New insights into microstructure of neutron-irradiated tungsten.

The development of appropriate materials for fusion reactors that can sustain high neutron fluence at elevated temperatures remains a great challenge. Tungsten is one of the promising candidate materials for plasma-facing components of future fusion reactors, due to several favorable properties as for example a high melting point, a high sputtering resistivity, and a low coefficient of thermal expansion. The microstructural details of a tungsten sample with a 1.25 dpa (displacements per atom) damage dose after neutron irradiation at 800 °C were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Three types of radiation-induced defects were observed, analyzed and characterized: (1) voids with sizes ranging from 10 to 65 nm, (2) dislocation loops with a size of up to 10 nm and (3) W-Re-Os containing σ- and χ-type precipitates. The distribution of voids as well as the nature of the occurring dislocation loops were studied in detail. In addition, nano-chemical analyses revealed that the σ- and χ-type precipitates, which are sometimes attached to voids, are surrounded by a solid solution cloud enriched with Re. For the first time the crystallographic orientation relationship of the σ- and χ-phases to the W-matrix was specified. Furthermore, electron energy-loss spectroscopy could not unambiguously verify the presence of He within individual voids.

Author Correction: New insights into microstructure of irradiated beryllium based on experiments and computer simulations.

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New insights into microstructure of irradiated beryllium based on experiments and computer simulations.

The microstructural response of beryllium after neutron irradiation at various temperatures (643-923 K) was systematically studied using analytical transmission electron microscope that together with outcomes from advanced atomistic modelling provides new insights in the mechanisms of microstructural changes in this material. The most prominent feature of microstructural modification is the formation of gas bubbles, which is revealed at all studied irradiation temperatures. Except for the lowest irradiation temperature, gas bubbles have the shape of thin hexagonal prisms with average height and diameter increasing with temperature. A high number density of small bubbles is observed within grains, while significantly larger bubbles are formed along high-angle grain boundaries (GB). Denuded zones (DZ) nearly free from bubbles are found along both high- and low-angle grain boundaries. Precipitations of secondary phases (mainly intermetallic Al-Fe-Be) were observed inside grains, along dislocation lines and at GBs. EDX analysis has revealed homogeneous segregation of chromium and iron along GBs. The observed features are discussed with respect to the available atomistic modelling results. In particular, we present a plausible reasoning for the abundant formation of gas bubbles on intermetallic precipitates, observation of various thickness of zones denuded in gas bubbles and precipitates, and their relation to the atomic scale diffusion mechanisms of solute-vacancy clusters.

Tissue heat content and distribution during and after cardiopulmonary bypass at 17 degrees C.

UNLABELLED: We measured afterdrop and peripheral tissue temperature distribution in eight patients cooled to approximately 17 degrees C during cardiopulmonary bypass and subsequently rewarmed to 36.5 degrees C. A nasopharyngeal probe evaluated trunk and head temperature and heat content. Peripheral tissue temperature (arm and leg temperature) and heat content were estimated using fourth-order regressions and integration over volume from 30 tissue and skin temperatures. Peripheral tissue temperature decreased to 19.7+/-0.9 degrees C during bypass and subsequently increased to 34.3+/-0.7 degrees C during 104+/-18 min of rewarming. The core-to-peripheral tissue temperature gradient was -5.9+/-0.9 degrees C at the end of cooling and 4.7+/-1.5 degrees C at the end of rewarming. The core-temperature afterdrop was 2.2+/-0.4 degrees C and lasted 89+/-15 min. It was associated with 1.1+/-0.7 degrees C peripheral warming. At the end of cooling, temperatures at the center of the upper and lower thigh were (respectively) 8.0+/-5.2 degrees C and 7.3+/-4.2 degrees C cooler than skin temperature. On completion of rewarming, tissue at the center of the upper and lower thigh were (respectively) 7.0+/-2.2 degrees C and 6.4+/-2.3 degrees C warmer than the skin. When estimated systemic heat loss was included in the calculation, redistribution accounted for 73% of the afterdrop, which is similar to the contribution observed previously in nonsurgical volunteers. IMPLICATIONS: Temperature afterdrop after bypass at 17 degrees C was 2.2+/-0.4 degrees C, with approximately 73% of the decrease in core temperature resulting from core-to-peripheral redistribution of body heat. Cooling and rewarming were associated with large radial tissue temperature gradients in the thigh.

Ventilatory mechanics and gas exchange during exercise before and after lung volume reduction surgery.

Many patients with emphysema are able to meet ventilatory demands during resting conditions, but they show severe limitations during exercise. To examine the effect of lung volume reduction (LVR) surgery on exercise performance and the mechanism of possible improvement, we measured ventilatory mechanics (pulmonary resistance [RL], work of breathing [WOB], dynamic intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure [PEEPi,dyn], peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR]), breathing pattern, oxygen uptake (V O2), and carbon dioxide removal (V CO2) at rest and during cycle ergometry in eight patients before and 3 mo after LVR surgery. Ventilatory mechanics were evaluated assessing esophageal pressure and air flow. Three months after LVR surgery, the tolerated workload was doubled when compared with the preoperative value (p < 0.0005), associated with a reduction of RL (p < 0.05), PEEPi,dyn (p < 0.005), and WOB (p < 0. 005) at comparable workloads. Maximal ventilatory capacity and maximal tidal volume (VT) increased significantly (p < 0.01). Maximal V O2 increased from 474 +/- 23 to 601 +/- 16 ml/min (p < 0. 005) and maximal V CO2 from 401 +/- 13 to 558 +/- 21 ml/min (p < 0. 005), though no significant difference at comparable workloads could be observed. In conclusion, emphysema surgery leads to an improvement of ventilatory mechanics at rest and during exercise. Higher maximal VT and minute ventilation were observed, resulting in improvement of maximal V O2 and V CO2 and exercise capacity.