel nanoparticles into spheroid. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction, tunnelling electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. The particles formed are crystallized with fcc phase without any oxidation state. The particle size ranging from 20 – 50 nm which consists of unique morphology of paired spheroid. Vibrating sample magnetometer analysis shows that sample has ferromagnetic properties with value of magnetic remanence smaller that bulk due to its size.

Structure and thermoelectric properties of single-phase isocubanite CuFe2S3 synthesized by mechanical-alloying and ultra-fast microwave radiation technique

The current state-of-the-art thermoelectric materials are generally composed of expensive, scarce, and toxic elements. In this respect, copper-based sulfide compounds have emerged as viable alternatives. Herein, we report for the...