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Novel correction procedure for compensating thermal contraction errors in the measurement of the magnetic field of superconducting undulator coils in a liquid helium cryostat

Superconducting undulators (SCUs) can offer a much higher on-axis undulator field than state-of-the-art cryogenic permanent-magnet undulators with the same period and vacuum gap. The development of shorter-period and high-field SCUs would allow the free-electron laser and synchrotron radiation source community to reduce both the length of undulators and the dimensions of the accelerator. Magnetic measurements are essential for characterizing the magnetic field quality of undulators for operation in a modern light source. Hall probe scanning is so far the most mature technique for local field characterization of undulators. This article focuses on the systematic error caused by thermal contraction that influences Hall probe measurements carried out in a liquid helium cryostat. A novel procedure, based on the redundant measurement of the magnetic field using multiple Hall probes at known relative distance, is introduced for the correction of such systematic error.




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In situ XAFS–XRD study of the Zr–Y2O3 interaction at extra-high temperatures

The in situ measurement technique for a metal/metal-oxide mixture at extra-high temperature above 2000 K has been desired in the field of nuclear safety engineering. In the present study, we succeeded in simultaneous XAFS–XRD measurements of the Zr oxidation [Zr + O → Zr(O) + ZrO2] up to 1952 K and ZrO2–Y2O3 reaction from 1952 to 2519 K. The chemical shift during Zr oxidation was observed in the absorption spectra around the Zr K-edge, and the interatomic cation–cation and cation–oxygen distances obtained by the fitting analysis of EXAFS during the Y2O3–ZrO2 reaction are explained. Also, the temperature dependency of the anharmonic effect was investigated by comparing the fitted second- and third-order cumulants with the theoretical ones in which the Morse potential was applied as an interatomic potential, giving a good explanation about the local structure dynamics. Finally, the applicability of the developed system to investigation of nuclear fuel materials, such as UO2–Zr, is discussed.




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VUV absorption spectra of water and nitrous oxide by a double-duty differentially pumped gas filter

The differentially pumped rare-gas filter at the end of the VUV beamline of the Swiss Light Source has been adapted to house a windowless absorption cell for gases. Absorption spectra can be recorded from 7 eV to up to 21 eV photon energies routinely, as shown by a new water and nitrous oxide absorption spectrum. By and large, the spectra agree with previously published ones both in terms of resonance energies and absorption cross sections, but that of N2O exhibits a small shift in the { ilde{f D}} band and tentative fine structures that have not yet been fully described. This setup will facilitate the measurement of absorption spectra in the VUV above the absorption edge of LiF and MgF2 windows. It will also allow us to carry out condensed-phase measurements on thin liquid sheets and solid films. Further development options are discussed, including the recording of temperature-dependent absorption spectra, a stationary gas cell for calibration measurements, and the improvement of the photon energy resolution.




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Cryo2RT: a high-throughput method for room-temperature macromolecular crystallography from cryo-cooled crystals

Advances in structural biology have relied heavily on synchrotron cryo-crystallography and cryogenic electron microscopy to elucidate biological processes and for drug discovery. However, disparities between cryogenic and room-temperature (RT) crystal structures pose challenges. Here, Cryo2RT, a high-throughput RT data-collection method from cryo-cooled crystals that leverages the cryo-crystallography workflow, is introduced. Tested on endothiapepsin crystals with four soaked fragments, thaumatin and SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro, Cryo2RT reveals unique ligand-binding poses, offers a comparable throughput to cryo-crystallography and eases the exploration of structural dynamics at various temperatures.




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Evolution of structure and spectroscopic properties of a new 1,3-diacetylpyrene polymorph with temperature and pressure

A new polymorph of 1,3-diacetylpyrene has been obtained from its melt and thoroughly characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction, steady-state UV–Vis spectroscopy and periodic density functional theory calculations. Experimental studies covered the temperature range from 90 to 390 K and the pressure range from atmospheric to 4.08 GPa. Optimal sample placement in a diamond anvil cell according to our previously presented methodology ensured over 80% data coverage up to 0.8 Å for a monoclinic sample. Unrestrained Hirshfeld atom refinement of the high-pressure crystal structures was successful and anharmonic behavior of carbonyl oxygen atoms was observed. Unlike the previously characterized polymorph, the structure of 2°AP-β is based on infinite π-stacks of antiparallel 2°AP molecules. 2°AP-β displays piezochromism and piezofluorochromism which are directly related to the variation in interplanar distances within the π-stacking. The importance of weak intermolecular interactions is reflected in the substantial negative thermal expansion coefficient of −55.8 (57) MK−1 in the direction of C—H⋯O interactions.




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Solvent organization in the ultrahigh-resolution crystal structure of crambin at room temperature

Ultrahigh-resolution structures provide unprecedented details about protein dynamics, hydrogen bonding and solvent networks. The reported 0.70 Å, room-temperature crystal structure of crambin is the highest-resolution ambient-temperature structure of a protein achieved to date. Sufficient data were collected to enable unrestrained refinement of the protein and associated solvent networks using SHELXL. Dynamic solvent networks resulting from alternative side-chain conformations and shifts in water positions are revealed, demonstrating that polypeptide flexibility and formation of clathrate-type structures at hydro­phobic surfaces are the key features endowing crambin crystals with extraordinary diffraction power.




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Crystal structure solution and high-temperature thermal expansion in NaZr2(PO4)3-type materials

The NaZr2P3O12 family of materials have shown low and tailorable thermal expansion properties. In this study, SrZr4P6O24 (SrO·4ZrO2·3P2O5), CaZr4P6O24 (CaO·4ZrO2·3P2O5), MgZr4P6O24 (MgO·4ZrO2·3P2O5), NaTi2P3O12 [½(Na2O·4TiO2·3P2O5)], NaZr2P3O12 [½(Na2O·4ZrO2·3P2O5)], and related solid solutions were synthesized using the organic–inorganic steric entrapment method. The samples were characterized by in-situ high-temperature X-ray diffraction from 25 to 1500°C at the Advanced Photon Source and National Synchrotron Light Source II. The average linear thermal expansion of SrZr4P6O24 and CaZr4P6O24 was between −1 × 10−6 per °C and 6 × 10−6 per °C from 25 to 1500°C. The crystal structures of the high-temperature polymorphs of CaZr4P6O24 and SrZr4P6O24 with R3c symmetry were solved by Fourier difference mapping and Rietveld refinement. This polymorph is present above ∼1250°C. This work measured thermal expansion coefficients to 1500°C for all samples and investigated the differences in thermal expansion mechanisms between polymorphs and between compositions.




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Temperature-dependent solid-state phase transition with twinning in the crystal structure of 4-meth­oxy­anilinium chloride

At room temperature, the title salt, C7H10NO+·Cl−, is ortho­rhom­bic, space group Pbca with Z' = 1, as previously reported [Zhao (2009). Acta Cryst. E65, o2378]. Between 250 and 200 K, there is a solid-state phase transition to a twinned monoclinic P21/c structure with Z' = 2. We report the high temperature structure at 250 K and the low-temperature structure at 100 K. In the low-temperature structure, the –NH3 hydrogen atoms are ordered and this group has a different orientation in each independent mol­ecule, in keeping with optimizing N—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonding, some of which are bifurcated: these hydrogen bonds have N⋯Cl distances in the range 3.1201 (8)–3.4047 (8) Å. In the single cation of the high-temperature structure, the NH hydrogen atoms are disordered into the average of the two low-temperature positions and the N⋯Cl hydrogen bond distances are in the range 3.1570 (15)–3.3323 (18) Å. At both temperatures, the meth­oxy group is nearly coplanar with the rest of the mol­ecule, with the C—C—O—C torsion angles being −7.0 (2)° at 250 K and −6.94 (12) and −9.35 (12)° at 100 K. In the extended ortho­rhom­bic structure, (001) hydrogen-bonded sheets occur; in the monoclinic structure, the sheets propagate in the (010) plane.




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Genetic redundancy aids competition among symbiotic bacteria in squid

Full Text:

The molecular mechanism used by many bacteria to kill neighboring cells has redundancy built into its genetic makeup, which could allow for the mechanism to be expressed in different environments, say researchers at Penn State and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Their new study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of competition among bacteria. "Many organisms, including humans, acquire bacteria from their environment," said Tim Miyashiro, a biochemist and molecular biologist at Penn State and the leader of the research team. "These bacteria can contribute to functions within the host organism, like how our gut bacteria help us digest food. We're interested in the interactions among bacteria cells, and between bacteria and their hosts, to better understand these mutually beneficial symbiotic relationships." Cells of the bioluminescent bacteria Vibrio fisheri take up residence in the light organ of newly hatched bobtail squid. At night, the bacteria produce a blue glow that researchers believe obscures a squid's silhouette and helps protect it from predators. The light organ has pockets, or crypts, in the squid's skin that provide nutrients and a safe environment for the bacteria. "When the squid hatches, it doesn't yet have any bacteria in its light organ," said Miyashiro. "But bacteria in the environment quickly colonize the squid's light organ." Some of these different bacteria strains can coexist, but others can't. "Microbial symbioses are essentially universal in animals, and are crucial to the health and development of both partners," says Irwin Forseth, a program director in the National Science Foundation's Division of Integrative Organismal Systems, which funded the research. "The results from this study highlight the role small genetic changes can play in microbe interactions. Increased understanding will allow us to better predict organisms' performance in changing environments."

Image credit: Andrew Cecere




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Information Security: Harnessing the Overlooked Source for SMB Competitive Advantage

On-Demand Webinar >  Watch Now!>>SPONSORED BY: AT&TWatch this FREE on-demand webinar to learn how to make the connections between information security and competitive success for yo...




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New technologies, consumer preferences, sustainability imperatives to shape up future mobility, say experts

Panelists in a discussion on ‘Mobility Megatrends 2050’, highlighted that in the next decade, with electrification, autonomous driving, smart and connected infrastructure, modal diversity, and mobility that is integrated, resilient, shared, and sustainable – powered by disruptive business models, will transform and shape up of the automotive industry. The industry is racing towards a new world, driven by sustainability and changing consumer behaviour, encompassing electric vehicles, autonomous cars, mobility fleet sharing, and always connected.




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High Confidence That Planet Is Warmest in 400 Years - Less Confidence in Temperature Reconstructions Prior to 1600

There is sufficient evidence from tree rings, boreholes, retreating glaciers, and other proxies of past surface temperatures to say with a high level of confidence that the last few decades of the 20th century were warmer than any comparable period in the last 400 years, according to a new report from the National Research Council.




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United States Skilled Technical Workforce Is Inadequate to Compete in Coming Decades - Actions Needed to Improve Education, Training, and Lifelong Learning of Workers

Policymakers, employers, and educational institutions should take steps to strengthen the nation’s skilled technical workforce, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.




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Consumer Access to Affordable Medicines Is a Public Health Imperative, Says New Report - Government Negotiation of Drug Prices, Prevention of ‘Pay-for-Delay’ Agreements, and Increased Financial Transparency Among Recommendations

Consumer access to effective and affordable medicines is an imperative for public health, social equity, and economic development, but this need is not being served adequately by the biopharmaceutical sector, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.




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Winners Selected for the 2017-2018 TRB Airport Cooperative Research Program University Design Competition for Addressing Airport Needs

The Transportation Research Board’s Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) recently selected winners for its University Design Competition for Addressing Airport Needs.




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VA’s Process for Determining Traumatic Brain Injury in Veterans Seeking Disability Compensation Examined in New Report

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) should expand the requirement in its disability compensation process regarding who can diagnose traumatic brain injury (TBI) to include any health care professional with pertinent and ongoing brain injury training and experience, says a new congressionally mandated report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.




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Federal Investments Are Imperative for Continued Success in Highway Innovation, Says New Report

The nation’s highways and roads connect almost 330 million Americans and are important to both commerce and national security. Two-thirds of total passenger travel in the country moves along this vast network of roads, as does 60 percent of the weight and almost three-quarters of the value of total U.S. freight transported.




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Potential Effects of Seasonal and Temperature Changes on Spread of COVID-19 Examined in New Rapid Response to Government from Standing Committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases

A new rapid expert consultation from a standing committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine responds to questions from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) regarding survival of the COVID-19 virus in relation to temperature and humidity and potential for seasonal reduction and resurgence of cases.




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Winners Selected for the 2019-2020 TRB Airport Cooperative Research Program University Design Competition for Addressing Airport Needs

The Transportation Research Board’s Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) has selected winners for its annual University Design Competition for Addressing Airport Needs.




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Winners Selected for the 2020-2021 TRB Airport Cooperative Research Program University Design Competition for Addressing Airport Needs

The Transportation Research Board’s Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) has selected winners for its annual University Design Competition for Addressing Airport Needs.




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Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Competed Space Mission Leadership at NASA Will Require Extensive Efforts Along Entire Career Pathways, Says New Report

To meet its diversity and inclusion goals for competed mission leadership, NASA should invest in STEM career pathways, partner with historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions, and expand training and mentorship opportunities, among other actions.




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Winners Selected for the 2021-2022 TRB Airport Cooperative Research Program University Design Competition for Addressing Airport Needs

The Transportation Research Board’s Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) has selected winners for its annual University Design Competition for Addressing Airport Needs. Now in its 16th year, the prestigious competition encourages students to design innovative and practical solutions to challenges at airports.




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Engineering and the Diversity Imperative - The 15th Grand Challenge

Engineering impacts everyone. Diversifying the field is imperative if we want to build on engineering’s legacy of extraordinary impact.




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Data centers make compelling case for investment: Report

The investment banking company expects the data center market to undergo significant structural changes, through the introduction of new business models and new investment profiles. Cloud computing is likely to remain the main driver of expansion for the data center industry.




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Internet companies mail dissent note against IAMAI’s stand on digital competition bill

Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) had submitted its views to the CDCL opposing the prescription of ex-ante regulations for digital companies, saying that ex-ante measures “may limit growth not only of the market in question but the digital economy altogether”.




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Even handicraft marketplace Etsy needs AI to compete, says CEO

On Tuesday. Etsy was founded in 2005 as a platform exclusively for handmade goods - though that claim has long been scrutinised.




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144: Absurd Temperature Management

Grey has had to vacate his garage office, Myke wants to thank Cortexans, Cortex joins the Notion Nation, and Myke has hired a personal assistant. Also, a lightning round of exciting Beta features.




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Preparing for impending FSMA regulatory deadlines

Do you have your food defense plan in place? July 26, 2019 is the compliance deadline for the FDA's final rule on Mitigation Strategies to Protect Food Against International Adulteration under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).




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ASB announces student team finalists in 2016 product competition

Student teams from Kansas, Massachusetts and New York are finalists in the American Society of Baking’s 2016 Product Development Competition.




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Case Study: Tomra 5C gives hazelnut producer a competitive advantage targeting high-quality export markets

Gürsoy, one of Turkey's most established hazelnut producers, is the first company in that country to harness the TOMRA 5C’s sorting technologies. 




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Enthuse Foundation announces pitch competition finalists

Five U.S.-based food, beverage, and CPG women entrepreneurs will compete for $60K in cash and in-kind prizes on Nov. 14 at The Town Hall by Skylight in NYC.




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Puratos takes top honor in ASB competition

Puratos Corp.’s Muesli Cookie concept wins first place in the American Society of Baking’s 2015 Product Development Competition.




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Squadle Sense releases remote temperature monitoring system

Leveraging LoRaWAN technology, Remote Temperature Monitoring penetrates solid objects like refrigerators and freezers, then uploads temperature data to Digital Checklists.




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Guardian Technology by Energis announces pathogen reduction milestone in wheat tempering

Validated 3rd party study confirms an average 5.40 log reduction of pathogens in wheat temper with the Guardian System.




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Renewable Lubricants Bio-Extreme High Temperature Oven Lubricants

Renewable Lubricants new food grade Bio-Extreme High Temperature Oven Lubricants perform at extreme high temperatures up to and over 1000° C, with protection up to 2000° C. 




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Washington Red Raspberry Commission announces student innovation competition winners

Students utilized frozen Washington red raspberry puree to develop new product concepts for the grocery/CPG market.




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State of the Industry Report: Popcorn, Corny Competition

Low in calories, high in fiber—popcorn may just be the perfect natural snack. Of course, that doesn’t stop manufacturers from trying to up the ante by enhancing all the whole grain has to offer. Now, popcorn can be found competing with chips, pretzels and even candy in the snacking Olympics.




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EXAIR Dual 316 Stainless Steel Cabinet Cooler Systems with electronic temperature control

EXAIR's new Dual 316 Stainless Steel Cabinet Cooler Systems with ETC (Electronic Temperature Control) keep electrical enclosures cool with 20°F (-7°C) air while maintaining the NEMA 4X rating of the enclosure and removing the heat that could adversely affect the internal components.




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9 ways to out-recruit the competition

It only takes a little effort to out-recruit the competition. Here are nine ways to become a better recruiter.




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Competing for skilled employees

Many companies within the construction industry are chasing after the same pool of talent. Here are tips for mitigating the workforce shortage.




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Thermostatic mixing valve: Temperature control for solar heat

Webstone, a brand of NIBCO, introduces the new Thermostatic Mixing Valve for high-temperature solar heat sources.




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IAPMO, Pace to publish UMC Chapter 17 as standalone document for Geothermal Energy Systems and Ambient Temperature Loops (ATL)

The document addresses the need for enforceable safety provisions for geothermal district ambient temperature loop systems.




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A moral imperative: Preventing arc flash, and fatality and serious injury incidents

Electrical-related fatalities and serious injuries (FSI)* are among the noted FSIs. FSIs represent a safety and health challenge that has gained increasing visibility in the past decade as even organizations with elite environment, health and safety programs struggle to reduce FSI numbers.




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Are you a quitter, camper or climber?

World-class blind adventurer Erick Weihenmayer motivated several thousand safety and health pros during the opening session of the 2024 NSC Safety Congress. 




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Are you competent on mold and other OHS science topics?

Mold is everywhere, but few people outside the science community understand it. 




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The Emperor Kraken Duo combines rum, lipstick brands

The Kraken Rum has partnered with Black Moon Cosmetics for a new lip combo. Available now, The Emperor Kraken Duo features a uniquely dark, liquid to matte metallic lipstick in a blackened olive gold shade, accompanied by a bottle of The Kraken Gold Spiced Rum.




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Blake’s Hard Cider launches Fully Loaded Imperial Cider Variety Pack

Blake’s Hard Cider launched its new Fully Loaded Imperial Cider Variety Pack. The mixed 12-pack of 12-ounce cans now is available across Blake’s Hard Cider’s expansive distribution footprint.




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Discount Shopping + Rewarded Brand Discovery, RewardsCart Offers Consumers a Compelling Option vs Big Online Retailers

The combination of discount pricing and consumer-initiated brand discovery is a powerful tool for millions of people to save money while providing product manufacturers and service providers with a unique channel to engage new customers.




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Serious Development Unveils Revamped Website, Reinforces Commitment to Healthcare Solutions

Empowering Healthcare Through Tailored Software Solutions




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Azle Building Regulations Continue to Hamper Redevelopment of Older Buildings

City denies parking variance blocking the way to remodel a building vacant for a decade.