NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION AND INTERNATIONAL SECURITY:A DRAMA THEORETIC APPROACH

While game theoretic tools have been widely applied to nuclear proliferation and disarmament issues, traditional decision analysis assumes that decision makers, options, and preferences are fixed. A drama theoretic approach is used to overcome these limiting assumptions： Drama Theory （DT） II allows global leaders and national security policy makers to engage in a rational-emotional process of re-defining international security negotiations （and their ＂positions＂ in them） Until agreement on a satisfactory nuclear non-proliferation resolution is reached. The 2009 nuclear energy negotiations between Iran and world powers are modeled with DT II and the Confrontation ManagerTM Decision Support System. By adjusting strategy and deriving transformative security policy, it is shown how international security can be achieved by promoting nuclear non-proliferation and resolving strategic conflict.

Benchmark experiment on slab^(238)U with D-T neutrons for validation of evaluated nuclear data

A benchmark experiment on^(238)U slab samples was conducted using a deuterium-tritium neutron source at the China Institute of Atomic Energy.The leakage neutron spectra within energy levels of 0.8-16 MeV at 60°and 120°were measured using the time-of-flight method.The samples were prepared as rectangular slabs with a 30 cm square base and thicknesses of 3,6,and 9 cm.The leakage neutron spectra were also calculated using the MCNP-4C program based on the latest evaluated files of^(238)U evaluated neutron data from CENDL-3.2,ENDF/B-Ⅷ.0,JENDL-5.0,and JEFF-3.3.Based on the comparison,the deficiencies and improvements in^(238)U evaluated nuclear data were analyzed.The results showed the following.(1)The calculated results for CENDL-3.2 significantly overestimated the measurements in the energy interval of elastic scattering at 60°and 120°.(2)The calculated results of CENDL-3.2 overestimated the measurements in the energy interval of inelastic scattering at 120°.(3)The calculated results for CENDL-3.2 significantly overestimated the measurements in the 3-8.5 MeV energy interval at 60°and 120°.(4)The calculated results with JENDL-5.0 were generally consistent with the measurement results.

A novel method for simulating nuclear explosion with chemical explosion to form an approximate plane wave: Field test and numerical simulation

A nuclear explosion in the rock mass medium can produce strong shock waves,seismic shocks,and other destructive effects,which can cause extreme damage to the underground protection infrastructures.With the increase in nuclear explosion power,underground protection engineering enabled by explosion-proof impact theory and technology ushered in a new challenge.This paper proposes to simulate nuclear explosion tests with on-site chemical explosion tests in the form of multi-hole explosions.First,the mechanism of using multi-hole simultaneous blasting to simulate a nuclear explosion to generate approximate plane waves was analyzed.The plane pressure curve at the vault of the underground protective tunnel under the action of the multi-hole simultaneous blasting was then obtained using the impact test in the rock mass at the site.According to the peak pressure at the vault plane,it was divided into three regions:the stress superposition region,the superposition region after surface reflection,and the approximate plane stress wave zone.A numerical simulation approach was developed using PFC and FLAC to study the peak particle velocity in the surrounding rock of the underground protective cave under the action of multi-hole blasting.The time-history curves of pressure and peak pressure partition obtained by the on-site multi-hole simultaneous blasting test and numerical simulation were compared and analyzed,to verify the correctness and rationality of the formation of an approximate plane wave in the simulated nuclear explosion.This comparison and analysis also provided a theoretical foundation and some research ideas for the ensuing study on the impact of a nuclear explosion.

Hydromechanical characterization of gas transport amidst uncertainty for underground nuclear explosion detection

Given the challenge of definitively discriminating between chemical and nuclear explosions using seismic methods alone,surface detection of signature noble gas radioisotopes is considered a positive identification of underground nuclear explosions(UNEs).However,the migration of signature radionuclide gases between the nuclear cavity and surface is not well understood because complex processes are involved,including the generation of complex fracture networks,reactivation of natural fractures and faults,and thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical(THMC)coupling of radionuclide gas transport in the subsurface.In this study,we provide an experimental investigation of hydro-mechanical(HM)coupling among gas flow,stress states,rock deformation,and rock damage using a unique multi-physics triaxial direct shear rock testing system.The testing system also features redundant gas pressure and flow rate measurements,well suited for parameter uncertainty quantification.Using porous tuff and tight granite samples that are relevant to historic UNE tests,we measured the Biot effective stress coefficient,rock matrix gas permeability,and fracture gas permeability at a range of pore pressure and stress conditions.The Biot effective stress coefficient varies from 0.69 to 1 for the tuff,whose porosity averages 35.3%±0.7%,while this coefficient varies from 0.51 to 0.78 for the tight granite(porosity<1%,perhaps an underestimate).Matrix gas permeability is strongly correlated to effective stress for the granite,but not for the porous tuff.Our experiments reveal the following key engineering implications on transport of radionuclide gases post a UNE event:(1)The porous tuff shows apparent fracture dilation or compression upon stress changes,which does not necessarily change the gas permeability;(2)The granite fracture permeability shows strong stress sensitivity and is positively related to shear displacement;and(3)Hydromechanical coupling among stress states,rock damage,and gas flow appears to be stronger in tight granite than in porous tuff.

Multi-objective optimization and evaluation of supercritical CO_(2) Brayton cycle for nuclear power generation

The supercritical CO_(2) Brayton cycle is considered a promising energy conversion system for Generation IV reactors for its simple layout,compact structure,and high cycle efficiency.Mathematical models of four Brayton cycle layouts are developed in this study for different reactors to reduce the cost and increase the thermohydraulic performance of nuclear power generation to promote the commercialization of nuclear energy.Parametric analysis,multi-objective optimizations,and four decision-making methods are applied to obtain each Brayton scheme’s optimal thermohydraulic and economic indexes.Results show that for the same design thermal power scale of reactors,the higher the core’s exit temperature,the better the Brayton cycle’s thermo-economic performance.Among the four-cycle layouts,the recompression cycle(RC)has the best overall performance,followed by the simple recuperation cycle(SR)and the intercooling cycle(IC),and the worst is the reheating cycle(RH).However,RH has the lowest total cost of investment(C_(tot))of$1619.85 million,and IC has the lowest levelized cost of energy(LCOE)of 0.012$/(kWh).The nuclear Brayton cycle system’s overall performance has been improved due to optimization.The performance of the molten salt reactor combined with the intercooling cycle(MSR-IC)scheme has the greatest improvement,with the net output power(W_(net)),thermal efficiencyη_(t),and exergy efficiency(η_(e))improved by 8.58%,8.58%,and 11.21%,respectively.The performance of the lead-cooled fast reactor combined with the simple recuperation cycle scheme was optimized to increase C_(tot) by 27.78%.In comparison,the internal rate of return(IRR)increased by only 7.8%,which is not friendly to investors with limited funds.For the nuclear Brayton cycle,the molten salt reactor combined with the recompression cycle scheme should receive priority,and the gas-cooled fast reactor combined with the reheating cycle scheme should be considered carefully.

Nucleus++:a new tool bridging AME and NuBAsE for advancing nuclear data analysis

The newly developed software,Nucleus++,is an advanced tool for displaying basic nuclear physics properties from NubAsE and integrating comprehensive mass information for each nuclide from Atomic Mass Evaluation.Additionally,it allows users to compare experimental nuclear masses with predictions from different mass models.Building on the success and learning experiences of its predecessor,Nucleus,this enhanced tool introduces improved functionality and compatibility.With its user-friendly interface,Nucleus++was designed as a valuable tool for scholars and practitioners in the field of nuclear science.This article offers an in-depth description of Nucleus++,highlighting its main features and anticipated impacts on nuclear science research.

Sustainability-oriented prioritization of nuclear fuel cycle transitions in China:a holistic MCDM framework under uncertainties

A sustainability-oriented assessment of the nuclear energy system can provide informative and convincing decision-making support for nuclear development strategies in China.In our previous study,four authentic nuclear fuel cycle(NFC)transi-tion scenarios were proposed,featuring different development stages and exhibiting distinct environmental,economic,and technical characteristics.However,because of the multiple and often conflicting criteria embedded therein,determining the top-priority NFC alternative for a sustainability orientation remains challenging.To address this issue,this study proposed a novel hybrid multi-criteria decision-making framework comprising fuzzy AHP,PROMETHEE GAIA,and MOORA.Initially,an improved fuzzy AHP weighting model was developed to determine criteria weights under uncertainty and investigate the influence of various weight aggregation and defuzzification approaches.Subsequently,PROMETHEE GAIA was used to address conflicts among the criteria and prioritize alternatives on a visualized k-dimensional GAIA plane.As a result,the alternative for direct recycling PWR spent fuel in fast reactors is considered the most sustainable.Furthermore,a sensitivity analysis was conducted to examine the influence of criteria weight variation and validate the screening results.Finally,using MOORA,some significant optimization ideas and valuable insights were provided to support decision-makers in shaping nuclear development strategies.

Presence of a long nuclear-localization signal sequence in homeodomain transcription factor Nkx 1.2

Homeodomains,a 60-amino acid sequence encoded by 180 nucleotides,are highly conserved DNA-binding motifs that are present in a variety of transcription factors in species ranging from yeast to humans.The NKX proteins belong to the homeodomain(HD)-containing transcription factor family.They play vital roles in the regulation of morphogenesis.NKX1-2 is one member of the NKX subfamily.At present,information about its nuclear localization signal(NLS)sequence is limited.We studied the NLS sequence of zebrafish Nkx1.2 by introducing sequence changes such as deletion,mutation,and truncation,and identified an NLS motif(QNRRTKWKKQ)that is localized at the C-terminus of the homeodomain.Moreover,the deletion of two amino acid residues(RR)in this NLS motif prevents Nkx1.2 from entering the nucleus,indicating that the two amino acids are essential for Nkx1.2 nuclear localization.However,the NLS motif alone is unable to target cytoplasmic protein glutathione S-transferase(GST)to the nucleus.An intact homeodomain is necessary for mediating the complete nuclear transport of cytoplasmic protein.Unlike most nuclear import proteins with short NLS sequences,a long NLS is present in zebrafish Nkx1.2.We also demonstrated that the sequences of homeodomain of NKX1.2 are well conserved among different species.This study is informative to verify the function of the NKX1.2 protein.

An improved analysis method for assessing the nuclear-heating impact on the stability of toroidal field magnets in fusion reactors

The superconducting magnet system of a fusion reactor plays a vital role in plasma confinement,a process that can be dis-rupted by various operational factors.A critical parameter for evaluating the temperature margin of superconducting magnets during normal operation is the nuclear heating caused by D-T neutrons.This study investigates the impact of nuclear heat-ing on a superconducting magnet system by employing an improved analysis method that combines neutronics and thermal hydraulics.In the magnet system,toroidal field(TF)magnets are positioned closest to the plasma and bear the highest nuclear-heat load,making them prime candidates for evaluating the influence of nuclear heating on stability.To enhance the modeling accuracy and facilitate design modifications,a parametric TF model that incorporates heterogeneity is established to expedite the optimization design process and enhance the accuracy of the computations.A comparative analysis with a homogeneous TF model reveals that the heterogeneous model improves accuracy by over 12%.Considering factors such as heat load,magnetic-field strength,and cooling conditions,the cooling circuit facing the most severe conditions is selected to calculate the temperature of the superconductor.This selection streamlines the workload associated with thermal-hydraulic analysis.This approach enables a more efficient and precise evaluation of the temperature margin of TF magnets.Moreover,it offers insights that can guide the optimization of both the structure and cooling strategy of superconducting magnet systems.

Impact of initial fluctuations and nuclear deformations in isobar collisions

Relativistic isobar^(96)_(44)Ru+^(96)_(44)Ru and^(96)_(40)Zr+^(96)_(40)Zrcollisions have revealed intricate differences in their nuclear size and shape,inspiring unconventional studies of nuclear structure using relativistic heavy ion collisions.In this study,we investigate the relative differences in the mean multiplicityR_(<Nch>)and the secondR_(ε2)and third-order eccentricityR_(ε3)between isobar collisions using initial state Glauber models.It is found that initial fluctuations and nuclear deformations have negligible effects on R_(<Nch>)in most central collisions,while both are important for the R_(ε2)and R_(ε3),the degree of which is sensitive to the underlying nucleonic or sub-nucleonic degree of freedom.These features,compared to real data,may probe the particle production mechanism and the physics underlying nuclear structure.

A fast forward computational method for nuclear measurement using volumetric detection constraints

Owing to the complex lithology of unconventional reservoirs,field interpreters usually need to provide a basis for interpretation using logging simulation models.Among the various detection tools that use nuclear sources,the detector response can reflect various types of information of the medium.The Monte Carlo method is one of the primary methods used to obtain nuclear detection responses in complex environments.However,this requires a computational process with extensive random sampling,consumes considerable resources,and does not provide real-time response results.Therefore,a novel fast forward computational method(FFCM)for nuclear measurement that uses volumetric detection constraints to rapidly calculate the detector response in various complex environments is proposed.First,the data library required for the FFCM is built by collecting the detection volume,detector counts,and flux sensitivity functions through a Monte Carlo simulation.Then,based on perturbation theory and the Rytov approximation,a model for the detector response is derived using the flux sensitivity function method and a one-group diffusion model.The environmental perturbation is constrained to optimize the model according to the tool structure and the impact of the formation and borehole within the effective detection volume.Finally,the method is applied to a neutron porosity tool for verification.In various complex simulation environments,the maximum relative error between the calculated porosity results of Monte Carlo and FFCM was 6.80%,with a rootmean-square error of 0.62 p.u.In field well applications,the formation porosity model obtained using FFCM was in good agreement with the model obtained by interpreters,which demonstrates the validity and accuracy of the proposed method.

Improved nuclear mass formula with an additional term from the Fermi gas model

Nuclear mass is a fundamental property of nuclear physics and a necessary input in nuclear astrophysics.Owing to the complexity of atomic nuclei and nonperturbative strong interactions,conventional physical models cannot completely describe nuclear binding energies.In this study,the mass formula was improved by considering an additional term from the Fermi gas model.All nuclear masses in the Atomic Mass Evaluation Database were reproduced with a root-mean-square deviation(RMSD)of -1.86 MeV(1.92 MeV).The new mass formula exhibits good performance in the neutron-rich nuclear region.The RMSD decreases to 0.393 MeV when the ratio of the neutron number to the proton number is≥1.6.

Reliable calculations of nuclear binding energies by the Gaussian process of machine learning

Reliable calculations of nuclear binding energies are crucial for advancing the research of nuclear physics. Machine learning provides an innovative approach to exploring complex physical problems. In this study, the nuclear binding energies are modeled directly using a machine-learning method called the Gaussian process. First, the binding energies for 2238 nuclei with Z > 20 and N > 20 are calculated using the Gaussian process in a physically motivated feature space, yielding an average deviation of 0.046 MeV and a standard deviation of 0.066 MeV. The results show the good learning ability of the Gaussian process in the studies of binding energies. Then, the predictive power of the Gaussian process is studied by calculating the binding energies for 108 nuclei newly included in AME2020. The theoretical results are in good agreement with the experimental data, reflecting the good predictive power of the Gaussian process. Moreover, the α-decay energies for 1169 nuclei with 50 ≤ Z ≤ 110 are derived from the theoretical binding energies calculated using the Gaussian process. The average deviation and the standard deviation are, respectively, 0.047 MeV and 0.070 MeV. Noticeably, the calculated α-decay energies for the two new isotopes ^ (204 )Ac(Huang et al. Phys Lett B 834, 137484(2022)) and ^ (207) Th(Yang et al. Phys Rev C 105, L051302(2022)) agree well with the latest experimental data. These results demonstrate that the Gaussian process is reliable for the calculations of nuclear binding energies. Finally, the α-decay properties of some unknown actinide nuclei are predicted using the Gaussian process. The predicted results can be useful guides for future research on binding energies and α-decay properties.

DPRK Nuclear Issue:Non-proliferation or Strategic Game?

Out of concern over nuclear weapons proliferation,the worry over DPRK nuclear testing is overwrought.The author sees the situation from the viewpoint of a geopolitical game in a non-proliferation mask.To attempt a geopolitical game using non-proliferation is wrongly directed,but this is the main reason the issue fluctuates and deadlocks occasionally.To solve the situation once and for all,the international community needs to recognize its geopolitical nature and cure the problem accordingly.Since DPRK leader Kim Jong-Un crossed the border April 27 to meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in,the destiny of the Korean Peninsula is,as it should be,in the hands of the Koreans,not Chinese or Americans.

Geometric properties of the first singlet S-wave excited state of two-electron atoms near the critical nuclear charge

The geometric structure parameters and radial density distribution of 1s2s1S excited state of the two-electron atomic system near the critical nuclear charge Z_(c)were calculated in detail under tripled Hylleraas basis set.Contrary to the localized behavior observed in the ground and the doubly excited 2p^(23)Pe states,for this state our results identify that while the behavior of the inner electron increasingly resembles that of a hydrogen-like atomic system,the outer electron in the excited state exhibits diffused hydrogen-like character and becomes perpendicular to the inner electron as nuclear charge Z approaches Z_(c).This study provides insights into the electronic structure and stability of the two-electron system in the vicinity of the critical nuclear charge.

Nuclear charge radius predictions by kernel ridge regression with odd-even effects

The extended kernel ridge regression(EKRR)method with odd-even effects was adopted to improve the description of the nuclear charge radius using five commonly used nuclear models.These are:(i)the isospin-dependent A^(1∕3) formula,(ii)relativistic continuum Hartree-Bogoliubov(RCHB)theory,(iii)Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov(HFB)model HFB25,(iv)the Weizsacker-Skyrme(WS)model WS*,and(v)HFB25*model.In the last two models,the charge radii were calculated using a five-parameter formula with the nuclear shell corrections and deformations obtained from the WS and HFB25 models,respectively.For each model,the resultant root-mean-square deviation for the 1014 nuclei with proton number Z≥8 can be significantly reduced to 0.009-0.013 fm after considering the modification with the EKRR method.The best among them was the RCHB model,with a root-mean-square deviation of 0.0092 fm.The extrapolation abilities of the KRR and EKRR methods for the neutron-rich region were examined,and it was found that after considering the odd-even effects,the extrapolation power was improved compared with that of the original KRR method.The strong odd-even staggering of nuclear charge radii of Ca and Cu isotopes and the abrupt kinks across the neutron N=126 and 82 shell closures were also calculated and could be reproduced quite well by calculations using the EKRR method.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Positivity of Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) Patterns, Native Anti-DNA and Extractable Nuclear Antigens (ENA) Antibodies: Experience from a Laboratory in Dakar

Background: Diagnosis of autoimmune diseases (AID) is challenging, due to overlapping features with other non-immune disorders. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are sensitive screening tests but anti-deoxyribonucleic acid-antibody (anti-DNA), and anti-extractable nuclear antigens (anti-ENA) are specific for AIDs. We aimed to look at ANA patterns in our patients and correlated them with anti-ENA for proper interpretation and better patient management cost-effectively. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted over 1 year from January to December 2022 who were tested for ANA at biology medical laboratory of Pasteur Institute of Dakar. Anti-ENA and anti-DNA results were also analyzed for ANA-positive patients. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 14.0, p Results: 216 patients were analyzed. Women predominated at 79.2% and mean age was 48 years [CI 95%, 46 - 50], with extremes of 10 and 89. Most represented age group was [41 - 60] with 38%. ANA was positive in 27 (12.5%) of patients, 59.2% of whom were strongly positive (titer of 1/1000, 1/3200 or 1/6400). The most common pattern was nuclear speckled, which was found in 77.8% of samples. Anti-ENA and anti-DNA positivity in ANA-positive patients was found respectively in 63% (17/27) and 1.4% (3/27) of the samples analyzed. Most commonly identified anti-ENA was anti-Sm 29.6%, anti-SSA 29.6%, anti-Ro-52 25.9%, anti-RNP 18.5% and anti-SSB 14.8% which was associated with speckled pattern. Association results indicated a significant relationship between both tests and between ANA titer in the anti-ENA- and ANA-positive patients (p 0.001). Conclusions: ANA, Anti-ENA and anti-DNA antibodies are essential for AIDS diagnosis. However, the testing repertoire should follow an algorithm comprising of clinical features, followed by ANA results with nuclear, mitotic, and cytoplasmic patterns, anti-ENA, and anti-DNA for a more meaningful, and cost-effective diagnostic approach.

Nuclear volume effects in kinetic isotope fractionation:A case study of mercury oxidation by chlorine species

It is well-known that the equilibrium isotope fractionation of mercury(Hg)includes classical massdependent fractionations(MDFs)and nuclear volume effect(NVE)induced mass-independent fractionations(MIFs).However,the effect of the NVE on these kinetic processes is not known.The total fractionations(MDFs+NVEinduced MIFs)of several representative Hg-incorporated substances were selected and calculated with ab initio calculations in this work for both equilibrium and kinetic processes.NVE-induced MIFs were calculated with scaled contact electron densities at the nucleus through systematic evaluations of their accuracy and errors using the Gaussian09 and DIRAC19 packages(named the electron density scaling method).Additionally,the NVE-induced kinetic isotope effect(KIE)of Hg isotopes are also calculated with this method for several representative Hg oxidation reactions by chlorine species.Total KIEs for 202 Hg/^(198)Hg ranging from−2.27‰to 0.96‰are obtained.Three anomalous^(202)Hg-enriched KIEs(δ^(202)Hg/^(198)Hg=0.83‰,0.94‰,and 0.96‰,)caused by the NVE are observed,which are quite different from the classical view(i.e.,light isotopes react faster than the heavy ones).The electron density scaling method we developed in this study can provide an easier way to calculate the NVE-induced KIEs for heavy isotopes and serve to better understand the fractionation mechanisms of mercury isotope systems.

Nuclear magnetic resonance experiments on the time-varying law of oil viscosity and wettability in high-multiple waterflooding sandstone cores

A simulated oil viscosity prediction model is established according to the relationship between simulated oil viscosity and geometric mean value of T2spectrum,and the time-varying law of simulated oil viscosity in porous media is quantitatively characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)experiments of high multiple waterflooding.A new NMR wettability index formula is derived based on NMR relaxation theory to quantitatively characterize the time-varying law of rock wettability during waterflooding combined with high-multiple waterflooding experiment in sandstone cores.The remaining oil viscosity in the core is positively correlated with the displacing water multiple.The remaining oil viscosity increases rapidly when the displacing water multiple is low,and increases slowly when the displacing water multiple is high.The variation of remaining oil viscosity is related to the reservoir heterogeneity.The stronger the reservoir homogeneity,the higher the content of heavy components in the remaining oil and the higher the viscosity.The reservoir wettability changes after water injection:the oil-wet reservoir changes into water-wet reservoir,while the water-wet reservoir becomes more hydrophilic;the degree of change enhances with the increase of displacing water multiple.There is a high correlation between the time-varying oil viscosity and the time-varying wettability,and the change of oil viscosity cannot be ignored.The NMR wettability index calculated by considering the change of oil viscosity is more consistent with the tested Amott(spontaneous imbibition)wettability index,which agrees more with the time-varying law of reservoir wettability.

Transient Analysis of a Reactor Coolant Pump Rotor Seizure Nuclear Accident

The reactor coolant pump(RCP)rotor seizure accident is defined as a short-time seizure of the RCP rotor.This event typically leads to an abrupt flow decrease in the corresponding loop and an ensuing reactor and turbine trip.The significant reduction of core coolant flow while the reactor is being operated at full load can have very negative consequences.This potentially dangerous event is typically characterized by a complex transient behavior in terms of flow conditions and energy transformation,which need to be analyzed and understood.This study constructed transient flow and rotational speed mathematical models under various degrees of rotor seizure using the test data collected from a dedicated transient rotor seizure test system.Then,bidirectional fluid-solid coupling simulations were conducted to investigate the flow evolution mechanism.It is found that the influence of the impeller structure size and transient braking acceleration on the unsteady head(Hu)is dominant in rotor seizure accident events.Moreover,the present results also show that the rotational acceleration additional head(Hu1)is much higher than the instantaneous head(Hu2).