Report from the Third Annual Symposium of the RIKEN-Max Planck Joint Research Center for Systems Chemical Biology.

PubMed

Brunschweiger, Andreas

2014-08-15

The third Annual Symposium of the RIKEN-Max Planck Joint Research Center for Systems Chemical Biology was held at Ringberg castle, May 21-24, 2014. At this meeting 45 scientists from Japan and Germany presented the latest results from their research spanning a broad range of topics in chemical biology and glycobiology.

Proceedings of RIKEN BNL Research Center Workshop: Progress in High-pT Physics at RHIC

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bazilevsky, A.; Bland, L.; Vogelsang, W.

2010-03-17

This volume archives the presentations at the RIKEN BNL Research Center workshop 'Progress in High-PT Physics at RHIC', held at BNL in March 2010. Much has been learned from high-p{sub T} physics after 10 years of RHIC operations for heavy-ion collisions, polarized proton collisions and d+Au collisions. The workshop focused on recent progress in these areas by both theory and experiment. The first morning saw review talks on the theory of RHIC high-p{sub T} physics by G. Sterman and J. Soffer, and on the experimental results by M. Tannenbaum. One of the most exciting recent results from the RHIC spinmore » program is the first observation of W bosons and their associated single-spin asymmetry. The new preliminary data were reported on the first day of our workshop, along with a theoretical perspective. There also were detailed discussions on the global analysis of polarized parton distributions, including the knowledge on gluon polarization and the impact of the W-data. The main topic of the second workshop day were single-transverse spin asymmetries and their analysis in terms of transverse-momentum dependent parton distributions. There is currently much interest in a future Drell-Yan program at RHIC, thanks to the exciting physics opportunities this would offer. This was addressed in some of the talks. There also were presentations on the latest results on transverse-spin physics from HERMES and BELLE. On the final day of the workshop, the focus shifted toward forward and small-x physics at RHIC, which has become a cornerstone of the whole RHIC program. Exciting new data were presented and discussed in terms of their possible implications for our understanding of strong color-field phenomena in QCD. In the afternoon, there were discussions of nuclear parton distributions and jet observables, among them fragmentation. The workshop was concluded with outlooks toward the near-term (LHC, JLab) and longer-term (EIC) future. The workshop has been a great success. We had excellent presentations throughout and productive discussions, which showed the importance and unique value of the RHIC high-p{sub T} program. We are grateful to all participants for coming to BNL. The support provided by the RIKEN-BNL Research Center for this workshop has been magnificent, and we are most grateful for it. We also thank Brookhaven National Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy for providing additional support and for the facilities to hold this workshop. Finally, sincere thanks go to Pamela Esposito for her most efficient and tireless work in organizing and running the workshop.« less

Proceedings of RIKEN BNL Research Center Workshop: The Physics of p ↑+A Collisions at RHIC

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bai, Mei; Goto, Yuji; Heppelmann, Steve

The RIKEN BNL Research Center (RBRC) was established in April 1997 at Brookhaven National Laboratory. It is funded by the "Rikagaku Kenkyusho" (RIKEN, The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research) of Japan. The Memorandum of Understanding between RIKEN and BNL, initiated in 1997, has been renewed in 2002, 2007 and again in 2012. The Center is dedicated to the study of strong interactions, including spin physics, lattice QCD, and RHIC physics through the nurturing of a new generation of young physicists. The RBRC has both a theory and experimental component. The RBRC Theory Group and the RBRC Experimental Group consistsmore » of a total of 25-30 researchers. Positions include the following: full time RBRC Fellow, half-time RHIC Physics Fellow, and full-time postdoctoral Research Associate. The RHIC Physics Fellows hold joint appointments with RBRC and other institutions and have tenure track positions at their respective universities or BNL. To date, RBRC has over 95 graduates (Fellows and Post- docs) of which approximately 40 theorists and 20 experimenters have already attained tenure positions at major institutions worldwide. Beginning in 2001 a new RIKEN Spin Program (RSP) category was implemented at RBRC. These appointments are joint positions of RBRC and RIKEN and include the following positions in theory and experiment: RSP Researchers, RSP Research Associates, and Young Researchers, who are mentored by senior RBRC Scientists. A number of RIKEN Jr. Research Associates and Visiting Scientists also contribute to the physics program at the Center. RBRC has an active workshop program on strong interaction physics with each workshop focused on a specific physics problem. In most cases all the talks are made available on the RBRC website. In addition, highlights to each speaker’s presentation are collected to form proceedings which can therefore be made available within a short time after the workshop. To date there are over one hundred proceeding volumes available. A 10 teraflops RBRC QCDOC computer funded by RIKEN, Japan, was unveiled at a dedication ceremony at BNL on May 26, 2005. This supercomputer was designed and built by individuals from Columbia University, IBM, BNL, RBRC, and the University of Edinburgh, with the U.S. D.O.E. Office of Science providing infrastructure support at BNL. Physics results were reported at the RBRC QCDOC Symposium following the dedication. QCDSP, a 0.6 teraflops parallel processor, dedicated to lattice QCD, was begun at the Center on February 19, 1998, was completed on August 28, 1998, and was decommissioned in 2006. It was awarded the Gordon Bell Prize for price performance in 1998. QCDOC was decommissioned in May 2012. The next generation computer in this sequence, QCDCQ (600 Teraflops), is currently operational and is expected to produce many more interesting discoveries in the future.« less

A new possibility of low-Z gas stripper for high power uranium beam acceleration alternative to C-foil

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Okuno, H.; Hershcovitch, A.; Fukunishi, N.

2010-09-27

The RIKEN accelerator complex started feeding the next-generation exotic beam facility RIBF (RadioIsotope Beam Factory) with heavy ion beams from 2007 after the successful commissioning at the end of 2006. Many elaborating improvements increased the intensity of the various heavy ion beams from 2007 to 2010. However, the available beam intensity especially of uranium beam is far below our goal of 1 p{micro}A (6 x 10{sup 12} particle/s). In order to achieve it, upgrade programs are well in progress, including constructions of a new 28 GHz superconducting ECR ion source and a new injector linac. However, the most serious problemmore » of the charge stripper for uranium beam is still open although many elaborating R&D works for the problems. Equilibrium charge state in gas generally is much lower than that in carbon foil due to its density-effect. But gas stripper is free from the problems originated from its lifetime and uniformity in thickness. Such merits pushed us think about low-Z gas stripper to get higher equilibrium charge state even in gas. Electron loss and capture cross section of U ion beams in He gas were measured as a function of their charge state at 11, 14 and 15 MeV/u. The extracted equilibrium charge states from the cross point of the two lines of the cross sections were promisingly higher than those in N{sub 2} gas by more than 10. The plasma window is expected to be a key technology to solve the difficulty in accumulation of such thick as about 1 mg/cm{sup 2} of low-Z gas.« less

Pulsed-neutron imaging by a high-speed camera and center-of-gravity processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mochiki, K.; Uragaki, T.; Koide, J.; Kushima, Y.; Kawarabayashi, J.; Taketani, A.; Otake, Y.; Matsumoto, Y.; Su, Y.; Hiroi, K.; Shinohara, T.; Kai, T.

2018-01-01

Pulsed-neutron imaging is attractive technique in the research fields of energy-resolved neutron radiography and RANS (RIKEN) and RADEN (J-PARC/JAEA) are small and large accelerator-driven pulsed-neutron facilities for its imaging, respectively. To overcome the insuficient spatial resolution of the conunting type imaging detectors like μ NID, nGEM and pixelated detectors, camera detectors combined with a neutron color image intensifier were investigated. At RANS center-of-gravity technique was applied to spots image obtained by a CCD camera and the technique was confirmed to be effective for improving spatial resolution. At RADEN a high-frame-rate CMOS camera was used and super resolution technique was applied and it was recognized that the spatial resolution was futhermore improved.

β-γ and isomeric decay spectroscopy of 168Dy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, G. X.; Watanabe, H.; Kondev, F. G.; Lane, G. J.; Regan, P. H.; Söderström, P.-A.; Walker, P. M.; Kanaoka, H.; Korkulu, Z.; Lee, P. S.; Liu, J. J.; Nishimura, S.; Wu, J.; Yagi, A.; Ahn, D. S.; Alharbi, T.; Baba, H.; Browne, F.; Bruce, A. M.; Carroll, R. J.; Chae, K. Y.; Dombradi, Zs.; Doornenbal, P.; Estrade, A.; Fukuda, N.; Griffin, C.; Ideguchi, E.; Inabe, N.; Isobe, T.; Kanaya, S.; Kojouharov, I.; Kubo, T.; Kubono, S.; Kurz, N.; Kuti, I.; Lalkovski, S.; Lee, C. S.; Lee, E. J.; Lorusso, G.; Lotay, G.; Moon, C.-B.; Nishizuka, I.; Nita, C. R.; Odahara, A.; Patel, Z.; Phong, V. H.; Podolyák, Zs.; Roberts, O. J.; Sakurai, H.; Schaffner, H.; Shand, C. M.; Shimizu, Y.; Sumikama, T.; Suzuki, H.; Takeda, H.; Terashima, S.; Vajta, Zs.; Valiente-Dóbon, J. J.; Xu, Z. Y.

2018-05-01

This contribution will report on the experimental work on the level structure of 168Dy. The experimental data have been taken as part of the EURICA decay spectroscopy campaign at RIBF, RIKEN in November 2014. In the experiment, a 238U primary beam is accelerated up to 345 MeV/u with an average intensity of 12 pnA. The nuclei of interest are produced by in-flight fission of 238U impinging on Be target with a thickness of 5 mm. The excited states of 168Dy have been populated through the decay from a newly identified isomeric state and via the β decay from 168Tb. In this contribution, scientific motivations, experimental procedure and some preliminary results for this study are presented.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Samios,N.P.

The ninth evaluation of the RIKEN BNL Research Center (RBRC) took place on Nov. 17-18, 2008, at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The members of the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) were Dr. Dr. Wit Busza (Chair), Dr. Miklos Gyulassy, Dr. Akira Masaike, Dr. Richard Milner, Dr. Alfred Mueller, and Dr. Akira Ukawa. We are pleased that Dr. Yasushige Yano, the Director of the Nishina Institute of RIKEN, Japan participated in this meeting both in informing the committee of the activities of the Nishina Institute and the role of RBRC and as an observer of this review. In order to illustrate the breadthmore » and scope of the RBRC program, each member of the Center made a presentation on his/her research efforts. This encompassed three major areas of investigation, theoretical, experimental and computational physics. In addition the committee met privately with the fellows and postdocs to ascertain their opinions and concerns. Although the main purpose of this review is a report to RIKEN Management (Dr. Ryoji Noyori, RIKEN President) on the health, scientific value, management and future prospects of the Center, the RBRC management felt that a compendium of the scientific presentations are of sufficient quality and interest that they warrant a wider distribution. Therefore we have made this compilation and present it to the community for its information and enlightenment.« less

Proceedings of RIKEN BNL Research Center Workshop: Thermal Photons and Dileptons in Heavy-Ion Collisions. Volume 119

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

David, G.; Rapp, R.; Ruan, L.

The RIKEN BNL Research Center (RBRC) was established in April 1997 at Brookhaven National Laboratory. It is funded by the ''Rikagaku Kenkyusho'' (RIKEN, The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research) of Japan and the U. S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. The RBRC is dedicated to the study of strong interactions, including spin physics, lattice QCD, and RHIC physics through the nurturing of a new generation of young physicists. The RBRC has theory, lattice gauge computing and experimental components. It is presently exploring the possibility of an astrophysics component being added to the program. The primary theme for thismore » workshop related to sharing the latest experimental and theoretical developments in area of low transverse momentum (p T) dielectron and photons. All the presentations given at the workshop are included in this proceedings, primarily as PowerPoint presentations.« less

PROCEEDINGS OF RIKEN BNL RESEARCH CENTER WORKSHOP ON RHIC SPIN PHYSICS III AND IV, POLARIZED PARTONS AT HIGH Q2 REGION, AUGUST 3, 2000 AT BNL, OCTOBER 14, 2000 AT KYOTO UNIVERSITY.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

BUNCE, G.; VIGDOR, S.

2001-03-15

International workshop on II Polarized Partons at High Q2 region 11 was held at the Yukawa Institute for Theoretical Physics, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan on October 13-14, 2000, as a satellite of the international conference ''SPIN 2000'' (Osaka, Japan, October 16-21,2000). This workshop was supported by RIKEN (The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research) and by Yukawa Institute. The scientific program was focused on the upcoming polarized collider RHIC. The workshop was also an annual meeting of RHIC Spin Collaboration (RSC). The number of participants was 55, including 28 foreign visitors and 8 foreign-resident Japanese participants, reflecting the international naturemore » of the RHIC spin program. At the workshop there were 25 oral presentations in four sessions, (1) RHIC Spin Commissioning, (2) Polarized Partons, Present and Future, (3) New Ideas on Polarization Phenomena, (4) Strategy for the Coming Spin Running. In (1) the successful polarized proton commissioning and the readiness of the accelerator for the physics program impressed us. In (2) and (3) active discussions were made on the new structure function to be firstly measured at RHIC, and several new theoretical ideas were presented. In session (4) we have established a plan for the beam time requirement toward the first collision of polarized protons. These proceedings include the transparencies presented at the workshop. The discussion on ''Strategy for the Coming Spin Running'' was summarized by the chairman of the session, S. Vigdor and G. Bunce.« less

Development of a gas cell-based laser ion source for RIKEN PALIS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sonoda, T.; Wada, M.; Tomita, H.; Sakamoto, C.; Takatsuka, T.; Noto, T.; Iimura, H.; Matsuo, Y.; Kubo, T.; Shinozuka, T.; Wakui, T.; Mita, H.; Naimi, S.; Furukawa, T.; Itou, Y.; Schury, P.; Miyatake, H.; Jeong, S.; Ishiyama, H.; Watanabe, Y.; Hirayama, Y.

2013-04-01

We developed a prototype laser ionization gas cell with a beam extraction system. This device is for use of PArasitic Laser Ion-Source (PALIS), which will be implemented into RIKEN's fragment separator, BigRIPS as a part of SLOWRI. Off-line resonant laser ionization for stable Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Ti, Nb, Sn, In and Pd inside the gas cell, ion extraction and transport to the high-vacuum region via SPIG and QMS have been confirmed (Sonoda et al, Nucl Instrum Meth B 295:1, 2013).

Pulsed source of ultra low-energy muons at RIKEN-RAL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakule, Pavel; Matsuda, Yasuyuki; Iwasaki, Masahiko; Miyake, Yasuhiro; Nagamine, Kanetada; Ikedo, Yutaka; Shimomura, Koichiro; Strasser, Patrick

2006-03-01

At RIKEN-RAL muon facility of the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (UK) we have produced a pulsed LE-μ + beam with pulse duration of only 10 ns and performed μSR experiments to demonstrate the capability to measure high spin precession frequency signals. The yield of pulsed LE-μ + has been steadily improving over the past 3 years and currently rates of up to 20 μ + per second are observed at the sample position. The overall cooling efficiency from the surface muon beam is now comparable to moderating the muon beam to epithermal energies in simple van der Waals bound solids.

Progress in high-temperature oven development for 28 GHz electron cyclotron resonance ion source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ohnishi, J., E-mail: ohnishi@riken.jp; Higurashi, Y.; Nakagawa, T.

2016-02-15

We have been developing a high-temperature oven using UO{sub 2} in the 28 GHz superconducting electron cyclotron resonance ion source at RIKEN since 2013. A total of eleven on-line tests were performed. The longest operation time in a single test was 411 h, and the consumption rate of UO{sub 2} was approximately 2.4 mg/h. In these tests, we experienced several problems: the ejection hole of a crucible was blocked with UO{sub 2} and a crucible was damaged because of the reduction of tungsten strength at high temperature. In order to solve these problems, improvements to the crucible shape were mademore » by simulations using ANSYS.« less

Intermediate Energies for Nuclear Astrophysics and the Development of a Position Sensitive Microstrip Detector System

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sobotka, Lee G.; Blackmon, J.; Bertulani, C.

2015-12-30

The chemical elements are made at astrophysical sites through a sequence of nuclear reactions often involving unstable nuclei. The overarching aim of this project is to construct a system that allows for the inverse process of nucleosynthesis (i.e. breakup of heavier nuclei into lighter ones) to be studied in high efficiency. The specific problem to be overcome with this grant is inadequate dynamic range and (triggering) threshold to detect the products of the breakup which include both heavy ions (with large energy and large deposited energy in a detector system) and protons (with little energy and deposited energy.) Early onmore » in the grant we provided both TAMU and RIKEN (the site of the eventual experiments) with working systems based on the existing technology. This technology could be used with either an external preamplifier that was to be designed and fabricated by our RIKEN collaborators or upgraded by replacing the existing chip with one we designed. The RIKEN external preamplifier project never can to completion but our revised chip was designed, fabricated, used in a test experiment and performs as required.« less

RIKEN BNL Research Center

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samios, Nicholas

2014-09-01

Since its inception in 1997, the RIKEN BNL Research Center (RBRC) has been a major force in the realms of Spin Physics, Relativistic Heavy Ion Physics, large scale Computing Physics and the training of a new generation of extremely talented physicists. This has been accomplished through the recruitment of an outstanding non-permanent staff of Fellows and Research associates in theory and experiment. RBRC is now a mature organization that has reached a steady level in the size of scientific and support staff while at the same time retaining its vibrant youth. A brief history of the scientific accomplishments and contributions of the RBRC physicists will be presented as well as a discussion of the unique RBRC management structure.

Results of RIKEN superconducting electron cyclotron resonance ion source with 28 GHz.

PubMed

Higurashi, Y; Ohnishi, J; Nakagawa, T; Haba, H; Tamura, M; Aihara, T; Fujimaki, M; Komiyama, M; Uchiyama, A; Kamigaito, O

2012-02-01

We measured the beam intensity of highly charged heavy ions and x-ray heat load for RIKEN superconducting electron cyclotron resonance ion source with 28 GHz microwaves under the various conditions. The beam intensity of Xe(20+) became maximum at B(min) ∼ 0.65 T, which was ∼65% of the magnetic field strength of electron cyclotron resonance (B(ECR)) for 28 GHz microwaves. We observed that the heat load of x-ray increased with decreasing gas pressure and field gradient at resonance zone. It seems that the beam intensity of highly charged heavy ions with 28 GHz is higher than that with 18 GHz at same RF power.

Brookhaven National Laboratory

MedlinePlus

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Electron-beam-driven RI separator for SCRIT (ERIS) at RIKEN RI beam factory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohnishi, T.; Ichikawa, S.; Koizumi, K.; Kurita, K.; Miyashita, Y.; Ogawara, R.; Tamaki, S.; Togasaki, M.; Wakasugi, M.

2013-12-01

We constructed a radioactive isotope (RI) separator named ERIS (electron-beam-driven RI separator for SCRIT) for the SCRIT (Self-Confinement RI Target) electron scattering facility at RIKEN RI Beam Factory (RIBF). In ERIS, production rate of fission products in the photofission of uranium is estimated to be 2.2 ×1011 fissions/s with 30 g of uranium and a 1-kW electron beam. During the commissioning of ERIS, the mass resolution and overall efficiency, including ionization, extraction, and transmission, were found to be 1660 and 21%, respectively, using natural xenon gas. The preparation of uranium carbide (UC2) RI production targets is described from which a 132Sn beam was successfully separated in our first attempt at RI production.

Status of Beam Line Detectors for the BigRIPS Fragment Separator at RIKEN RI Beam Factory: Issues on High Rates and Resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Yuki; Fukuda, Naoki; Takeda, Hiroyuki; Kameda, Daisuke; Suzuki, Hiroshi; Shimizu, Yohei; Ahn, DeukSoon; Murai, Daichi; Inabe, Naohito; Shimaoka, Takehiro; Tsubota, Masakatsu; Kaneko, Junichi H.; Chayahara, Akiyoshi; Umezawa, Hitoshi; Shikata, Shinichi; Kumagai, Hidekazu; Murakami, Hiroyuki; Sato, Hiromi; Yoshida, Koichi; Kubo, Toshiyuki

A multiple sampling ionization chamber (MUSIC) and parallel-plate avalanche counters (PPACs) were installed within the superconducting in-flight separator, named BigRIPS, at the RIKEN Nishina Center for particle identification of RI beams. The MUSIC detector showed negligible charge collection inefficiency from recombination of electrons and ions, up to a 99-kcps incidence rate for high-energy heavy ions. For the PPAC detectors, the electrical discharge durability for incident heavy ions was improved by changing the electrode material. Finally, we designed a single crystal diamond detector, which is under development for TOF measurements of high-energy heavy ions, that has a very fast response time (pulse width <1 ns).

Decay Pattern of Pygmy States Observed in Neutron-Rich Ne26

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gibelin, J.; Beaumel, D.; Motobayashi, T.; Blumenfeld, Y.; Aoi, N.; Baba, H.; Elekes, Z.; Fortier, S.; Frascaria, N.; Fukuda, N.; Gomi, T.; Ishikawa, K.; Kondo, Y.; Kubo, T.; Lima, V.; Nakamura, T.; Saito, A.; Satou, Y.; Scarpaci, J.-A.; Takeshita, E.; Takeuchi, S.; Teranishi, T.; Togano, Y.; Vinodkumar, A. M.; Yanagisawa, Y.; Yoshida, K.

2008-11-01

Coulomb excitation of the exotic neutron-rich nucleus Ne26 on a Pb208 target was measured at 58MeV/u in order to search for low-lying E1 strength above the neutron emission threshold. This radioactive beam experiment was carried out at the RIKEN Accelerator Research Facility. Using the invariant mass method in the Ne25+n channel, we observe a sizable amount of E1 strength between 6 and 10 MeV excitation energy. By performing a multipole decomposition of the differential cross section, a reduced dipole transition probability of B(E1)=0.49±0.16e2fm2 is deduced, corresponding to 4.9±1.6% of the Thomas-Reiche-Kuhn sum rule. For the first time, the decay pattern of low-lying strength in a neutron-rich nucleus is measured. The extracted decay pattern is not consistent with several mean-field theory descriptions of the pygmy states.

Knee Injuries Are Associated with Accelerated Knee Osteoarthritis Progression: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

PubMed Central

Driban, Jeffrey B.; Eaton, Charles B.; Lo, Grace H.; Ward, Robert J.; Lu, Bing; McAlindon, Timothy E.

2014-01-01

Objective We aimed to evaluate if a recent knee injury was associated with accelerated knee osteoarthritis (KOA) progression. Methods In the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) we studied participants free of KOA on their baseline radiographs (Kellgren-Lawrence [KL]<2). We compared three groups: 1) individuals with accelerated progression of KOA: defined as having at least one knee that progressed to end-stage KOA (KL Grade 3 or 4) within 48 months, 2) common KOA progression: at least one knee increased in radiographic scoring within 48 months (excluding those defined as accelerated KOA), and 3) no KOA: no change in KL grade in either knee. At baseline, participants were asked if their knees had ever been injured and at each annual visit they were asked about injuries during the prior 12 months. We used multinomial logistic regressions to determine if a new knee injury was associated with the outcome of accelerated KOA or common KOA progression after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, static knee malalignment, and systolic blood pressure. Results A knee injury during the total observation period was associated with accelerated KOA progression (n=54, odds ratio [OR]=3.14) but not common KOA progression (n=187, OR=1.08). Furthermore, a more recent knee injury (within a year of the outcome) was associated with accelerated (OR=8.46) and common KOA progression (OR=3.12). Conclusion Recent knee injuries are associated with accelerated KOA. Most concerning is that certain injuries may be associated with a rapid cascade towards joint failure in less than one year. PMID:24782446

Impact of accelerated progression to AIDS on public health monitoring of late HIV diagnosis.

PubMed

Sabharwal, Charulata J; Sepkowitz, Kent; Mehta, Reshma; Shepard, Colin; Bodach, Sara; Torian, Lucia; Begier, Elizabeth M

2011-03-01

Some patients develop AIDS within a year of HIV infection ("accelerated progression"). Classifying such cases as late HIV diagnosis may lead to inaccurate evaluation of HIV testing efforts. We sought to determine this group's contribution to overall late diagnosis rates. To identify cases of accelerated progression (development of AIDS within 12 months of a negative HIV test), we reviewed published HIV seroconverter cohort studies and used New York City's (NYC) HIV/AIDS surveillance registry. From the literature review, three seroconverter cohort studies revealed that 1.0-3.6% of participants had accelerated progression to AIDS. Applying this frequency estimate to the number of new infections in NYC (4762) for 2006 calculated by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention's incidence formula, we estimated that 3.6-13.0% of 1317 NYC HIV cases who are diagnosed with AIDS within 12 months of HIV diagnosis are accelerated progressors, not persons HIV infected for many years who did not test and present with AIDS (i.e., delayed diagnosis). In addition, our analysis of the 2006 NYC surveillance registry confirmed the occurrence of accelerated progression in a population-based setting; 67 accelerated progressors were reported and 9 (13%) could be confirmed through follow-up medical record review. With increased HIV testing initiatives, the irreducible proportion of AIDS cases with accelerated progression must be considered when interpreting late diagnosis data.

Development of fast-release solid catchers for rare isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nolen, Jerry; Greene, John; Elam, Jeffrey; Mane, Anil; Sampathkumaran, Uma; Winter, Raymond; Hess, David; Mushfiq, Mohammad; Stracener, Daniel; Wiendenhoever, Ingo

2015-04-01

Porous solid catchers of rare isotopes are being developed for use at high power heavy ion accelerator facilities such as RIKEN, FRIB, and RISP. Compact solid catchers are complementary to helium gas catchers for parasitic harvesting of rare isotopes in the in-flight separators. They are useful for short lived isotopes for basic nuclear physics research and longer-lived isotopes for off-line applications. Solid catchers can operate effectively with high intensity secondary beams, e.g. >> 1E10 atoms/s with release times as short as 10-100 milliseconds. A new method using a very sensitive and efficient RGA has been commissioned off-line at Argonne and is currently being shipped to Florida State University for in-beam measurements of the release curves using stable beams. The same porous solid catcher technology is also being evaluated for use in targets for the production of medical isotopes such as 211-At. Research supported by the U.S. DOE Office of Nuclear Physics under the SBIR Program and Contract # DE-AC02-06CH11357 and a University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center/ANL Pilot Project.

Progressive and Accelerated Disability Onset by Race/Ethnicity and Education among Late Midlife and Older Adults

PubMed Central

Latham, Kenzie

2012-01-01

Objectives This study explores the pace of severe disability onset with an emphasis on the role of race/ethnicity and education. More specifically, this research examines whether race/ethnicity and educational attainment are independent predictors of progressive and accelerated disability onset. Methods Using the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) Waves 2–10 (1994–2010), a series of discrete-time Cox proportional hazards models with multiple competing events were created to ascertain whether respondents developed progressive or accelerated disability in subsequent waves. Results Black and Hispanic respondents were at an increased risk of developing progressive disability. Respondents without a high school degree were more likely to experience progressive or accelerated disability. Discussion Low educational attainment was a particularly strong predictor of accelerated disability onset and may represent an acute lack of resources over the life course. Race and ethnicity were important predictors of progressive disability onset, which may reflect racial/ethnic variations in the disabling process. PMID:22982972

FERMILAB ACCELERATOR R&D PROGRAM TOWARDS INTENSITY FRONTIER ACCELERATORS : STATUS AND PROGRESS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shiltsev, Vladimir

2016-11-15

The 2014 P5 report indicated the accelerator-based neutrino and rare decay physics research as a centrepiece of the US domestic HEP program at Fermilab. Operation, upgrade and development of the accelerators for the near- term and longer-term particle physics program at the Intensity Frontier face formidable challenges. Here we discuss key elements of the accelerator physics and technology R&D program toward future multi-MW proton accelerators and present its status and progress. INTENSITY FRONTIER ACCELERATORS

Low-z gas stripper as an alternative to carbon foils for the acceleration of high-power uranium beams

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Okuno, H.; Hershcovitch, A.; Fukunishi, N.

2011-04-23

The RIKEN accelerator complex started feeding the next-generation exotic beam facility radioisotope beam factory (RIBF) with heavy-ion beams from 2007 after the successful commissioning of RIBF at the end of 2006. Many improvements made from 2007 to 2010 were instrumental in increasing the intensity of various heavy-ion beams. However, the available beam intensity of very heavy ion beams, especially uranium beams, is far below our goal of 1 p{mu}A (6 x 10{sup 12} particles/s). In order to achieve this goal, upgrade programs are already in progress; the programs include the construction of a new 28-GHz superconducting electron cyclotron resonance ionmore » source and a new injector linac. However, the most serious problem, that of a charge stripper for high-power uranium beams, still remains unsolved, despite extensive research and development work using large foils mounted on a rotating cylinder and a N{sup 2} gas stripper. A gas stripper is free from problems related to lifetime, though the equilibrium charge state in this stripper is considerably lower than that in a carbon foil, owing to the absence of the density effect. Nevertheless, the merits of gas strippers motivated us to develop a low-Z gas stripper to achieve a higher equilibrium charge state even in gases. We measured the electron-loss and electron-capture cross sections of uranium ions in He gas as a function of their charge state at 11, 14, and 15 MeV/nucleon. The equilibrium charge states extracted from the intersection of the lines of the two cross sections were promisingly higher than those in N{sub 2} gas by more than 10. Simple simulations of charge development along the stripper thickness were performed by assuming the measured cross sections. The simulation results show that about 1 mg/cm{sup 2} of He gas should be accumulated to achieve a charge state higher than that of N{sub 2} gas, notwithstanding the difficulty in accumulation of this helium amount owing to its fast dispersion. However, we now believe that the following two solutions can overcome this difficulty: a gas cell with a very large differential pumping system and a gas cell with a plasma window. Their merits and demerits are discussed in the paper.« less

RIKEN BNL RESEARCH CENTER WORKSHOP ON GAUGE-INVARIANT VARIABLES IN GAUGE THEORIES, VOLUME 20

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

VAN BAAL,P.; ORLAND,P.; PISARSKI,R.

2000-06-01

This four-day workshop focused on the wide variety of approaches to the non-perturbative physics of QCD. The main topic was the formulation of non-Abelian gauge theory in orbit space, but some other ideas were discussed, in particular the possible extension of the Maldacena conjecture to nonsupersymmetric gauge theories. The idea was to involve most of the participants in general discussions on the problem. Panel discussions were organized to further encourage debate and understanding. Most of the talks roughly fell into three categories: (1) Variational methods in field theory; (2) Anti-de Sitter space ideas; (3) The fundamental domain, gauge fixing, Gribovmore » copies and topological objects (both in the continuum and on a lattice). In particular some remarkable progress in three-dimensional gauge theories was presented, from the analytic side by V.P. Nair and mostly from the numerical side by O. Philipsen. This work may ultimately have important implications for RHIC experiments on the high-temperature quark-gluon plasma.« less

How to Get Information on Several Proven Programs for Accelerating the Progress of Low-Achieving Children (Literacy for All Children).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allington, Richard L.

1992-01-01

Offers summaries of three proven programs (Reading Recovery, Success for All, and Accelerated Schools) for accelerating the reading and writing progress of low-achieving, low-income children. Provides addresses for more information. (SR)

Inferring Higher Functional Information for RIKEN Mouse Full-Length cDNA Clones With FACTS

PubMed Central

Nagashima, Takeshi; Silva, Diego G.; Petrovsky, Nikolai; Socha, Luis A.; Suzuki, Harukazu; Saito, Rintaro; Kasukawa, Takeya; Kurochkin, Igor V.; Konagaya, Akihiko; Schönbach, Christian

2003-01-01

FACTS (Functional Association/Annotation of cDNA Clones from Text/Sequence Sources) is a semiautomated knowledge discovery and annotation system that integrates molecular function information derived from sequence analysis results (sequence inferred) with functional information extracted from text. Text-inferred information was extracted from keyword-based retrievals of MEDLINE abstracts and by matching of gene or protein names to OMIM, BIND, and DIP database entries. Using FACTS, we found that 47.5% of the 60,770 RIKEN mouse cDNA FANTOM2 clone annotations were informative for text searches. MEDLINE queries yielded molecular interaction-containing sentences for 23.1% of the clones. When disease MeSH and GO terms were matched with retrieved abstracts, 22.7% of clones were associated with potential diseases, and 32.5% with GO identifiers. A significant number (23.5%) of disease MeSH-associated clones were also found to have a hereditary disease association (OMIM Morbidmap). Inferred neoplastic and nervous system disease represented 49.6% and 36.0% of disease MeSH-associated clones, respectively. A comparison of sequence-based GO assignments with informative text-based GO assignments revealed that for 78.2% of clones, identical GO assignments were provided for that clone by either method, whereas for 21.8% of clones, the assignments differed. In contrast, for OMIM assignments, only 28.5% of clones had identical sequence-based and text-based OMIM assignments. Sequence, sentence, and term-based functional associations are included in the FACTS database (http://facts.gsc.riken.go.jp/), which permits results to be annotated and explored through web-accessible keyword and sequence search interfaces. The FACTS database will be a critical tool for investigating the functional complexity of the mouse transcriptome, cDNA-inferred interactome (molecular interactions), and pathome (pathologies). PMID:12819151

Massively parallel implementation of 3D-RISM calculation with volumetric 3D-FFT.

PubMed

Maruyama, Yutaka; Yoshida, Norio; Tadano, Hiroto; Takahashi, Daisuke; Sato, Mitsuhisa; Hirata, Fumio

2014-07-05

A new three-dimensional reference interaction site model (3D-RISM) program for massively parallel machines combined with the volumetric 3D fast Fourier transform (3D-FFT) was developed, and tested on the RIKEN K supercomputer. The ordinary parallel 3D-RISM program has a limitation on the number of parallelizations because of the limitations of the slab-type 3D-FFT. The volumetric 3D-FFT relieves this limitation drastically. We tested the 3D-RISM calculation on the large and fine calculation cell (2048(3) grid points) on 16,384 nodes, each having eight CPU cores. The new 3D-RISM program achieved excellent scalability to the parallelization, running on the RIKEN K supercomputer. As a benchmark application, we employed the program, combined with molecular dynamics simulation, to analyze the oligomerization process of chymotrypsin Inhibitor 2 mutant. The results demonstrate that the massive parallel 3D-RISM program is effective to analyze the hydration properties of the large biomolecular systems. Copyright © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Accelerated Math®. Primary Mathematics. What Works Clearinghouse Intervention Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

What Works Clearinghouse, 2017

2017-01-01

"Accelerated Math®," published by Renaissance Learning, is a software tool that provides practice problems for students in grades K-12 and provides teachers with reports to monitor student progress. "Accelerated Math®" creates individualized student assignments, scores the assignments, and generates reports on student progress.…

Investigation of Ion Beam Production and Acceleration Using Linear Electron Beams and a Pulse Powered Plasma Focus.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-03-01

POWERED PLASMA FOCUS Contract No. AFOSR-83-0145 PROGRESS REPORT For the Period April 1, 1983 through March 31, 1984 Submitted to Air Force Office of...AND ACCELERATION USING LINEAR ELECTRON BEAMS AND A PULSE POWERED PLASMA FOCUS Contract No. AFOSR-83-0145 PROGRESS REPORT For the Period April 1, 1983...Acceleration Using Linear Electron Beams and a Pulse Powered Plasma Focus " 01 €,G APRIL 1, 1983 THROUGH MRCH 31, 1984 A. Collective Acceleration and Related

75 FR 45155 - Notice Pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993-ODVA, Inc.

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-02

...; Misumi Corporation, Tokyo, JAPAN; Kollmorgen Corporation, Radford, VA; COPA-DATA GmbH, Salzburg, AUSTRIA...., Hunan, PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA; RS Automation Co., Ltd., Yongin-City, Gyeonggi-do, REPUBLIC OF KOREA...., East Aurora, NY; Riken Keiki Co., Ltd., Tokyo, JAPAN; Rockwell Automation Korea, Seoul, REPUBLIC OF...

DNA book.

PubMed

Kawai, Jun; Hayashizaki, Yoshihide

2003-06-01

We propose herein a new method of DNA distribution, whereby DNA clones or PCR products are printed directly onto the pages of books and delivered to users along with relevant scientific information. DNA sheets, comprising water-soluble paper onto which DNA is spotted, can be bound into books. Readers can easily extract the DNA fragments from DNA sheets and amplify them using PCR. We show that DNA sheets can withstand various conditions that may be experienced during bookbinding and delivery, such as high temperatures and humidity. Almost all genes (95%-100% of randomly selected RIKEN mouse cDNA clones) were recovered successfully by use of PCR. Readers can start their experiments after a 2-h PCR amplification without waiting for the delivery of DNA clones. The DNA Book thus provides a novel method for delivering DNA in a timely and cost-effective manner. A sample DNA sheet (carrying RIKEN mouse cDNA clones encoding genes of enzymes for the TCA cycle) is included in this issue for field-testing. We would greatly appreciate it if readers could attempt to extract DNA and report the results and whether the DNA sheet was shipped to readers in good condition.

SSBD: a database of quantitative data of spatiotemporal dynamics of biological phenomena

PubMed Central

Tohsato, Yukako; Ho, Kenneth H. L.; Kyoda, Koji; Onami, Shuichi

2016-01-01

Motivation: Rapid advances in live-cell imaging analysis and mathematical modeling have produced a large amount of quantitative data on spatiotemporal dynamics of biological objects ranging from molecules to organisms. There is now a crucial need to bring these large amounts of quantitative biological dynamics data together centrally in a coherent and systematic manner. This will facilitate the reuse of this data for further analysis. Results: We have developed the Systems Science of Biological Dynamics database (SSBD) to store and share quantitative biological dynamics data. SSBD currently provides 311 sets of quantitative data for single molecules, nuclei and whole organisms in a wide variety of model organisms from Escherichia coli to Mus musculus. The data are provided in Biological Dynamics Markup Language format and also through a REST API. In addition, SSBD provides 188 sets of time-lapse microscopy images from which the quantitative data were obtained and software tools for data visualization and analysis. Availability and Implementation: SSBD is accessible at http://ssbd.qbic.riken.jp. Contact: sonami@riken.jp PMID:27412095

Development of a resonant laser ionization gas cell for high-energy, short-lived nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sonoda, T.; Wada, M.; Tomita, H.; Sakamoto, C.; Takatsuka, T.; Furukawa, T.; Iimura, H.; Ito, Y.; Kubo, T.; Matsuo, Y.; Mita, H.; Naimi, S.; Nakamura, S.; Noto, T.; Schury, P.; Shinozuka, T.; Wakui, T.; Miyatake, H.; Jeong, S.; Ishiyama, H.; Watanabe, Y. X.; Hirayama, Y.; Okada, K.; Takamine, A.

2013-01-01

A new laser ion source configuration based on resonant photoionization in a gas cell has been developed at RIBF RIKEN. This system is intended for the future PArasitic RI-beam production by Laser Ion-Source (PALIS) project which will be installed at RIKEN's fragment separator, BigRIPS. A novel implementation of differential pumping, in combination with a sextupole ion beam guide (SPIG), has been developed. A few small scroll pumps create a pressure difference from 1000 hPa-10-3 Pa within a geometry drastically miniaturized compared to conventional systems. This system can utilize a large exit hole for fast evacuation times, minimizing the decay loss for short-lived nuclei during extraction from a buffer gas cell, while sufficient gas cell pressure is maintained for stopping high energy RI-beams. In spite of the motion in a dense pressure gradient, the photo-ionized ions inside the gas cell are ejected with an assisting force gas jet and successfully transported to a high-vacuum region via SPIG followed by a quadrupole mass separator. Observed behaviors agree with the results of gas flow and Monte Carlo simulations.

SSBD: a database of quantitative data of spatiotemporal dynamics of biological phenomena.

PubMed

Tohsato, Yukako; Ho, Kenneth H L; Kyoda, Koji; Onami, Shuichi

2016-11-15

Rapid advances in live-cell imaging analysis and mathematical modeling have produced a large amount of quantitative data on spatiotemporal dynamics of biological objects ranging from molecules to organisms. There is now a crucial need to bring these large amounts of quantitative biological dynamics data together centrally in a coherent and systematic manner. This will facilitate the reuse of this data for further analysis. We have developed the Systems Science of Biological Dynamics database (SSBD) to store and share quantitative biological dynamics data. SSBD currently provides 311 sets of quantitative data for single molecules, nuclei and whole organisms in a wide variety of model organisms from Escherichia coli to Mus musculus The data are provided in Biological Dynamics Markup Language format and also through a REST API. In addition, SSBD provides 188 sets of time-lapse microscopy images from which the quantitative data were obtained and software tools for data visualization and analysis. SSBD is accessible at http://ssbd.qbic.riken.jp CONTACT: sonami@riken.jp. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press.

RIKEN Integrated Sequence Analysis (RISA) System—384-Format Sequencing Pipeline with 384 Multicapillary Sequencer

PubMed Central

Shibata, Kazuhiro; Itoh, Masayoshi; Aizawa, Katsunori; Nagaoka, Sumiharu; Sasaki, Nobuya; Carninci, Piero; Konno, Hideaki; Akiyama, Junichi; Nishi, Katsuo; Kitsunai, Tokuji; Tashiro, Hideo; Itoh, Mari; Sumi, Noriko; Ishii, Yoshiyuki; Nakamura, Shin; Hazama, Makoto; Nishine, Tsutomu; Harada, Akira; Yamamoto, Rintaro; Matsumoto, Hiroyuki; Sakaguchi, Sumito; Ikegami, Takashi; Kashiwagi, Katsuya; Fujiwake, Syuji; Inoue, Kouji; Togawa, Yoshiyuki; Izawa, Masaki; Ohara, Eiji; Watahiki, Masanori; Yoneda, Yuko; Ishikawa, Tomokazu; Ozawa, Kaori; Tanaka, Takumi; Matsuura, Shuji; Kawai, Jun; Okazaki, Yasushi; Muramatsu, Masami; Inoue, Yorinao; Kira, Akira; Hayashizaki, Yoshihide

2000-01-01

The RIKEN high-throughput 384-format sequencing pipeline (RISA system) including a 384-multicapillary sequencer (the so-called RISA sequencer) was developed for the RIKEN mouse encyclopedia project. The RISA system consists of colony picking, template preparation, sequencing reaction, and the sequencing process. A novel high-throughput 384-format capillary sequencer system (RISA sequencer system) was developed for the sequencing process. This system consists of a 384-multicapillary auto sequencer (RISA sequencer), a 384-multicapillary array assembler (CAS), and a 384-multicapillary casting device. The RISA sequencer can simultaneously analyze 384 independent sequencing products. The optical system is a scanning system chosen after careful comparison with an image detection system for the simultaneous detection of the 384-capillary array. This scanning system can be used with any fluorescent-labeled sequencing reaction (chain termination reaction), including transcriptional sequencing based on RNA polymerase, which was originally developed by us, and cycle sequencing based on thermostable DNA polymerase. For long-read sequencing, 380 out of 384 sequences (99.2%) were successfully analyzed and the average read length, with more than 99% accuracy, was 654.4 bp. A single RISA sequencer can analyze 216 kb with >99% accuracy in 2.7 h (90 kb/h). For short-read sequencing to cluster the 3′ end and 5′ end sequencing by reading 350 bp, 384 samples can be analyzed in 1.5 h. We have also developed a RISA inoculator, RISA filtrator and densitometer, RISA plasmid preparator which can handle throughput of 40,000 samples in 17.5 h, and a high-throughput RISA thermal cycler which has four 384-well sites. The combination of these technologies allowed us to construct the RISA system consisting of 16 RISA sequencers, which can process 50,000 DNA samples per day. One haploid genome shotgun sequence of a higher organism, such as human, mouse, rat, domestic animals, and plants, can be revealed by seven RISA systems within one month. PMID:11076861

Biological Dynamics Markup Language (BDML): an open format for representing quantitative biological dynamics data.

PubMed

Kyoda, Koji; Tohsato, Yukako; Ho, Kenneth H L; Onami, Shuichi

2015-04-01

Recent progress in live-cell imaging and modeling techniques has resulted in generation of a large amount of quantitative data (from experimental measurements and computer simulations) on spatiotemporal dynamics of biological objects such as molecules, cells and organisms. Although many research groups have independently dedicated their efforts to developing software tools for visualizing and analyzing these data, these tools are often not compatible with each other because of different data formats. We developed an open unified format, Biological Dynamics Markup Language (BDML; current version: 0.2), which provides a basic framework for representing quantitative biological dynamics data for objects ranging from molecules to cells to organisms. BDML is based on Extensible Markup Language (XML). Its advantages are machine and human readability and extensibility. BDML will improve the efficiency of development and evaluation of software tools for data visualization and analysis. A specification and a schema file for BDML are freely available online at http://ssbd.qbic.riken.jp/bdml/. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press.

Proceedings of the 10th international workshop on ECR ion sources

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Meyer, F W; Kirkpatrick, M I

This report contains papers on the following topics: Recent Developments and Future Projects on ECR Ion Sources; Operation of the New KVI ECR Ion Source at 10 GHz; Operational Experience and Status of the INS SF-ECR Ion Source; Results of the New ECR4'' 14.5 GHz ECRIS; Preliminary Performance of the AECR; Experimental Study of the Parallel and Perpendicular Particle Losses from an ECRIS Plasma; Plasma Instability in Electron Cyclotron Resonance Heated Ion Sources; The Hyperbolic Energy Analyzer; Status of ECR Source Development; The New 10 GHz CAPRICE Source; First Operation of the Texas A M ECR Ion Source; Recent Developmentsmore » of the RIKEN ECR Ion Sources; The 14 GHz CAPRICE Source; Characteristics and Potential Applications of an ORNL Microwave ECR Multicusp Plasma Ion Source; ECRIPAC: The Production and Acceleration of Multiply Charged Ions Using an ECR Plasma; ECR Source for the HHIRF Tandem Accelerator; Feasibility Studies for an ECR-Generated Plasma Stripper; Production of Ion Beams by using the ECR Plasmas Cathode; A Single Stage ECR Source for Efficient Production of Radioactive Ion Beams; The Single Staged ECR Source at the TRIUMF Isotope Separator TISOL; The Continuous Wave, Optically Pumped H{sup {minus}} Source; The H{sup +} ECR Source for the LAMPF Optically Pumped Polarized Ion Source; Present Status of the Warsaw CUSP ECR Ion Source; An ECR Source for Negative Ion Production; GYRAC-D: A Device for a 200 keV ECR Plasma Production and Accumulation; Status Report of the 14.4 GHZ ECR in Legnaro; Status of JYFL-ECRIS; Report on the Uppsala ECRIS Facility and Its Planned Use for Atomic Physics; A 10 GHz ECR Ion Source for Ion-Electron and Ion-Atom Collision Studies; and Status of the ORNL ECR Source Facility for Multicharged Ion Collision Research.« less

Accelerated hand bone mineral density loss is associated with progressive joint damage in hands and feet in recent-onset rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Güler-Yüksel, Melek; Klarenbeek, Naomi B; Goekoop-Ruiterman, Yvonne P M; de Vries-Bouwstra, Jeska K; van der Kooij, Sjoerd M; Gerards, Andreas H; Ronday, H Karel; Huizinga, Tom W J; Dijkmans, Ben A C; Allaart, Cornelia F; Lems, Willem F

2010-01-01

To investigate whether accelerated hand bone mineral density (BMD) loss is associated with progressive joint damage in hands and feet in the first year of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and whether it is an independent predictor of subsequent progressive total joint damage after 4 years. In 256 recent-onset RA patients, baseline and 1-year hand BMD was measured in metacarpals 2-4 by digital X-ray radiogrammetry. Joint damage in hands and feet were scored in random order according to the Sharp-van der Heijde method at baseline and yearly up to 4 years. 68% of the patients had accelerated hand BMD loss (>-0.003 g/cm2) in the first year of RA. Hand BMD loss was associated with progressive joint damage after 1 year both in hands and feet with odds ratios (OR) (95% confidence intervals [CI]) of 5.3 (1.3-20.9) and 3.1 (1.0-9.7). In univariate analysis, hand BMD loss in the first year was a predictor of subsequent progressive total joint damage after 4 years with an OR (95% CI) of 3.1 (1.3-7.6). Multivariate analysis showed that only progressive joint damage in the first year and anti-citrullinated protein antibody positivity were independent predictors of long-term progressive joint damage. In the first year of RA, accelerated hand BMD loss is associated with progressive joint damage in both hands and feet. Hand BMD loss in the first year of recent-onset RA predicts subsequent progressive total joint damage, however not independent of progressive joint damage in the first year.

Comparative study of long-term outcomes of accelerated and conventional collagen crosslinking for progressive keratoconus.

PubMed

Males, J J; Viswanathan, D

2018-01-01

PurposeTo compare the long-term outcomes of accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) to conventional CXL for progressive keratoconus.Patients and methodsComparative clinical study of consecutive progressive keratoconic eyes that underwent either accelerated CXL (9 mW/cm 2 ultraviolet A (UVA) light irradiance for 10 min) or conventional CXL (3 mW/cm 2 UVA light irradiance for 30 min). Eyes with minimum 12 months' follow-up were included. Post-procedure changes in keratometry readings (Flat meridian: K1; steep meridian: K2), central corneal thickness (CCT), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) were analysed.ResultsA total of 42 eyes were included. In all, 21 eyes had accelerated CXL (20.5±5.5 months' follow-up) and 21 eyes had conventional CXL group (20.2±5.6 months' follow-up). In the accelerated CXL group, a significant reduction in K2 (P=0.02), however no significant change in K1 (P=0.35) and CCT (P=0.62) was noted. In the conventional CXL group, a significant reduction was seen in K1 (P=0.01) and K2 (P=0.04), but not in CCT (P=0.95). Although both groups exhibited significant reductions in K2 readings, no noteworthy differences were noted between them (P=0.36). Improvements in BSCVA (accelerated CXL; P=0.22 and conventional CXL; P=0.20) and MRSE (accelerated CXL; P=0.97 and conventional CXL; P=0.54) were noted, however were not significant in either group.ConclusionAccelerated and conventional CXL appear to be effective procedures for stabilising progressive keratoconus in the long-term.

Commissioning of the BRIKEN beta-delayed neutron detector for the study of exotic neutron-rich nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tolosa-Delgado, A.; Agramunt, J.; Ahn, D. S.; Algora, A.; Baba, H.; Bae, S.; Brewer, N. T.; Caballero Folch, R.; Calvino, F.; Coleman-Smith, P. J.; Cortes, G.; Davinson, T.; Dillmann, I.; Domingo-Pardo, C.; Estrade, A.; Fukuda, N.; Go, S.; Griffin, C. J.; Grzywacz, R.; Ha, J.; Hall, O.; Harkness-Brennan, L.; Isobe, T.; Kahl, D.; Kiss, G. G.; Kogimtzis, M.; Kubono, S.; Labiche, M.; Lazarus, I.; Lee, J.; Liu, J.; Lorusso, G.; Matsui, K.; Miernik, K.; Montes, F.; Moon, B.; Morales, A. I.; Nepal, N.; Nishimura, S.; Page, R. D.; Phong, V. H.; Podolyak, Z.; Pucknell, V. F. E.; Rasco, B. C.; Regan, P.; Riego, A.; Rubio, B.; Rykaczewski, K. P.; Saito, Y.; Sakurai, H.; Shimizu, Y.; Simpson, J.; Söderström, P.-A.; Stracener, D. W.; Sumikama, T.; Suzuki, H.; Tain, J. L.; Takechi, M.; Takeda, H.; Tarifeño-Saldivia, A.; Thomas, S. L.; Woods, P.

2018-01-01

The commissioning of a new setup for β-delayed neutron measurements was carried out successfully in November-2016, at the RIKEN Nishina Center in Japan. The β-decay half-lives and Pn branching ratios of several isotopes in the 78Ni region were measured. Details of the experimental setup and the first results are given.

DNA Book

PubMed Central

Kawai, Jun; Hayashizaki, Yoshihide

2003-01-01

We propose herein a new method of DNA distribution, whereby DNA clones or PCR products are printed directly onto the pages of books and delivered to users along with relevant scientific information. DNA sheets, comprising water-soluble paper onto which DNA is spotted, can be bound into books. Readers can easily extract the DNA fragments from DNA sheets and amplify them using PCR. We show that DNA sheets can withstand various conditions that may be experienced during bookbinding and delivery, such as high temperatures and humidity. Almost all genes (95%–100% of randomly selected RIKEN mouse cDNA clones) were recovered successfully by use of PCR. Readers can start their experiments after a 2-h PCR amplification without waiting for the delivery of DNA clones. The DNA Book thus provides a novel method for delivering DNA in a timely and cost-effective manner. A sample DNA sheet (carrying RIKEN mouse cDNA clones encoding genes of enzymes for the TCA cycle) is included in this issue for field-testing. We would greatly appreciate it if readers could attempt to extract DNA and report the results and whether the DNA sheet was shipped to readers in good condition. PMID:12819147

Laser-driven electron beam and radiation sources for basic, medical and industrial sciences.

PubMed

Nakajima, Kazuhisa

2015-01-01

To date active research on laser-driven plasma-based accelerators have achieved great progress on production of high-energy, high-quality electron and photon beams in a compact scale. Such laser plasma accelerators have been envisaged bringing a wide range of applications in basic, medical and industrial sciences. Here inheriting the groundbreaker's review article on "Laser Acceleration and its future" [Toshiki Tajima, (2010)],(1)) we would like to review recent progress of producing such electron beams due to relativistic laser-plasma interactions followed by laser wakefield acceleration and lead to the scaling formulas that are useful to design laser plasma accelerators with controllability of beam energy and charge. Lastly specific examples of such laser-driven electron/photon beam sources are illustrated.

NREL and Fraunhofer ISE to Collaborate on Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research |

Science.gov Websites

(R&D) activities to accelerate progress in these fields. NREL's long-term research and accelerate progress toward shared R&D goals and to ensure sustainable use of hydrogen and fuel cell Fraunhofer ISE in the following areas: Electrolysis, including cell, stack, and system R&D and

Laser-driven electron beam and radiation sources for basic, medical and industrial sciences

PubMed Central

NAKAJIMA, Kazuhisa

2015-01-01

To date active research on laser-driven plasma-based accelerators have achieved great progress on production of high-energy, high-quality electron and photon beams in a compact scale. Such laser plasma accelerators have been envisaged bringing a wide range of applications in basic, medical and industrial sciences. Here inheriting the groundbreaker’s review article on “Laser Acceleration and its future” [Toshiki Tajima, (2010)],1) we would like to review recent progress of producing such electron beams due to relativistic laser-plasma interactions followed by laser wakefield acceleration and lead to the scaling formulas that are useful to design laser plasma accelerators with controllability of beam energy and charge. Lastly specific examples of such laser-driven electron/photon beam sources are illustrated. PMID:26062737

The QCDSP project —a status report

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Dong; Chen, Ping; Christ, Norman; Edwards, Robert; Fleming, George; Gara, Alan; Hansen, Sten; Jung, Chulwoo; Kaehler, Adrian; Kasow, Steven; Kennedy, Anthony; Kilcup, Gregory; Luo, Yubin; Malureanu, Catalin; Mawhinney, Robert; Parsons, John; Sexton, James; Sui, Chengzhong; Vranas, Pavlos

1998-01-01

We give a brief overview of the massively parallel computer project underway for nearly the past four years, centered at Columbia University. A 6 Gflops and a 50 Gflops machine are presently being debugged for installation at OSU and SCRI respectively, while a 0.4 Tflops machine is under construction for Columbia and a 0.6 Tflops machine is planned for the new RIKEN Brookhaven Research Center.

Universality of accelerating change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eliazar, Iddo; Shlesinger, Michael F.

2018-03-01

On large time scales the progress of human technology follows an exponential growth trend that is termed accelerating change. The exponential growth trend is commonly considered to be the amalgamated effect of consecutive technology revolutions - where the progress carried in by each technology revolution follows an S-curve, and where the aging of each technology revolution drives humanity to push for the next technology revolution. Thus, as a collective, mankind is the 'intelligent designer' of accelerating change. In this paper we establish that the exponential growth trend - and only this trend - emerges universally, on large time scales, from systems that combine together two elements: randomness and amalgamation. Hence, the universal generation of accelerating change can be attained by systems with no 'intelligent designer'.

Myristoylation of Src kinase mediates Src-induced and high-fat diet-accelerated prostate tumor progression in mice.

PubMed

Kim, Sungjin; Yang, Xiangkun; Li, Qianjin; Wu, Meng; Costyn, Leah; Beharry, Zanna; Bartlett, Michael G; Cai, Houjian

2017-11-10

Exogenous fatty acids provide substrates for energy production and biogenesis of the cytoplasmic membrane, but they also enhance cellular signaling during cancer cell proliferation. However, it remains controversial whether dietary fatty acids are correlated with tumor progression. In this study, we demonstrate that increased Src kinase activity is associated with high-fat diet-accelerated progression of prostate tumors and that Src kinases mediate this pathological process. Moreover, in the in vivo prostate regeneration assay, host SCID mice carrying Src(Y529F)-transduced regeneration tissues were fed a low-fat diet or a high-fat diet and treated with vehicle or dasatinib. The high-fat diet not only accelerated Src-induced prostate tumorigenesis in mice but also compromised the inhibitory effect of the anticancer drug dasatinib on Src kinase oncogenic potential in vivo We further show that myristoylation of Src kinase is essential to facilitate Src-induced and high-fat diet-accelerated tumor progression. Mechanistically, metabolism of exogenous myristic acid increased the biosynthesis of myristoyl CoA and myristoylated Src and promoted Src kinase-mediated oncogenic signaling in human cells. Of the fatty acids tested, only exogenous myristic acid contributed to increased intracellular myristoyl CoA levels. Our results suggest that targeting Src kinase myristoylation, which is required for Src kinase association at the cellular membrane, blocks dietary fat-accelerated tumorigenesis in vivo Our findings uncover the molecular basis of how the metabolism of myristic acid stimulates high-fat diet-mediated prostate tumor progression. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Depletion of CD4 T Lymphocytes at the time of infection with M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis does not accelerate disease progression

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A calf model was used to determine if the depletion of CD4 T cells prior to inoculation of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) would delay development of an immune response to Map and accelerate disease progression. Ileal cannulas were surgically implanted in 5 bull calves at two month...

Generation and focusing of pulsed intense ion beams. Technical progress report, 20 August 1981-30 September 1982

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hammer, D.A.; Kusse, B.R.; Sudan, R.N.

1983-07-01

The progress on this contract is described in two parts. The first deals with the technical operation of the LION accelerator which is the exact equivalent to one line of PBFA-I. The second part is concerned with the experimental results on the ion diode mounted at the front end of the LION accelerator.

Vibration isolation technology: Sensitivity of selected classes of space experiments to residual accelerations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alexander, J. Iwan D.; Zhang, Y. Q.; Adebiyi, Adebimpe

1989-01-01

Progress performed on each task is described. Order of magnitude analyses related to liquid zone sensitivity and thermo-capillary flow sensitivity are covered. Progress with numerical models of the sensitivity of isothermal liquid zones is described. Progress towards a numerical model of coupled buoyancy-driven and thermo-capillary convection experiments is also described. Interaction with NASA personnel is covered. Results to date are summarized and they are discussed in terms of the predicted space station acceleration environment. Work planned for the second year is also discussed.

PROCEEDINGS OF RIKEN/BNL RESEARCH CENTER WORKSHOP FUTURE TRANSVERSITY MEASUREMENTS (VOLUME 29).

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Boer, D.; Grosse Perdekamp, M.

2001-01-02

The RIKEN-BNL Research Center workshop on ''Future Transversity Measurements'' was held at BNL from September 18-20, 2000. The main goal of the workshop was to explore future measurements of transversity distributions. This issue is of importance to the RHIC experiments, which will study polarized proton-proton collisions with great precision. One of the workshop's goals was to enhance interactions between the DIS community at HERA and the spin community at RHIC in this field. The workshop has been well received by the participants; the number of 69 registered participants demonstrates broad interest in the workshop's topics. The program contained 35 talksmore » and there was ample time for lively discussions. The program covered all recent work in the field and in addition some very elucidating educational talks were given. At the workshop the present status of the field was discussed and it has succeeded in stimulating new experimental and theoretical studies (e.g. model calculations for interference fragmentation functions (IFF), IFF analysis at DELPHI). It also functioned to focus attention on the open questions that need to be resolved for near future experiments. In general, the conclusions were optimistic, i.e. measuring the transversity functions seems to be possible, although some new experimental hurdles will have to be taken.« less

New super-computing facility in RIKEN

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ohta, Shigemi

1994-12-31

A new superconductor, Fujitsu VPP500/28, was installed in the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN) at the end of March, 1994. It consists of 28 processing elements (PE`s) connected by a high-speed crossbar switch. The switch is a combination of GaAs and ECL circuitry with peak band width of 800 Mbyte per second. Each PE consists of a GaAs/ECL vector processor with 1.6 Gflops peak speed and 256 Mbyte SRAM local memory. In addition, there are 8 GByte DRAM space, two 100 Gbyte RAID disks and a 10 TByte archive based on SONY File Bank system. The author ranmore » three major benchmarks on this machine: modified LINPACK, lattice QCD and FFT. In the modified LINPACK benchmark, a sustained speed of about 28 Gflops is achieved, by removing the restriction on the size of the matrices. In the lattice QCD benchmark, a sustained speed of about 30 Gflops is achieved for inverting staggered fermion propagation matrix on a 32{sup 4} lattice. In the FFT benchmark, real data of 32, 128, 512, and 2048 MByte are Fourier-transformed. The sustained speed for each is respectively 21, 21, 20, and 19 Gflops. The numbers are obtained after only a few weeks of coding efforts and can be improved further.« less

Probing the Symetry Energy at supra-saturation density with the S πRIT Time Projection Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barney, Jonathan; S πRIT Collaboration

2017-09-01

The S πRIT Time Projection Chamber (TPC) was designed and constructed at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, Texas A&M University, RIKEN and Kyoto University. It was used in a campaign of experiments at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory at RIKEN, intended to constrain the symmetry term of the Nuclear Equation of State at around twice saturation density. The commissioning of the S πRIT TPC was completed in spring 2016, with the experimental campaign also performed in 2016. The experiment is designed especially to compare the ratio of negative and positive pions produced in asymmetric collisions. Four separate Sn beams (132Sn, 124Sn, 112Sn, 108Sn) are impinged on isotopically enriched fixed Sn (124Sn, 112Sn) targets, with an energy at about 270 AMeV. Most pions are produced in the central region of the collision and provide an effective probe for the high density region of the collision. I will present preliminary results from the experiments and the on-going efforts to analyze the pion spectra. This work is supported by the U.S. DOE under Grant Nos. DE-SC0014530, DENA0002923, US NSF Grant No. PHY-1565546, and the Japanese MEXT KAKENHI Grant No. 24105004.

Electrostatic thrusters.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaufman, H. R.; Reader, P. D.

1972-01-01

The current status of research and development programs on electrostatic thrusters is reviewed. Current programs that utilize mercury electron-bombardment thrusters range from 5- to 30-cm in diameter. Recent progress on the 5-cm thruster has emphasized durability, with accelerator time exceeding 6300 hours and total time on the rest of the thruster exceeding 8300 hours. Recent progress on the 30-cm thruster has been outstanding in dished-grid accelerator systems. Ion beams up to 5 amperes have been obtained for short periods with 1000 volts net accelerating potential difference. The cesium electron-bombardment and cesium contact programs are also described.

Development of a high-temperature oven for the 28 GHz electron cyclotron resonance ion source.

PubMed

Ohnishi, J; Higurashi, Y; Kidera, M; Ozeki, K; Nakagawa, T

2014-02-01

We have been developing the 28 GHz ECR ion source in order to accelerate high-intensity uranium beams at the RIKEN RI-beam Factory. Although we have generated U(35+) beams by the sputtering method thus far, we began developing a high-temperature oven with the aim of increasing and stabilizing the beams. Because the oven method uses UO2, a crucible must be heated to a temperature higher than 2000 °C to supply an appropriate amount of UO2 vapor to the ECR plasma. Our high-temperature oven uses a tungsten crucible joule-heated with DC current of approximately 450 A. Its inside dimensions are ϕ11 mm × 13.5 mm. Since the crucible is placed in a magnetic field of approximately 3 T, it is subject to a magnetic force of approximately 40 N. Therefore, we used ANSYS to carefully design the crucible, which was manufactured by machining a tungsten rod. We could raise the oven up to 1900 °C in the first off-line test. Subsequently, UO2 was loaded into the crucible, and the oven was installed in the 28 GHz ECR ion source and was tested. As a result, a U(35+) beam current of 150 μA was extracted successfully at a RF power of approximately 3 kW.

List of Participants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2011-09-01

AbeTakashiUniversity of Tokyotabe@nt.phys.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp AmusiaMironRacah Institute of Physics, Jerusalemamusia@vms.huji.ac.il BaldoMarcelloINFN Cataniabaldo@ct.infn.it BansalManiePanjab University, Chandigarhbansalmanni@gmail.com BarrancoFranciscoUniversity of Sevillebarranco@us.es BertschGeorgeUniversity of Washington, Seattlebertsch@u.washington.edu BhagwatAmeeyaCBS Mumbaiameeya@kth.se BorderieBernardIPN Orsayborderie@ipno.in2p3.fr CarbonellJaumeLPSC Grenoblejaume.carbonell@lpsc.in2p3.fr CarlsonJoeLos Alamos National Laboratorycarlson@lanl.gov ColòGianlucaINFN - Università degli Studi di Milanocolo@mi.infn.it DanielewiczPawelNSCL, Michigan State Universitydanielewicz@nscl.msu.edu DescouvemontPierreUniversité Libre de Bruxellespdesc@ulb.ac.be Dohet-EralyJérémyUniversité Libre de Bruxellesjdoheter@ulb.ac.be DraayerJerryLouisiana State Universitydraayer@lsu.edu DufourMarianneIPHC, Université de Strasbourgmarianne.dufour@ires.in2p3.fr DuguetThomasCEA Saclaythomas.duguet@cea.fr DukelskyJorgeCSIC Madriddukelsky@iem.cfmac.csic.es EbranJean-PaulCEA-DAM, Arpajonebran@ipno.in2p3.fr FreerMartinUniversity of Birminghamm.freer@bham.ac.uk FujiiShinichiroUniversity of Tokyosfujii@cns.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp FunakiYasuroRIKEN Nishina Center, Wakofunaki@riken.jp GrassoMarcellaIPN Orsaygrasso@ipno.in2p3.fr HaginoKouichiTohoku Universityhagino@nucl.phys.tohoku.ac.jp HansenHubertUniversité Claude Bernard Lyon 1hansen@ipnl.in2p3.fr HolzmannMarkusLPMMC Grenoblemarkus@lptl.jussieu.fr HoriuchiHisashiRCNP, Osaka Universityhoriuchi@rcnp.osaka-u.ac.jp HoriuchiWataruGSI Darmstadtw.horiuchi@gsi.de HupinGuillaumeGANIL, Caenhupin@ganil.fr JinMengHuazhong Normal University, Wuhanjinm@iopp.ccnu.edu.cn KamimuraMasayasuRIKEN Nishina Center, Wakomkamimura@riken.jp Kanada-En'yoYoshikoKyoto Universityyenyo@ruby.scphys.kyoto-u.ac.jp KatoKiyoshiHokkaido University, Sapporokato@nucl.sci.hokudai.ac.jp KawabataTakahiroKyoto Universitykawabata@scphys.kyoto-u.ac.jp KhanEliasIPN Orsaykhan@ipno.in2p3.fr KhodelVictorKurchatov Institute, Moscowvak@wuphys.wustl.edu KimuraMasaakiHokkaido University, Sapporomasaaki@nucl.sci.hokudai.ac.jp LacroixDenisGANIL, Caenlacroix@ganil.fr LiangHaozhaoPeking University, Beijinghzliang@pku.edu.cn MargueronJérômeIPN Orsayjerome.margueron@ipno.in2p3.fr MassotElisabethIPN Orsaymassot@ipno.in2p3.fr MengJiePeking University, Beijingmengj@pku.edu.cn MillerTomaszWarsaw University of Technologymillert@student.mini.pw.edu.pl MoghrabiKassemIPN Orsaymoghrabi@ipno.in2p3.fr NapolitaniPaoloIPN Orsaynapolita@ipno.in2p3.fr NeffThomasGSI Darmstadtt.neff@gsi.de NguyenVan GiaiIPN Orsaynguyen@ipno.in2p3.fr OtsukaTakaharuUniversity of Tokyootsuka@phys.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp PilletNathalie-MarieCEA-DAM, Arpajonnathalie.pillet@cea.fr QiChongKTH Stockholmchongq@kth.se RamananSunethraICTP Triestesramanan@ictp.it RingPeterTU Munichring@ph.tum.de Rios HuguetArnauUniversity of Surreya.rios@surrey.ac.uk RivetMarie-FranceIPN Orsayrivet@ipno.in2p3.fr RobledoLuisUniversidad Autonoma de Madridluis.robledo@uam.es Roca MazaXavierINFN Milanoxavier.roca.maza@mi.infn.it RöpkeGerdRostock Universitygerd.roepke@uni-rostock.de RowleyNeilIPN Orsayrowley@ipno.in2p3.fr SagawaHiroyukiUniversity of Aizusagawa@u-aizu.ac.jp SandulescuNicolaeIFIN-HH, Bucharestsandulescu@theory.nipne.ro SchuckPeterIPN Orsayschuck@ipno.in2p3.fr SedrakianArmenGoethe Universität Frankfurtsedrakian@th.physik.uni-frankfurt.de SeveryukhinAlexeyJINR Dubnasever@theor.jinr.ru SogoTakaakiIPN Orsaysogo@ipno.in2p3.fr SomàVittorioCEA Saclayvittorio.soma@cea.fr StrinatiGiancarloUniversità di Camerinogiancarlo.strinati@gmail.com SuharaTadahiroKyoto Universitysuhara@ruby.scphys.kyoto-u.ac.jp SukhoruchkinSergeiPetersburg Nuclear Physics Institutesergeis@pnpi.spb.ru SuzukiToruTokyo Metropolitan Universitysuzukitr@tmu.ac.jp SuzukiToshioNihon University, Tokyosuzuki@chs.nihon-u.ac.jp TarpanovDimitarINRNE, Sofiadimitert@yahoo.co.uk Tohsaki-SuzukiAkihiroOsaka Universitytohsaki@rcnp.osaka-u.ac.jp TypelStefanGSI Darmstadts.typel@gsi.de UesakaTomohiroUniversity of Tokyouesaka@cns.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp UrbanMichaelIPN Orsayurban@ipno.in2p3.fr Van IsackerPietGANIL Caenisacker@ganil.fr VigezziEnricoINFN Milanovigezzi@mi.infn.it ViñasXavierUniversitat de Barcelonaxavier@ecm.ub.es Vinh MauNicoleIPN Orsayvinhmau@ipno.in2p3.fr VitturiAndreaINFN Padovavitturi@pd.infn.it Von OertzenWolframHelmholtz Zentrum Berlinoertzen@helmholtz-berlin.de WambachJochenTechnische Universität Darmstadtjochen.wambach@physik.tu-darmstadt.de WlazłowskiGabrielWarsaw University of Technologygabrielw@if.pw.edu.pl YamadaTaiichiKanto Gakuin University, Yokohamayamada@kanto-gakuin.ac.jp YoshidaKenichiRIKEN Nishina Center, Wakokenichi.yoshida@riken.jp YoshidaSatoshiHosei University, Tokyos_yoshi@i.hosei.ac.jp

Accelerated Math[TM]. What Works Clearinghouse Intervention Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

What Works Clearinghouse, 2011

2011-01-01

"Accelerated Math"[TM], published by Renaissance Learning, is a software tool used to customize assignments and monitor progress in math for students in grades 1-12. The "Accelerated Math"[TM] software creates individualized assignments aligned with state standards and national guidelines, scores student work, and generates…

CML/CD36 accelerates atherosclerotic progression via inhibiting foam cell migration.

PubMed

Xu, Suining; Li, Lihua; Yan, Jinchuan; Ye, Fei; Shao, Chen; Sun, Zhen; Bao, Zhengyang; Dai, Zhiyin; Zhu, Jie; Jing, Lele; Wang, Zhongqun

2018-01-01

Among the various complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis causes the highest disability and morbidity. A multitude of macrophage-derived foam cells are retained in atherosclerotic plaques resulting not only from recruitment of monocytes into lesions but also from a reduced rate of macrophage migration from lesions. Nε-carboxymethyl-Lysine (CML), an advanced glycation end product, is responsible for most complications of diabetes. This study was designed to investigate the mechanism of CML/CD36 accelerating atherosclerotic progression via inhibiting foam cell migration. In vivo study and in vitro study were performed. For the in vivo investigation, CML/CD36 accelerated atherosclerotic progression via promoting the accumulation of macrophage-derived foam cells in aorta and inhibited macrophage-derived foam cells in aorta migrating to the para-aorta lymph node of diabetic apoE -/- mice. For the in vitro investigation, CML/CD36 inhibited RAW264.7-derived foam cell migration through NOX-derived ROS, FAK phosphorylation, Arp2/3 complex activation and F-actin polymerization. Thus, we concluded that CML/CD36 inhibited foam cells of plaque migrating to para-aorta lymph nodes, accelerating atherosclerotic progression. The corresponding mechanism may be via free cholesterol, ROS generation, p-FAK, Arp2/3, F-actin polymerization. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Patterns in longitudinal growth of refraction in Southern Chinese children: cluster and principal component analysis.

PubMed

Chen, Yanxian; Chang, Billy Heung Wing; Ding, Xiaohu; He, Mingguang

2016-11-22

In the present study we attempt to use hypothesis-independent analysis in investigating the patterns in refraction growth in Chinese children, and to explore the possible risk factors affecting the different components of progression, as defined by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). A total of 637 first-born twins in Guangzhou Twin Eye Study with 6-year annual visits (baseline age 7-15 years) were available in the analysis. Cluster 1 to 3 were classified after a partitioning clustering, representing stable, slow and fast progressing groups of refraction respectively. Baseline age and refraction, paternal refraction, maternal refraction and proportion of two myopic parents showed significant differences across the three groups. Three major components of progression were extracted using PCA: "Average refraction", "Acceleration" and the combination of "Myopia stabilization" and "Late onset of refraction progress". In regression models, younger children with more severe myopia were associated with larger "Acceleration". The risk factors of "Acceleration" included change of height and weight, near work, and parental myopia, while female gender, change of height and weight were associated with "Stabilization", and increased outdoor time was related to "Late onset of refraction progress". We therefore concluded that genetic and environmental risk factors have different impacts on patterns of refraction progression.

The FANTOM5 collection, a data series underpinning mammalian transcriptome atlases in diverse cell types.

PubMed

Kawaji, Hideya; Kasukawa, Takeya; Forrest, Alistair; Carninci, Piero; Hayashizaki, Yoshihide

2017-08-29

The latest project from the FANTOM consortium, an international collaborative effort initiated by RIKEN, generated atlases of transcriptomes, in particular promoters, transcribed enhancers, and long-noncoding RNAs, across a diverse set of mammalian cell types. Here, we introduce the FANTOM5 collection, bringing together data descriptors, articles and analyses of FANTOM5 data published across the Nature Research journals. Associated data are openly available for reuse by all.

Psychosocial and Neurohormonal Predictors of HIV Disease Progression (CD4 Cells and Viral Load): A 4 Year Prospective Study.

PubMed

Ironson, G; O'Cleirigh, C; Kumar, M; Kaplan, L; Balbin, E; Kelsch, C B; Fletcher, M A; Schneiderman, N

2015-08-01

Most studies of psychosocial predictors of disease progression in HIV have not considered norepinephrine (NE), a neurohormone related to emotion and stress, even though NE has been related to accelerated viral replication in vitro and impaired response to antiretroviral therapy (ART). We therefore examined NE, cortisol, depression, hopelessness, coping, and life event stress as predictors of HIV progression in a diverse sample. Participants (n = 177) completed psychological assessment, blood draws [CD4, viral load (VL)], and a 15 h urine sample (NE, cortisol) every 6 months over 4 years. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was used to model slope in CD4 and VL controlling for ART at every time point, gender, age, race, SES, and initial disease status. NE (as well as depression, hopelessness, and avoidant coping) significantly predicted a greater rate of decrease in CD4 and increase in VL. Cortisol was not significantly related to CD4, but predicted VL increase. To our knowledge, this is the first study relating NE, in vivo, to accelerated disease progression over an extended time. It also extends our previous 2 year study by relating depressed mood and coping to accelerated disease progression over 4 years.

Accelerated Reader™. What Works Clearinghouse Intervention Report. Updated

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

What Works Clearinghouse, 2016

2016-01-01

Accelerated Reader™ is a computerized supplementary reading program that provides guided reading instruction to students in grades K-12. It aims to improve students' reading skills through reading practice and by providing frequent feedback on students' progress to teachers. The Accelerated Reader™ program requires students to select and read a…

Particle acceleration, transport and turbulence in cosmic and heliospheric physics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matthaeus, W.

1992-01-01

In this progress report, the long term goals, recent scientific progress, and organizational activities are described. The scientific focus of this annual report is in three areas: first, the physics of particle acceleration and transport, including heliospheric modulation and transport, shock acceleration and galactic propagation and reacceleration of cosmic rays; second, the development of theories of the interaction of turbulence and large scale plasma and magnetic field structures, as in winds and shocks; third, the elucidation of the nature of magnetohydrodynamic turbulence processes and the role such turbulence processes might play in heliospheric, galactic, cosmic ray physics, and other space physics applications.

Diet-induced obesity accelerates acute lymphoblastic leukemia progression in two murine models.

PubMed

Yun, Jason P; Behan, James W; Heisterkamp, Nora; Butturini, Anna; Klemm, Lars; Ji, Lingyun; Groffen, John; Müschen, Markus; Mittelman, Steven D

2010-10-01

Obesity is associated with an increased incidence of many cancers, including leukemia, although it is unknown whether leukemia incidence is increased directly by obesity or rather by associated genetic, lifestyle, health, or socioeconomic factors. We developed animal models of obesity and leukemia to test whether obesity could directly accelerate acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) using BCR/ABL transgenic and AKR/J mice weaned onto a high-fat diet. Mice were observed until development of progressive ALL. Although obese and control BCR/ABL mice had similar median survival, older obese mice had accelerated ALL onset, implying a time-dependent effect of obesity on ALL. Obese AKR mice developed ALL significantly earlier than controls. The effect of obesity was not explained by WBC count, thymus/spleen weight, or ALL phenotype. However, obese AKR mice had higher leptin, insulin, and interleukin-6 levels than controls, and these obesity-related hormones all have potential roles in leukemia pathogenesis. In conclusion, obesity directly accelerates presentation of ALL, likely by increasing the risk of an early event in leukemogenesis. This is the first study to show that obesity can directly accelerate the progression of ALL. Thus, the observed associations between obesity and leukemia incidence are likely to be directly related to biological effects of obesity. ©2010 AACR.

The value of neuroscience strategies to accelerate progress in psychological treatment research.

PubMed

Moras, Karla

2006-11-01

Major findings from the past 55 years of psychological treatment research indicate that 3 questions are now pivotal to continued practice-relevant progress: What is the nature of the problem(s) to be treated? What are the causal change mechanisms of efficacious psychological treatments? Can more efficient and broadly effective psychological treatments be developed? Contemporary cognitive, affective, and behavioural neurosciences offer particularly promising resources for psychological treatment research that can help accelerate progress regarding these questions. This article explains why the questions are pivotal and presents neuroscience findings to illustrate how progress can be made on each one and for diverse problems and disorders such as major depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, drug addiction, and regulation of negative affect.

EH 11n modes E type in the disk and washer accelerating structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andreev, V. G.; Belugin, V. M.; Daikovsky, A. G.; Esin, S. K.; Kravchuk, L. V.; Paramonov, V. V.; Ryabov, A. D.

1983-01-01

The disk and washer accelerating structure has a great deal to do with high-beta structures progress. The frequencies and electromagnetic fields for modes, which have a different number of azimuthal variations, are calculated to determined the dispersion properties and other characteristics of parasitic modes in a disc and washer accelerating structure. The main attention was given to the accelerating structure of the linear accelerator of the Institute for Nuclear Research (INR) of the USSR Academy of Sciences. Modification of a structure for PIGMI accelerator (LANL, USA) is considered briefly.

Fermilab | Illinois Accelerator Research Center | Illinois Accelerator

Science.gov Websites

Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the U.S. Department of Energy. Construction Progress as Research Center IARC Illinois Accelerator Research Center Fermilab U.S. Department of Energy Stewardship Pilot Program Contact IARC Funded By Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity U.S

Two-photon exchange correction to the hyperfine splitting in muonic hydrogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomalak, Oleksandr

2017-12-01

We reevaluate the Zemach, recoil and polarizability corrections to the hyperfine splitting in muonic hydrogen expressing them through the low-energy proton structure constants and obtain the precise values of the Zemach radius and two-photon exchange (TPE) contribution. The uncertainty of TPE correction to S energy levels in muonic hydrogen of 105 ppm exceeds the ppm accuracy level of the forthcoming 1S hyperfine splitting measurements at PSI, J-PARC and RIKEN-RAL.

MOSAIC: a chemical-genetic interaction data repository and web resource for exploring chemical modes of action.

PubMed

Nelson, Justin; Simpkins, Scott W; Safizadeh, Hamid; Li, Sheena C; Piotrowski, Jeff S; Hirano, Hiroyuki; Yashiroda, Yoko; Osada, Hiroyuki; Yoshida, Minoru; Boone, Charles; Myers, Chad L

2018-04-01

Chemical-genomic approaches that map interactions between small molecules and genetic perturbations offer a promising strategy for functional annotation of uncharacterized bioactive compounds. We recently developed a new high-throughput platform for mapping chemical-genetic (CG) interactions in yeast that can be scaled to screen large compound collections, and we applied this system to generate CG interaction profiles for more than 13 000 compounds. When integrated with the existing global yeast genetic interaction network, CG interaction profiles can enable mode-of-action prediction for previously uncharacterized compounds as well as discover unexpected secondary effects for known drugs. To facilitate future analysis of these valuable data, we developed a public database and web interface named MOSAIC. The website provides a convenient interface for querying compounds, bioprocesses (Gene Ontology terms) and genes for CG information including direct CG interactions, bioprocesses and gene-level target predictions. MOSAIC also provides access to chemical structure information of screened molecules, chemical-genomic profiles and the ability to search for compounds sharing structural and functional similarity. This resource will be of interest to chemical biologists for discovering new small molecule probes with specific modes-of-action as well as computational biologists interested in analysing CG interaction networks. MOSAIC is available at http://mosaic.cs.umn.edu. hisyo@riken.jp, yoshidam@riken.jp, charlie.boone@utoronto.ca or chadm@umn.edu. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Element Genesis - Solving the Mystery (Video Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mochizuki, Yuko

2001-10-01

Our institute (RIKEN) produced a video on nucleosynthesis. Its new English version is presented. Y. M., I. Tanihata, Y. Yano, and R. Boyd are science editors for this. Time length of the video is 30 minutes. The primary characteristic of this video is that we have employed a number of 2-D and 3-Dimensional visualizations and animations based on an updated understanding of nuclear physics and astrophysics. One of the emphasized points is that microscopic physics (i.e., nuclear physics) and macroscopic physics (i.e., astrophysics) are strongly connected. It contains explanation on the chart of the nuclides, nuclear burning in the sun, big-bang nucleosynthesis, stellar nucleosynthesis, ``beta-stability valley", the s-process, the r-process, production of an RI beam, etc., and professors D. Arnett, T. Kajino, K. Langanke, K. Sato, C. Sneden, I. Tanihata, and F.-K. Thielemann appear as interviewees. Our prime target is college freshmen. We hope that this video would be useful for education both in the fields of astrophysics and nuclear physics at universities and even at high schools. Our institute is accordingly developing a distribution system of this video and it will be available soon at the cost price (please visit our web site for details: http://www.rarf.riken.go.jp/video). The Japanese version was awarded the prize of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan 2001.

(Installation of the Vinca Accelerator)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zucker, A.

1991-04-22

I participated in a workshop of the physics with accelerators in Belgrade, Yugoslavia and chaired an advisory committee for the Vinca Accelerator Installation which is currently in progress. Also, I participated in meetings with the Serbian Academy of Sciences and with the Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia concerning the plans and aspirations of the nuclear research center at Vinca.

Obesity and Diabetes as Accelerators of Functional Decline; Can Lifestyle Interventions Maintain Functional Status in High Risk Older Adults?

PubMed Central

Anton, Stephen D.; Karabetian, Christy; Naugle, Kelly; Buford, Thomas W.

2013-01-01

Obesity and diabetes are known risk factors for the development of physical disability among older adults. With the number of seniors with these conditions rising worldwide, the prevention and treatment of physical disability in these persons has become a major public health challenge. Sarcopenia, the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, has been identified as a common pathway associated with the initial onset and progression of physical disability among older adults. A growing body of evidence suggests that metabolic dysregulation associated with obesity and diabetes accelerates the progression of sarcopenia, and subsequently functional decline in older adults. The focus of this brief review is on the contributions of obesity and diabetes in accelerating sarcopenia and functional decline among older adults. We also briefly discuss the underexplored interaction between obesity and diabetes that may further accelerate sarcopenia and place obese older adults with diabetes at particularly high risk of disability. Finally, we review findings from studies that have specifically tested the efficacy of lifestyle-based interventions in maintaining the functional status of older persons with obesity and/or diabetes. PMID:23832077

Performance of a Highly Stabilized and High-resolution Beamline BL17SU for Advanced Soft X-ray Spectroscopy at SPring-8

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ohashi, Haruhiko; Tanaka, Takashi; Kitamura, Hideo

2007-01-19

A new soft x-ray beamline BL17SU (RIKEN) has been constructed at SPring-8. The beamline consists of two branches with each varied-line-spacing-plane-grating-monochromator. Both monochromators perform high energy resolution (E/{delta}E > 10,000) between 0.2 and 1 keV. One of the monochromator achieves high energy stability of 10 meV over a period of half a day.

Nucleon structure from 2+1-flavor domain-wall QCD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohta, Shigemi

2018-03-01

Nucleon-structure calculations of isovector vector-and axialvector-current form factors, transversity and scalar charge, and quark momentum and helicity fractions are reported from two recent 2+1-flavor dynamical domain-wall fermions lattice-QCD ensembles generated jointly by the RIKEN-BNL-Columbia and UKQCD Collaborations with Iwasaki × dislocation-suppressing-determinatn-ratio gauge action at inverse lattice spacing of 1.378(7) GeV and pion mass values of 249.4(3) and 172.3(3) MeV.

Meniscal Extrusion or Subchondral Damage Characterize Incident Accelerated Osteoarthritis: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative

PubMed Central

Driban, Jeffrey B.; Ward, Robert J.; Eaton, Charles B.; Lo, Grace H.; Price, Lori Lyn; Lu, Bing; McAlindon, Timothy E.

2015-01-01

Introduction Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is typically a slowly progressive disorder; however, a subset of knees progress with dramatic rapidity. We aimed to describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings that are associated with accelerated KOA. Materials and Methods We conducted a longitudinal descriptive study in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) cohort. We selected participants who had no radiographic KOA at baseline with one of the following in the most severe knee: 1) accelerated KOA (progressed to end-stage KOA within 48 months), 2) common KOA, and 3) no KOA at all visits. We enriched the sample by selecting knees with a self-reported or suspected knee injury. A musculoskeletal radiologist blinded to group assignments but not to time sequence performed MRI readings for the visit before and after an injury. Results We assessed 38 participants (knees), 66% were female, mean age 61 (9) years, and mean body mass index 28.5 (4.9) kg/m2. Fifteen of 20 knees with no or common KOA, had no incident findings consistent with acute damage. Among the 18 knees with accelerated KOA most had incident findings: 13 (72%) had incident medial meniscal pathology with extrusion and 5 (28%) knees had subchondral damage. Conclusions Incident MRI findings that are associated with incident accelerated KOA are characterized by structural damage that compromises subchondral bone or the function of the meniscus. Recognizing meniscal extrusion and/or change in shape, lateral meniscal tear, or acute subchondral damage may be vital for identifying individuals at risk for accelerated KOA. PMID:26149125

Connected Health and Progress against Cancer

Cancer.gov

An NCI Cancer Currents blog post about a new report from President’s Cancer Panel outlining how connective technologies can promote cancer prevention, enhance patients’ treatment experience, and accelerate progress in cancer research.

Accelerator-based BNCT.

PubMed

Kreiner, A J; Baldo, M; Bergueiro, J R; Cartelli, D; Castell, W; Thatar Vento, V; Gomez Asoia, J; Mercuri, D; Padulo, J; Suarez Sandin, J C; Erhardt, J; Kesque, J M; Valda, A A; Debray, M E; Somacal, H R; Igarzabal, M; Minsky, D M; Herrera, M S; Capoulat, M E; Gonzalez, S J; del Grosso, M F; Gagetti, L; Suarez Anzorena, M; Gun, M; Carranza, O

2014-06-01

The activity in accelerator development for accelerator-based BNCT (AB-BNCT) both worldwide and in Argentina is described. Projects in Russia, UK, Italy, Japan, Israel, and Argentina to develop AB-BNCT around different types of accelerators are briefly presented. In particular, the present status and recent progress of the Argentine project will be reviewed. The topics will cover: intense ion sources, accelerator tubes, transport of intense beams, beam diagnostics, the (9)Be(d,n) reaction as a possible neutron source, Beam Shaping Assemblies (BSA), a treatment room, and treatment planning in realistic cases. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

INTENSITY AND GENERALIZATION OF TREADMILL-SLIP TRAINING: HIGH OR LOW; PROGRESSIVELY-INCREASE OR -DECREASE?

PubMed Central

Liu, Xuan; Bhatt, Tanvi; Pai, Yi-Chung (Clive)

2015-01-01

Very little is known how training intensity interacts with the generalization from treadmill-slip to overground slip. The purposes of this study were to determine whether treadmill-slip training improved center-of-mass stability, more so in the reactive than in the proactive control of stability, with high intensity (HI with a trial-to-trial-consistent acceleration of 12 m/s2) better than low intensity training (LO with a consistent acceleration of 6 m/s2), and progressively-increasing intensity (INCR with a block-to-block acceleration varied from 6 to 12 m/s2) better than progressively-decreasing intensity training (DECR with an acceleration varied from 12 to 6 m/s2) in such generalization. Thirty-six young subjects evenly assigned to one of four (HI, LO, INCR, DECR) groups underwent 24 treadmill-slips before their generalization test trial with a novel slip during overground walking. The controls (CTRL, n=9) from existing data only experienced the same novel overground slip without treadmill training but under otherwise identical condition. The results showed that treadmill-slip training did improved balance control on overground slip with a greater impact on subjects’ reactive (44.3%) than proactive control of stability (27.1%) in comparison to the CTRL. HI yielded stronger generalization than LO, while INCR was only marginally better than DECR. Finally, the group means of these four displayed a clear ascending order from CTRL, LO, DECR, INCR, to HI. The results suggested that higher training intensity on treadmill led to a better generalization, while a progressively-increase in intensity had advantage over the progressively-decrease or the low training strategy. (243 words) PMID:26159058

Parasitic production of slow RI-beam from a projectile fragment separator by ion guide Laser Ion Source (PALIS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sonoda, Tetsu

2009-10-01

The projectile fragment separator BigRIPS of RIBF at RIKEN provides a wide variety of short-lived radioactive isotope (RI) ions without restrictions on their lifetime or chemical properties. A universal slow RI-beam facility (SLOWRI) to decelerate the beams from BigRIPS using an RF-carpet ion guide has been proposed as a principal facility of RIBF. However, beam time at such a modern accelerator facility is always limited and operational costs are high. We therefore propose an additional scheme as a complementary option to SLOWRI to drastically enhance the usability of such an expensive facility. In BigRIPS, a single primary beam produces thousands of isotopes but only one isotope is used for an experiment while the other >99.99% of isotopes are simply dumped in the slits or elsewhere in the fragment separator. We plan to locate a compact gas cell with 1 bar Ar at the slits. The thermalized ions in the cell will be quickly neutralized and transported to the exit by gas flow and resonantly re-ionized by lasers. Such low energy RI-beams will always be provided without any restriction to the main experiment. It will allow us to run parasitic experiments for precision atomic or decay spectroscopy, mass measurements. Furthermore, the resonance ionization in the cell itself can be used for high-sensitive laser spectroscopy, which will expand our knowledge of the ground state property of unstable nuclei.

Community Project for Accelerator Science and Simulation (ComPASS) Final Report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cary, John R.; Cowan, Benjamin M.; Veitzer, S. A.

2016-03-04

Tech-X participated across the full range of ComPASS activities, with efforts in the Energy Frontier primarily through modeling of laser plasma accelerators and dielectric laser acceleration, in the Intensity Frontier primarily through electron cloud modeling, and in Uncertainty Quantification being applied to dielectric laser acceleration. In the following we present the progress and status of our activities for the entire period of the ComPASS project for the different areas of Energy Frontier, Intensity Frontier and Uncertainty Quantification.

Cancer Moonshot: What It Means for Patients.

PubMed

Mayer, Deborah K; Fuld Nasso, Shelley

2017-04-01

You may have heard of the National Cancer Moonshot Initiative led by former Vice President Joe Biden. It has brought together many people through a task force, blue ribbon panel, and many public forums to discuss how best "to dramatically accelerate efforts to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer - to achieve a decade's worth of progress in 5 years." This initiative was launched after the 2016 State of the Union address, and the task force delivered recommendations to President Barack Obama on October 17, 2016, providing an opportunity to accelerate progress against cancer. 
.

Small-volume amnioinfusion: a potential stimulus of intrapartum fetal heart rate accelerations.

PubMed

Wax, Joseph R; Flaherty, Nina; Pinette, Michael G; Blackstone, Jacquelyn; Cartin, Angelina

2004-02-01

We describe a recurrent nonreassuring fetal heart rate pattern in which small-volume amnioinfusions apparently evoked fetal heart rate accelerations suggested fetal well-being, allowing that progressive labor that culminated in the vaginal delivery of a healthy infant.

Recent Progress on Supernova Remnants - Progenitors, Evolution, Cosmic-ray Acceleration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bamba, A.

2017-10-01

Supernova remnants supplies heavy elements, kinetic and thermal energies, and cosmic rays, into the universe, and are the key sources to make the diversity of the universe. On the other hand, we do not know the fundamental issues of supernova remnants, such as (1) what their main progenitors are, (2) how they evolve into the realistic (non-uniform) interstellar space, and (3) which type of supernova remnants can accelerate cosmic rays to the knee energy. Recent X-ray studies with XMM-Newton, Chandra, Suzaku, NuSTAR, and Hitomi, progressed understandings of these issues, and found that each issue connect others tightly. In this paper, we will overview these progresses with focusing the above three topics, and discuss what we should do next.

Comparison of accelerated and conventional corneal collagen cross-linking for progressive keratoconus.

PubMed

Cınar, Yasin; Cingü, Abdullah Kürşat; Türkcü, Fatih Mehmet; Çınar, Tuba; Yüksel, Harun; Özkurt, Zeynep Gürsel; Çaça, Ihsan

2014-09-01

To compare outcomes of accelerated and conventional corneal cross-linking (CXL) for progressive keratoconus (KC). Patients were divided into two groups as the accelerated CXL group and the conventional CXL group. The uncorrected distant visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distant visual acuity (CDVA), refraction and keratometric values were measured preoperatively and postoperatively. The data of the two groups were compared statistically. The mean UDVA and CDVA were better at the six month postoperative when compared with preoperative values in two groups. While change in UDVA and CDVA was statistically significant in the accelerated CXL group (p = 0.035 and p = 0.047, respectively), it did not reach statistical significance in the conventional CXL group (p = 0.184 and p = 0.113, respectively). The decrease in the mean corneal power (Km) and maximum keratometric value (Kmax) were statistically significant in both groups (p = 0.012 and 0.046, respectively in the accelerated CXL group, p = 0.012 and 0.041, respectively, in the conventional CXL group). There was no statistically significant difference in visual and refractive results between the two groups (p > 0.05). Refractive and visual results of the accelerated CXL method and the conventional CXL method for the treatment of KC in short time period were similar. The accelerated CXL method faster and provide high throughput of the patients.

Beam dynamics in MABE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Poukey, J.W.; Coleman, P.D.; Sanford, T.W.L.

1985-10-01

MABE is a multistage linear electron accelerator which accelerates up to nine beams in parallel. Nominal parameters per beam are 25 kA, final energy 7 MeV, and guide field 20 kG. We report recent progress via theory and simulation in understanding the beam dynamics in such a system. In particular, we emphasize our results on the radial oscillations and emittance growth for a beam passing through a series of accelerating gaps.

Laboratory laser acceleration and high energy astrophysics: {gamma}-ray bursts and cosmic rays

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tajima, T.; Takahashi, Y.

1998-08-20

Recent experimental progress in laser acceleration of charged particles (electrons) and its associated processes has shown that intense electromagnetic pulses can promptly accelerate charged particles to high energies and that their energy spectrum is quite hard. On the other hand some of the high energy astrophysical phenomena such as extremely high energy cosmic rays and energetic components of {gamma}-ray bursts cry for new physical mechanisms for promptly accelerating particles to high energies. The authors suggest that the basic physics involved in laser acceleration experiments sheds light on some of the underlying mechanisms and their energy spectral characteristics of the promptlymore » accelerated particles in these high energy astrophysical phenomena.« less

[Individual Progress Program for the Extremely Gifted Student in the Greater Seattle Area.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Norsen, Barbara G.; Wick, Christine

The Individual Progress Program (IPP) is an approach designed to serve extremely advanced gifted students (grades 1 through 9) in the Seattle area. IPP is intended to meet students' unmet educational needs by allowing them to progress at their own accelerated pace through a broadly based curriculum while also pursuing interest areas. The program…

Symposium Summary and the Scope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kajino, Toshitaka

It was a great pleasure for us to organize the 14th International Symposium on Nuclei in the Cosmos (NIC-XIV) in Niigata Japan, which shall illuminate the new horizon of nuclear astrophysics and related fields. This was co-hosted by National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and RIKEN Nishina Center, supported by IUPAP, JINA-CEE, JSPS, JEC Fund, Niigata Prefecture and Niigata City, and many other institutes and associations, and also sponsored by PTEP, Bourbone, and many other companies. I feel highly honored to have hosted this symposium as the Chair of NIC-XIV.

Regeneration, morphogenesis and self-organization.

PubMed

Goldman, Daniel

2014-07-01

The RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology in Kobe, Japan, hosted a meeting entitled 'Regeneration of Organs: Programming and Self-Organization' in March, 2014. Scientists from across the globe met to discuss current research on regeneration, organ morphogenesis and self-organization - and the links between these fields. A diverse range of experimental models and organ systems was presented, and the speakers aptly illustrated the unique power of each. This Meeting Review describes the major advances reported and themes emerging from this exciting meeting. © 2014. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Gateways to the FANTOM5 promoter level mammalian expression atlas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lizio, Marina; Harshbarger, Jayson; Shimoji, Hisashi

The FANTOM5 project investigates transcription initiation activities in more than 1,000 human and mouse primary cells, cell lines and tissues using CAGE. Based on manual curation of sample information and development of an ontology for sample classification, we assemble the resulting data into a centralized data resource (http://fantom.gsc.riken.jp/5/). In conclusion, this resource contains web-based tools and data-access points for the research community to search and extract data related to samples, genes, promoter activities, transcription factors and enhancers across the FANTOM5 atlas.

Lattice QCD calculation using VPP500

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Seyong; Ohta, Shigemi

1995-02-01

A new vector parallel supercomputer, Fujitsu VPP500, was installed at RIKEN earlier this year. It consists of 30 vector computers, each with 1.6 GFLOPS peak speed and 256 MB memory, connected by a crossbar switch with 400 MB/s peak data transfer rate each way between any pair of nodes. The authors developed a Fortran lattice QCD simulation code for it. It runs at about 1.1 GFLOPS sustained per node for Metropolis pure-gauge update, and about 0.8 GFLOPS sustained per node for conjugate gradient inversion of staggered fermion matrix.

Gateways to the FANTOM5 promoter level mammalian expression atlas

DOE PAGES

Lizio, Marina; Harshbarger, Jayson; Shimoji, Hisashi; ...

2015-01-05

The FANTOM5 project investigates transcription initiation activities in more than 1,000 human and mouse primary cells, cell lines and tissues using CAGE. Based on manual curation of sample information and development of an ontology for sample classification, we assemble the resulting data into a centralized data resource (http://fantom.gsc.riken.jp/5/). In conclusion, this resource contains web-based tools and data-access points for the research community to search and extract data related to samples, genes, promoter activities, transcription factors and enhancers across the FANTOM5 atlas.

Generation and focusing of pulsed intense ion beams. Technical progress report, 1 October 1982 - 30 September, 1983

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hammer, D.A.; Kusse, B.R.; Sudan, R.N.

1983-07-01

The progress on this contract is described in three parts. The first deals with the technical operation of the LION accelerator. The second and third parts are concerned with the experimental results.

Monitoring the Durability Performance of Concrete in Nuclear Waste Containment. Technical Progress Report No. 4

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ulm, Franz-Josef

2000-06-30

OAK-B135 Monitoring the Durability Performance of Concrete in Nuclear Waste Containment. Technical Progress Report No. 4. The analysis of the effect of cracks on the acceleration of the calcium leaching process of cement-based materials has been pursued. During the last period (Technical Progress Report No 3), we have introduced a modeling accounting for the high diffusivity of fractures in comparison with the weak solid material diffusivity. It has been shown through dimensional and asymptotic analysis that small fractures do not significantly accelerate the material aging process. This important result for the overall structural aging kinetics of containment structure has beenmore » developed in a paper submitted to the international journal ''Transport in Porous Media''.« less

Transient corneal endothelial changes following accelerated collagen cross-linking for the treatment of progressive keratoconus.

PubMed

Cingü, Abdullah Kürşat; Sogutlu-Sari, Esin; Cınar, Yasin; Sahin, Muhammed; Türkçü, Fatih Mehmet; Yüksel, Harun; Sahin, Alparslan; Caça, Ihsan

2014-06-01

To evaluate the corneal endothelial changes following accelerated collagen cross-linking (CXL) for the treatment of progressive keratoconus. Thirty-six consecutive progressive keratoconus patients who received accelerated CXL treatment were enrolled in the study. Following de-epithelization, isoosmolar 0.1% riboflavin solution without dextran was instilled every 3 min throughout the 30 min of soaking time before the 5 min of 18 mW/cm(2) UVA irradiation and every 2 min during the UVA irradiation. Corneal specular microscopy was performed on both treated and fellow eyes of each patient preoperatively, in the first week, and in the first, third and sixth month postoperatively. There were significant differences in endothelial cell density (ECD), percentages of hexagonality (6A) and coefficient of variation of endothelial cell area (CV) in the first week and first month postoperatively in the treated eyes when compared to their preoperative values and also to the first week and first month ECD, 6A and CV values of the non-operative eyes. ECD returned to the preoperative values at sixth month whereas 6A and CV returned to the preoperative values at third month. Our results suggested that there may be transient changes in human corneal endothelium following accelerated UVA/riboflavin CXL. Resolution of these changes during the follow-up may indicate a safe recovery. However, the treatment guidelines for accelerated CXL including irradiance level and soaking time should be clearly established to minimize the toxic effects of the treatment.

Biological and medical research with accelerated heavy ions at the Bevalac, 1977-1980. [Lead abstract

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pirruccello, M.C.; Tobias, C.A.

1980-11-01

Separate abstracts were prepared for the 46 papers presented in this progress report. This report is a major review of studies with accelerated heavy ions carried out by the Biology and Medicine Division of Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory from 1977 to 1980. (KRM)

Computer-Assisted Learning in Elementary Reading: A Randomized Control Trial

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shannon, Lisa Cassidy; Styers, Mary Koenig; Wilkerson, Stephanie Baird; Peery, Elizabeth

2015-01-01

This study evaluated the efficacy of Accelerated Reader, a computer-based learning program, at improving student reading. Accelerated Reader is a progress-monitoring, assessment, and practice tool that supports classroom instruction and guides independent reading. Researchers used a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the program with 344…

Beam dynamics in MABE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Poukey, J.W.; Coleman, P.D.; Sanford, T.W.L.

1985-01-01

MABE is a multistage linear electron accelerator which accelerates up to nine beams in parallel. Nominal parameters per beam are 25 kA, final energy 7 MeV, and guide field 20 kG. We report recent progress via theory and simulation in understanding the beam dynamics in such a system. In particular, we emphasize our results on the radial oscillations and emittance growth for a beam passing through a series of accelerating gaps. 12 refs., 8 figs.

Holifield Heavy-Ion Research Facility at Oak Ridge

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jones, C.M.

1977-01-01

A new heavy-ion accelerator facility is now under construction at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. A brief description of the scope and schedule of this project is given, and the new large tandem accelerator, which will be a major element of the facility is discussed in some detail. Several studies which have been made or are in progress in Oak Ridge in preparation for operation of the tandem accelerator are briefly described.

MABE multibeam accelerator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hasti, D.E.; Ramirez, J.J.; Coleman, P.D.

1985-01-01

The Megamp Accelerator and Beam Experiment (MABE) was the technology development testbed for the multiple beam, linear induction accelerator approach for Hermes III, a new 20 MeV, 0.8 MA, 40 ns accelerator being developed at Sandia for gamma-ray simulation. Experimental studies of a high-current, single-beam accelerator (8 MeV, 80 kA), and a nine-beam injector (1.4 MeV, 25 kA/beam) have been completed, and experiments on a nine-beam linear induction accelerator are in progress. A two-beam linear induction accelerator is designed and will be built as a gamma-ray simulator to be used in parallel with Hermes III. The MABE pulsed power systemmore » and accelerator for the multiple beam experiments is described. Results from these experiments and the two-beam design are discussed. 11 refs., 6 figs.« less

Accelerating gradient improvement using shape-tailor laser front in radiation pressure acceleration progress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, W. P.; Shen, B. F.; Xu, Z. Z.

2017-05-01

The accelerating gradient of a proton beam is crucial for stable radiation pressure acceleration (RPA) because the multi-dimensional instabilities increase γ times slower in the relativistic region. In this paper, a shape-tailored laser is proposed to significantly accelerate the ions in a controllable high accelerating gradient. In this method, the fastest ions initially rest in the middle of the foil are controlled to catch the compressed electron layer at the end of the hole-boring stage, thus the light-sail stage can start as soon as possible. Then the compressed electron layer is accelerated tightly together with the fastest ions by the shaped laser intensity, which further increases the accelerating gradient in the light-sail stage. Such tailored pulse may be beneficial for the RPA driven by the 10-fs 10 petawatt laser in the future.

Tracking progress towards global drinking water and sanitation targets: A within and among country analysis.

PubMed

Fuller, James A; Goldstick, Jason; Bartram, Jamie; Eisenberg, Joseph N S

2016-01-15

Global access to safe drinking water and sanitation has improved dramatically during the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) period. However, there is substantial heterogeneity in progress between countries and inequality within countries. We assessed countries' temporal patterns in access to drinking water and sanitation using publicly available data. We then classified countries using non-linear modeling techniques as having one of the following trajectories: 100% coverage, linear growth, linear decline, no change, saturation, acceleration, deceleration, negative acceleration, or negative deceleration. We further assessed the degree to which temporal profiles follow a sigmoidal pattern and how these patterns might vary within a given country between rural and urban settings. Among countries with more than 10 data points, between 15% and 38% showed a non-linear trajectory, depending on the indicator. Overall, countries' progress followed a sigmoidal trend, but some countries are making better progress and some worse progress than would be expected. We highlight several countries that are not on track to meet the MDG for water or sanitation, but whose access is accelerating, suggesting better performance during the coming years. Conversely, we also highlight several countries that have made sufficient progress to meet the MDG target, but in which access is decelerating. Patterns were heterogeneous and non-linearity was common. Characterization of these heterogeneous patterns will help policy makers allocate resources more effectively. For example, policy makers can identify countries that could make use of additional resources or might be in need of additional institutional capacity development to properly manage resources; this will be essential to meet the forthcoming Sustainable Development Goals. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A human prostatic bacterial isolate alters the prostatic microenvironment and accelerates prostate cancer progression.

PubMed

Simons, Brian W; Durham, Nicholas M; Bruno, Tullia C; Grosso, Joseph F; Schaeffer, Anthony J; Ross, Ashley E; Hurley, Paula J; Berman, David M; Drake, Charles G; Thumbikat, Praveen; Schaeffer, Edward M

2015-02-01

Inflammation is associated with several diseases of the prostate including benign enlargement and cancer, but a causal relationship has not been established. Our objective was to characterize the prostate inflammatory microenvironment after infection with a human prostate-derived bacterial strain and to determine the effect of inflammation on prostate cancer progression. To this end, we mimicked typical human prostate infection with retrograde urethral instillation of CP1, a human prostatic isolate of Escherichia coli. CP1 bacteria were tropic for the accessory sex glands and induced acute inflammation in the prostate and seminal vesicles, with chronic inflammation lasting at least 1 year. Compared to controls, infection induced both acute and chronic inflammation with epithelial hyperplasia, stromal hyperplasia, and inflammatory cell infiltrates. In areas of inflammation, epithelial proliferation and hyperplasia often persist, despite decreased expression of androgen receptor (AR). Inflammatory cells in the prostates of CP1-infected mice were characterized at 8 weeks post-infection by flow cytometry, which showed an increase in macrophages and lymphocytes, particularly Th17 cells. Inflammation was additionally assessed in the context of carcinogenesis. Multiplex cytokine profiles of inflamed prostates showed that distinct inflammatory cytokines were expressed during prostate inflammation and cancer, with a subset of cytokines synergistically increased during concurrent inflammation and cancer. Furthermore, CP1 infection in the Hi-Myc mouse model of prostate cancer accelerated the development of invasive prostate adenocarcinoma, with 70% more mice developing cancer by 4.5 months of age. This study provides direct evidence that prostate inflammation accelerates prostate cancer progression and gives insight into the microenvironment changes induced by inflammation that may accelerate tumour initiation or progression. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Global Nutrition Report 2014: Actions and Accountability to Accelerate the World’s Progress on Nutrition1–4

PubMed Central

Haddad, Lawrence; Achadi, Endang; Bendech, Mohamed Ag; Ahuja, Arti; Bhatia, Komal; Bhutta, Zulfiqar; Blössner, Monika; Borghi, Elaine; Colecraft, Esi; de Onis, Mercedes; Eriksen, Kamilla; Fanzo, Jessica; Flores-Ayala, Rafael; Fracassi, Patrizia; Kimani-Murage, Elizabeth; Koukoubou, Eunice Nago; Krasevec, Julia; Newby, Holly; Nugent, Rachel; Oenema, Stineke; Martin-Prével, Yves; Randel, Judith; Requejo, Jennifer; Shyam, Tara; Udomkesmalee, Emorn; Reddy, K Srinath

2016-01-01

In 2013, the Nutrition for Growth Summit called for a Global Nutrition Report (GNR) to strengthen accountability in nutrition so that progress in reducing malnutrition could be accelerated. This article summarizes the results of the first GNR. By focusing on undernutrition and overweight, the GNR puts malnutrition in a new light. Nearly every country in the world is affected by malnutrition, and multiple malnutrition burdens are the “new normal.” Unfortunately, the world is off track to meet the 2025 World Health Assembly (WHA) targets for nutrition. Many countries are, however, making good progress on WHA indicators, providing inspiration and guidance for others. Beyond the WHA goals, nutrition needs to be more strongly represented in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) framework. At present, it is only explicitly mentioned in 1 of 169 SDG targets despite the many contributions improved nutritional status will make to their attainment. To achieve improvements in nutrition status, it is vital to scale up nutrition programs. We identify bottlenecks in the scale-up of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive approaches and highlight actions to accelerate coverage and reach. Holding stakeholders to account for delivery on nutrition actions requires a well-functioning accountability infrastructure, which is lacking in nutrition. New accountability mechanisms need piloting and evaluation, financial resource flows to nutrition need to be made explicit, nutrition spending targets should be established, and some key data gaps need to be filled. For example, many UN member states cannot report on their WHA progress and those that can often rely on data >5 y old. The world can accelerate malnutrition reduction substantially, but this will require stronger accountability mechanisms to hold all stakeholders to account. PMID:25740908

Plasma Accelerators Race to 10 GeV and Beyond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katsouleas, Tom

2005-10-01

This paper reviews the concepts, recent progress and current challenges for realizing the tremendous electric fields in relativistic plasma waves for applications ranging from tabletop particle accelerators to high-energy physics. Experiments in the 90's on laser-driven plasma wakefield accelerators at several laboratories around the world demonstrated the potential for plasma wakefields to accelerate intense bunches of self-trapped particles at rates as high as 100 GeV/m in mm-scale gas jets. These early experiments offered impressive gradients but large energy spread (100%) and short interaction lengths. Major breakthroughs have recently occurred on both fronts. Three groups (LBL-US, LOA-France and RAL-UK) have now entered a new regime of laser wakefield acceleration resulting in 100 MeV mono-energetic beams with up to nanoCoulombs of charge and very small angular spread. Simulations suggest that current lasers are just entering this new regime, and the scaling to higher energies appears attractive. In parallel with the progress in laser-driven wakefields, particle-beam driven wakefield accelerators are making large strides. A series of experiments using the 30 GeV beam of the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) has demonstrated high-gradient acceleration of electrons and positrons in meter-scale plasmas. The UCLA/USC/SLAC collaboration has accelerated electrons beyond 1 GeV and is aiming at 10 GeV in 30 cm as the next step toward a ``plasma afterburner,'' a concept for doubling the energy of a high-energy collider in a few tens of meters of plasma. In addition to wakefield acceleration, these and other experiments have demonstrated the rich physics bounty to be reaped from relativistic beam-plasma interactions. This includes plasma lenses capable of focusing particle beams to the highest density ever produced, collective radiation mechanisms capable of generating high-brightness x-ray beams, collective refraction of particles at a plasma interface, and acceleration of intense proton beams from laser-irradiated foils.

RARGE II: an integrated phenotype database of Arabidopsis mutant traits using a controlled vocabulary.

PubMed

Akiyama, Kenji; Kurotani, Atsushi; Iida, Kei; Kuromori, Takashi; Shinozaki, Kazuo; Sakurai, Tetsuya

2014-01-01

Arabidopsis thaliana is one of the most popular experimental plants. However, only 40% of its genes have at least one experimental Gene Ontology (GO) annotation assigned. Systematic observation of mutant phenotypes is an important technique for elucidating gene functions. Indeed, several large-scale phenotypic analyses have been performed and have generated phenotypic data sets from many Arabidopsis mutant lines and overexpressing lines, which are freely available online. Since each Arabidopsis mutant line database uses individual phenotype expression, the differences in the structured term sets used by each database make it difficult to compare data sets and make it impossible to search across databases. Therefore, we obtained publicly available information for a total of 66,209 Arabidopsis mutant lines, including loss-of-function (RATM and TARAPPER) and gain-of-function (AtFOX and OsFOX) lines, and integrated the phenotype data by mapping the descriptions onto Plant Ontology (PO) and Phenotypic Quality Ontology (PATO) terms. This approach made it possible to manage the four different phenotype databases as one large data set. Here, we report a publicly accessible web-based database, the RIKEN Arabidopsis Genome Encyclopedia II (RARGE II; http://rarge-v2.psc.riken.jp/), in which all of the data described in this study are included. Using the database, we demonstrated consistency (in terms of protein function) with a previous study and identified the presumed function of an unknown gene. We provide examples of AT1G21600, which is a subunit in the plastid-encoded RNA polymerase complex, and AT5G56980, which is related to the jasmonic acid signaling pathway.

HIGH TEMPERATURE SYSTEMS

DOEpatents

Thomson, G.P.; Blackman, M.

1961-07-25

BS>A device is descrined for producing nuclear fusion reactions by additional acceleration of a hydrogen isotope plasma formed and initially accelerated by a collapsing magnetic field. The plasma is enclosed in a toroidal cavity within a vessel composed of a plurality of insulated coaxial segments. The added acceleration is caused by providing progressing potentials to the insulated segments acting as electrodes by means of a segmented delay transmission line coupled to the electrode segments and excited by a two phase alternating current supply.

Contextualizing Arithmetic into Developmental Elementary Algebra Using Guided Problem Solving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guy, G. Michael; Cornick, Jonathan; Puri, Karan

2016-01-01

Many colleges are finding that the use of acceleration in developmental education is a promising direction for improved student progress toward a degree or certificate. Acceleration has been defined in the literature as the reorganization of curricula and instruction in ways that facilitate the completion of educational requirements in an…

Second-Degree Learners in Associate Degree Nursing Programs: Characteristics and Progression Success

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGinley, Patricia M.

2013-01-01

Second degree learners are attending associate (ADN), accelerated baccalaureate (BSN), and entry level masters (ELM) degree nursing programs. There is limited data related to the socio-demographic characteristics and graduation success rates of students attending accelerated BSN or ELM programs and no data related to second-degree learners…

Evaluation of the Accelerated Reader Program in Chesapeake, VA, Public Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chase, Elaine; Goodin, Penny; Nichols, W. Randolph

2010-01-01

The Accelerated Reader program from Renaissance Learning Inc. is a popular program implemented in elementary and middle schools across the country that encourages students to read and monitors their progress in the program. Despite its widespread use and popularity, there have been some questions about the program's effectiveness at increasing…

Calculating the radiation characteristics of accelerated electrons in laser-plasma interactions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, X. F.; Graduate School of Engineering, Utsunomiya University, 7-1-2 Yohtoh, Utsunomiya 321-8585; Yu, Q.

2016-03-15

In this paper, we studied the characteristics of radiation emitted by electrons accelerated in a laser–plasma interaction by using the Lienard–Wiechert field. In the interaction of a laser pulse with a underdense plasma, electrons are accelerated by two mechanisms: direct laser acceleration (DLA) and laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA). At the beginning of the process, the DLA electrons emit most of the radiation, and the DLA electrons emit a much higher peak photon energy than the LWFA electrons. As the laser–plasma interaction progresses, the LWFA electrons become the major radiation emitter; however, even at this stage, the contribution from DLA electronsmore » is significant, especially to the peak photon energy.« less

Accelerated Progress Through Self-Determination. Second Annual Report of the Choctaw Self-Determination Project, July 1, 1972 - October 31, 1973.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Philadelphia.

Self-determination for the Choctaw tribal government and its people was reflected in the progress made in program development. Programs in effect during fiscal year (FY) 1973 covered the full range of economic and social needs of the Choctaw people. Designed to complement the progress achieved during FY 1972, the following four developmental…

A Sickle Cell Disease Patient with Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation and Early Developed Pulmonary Hypertension.

PubMed

Vaidya, Gaurang; Sarwar, Muhammad; Sun, Zongxia; Wei, Tiemin; Liu, Kan

2015-01-01

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) worsens the mortality of the patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). The exact mechanism of PH development/progression in SCD, including the role of tricuspid regurgitation (TR), remains unclear. We herein report an unusual SCD case, complicated by chronic thromboembolic disorder, who developed severe TR and an accelerated progression of PH. Tricuspid valve surgery significantly ameliorated the patient's symptoms and reduced hospital readmission. The early detection and management of the reversible disorder accelerating the PH development in SCD patients may alter the clinical course, improve the quality of life, and potentially affect the long-term outcome.

Mercury accumulation and accelerated progression of carotid atherosclerosis: a population-based prospective 4-year follow-up study in men in eastern Finland.

PubMed

Salonen, J T; Seppänen, K; Lakka, T A; Salonen, R; Kaplan, G A

2000-02-01

Basic research and our previous studies have suggested that mercury exposure enhances lipid peroxidation and the risk of myocardial infarction, but there are no studies concerning the association between mercury accumulation and atherosclerosis. We therefore investigated whether high hair mercury content is associated with accelerated progression of carotid atherosclerosis, determined by ultrasonographic assessment of common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), in a prospective study among 1014 men aged 42-60 years. In a linear regression model adjusting for other atherosclerotic risk factors, high hair mercury content was one of the strongest predictors of the 4-year increase in the mean IMT (P2.81 microg/g (fifths) had an IMT increase of 0.105, 0.102, 0.113, 0.107 and 0.140 mm/4 years, respectively (P=0.041 for heterogeneity between groups). The IMT increase was 0.034 mm/4 years (31.9%) greater in the highest fifth than in the other fifths (P<0.05 for the difference). These findings suggest that mercury accumulation in the human body is associated with accelerated progression of carotid atherosclerosis.

Simultaneous versus Sequential Accelerated Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking and Wave Front Guided PRK for Treatment of Keratoconus: Objective and Subjective Evaluation

PubMed Central

El Emam, Dalia Sabry; Farag, Rania Kamel; Abouelkheir, Hossam Youssef

2016-01-01

Aim. To compare objective and subjective outcome after simultaneous wave front guided (WFG) PRK and accelerated corneal cross-linking (CXL) in patients with progressive keratoconus versus sequential WFG PRK 6 months after CXL. Methods. 62 eyes with progressive keratoconus were divided into two groups; the first including 30 eyes underwent simultaneous WFG PRK with accelerated CXL. The second including 32 eyes underwent subsequent WFG PRK performed 6 months later after accelerated CXL. Visual, refractive, topographic, and aberrometric data were determined preoperatively and during 1-year follow-up period and the results compared in between the 2 studied groups. Results. All evaluated visual, refractive, and aberrometric parameters demonstrated highly significant improvement in both studied groups (all P < 0.001). A significant improvement was observed in keratometric and Q values. The improvement in all parameters was stable till the end of follow-up. Likewise, no significant difference was determined in between the 2 groups in any of recorded parameters. Subjective data revealed similarly significant improvement in both groups. Conclusions. WFG PRK and accelerated CXL is an effective and safe option to improve the vision in mild to moderate keratoconus. In one-year follow-up, there is no statistically significant difference between the simultaneous and sequential procedure. PMID:28127465

Simultaneous versus Sequential Accelerated Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking and Wave Front Guided PRK for Treatment of Keratoconus: Objective and Subjective Evaluation.

PubMed

Abou Samra, Waleed Ali; El Emam, Dalia Sabry; Farag, Rania Kamel; Abouelkheir, Hossam Youssef

2016-01-01

Aim . To compare objective and subjective outcome after simultaneous wave front guided (WFG) PRK and accelerated corneal cross-linking (CXL) in patients with progressive keratoconus versus sequential WFG PRK 6 months after CXL. Methods . 62 eyes with progressive keratoconus were divided into two groups; the first including 30 eyes underwent simultaneous WFG PRK with accelerated CXL. The second including 32 eyes underwent subsequent WFG PRK performed 6 months later after accelerated CXL. Visual, refractive, topographic, and aberrometric data were determined preoperatively and during 1-year follow-up period and the results compared in between the 2 studied groups. Results . All evaluated visual, refractive, and aberrometric parameters demonstrated highly significant improvement in both studied groups (all P < 0.001). A significant improvement was observed in keratometric and Q values. The improvement in all parameters was stable till the end of follow-up. Likewise, no significant difference was determined in between the 2 groups in any of recorded parameters. Subjective data revealed similarly significant improvement in both groups. Conclusions . WFG PRK and accelerated CXL is an effective and safe option to improve the vision in mild to moderate keratoconus. In one-year follow-up, there is no statistically significant difference between the simultaneous and sequential procedure.

Laser polishing for topography management of accelerator cavity surfaces

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhao, Liang; Klopf, J. Mike; Reece, Charles E.

2015-07-20

Improved energy efficiency and reduced cost are greatly desired for advanced particle accelerators. Progress toward both can be made by atomically-smoothing the interior surface of the niobium superconducting radiofrequency accelerator cavities at the machine's heart. Laser polishing offers a green alternative to the present aggressive chemical processes. We found parameters suitable for polishing niobium in all surface states expected for cavity production. As a result, careful measurement of the resulting surface chemistry revealed a modest thinning of the surface oxide layer, but no contamination.

Modeling the double charge exchange response function for a tetraneutron system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lazauskas, R.; Carbonell, J.; Hiyama, E.

2017-07-01

This work is an attempt to model the 4 n response function of a recent RIKEN experimental study of the double charge exchange  4 He( 8 He, 8 Be) 4n reaction in order to put in evidence an eventual enhancement mechanism of the zero-energy cross section, including a near-threshold resonance. This resonance can indeed be reproduced only by adding to the standard nuclear Hamiltonian an unphysically large T =3/2 attractive 3 n -force that destroys the neighboring nuclear chart. No other mechanisms, like cusps or related structures, were found.

Resonant scattering experiments with radioactive nuclear beams - Recent results and future plans

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Teranishi, T.; Sakaguchi, S.; Uesaka, T.

2013-04-19

Resonant scattering with low-energy radioactive nuclear beams of E < 5 MeV/u have been studied at CRIB of CNS and at RIPS of RIKEN. As an extension to the present experimental technique, we will install an advanced polarized proton target for resonant scattering experiments. A Monte-Carlo simulation was performed to study the feasibility of future experiments with the polarized target. In the Monte-Carlo simulation, excitation functions and analyzing powers were calculated using a newly developed R-matrix calculation code. A project of a small-scale radioactive beam facility at Kyushu University is also briefly described.

Study IDs Genetic Markers that Speed AIDS Progression | Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research

Cancer.gov

A study published in the journal Science sheds new light on how a set of human genes can accelerate progression of AIDS-related illness in people living with HIV who are not on treatment. South African scientists led the international research team,

The Effect of Accelerated Reader on Reading Scores in a Rural School District

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hunter, Teresa A.

2013-01-01

In this study, the implementation of Accelerated Reader (AR), a computer-assisted supplemental reading program, was investigated as a research-based instructional strategy to assess whether it aided a high-performing, rural school district in meeting adequate yearly progress goals. The theoretical framework was based on Vygotsky's zone of…

Synergistic Action of FOXP3 and TSC1 Pathways During Tumor Progression

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-01

invasive carcinoma and, ultimately, metastatic disease [1-3]. Mouse models of PIN (mPIN) generated by a single- mutant gene in prostate do not progress...downstream target) is sufficient to significantly reduce the initiation of prostate cancer in the Pten conditional knockout mouse model [19-21...the possibility that these two genetic hits cooperate to promote tumor progression, and mouse models show that this cooperation accelerates

The tempo of relationship progression among low-income couples ☆

PubMed Central

Sassler, Sharon; Addo, Fenaba; Hartmann, Elizabeth

2012-01-01

This paper examines the factors associated with the tempo of low-income couples’ relationship progression into sexual involvement and coresidence. Data come from a recently-collected survey, the Marital and Relationship Survey (MARS) that obtained information from low- to moderate-income married and cohabiting couples. Over one-fifth of male and female respondents reported becoming sexually involved with their current partner within the first week of dating. Entrance into shared living was also quite rapid; about one-third of respondents moved in with their partner within 6 months. Furthermore, about two-thirds of married respondents initially cohabited with their partners. Indicators of family disadvantage accelerated entrance into sexual involvement and coresidence; these effects are more pronounced for women than men. Our results also suggest that the pace of relationship progression, into sexual involvement as well as shared living, has accelerated among unions formed more recently. PMID:25197151

Dual therapeutic functions of F-5 fragment in burn wounds: preventing wound progression and promoting wound healing in pigs.

PubMed

Bhatia, Ayesha; O'Brien, Kathryn; Chen, Mei; Wong, Alex; Garner, Warren; Woodley, David T; Li, Wei

2016-01-01

Burn injuries are a leading cause of morbidity including prolonged hospitalization, disfigurement, and disability. Currently there is no Food and Drug Administration-approved burn therapeutics. A clinical distinction of burn injuries from other acute wounds is the event of the so-called secondary burn wound progression within the first week of the injury, in which a burn expands horizontally and vertically from its initial boundary to a larger area. Therefore, an effective therapeutics for burns should show dual abilities to prevent the burn wound progression and thereafter promote burn wound healing. Herein we report that topically applied F-5 fragment of heat shock protein-90α is a dual functional agent to promote burn wound healing in pigs. First, F-5 prevents burn wound progression by protecting the surrounding cells from undergoing heat-induced caspase 3 activation and apoptosis with increased Akt activation. Accordingly, F-5-treated burn and excision wounds show a marked decline in inflammation. Thereafter, F-5 accelerates burn wound healing by stimulating the keratinocyte migration-led reepithelialization, leading to wound closure. This study addresses a topical agent that is capable of preventing burn wound progression and accelerating burn wound healing.

New solutions with accelerated expansion in string theory

DOE PAGES

Dodelson, Matthew; Dong, Xi; Silverstein, Eva; ...

2014-12-05

We present concrete solutions with accelerated expansion in string theory, requiring a small, tractable list of stress energy sources. We explain how this construction (and others in progress) evades previous no go theorems for simple accelerating solutions. Our solutions respect an approximate scaling symmetry and realize discrete sequences of values for the equation of state, including one with an accumulation point at w = –1 and another accumulating near w = –1/3 from below. In another class of models, a density of defects generates scaling solutions with accelerated expansion. Here, we briefly discuss potential applications to dark energy phenomenology, andmore » to holography for cosmology.« less

Progress on the Multiphysics Capabilities of the Parallel Electromagnetic ACE3P Simulation Suite

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kononenko, Oleksiy

2015-03-26

ACE3P is a 3D parallel simulation suite that is being developed at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Effectively utilizing supercomputer resources, ACE3P has become a key tool for the coupled electromagnetic, thermal and mechanical research and design of particle accelerators. Based on the existing finite-element infrastructure, a massively parallel eigensolver is developed for modal analysis of mechanical structures. It complements a set of the multiphysics tools in ACE3P and, in particular, can be used for the comprehensive study of microphonics in accelerating cavities ensuring the operational reliability of a particle accelerator.

Betatron radiation based diagnostics for plasma wakefield accelerated electron beams at the SPARC_LAB test facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shpakov, V.; Anania, M. P.; Biagioni, A.; Chiadroni, E.; Cianchi, A.; Curcio, A.; Dabagov, S.; Ferrario, M.; Filippi, F.; Marocchino, A.; Paroli, B.; Pompili, R.; Rossi, A. R.; Zigler, A.

2016-09-01

Recent progress with wake-field acceleration has shown a great potential in providing high gradient acceleration fields, while the quality of the beams remains relatively poor. Precise knowledge of the beam size at the exit from the plasma and matching conditions for the externally injected beams are the key for improvement of beam quality. Betatron radiation emitted by the beam during acceleration in the plasma is a powerful tool for the transverse beam size measurement, being also non-intercepting. In this work we report on the technical solutions chosen at SPARC_LAB for such diagnostics tool, along with expected parameters of betatron radiation.

Chronic exposure to cocaine binging predisposes to an accelerated course of dilated cardiomyopathy in conscious dogs following rapid ventricular pacing.

PubMed

Parikh, Pratik; Nikolaidis, Lazaros A; Stolarski, Carol; Shen, You-Tang; Shannon, Richard P

2005-12-01

Despite extensive study, the extent to which cocaine use predisposes to cardiac injury remains unknown. We hypothesized that chronic cocaine binging would increase susceptibility to a subsequent cardiac insult, even in the absence of demonstrable effects on baseline hemodynamics. We studied progression of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) induced by rapid ventricular pacing (240 beats per minute) in five conscious, chronically instrumented dogs, after exposure to repetitive cocaine binging (COC) in the form of four consecutive 1 mg/kg i.v. boluses daily for 8 days, to simulate human cocaine abuse. We compared the results with nine control dogs (CON) undergoing the exact pacing protocol, without prior cocaine exposure. Baseline hemodynamics were not significantly altered by chronic cocaine exposure. Following 2 weeks of pacing, COC dogs exhibited accelerated progression to DCM, depressed plasma nitric oxide levels (CON, 17 +/- 2 microM; COC, 10 +/- 2 microM, p < 0.05), and a significantly greater increase in plasma epinephrine (CON, 33 +/- 6 pg/ml; COC, 104 +/- 24 pg/ml). After only 2 weeks of pacing, COC dogs demonstrated progressive DCM of a magnitude comparable with end-stage pacing-induced DCM. Chronic cocaine binging increases susceptibility to a subsequent myocardial insult and accelerates progression of DCM in conscious dogs following rapid pacing. These data suggest that although chronic cocaine use alone may not affect myocardial function, it predisposes to greater susceptibility to a superimposed insult.

Exogenous hydrogen sulfide exerts proliferation, anti-apoptosis, migration effects and accelerates cell cycle progression in multiple myeloma cells via activating the Akt pathway.

PubMed

Zheng, Dong; Chen, Ziang; Chen, Jingfu; Zhuang, Xiaomin; Feng, Jianqiang; Li, Juan

2016-10-01

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), regarded as the third gaseous transmitter, mediates and induces various biological effects. The present study investigated the effects of H2S on multiple myeloma cell progression via amplifying the activation of Akt pathway in multiple myeloma cells. The level of H2S produced in multiple myeloma (MM) patients and healthy subjects was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). MM cells were treated with 500 µmol/l NaHS (a donor of H2S) for 24 h. The expression levels of phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt), Bcl-2 and caspase-3 were measured by western blot assay. Cell viability was detected by Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8). The cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. Our results show that the concentration of H2S was higher in MM patients and that it increased in parallel with disease progression. Treating MM cells with 500 µmol/l NaHS for 24 h markedly increased the expression level of Bcl-2 and the activation of p-Akt, however, the expression level of caspase-3 was decreased, cell viability was increased, and cell cycle progression was accelerated in MM cells. NaHS also induced migration in MM cells in transwell migration assay. Furthermore, co-treatment of MM cells with 500 µmol/l NaHS and 50 µmol/l LY294002 for 24 h significantly overset these effects. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that the Akt pathway contributes to NaHS-induced cell proliferation, migration and acceleration of cell cycle progression in MM cells.

Harnessing the crowd to accelerate molecular medicine research.

PubMed

Smith, Robert J; Merchant, Raina M

2015-07-01

Crowdsourcing presents a novel approach to solving complex problems within molecular medicine. By leveraging the expertise of fellow scientists across the globe, broadcasting to and engaging the public for idea generation, harnessing a scalable workforce for quick data management, and fundraising for research endeavors, crowdsourcing creates novel opportunities for accelerating scientific progress. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Learn-as-you-go acceleration of cosmological parameter estimates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aslanyan, Grigor; Easther, Richard; Price, Layne C.

2015-09-01

Cosmological analyses can be accelerated by approximating slow calculations using a training set, which is either precomputed or generated dynamically. However, this approach is only safe if the approximations are well understood and controlled. This paper surveys issues associated with the use of machine-learning based emulation strategies for accelerating cosmological parameter estimation. We describe a learn-as-you-go algorithm that is implemented in the Cosmo++ code and (1) trains the emulator while simultaneously estimating posterior probabilities; (2) identifies unreliable estimates, computing the exact numerical likelihoods if necessary; and (3) progressively learns and updates the error model as the calculation progresses. We explicitly describe and model the emulation error and show how this can be propagated into the posterior probabilities. We apply these techniques to the Planck likelihood and the calculation of ΛCDM posterior probabilities. The computation is significantly accelerated without a pre-defined training set and uncertainties in the posterior probabilities are subdominant to statistical fluctuations. We have obtained a speedup factor of 6.5 for Metropolis-Hastings and 3.5 for nested sampling. Finally, we discuss the general requirements for a credible error model and show how to update them on-the-fly.

SAMS Acceleration Measurements on Mir (NASA Increment 4)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeLombard, Richard

1998-01-01

During NASA Increment 4 (January to May 1997), about 5 gigabytes of acceleration data were collected by the Space Acceleration Measurements System (SAMS) onboard the Russian Space Station, Mir. The data were recorded on 28 optical disks which were returned to Earth on STS-84. During this increment, SAMS data were collected in the Priroda module to support the Mir Structural Dynamics Experiment (MiSDE), the Binary Colloidal Alloy Tests (BCAT), Angular Liquid Bridge (ALB), Candle Flames in Microgravity (CFM), Diffusion Controlled Apparatus Module (DCAM), Enhanced Dynamic Load Sensors (EDLS), Forced Flow Flame Spreading Test (FFFr), Liquid Metal Diffusion (LMD), Protein Crystal Growth in Dewar (PCG/Dewar), Queen's University Experiments in Liquid Diffusion (QUELD), and Technical Evaluation of MIM (TEM). This report points out some of the salient features of the microgravity environment to which these experiments were exposed. Also documented are mission events of interest such as the docked phase of STS-84 operations, a Progress engine bum, Soyuz vehicle docking and undocking, and Progress vehicle docking. This report presents an overview of the SAMS acceleration measurements recorded by 10 Hz and 100 Hz sensor heads. The analyses included herein complement those presented in previous summary reports prepared by the Principal Investigator Microgravity Services (PIMS) group.

Learn-as-you-go acceleration of cosmological parameter estimates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Aslanyan, Grigor; Easther, Richard; Price, Layne C., E-mail: g.aslanyan@auckland.ac.nz, E-mail: r.easther@auckland.ac.nz, E-mail: lpri691@aucklanduni.ac.nz

2015-09-01

Cosmological analyses can be accelerated by approximating slow calculations using a training set, which is either precomputed or generated dynamically. However, this approach is only safe if the approximations are well understood and controlled. This paper surveys issues associated with the use of machine-learning based emulation strategies for accelerating cosmological parameter estimation. We describe a learn-as-you-go algorithm that is implemented in the Cosmo++ code and (1) trains the emulator while simultaneously estimating posterior probabilities; (2) identifies unreliable estimates, computing the exact numerical likelihoods if necessary; and (3) progressively learns and updates the error model as the calculation progresses. We explicitlymore » describe and model the emulation error and show how this can be propagated into the posterior probabilities. We apply these techniques to the Planck likelihood and the calculation of ΛCDM posterior probabilities. The computation is significantly accelerated without a pre-defined training set and uncertainties in the posterior probabilities are subdominant to statistical fluctuations. We have obtained a speedup factor of 6.5 for Metropolis-Hastings and 3.5 for nested sampling. Finally, we discuss the general requirements for a credible error model and show how to update them on-the-fly.« less

β -decay scheme of 140Te to I 140 : Suppression of Gamow-Teller transitions between the neutron h9 /2 and proton h11 /2 partner orbitals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moon, B.; Moon, C.-B.; Odahara, A.; Lozeva, R.; Söderström, P.-A.; Browne, F.; Yuan, C.; Yagi, A.; Hong, B.; Jung, H. S.; Lee, P.; Lee, C. S.; Nishimura, S.; Doornenbal, P.; Lorusso, G.; Sumikama, T.; Watanabe, H.; Kojouharov, I.; Isobe, T.; Baba, H.; Sakurai, H.; Daido, R.; Fang, Y.; Nishibata, H.; Patel, Z.; Rice, S.; Sinclair, L.; Wu, J.; Xu, Z. Y.; Yokoyama, R.; Kubo, T.; Inabe, N.; Suzuki, H.; Fukuda, N.; Kameda, D.; Takeda, H.; Ahn, D. S.; Shimizu, Y.; Murai, D.; Bello Garrote, F. L.; Daugas, J. M.; Didierjean, F.; Ideguchi, E.; Ishigaki, T.; Morimoto, S.; Niikura, M.; Nishizuka, I.; Komatsubara, T.; Kwon, Y. K.; Tshoo, K.

2017-07-01

We report for the first time the β -decay scheme of 140Te (Z =52 ) to 140I (Z =53 ), with a specific focus on the Gamow-Teller strength along N =87 isotones. These results were obtained in an experiment performed at the Radioactive Ion Beam Factory (RIBF), RIKEN, where the parent nuclide, 140Te, was produced through the in-flight fission of a 238U beam at 345 MeV per nucleon impinging on a 9Be target. Based on data from the high-efficiency γ -ray spectrometer, EUROBALL-RIKEN Cluster Array (EURICA), we constructed a decay scheme of 140I. The half-life of 140Te has been determined to be 350(5) ms. A level at 926 keV has been assigned as a (1+) state based on the logf t value of 4.89(6). This (1+) state, commonly observed in odd-odd nuclei, can be interpreted in terms of the π h11 /2ν h9 /2 configuration formed by the Gamow-Teller transition between a neutron in the h9 /2 orbital and a proton in the h11 /2 orbital. We observe a sharp contrast to this type of β -decay branching to the lower-lying 1+ states between 140I and 136I, where we see a large reduction as the number of neutrons increases. This is in contrast to the prediction by large-scale shell model calculations. To investigate this type of the suppression, results of the Nilsson model calculations will be discussed. Along the isotones with N =87 , we discuss a characteristic feature of the Gamow-Teller distributions at 1+ states with respect to the isospin difference.

Chaotic dynamics in accelerator physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cary, J. R.

1992-11-01

Substantial progress was made in several areas of accelerator dynamics. We have completed a design of an FEL wiggler with adiabatic trapping and detrapping sections to develop an understanding of longitudinal adiabatic dynamics and to create efficiency enhancements for recirculating free-electron lasers. We developed a computer code for analyzing the critical KAM tori that binds the dynamic aperture in circular machines. Studies of modes that arise due to the interaction of coating beams with a narrow-spectrum impedance have begun. During this research educational and research ties with the accelerator community at large have been strengthened.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vesztergombi, G.

Present day accelerators are working well in the multi TeV energy scale and one is expecting exciting results in the coming years. Conventional technologies, however, can offer only incremental (factor 2 or 3) increase in beam energies which does not follow the usual speed of progress in the frontiers of high energy physics. Laser plasma accelerators theoretically provide unique possibilities to achieve orders of magnitude increases entering the PetaelectronVolt (PeV) energy range. It will be discussed what kind of new perspectives could be opened for the physics at this new energy scale. What type of accelerators would be required?.

Laser-driven particle acceleration for radiobiology and radiotherapy: where we are and where we are going

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giulietti, Antonio

2017-05-01

Radiation therapy of tumors progresses continuously and so do devices, sharing a global market of about $ 4 billions, growing at an annual rate exceeding 5%. Most of the progress involves tumor targeting, multi-beam irradiation, reduction of damage on healthy tissues and critical organs, dose fractioning. This fast-evolving scenario is the moving benchmark for the progress of the laser-based accelerators towards clinical uses. As for electrons, both energy and dose requested by radiotherapy are available with plasma accelerators driven by lasers in the power range of tens of TW but several issues have still to be faced before getting a prototype device for clinical tests. They include capability of varying electron energy, stability of the process, reliability for medical users. On the other side hadron therapy, presently applied to a small fraction of cases but within an exponential growth, is a primary option for the future. With such a strong motivation, research on laser-based proton/ion acceleration has been supported in the last decade in order to get performances suitable to clinical standards. None of these performances has been achieved so far with laser techniques. In the meantime a rich crop of data have been obtained in radiobiological experiments performed with beams of particles produced with laser techniques. It is quite significant however that most of the experiments have been performed moving bio samples to laser labs, rather moving laser equipment to bio labs or clinical contexts. This give us the measure that laser community cannot so far provide practical devices usable by non-laser people.

Progress of the Felsenkeller Shallow-Underground Accelerator for Nuclear Astrophysics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bemmerer, D.; Cavanna, F.; Cowan, T. E.; Grieger, M.; Hensel, T.; Junghans, A. R.; Ludwig, F.; Müller, S. E.; Rimarzig, B.; Reinicke, S.; Schulz, S.; Schwengner, R.; Stöckel, K.; Szücs, T.; Takács, M. P.; Wagner, A.; Wagner, L.; Zuber, K.

Low-background experiments with stable ion beams are an important tool for putting the model of stellar hydrogen, helium, and carbon burning on a solid experimental foundation. The pioneering work in this regard has been done by the LUNA collaboration at Gran Sasso, using a 0.4 MV accelerator. In the present contribution, the status of the project for a higher-energy underground accelerator is reviewed. Two tunnels of the Felsenkeller underground site in Dresden, Germany, are currently being refurbished for the installation of a 5 MV high-current Pelletron accelerator. Construction work is on schedule and expected to complete in August 2017. The accelerator will provide intense, 50 µA, beams of 1H+, 4He+, and 12C+ ions, enabling research on astrophysically relevant nuclear reactions with unprecedented sensitivity.

Graphics Processing Unit Acceleration of Gyrokinetic Turbulence Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hause, Benjamin; Parker, Scott

2012-10-01

We find a substantial increase in on-node performance using Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) acceleration in gyrokinetic delta-f particle-in-cell simulation. Optimization is performed on a two-dimensional slab gyrokinetic particle simulation using the Portland Group Fortran compiler with the GPU accelerator compiler directives. We have implemented the GPU acceleration on a Core I7 gaming PC with a NVIDIA GTX 580 GPU. We find comparable, or better, acceleration relative to the NERSC DIRAC cluster with the NVIDIA Tesla C2050 computing processor. The Tesla C 2050 is about 2.6 times more expensive than the GTX 580 gaming GPU. Optimization strategies and comparisons between DIRAC and the gaming PC will be presented. We will also discuss progress on optimizing the comprehensive three dimensional general geometry GEM code.

Understanding of Particle Acceleration by Foreshock Transients (invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, T. Z.; Angelopoulos, V.; Hietala, H.; Lu, S.; Wilson, L. B., III

2017-12-01

Although plasma shocks are known to be a major particle accelerator at Earth's environment (e.g., the bow shock) and elsewhere in the universe, how particles are accelerated to very large energies compared to the shock potential is still not fully understood. Significant new information on such acceleration in the vicinity of Earth's bow shock has recently emerged due to the availability of multi-point observations, in particular from Cluster and THEMIS. These have revealed numerous types of foreshock transients, formed by shock-reflected ions, which could play a crucial role in particle pre-acceleration, i.e. before the particles reach the shock to be subjected again to even further acceleration. Foreshock bubbles (FBs) and hot flow anomalies (HFAs), are a subset of such foreshock transients that are especially important due to their large spatial scale (1-10 Earth radii), and their ability to have global effects at Earth.s geospace. These transients can accelerate particles that can become a particle source for the parent shock. Here we introduce our latest progress in understanding particle acceleration by foreshock transients including their statistical characteristics and acceleration mechanisms.

Understanding of Particle Acceleration by Foreshock Transients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, T. Z.; Angelopoulos, V.; Hietala, H.; Lu, S.; Wilson, L. B., III

2017-12-01

Although plasma shocks are known to be a major particle accelerator at Earth's environment (e.g., the bow shock) and elsewhere in the universe, how particles are accelerated to very large energies compared to the shock potential is still not fully understood. Significant new information on such acceleration in the vicinity of Earth's bow shock has recently emerged due to the availability of multi-point observations, in particular from Cluster and THEMIS. These have revealed numerous types of foreshock transients, formed by shock-reflected ions, which could play a crucial role in particle pre-acceleration, i.e. before the particles reach the shock to be subjected again to even further acceleration. Foreshock bubbles (FBs) and hot flow anomalies (HFAs), are a subset of such foreshock transients that are especially important due to their large spatial scale (1-10 Earth radii), and their ability to have global effects at Earth's geospace. These transients can accelerate particles that can become a particle source for the parent shock. Here we introduce our latest progress in understanding particle acceleration by foreshock transients including their statistical characteristics and acceleration mechanisms.

Studies of industrial emissions by accelerator-based techniques: A review of applications at CEDAD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calcagnile, L.; Quarta, G.

2012-04-01

Different research activities are in progress at the Centre for Dating and Diagnostics (CEDAD), University of Salento, in the field of environmental monitoring by exploiting the potentialities given by the different experimental beam lines implemented on the 3 MV Tande-tron accelerator and dedicated to AMS (Accelerator Mass Spectrome-try) radiocarbon dating and IB A (Ion Beam Analysis). An overview of these activities is presented by showing how accelerator-based analytical techniques can be a powerful tool for monitoring the anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources and for the assessment of the biogenic content in SRF (Solid Recovered Fuel) burned in WTE (Waste to Energy) plants.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hanada, M., E-mail: hanada.masaya@jaea.go.jp; Kojima, A.; Tobari, H.

In order to realize negative ion sources and accelerators to be applicable to International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor and JT-60 Super Advanced, a large cesium (Cs)-seeded negative ion source and a multi-aperture and multi-stage electric acceleration have been developed at Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA). Long pulse production and acceleration of the negative ion beams have been independently carried out. The long pulse production of the high current beams has achieved 100 s at the beam current of 15 A by modifying the JT-60 negative ion source. The pulse duration time is increased three times longer than that before the modification.more » As for the acceleration, a pulse duration time has been also extended two orders of magnitudes from 0.4 s to 60 s. The developments of the negative ion source and acceleration at JAEA are well in progress towards the realization of the negative ion sources and accelerators for fusion applications.« less

Ionization oscillations in Hall accelerators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barral, S.; Peradzyński, Z.

2010-01-01

The underlying mechanism of low-frequency oscillations in Hall accelerators is investigated theoretically. It is shown that relaxation oscillations arise from a competition between avalanche ionization and the advective transport of the working gas. The model derived recovers the slow progression and fast recession of the ionization front. Analytical approximations of the shape of current pulses and of the oscillation frequency are provided for the case of large amplitude oscillations.

A No-Grammar Approach to Sentence Power: John C. Mellon's Sentence-Combining Games.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cooper, Charles R.

1971-01-01

This study is concerned with increasing the rate at which children progress toward more highly differentiated sentence structure. The study recommends sentence-combining practices that will accelerate this progress. The two main purposes of grammar study have been to prevent errors in writing and to present the full range of sentence structures…

Beyond Subprime Learning: Accelerating Progress in Early Education. Policy Brief

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bornfreund, Laura; McCann, Clare; Williams, Conor; Guernsey, Lisa

2014-01-01

Earlier this year, in "Subprime Learning: Early Education in America since the Great Recession," the current state of early education in the U.S. was surveyed by examining progress over the last five years . It was found that while the public, political, and research consensus is stronger than ever, the field remains in dire need of…

Construction of Pará rubber tree genome and multi-transcriptome database accelerates rubber researches.

PubMed

Makita, Yuko; Kawashima, Mika; Lau, Nyok Sean; Othman, Ahmad Sofiman; Matsui, Minami

2018-01-19

Natural rubber is an economically important material. Currently the Pará rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis is the main commercial source. Little is known about rubber biosynthesis at the molecular level. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies brought draft genomes of three rubber cultivars and a variety of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data. However, no current genome or transcriptome databases (DB) are organized by gene. A gene-oriented database is a valuable support for rubber research. Based on our original draft genome sequence of H. brasiliensis RRIM600, we constructed a rubber tree genome and transcriptome DB. Our DB provides genome information including gene functional annotations and multi-transcriptome data of RNA-seq, full-length cDNAs including PacBio Isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq), ESTs and genome wide transcription start sites (TSSs) derived from CAGE technology. Using our original and publically available RNA-seq data, we calculated co-expressed genes for identifying functionally related gene sets and/or genes regulated by the same transcription factor (TF). Users can access multi-transcriptome data through both a gene-oriented web page and a genome browser. For the gene searching system, we provide keyword search, sequence homology search and gene expression search; users can also select their expression threshold easily. The rubber genome and transcriptome DB provides rubber tree genome sequence and multi-transcriptomics data. This DB is useful for comprehensive understanding of the rubber transcriptome. This will assist both industrial and academic researchers for rubber and economically important close relatives such as R. communis, M. esculenta and J. curcas. The Rubber Transcriptome DB release 2017.03 is accessible at http://matsui-lab.riken.jp/rubber/ .

Identification of New Neutron-Rich Isotopes in the Rare-Earth Region Produced by 345 MeV/nucleon 238U

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukuda, Naoki; Kubo, Toshiyuki; Kameda, Daisuke; Inabe, Naohito; Suzuki, Hiroshi; Shimizu, Yohei; Takeda, Hiroyuki; Kusaka, Kensuke; Yanagisawa, Yoshiyuki; Ohtake, Masao; Tanaka, Kanenobu; Yoshida, Koichi; Sato, Hiromi; Baba, Hidetada; Kurokawa, Meiko; Ohnishi, Tetsuya; Iwasa, Naohito; Chiba, Ayuko; Yamada, Taku; Ideguchi, Eiji; Go, Shintaro; Yokoyama, Rin; Fujii, Toshihiko; Nishibata, Hiroki; Ieki, Kazuo; Murai, Daichi; Momota, Sadao; Nishimura, Daiki; Sato, Yoshiteru; Hwang, Jongwon; Kim, Sunji; Tarasov, Oleg B.; Morrissey, David J.; Simpson, Gary

2018-01-01

A search for new isotopes in the neutron-rich rare-earth region has been carried out using a 345 MeV/nucleon 238U beam at the RIKEN Nishina Center RI Beam Factory. Fragments produced were analyzed and identified using the BigRIPS in-flight separator. We observed a total of 29 new neutron-rich isotopes: 153Ba, 154,155,156La, 156,157,158Ce, 156,157,158,159,160,161Pr, 162,163Nd, 164,165Pm, 166,167Sm, 169Eu, 171Gd, 173,174Tb, 175,176Dy, 177,178Ho, and 179,180Er.

Accelerating the Rate of Astronomical Discovery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norris, Ray P. Ruggles, Clive L. N.

2010-05-01

Special Session 5 on Accelerating the Rate of Astronomical Discovery addressed a range of potential limits to progress - paradigmatic, technological, organisational, and political - examining each issue both from modern and historical perspectives, and drawing lessons to guide future progress. A number of issues were identified which potentially regulate the flow of discoveries, such as the balance between large strongly-focussed projects and instruments, designed to answer the most fundamental questions confronting us, and the need to maintain a creative environment with room for unorthodox thinkers and bold, high risk, projects. Also important is the need to maintain historical and cultural perspectives, and the need to engage the minds of the most brilliant young people on the planet, regardless of their background, ethnicity, gender, or geography.

SpS5: Accelerating the Rate of Astronomical Discovery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norris, Ray P.

2010-11-01

Special Session 5 on Accelerating the Rate of Astronomical Discovery addressed a range of potential limits to progress: paradigmatic, technological, organizational, and political. It examined each issue both from modern and historical perspectives, and drew lessons to guide future progress. A number of issues were identified which may regulate the flow of discoveries, such as the balance between large strongly-focussed projects and instruments, designed to answer the most fundamental questions confronting us, and the need to maintain a creative environment with room for unorthodox thinkers and bold, high risk, projects. Also important is the need to maintain historical and cultural perspectives, and the need to engage the minds of the most brilliant young people on the planet, regardless of their background, ethnicity, gender, or geography.

Accelerated Brain Aging in Schizophrenia: A Longitudinal Pattern Recognition Study.

PubMed

Schnack, Hugo G; van Haren, Neeltje E M; Nieuwenhuis, Mireille; Hulshoff Pol, Hilleke E; Cahn, Wiepke; Kahn, René S

2016-06-01

Despite the multitude of longitudinal neuroimaging studies that have been published, a basic question on the progressive brain loss in schizophrenia remains unaddressed: Does it reflect accelerated aging of the brain, or is it caused by a fundamentally different process? The authors used support vector regression, a supervised machine learning technique, to address this question. In a longitudinal sample of 341 schizophrenia patients and 386 healthy subjects with one or more structural MRI scans (1,197 in total), machine learning algorithms were used to build models to predict the age of the brain and the presence of schizophrenia ("schizophrenia score"), based on the gray matter density maps. Age at baseline ranged from 16 to 67 years, and follow-up scans were acquired between 1 and 13 years after the baseline scan. Differences between brain age and chronological age ("brain age gap") and between schizophrenia score and healthy reference score ("schizophrenia gap") were calculated. Accelerated brain aging was calculated from changes in brain age gap between two consecutive measurements. The age prediction model was validated in an independent sample. In schizophrenia patients, brain age was significantly greater than chronological age at baseline (+3.36 years) and progressively increased during follow-up (+1.24 years in addition to the baseline gap). The acceleration of brain aging was not constant: it decreased from 2.5 years/year just after illness onset to about the normal rate (1 year/year) approximately 5 years after illness onset. The schizophrenia gap also increased during follow-up, but more pronounced variability in brain abnormalities at follow-up rendered this increase nonsignificant. The progressive brain loss in schizophrenia appears to reflect two different processes: one relatively homogeneous, reflecting accelerated aging of the brain and related to various measures of outcome, and a more variable one, possibly reflecting individual variation and medication use. Differentiating between these two processes may not only elucidate the various factors influencing brain loss in schizophrenia, but also assist in individualizing treatment.

The effect of radiation dose on the onset and progression of radiation-induced brain necrosis in the rat model.

PubMed

Hartl, Brad A; Ma, Htet S W; Hansen, Katherine S; Perks, Julian; Kent, Michael S; Fragoso, Ruben C; Marcu, Laura

2017-07-01

To provide a comprehensive understanding of how the selection of radiation dose affects the temporal and spatial progression of radiation-induced necrosis in the rat model. Necrosis was induced with a single fraction of radiation exposure, at doses ranging between 20 and 60 Gy, to the right hemisphere of 8-week-old Fischer rats from a linear accelerator. The development and progression of necrosis in the rats was monitored and quantified every other week with T1- and T2-weighted gadolinium contrast-enhanced MRI studies. The time to onset of necrosis was found to be dose-dependent, but after the initial onset, the necrosis progression rate and total volume generated was constant across different doses ranging between 30 and 60 Gy. Radiation doses less than 30 Gy did not develop necrosis within 33 weeks after treatment, indicating a dose threshold existing between 20 and 30 Gy. The highest dose used in this study led to the shortest time to onset of radiation-induced necrosis, while producing comparable disease progression dynamics after the onset. Therefore, for the radiation-induced necrosis rat model using a linear accelerator, the most optimum results were generated from a dose of 60 Gy.

Dual therapeutic functions of F-5 fragment in burn wounds: preventing wound progression and promoting wound healing in pigs

PubMed Central

Bhatia, Ayesha; O’Brien, Kathryn; Chen, Mei; Wong, Alex; Garner, Warren; Woodley, David T.; Li, Wei

2016-01-01

Burn injuries are a leading cause of morbidity including prolonged hospitalization, disfigurement, and disability. Currently there is no Food and Drug Administration-approved burn therapeutics. A clinical distinction of burn injuries from other acute wounds is the event of the so-called secondary burn wound progression within the first week of the injury, in which a burn expands horizontally and vertically from its initial boundary to a larger area. Therefore, an effective therapeutics for burns should show dual abilities to prevent the burn wound progression and thereafter promote burn wound healing. Herein we report that topically applied F-5 fragment of heat shock protein-90α is a dual functional agent to promote burn wound healing in pigs. First, F-5 prevents burn wound progression by protecting the surrounding cells from undergoing heat-induced caspase 3 activation and apoptosis with increased Akt activation. Accordingly, F-5–treated burn and excision wounds show a marked decline in inflammation. Thereafter, F-5 accelerates burn wound healing by stimulating the keratinocyte migration-led reepithelialization, leading to wound closure. This study addresses a topical agent that is capable of preventing burn wound progression and accelerating burn wound healing. PMID:27382602

Different patterns of myopia prevalence and progression between internal migrant and local resident school children in Shanghai, China: a 2-year cohort study.

PubMed

Ma, Yingyan; Lin, Senlin; Zhu, Jianfeng; Xu, Xun; Lu, Lina; Zhao, Rong; Zhao, Huijuan; Li, Qiangqiang; Hou, Zhiyuan; He, Xiangui; Zou, Haidong

2018-02-23

In 2010, there were ~ 36 million migrant children under 18 y old in China. This study compared patterns of myopia prevalence and progression between migrant and resident children. Eight hundred forty-two migrant children from 2 migrant schools and 1081 from 2 local schools in Baoshan District, Shanghai, were randomly chosen. Baseline measurements were taken on children in grades one through four, and children in grades one and two were followed for 2 y. The children underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examinations, including cycloplegic refraction and axial length. The average time per week spent on homework and outdoor activities were investigated. Migrant children in grades one and two showed a lower myopia prevalence than resident children; however, from grades three to four, the prevalence accelerated and exceeded that of residents. In the follow-up, the myopia incidence did not significantly change from grades one to two in resident children but was significantly higher in grade two in migrant children. Correspondingly, for migrant children, increased progression of refraction and axial length was observed; however, it decreased in resident children. The average time spent on homework increased from grades two to three in parallel with the acceleration of myopia prevalence for migrant children; however, the time spent outdoors did not correspondingly change. The patterns of myopia prevalence and progression are different between migrant and non-migrant children. The acceleration of myopia in migrant children might be a result of a change in their environment, such as intensive education pressure.

Staging and laser acceleration of ions in underdense plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ting, Antonio; Hafizi, Bahman; Helle, Michael; Chen, Yu-Hsin; Gordon, Daniel; Kaganovich, Dmitri; Polyanskiy, Mikhail; Pogorelsky, Igor; Babzien, Markus; Miao, Chenlong; Dover, Nicholas; Najmudin, Zulfikar; Ettlinger, Oliver

2017-03-01

Accelerating ions from rest in a plasma requires extra considerations because of their heavy mass. Low phase velocity fields or quasi-electrostatic fields are often necessary, either by operating above or near the critical density or by applying other slow wave generating mechanisms. Solid targets have been a favorite and have generated many good results. High density gas targets have also been reported to produce energetic ions. It is interesting to consider acceleration of ions in laser-driven plasma configurations that will potentially allow continuous acceleration in multiple consecutive stages. The plasma will be derived from gaseous targets, producing plasma densities slightly below the critical plasma density (underdense) for the driving laser. Such a plasma is experimentally robust, being repeatable and relatively transparent to externally injected ions from a previous stage. When optimized, multiple stages of this underdense laser plasma acceleration mechanism can progressively accelerate the ions to a high final energy. For a light mass ion such as the proton, relativistic velocities could be reached, making it suitable for further acceleration by high phase velocity plasma accelerators to energies appropriate for High Energy Physics applications. Negatively charged ions such as antiprotons could be similarly accelerated in this multi-staged ion acceleration scheme.

Solid state RF power: The route to 1W per euro cent

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Heid, Oliver

2013-04-19

In most particle accelerators RF power is a decisive design constraint due to high costs and relative inflexibility of current electron beam based RF sources, i.e. Klystrons, Magnetrons, Tetrodes etc. At VHF/UHF frequencies the transition to solid state devices promises to fundamentally change the situation. Recent progress brings 1 Watt per Euro cent installed cost within reach. We present a Silicon Carbide semiconductor solution utilising the Solid State Direct Drive technology at unprecedented efficiency, power levels and power densities. The proposed solution allows retrofitting of existing RF accelerators and opens the route to novel particle accelerator concepts.

Visual-vestibular interaction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, Laurence R.; Merfeld, D.

1994-01-01

Significant progress was achieved during the period of this grant on a number of different fronts. A list of publications, abstracts, and theses supported by this grant is provided at the end of this document. The completed studies focused on three general areas: eye movements induced by dynamic linear acceleration, eye movements and vection reports induced by visual roll stimulation, and the separation of gravito-inertial force into central estimates of gravity and linear acceleration.

SAMS Acceleration Measurements on Mir From January to May 1997 (NASA Increment 4)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeLombard, Richard

1998-01-01

During NASA Increment 4 (January to May 1997), about 5 gigabytes of acceleration data were collected by the Space Acceleration Measurements System (SAMS) onboard the Russian Space Station, Mir. The data were recorded on 28 optical disks which were returned to Earth on STS-84. During this increment, SAMS data were collected in the Priroda module to support the Mir Structural Dynamics Experiment (MiSDE), the Binary Colloidal Alloy Tests (BCAT), Angular Liquid Bridge (ALB), Candle Flames in Microgravity (CFM), Diffusion Controlled Apparatus Module (DCAM), Enhanced Dynamic Load Sensors (EDLS), Forced Flow Flame Spreading Test (FFFT), Liquid Metal Diffusion (LMD), Protein Crystal Growth in Dewar (PCG/Dewar), Queen's University Experiments in Liquid Diffusion (QUELD), and Technical Evaluation of MIM (TEM). This report points out some of the salient features of the microgravity environment to which these experiments were exposed. Also documented are mission events of interest such as the docked phase of STS-84 operations, a Progress engine burn, Soyuz vehicle docking and undocking, and Progress vehicle docking. This report presents an overview of the SAMS acceleration measurements recorded by 10 Hz and 100 Hz sensor heads. The analyses included herein complement those presented in previous summary reports prepared by the Principal Investigator Microgravity Services (PIMS) group.

Cybermaterials: materials by design and accelerated insertion of materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Wei; Olson, Gregory B.

2016-02-01

Cybermaterials innovation entails an integration of Materials by Design and accelerated insertion of materials (AIM), which transfers studio ideation into industrial manufacturing. By assembling a hierarchical architecture of integrated computational materials design (ICMD) based on materials genomic fundamental databases, the ICMD mechanistic design models accelerate innovation. We here review progress in the development of linkage models of the process-structure-property-performance paradigm, as well as related design accelerating tools. Extending the materials development capability based on phase-level structural control requires more fundamental investment at the level of the Materials Genome, with focus on improving applicable parametric design models and constructing high-quality databases. Future opportunities in materials genomic research serving both Materials by Design and AIM are addressed.

Low Emittance, High Brilliance Relativistic Electron Beams from a Laser-Plasma Accelerator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brunetti, E.; Shanks, R. P.; Manahan, G. G.

2010-11-19

Progress in laser wakefield accelerators indicates their suitability as a driver of compact free-electron lasers (FELs). High brightness is defined by the normalized transverse emittance, which should be less than 1{pi} mm mrad for an x-ray FEL. We report high-resolution measurements of the emittance of 125 MeV, monoenergetic beams from a wakefield accelerator. An emittance as low as 1.1{+-}0.1{pi} mm mrad is measured using a pepper-pot mask. This sets an upper limit on the emittance, which is comparable with conventional linear accelerators. A peak transverse brightness of 5x10{sup 15} A m{sup -1} rad{sup -1} makes it suitable for compact XUVmore » FELs.« less

Can We Leapfrog? The Potential of Education Innovations to Rapidly Accelerate Progress. Skills for a Changing World

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Winthrop, Rebecca; McGivney, Eileen

2017-01-01

Today, examples of rapid, non-linear progress--sometimes called leapfrogging--are evident in a number of sectors. Often, these instances are most obvious in the developing world, where in telecommunications or banking, for example, whole phases of infrastructure and institution-building that other countries had to go through have been by-passed by…

Acceleration of the loss of the first-phase insulin response during the progression to type 1 diabetes in diabetes prevention trial-type 1 participants.

PubMed

Sosenko, Jay M; Skyler, Jay S; Beam, Craig A; Krischer, Jeffrey P; Greenbaum, Carla J; Mahon, Jeffrey; Rafkin, Lisa E; Matheson, Della; Herold, Kevan C; Palmer, Jerry P

2013-12-01

We studied the change in the first-phase insulin response (FPIR) during the progression to type 1 diabetes (T1D). Seventy-four oral insulin trial progressors to T1D from the Diabetes Prevention Trial-Type 1 with at least one FPIR measurement after baseline and before diagnosis were studied. The FPIR was examined longitudinally in 26 progressors who had FPIR measurements during each of the 3 years before diagnosis. The association between the change from the baseline FPIR to the last FPIR and time to diagnosis was studied in the remainder (n = 48). The 74 progressors had lower baseline FPIR values than nonprogressors (n = 270), with adjustments made for age and BMI. In the longitudinal analysis of the 26 progressors, there was a greater decline in the FPIR from 1.5 to 0.5 years before diagnosis than from 2.5 to 1.5 years before diagnosis. This accelerated decline was also evident in a regression analysis of the 48 remaining progressors in whom the rate of decline became more marked with the approaching diagnosis. The patterns of decline were similar between the longitudinal and regression analyses. There is an acceleration of decline in the FPIR during the progression to T1D, which becomes especially marked between 1.5 and 0.5 years before diagnosis.

Crack-cocaine use accelerates HIV disease progression in a cohort of HIV-positive drug users.

PubMed

Baum, Marianna K; Rafie, Carlin; Lai, Shenghan; Sales, Sabrina; Page, Bryan; Campa, Adriana

2009-01-01

HIV infection is prevalent among substance abusers. The effects of specific illicit drugs on HIV disease progression have not been established. We evaluated the relationship between substances of abuse and HIV disease progression in a cohort of HIV-1-positive active drug users. A prospective, 30-month, longitudinal study was conducted on 222 HIV-1 seropositive drug users in Miami, FL. History of illicit drug, alcohol, and medication use, CD4+ cell count, and viral load were performed every 6 months. Crack-cocaine users were 2.14 times [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08 to 4.25, P = 0.029] more likely to present a decline of CD4 to

Coordination of Recombination with Meiotic Progression in the Caenorhabditis elegans Germline by KIN-18, a TAO Kinase That Regulates the Timing of MPK-1 Signaling

PubMed Central

Yin, Yizhi; Donlevy, Sean; Smolikove, Sarit

2016-01-01

Meiosis is a tightly regulated process requiring coordination of diverse events. A conserved ERK/MAPK-signaling cascade plays an essential role in the regulation of meiotic progression. The Thousand And One kinase (TAO) kinase is a MAPK kinase kinase, the meiotic role of which is unknown. We have analyzed the meiotic functions of KIN-18, the homolog of mammalian TAO kinases, in Caenorhabditis elegans. We found that KIN-18 is essential for normal meiotic progression; mutants exhibit accelerated meiotic recombination as detected both by analysis of recombination intermediates and by crossover outcome. In addition, ectopic germ-cell differentiation and enhanced levels of apoptosis were observed in kin-18 mutants. These defects correlate with ectopic activation of MPK-1 that includes premature, missing, and reoccurring MPK-1 activation. Late progression defects in kin-18 mutants are suppressed by inhibiting an upstream activator of MPK-1 signaling, KSR-2. However, the acceleration of recombination events observed in kin-18 mutants is largely MPK-1-independent. Our data suggest that KIN-18 coordinates meiotic progression by modulating the timing of MPK-1 activation and the progression of recombination events. The regulation of the timing of MPK-1 activation ensures the proper timing of apoptosis and is required for the formation of functional oocytes. Meiosis is a conserved process; thus, revealing that KIN-18 is a novel regulator of meiotic progression in C. elegans would help to elucidate TAO kinase’s role in germline development in higher eukaryotes. PMID:26510792

Sparking Thinking: Studying Modern Precision Medicine Will Accelerate the Progression of Traditional Chinese Medicine Patterns.

PubMed

Liu, Bao-Cheng; Ji, Guang

2017-07-01

Incorporating "-omics" studies with environmental interactions could help elucidate the biological mechanisms responsible for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) patterns. Based on the authors' own experiences, this review outlines a model of an ideal combination of "-omics" biomarkers, environmental factors, and TCM pattern classifications; provides a narrative review of the relevant genetic and TCM studies; and lists several successful integrative examples. Two integration tools are briefly introduced. The first is the integration of modern devices into objective diagnostic methods of TCM patterning, which would improve current clinical decision-making and practice. The second is the use of biobanks and data platforms, which could broadly support biological and medical research. Such efforts will transform current medical management and accelerate the progression of precision medicine.

Atomic-scale Modeling of the Structure and Dynamics of Dislocations in Complex Alloys at High Temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daw, Murray S.; Mills, Michael J.

2003-01-01

We report on the progress made during the first year of the project. Most of the progress at this point has been on the theoretical and computational side. Here are the highlights: (1) A new code, tailored for high-end desktop computing, now combines modern Accelerated Dynamics (AD) with the well-tested Embedded Atom Method (EAM); (2) The new Accelerated Dynamics allows the study of relatively slow, thermally-activated processes, such as diffusion, which are much too slow for traditional Molecular Dynamics; (3) We have benchmarked the new AD code on a rather simple and well-known process: vacancy diffusion in copper; and (4) We have begun application of the AD code to the diffusion of vacancies in ordered intermetallics.

UCLA Final Technical Report for the "Community Petascale Project for Accelerator Science and Simulation”.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mori, Warren

The UCLA Plasma Simulation Group is a major partner of the “Community Petascale Project for Accelerator Science and Simulation”. This is the final technical report. We include an overall summary, a list of publications, progress for the most recent year, and individual progress reports for each year. We have made tremendous progress during the three years. SciDAC funds have contributed to the development of a large number of skeleton codes that illustrate how to write PIC codes with a hierarchy of parallelism. These codes cover 2D and 3D as well as electrostatic solvers (which are used in beam dynamics codesmore » and quasi-static codes) and electromagnetic solvers (which are used in plasma based accelerator codes). We also used these ideas to develop a GPU enabled version of OSIRIS. SciDAC funds were also contributed to the development of strategies to eliminate the Numerical Cerenkov Instability (NCI) which is an issue when carrying laser wakefield accelerator (LWFA) simulations in a boosted frame and when quantifying the emittance and energy spread of self-injected electron beams. This work included the development of a new code called UPIC-EMMA which is an FFT based electromagnetic PIC code and to new hybrid algorithms in OSIRIS. A new hybrid (PIC in r-z and gridless in φ) algorithm was implemented into OSIRIS. In this algorithm the fields and current are expanded into azimuthal harmonics and the complex amplitude for each harmonic is calculated separately. The contributions from each harmonic are summed and then used to push the particles. This algorithm permits modeling plasma based acceleration with some 3D effects but with the computational load of an 2D r-z PIC code. We developed a rigorously charge conserving current deposit for this algorithm. Very recently, we made progress in combining the speed up from the quasi-3D algorithm with that from the Lorentz boosted frame. SciDAC funds also contributed to the improvement and speed up of the quasi-static PIC code QuickPIC. We have also used our suite of PIC codes to make scientific discovery. Highlights include supporting FACET experiments which achieved the milestones of showing high beam loading and energy transfer efficiency from a drive electron beam to a witness electron beam and the discovery of a self-loading regime a for high gradient acceleration of a positron beam. Both of these experimental milestones were published in Nature together with supporting QuickPIC simulation results. Simulation results from QuickPIC were used on the cover of Nature in one case. We are also making progress on using highly resolved QuickPIC simulations to show that ion motion may not lead to catastrophic emittance growth for tightly focused electron bunches loaded into nonlinear wakefields. This could mean that fully self-consistent beam loading scenarios are possible. This work remains in progress. OSIRIS simulations were used to discover how 200 MeV electron rings are formed in LWFA experiments, on how to generate electrons that have a series of bunches on nanometer scale, and how to transport electron beams from (into) plasma sections into (from) conventional beam optic sections.« less

Fanconi Anemia: A DNA repair disorder characterized by accelerated decline of the hematopoietic stem cell compartment and other features of aging.

PubMed

Brosh, Robert M; Bellani, Marina; Liu, Yie; Seidman, Michael M

2017-01-01

Fanconi Anemia (FA) is a rare autosomal genetic disorder characterized by progressive bone marrow failure (BMF), endocrine dysfunction, cancer, and other clinical features commonly associated with normal aging. The anemia stems directly from an accelerated decline of the hematopoietic stem cell compartment. Although FA is a complex heterogeneous disease linked to mutations in 19 currently identified genes, there has been much progress in understanding the molecular pathology involved. FA is broadly considered a DNA repair disorder and the FA gene products, together with other DNA repair factors, have been implicated in interstrand cross-link (ICL) repair. However, in addition to the defective DNA damage response, altered epigenetic regulation, and telomere defects, FA is also marked by elevated levels of inflammatory mediators in circulation, a hallmark of faster decline in not only other hereditary aging disorders but also normal aging. In this review, we offer a perspective of FA as a monogenic accelerated aging disorder, citing the latest evidence for its multi-factorial deficiencies underlying its unique clinical and cellular features. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Rate of atherosclerosis progression in ApoE-/- mice long after discontinuation of cola beverage drinking.

PubMed

Otero-Losada, Matilde; Cao, Gabriel; Mc Loughlin, Santiago; Rodríguez-Granillo, Gastón; Ottaviano, Graciela; Milei, José

2014-01-01

This study was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of cola beverages drinking on atherosclerosisand test the hypothesis whether cola beverages consumption at early life stages might affect the development and progression of atherosclerosis later in life. ApoE-/- C57BL/6J mice (8 week-old) were randomized in 3 groups (n = 20 each) according to free accessto water (W), sucrose sweetened carbonated cola drink(C) or aspartame-acesulfame K sweetened carbonated 'light' cola drink (L)for the next 8 weeks. Drinking treatment was ended by switching C and L groups to drinking water. Four mice per group and time were sequentially euthanized: before treatment (8 weeks-old), at the end of treatment (16 weeks-old) and after treatment discontinuation (20 weeks-old, 24 weeks-old, 30 week-old mice). Aortic roots and livers were harvested, processed for histology and serial cross-sections were stained. Aortic plaque area was analyzed and plaque/media-ratio was calculated. Early consumption of cola drinks accelerated atherosclerotic plaque progression favoring the interaction between macrophages and myofibroblasts, without the participation of either T lymphocytes or proliferative activity. Plaque/media-ratio varied according to drink treatment (F2,54 = 3.433, p<0.04) and mice age (F4,54 = 5.009, p<0.03) and was higher in C and L groups compared with age-matched W group (p<0.05 at 16 weeks and 20 weeks, p<0.01 at 24 weeks and 30 weeks). Natural evolution of atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice (W group) evidenced atherosclerosis acceleration in parallel with a rapid increase in liver inflammation around the 20 weeks of age. Cola drinking within the 8-16 weeks of age accelerated atherosclerosis progression in ApoE-/- mice favoring aortic plaque enlargement (inward remodeling) over media thinning all over the study time. Data suggest that cola drinking at early life stages may predispose to atherosclerosis progression later in life in ApoE-/- mice.

Radiobiological effectiveness of laser accelerated electrons in comparison to electron beams from a conventional linear accelerator.

PubMed

Laschinsky, Lydia; Baumann, Michael; Beyreuther, Elke; Enghardt, Wolfgang; Kaluza, Malte; Karsch, Leonhard; Lessmann, Elisabeth; Naumburger, Doreen; Nicolai, Maria; Richter, Christian; Sauerbrey, Roland; Schlenvoigt, Hans-Peter; Pawelke, Jörg

2012-01-01

The notable progress in laser particle acceleration technology promises potential medical application in cancer therapy through compact and cost effective laser devices that are suitable for already existing clinics. Previously, consequences on the radiobiological response by laser driven particle beams characterised by an ultra high peak dose rate have to be investigated. Therefore, tumour and non-malignant cells were irradiated with pulsed laser accelerated electrons at the JETI facility for the comparison with continuous electrons of a conventional therapy LINAC. Dose response curves were measured for the biological endpoints clonogenic survival and residual DNA double strand breaks. The overall results show no significant differences in radiobiological response for in vitro cell experiments between laser accelerated pulsed and clinical used electron beams. These first systematic in vitro cell response studies with precise dosimetry to laser driven electron beams represent a first step toward the long term aim of the application of laser accelerated particles in radiotherapy.

Development of the negative ion beams relevant to ITER and JT-60SA at Japan Atomic Energy Agency.

PubMed

Hanada, M; Kojima, A; Tobari, H; Nishikiori, R; Hiratsuka, J; Kashiwagi, M; Umeda, N; Yoshida, M; Ichikawa, M; Watanabe, K; Yamano, Y; Grisham, L R

2016-02-01

In order to realize negative ion sources and accelerators to be applicable to International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor and JT-60 Super Advanced, a large cesium (Cs)-seeded negative ion source and a multi-aperture and multi-stage electric acceleration have been developed at Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA). Long pulse production and acceleration of the negative ion beams have been independently carried out. The long pulse production of the high current beams has achieved 100 s at the beam current of 15 A by modifying the JT-60 negative ion source. The pulse duration time is increased three times longer than that before the modification. As for the acceleration, a pulse duration time has been also extended two orders of magnitudes from 0.4 s to 60 s. The developments of the negative ion source and acceleration at JAEA are well in progress towards the realization of the negative ion sources and accelerators for fusion applications.

Achievement and improvement of the JT-60U negative ion source for JT-60 Super Advanced (invited)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kojima, A.; Hanada, M.; Tanaka, Y.

2010-02-15

Developments of the large negative ion source have been progressed in the high-energy, high-power, and long-pulse neutral beam injector for JT-60 Super Advanced. Countermeasures have been studied and tested for critical issues of grid heat load and voltage holding capability. As for the heat load of the acceleration grids, direct interception of D{sup -} ions was reduced by adjusting the beamlet steering. As a result, the heat load was reduced below an allowable level for long-pulse injections. As for the voltage holding capability, local electric field was mitigated by tuning gap lengths between large-area acceleration grids in the accelerator. Asmore » a result, the voltage holding capability was improved up to the rated value of 500 kV. To investigate the voltage holding capability during beam acceleration, the beam acceleration test is ongoing with new extended gap.« less

A New {sup 14}C-AMS Facility at UFF- Niteroi, Brazil

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gomes, P. R. S.; Macario, K. D.; Anjos, R. M.

2010-08-04

We report a new Accelerator Mass Spectrometry facility at the Physics Institute of Fluminense Federal University in Brazil, the Nuclear Chronology Laboratory - LACRON. The sample preparation laboratory is ready to perform chemical treatment through graphitization and the acquisition of a Single Stage Accelerator Mass Spectrometry System is in progress. LACRON will be the first independent laboratory to perform the {sup 14}C-AMS technique not only in Brazil but in Latin America.

A New 14C-AMS Facility at UFF- Niteroi, Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomes, P. R. S.; Macario, K. D.; Anjos, R. M.; Linares, R.; Carvalho, C.; Queiroz, E.

2010-08-01

We report a new Accelerator Mass Spectrometry facility at the Physics Institute of Fluminense Federal University in Brazil, the Nuclear Chronology Laboratory—LACRON. The sample preparation laboratory is ready to perform chemical treatment through graphitization and the acquisition of a Single Stage Accelerator Mass Spectrometry System is in progress. LACRON will be the first independent laboratory to perform the 14C-AMS technique not only in Brazil but in Latin America.

Blue Ribbon Panel Report-BRP-Cancer Moonshot

Cancer.gov

The Blue Ribbon Panel Report outlines 10 recommendations to accelerate progress against cancer. The panel was established to ensure that the Cancer Moonshot's approaches are grounded in the best science.

A Shared Commitment to the Cancer Moonshot

Cancer.gov

At the AACR annual meeting, Vice President Biden spoke about the National Cancer Moonshot Initiative and the critical role the entire research community will play in accelerating progress against cancer.

High power tests of an electroforming cavity operating at 11.424 GHz

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dolgashev, V. A.; Gatti, G.; Higashi, Y.; Leonardi, O.; Lewandowski, J. R.; Marcelli, A.; Rosenzweig, J.; Spataro, B.; Tantawi, S. G.; Yeremian, D. A.

2016-03-01

The achievement of ultra high accelerating gradients is mandatory in order to fabricate compact accelerators at 11.424 GHz for scientific and industrial applications. An extensive experimental and theoretical program to determine a reliable ultra high gradient operation of the future linear accelerators is under way in many laboratories. In particular, systematic studies on the 11.424 GHz frequency accelerator structures, R&D on new materials and the associated microwave technology are in progress to achieve accelerating gradients well above 120 MeV/m. Among the many, the electroforming procedure is a promising approach to manufacture high performance RF devices in order to avoid the high temperature brazing and to produce precise RF structures. We report here the characterization of a hard high gradient RF accelerating structure at 11.424 GHz fabricated using the electroforming technique. Low-level RF measurements and high power RF tests carried out at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory on this prototype are presented and discussed. In addition, we present also a possible layout where the water-cooling of irises based on the electroforming process has been considered for the first time.

Laser Acceleration of Ions for Radiation Therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tajima, Toshiki; Habs, Dietrich; Yan, Xueqing

Ion beam therapy for cancer has proven to be a successful clinical approach, affording as good a cure as surgery and a higher quality of life. However, the ion beam therapy installation is large and expensive, limiting its availability for public benefit. One of the hurdles is to make the accelerator more compact on the basis of conventional technology. Laser acceleration of ions represents a rapidly developing young field. The prevailing acceleration mechanism (known as target normal sheath acceleration, TNSA), however, shows severe limitations in some key elements. We now witness that a new regime of coherent acceleration of ions by laser (CAIL) has been studied to overcome many of these problems and accelerate protons and carbon ions to high energies with higher efficiencies. Emerging scaling laws indicate possible realization of an ion therapy facility with compact, cost-efficient lasers. Furthermore, dense particle bunches may allow the use of much higher collective fields, reducing the size of beam transport and dump systems. Though ultimate realization of a laser-driven medical facility may take many years, the field is developing fast with many conceptual innovations and technical progress.

Early detection and progression of decay in L-joints and lap-joints in a moderate decay hazard zone

Treesearch

Carol A. Clausen; Terry L. Highley; Daniel L. Lindner

2006-01-01

Accelerated test methods are needed to evaluate the initiation and progression of decay in wood exposed aboveground. The relationship between test conditions and initiation of decay, however, is poorly understood. Southern pine and maple L-joints and lap-joints were exposed aboveground in a configuration that encouraged water entrapment at the Valley View Experimental...

Rapidly progressive heart failure requiring transplantation in muscular dystrophy: a need for frequent screening.

PubMed

Pick, Justin M; Ellis, Zachary D; Alejos, Juan C; Chang, Anthony C

2017-11-01

Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy weakens both skeletal and cardiac muscles, but the rate of cardiomyopathic progression can accelerate faster than that of skeletal muscles. A 14-year-old boy with Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy presented with mild skeletal myopathy but severe cardiomyopathy requiring heart transplantation within 1 year of declining heart function. These patients need frequent screening regardless of musculoskeletal symptoms.

Schools Need Good Leaders Now: State Progress in Creating a Learning-Centered School Leadership System. Challenge to Lead Series

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fry, Betty; Bottoms, Gene; O'Neill, Kathy; Walker, Susan

2007-01-01

This report shows that Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states are making progress in developing school leadership systems to ensure that every public school has a principal who can improve student performance, but states need to accelerate their efforts in order to meet their own achievement goals. The report calls for a new generation of…

Development of a Tandem-Electrostatic-Quadrupole facility for Accelerator-Based Boron Neutron Capture Therapy.

PubMed

Kreiner, A J; Castell, W; Di Paolo, H; Baldo, M; Bergueiro, J; Burlon, A A; Cartelli, D; Vento, V Thatar; Kesque, J M; Erhardt, J; Ilardo, J C; Valda, A A; Debray, M E; Somacal, H R; Sandin, J C Suarez; Igarzabal, M; Huck, H; Estrada, L; Repetto, M; Obligado, M; Padulo, J; Minsky, D M; Herrera, M; Gonzalez, S J; Capoulat, M E

2011-12-01

We describe the present status of an ongoing project to develop a Tandem-ElectroStatic-Quadrupole (TESQ) accelerator facility for Accelerator-Based (AB)-BNCT. The project final goal is a machine capable of delivering 30 mA of 2.4 MeV protons to be used in conjunction with a neutron production target based on the (7)Li(p,n)(7)Be reaction. The machine currently being constructed is a folded TESQ with a high-voltage terminal at 0.6 MV. We report here on the progress achieved in a number of different areas. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Recent Progress on Understanding SEP Acceleration and Transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cohen, C.

2017-12-01

Joint observations between near-Earth spacecraft and the twin STEREO spacecraft have allowed new examinations of the longitudinal extent of solar energetic particles (SEPs). Although the radial dependence will not be measured in detail until Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter have launched, recent developments in modeling SEP acceleration and transport have revealed interesting dependences on magnetic field configurations and the characteristics of seed particle populations. This talk will review recent SEP in-situ observations along with theoretical studies and their implications for our understanding of SEP acceleration and transport in the inner heliosphere and our expectations for upcoming Solar Orbiter and Parker Solar Probe observations.

Prospects for the study of the properties of dense nuclear matter at the NICA heavy-ion complex at JINR (Dubna)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolesnikov, V. I.

2017-06-01

The NICA (Nuclotron-based Ion Collider fAcility) project is aimed in the construction at JINR (Dubna) a modern accelerator complex equipped with three detectors: the MultiPurpose Detector (MPD) and the Spin Physics Detector (SPD) at the NICA collider, as well as a fixed target experiment BM&N which will be use extracted beams from the Nuclotron accelerator. In this report, an overview of the main physics objectives of the NICA heavy-ion program will be given and the recent progress in the NICA construction (both accelerator complex and detectors) will be described.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Syphers, M. J.; Chattopadhyay, S.

An overview is provided of the currently envisaged landscape of charged particle accelerators at the energy and intensity frontiers to explore particle physics beyond the standard model via 1-100 TeV-scale lepton and hadron colliders and multi-Megawatt proton accelerators for short- and long- baseline neutrino experiments. The particle beam physics, associated technological challenges and progress to date for these accelerator facilities (LHC, HL-LHC, future 100 TeV p-p colliders, Tev-scale linear and circular electron-positron colliders, high intensity proton accelerator complex PIP-II for DUNE and future upgrade to PIP-III) are outlined. Potential and prospects for advanced “nonlinear dynamic techniques” at the multi-MW levelmore » intensity frontier and advanced “plasma- wakefield-based techniques” at the TeV-scale energy frontier and are also described.« less

Spallation reaction study for fission products in nuclear waste: Cross section measurements for 137Cs, 90Sr and 107Pd on proton and deuteron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, He; Otsu, Hideaki; Sakurai, Hiroyoshi; Ahn, DeukSoon; Aikawa, Masayuki; Ando, Takashi; Araki, Shouhei; Chen, Sidong; Chiga, Nobuyuki; Doornenbal, Pieter; Fukuda, Naoki; Isobe, Tadaaki; Kawakami, Shunsuke; Kawase, Shoichiro; Kin, Tadahiro; Kondo, Yosuke; Koyama, Shupei; Kubono, Shigeru; Maeda, Yukie; Makinaga, Ayano; Matsushita, Masafumi; Matsuzaki, Teiichiro; Michimasa, Shinichiro; Momiyama, Satoru; Nagamine, Shunsuke; Nakamura, Takashi; Nakano, Keita; Niikura, Megumi; Ozaki, Tomoyuki; Saito, Atsumi; Saito, Takeshi; Shiga, Yoshiaki; Shikata, Mizuki; Shimizu, Yohei; Shimoura, Susumu; Sumikama, Toshiyuki; Söderström, Pär-Anders; Suzuki, Hiroshi; Takeda, Hiroyuki; Takeuchi, Satoshi; Taniuchi, Ryo; Togano, Yasuhiro; Tsubota, Junichi; Uesaka, Meiko; Watanabe, Yasushi; Watanabe, Yukinobu; Wimmer, Kathrin; Yamamoto, Tatsuya; Yoshida, Koichi

2017-09-01

Spallation reactions for the long-lived fission products 137Cs, 90Sr and 107Pd have been studied for the purpose of nuclear waste transmutation. The cross sections on the proton- and deuteron-induced spallation were obtained in inverse kinematics at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory. Both the target and energy dependences of cross sections have been investigated systematically. and the cross-section differences between the proton and deuteron are found to be larger for lighter fragments. The experimental data are compared with the SPACS semi-empirical parameterization and the PHITS calculations including both the intra-nuclear cascade and evaporation processes.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Muto, Hideshi, E-mail: guatemalacocoa@gmail.com; Center for Nuclear Study, University of Tokyo, 2-1 Hirosawa, Riken Campus, Wako, Saitama 351-0198; Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198

The light intensity of {sup 6}Li III line spectrum at λ = 516.7 nm was observed during {sup 6}Li{sup 3+} beam tuning at the Hyper-Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) ion source. Separation of ion species of the same charge to mass ratio with an electromagnetic mass analyzer is known to be an exceptionally complex process. However, {sup 6}Li III line intensity observation conducted in this study gives new insights into its simplification of this process. The light intensity of {sup 6}Li III line spectrum from the ECR plasma was found to have a strong correlation with the extracted {sup 6}Li{sup 3+}more » beam intensity from the RIKEN Azimuthal Varying Field cyclotron.« less

Structure of 29F in the rotation-aligned coupling scheme of the particle-rotor model

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Macchiavelli, A. O.; Crawford, H. L.; Fallon, P.

Recent results from RIKEN/RIBF on the low-lying level structure of 29F are interpreted within the Particle-Rotor Model. We show that the experimental data can be understood in the Rotation-aligned Coupling Scheme, with the 5/2 + ground state as the bandhead of a decoupled band. In this picture, the energy of the observed 1/2more » $$+\\atop{1}$$ state correlates strongly with the rotational energy of the core and provides an estimate of the 2 + energy in 28O. Our analysis suggests a moderate deformation, ϵ 2 ~ 0.16, and places the 2 + in 28O at ~ 2.5 MeV.« less

Operational test of micro-oven for 48Ca beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozeki, K.; Kageyama, T.; Kidera, M.; Higurashi, Y.; Nakagawa, T.

2014-02-01

In order to supply a high-intensity and stable 48Ca beam from the RIKEN 18-GHz electron cyclotron resonance ion source, we are conducting operational tests of a micro-oven. A mixture of CaO and Al powders is placed into the crucible of the micro-oven and heated to produce metallic calcium by a reductive reaction. The successful production of a calcium beam was confirmed. In addition, we reduced the material consumption rate by using a so-called "hot liner," and we enhanced the beam intensity by applying a negative voltage bias to the micro-oven, the effect of which is similar to the effect of a "biased disk."

Measurement of the 8Li(α,n)11B reaction and astrophysical implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizoi, Y.; Fukuda, T.; Matsuyama, Y.; Miyachi, T.; Miyatake, H.; Aoi, N.; Fukuda, N.; Notani, M.; Watanabe, Y. X.; Yoneda, K.; Ishihara, M.; Sakurai, H.; Watanabe, Y.; Yoshida, A.

2000-12-01

We have measured the 8Li(α,n)11B reaction directly and exclusively, and determined the total cross sections in the center-of-mass energy of 1.5-7.0 MeV, by using a new-type gas counter, multiple-sampling and tracking proportional chamber (MSTPC), and neutron counters. This experiment was performed in the condition of inverse kinematics. The 8Li beam was produced by the RIKEN projectile-fragment separator, and injected into the MSTPC filled with 4He gas, which worked as a detector gas and served as a target. The reaction cross section obtained in the present exclusive measurement is about half of the one obtained in previous inclusive measurements.

Structure of 29F in the rotation-aligned coupling scheme of the particle-rotor model

DOE PAGES

Macchiavelli, A. O.; Crawford, H. L.; Fallon, P.; ...

2017-10-23

Recent results from RIKEN/RIBF on the low-lying level structure of 29F are interpreted within the Particle-Rotor Model. We show that the experimental data can be understood in the Rotation-aligned Coupling Scheme, with the 5/2 + ground state as the bandhead of a decoupled band. In this picture, the energy of the observed 1/2more » $$+\\atop{1}$$ state correlates strongly with the rotational energy of the core and provides an estimate of the 2 + energy in 28O. Our analysis suggests a moderate deformation, ϵ 2 ~ 0.16, and places the 2 + in 28O at ~ 2.5 MeV.« less

Improvement of voltage holding and high current beam acceleration by MeV accelerator for ITER NB

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taniguchi, M.; Kashiwagi, M.; Inoue, T.

Voltage holding of -1 MV is an essential issue in development of a multi-aperture multi-grid (MAMuG) negative ion accelerator, of which target is to accelerate 200 A/m{sup 2} H{sup -} ion beam up to the energy of 1 MeV for several tens seconds. Review of voltage holding results ever obtained with various geometries of the accelerators showed that the voltage holding capability was about a half of designed value based on the experiment obtained from ideal small electrode. This is considered due to local electric field concentration in the accelerators, such as edge and steps between multi-aperture grids and itsmore » support structures. Based on the detailed investigation with electric field analysis, accelerator was modified to reduce the electric field concentration by reshaping the support structures and expanding the gap length between the grid supports. After the modifications, the accelerator succeeded in sustaining -1 MV for more than one hour in vacuum. Improvement of the voltage holding characteristics progressed the energy and current accelerated by the MeV accelerator. Up to 2010, beam parameters achieved by the MAMuG accelerator were increased to 879 keV, 0.36 A (157 A/m{sup 2}) at perveance matched condition and 937 keV, 0.33 A (144 A/m{sup 2}) slightly under perveance.« less

Sonar Transducer Reliability Improvement Program, FY79 First Quarter Progress

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-06-01

The mst significant aspects are improve- ments in the gas-filling procedures for the TR155 transducers, results of accelerated aging of the TR215...thus saved the Navy approximately $19,000 during 4 months of operation. See Section 3.3.2. b. The accelerated aging of the TR-215 ( ) transducers (AN...incompatible with the various plastics and rubbers in the transducer. Further research is necessary to find and qualify fill fluids which represent the best

Magnetohydrodynamic Particle Acceleration Processes: SSX Experiments, Theory, and Astrophysical Applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brown, Michael R.

2006-11-16

Project Title: Magnetohydrodynamic Particle Acceleration Processes: SSX Experiments, Theory, and Astrophysical Applications PI: Michael R. Brown, Swarthmore College The purpose of the project was to provide theoretical and modeling support to the Swarthmore Spheromak Experiment (SSX). Accordingly, the theoretical effort was tightly integrated into the SSX experimental effort. During the grant period, Michael Brown and his experimental collaborators at Swarthmore, with assistance from W. Matthaeus as appropriate, made substantial progress in understanding the physics SSX plasmas.

Analysis of requirements for accelerating the development of geothermal energy resources in California

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fredrickson, C. D.

1978-01-01

Various resource data are presented showing that geothermal energy has the potential of satisfying a singificant part of California's increasing energy needs. General factors slowing the development of geothermal energy in California are discussed and required actions to accelerate its progress are presented. Finally, scenarios for developing the most promising prospects in the state directed at timely on-line power are given. Specific actions required to realize each of these individual scenarios are identified.

Improvements of the magnetic field design for SPIDER and MITICA negative ion beam sources

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chitarin, G., E-mail: chitarin@igi.cnr.it; University of Padova, Dept. of Management and Engineering, Strad. S. Nicola 3, 36100 Vicenza; Agostinetti, P.

2015-04-08

The design of the magnetic field configuration in the SPIDER and MITICA negative ion beam sources has evolved considerably during the past four years. This evolution was driven by three factors: 1) the experimental results of the large RF-driven ion sources at IPP, which have provided valuable indications on the optimal magnetic configurations for reliable RF plasma source operation and for large negative ion current extraction, 2) the comprehensive beam optics and heat load simulations, which showed that the magnetic field configuration in the accelerator is crucial for keeping the heat load due to electrons on the accelerator grids withinmore » tolerable limits, without compromising the optics of the negative ion beam in the foreseen operating scenarios, 3) the progress of the detailed mechanical design of the accelerator, which stimulated the evaluation of different solutions for the correction of beamlet deflections of various origin and for beamlet aiming. On this basis, new requirements and solution concepts for the magnetic field configuration in the SPIDER and MITICA beam sources have been progressively introduced and updated until the design converged. The paper presents how these concepts have been integrated into a final design solution based on a horizontal “long-range” field (few mT) in combination with a “local” vertical field of some tens of mT on the acceleration grids.« less

Laser-powered dielectric-structures for the production of high-brightness electron and x-ray beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Travish, Gil; Yoder, Rodney B.

2011-05-01

Laser powered accelerators have been under intensive study for the past decade due to their promise of high gradients and leveraging of rapid technological progress in photonics. Of the various acceleration schemes under examination, those based on dielectric structures may enable the production of relativistic electron beams in breadbox sized systems. When combined with undulators having optical-wavelength periods, these systems could produce high brilliance x-rays which find application in, for instance, medical and industrial imaging. These beams also may open the way for table-top atto-second sciences. Development and testing of these dielectric structures faces a number of challenges including complex beam dynamics, new demands on lasers and optical coupling, beam injection schemes, and fabrication. We describe one approach being pursued at UCLA-the Micro Accelerator Platform (MAP). A structure similar to the MAP has also been designed which produces periodic deflections and acts as an undulator for radiation production, and the prospects for this device will be considered. The lessons learned from the multi-year effort to realize these devices will be presented. Challenges remain with acceleration of sub-relativistic beams, focusing, beam phase stability and extension of these devices to higher beam energies. Our progress in addressing these hurdles will be summarized. Finally, the demands on laser technology and optical coupling will be detailed.

Peroxisomal β-oxidation regulates whole body metabolism, inflammatory vigor, and pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

PubMed Central

Moreno-Fernandez, Maria E.; Giles, Daniel A.; Stankiewicz, Traci E.; Sheridan, Rachel; Karns, Rebekah; Cappelletti, Monica; Lampe, Kristin; Mukherjee, Rajib; Sina, Christian; Sallese, Anthony; Bridges, James P.; Hogan, Simon P.; Aronow, Bruce J.; Hoebe, Kasper

2018-01-01

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a metabolic predisposition for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), represents a disease spectrum ranging from steatosis to steatohepatitis to cirrhosis. Acox1, a rate-limiting enzyme in peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation, regulates metabolism, spontaneous hepatic steatosis, and hepatocellular damage over time. However, it is unknown whether Acox1 modulates inflammation relevant to NAFLD pathogenesis or if Acox1-associated metabolic and inflammatory derangements uncover and accelerate potential for NAFLD progression. Here, we show that mice with a point mutation in Acox1 (Acox1Lampe1) exhibited altered cellular metabolism, modified T cell polarization, and exacerbated immune cell inflammatory potential. Further, in context of a brief obesogenic diet stress, NAFLD progression associated with Acox1 mutation resulted in significantly accelerated and exacerbated hepatocellular damage via induction of profound histological changes in hepatocytes, hepatic inflammation, and robust upregulation of gene expression associated with HCC development. Collectively, these data demonstrate that β-oxidation links metabolism and immune responsiveness and that a better understanding of peroxisomal β-oxidation may allow for discovery of mechanisms central for NAFLD progression. PMID:29563328

Study designs to investigate Nox1 acceleration of neoplastic progression in immortalized human epithelial cells by selection of differentiation resistant cells.

PubMed

Sattayakhom, Apsorn; Chunglok, Warangkana; Ittarat, Wanida; Chamulitrat, Walee

2014-01-01

To investigate the role of NADPH oxidase homolog Nox1 at an early step of cell transformation, we utilized human gingival mucosal keratinocytes immortalized by E6/E7 of human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 (GM16) to generate progenitor cell lines either by chronic ethanol exposure or overexpression with Nox1. Among several cobblestone epithelial cell lines obtained, two distinctive spindle cell lines - FIB and NuB1 cells were more progressively transformed exhibiting tubulogenesis and anchorage-independent growth associated with increased invasiveness. These spindle cells acquired molecular markers of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) including mesenchymal vimentin and simple cytokeratins (CK) 8 and 18 as well as myogenic alpha-smooth muscle actin and caldesmon. By overexpression and knockdown experiments, we showed that Nox1 on a post-translational level regulated the stability of CK18 in an ROS-, phosphorylation- and PKCepilon-dependent manner. PKCepilon may thus be used as a therapeutic target for EMT inhibition. Taken together, Nox1 accelerates neoplastic progression by regulating structural intermediate filaments leading to EMT of immortalized human gingival epithelial cells.

Advancing Patient Care Through Focused Innovation

Cancer.gov

In this Cancer Currents post, NCI Director Dr. Norman Sharpless describes the key areas of opportunity he has identified that, with enhanced attention from NCI, he believes can accelerate progress in cancer research and care.

Status Report on the Development of Research Campaigns

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Baer, Donald R.; Baker, Scott E.; Washton, Nancy M.

2013-06-30

Research campaigns were conceived as a means to focus EMSL research on specific scientific questions. Campaign will help fulfill the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) strategic vision to develop and integrate, for use by the scientific community, world leading capabilities that transform understanding in the environmental molecular sciences and accelerate discoveries relevant to the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) missions. Campaigns are multi-institutional multi-disciplinary projects with scope beyond those of normal EMSL user projects. The goal of research campaigns is to have EMSL scientists and users team on the projects in the effort to accelerate progress and increase impact in specificmore » scientific areas by focusing user research, EMSL resources, and expertise in those areas. This report will give a history and update on the progress of those campaigns.« less

Accelerating Progress in Eating Disorders Prevention: A Call for Policy Translation Research and Training.

PubMed

Austin, S Bryn

2016-01-01

The public health burden of eating disorders is well documented, and over the past several decades, researchers have made important advances in the prevention of eating disorders and related problems with body image. Despite these advances, however, several critical limitations to the approaches developed to date leave the field far from achieving the large-scale impact that is needed. This commentary provides a brief review of what achievements in prevention have been made and identifies the gaps that limit the potential for greater impact on population health. A plan is then offered with specific action steps to accelerate progress in high-impact prevention, most compellingly by promoting a shift in priorities to policy translation research and training for scholars through the adoption of a triggers-to-action framework. Finally, the commentary provides an example of the application of the triggers-to-action framework as practiced at the Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders, a program based at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health and Boston Children's Hospital. Much has been achieved in the nearly 30 years of research carried out for the prevention of eating disorders and body image problems, but several critical limitations undermine the field's potential for meaningful impact. Through a shift in the field's priorities to policy translation research and training with an emphasis on macro-environmental influences, the pace of progress in prevention can be accelerated and the potential for large-scale impact substantially improved.

ISABELLE: a progress report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hahn, H

This paper discusses the ISABELLE project, which has the objective of constructing a high-energy proton colliding beam facility at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The major technical features of the intersecting storage accelerators with their projected performance are described. Application of over 1000 superconducting magnets in the two rings represents the salient characteristic of the machine. The status of the entire project, the technical progress made so far, and difficulties encountered are reviewed.

White Adipose Tissue Cells Are Recruited by Experimental Tumors and Promote Cancer Progression in Mouse Models

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yan; Daquinag, Alexes; Traktuev, Dmitry O.; Amaya-Manzanares, Felipe; Simmons, Paul J.; March, Keith L.; Pasqualini, Renata; Arap, Wadih; Kolonin, Mikhail G.

2010-01-01

The connection between obesity and accelerated cancer progression has been established, but the mediating mechanisms are not well understood. We have shown that stromal cells from white adipose tissue (WAT) cooperate with the endothelium to promote blood vessel formation through the secretion of soluble trophic factors. Here, we hypothesize that WAT directly mediates cancer progression by serving as a source of cells that migrate to tumors and promote neovascularization. To test this hypothesis, we have evaluated the recruitment of WAT-derived cells by tumors and the effect of their engraftment on tumor growth by integrating a transgenic mouse strain engineered for expansion of traceable cells with established allograft and xenograft cancer models. Our studies show that entry of adipose stromal and endothelial cells into systemic circulation leads to their homing to and engraftment into tumor stroma and vasculature, respectively. We show that recruitment of adipose stromal cells by tumors is sufficient to promote tumor growth. Finally, we show that migration of stromal and vascular progenitor cells from WAT grafts to tumors is also associated with acceleration of cancer progression. These results provide a biological insight for the clinical association between obesity and cancer, thus outlining potential avenues for preventive and therapeutic strategies. PMID:19491274

HIV-1 disease progression during highly active antiretroviral therapy: an application using population-level data in British Columbia: 1996-2011.

PubMed

Nosyk, Bohdan; Min, Jeong; Lima, Viviane D; Yip, Benita; Hogg, Robert S; Montaner, Julio S G

2013-08-15

Accurately estimating rates of disease progression is of central importance in developing mathematical models used to project outcomes and guide resource allocation decisions. Our objective was to specify a multivariate regression model to estimate changes in disease progression among individuals on highly active antiretroviral treatment in British Columbia, Canada, 1996-2011. We used population-level data on disease progression and antiretroviral treatment utilization from the BC HIV Drug Treatment Program. Disease progression was captured using longitudinal CD4 and plasma viral load testing data, linked with data on antiretroviral treatment. The study outcome was categorized into (CD4 count ≥ 500, 500-350, 350-200, <200 cells/mm, and mortality). A 5-state continuous-time Markov model was used to estimate covariate-specific probabilities of CD4 progression, focusing on temporal changes during the study period. A total of 210,083 CD4 measurements among 7421 individuals with HIV/AIDS were included in the study. Results of the multivariate model suggested that current highly active antiretroviral treatment at baseline, lower baseline CD4 (<200 cells/mm), and extended durations of elevated plasma viral load were each associated with accelerated progression. Immunological improvement was accelerated significantly from 2004 onward, with 23% and 46% increases in the probability of CD4 improvement from the fourth CD4 stratum (CD4 < 200) in 2004-2008 and 2008-2011, respectively. Our results demonstrate the impact of innovations in antiretroviral treatment and treatment delivery at the population level. These results can be used to estimate a transition probability matrix flexible to changes in the observed mix of clients in different clinical stages and treatment regimens over time.

Pregnancy and HIV disease progression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Calvert, Clara; Ronsmans, Carine

2015-02-01

To assess whether pregnancy accelerates HIV disease progression. Studies comparing progression to HIV-related illness, low CD4 count, AIDS-defining illness, HIV-related death, or any death in HIV-infected pregnant and non-pregnant women were included. Relative risks (RR) for each outcome were combined using random effects meta-analysis and were stratified by antiretroviral therapy (ART) availability. 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Pregnancy was not associated with progression to HIV-related illness [summary RR: 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66-2.61], AIDS-defining illness (summary RR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.74-1.25) or mortality (summary RR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.62-1.53), but there was an association with low CD4 counts (summary RR: 1.41, 95% CI: 0.99-2.02) and HIV-related death (summary RR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.06-2.57). In settings where ART was available, there was no evidence that pregnancy accelerated progress to HIV/AIDS-defining illnesses, death and drop in CD4 count. In settings without ART availability, effect estimates were consistent with pregnancy increasing the risk of progression to HIV/AIDS-defining illnesses and HIV-related or all-cause mortality, but there were too few studies to draw meaningful conclusions. In the absence of ART, pregnancy is associated with small but appreciable increases in the risk of several negative HIV outcomes, but the evidence is too weak to draw firm conclusions. When ART is available, the effects of pregnancy on HIV disease progression are attenuated and there is little reason to discourage healthy HIV-infected women who desire to become pregnant from doing so. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The relationship between BMI and insulin resistance and progression from single to multiple autoantibody positivity and type 1 diabetes among TrialNet Pathway to Prevention participants.

PubMed

Meah, Farah A; DiMeglio, Linda A; Greenbaum, Carla J; Blum, Janice S; Sosenko, Jay M; Pugliese, Alberto; Geyer, Susan; Xu, Ping; Evans-Molina, Carmella

2016-06-01

The incidence of type 1 diabetes is increasing at a rate of 3-5% per year. Genetics cannot fully account for this trend, suggesting an influence of environmental factors. The accelerator hypothesis proposes an effect of metabolic factors on type 1 diabetes risk. To test this in the TrialNet Pathway to Prevention (PTP) cohort, we analysed the influence of BMI, weight status and insulin resistance on progression from single to multiple islet autoantibodies (Aab) and progression from normoglycaemia to diabetes. HOMA1-IR was used to estimate insulin resistance in Aab-positive PTP participants. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the effects of BMI, BMI percentile (BMI%), weight status and HOMA1-IR on the progression of autoimmunity or the development of diabetes. Data from 1,310 single and 1,897 multiple Aab-positive PTP participants were included. We found no significant relationships between BMI, BMI%, weight status or HOMA1-IR and the progression from one to multiple Aabs. Similarly, among all Aab-positive participants, no significant relationships were found between BMI, weight status or HOMA1-IR and progression to diabetes. Diabetes risk was modestly increased with increasing BMI% among the entire cohort, in obese participants 13-20 years of age and with increasing HOMA1-IR in adult Aab-positive participants. Analysis of the accelerator hypothesis in the TrialNet PTP cohort does not suggest a broad influence of metabolic variables on diabetes risk. Efforts to identify other potentially modifiable environmental factors should continue.

PROCEEDINGS OF RIKEN BNL RESEARCH CENTER WORKSHOP, VOLUME 57, HIGH PT PHYSICS AT RHIC, DECEMBER 2-6, 2003

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kretzer, Stefan; Venugopalan, Raju; Vogelsang, Werner

The AuAu, dAu, and pp collision modes of the RHIC collider at BNL have led to the publication of exciting high p{perpendicular} particle production data. There have also been two physics runs with polarized protons, and preliminary results on the double-spin asymmetry for pion production had been presented very recently. The ontological questions behind these measurements are fascinating: Did RHIC collisions create a Quark-Gluon-Plasma phase and did they verify the Color Glass Condensate as the high energy limit of QCD? Will the Spin Crisis finally be resolved in terms of gluon polarization and what new surprises are we yet tomore » meet for Transverse Spin? Phenomena related to sub-microscopic questions as important as these call for interpretations that are footed in solid theory. At large p{perpendicular}, perturbative concepts are legitimately expected to provide useful approaches. The corresponding hard parton dynamics are, in several ways, key to unraveling the initial or final state and collisional phase of hard scattering events in vacuum as well as in hot or cold nuclear matter. Before the advent of RHIC data, a RIKEN-BNL workshop had been held at BNL in March 1999 on ''Hard Parton Physics in High Energy Nuclear Collisions''. The 2003 workshop on ''High p{perpendicular} Physics at RHIC'' was a logical continuation of this previous workshop. It gave the opportunity to revisit the 1999 expectations in the light of what has been found in the meantime and, at the same time, to critically discuss the underlying theoretical concepts. We brought together theorists who have done seminal work on the foundations of parton phenomenology in field theory, with theorists and experimentalists who are presently working on RHIC phenomenology. The participants were both from a high-energy physics and nuclear physics background and it remains only to be said here that this chemistry worked perfectly and the workshop was a great success.« less

COLOR SUPERCONDUCTIVITY, INSTANTONS AND PARITY (NON?)-CONSERVATION AT HIGH BARYON DENSITY-VOLUME 5.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

GYULASSY,M.

1997-11-11

This one day Riken BNL Research Center workshop was organized to follow-up on the rapidly developing theoretical work on color super-conductivity, instanton dynamics, and possible signatures of parity violation in strong interactions that was stimulated by the talk of Frank Wilczek during the Riken BNL September Symposium. The workshop was held on November 11, 1997 at the center with over 30 participants. The program consisted of four talks on theory in the morning followed by two talks in the afternoon by experimentalists and open discussion. Krishna Rajagopal (MIT) first reviewed the status of the chiral condensate calculations at high baryonmore » density within the instanton model and the percolation transition at moderate densities restoring chiral symmetry. Mark Alford (Princeton) then discussed the nature of the novel color super-conducting diquark condensates. The main result was that the largest gap on the order of 100 MeV was found for the 0{sup +} condensate, with only a tiny gap << MeV for the other possible 1{sup +}. Thomas Schaefer (INT) gave a complete overview of the instanton effects on correlators and showed independent calculations in collaboration with Shuryak (SUNY) and Velkovsky (BNL) confirming the updated results of the Wilczek group (Princeton, MIT). Yang Pang (Columbia) addressed the general question of how breaking of discrete symmetries by any condensate with suitable quantum numbers could be searched for experimentally especially at the AGS through longitudinal A polarization measurements. Nicholas Samios (BNL) reviewed the history of measurements on {Lambda} polarization and suggested specific kinematical variables for such analysis. Brian Cole (Columbia) showed recent E910 measurements of {Lambda} production at the AGS in nuclear collisions and focused on the systematic biases that must be considered when looking for small symmetry breaking effects. Lively discussions led by Robert Jaffe (MIT) focused especially on speculations on the still unknown signatures of 0{sup +} color super-conductivity which of course would not be observable via discrete symmetry breaking.« less

Element Specific Imaging Using Muonic X-rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hillier, Adrian; Ishida, Katsu; Seller, Paul; Veale, Matthew C.; Wilson, Matthew D.

The RIKEN-RAL facility provides a source of negative muons that can be used to non-destructively determine the elemental composition of bulk samples. A negative muon can replace an electron in an atom and subsequently transition to lower orbital positions. As with conventional X-ray fluorescence, an X-ray photon is emitted with a characteristic energy to enable the transition between orbitals of an atom. As the mass of a negative muon is much greater than that of an electron, a higher energy X-ray photon is emitted when the negative muon transitions between orbitals compared to conventional X-ray fluorescence. The higher energy muonic X-rays are able to escape large samples even when they are emitted from lower Z atoms, making muonic X-rays fluorescence a unique method to characterize the elemental content of a sample. In a typical experiment a section of a sample will be probed with negative muons with the muon momentum tuned to interact at a desired depth in the sample. A small number of single element high purity Ge detectors are positioned to capture up to one photon each from each of the forty muon pulses per second at the RIKEN-RAL facility. This can provide a high resolution and high dynamic range X-ray energy spectrum when collected for several hours but can only provide a spatial average or single point elemental distribution per collection. Here, an STFC developed CdTe detector with 80 × 80 energy resolving channels has been used to demonstrate the ability to image the elemental distribution of a test sample. A test sample of C, Al, and Fe2O3 was positioned close to the detector surface and each of the 250 µm pitch pixels recorded a muonic X-ray energy spectrum. Results are presented to show the principal of this new technique and potential improvements to provide higher resolution and larger area elemental imaging using muonic X-rays are discussed.

Use of incentives to encourage ITS deployment.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-07-01

Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) identifies Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) as part of the solution to the Nations transportation needs and provides mechanisms for accelerating deployment of innovative technology...

The European Microkelvin Platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pickett, George; Enss, Christian

2018-03-01

The growing demands of quantum materials, engineering and technology make access to microkelvin temperatures ever more essential. Experience in Europe suggests that new working methods, encouraged by an imaginative funding atmosphere, can accelerate progress in this frontier field.

What We Do | FNLCR Staging

Cancer.gov

The Frederick National Laboratory is the only U.S. national lab wholly focused on research, technology, and collaboration in the biomedical sciences- working to discover, to innovate, and to improve human health. We accelerate progress against can

Fermilab’s Accelerator Complex: Current Status, Upgrades and Outlook

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Convery, M. E.

We report on the status of the Fermilab accelerator complex, including recent performance, upgrades in progress, and plans for the future. Beam delivery to the neutrino experiments surpassed our goals for the past year. The Proton Improvement Plan is well underway with successful 15 Hz beam operation. Beam power of 700 kW to the NOvA experiment was demonstrated and will be routine in the next year. We are also preparing the Muon Campus to commission beam to the g-2 experiment.

Poster - Thur Eve - 07: CNSC Update: "What's New in Class II".

PubMed

Heimann, M

2012-07-01

The Accelerators and Class II Facilities Division (ACFD) of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), is responsible for the oversight of radiotherapy facilities containing Class II prescribed equipment in Canada. This poster will highlight a number of new initiatives that the CNSC has implemented recently that have an impact on radiotherapy facility licensees. The presentation will discuss the recent policy decision to regulate particle accelerators of above 1 MeV. Challenges and progress with respect to the implementation of the policy will be presented. Other initiatives which will be described include: • The new ACFD webspace on the CNSC website, with direct links to relevant information on licensing, compliance and Class II prescribed equipment • The improved structure of the Appendix of Licence Documents that is part of every Class II licence • Updated licence application guides • Changes to Annual Compliance reporting requirements and progress on the ACR-Online initiative • Changes to some regulatory expectations related to medical accelerator facilities • Consolidation of Class II facility licences The poster will also include other initiatives that may be of particular interest to COMP membership. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Ion acceleration via TNSA near and beyond the relativistic transparency limit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schumacher, Douglass; Poole, Patrick; Cochran, Ginevra; Willis, Christopher

2017-10-01

Ultra-intense laser-based ion acceleration can proceed via several mechanisms whose fundamental operation and interplay with each other are still not well understood. The details of Relativistically Induced Transparency (RIT) and its impact on ultra-thin target acceleration are of interest for fundamental studies and to progress toward applications requiring controlled, high energy secondary radiation, e.g. hadron cancer therapy. Liquid crystal film targets formed in-situ with thickness control between 10 nm and > 50 μm uniquely allow study of how ion acceleration varies with target thickness. Several recent studies have investigated Target Normal Sheath Acceleration (TNSA) down to the thickness at which RIT occurs, with a wide range of laser conditions (energy, pulse duration, and contrast), using various ion and optical diagnostics to ascertain acceleration mechanisms and quality. Observation of target-normal directed ion acceleration enhancement at the RIT thickness onset will be discussed, including analysis of ion spatial and spectral features as well as particle-in-cell simulations investigating the underlying physical processes. This material is based upon work supported by the AFOSR under Award Number FA9550-14-1-0085, by the NNSA under DE-NA0003107, and by computing time from the Ohio Supercomputer Center.

Progress with High-Field Superconducting Magnets for High-Energy Colliders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Apollinari, Giorgio; Prestemon, Soren; Zlobin, Alexander V.

2015-10-01

One of the possible next steps for high-energy physics research relies on a high-energy hadron or muon collider. The energy of a circular collider is limited by the strength of bending dipoles, and its maximum luminosity is determined by the strength of final focus quadrupoles. For this reason, the high-energy physics and accelerator communities have shown much interest in higher-field and higher-gradient superconducting accelerator magnets. The maximum field of NbTi magnets used in all present high-energy machines, including the LHC, is limited to ˜10 T at 1.9 K. Fields above 10 T became possible with the use of Nb3Sn superconductors. Nb3Sn accelerator magnets can provide operating fields up to ˜15 T and can significantly increase the coil temperature margin. Accelerator magnets with operating fields above 15 T require high-temperature superconductors. This review discusses the status and main results of Nb3Sn accelerator magnet research and development and work toward 20-T magnets.

Progress with high-field superconducting magnets for high-energy colliders

DOE PAGES

Apollinari, Giorgio; Prestemon, Soren; Zlobin, Alexander V.

2015-10-01

One of the possible next steps for high-energy physics research relies on a high-energy hadron or muon collider. The energy of a circular collider is limited by the strength of bending dipoles, and its maximum luminosity is determined by the strength of final focus quadrupoles. For this reason, the high-energy physics and accelerator communities have shown much interest in higher-field and higher-gradient superconducting accelerator magnets. The maximum field of NbTi magnets used in all present high-energy machines, including the LHC, is limited to ~10 T at 1.9 K. Fields above 10 T became possible with the use of Nbmore » $$_3$$Sn superconductors. Nb$$_3$$Sn accelerator magnets can provide operating fields up to ~15 T and can significantly increase the coil temperature margin. Accelerator magnets with operating fields above 15 T require high-temperature superconductors. Furthermore, this review discusses the status and main results of Nb$$_3$$Sn accelerator magnet research and development and work toward 20-T magnets.« less

The Accelerated Late Adsorption of Pulmonary Surfactant

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Adsorption of pulmonary surfactant to an air−water interface lowers surface tension (γ) at rates that initially decrease progressively, but which then accelerate close to the equilibrium γ. The studies here tested a series of hypotheses concerning mechanisms that might cause the late accelerated drop in γ. Experiments used captive bubbles and a Wilhelmy plate to measure γ during adsorption of vesicles containing constituents from extracted calf surfactant. The faster fall in γ reflects faster adsorption rather than any feature of the equation of state that relates γ to surface concentration (Γ). Adsorption accelerates when γ reaches a critical value rather than after an interval required to reach that γ. The hydrophobic surfactant proteins (SPs) represent key constituents, both for reaching the γ at which the acceleration occurs and for producing the acceleration itself. The γ at which rates of adsorption increase, however, is unaffected by the Γ of protein in the films. In the absence of the proteins, a phosphatidylethanolamine, which, like the SPs, induces fusion of the vesicles with the interfacial film, also causes adsorption to accelerate. Our results suggest that the late acceleration is characteristic of adsorption by fusion of vesicles with the nascent film, which proceeds more favorably when the Γ of the lipids exceeds a critical value. PMID:21417351

Minimizing Head Acceleration in Soccer: A Review of the Literature.

PubMed

Caccese, Jaclyn B; Kaminski, Thomas W

2016-11-01

Physicians and healthcare professionals are often asked for recommendations on how to keep athletes safe during contact sports such as soccer. With an increase in concussion awareness and concern about repetitive subconcussion, many parents and athletes are interested in mitigating head acceleration in soccer, so we conducted a literature review on factors that affect head acceleration in soccer. We searched electronic databases and reference lists to find studies using the keywords 'soccer' OR 'football' AND 'head acceleration'. Because of a lack of current research in soccer heading biomechanics, this review was limited to 18 original research studies. Low head-neck segment mass predisposes athletes to high head acceleration, but head-neck-torso alignment during heading and follow-through after contact can be used to decrease head acceleration. Additionally, improvements in symmetric neck flexor and extensor strength and neuromuscular neck stiffness can decrease head acceleration. Head-to-head impacts and unanticipated ball contacts result in the highest head acceleration. Ball contacts at high velocity may also be dangerous. The risk of concussive impacts may be lessened through the use of headgear, but headgear may also cause athletes to play more recklessly because they feel a sense of increased security. Young, but physically capable, athletes should be taught proper heading technique in a controlled setting, using a carefully planned progression of the skill.

New methods for accelerating the convergence of molecular electronic integrals over exponential type orbitals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Safouhi, Hassan; Hoggan, Philip

2003-01-01

This review on molecular integrals for large electronic systems (MILES) places the problem of analytical integration over exponential-type orbitals (ETOs) in a historical context. After reference to the pioneering work, particularly by Barnett, Shavitt and Yoshimine, it focuses on recent progress towards rapid and accurate analytic solutions of MILES over ETOs. Software such as the hydrogenlike wavefunction package Alchemy by Yoshimine and collaborators is described. The review focuses on convergence acceleration of these highly oscillatory integrals and in particular it highlights suitable nonlinear transformations. Work by Levin and Sidi is described and applied to MILES. A step by step description of progress in the use of nonlinear transformation methods to obtain efficient codes is provided. The recent approach developed by Safouhi is also presented. The current state of the art in this field is summarized to show that ab initio analytical work over ETOs is now a viable option.

Microbial genome mining for accelerated natural products discovery: is a renaissance in the making?

PubMed

Bachmann, Brian O; Van Lanen, Steven G; Baltz, Richard H

2014-02-01

Microbial genome mining is a rapidly developing approach to discover new and novel secondary metabolites for drug discovery. Many advances have been made in the past decade to facilitate genome mining, and these are reviewed in this Special Issue of the Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology. In this Introductory Review, we discuss the concept of genome mining and why it is important for the revitalization of natural product discovery; what microbes show the most promise for focused genome mining; how microbial genomes can be mined; how genome mining can be leveraged with other technologies; how progress on genome mining can be accelerated; and who should fund future progress in this promising field. We direct interested readers to more focused reviews on the individual topics in this Special Issue for more detailed summaries on the current state-of-the-art.

Human development, heredity and evolution.

PubMed

Nishinakamura, Ryuichi; Takasato, Minoru

2017-06-15

From March 27-29 2017, the RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology held a symposium entitled 'Towards Understanding Human Development, Heredity, and Evolution' in Kobe, Japan. Recent advances in technologies including stem cell culture, live imaging, single-cell approaches, next-generation sequencing and genome editing have led to an expansion in our knowledge of human development. Organized by Yoshiya Kawaguchi, Mitinori Saitou, Mototsugu Eiraku, Tomoya Kitajima, Fumio Matsuzaki, Takashi Tsuji and Edith Heard, the symposium covered a broad range of topics including human germline development, epigenetics, organogenesis and evolution. This Meeting Review provides a summary of this timely and exciting symposium, which has convinced us that we are moving into the era of science targeted on humans. © 2017. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

R-process experiments with the Advanced Implantation Detector Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Estrade, Alfredo; Griffin, Chris; Davinson, Tom; Bruno, Carlo; Hall, Oscar; Liu, Zhong; Woods, Phil; Coleman-Smith, Patrick; Labiche, Marc; Lazarus, Ian; Pucknell, Victor; Simpson, John; Harkness-Brennan, Laura; Page, Robert; Kiss, Gabor; Liu, Jiajiang; Matsui, Keishi; Nishimura, Shunji; Phong, Vi; Lorusso, Giuseppe; Montes, Fernando; Nepal, Neerajan; Briken Collaboration; Ribf106 Experiment Team

2017-09-01

Decay properties of neutron rich isotopes, such as half-lives and β-delayed neutron emission probabilities, are an important input for astrophysical models of the r-process. A new generation of fragmentation beam facilities has made it possible to access large regions of the nuclear chart that are close to the path of the r-process for some astrophysical models. The Advanced Implantation Detector Array (AIDA) is a segmented active-stopper detector designed for decay experiments with fast ion beams, which was recently commissioned at the Radioactive Ion Beam Factory in RIKEN, Japan. In this presentation we describe the main characteristics of AIDA, and present preliminary results of the first experiments in the region of neutron-rich selenium isotopes and along the N=82 shell closure.

Comittees

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2004-10-01

Fritz Caspers (CERN, Switzerland), Michel Chanel (CERN, Switzerland), Håkan Danared (MSL, Sweden), Bernhard Franzke (GSI, Germany), Manfred Grieser (MPI für Kernphysik, Germany), Dieter Habs (LMU München, Germany), Jeffrey Hangst (University of Aarhus, Denmark), Takeshi Katayama (RIKEN/Univ. Tokyo, Japan), H.-Jürgen Kluge (GSI, Germany), Shyh-Yuan Lee (Indiana University, USA), Rudolf Maier (FZ Jülich, Germany), John Marriner (FNAL, USA), Igor Meshkov (JINR, Russia), Dieter Möhl (CERN, Switzerland), Vasily Parkhomchuk (BINP, Russia), Robert Pollock (Indiana University), Dieter Prasuhn (FZ Jülich, Germany), Dag Reistad (TSL, Sweden), John Schiffer (ANL, USA), Andrew Sessler (LBNL, USA), Alexander Skrinsky (BINP, Russia), Markus Steck (GSI, Germany), Jie Wei (BNL, USA), Andreas Wolf (MPI für Kernphysik, Germany), Hongwei Zhao (IMP, People's Rep. of China).

A gas circulation and purification system for gas-cell-based low-energy RI-beam production.

PubMed

Sonoda, T; Tsubota, T; Wada, M; Katayama, I; Kojima, T M; Reponen, M

2016-06-01

A gas circulation and purification system was developed at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory that can be used for gas-cell-based low-energy RI-beam production. A high-flow-rate gas cell filled with one atmosphere of buffer gas (argon or helium) is used for the deceleration and thermalization of high-energy RI-beams. The exhausted buffer gas is efficiently collected using a compact dry pump and returned to the gas cell with a recovery efficiency of >97%. The buffer gas is efficiently purified using two gas purifiers as well as collision cleaning, which eliminates impurities in the gas. An impurity level of one part per billion is achieved with this method.

A gas circulation and purification system for gas-cell-based low-energy RI-beam production

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sonoda, T.; Wada, M.; Katayama, I.

A gas circulation and purification system was developed at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory that can be used for gas-cell-based low-energy RI-beam production. A high-flow-rate gas cell filled with one atmosphere of buffer gas (argon or helium) is used for the deceleration and thermalization of high-energy RI-beams. The exhausted buffer gas is efficiently collected using a compact dry pump and returned to the gas cell with a recovery efficiency of >97%. The buffer gas is efficiently purified using two gas purifiers as well as collision cleaning, which eliminates impurities in the gas. An impurity level of one part permore » billion is achieved with this method.« less

Measurements of Interaction Cross Sections for 19-27F Isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Homma, Akira; Takechi, Maya; Ohtsubo, Takashi; Nishimura, Daiki; Fukuda, Mitsunori; Suzuki, Takeshi; Yamaguchi, Takayuki; Kuboki, Takamasa; Ozawa, Akira; Suzuki, Sinji; Ooishi, Hiroto; Moriguchi, Tetsuaki; Sumikawa, Takashi; Geissel, H.; Aoi, Nori; Chen, Rui-jiu; Fang, De-Qing; Fukuda, Naoki; Fukuoka, Shota; Furuki, Hisahiro; Inaba, Naruki; Ishibashi, Nobuyuki; Ito, Takeshi; Izumikawa, Takuji; Kameda, Daisuke; Kubo, Toshiyuki; Lantz, M.; Lee, C. S.; Ma, Yu-Gang; Mihara, Mototsugu; Momota, Satao; Nagae, Daisuke; Nishikiori, Ryo; Niwa, Takahiro; Ohnishi, Tetsuya; Okumura, Kimitake; Ogura, Toshiyuki; Nagashima, Masayuki; Sakurai, Hiroyoshi; Sato, Kanae; Shimbara, Yoshiriro; Suzuki, Hiroshi; Takeda, Hiroyuki; Takeuchi, Satoshi; Tanaka, Kenji; Uenishi, Hideaki; Winkler, M.; Yanagisawa, Yoshiyuki

Interaction cross sections (σI) and reaction cross sections (σR) are physical quantities which are strongly related to the nuclear size. In our previous study of σI for Ne isotopes, the deformation features of neutron-rich Ne isotopes in the so-called "island of inversion" region have been successfully observed, and also the formation of the deformed halo structure in 31Ne has been indicated. In this study, σI for 19-27F, up to the vicinity of the island of inversion have been measured at around 240A MeV using BigRIPS at RIBF, RIKEN. Our preliminary results are slightly larger than A1/3 systematics and some of the data could be explained by nuclear deformation.

Lifetime measurements in A˜100 nuclei using LaBr3(Ce) arrays.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruce, A. M.

2018-05-01

The region of the nuclear chart around neutron-rich A˜100 nuclei is one where prolate and oblate nuclear shapes are predicted to be in close competition. An indirect measurement of the shape of the nucleus can be obtained from measuring level lifetimes which relate, via transition rates, to β2 deformation. In order to make measurements of level lifetimes in the sub nanosecond range an array of 36 LaBr3(Ce) detectors has been constructed for use at the FAIR facility in Darmstadt, Germany. This presentation will give an overview of the array and examples of its use in commissioning experiments at the RIKEN Nishina Center in Japan and the Argonne National Laboratory in the USA.

Persistence of the Z =28 Shell Gap Around 78Ni: First Spectroscopy of 79Cu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olivier, L.; Franchoo, S.; Niikura, M.; Vajta, Z.; Sohler, D.; Doornenbal, P.; Obertelli, A.; Tsunoda, Y.; Otsuka, T.; Authelet, G.; Baba, H.; Calvet, D.; Château, F.; Corsi, A.; Delbart, A.; Gheller, J.-M.; Gillibert, A.; Isobe, T.; Lapoux, V.; Matsushita, M.; Momiyama, S.; Motobayashi, T.; Otsu, H.; Péron, C.; Peyaud, A.; Pollacco, E. C.; Roussé, J.-Y.; Sakurai, H.; Santamaria, C.; Sasano, M.; Shiga, Y.; Takeuchi, S.; Taniuchi, R.; Uesaka, T.; Wang, H.; Yoneda, K.; Browne, F.; Chung, L. X.; Dombradi, Z.; Flavigny, F.; Giacoppo, F.; Gottardo, A.; Hadyńska-Klek, K.; Korkulu, Z.; Koyama, S.; Kubota, Y.; Lee, J.; Lettmann, M.; Louchart, C.; Lozeva, R.; Matsui, K.; Miyazaki, T.; Nishimura, S.; Ogata, K.; Ota, S.; Patel, Z.; Sahin, E.; Shand, C.; Söderström, P.-A.; Stefan, I.; Steppenbeck, D.; Sumikama, T.; Suzuki, D.; Werner, V.; Wu, J.; Xu, Z.

2017-11-01

In-beam γ -ray spectroscopy of 79Cu is performed at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory of RIKEN. The nucleus of interest is produced through proton knockout from a 80Zn beam at 270 MeV /nucleon . The level scheme up to 4.6 MeV is established for the first time and the results are compared to Monte Carlo shell-model calculations. We do not observe significant knockout feeding to the excited states below 2.2 MeV, which indicates that the Z =28 gap at N =50 remains large. The results show that the 79Cu nucleus can be described in terms of a valence proton outside a 78Ni core, implying the magic character of the latter.

Erbb2 up-regulation of ADAM12 expression accelerates skin cancer progression.

PubMed

Rao, Velidi H; Vogel, Kristen; Yanagida, Jodi K; Marwaha, Nitin; Kandel, Amrit; Trempus, Carol; Repertinger, Susan K; Hansen, Laura A

2015-10-01

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause severe damage to the skin and is the primary cause of most skin cancer. UV radiation causes DNA damage leading to mutations and also activates the Erbb2/HER2 receptor through indirect mechanisms involving reactive oxygen species. We hypothesized that Erbb2 activation accelerates the malignant progression of UV-induced skin cancer. Following the induction of benign squamous papillomas by UV exposure of v-ras(Ha) transgenic Tg.AC mice, mice were treated topically with the Erbb2 inhibitor AG825 and tumor progression monitored. AG825 treatment reduced tumor volume, increased tumor regression, and delayed the development of malignant squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Progression to malignancy was associated with increased Erbb2 and ADAM12 (A Disintegin And Metalloproteinase 12) transcripts and protein, while inhibition of Erbb2 blocked the increase in ADAM12 message upon malignant progression. Similarly, human SCC and SCC cell lines had increased ADAM12 protein and transcripts when compared to normal controls. To determine whether Erbb2 up-regulation of ADAM12 contributed to malignant progression of skin cancer, Erbb2 expression was modulated in cultured SCC cells using forced over-expression or siRNA targeting, demonstrating up-regulation of ADAM12 by Erbb2. Furthermore, ADAM12 transfection or siRNA targeting revealed that ADAM12 increased both the migration and invasion of cutaneous SCC cells. Collectively, these results suggest Erbb2 up-regulation of ADAM12 as a novel mechanism contributing to the malignant progression of UV-induced skin cancer. Inhibition of Erbb2/HER2 reduced tumor burden, increased tumor regression, and delayed the progression of benign skin tumors to malignant SCC in UV-exposed mice. Inhibition of Erbb2 suppressed the increase in metalloproteinase ADAM12 expression in skin tumors, which in turn increased migration and tumor cell invasiveness. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Acceleration of atherogenesis by COX-1-dependent prostanoid formation in low density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice.

PubMed

Praticò, D; Tillmann, C; Zhang, Z B; Li, H; FitzGerald, G A

2001-03-13

The cyclooxygenase (COX) product, prostacyclin (PGI(2)), inhibits platelet activation and vascular smooth-muscle cell migration and proliferation. Biochemically selective inhibition of COX-2 reduces PGI(2) biosynthesis substantially in humans. Because deletion of the PGI(2) receptor accelerates atherogenesis in the fat-fed low density lipoprotein receptor knockout mouse, we wished to determine whether selective inhibition of COX-2 would accelerate atherogenesis in this model. To address this hypothesis, we used dosing with nimesulide, which inhibited COX-2 ex vivo, depressed urinary 2,3 dinor 6-keto PGF(1alpha) by approximately 60% but had no effect on thromboxane formation by platelets, which only express COX-1. By contrast, the isoform nonspecific inhibitor, indomethacin, suppressed platelet function and thromboxane formation ex vivo and in vivo, coincident with effects on PGI(2) biosynthesis indistinguishable from nimesulide. Indomethacin reduced the extent of atherosclerosis by 55 +/- 4%, whereas nimesulide failed to increase the rate of atherogenesis. Despite their divergent effects on atherogenesis, both drugs depressed two indices of systemic inflammation, soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 to a similar but incomplete degree. Neither drug altered serum lipids and the marked increase in vascular expression of COX-2 during atherogenesis. Accelerated progression of atherosclerosis is unlikely during chronic intake of specific COX-2 inhibitors. Furthermore, evidence that COX-1-derived prostanoids contribute to atherogenesis suggests that controlled evaluation of the effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or aspirin on plaque progression in humans is timely.

Rate of Atherosclerosis Progression in ApoE−/− Mice Long After Discontinuation of Cola Beverage Drinking

PubMed Central

Otero-Losada, Matilde; Cao, Gabriel; Mc Loughlin, Santiago; Rodríguez-Granillo, Gastón; Ottaviano, Graciela; Milei, José

2014-01-01

This study was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of cola beverages drinking on atherosclerosisand test the hypothesis whether cola beverages consumption at early life stages might affect the development and progression of atherosclerosis later in life. ApoE−/− C57BL/6J mice (8 week-old) were randomized in 3 groups (n = 20 each) according to free accessto water (W), sucrose sweetened carbonated cola drink(C) or aspartame-acesulfame K sweetened carbonated ‘light’ cola drink (L)for the next 8 weeks. Drinking treatment was ended by switching C and L groups to drinking water. Four mice per group and time were sequentially euthanized: before treatment (8weeks-old), at the end of treatment (16 weeks-old) and after treatment discontinuation (20 weeks-old, 24 weeks-old, 30 week-old mice). Aortic roots and livers were harvested, processed for histology and serial cross-sections were stained. Aortic plaque area was analyzed and plaque/media-ratio was calculated. Early consumption of cola drinks accelerated atherosclerotic plaque progression favoring the interaction between macrophages and myofibroblasts, without the participation of either T lymphocytes or proliferative activity. Plaque/media-ratio varied according to drink treatment (F2,54 = 3.433, p<0.04) and mice age (F4,54 = 5.009, p<0.03) and was higher in C and L groups compared with age-matched W group (p<0.05 at 16 weeks and 20 weeks, p<0.01 at 24 weeks and 30 weeks). Natural evolution of atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice (W group) evidenced atherosclerosis acceleration in parallel with a rapid increase in liver inflammation around the 20 weeks of age. Cola drinking within the 8–16 weeks of age accelerated atherosclerosis progression in ApoE−/− mice favoring aortic plaque enlargement (inward remodeling) over media thinning all over the study time. Data suggest that cola drinking at early life stages may predispose to atherosclerosis progression later in life in ApoE−/− mice. PMID:24670925

Reinventing the Accelerator for the High Energy Frontier

ScienceCinema

Rosenzweig, James [UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States

2017-12-09

The history of discovery in high-energy physics has been intimately connected with progress in methods of accelerating particles for the past 75 years. This remains true today, as the post-LHC era in particle physics will require significant innovation and investment in a superconducting linear collider. The choice of the linear collider as the next-generation discovery machine, and the selection of superconducting technology has rather suddenly thrown promising competing techniques -- such as very large hadron colliders, muon colliders, and high-field, high frequency linear colliders -- into the background. We discuss the state of such conventional options, and the likelihood of their eventual success. We then follow with a much longer view: a survey of a new, burgeoning frontier in high energy accelerators, where intense lasers, charged particle beams, and plasmas are all combined in a cross-disciplinary effort to reinvent the accelerator from its fundamental principles on up.

Review of light-ion driver development for inertial fusion energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bluhm, H.; Hoppé, P.

2001-05-01

The concept of a light ion beam driver for Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) is based on multi-terawatt, multi-megavolt pulsed power generators, two-stage ion acceleration and charge neutralised transport. In this paper we discuss the present status for each of these components and identify the main issues for research. Only modest extrapolations from presently available technologies seem necessary for the high voltage pulse generator. The greatest challenge of this approach is the accelerator, which will consist of two stages, the injector and the post-accelerator. Large progress has been made in understanding the physical phenomena occurring in the injector gap. This progress has become possible by new sophisticated diagnostics that allowed detailed temporally and spatially resolved measurements of field and particle densities in the acceleration gap and by relativistic fully electromagnetic PIC-simulation tools, that stimulated analytic models. The conclusions drawn from these studies, namely limiting the ion current density to small enhancements to reduce the beam divergence need still to be verified experimentally. Systematic experimental research on post-acceleration at high power and voltage must aim at a complete understanding of instabilities coupling from the injector to the post-accelerator and at limiting voltages and barriers for the extraction of unwanted ions from plasmas at the injection side. Ultimately the light ion approach requires rep-rateable large area ion sources with ion masses greater than 1 and particle energies around 30 MeV. Although different cleaning protocols were able to reduce the amount of parasitic ions in the Li beam from a LiF field emission source the achievements are still insufficient. A field of common interest between light and heavy ion beam driven fusion is beam transport from the accelerator to the target. Supposedly the most favourable concept for both approaches is self-pinched transport. Experimental evidence for self-pinched transport has recently been achieved in an experiment at NRL. Further experiments are needed to determine the dynamics and magnitude of net current formation, the efficiency of transport and the effect of bunching.

Progression of degenerative mitral stenosis: insights from a cohort of 254 patients.

PubMed

Tyagi, Gaurav; Dang, Patricia; Pasca, Ioana; Patel, Reena; Pai, Ramdas G

2014-11-01

Degenerative mitral stenosis (DMS) is an increasingly common echocardiographic finding, yet the clinical and biological behavior and rate of progression of the condition are unknown. A total of 254 patients was identified from the authors' echocardiographic database with DMS, defined as severe mitral annular calcification with extension into the mitral leaflets resulting in transmitral flow acceleration with a mean diastolic gradient of >2 mmHg in the absence of commissural fusion. Each patient required paired echocardiograms to have been recorded at least three months apart. Clinical, biochemical and pharmacological data were collected from each patient and related to the annualized rate of increase in mean diastolic mitral gradient and stenosis severity on a scale of 0 to 3. The characteristics of the patients were as follows: mean age 71 +/- 15 years; female gender 73%; and left ventricular ejection fraction 66 +/- 13%. Diabetes was present in 50% of patients, renal insufficiency in 40%, and coronary artery disease in 50%. Over a follow up period of 2.6 +/- 2.2 years, the mean gradient was increased by 0.8 +/- 2.4 mmHg (range: 0-15 mmHg) per year, while the stenosis grade was increased by 0.18 +/- 0.5 (range: 0-3) per year. The rate of progression was faster in patients with lesser degrees of stenosis (p = 0.01) and low serum albumen levels (p = 0.04), and slower in those receiving beta-blockers (p = 0.01). Milder stenosis, diabetes mellitus and lack of beta-blocker use were independent predictors of faster DMS progression. DMS progression is highly variable, but generally slow; its progression is accelerated in the presence of diabetes mellitus, but is retarded by beta-blocker use. DMS may be an active biological process offering potentially modifiable targets for intervention.

The relationship between BMI and insulin resistance and progression from single to multiple autoantibody positivity and type 1 diabetes among TrialNet Pathway to Prevention participants

PubMed Central

Meah, Farah A.; DiMeglio, Linda A.; Greenbaum, Carla J.; Blum, Janice S.; Sosenko, Jay M.; Pugliese, Alberto; Geyer, Susan; Xu, Ping; Evans-Molina, Carmella

2016-01-01

Aims/hypothesis The incidence of type 1 diabetes is increasing at a rate of 3–5% per year. Genetics cannot fully account for this trend, suggesting an influence of environmental factors. The accelerator hypothesis proposes an effect of metabolic factors on type 1 diabetes risk. To test this in the TrialNet Pathway to Prevention (PTP) cohort, we analysed the influence of BMI, weight status and insulin resistance on progression from single to multiple islet autoantibodies (Aab) and progression from normoglycaemia to diabetes. Methods HOMA1-IR was used to estimate insulin resistance in Aab-positive PTP participants. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the effects of BMI, BMI percentile (BMI%), weight status and HOMA1-IR on the progression of autoimmunity or the development of diabetes. Results Data from 1,310 single and 1,897 multiple Aab-positive PTP participants were included. We found no significant relationships between BMI, BMI%, weight status or HOMA1-IR and the progression from one to multiple Aabs. Similarly, among all Aab-positive participants, no significant relationships were found between BMI, weight status or HOMA1-IR and progression to diabetes. Diabetes risk was modestly increased with increasing BMI% among the entire cohort, in obese participants 13–20 years of age, and with increasing HOMA1-IR in adult Aab-positive participants. Conclusions/interpretation Analysis of the accelerator hypothesis in the TrialNet PTP cohort does not suggest a broad influence of metabolic variables on diabetes risk. Efforts to identify other potentially modifiable environmental factors should continue. PMID:26995649

PlGF/VEGFR-1 Signaling Promotes Macrophage Polarization and Accelerated Tumor Progression in Obesity.

PubMed

Incio, Joao; Tam, Josh; Rahbari, Nuh N; Suboj, Priya; McManus, Dan T; Chin, Shan M; Vardam, Trupti D; Batista, Ana; Babykutty, Suboj; Jung, Keehoon; Khachatryan, Anna; Hato, Tai; Ligibel, Jennifer A; Krop, Ian E; Puchner, Stefan B; Schlett, Christopher L; Hoffmman, Udo; Ancukiewicz, Marek; Shibuya, Masabumi; Carmeliet, Peter; Soares, Raquel; Duda, Dan G; Jain, Rakesh K; Fukumura, Dai

2016-06-15

Obesity promotes pancreatic and breast cancer progression via mechanisms that are poorly understood. Although obesity is associated with increased systemic levels of placental growth factor (PlGF), the role of PlGF in obesity-induced tumor progression is not known. PlGF and its receptor VEGFR-1 have been shown to modulate tumor angiogenesis and promote tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) recruitment and activity. Here, we hypothesized that increased activity of PlGF/VEGFR-1 signaling mediates obesity-induced tumor progression by augmenting tumor angiogenesis and TAM recruitment/activity. We established diet-induced obese mouse models of wild-type C57BL/6, VEGFR-1 tyrosine kinase (TK)-null, or PlGF-null mice, and evaluated the role of PlGF/VEGFR-1 signaling in pancreatic and breast cancer mouse models and in human samples. We found that obesity increased TAM infiltration, tumor growth, and metastasis in pancreatic cancers, without affecting vessel density. Ablation of VEGFR-1 signaling prevented obesity-induced tumor progression and shifted the tumor immune environment toward an antitumor phenotype. Similar findings were observed in a breast cancer model. Obesity was associated with increased systemic PlGF, but not VEGF-A or VEGF-B, in pancreatic and breast cancer patients and in various mouse models of these cancers. Ablation of PlGF phenocopied the effects of VEGFR-1-TK deletion on tumors in obese mice. PlGF/VEGFR-1-TK deletion prevented weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet, but exacerbated hyperinsulinemia. Addition of metformin not only normalized insulin levels but also enhanced antitumor immunity. Targeting PlGF/VEGFR-1 signaling reprograms the tumor immune microenvironment and inhibits obesity-induced acceleration of tumor progression. Clin Cancer Res; 22(12); 2993-3004. ©2016 AACR. ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

What Drives the Outflows in Broad Absorption Line QSOs?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Begelman, Mitchell C.

1997-01-01

We have made progress in the areas related to the propulsion and confinement of gas responsible for broad absorption troughts in QSOs: Radiative Acceleration in BALQSOs; The "Ghost" of Lyman (alpha); and Magnetic Confinement of Absorbing Gas.

What We Do | Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research

Cancer.gov

The Frederick National Laboratory is the only U.S. national lab wholly focused on research, technology, and collaboration in the biomedical sciences- working to discover, to innovate, and to improve human health. We accelerate progress against can

Toward high-resolution computational design of helical membrane protein structure and function

PubMed Central

Barth, Patrick; Senes, Alessandro

2016-01-01

The computational design of α-helical membrane proteins is still in its infancy but has made important progress. De novo design has produced stable, specific and active minimalistic oligomeric systems. Computational re-engineering can improve stability and modulate the function of natural membrane proteins. Currently, the major hurdle for the field is not computational, but the experimental characterization of the designs. The emergence of new structural methods for membrane proteins will accelerate progress PMID:27273630

Toward high-resolution computational design of the structure and function of helical membrane proteins.

PubMed

Barth, Patrick; Senes, Alessandro

2016-06-07

The computational design of α-helical membrane proteins is still in its infancy but has already made great progress. De novo design allows stable, specific and active minimal oligomeric systems to be obtained. Computational reengineering can improve the stability and function of naturally occurring membrane proteins. Currently, the major hurdle for the field is the experimental characterization of the designs. The emergence of new structural methods for membrane proteins will accelerate progress.

Systemic inflammation and delirium – important co-factors in the progression of dementia

PubMed Central

Cunningham, Colm

2014-01-01

It is widely accepted that inflammation plays some role in the progression of chronic neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease but its precise role remains elusive. It has been known for many years that systemic inflammatory insults can signal to the brain to induce changes in CNS function, typically grouped under the syndrome of sickness behaviour. These changes are mediated via systemic and CNS cytokine and prostaglandin synthesis. When patients with dementia suffer similar systemic inflammatory insults, delirium is a frequent consequence. This profound and acute exacerbation of cognitive dysfunction is associated with poor prognosis: accelerating cognitive decline and shortening time to permanent institutionalization and death. Therefore a better understanding of how delirium occurs during dementia and how these episodes impact on existing neurodegeneration are now important priorities. The current review summarises the relationship between dementia, systemic inflammation and episodes of delirium and addresses the basic scientific approaches currently being pursued with respect to understanding acute cognitive dysfunction during aging and dementia. In addition, though there are limited studies on this subject, it is becoming increasingly clear that infections and other systemic inflammatory conditions do increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and accelerate the progression of established dementia. These data suggest that systemic inflammation is a major contributor to the progression of dementia and constitutes an important clinical target. PMID:21787328

Monitoring Delamination of Thermal Barrier Coatings During Interrupted High-Heat-Flux Laser Testing using Luminescence Imaging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eldridge, Jeffrey I.; Zhu, Dongming; Wolfe, Douglas E.

2011-01-01

This presentation showed progress made in extending luminescence-base delamination monitoring to TBCs exposed to high heat fluxes, which is an environment that much better simulates actual turbine engine conditions. This was done by performing upconversion luminescence imaging during interruptions in laser testing, where a high-power CO2 laser was employed to create the desired heat flux. Upconverison luminescence refers to luminescence where the emission is at a higher energy (shorter wavelength) than the excitation. Since there will be negligible background emission at higher energies than the excitation, this methods produces superb contrast. Delamination contrast is produced because both the excitation and emission wavelengths are reflected at delamination cracks so that substantially higher luminescence intensity is observed in regions containing delamination cracks. Erbium was selected as the dopant for luminescence specifically because it exhibits upconversion luminescence. The high power CO2 10.6 micron wavelength laser facility at NASA GRC was used to produce the heat flux in combination with forced air backside cooling. Testing was performed at a lower (95 W/sq cm) and higher (125 W/sq cm) heat flux as well as furnace cycling at 1163C for comparison. The lower heat flux showed the same general behavior as furnace cycling, a gradual, "spotty" increase in luminescence associated with debond progression; however, a significant difference was a pronounced incubation period followed by acceleration delamination progression. These results indicate that extrapolating behavior from furnace cycling measurements will grossly overestimate remaining life under high heat flux conditions. The higher heat flux results were not only accelerated, but much different in character. Extreme bond coat rumpling occurred, and delamination propagation extended over much larger areas before precipitating macroscopic TBC failure. This indicates that under the higher heat flux (and surface & interface temperatures), the TBC was more tolerant of damage. The main conclusions were that high heat flux conditions can not only accelerate TBC debond progression but can also grossly alter the pathway of delamination.

FDA Approval Summary: Atezolizumab for the Treatment of Patients with Progressive Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma after Platinum‐Containing Chemotherapy

PubMed Central

Suzman, Daniel; Maher, V. Ellen; Zhang, Lijun; Tang, Shenghui; Ricks, Tiffany; Palmby, Todd; Fu, Wentao; Liu, Qi; Goldberg, Kirsten B.; Kim, Geoffrey; Pazdur, Richard

2017-01-01

Abstract Until recently in the United States, no products were approved for second‐line treatment of advanced urothelial carcinoma. On May 18, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved atezolizumab for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma whose disease progressed during or following platinum‐containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum‐containing chemotherapy. Atezolizumab is a programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) blocking antibody and represents the first approved product directed against PD‐L1. This accelerated approval was based on results of a single‐arm trial in 310 patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who had disease progression after prior platinum‐containing chemotherapy. Patients received atezolizumab 1,200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Key efficacy measures were objective response rate (ORR), as assessed by Independent Review per RECIST 1.1, and duration of response (DoR). With a median follow‐up of 14.4 months, confirmed ORR was 14.8% (95% CI: 11.1, 19.3) in all treated patients. Median DoR was not reached and response durations ranged from 2.1+ to 13.8+ months. Of the 46 responders, 37 patients had an ongoing response for ≥ 6 months. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, urinary tract infection, pyrexia, and constipation. Infection and immune‐related adverse events also occurred, including pneumonitis, hepatitis, colitis, endocrine disorders, and rashes. Overall, the benefit‐risk assessment was favorable to support accelerated approval. The observed clinical benefits need to be verified in confirmatory trial(s). Implications for Practice. This accelerated approval of atezolizumab for second‐line use in advanced urothelial carcinoma provides patients with an effective, novel treatment option for the management of their disease. This represents the first immunotherapy approved in this disease setting. PMID:28424325

Pellets for fusion reactor refueling. Annual progress report, January 1, 1976--December 31, 1976

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Turnbull, R. J.; Kim, K.

1977-01-01

The purpose of this research is to test the feasibility of refueling fusion reactors using solid pellets composed of fuel elements. A solid hydrogen pellet generator has been constructed and experiments have been done to inject the pellets into the ORMAK Tokamak. A theory has been developed to describe the pellet ablation in the plasma, and an excellent agreement has been found between the theory and the experiment. Techniques for charging the pellets have been developed in order to accelerate and control them. Other works currently under way include the development of techniques for accelerating the pellets for refueling purpose.more » Evaluation of electrostatic acceleration has also been performed.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schreiber, J.; Max-Planck-Institut für Quantenoptik Garching, Hans-Kopfermann-Str. 1, 85748 Garching bei München; Bolton, P. R.

An overview of progress and typical yields from intense laser-plasma acceleration of ions is presented. The evolution of laser-driven ion acceleration at relativistic intensities ushers prospects for improved functionality and diverse applications which can represent a varied assortment of ion beam requirements. This mandates the development of the integrated laser-driven ion accelerator system, the multiple components of which are described. Relevant high field laser-plasma science and design of controlled optimum pulsed laser irradiation on target are dominant single shot (pulse) considerations with aspects that are appropriate to the emerging petawatt era. The pulse energy scaling of maximum ion energies andmore » typical differential spectra obtained over the past two decades provide guidance for continued advancement of laser-driven energetic ion sources and their meaningful applications.« less

Cyclin-dependent kinase regulates the length of S phase through TICRR/TRESLIN phosphorylation.

PubMed

Sansam, Courtney G; Goins, Duane; Siefert, Joseph C; Clowdus, Emily A; Sansam, Christopher L

2015-03-01

S-phase cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) stimulate replication initiation and accelerate progression through the replication timing program, but it is unknown which CDK substrates are responsible for these effects. CDK phosphorylation of the replication factor TICRR (TopBP1-interacting checkpoint and replication regulator)/TRESLIN is required for DNA replication. We show here that phosphorylated TICRR is limiting for S-phase progression. Overexpression of a TICRR mutant with phosphomimetic mutations at two key CDK-phosphorylated residues (TICRR(TESE)) stimulates DNA synthesis and shortens S phase by increasing replication initiation. This effect requires the TICRR region that is necessary for its interaction with MDM two-binding protein. Expression of TICRR(TESE) does not grossly alter the spatial organization of replication forks in the nucleus but does increase replication clusters and the number of replication forks within each cluster. In contrast to CDK hyperactivation, the acceleration of S-phase progression by TICRR(TESE) does not induce DNA damage. These results show that CDK can stimulate initiation and compress the replication timing program by phosphorylating a single protein, suggesting a simple mechanism by which S-phase length is controlled. © 2015 Sansam et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

FCTC followed by accelerated implementation of tobacco advertising bans.

PubMed

Hiilamo, Heikki; Glantz, Stanton

2017-07-01

We sought to evaluate changes in countries' enacting advertising bans after the effect of ratifying the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). We compared adoption of advertising bans on five areas (TV and radio, print media, billboards, point-of-sale, sponsorship) in countries that did versus did not ratify the FCTC, accounting for years since the ratification of the Convention. On average, passage of complete advertising bans accelerated after FCTC ratification. The development was strongest among lower middle-income countries. Lack of state capacity was associated with lower likelihood of countries implementing complete advertising bans. Implementation of complete advertising bans slowed after 2007. Implementation of FCTC Article 13 was followed by increased progress towards complete advertising bans, but progress is incomplete, especially among low-income countries. Low-income countries need comprehensive support to implement FCTC as part of a broad effort to reinvigorate progress on global implementation of the FCTC. Enforcing complete bans requires constant monitoring and attacking of tobacco industry efforts to circumvent them. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Does symptomatic primary HIV-1 infection accelerate progression to CDC stage IV disease, CD4 count below 200 x 10(6)/l, AIDS, and death from AIDS?

PubMed Central

Lindbäck, S.; Broström, C.; Karlsson, A.; Gaines, H.

1994-01-01

OBJECTIVE--To investigate the prognostic significance of symptomatic primary HIV-1 infection. DESIGN--Prospective study of homosexual men seroconverting to HIV in 1985 and 1986. Patients were followed up at least three times yearly with clinical examinations and T cell subset determinations for an average of 7.2 years. SETTING--Research project centred on attenders for treatment and screening for HIV at the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm. SUBJECTS--19 patients presenting with a glandular-fever-like illness associated with seroconversion to HIV and 29 asymptomatic seroconverters. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Progression to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stage IV disease, CD4 cell count below 200 x 10(6)/l, AIDS, and death from AIDS. RESULTS--Symptomatic seroconverters were significantly more likely to develop Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stage IV disease (95% v 66%), CD4 cell counts below 200 x 10(6)/l (84% v 55%), and AIDS (58% v 28%) and die of AIDS (53% v 7%). CONCLUSION--A glandular-fever-like illness associated with seroconversion to HIV-1 predicts accelerated progression to AIDS and other HIV related diseases. PMID:7819891

When dementia progresses quickly: a practical approach to the diagnosis and management of rapidly progressive dementia.

PubMed

Day, Gregory S; Tang-Wai, David F

2014-01-01

Making a diagnosis of rapidly progressive dementia requires practical adaptation of the skills used to assess patients with chronic causes of cognitive impairment. An expedited assessment, commensurate with the accelerated pace of the disease, is required to identify the cause of symptoms amidst a myriad of possibilities. Features upon history, physical examination and cognitive assessment that support specific diagnoses are reviewed, and a stratified approach to testing is presented. The use of readily-accessible investigations is prioritized, acknowledging the implications and applications of novel diagnostic tests. The coordinated use of clinical and laboratory measures are promoted as a means of facilitating rapid evaluation, with the ultimate goal of identifying patients with potentially reversible causes of rapidly progressive dementia.

Accelerated second-degree nursing students: predictors of graduation and NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates.

PubMed

Penprase, Barbara B; Harris, Margaret A

2013-01-01

It is important to understand and identify factors that affect students' academic performance before entry into a nursing program and as they progress through the program. The authors discuss a study, and its outcomes, that assessed accelerated second-degree nursing students' prenursing and core nursing grades that served to predict their success at completing the nursing program and passing NCLEX-RN on first attempt. Strategies were identified to help at-risk students to be successful in the program and with first-time passage of NCLEX-RN.

Establishment of a National Accelerator Facility: Design and construction phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1981-06-01

The main components of an accelerator facility for nuclear physics, isotope production, and radiotherapy in South Africa are in 8-MeV solid pole injector cyclotron and a separated sector cyclotron with a k-value of 200 MeV. Progress made in the development of the light ion injector and in the design of the control and beam transport systems is described. Mechanical and engineering tasks associated with component manufacture are discussed as well as the construction of the building to house the facility and the installation of necessary services.

Experimental, Theoretical and Computational Studies of Plasma-Based Concepts for Future High Energy Accelerators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Joshi, Chan; Mori, W.

2013-10-21

This is the final report on the DOE grant number DE-FG02-92ER40727 titled, “Experimental, Theoretical and Computational Studies of Plasma-Based Concepts for Future High Energy Accelerators.” During this grant period the UCLA program on Advanced Plasma Based Accelerators, headed by Professor C. Joshi has made many key scientific advances and trained a generation of students, many of whom have stayed in this research field and even started research programs of their own. In this final report however, we will focus on the last three years of the grant and report on the scientific progress made in each of the four tasksmore » listed under this grant. Four tasks are focused on: Plasma Wakefield Accelerator Research at FACET, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, In House Research at UCLA’s Neptune and 20 TW Laser Laboratories, Laser-Wakefield Acceleration (LWFA) in Self Guided Regime: Experiments at the Callisto Laser at LLNL, and Theory and Simulations. Major scientific results have been obtained in each of the four tasks described in this report. These have led to publications in the prestigious scientific journals, graduation and continued training of high quality Ph.D. level students and have kept the U.S. at the forefront of plasma-based accelerators research field.« less

ANNUAL REPORT, JULY 1, 1960

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

1961-10-31

Research facilities, general construction progress, research activities, and administration are discussed and a financial statement is given. Fairly detailed accounts are given of research programs in the fields of physics, accelerator development, instrumentation, applied mathematics, chemistry, nuclear engineering, biology, and medicine. (M.C.G.)

A new initiative on precision medicine.

PubMed

Collins, Francis S; Varmus, Harold

2015-02-26

President Obama has announced a research initiative that aims to accelerate progress toward a new era of precision medicine, with a near-term focus on cancers and a longer-term aim to generate knowledge applicable to the whole range of health and disease.

PROCEEDINGS OF RIKEN BNL RESEARCH CENTER WORKSHOP ENTITLED - DOMAIN WALL FERMIONS AT TEN YEARS (VOLUME 84)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

BLUM,T.; SONI,A.

The workshop was held to mark the 10th anniversary of the first numerical simulations of QCD using domain wall fermions initiated at BNL. It is very gratifying that in the intervening decade widespread use of domain wall and overlap fermions is being made. It therefore seemed appropriate at this stage for some ''communal introspection'' of the progress that has been made, hurdles that need to be overcome, and physics that can and should be done with chiral fermions. The meeting was very well attended, drawing about 60 registered participants primarily from Europe, Japan and the US. It was quite remarkablemore » that pioneers David Kaplan, Herbert Neuberger, Rajamani Narayanan, Yigal Shamir, Sinya Aoki, and Pavlos Vranas all attended the workshop. Comparisons between domain wall and overlap formulations, with their respective advantages and limitations, were discussed at length, and a broad physics program including pion and kaon physics, the epsilon regime, nucleon structure, and topology, among others, emerged. New machines and improved algorithms have played a key role in realizing realistic dynamical fermion lattice simulations (small quark mass, large volume, and so on), so much in fact that measurements are now as costly. Consequently, ways to make the measurements more efficient were also discussed. We were very pleased to see the keen and ever growing interest in chiral fermions in our community and the significant strides our colleagues have made in bringing chiral fermions to the fore of lattice QCD calculations. Their contributions made the workshop a success, and we thank them deeply for sharing their time and ideas. Finally, we must especially acknowledge Norman Christ and Bob Mawhinney for their early and continued collaboration without which the success of domain wall fermions would not have been possible.« less

Discovery of the "RNA continent" through a contrarian's research strategy.

PubMed

Hayashizaki, Yoshihide

2011-01-01

The International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium completed the decoding of the human genome sequence in 2003. Readers will be aware of the paradigm shift which has occurred since then in the field of life science research. At last, mankind has been able to focus on a complete picture of the full extent of the genome, on which is recorded the basic information that controls all life. Meanwhile, another genome project, centered on Japan and known as the mouse genome encyclopedia project, was progressing with participation from around the world. Led by our research group at RIKEN, it was a full-length cDNA project which aimed to decode the whole RNA (transcriptome) using the mouse as a model. The basic information that controls all life is recorded on the genome, but in order to obtain a complete picture of this extensive information, the decoding of the genome alone is far from sufficient. These two genome projects established that the number of letters in the genome, which is the blueprint of life, is finite, that the number of RNA molecules derived from it is also finite, and that the number of protein molecules derived from the RNA is probably finite too. A massive number of combinations is still involved, but we are now able to understand one section of the network formed by these data. Once an object of study has been understood to be finite, establishing an image of the whole is certain to lead us to an understanding of the whole. Omics is an approach that views the information controlling life as finite and seeks to assemble and analyze it as a whole. Here, I would like to present our transcriptome research while making reference to our unique research strategy.

Space ventures and society long-term perspectives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, W. M.

1985-01-01

A futuristic evaluation of mankind's potential long term future in space is presented. Progress in space will not be inhibited by shortages of the Earth's physical resources, since long term economic growth will be focused on ways to constrain industrial productivity by changing social values, management styles, or government competence. Future technological progress is likely to accelerate with an emphasis on international cooperation, making possible such large joint projects as lunar colonies or space stations on Mars. The long term future in space looks exceedingly bright even in relatively pessimistic scenarios. The principal driving forces will be technological progress, commercial and public-oriented satellites, space industrialization, space travel, and eventually space colonization.

Development of a 20 MeV Dielectric-Loaded Test Accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gold, Steven H.; Kinkead, Allen K.; Gai, Wei; Power, John G.; Konecny, Richard; Jing, Chunguang; Long, Jidong; Tantawi, Sami G.; Nantista, Christopher D.; Bruce, Ralph W.; Fliflet, Arne W.; Lombardi, Marcie; Lewis, David

2006-11-01

This paper presents a progress report on a joint project by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), in collaboration with the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC), to develop a dielectric-loaded test accelerator in the magnicon facility at NRL. The accelerator will be powered by an experimental 11.424-GHz magnicon amplifier that presently produces 25 MW of output power in a ˜250-ns pulse at up to 10 Hz. The accelerator will include a 5-MeV electron injector originally developed at the Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, and can incorporate DLA structures up to 0.5 m in length. The DLA structures are being developed by ANL, and shorter test structures fabricated from a variety of dielectric materials have undergone testing at NRL at gradients up to ˜8 MV/m. SLAC has developed components to distribute the power from the two magnicon output arms to the injector and to the DLA accelerating structure with separate control of the power ratio and relative phase. RWBruce Associates, Inc., working with NRL, has investigated means to join short ceramic sections into a continuous accelerator tube by a brazing process using an intense 83-GHz beam. The installation and testing of the first dielectric-loaded test accelerator, including injector, DLA test structure, and spectrometer, should take place within the next year.

Corneal confocal microscopy following conventional, transepithelial, and accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking procedures for keratoconus.

PubMed

Touboul, David; Efron, Nathan; Smadja, David; Praud, Delphine; Malet, Florence; Colin, Joseph

2012-11-01

To compare early corneal healing following conventional, transepithelial, and accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) protocols. Twenty-four patients with progressive keratoconus were divided into three groups to receive conventional, transepithelial, or accelerated CXL. In vivo corneal confocal microscopy was performed on each patient preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Closure of the epithelial wound was complete 3 days following conventional and accelerated CXL. The subbasal nerve plexus was essentially obliterated immediately following conventional and accelerated CXL, and virtually no nerve fibers had regenerated by 6 months. The anterior stroma showed significant changes 1 month following conventional CXL; these changes were similar but more pronounced following accelerated CXL. Observed stromal changes included complete obliteration of keratocytes, increased tissue reflectivity, a honeycomb-like appearance, and circular lacunae. Some recovery of keratocyte density was noted after 6 months. These changes were less pronounced in the mid-stroma, and there were no apparent changes to the posterior stroma or endothelium. The cornea appeared to be unaltered following transepithelial CXL. In vivo corneal confocal microscopy analysis of the postoperative impact of CXL on the cornea revealed clear differences among conventional, accelerated, and transepithelial CXL protocols. Accelerated CXL had a greater impact than conventional CXL on the anterior cornea, whereas transepithelial CXL did not appear to alter corneal morphology. Copyright 2012, SLACK Incorporated.

Fibrosis Progression in Paired Liver Biopsies from HIV/HCV-Coinfected Patients without Prior Treatment of Hepatitis C.

PubMed

Leite, Andréa G B; Duarte, Maria Irma S; Mendes-Correa, Maria Cássia

2015-01-01

Several studies have demonstrated that HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected patients experience more rapid fibrosis progression. In this study, to estimate the annual rate of direct liver fibrosis progression, we used analyses of paired biopsy samples from HIV/HCV-coinfected patients without prior treatment of hepatitis and assessed the possible association of fibrosis progression with certain clinical variables. We evaluated 30 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, with no history of prior treatment of hepatitis C, who underwent paired liver biopsies. All patients were under antiretroviral therapy at first and second biopsies. The average annual progression rate was 0.13 fibrosis unit/year, with 36.7% of patients defined as progressors. Liver fibrosis progression was associated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT; P < .001) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST; P < .0340) levels over 3 times the upper limit of normal present at first biopsy. Elevated ALT and AST levels appear to be associated with more accelerated liver fibrosis progression among HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. © The Author(s) 2015.

Status of the 1 MeV Accelerator Design for ITER NBI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuriyama, M.; Boilson, D.; Hemsworth, R.; Svensson, L.; Graceffa, J.; Schunke, B.; Decamps, H.; Tanaka, M.; Bonicelli, T.; Masiello, A.; Bigi, M.; Chitarin, G.; Luchetta, A.; Marcuzzi, D.; Pasqualotto, R.; Pomaro, N.; Serianni, G.; Sonato, P.; Toigo, V.; Zaccaria, P.; Kraus, W.; Franzen, P.; Heinemann, B.; Inoue, T.; Watanabe, K.; Kashiwagi, M.; Taniguchi, M.; Tobari, H.; De Esch, H.

2011-09-01

The beam source of neutral beam heating/current drive system for ITER is needed to accelerate the negative ion beam of 40A with D- at 1 MeV for 3600 sec. In order to realize the beam source, design and R&D works are being developed in many institutions under the coordination of ITER organization. The development of the key issues of the ion source including source plasma uniformity, suppression of co-extracted electron in D beam operation and also after the long beam duration time of over a few 100 sec, is progressed mainly in IPP with the facilities of BATMAN, MANITU and RADI. In the near future, ELISE, that will be tested the half size of the ITER ion source, will start the operation in 2011, and then SPIDER, which demonstrates negative ion production and extraction with the same size and same structure as the ITER ion source, will start the operation in 2014 as part of the NBTF. The development of the accelerator is progressed mainly in JAEA with the MeV test facility, and also the computer simulation of beam optics also developed in JAEA, CEA and RFX. The full ITER heating and current drive beam performance will be demonstrated in MITICA, which will start operation in 2016 as part of the NBTF.

Continuous acoustic emission monitoring of reinforced concrete under accelerated corrosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Benedetti, M.; Loreto, G.; Nanni, A.; Matta, F.; Gonzalez-Nunez, M. A.

2011-04-01

The development of techniques capable of evaluating deterioration of reinforced concrete (RC) structures is instrumental to the advancement of techniques for the structural health monitoring (SHM) and service life estimate for constructed facilities. One of the main causes leading to degradation of RC is the corrosion of the steel reinforcement. This process can be modeled phenomenologically, while laboratory tests aimed at studying durability responses are typically accelerated in order to provide useful results within a realistic period of time. To assess the condition of damage in RC, a number of nondestructive methods have been recently studied. Acoustic emission (AE) is emerging as a nondestructive tool to detect the onset and progression of deterioration mechanisms. In this paper, the development of accelerated corrosion and continuous AE monitoring test set-up for RC specimens are presented. Relevant information are provided with regard to the characteristics of the corrosion circuit, continuous measurement and acquisition of corrosion potential, selection of AE sensors and AE parameter setting. The effectiveness of the setup in detecting and characterizing the initiation and progression of the corrosion phenomenon is discussed on the basis of preliminary results from small-scale, pre-cracked RC specimens, which are representative of areas near the clear cover in typical RC bridge members.

Accelerated Fractional Ventilation Imaging with Hyperpolarized Gas MRI

PubMed Central

Emami, Kiarash; Xu, Yinan; Hamedani, Hooman; Profka, Harrilla; Kadlecek, Stephen; Xin, Yi; Ishii, Masaru; Rizi, Rahim R.

2013-01-01

PURPOSE To investigate the utility of accelerated imaging to enhance multi-breath fractional ventilation (r) measurement accuracy using HP gas MRI. Undersampling shortens the breath-hold time, thereby reducing the O2-induced signal decay and allows subjects to maintain a more physiologically relevant breathing pattern. Additionally it may improve r estimation accuracy by reducing RF destruction of HP gas. METHODS Image acceleration was achieved by using an 8-channel phased array coil. Undersampled image acquisition was simulated in a series of ventilation images and images were reconstructed for various matrix sizes (48–128) using GRAPPA. Parallel accelerated r imaging was also performed on five mechanically ventilated pigs. RESULTS Optimal acceleration factor was fairly invariable (2.0–2.2×) over the range of simulated resolutions. Estimation accuracy progressively improved with higher resolutions (39–51% error reduction). In vivo r values were not significantly different between the two methods: 0.27±0.09, 0.35±0.06, 0.40±0.04 (standard) versus 0.23±0.05, 0.34±0.03, 0.37±0.02 (accelerated); for anterior, medial and posterior slices, respectively, whereas the corresponding vertical r gradients were significant (P < 0.001): 0.021±0.007 (standard) versus 0.019±0.005 (accelerated) [cm−1]. CONCLUSION Quadruple phased array coil simulations resulted in an optimal acceleration factor of ~2× independent of imaging resolution. Results advocate undersampled image acceleration to improve accuracy of fractional ventilation measurement with HP gas MRI. PMID:23400938

The Society of Surgical Oncology and the Commission on Cancer: progress through synergism.

PubMed

Winchester, D P

1998-09-01

The 1998 Presidential Address highlights the history of The Society of Surgical Oncology and the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons, cites specific examples of progress through synergism, and discusses some of the many challenges facing surgical oncologists in the future. These include the necessity to synergize in clinical trials, to accelerate the diffusion of knowledge into the practicing community, and to redefine surgical oncology and its relation to general surgery and the American Board of Surgery.

Ultra-Compact Accelerator Technologies for Application in Nuclear Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sampayan, S.; Caporaso, G.; Chen, Y.-J.; Carazo, V.; Falabella, S.; Guethlein, G.; Guse, S.; Harris, J. R.; Hawkins, S.; Holmes, C.; Krogh, M.; Nelson, S.; Paul, A. C.; Pearson, D.; Poole, B.; Schmidt, R.; Sanders, D.; Selenes, K.; Sitaraman, S.; Sullivan, J.; Wang, L.; Watson, J.

2009-12-01

We report on compact accelerator technology development for potential use as a pulsed neutron source quantitative post verifier. The technology is derived from our on-going compact accelerator technology development program for radiography under the US Department of Energy and for a clinic sized compact proton therapy systems under an industry sponsored Cooperative Research and Development Agreement. The accelerator technique relies on the synchronous discharge of a prompt pulse generating stacked transmission line structure with the beam transit. The goal of this technology is to achieve ˜10 MV/m gradients for 10 s of nanoseconds pulses and ˜100 MV/m gradients for ˜1 ns systems. As a post verifier for supplementing existing x-ray equipment, this system can remain in a charged, stand-by state with little or no energy consumption. We describe the progress of our overall component development effort with the multilayer dielectric wall insulators (i.e., the accelerator wall), compact power supply technology, kHz repetition-rate surface flashover ion sources, and the prompt pulse generation system consisting of wide-bandgap switches and high performance dielectric materials.

Terascale Computing in Accelerator Science and Technology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ko, Kwok

2002-08-21

We have entered the age of ''terascale'' scientific computing. Processors and system architecture both continue to evolve; hundred-teraFLOP computers are expected in the next few years, and petaFLOP computers toward the end of this decade are conceivable. This ever-increasing power to solve previously intractable numerical problems benefits almost every field of science and engineering and is revolutionizing some of them, notably including accelerator physics and technology. At existing accelerators, it will help us optimize performance, expand operational parameter envelopes, and increase reliability. Design decisions for next-generation machines will be informed by unprecedented comprehensive and accurate modeling, as well as computer-aidedmore » engineering; all this will increase the likelihood that even their most advanced subsystems can be commissioned on time, within budget, and up to specifications. Advanced computing is also vital to developing new means of acceleration and exploring the behavior of beams under extreme conditions. With continued progress it will someday become reasonable to speak of a complete numerical model of all phenomena important to a particular accelerator.« less

Radiobiological study by using laser-driven proton beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yogo, A.; Sato, K.; Nishikino, M.; Mori, M.; Teshima, T.; Numasaki, H.; Murakami, M.; Demizu, Y.; Akagi, S.; Nagayama, S.; Ogura, K.; Sagisaka, A.; Orimo, S.; Nishiuchi, M.; Pirozhkov, A. S.; Ikegami, M.; Tampo, M.; Sakaki, H.; Suzuki, M.; Daito, I.; Oishi, Y.; Sugiyama, H.; Kiriyama, H.; Okada, H.; Kanazawa, S.; Kondo, S.; Shimomura, T.; Nakai, Y.; Tanoue, M.; Sugiyama, H.; Sasao, H.; Wakai, D.; Kawachi, T.; Nishimura, H.; Bolton, P. R.; Daido, H.

2009-07-01

Particle acceleration driven by high-intensity laser systems is widely attracting interest as a potential alternative to conventional ion acceleration, including ion accelerator applications to tumor therapy. Recent works have shown that a high intensity laser pulse can produce single proton bunches of a high current and a short pulse duration. This unique feature of laser-ion acceleration can lead to progress in the development of novel ion sources. However, there has been no experimental study of the biological effects of laser-driven ion beams. We describe in this report the first demonstrated irradiation effect of laser-accelerated protons on human lung cancer cells. In-vitro A549 cells are irradiated with a proton dose of 20 Gy, resulting in a distinct formation of γ-H2AX foci as an indicator of DNA double-strand breaks. This is a pioneering result that points to future investigations of the radiobiological effects of laser-driven ion beams. The laser-driven ion beam is apotential excitation source for time-resolved determination of hydroxyl (OH) radical yield, which will explore relationship between the fundamental chemical reactions of radiation effects and consequent biological processes.

Demonstration of the hollow channel plasma wakefield accelerator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gessner, Spencer J.

2016-09-17

A plasma wakefield accelerator is a device that converts the energy of a relativistic particle beam into a large-amplitude wave in a plasma. The plasma wave, or wakefield, supports an enormous electricfield that is used to accelerate a trailing particle beam. The plasma wakefield accelerator can therefore be used as a transformer, transferring energy from a high-charge, low-energy particle beam into a high-energy, low-charge particle beam. This technique may lead to a new generation of ultra-compact, high-energy particle accelerators. The past decade has seen enormous progress in the field of plasma wakefield acceleration with experimental demonstrations of the acceleration ofmore » electron beams by several gigaelectron-volts. The acceleration of positron beams in plasma is more challenging, but also necessary for the creation of a high-energy electron-positron collider. Part of the challenge is that the plasma responds asymmetrically to electrons and positrons, leading to increased disruption of the positron beam. One solution to this problem, first proposed over twenty years ago, is to use a hollow channel plasma which symmetrizes the response of the plasma to beams of positive and negative charge, making it possible to accelerate positrons in plasma without disruption. In this thesis, we describe the theory relevant to our experiment and derive new results when needed. We discuss the development and implementation of special optical devices used to create long plasma channels. We demonstrate for the first time the generation of meter-scale plasma channels and the acceleration of positron beams therein.« less

Nuclear Physics Laboratory 1979 annual report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Adelberger, E.G.

1979-07-01

Research progress is reported in the following areas: astrophysics and cosmology, fundamental symmetries, nuclear structure, radiative capture, medium energy physics, heavy ion reactions, research by users and visitors, accelerator and ion source development, instrumentation and experimental techniques, and computers and computing. Publications are listed. (WHK)

Progress in ETA-II magnetic field alignment using stretched wire and low energy electron beam techniques

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Deadrick, F.J.; Griffith, L.V.

1990-08-17

Flux line alignment of the solenoidal focus magnets used on the ETA-II linear induction accelerator is a key element leading to a reduction of beam corkscrew motion. Two techniques have been used on the ETA-II accelerator to measure and establish magnet alignment. A low energy electron beam has been used to directly map magnetic field lines, and recent work has utilized a pulsed stretched wire technique to measure magnet tilts and offsets with respect to a reference axis. This paper reports on the techniques used in the ETA-II accelerator alignment, and presents results from those measurements which show that acceleratormore » is magnetically aligned to within {approximately}{plus minus}200 microns. 3 refs., 8 figs.« less

Recent progress on the structure separation of single-wall carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Jiaming; Yang, Dehua; Zeng, Xiang; Zhou, Naigen; Liu, Huaping

2017-11-01

The mass production of single-structure, single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with identical properties is critical for their basic research and technical applications in the fields of electronics, optics and optoelectronics. Great efforts have been made to control the structures of SWCNTs since their discovery. Recently, the structure separation of SWCNTs has been making great progress. Various solution-sorting methods have been developed to achieve not only the separation of metallic and semiconducting species, but also the sorting of distinct (n, m) single-chirality species and even their enantiomers. This progress would dramatically accelerate the application of SWCNTs in the next-generation electronic devices. Here, we review the recent progress in the structure sorting of SWCNTs and outline the challenges and prospects of the structure separation of SWCNTs.

Proton-hole and core-excited states in the semi-magic nucleus 131In82

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taprogge, J.; Jungclaus, A.; Grawe, H.

2016-11-01

The decay of the N = 83 nucleus Cd-131 has been studied at the RIBF facility at the RIKEN Nishina Center. The main purpose of the study was to identify the position of the and proton-hole states and the energies of core-excited configurations in the semi-magic nucleus In-131. From the radiation emitted following the decay, a level scheme of In-131 was established and the feeding to each excited state determined. Similarities between the single-particle transitions observed in the decays of the N = 83 isotones In-132 and Cd-131 are discussed. Finally the excitation energies of several core-excited configurations in In-131more » are compared to QRPA and shell-model calculations.« less

Cross sections for nuclide production in proton- and deuteron-induced reactions on 93Nb measured using the inverse kinematics method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakano, Keita; Watanabe, Yukinobu; Kawase, Shoichiro; Wang, He; Otsu, Hideaki; Sakurai, Hiroyoshi; Takeuchi, Satoshi; Togano, Yasuhiro; Nakamura, Takashi; Maeda, Yukie; Ahn, Deuk Soon; Aikawa, Masayuki; Araki, Shouhei; Chen, Sidong; Chiga, Nobuyuki; Doornenbal, Pieter; Fukuda, Naoki; Ichihara, Takashi; Isobe, Tadaaki; Kawakami, Shunsuke; Kin, Tadahiro; Kondo, Yosuke; Koyama, Shunpei; Kubo, Toshiyuki; Kubono, Shigeru; Kurokawa, Meiko; Makinaga, Ayano; Matsushita, Masafumi; Matsuzaki, Teiichiro; Michimasa, Shin'ichiro; Momiyama, Satoru; Nagamine, Shunsuke; Niikura, Megumi; Ozaki, Tomoyuki; Saito, Atsumi; Saito, Takeshi; Shiga, Yoshiaki; Shikata, Mizuki; Shimizu, Yohei; Shimoura, Susumu; Sumikama, Toshiyuki; Söderström, Pär-Anders; Suzuki, Hiroshi; Takeda, Hiroyuki; Taniuchi, Ryo; Tsubota, Jun'ichi; Watanabe, Yasushi; Wimmer, Kathrin; Yamamoto, Tatsuya; Yoshida, Koichi

2017-09-01

Isotopic production cross sections were measured for proton- and deuteron-induced reactions on 93Nb by means of the inverse kinematics method at RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory. The measured production cross sections of residual nuclei in the reaction 93Nb + p at 113 MeV/u were compared with previous data measured by the conventional activation method in the proton energy range between 46 and 249 MeV. The present inverse kinematics data of four reaction products (90Mo, 90Nb, 88Y, and 86Y) were in good agreement with the data of activation measurement. Also, the model calculations with PHITS describing the intra-nuclear cascade and evaporation processes generally well reproduced the measured isotopic production cross sections.

Mistaken Identifiers: Gene name errors can be introduced inadvertently when using Excel in bioinformatics

PubMed Central

Zeeberg, Barry R; Riss, Joseph; Kane, David W; Bussey, Kimberly J; Uchio, Edward; Linehan, W Marston; Barrett, J Carl; Weinstein, John N

2004-01-01

Background When processing microarray data sets, we recently noticed that some gene names were being changed inadvertently to non-gene names. Results A little detective work traced the problem to default date format conversions and floating-point format conversions in the very useful Excel program package. The date conversions affect at least 30 gene names; the floating-point conversions affect at least 2,000 if Riken identifiers are included. These conversions are irreversible; the original gene names cannot be recovered. Conclusions Users of Excel for analyses involving gene names should be aware of this problem, which can cause genes, including medically important ones, to be lost from view and which has contaminated even carefully curated public databases. We provide work-arounds and scripts for circumventing the problem. PMID:15214961

Search for halo nucleus in Mg isotopes through the measurements of reaction cross sections towards the vicinity of neutron drip line

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takechi, M.; Suzuki, S.; Nishimura, D.; Fukuda, M.; Ohtsubo, T.; Nagashima, M.; Suzuki, T.; Yamaguchi, T.; Ozawa, A.; Moriguchi, T.; Ohishi, H.; Sumikama, T.; Geissel, H.; Ishihara, M.; Aoi, N.; Chen, Rui-Jiu; Fang, De-Qing; Fukuda, N.; Fukuoka, S.; Furuki, H.; Inabe, N.; Ishibashi, Y.; Itoh, T.; Izumikawa, T.; Kameda, D.; Kubo, T.; Lee, C. S.; Lantz, M.; Ma, Yu-Gang; Matsuta, K.; Mihara, M.; Momota, S.; Nagae, D.; Nishikiori, R.; Niwa, T.; Ohnishi, T.; Okumura, K.; Ogura, T.; Sakurai, H.; Sato, K.; Shimbara, Y.; Suzuki, H.; Takeda, H.; Takeuchi, S.; Tanaka, K.; Uenishi, H.; Winkler, M.; Yanagisawa, Y.; Watanabe, S.; Minomo, K.; Tagami, S.; Shimada, M.; Kimura, M.; Matsumoto, T.; Shimizu, Y. R.; Yahiro, M.

2014-03-01

Reaction cross sections (σR) for 24-38Mg on C targets at the energies of around 240 MeV/nucleon have been measured precisely at RIBF, RIKEN for the purpose of obtaining the crucial information on the changes of nuclear structure in unstable nuclei, especially around the so-called "island of inversion" region. In the island of inversion region, which includes neutron-rich Ne, Na, and Mg isotopes, the vanishing of the N = 20 magic number for neutrons have been discussed along with nuclear deformation. The present result suggest deformation features of Mg isotopes and shows a large cross section of weakly-bound nucleus 37Mg, which could be caused by a neutron halo formation.

Evidence of halo structure in 37Mg observed via reaction cross sections and intruder orbitals beyond the island of inversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takechi, M.; Suzuki, S.; Nishimura, D.; Fukuda, M.; Ohtsubo, T.; Nagashima, M.; Suzuki, T.; Yamaguchi, T.; Ozawa, A.; Moriguchi, T.; Ohishi, H.; Sumikama, T.; Geissel, H.; Aoi, N.; Chen, Rui-Jiu; Fang, De-Qing; Fukuda, N.; Fukuoka, S.; Furuki, H.; Inabe, N.; Ishibashi, Y.; Itoh, T.; Izumikawa, T.; Kameda, D.; Kubo, T.; Lantz, M.; Lee, C. S.; Ma, Yu-Gang; Matsuta, K.; Mihara, M.; Momota, S.; Nagae, D.; Nishikiori, R.; Niwa, T.; Ohnishi, T.; Okumura, K.; Ohtake, M.; Ogura, T.; Sakurai, H.; Sato, K.; Shimbara, Y.; Suzuki, H.; Takeda, H.; Takeuchi, S.; Tanaka, K.; Tanaka, M.; Uenishi, H.; Winkler, M.; Yanagisawa, Y.; Watanabe, S.; Minomo, K.; Tagami, S.; Shimada, M.; Kimura, M.; Matsumoto, T.; Shimizu, Y. R.; Yahiro, M.

2014-12-01

Precise reaction cross sections (σR) for Mg-3824 on C targets at energies around 240 MeV/nucleon have been measured at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory at RIKEN. The σR for Mg-3836 have been measured for the first time. An enhancement of σR compared to the systematics for spherical stable nuclei has been observed, especially in the neutron-rich region, which reflects the deformation of those isotopes. In the vicinity of the drip line the σR for 37Mg is especially large. It is shown by analysis using a recently developed theoretical method that this prominent enhancement of σR for 37Mg should come from the p -orbital halo formation breaking the N =28 shell gap.

Update of the FANTOM web resource: high resolution transcriptome of diverse cell types in mammals

PubMed Central

Lizio, Marina; Harshbarger, Jayson; Abugessaisa, Imad; Noguchi, Shuei; Kondo, Atsushi; Severin, Jessica; Mungall, Chris; Arenillas, David; Mathelier, Anthony; Medvedeva, Yulia A.; Lennartsson, Andreas; Drabløs, Finn; Ramilowski, Jordan A.; Rackham, Owen; Gough, Julian; Andersson, Robin; Sandelin, Albin; Ienasescu, Hans; Ono, Hiromasa; Bono, Hidemasa; Hayashizaki, Yoshihide; Carninci, Piero; Forrest, Alistair R.R.; Kasukawa, Takeya; Kawaji, Hideya

2017-01-01

Upon the first publication of the fifth iteration of the Functional Annotation of Mammalian Genomes collaborative project, FANTOM5, we gathered a series of primary data and database systems into the FANTOM web resource (http://fantom.gsc.riken.jp) to facilitate researchers to explore transcriptional regulation and cellular states. In the course of the collaboration, primary data and analysis results have been expanded, and functionalities of the database systems enhanced. We believe that our data and web systems are invaluable resources, and we think the scientific community will benefit for this recent update to deepen their understanding of mammalian cellular organization. We introduce the contents of FANTOM5 here, report recent updates in the web resource and provide future perspectives. PMID:27794045

Cross-country analysis of strategies for achieving progress towards global goals for women's and children's health.

PubMed

Ahmed, Syed Masud; Rawal, Lal B; Chowdhury, Sadia A; Murray, John; Arscott-Mills, Sharon; Jack, Susan; Hinton, Rachael; Alam, Prima M; Kuruvilla, Shyama

2016-05-01

To identify how 10 low- and middle-income countries achieved accelerated progress, ahead of comparable countries, towards meeting millennium development goals 4 and 5A to reduce child and maternal mortality. We synthesized findings from multistakeholder dialogues and country policy reports conducted previously for the Success Factors studies in 10 countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Nepal, Peru, Rwanda and Viet Nam. A framework approach was used to analyse and synthesize the data from the country reports, resulting in descriptive or explanatory conclusions by theme. Successful policy and programme approaches were categorized in four strategic areas: leadership and multistakeholder partnerships; health sector; sectors outside health; and accountability for resources and results. Consistent and coordinated inputs across sectors, based on high-impact interventions, were assessed. Within the health sector, key policy and programme strategies included defining standards, collecting and using data, improving financial protection, and improving the availability and quality of services. Outside the health sector, strategies included investing in girls' education, water, sanitation and hygiene, poverty reduction, nutrition and food security, and infrastructure development. Countries improved accountability by strengthening and using data systems for planning and evaluating progress. Reducing maternal and child mortality in the 10 fast-track countries can be linked to consistent and coordinated policy and programme inputs across health and other sectors. The approaches used by successful countries have relevance to other countries looking to scale-up or accelerate progress towards the sustainable development goals.

Iron overload in a murine model of hereditary hemochromatosis is associated with accelerated progression of osteoarthritis under mechanical stress.

PubMed

Camacho, A; Simão, M; Ea, H-K; Cohen-Solal, M; Richette, P; Branco, J; Cancela, M L

2016-03-01

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is a disease caused by mutations in the Hfe gene characterised by systemic iron overload and associated with an increased prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) but the role of iron overload in the development of OA is still undefined. To further understand the molecular mechanisms involved we have used a murine model of HH and studied the progression of experimental OA under mechanical stress. OA was surgically induced in the knee joints of 10-week-old C57BL6 (wild-type) mice and Hfe-KO mice. OA progression was assessed using histology, micro CT, gene expression and immunohistochemistry at 8 weeks after surgery. Hfe-KO mice showed a systemic iron overload and an increased iron accumulation in the knee synovial membrane following surgery. The histological OA score was significantly higher in the Hfe-KO mice at 8 weeks after surgery. Micro CT study of the proximal tibia revealed increased subchondral bone volume and increased trabecular thickness. Gene expression and immunohistochemical analysis showed a significant increase in the expression of matrix metallopeptidase 3 (MMP-3) in the joints of Hfe-KO mice compared with control mice at 8 weeks after surgery. HH was associated with an accelerated development of OA in mice. Our findings suggest that synovial iron overload has a definite role in the progression of HH-related OA. Copyright © 2015 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

When Is a Program Intelligent?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Whaland, Norman

1981-01-01

The current status of creating artificial intelligence (AI) in computers is viewed in terms of what has been accomplished, what the current limitations are, and how vague the concept of intelligent behavior is in today's world. Progress is expected to accelerate once sufficient fundamental knowledge is available. (MP)

Progress Made in Lupus Diagnosis and Treatment | NIH MedlinePlus the Magazine

MedlinePlus

... what ways can lupus accelerate the challenges of cardiovascular disease in many patients? Lupus patients have significant increases ... for improving vascular health and proper control of disease activity. We need ... best cardiovascular preventive strategies are for these patients and we ...

Gallery of ESOL Lesson Plans.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Literacy Assistance Center, New York, NY.

This collection of lesson plans for teaching English as a Second Language includes the following: "You Scratched Me!" which has students examine verbs in three forms (base, past, and progressive) together with questions, accelerating the memorization and understanding of verb forms and tenses; "Getting Acquainted/Inferential Thinking," which…

Digital Signals.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Truxal, John G.

Technological advances during the past few decades have revolutionized many complex systems that influence human activity. As the rate of technological progress accelerates, these systems will become more complex, and new ones will evolve. Citizens in a technological society need to be able to make intelligent choices about how technology will…

Progress report of the innovated KIST ion beam facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Joonkon; Eliades, John A.; Yu, Byung-Yong; Lim, Weon Cheol; Chae, Keun Hwa; Song, Jonghan

2017-01-01

The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST, Seoul, Republic of (S.) Korea) ion beam facility consists of three electrostatic accelerators: a 400 kV single ended ion implanter, a 2 MV tandem accelerator system and a 6 MV tandem accelerator system. The 400 kV and 6 MV systems were purchased from High Voltage Engineering Europa (HVEE, Netherlands) and commissioned in 2013, while the 2 MV system was purchased from National Electrostatics Corporation (NEC, USA) in 1995. These systems are used to provide traditional ion beam analysis (IBA), isotope ratio analysis (ex. accelerator mass spectrometry, AMS), and ion implantation/irradiation for domestic industrial and academic users. The main facility is the 6 MV HVEE Tandetron system that has an AMS line currently used for 10Be, 14C, 26Al, 36 Cl, 41Ca and 129I analyses, and three lines for IBA that are under construction. Here, these systems are introduced with their specifications and initial performance results.

Nuclear lamina defects cause ATM-dependent NF-κB activation and link accelerated aging to a systemic inflammatory response.

PubMed

Osorio, Fernando G; Bárcena, Clea; Soria-Valles, Clara; Ramsay, Andrew J; de Carlos, Félix; Cobo, Juan; Fueyo, Antonio; Freije, José M P; López-Otín, Carlos

2012-10-15

Alterations in the architecture and dynamics of the nuclear lamina have a causal role in normal and accelerated aging through both cell-autonomous and systemic mechanisms. However, the precise nature of the molecular cues involved in this process remains incompletely defined. Here we report that the accumulation of prelamin A isoforms at the nuclear lamina triggers an ATM- and NEMO-dependent signaling pathway that leads to NF-κB activation and secretion of high levels of proinflammatory cytokines in two different mouse models of accelerated aging (Zmpste24(-/-) and Lmna(G609G/G609G) mice). Causal involvement of NF-κB in accelerated aging was demonstrated by the fact that both genetic and pharmacological inhibition of NF-κB signaling prevents age-associated features in these animal models, significantly extending their longevity. Our findings provide in vivo proof of principle for the feasibility of pharmacological modulation of the NF-κB pathway to slow down the progression of physiological and pathological aging.

Capturing Structural Dynamics in Crystalline Silicon Using Chirped Electrons from a Laser Wakefield Accelerator

PubMed Central

He, Z.-H.; Beaurepaire, B.; Nees, J. A.; Gallé, G.; Scott, S. A.; Pérez, J. R. Sánchez; Lagally, M. G.; Krushelnick, K.; Thomas, A. G. R.; Faure, J.

2016-01-01

Recent progress in laser wakefield acceleration has led to the emergence of a new generation of electron and X-ray sources that may have enormous benefits for ultrafast science. These novel sources promise to become indispensable tools for the investigation of structural dynamics on the femtosecond time scale, with spatial resolution on the atomic scale. Here, we demonstrate the use of laser-wakefield-accelerated electron bunches for time-resolved electron diffraction measurements of the structural dynamics of single-crystal silicon nano-membranes pumped by an ultrafast laser pulse. In our proof-of-concept study, we resolve the silicon lattice dynamics on a picosecond time scale by deflecting the momentum-time correlated electrons in the diffraction peaks with a static magnetic field to obtain the time-dependent diffraction efficiency. Further improvements may lead to femtosecond temporal resolution, with negligible pump-probe jitter being possible with future laser-wakefield-accelerator ultrafast-electron-diffraction schemes. PMID:27824086

Capturing Structural Dynamics in Crystalline Silicon Using Chirped Electrons from a Laser Wakefield Accelerator

DOE PAGES

He, Z. -H.; Beaurepaire, B.; Nees, J. A.; ...

2016-11-08

Recent progress in laser wakefield acceleration has led to the emergence of a new generation of electron and X-ray sources that may have enormous benefits for ultrafast science. These novel sources promise to become indispensable tools for the investigation of structural dynamics on the femtosecond time scale, with spatial resolution on the atomic scale. Here in this paper, we demonstrate the use of laser-wakefield-accelerated electron bunches for time-resolved electron diffraction measurements of the structural dynamics of single-crystal silicon nano-membranes pumped by an ultrafast laser pulse. In our proof-of-concept study, we resolve the silicon lattice dynamics on a picosecond time scalemore » by deflecting the momentum-time correlated electrons in the diffraction peaks with a static magnetic field to obtain the time-dependent diffraction efficiency. Further improvements may lead to femtosecond temporal resolution, with negligible pump-probe jitter being possible with future laser-wakefield-accelerator ultrafast-electron-diffraction schemes.« less

Quarterly Progress Report (January 1 to March 31, 1950)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brookhaven National Laboratory

This is the first of a series of Quarterly Reports. These reports will deal primarily with the progress made in our scientific program during a three months period. Those interested in matters pertaining to organization, administration, complete scientific program, personnel and other matters not directly involved in current scientific progress are referred to our Annual Progress Report which is issued in January. We have attempted to describe new information that appears significant, or of interest, to other scientists within the Atomic Energy Commission Laboratories. No effort has been made, however, to detail progress in each and every research project. Littlemore » or no reference will therefore be found to the projects in which progress during the current period is considered too inconclusive. Since our organizational structure is departmental, the work described herein is arranged in the following sequence: (1) Accelerator Project; (2) Biology Department; (3) Chemistry Department; (4) Instrumentation and Health Physic8 Department; (5) Medical Department; (6) Physics Department; and (7) Reactor Science and Engineering Department.« less

The Concept of Ecologically Oriented Progress and Natural Resource Preservation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gasanov, M. A.; Kolotov, K. A.; Demidenko, K. A.; Podgornaya, E. A.; Kadnikova, O. V.

2017-01-01

The most important issue of scientific and technological progress is considering the environment challenges of industrial development. It means that the progress must be ecologically oriented and environmentally friendly. The most adequate concept for the approach to the issue of “man - society - nature” relations is the ontology of the noosphere - the idea of a common space for human beings and nature. It presents an ideal example of an optimistic attitude towards the coordination between accelerating the scientific and technological development and natural resource saving. However, to maintain the balance between human needs and environmental processes determined by this concept, it is essential to include the lean production training into technological development of society.

Accelerator physics and technology challenges of very high energy hadron colliders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shiltsev, Vladimir D.

2015-08-01

High energy hadron colliders have been in the forefront of particle physics for more than three decades. At present, international particle physics community considers several options for a 100 TeV proton-proton collider as a possible post-LHC energy frontier facility. The method of colliding beams has not fully exhausted its potential but has slowed down considerably in its progress. This paper briefly reviews the accelerator physics and technology challenges of the future very high energy colliders and outlines the areas of required research and development towards their technical and financial feasibility.

Accelerator physics and technology challenges of very high energy hadron colliders

DOE PAGES

Shiltsev, Vladimir D.

2015-08-20

High energy hadron colliders have been in the forefront of particle physics for more than three decades. At present, international particle physics community considers several options for a 100 TeV proton–proton collider as a possible post-LHC energy frontier facility. The method of colliding beams has not fully exhausted its potential but has slowed down considerably in its progress. This article briefly reviews the accelerator physics and technology challenges of the future very high energy colliders and outlines the areas of required research and development towards their technical and financial feasibility.

The Omega-3 Fatty Acid Eicosapentaenoic Acid Accelerates Disease Progression in a Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

PubMed Central

Gladman, Stacy; Biggio, Maria Luigia; Marino, Marianna; Jayasinghe, Maduka; Ullah, Farhan; Dyall, Simon C.; Malaspina, Andrea; Bendotti, Caterina; Michael-Titus, Adina

2013-01-01

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive fatal neurodegenerative disease characterised by loss of motor neurons that currently has no cure. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), have many health benefits including neuroprotective and myoprotective potential. We tested the hypothesis that a high level of dietary EPA could exert beneficial effects in ALS. The dietary exposure to EPA (300 mg/kg/day) in a well-established mouse model of ALS expressing the G93A superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutation was initiated at a pre-symptomatic or symptomatic stage, and the disease progression was monitored until the end stage. Daily dietary EPA exposure initiated at the disease onset did not significantly alter disease presentation and progression. In contrast, EPA treatment initiated at the pre-symptomatic stage induced a significantly shorter lifespan. In a separate group of animals sacrificed before the end stage, the tissue analysis showed that the vacuolisation detected in G93A-SOD1 mice was significantly increased by exposure to EPA. Although EPA did not alter motor neurone loss, EPA reversed the significant increase in activated microglia and the astrocytic activation seen in G93A-SOD1 mice. The microglia in the spinal cord of G93A-SOD1 mice treated with EPA showed a significant increase in 4-hydroxy-2-hexenal, a highly toxic aldehydic oxidation product of omega-3 fatty acids. These data show that dietary EPA supplementation in ALS has the potential to worsen the condition and accelerate the disease progression. This suggests that great caution should be exerted when considering dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplements in ALS patients. PMID:23620776

Porphyromonas gingivalis Accelerates Inflammatory Atherosclerosis in the Innominate Artery of ApoE Deficient Mice

PubMed Central

Hayashi, Chie; Viereck, Jason; Hua, Ning; Phinikaridou, Alkystis; Madrigal, Andres G.; Gibson, Frank C.; Hamilton, James A.; Genco, Caroline A.

2011-01-01

Objective Studies in humans support a role for the oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis in the development of inflammatory atherosclerosis. The goal of this study was to determine if P. gingivalis infection accelerates inflammation and atherosclerosis in the innominate artery of mice, an artery which has been reported to exhibit many features of human atherosclerotic disease, including plaque rupture. Methods and Results Apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice were orally infected with P. gingivalis, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was used to monitor the progression of atherosclerosis in live mice. P. gingivalis infected mice exhibited a statistically significant increase in atherosclerotic plaque in the innominate artery as compared to uninfected mice. Polarized light microscopy and immunohistochemistry revealed that the innominate arteries of infected mice had increased lipids, macrophages and T cells as compared to uninfected mice. Increases in plaque, total cholesterol esters and cholesterol monohydrate crystals, macrophages, and T cells were prevented by immunization with heat-killed P. gingivalis prior to pathogen exposure. Conclusions These are the first studies to demonstrate progression of inflammatory plaque accumulation in the innominate arteries by in-vivo MRI analysis following pathogen exposure, and to document protection from plaque progression in the innominate artery via immunization. PMID:21251656

Comparison of proton beam radiotherapy and hyper-fractionated accelerated chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

PubMed

Maemura, Kosei; Mataki, Yuko; Kurahara, Hiroshi; Kawasaki, Yota; Iino, Satoshi; Sakoda, Masahiko; Ueno, Shinichi; Arimura, Takeshi; Higashi, Ryutaro; Yoshiura, Takashi; Shinchi, Hiroyuki; Natsugoe, Shoji

We compared the clinical outcomes of proton beam radiotherapy (PBRT) and those of conventional chemoradiotherapy via hyper-fractionated acceleration radiotherapy (HART) after induction chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). Twenty-five consecutive patients with LAPC received induction chemotherapy comprising gemcitabine and S-1 before radiotherapy. Of these, 15 and 10 were enrolled in the HART and PBRT groups, respectively. Moderate hematological toxicities were observed only in the HART group, whereas two patients in the PBRT group developed duodenal ulcers. All patients underwent scheduled radiotherapy, with overall disease control rates of 93% and 80% in the HART and PBRT groups, respectively. Local progression was observed in 60% and 40% of patients in the HART and PBRT groups, respectively. However, there was no statistical significance between the two groups regarding the median time to progression (15.4 months in both) and the median overall survival (23.4 v.s. 22.3 months). PBRT was feasible and tolerable, and scheduled protocols could be completed with careful attention to gastrointestinal ulcers. Despite the lower incidence of local recurrence, PBRT did not yield obvious progression control and survival benefits relative to conventional chemoradiotherapy. Copyright © 2017 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Validation of a preclinical model of diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic neoplasia in Yucatan miniature pigs

PubMed Central

Mitchell, Jennifer; Tinkey, Peggy T.; Avritscher, Rony; Van Pelt, Carolyn; Eskandari, Ghazaleh; George, Suraj Konnath; Xiao, Lianchun; Cressman, Erik; Morris, Jeffrey S.; Rashid, Asif; Kaseb, Ahmed O.; Amin, Hesham M.; Uthamanthil, Rajesh

2016-01-01

Objective The purpose of this study was to reduce time to tumor onset in a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) swine model via partial liver embolization (PLE) and to characterize the model for use in translational research. Methods Eight Yucatan miniature pigs were injected intraperitoneally with either saline (n=2) or DEN (n=6) solution weekly for 12 weeks. Three of the DEN-treated pigs underwent PLE. Animals underwent periodic radiological evaluation, liver biopsy, and blood sampling, and full necropsy was performed at study termination (~29 months). Results All DEN-treated pigs developed hepatic adenoma and HCC. PLE accelerated the time to adenoma development but not to HCC development. Biomarker analysis results showed that IGF1 levels decreased in all DEN-treated pigs, as functional liver capacity decreased with progression of HCC. VEGF and IL-6 levels were positively correlated with disease progression. Immunohistochemical probing of HCC tissues demonstrated the expression of several important survival-promoting proteins. Conclusion To our knowledge, we are the first to demonstrate accelerated development of hepatic neoplasia in Yucatan miniature pigs. Our HCC swine model closely mimics the human condition (i.e., progressive disease stages and expression of relevant molecular markers) and is a viable translational model. PMID:27305144

A theoretical perspective on particle acceleration by interplanetary shocks and the Solar Energetic Particle problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verkhoglyadova, Olga P.; Zank, Gary P.; Li, Gang

2015-02-01

Understanding the physics of Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events is of importance to the general question of particle energization throughout the cosmos as well as playing a role in the technologically critical impact of space weather on society. The largest, and often most damaging, events are the so-called gradual SEP events, generally associated with shock waves driven by coronal mass ejections (CMEs). We review the current state of knowledge about particle acceleration at evolving interplanetary shocks with application to SEP events that occur in the inner heliosphere. Starting with a brief outline of recent theoretical progress in the field, we focus on current observational evidence that challenges conventional models of SEP events, including complex particle energy spectra, the blurring of the distinction between gradual and impulsive events, and the difference inherent in particle acceleration at quasi-parallel and quasi-perpendicular shocks. We also review the important problem of the seed particle population and its injection into particle acceleration at a shock. We begin by discussing the properties and characteristics of non-relativistic interplanetary shocks, from their formation close to the Sun to subsequent evolution through the inner heliosphere. The association of gradual SEP events with shocks is discussed. Several approaches to the energization of particles have been proposed, including shock drift acceleration, diffusive shock acceleration (DSA), acceleration by large-scale compression regions, acceleration by random velocity fluctuations (sometimes known as the "pump mechanism"), and others. We review these various mechanisms briefly and focus on the DSA mechanism. Much of our emphasis will be on our current understanding of the parallel and perpendicular diffusion coefficients for energetic particles and models of plasma turbulence in the vicinity of the shock. Because of its importance both to the DSA mechanism itself and to the particle composition of SEP events, we address in some detail the injection problem. Although steady-state models can improve our understanding of the diffusive shock acceleration mechanism, SEP events are inherently time-dependent. We therefore review the time-dependent theory of DSA in some detail, including estimating possible maximum particle energies and particle escape from the shock complex. We also discuss generalizations of the diffusive transport approach to modeling particle acceleration by considering a more general description based on the focused transport equation. The escape of accelerated particles from the shock requires that their subsequent transport in the interplanetary medium be modeled and the consequence of interplanetary transport can lead to the complex spectra and compositional profiles that are observed frequently. The different approaches to particle transport in the inner heliosphere are reviewed. The various numerical models that have been developed to solve the gradual SEP problem are reviewed. Explicit comparisons of modeling results with observations of large SEP events are discussed. A summary of current progress and the outlook on the SEP problem and remaining open questions conclude the review.

ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft and accelerated brace-free rehabilitation: a systematic review of clinical outcomes

PubMed Central

van Melick, Nicky; van Mourik, Jan B A; Reijman, Max; van Rhijn, Lodewijk W

2018-01-01

Objective To investigate the clinical outcomes after hamstring tendon autograft ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with accelerated, brace-free rehabilitation. Design Systematic review according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Data sources Embase, MEDLINE Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL and Google scholar from 1 January 1974 to 31 January 2017. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Study designs reporting outcomes in adults after arthroscopic, primary ACLR with hamstring autograft and accelerated, brace-free rehabilitation. Results Twenty-four studies were included in the review. The clinical outcomes after hamstring tendon autograft ACLR with accelerated brace-free rehabilitation were the following: (1) early start of open kinetic exercises at 4 weeks in a limited range of motion (ROM, 90°−45°) and progressive concentric and eccentric exercises from 12 weeks did not alter outcomes, (2) gender and age did not influence clinical outcomes, (3) anatomical reconstructions showed better results than non-anatomical reconstructions, (4) there was no difference between single-bundle and double-bundle reconstructions, (5) femoral and tibial tunnel widening occurred, (6) hamstring tendons regenerated after harvest and (7) biological knowledge did not support return to sports at 4–6 months. Conclusions After hamstring tendon autograft ACLR with accelerated brace-free rehabilitation, clinical outcome is similar after single-bundle and double-bundle ACLR. Early start of open kinetic exercises at 4 weeks in a limited ROM (90°−45°) and progressive concentric and eccentric exercises from 12 weeks postsurgery do not alter clinical outcome. Further research should focus on achievement of best balance between graft loading and graft healing in the various rehabilitation phases after ACLR as well as on validated, criterion-based assessments for safe return to sports. Level of evidence Level 2b; therapeutic outcome studies. PMID:29682311

A Study of Particle Acceleration Mechanisms and the Dynamics of the Outer Trapping Region by Observations at Synchronous Orbit: a Summary of Scientific Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Erickson, K. N.

1980-01-01

The research concerning the ATS-6 synchronous orbit satellite is reported. The completed research and results are discussed along with the research in progress. Abstracts of published papers are included.

Monthly Progress Report No. 60 for April 1948

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Various

This report gives a short summary of each of the following programs: (1) 184-inch Cyclotron Program; (2) 60-inch Cyclotron Program; (3) Synchrotron Program; (4) Linear Accelerator Program; (5) Experimental Physics; (6) Theoretical Physics; (7) Chemistry; (8) Medical Physics; and (9) Health Physics and Chemistry.

Community College Pathways: 2013-2014 Descriptive Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sowers, Nicole; Yamada, Hiroyuki

2015-01-01

The Community College Pathways initiative consists of two pathways, Statway® and Quantway®, that accelerate post-secondary students' progress through their developmental mathematics sequence and a college-level course for credit. Launched in 2011, the Pathways have been remarkably successful, helping thousands of students achieve success in…

Navigation by Satellite.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Visich, Marian, Jr.

Technological advances during the past few decades have revolutionized many complex systems that influence human activity. As the rate of technological progress accelerates, these systems will become more complex, and new ones will evolve. Citizens in a technological society need to be able to make intelligent choices about how technology will…

Multi-gigaelectronvolt acceleration of positrons in a self-loaded plasma wakefield.

PubMed

Corde, S; Adli, E; Allen, J M; An, W; Clarke, C I; Clayton, C E; Delahaye, J P; Frederico, J; Gessner, S; Green, S Z; Hogan, M J; Joshi, C; Lipkowitz, N; Litos, M; Lu, W; Marsh, K A; Mori, W B; Schmeltz, M; Vafaei-Najafabadi, N; Walz, D; Yakimenko, V; Yocky, G

2015-08-27

Electrical breakdown sets a limit on the kinetic energy that particles in a conventional radio-frequency accelerator can reach. New accelerator concepts must be developed to achieve higher energies and to make future particle colliders more compact and affordable. The plasma wakefield accelerator (PWFA) embodies one such concept, in which the electric field of a plasma wake excited by a bunch of charged particles (such as electrons) is used to accelerate a trailing bunch of particles. To apply plasma acceleration to electron-positron colliders, it is imperative that both the electrons and their antimatter counterpart, the positrons, are efficiently accelerated at high fields using plasmas. Although substantial progress has recently been reported on high-field, high-efficiency acceleration of electrons in a PWFA powered by an electron bunch, such an electron-driven wake is unsuitable for the acceleration and focusing of a positron bunch. Here we demonstrate a new regime of PWFAs where particles in the front of a single positron bunch transfer their energy to a substantial number of those in the rear of the same bunch by exciting a wakefield in the plasma. In the process, the accelerating field is altered--'self-loaded'--so that about a billion positrons gain five gigaelectronvolts of energy with a narrow energy spread over a distance of just 1.3 metres. They extract about 30 per cent of the wake's energy and form a spectrally distinct bunch with a root-mean-square energy spread as low as 1.8 per cent. This ability to transfer energy efficiently from the front to the rear within a single positron bunch makes the PWFA scheme very attractive as an energy booster to an electron-positron collider.

Conceptual design of a hybrid neutron-gamma detector for study of β-delayed neutrons at the RIB facility of RIKEN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarifeño-Saldivia, A.; Tain, J. L.; Domingo-Pardo, C.; Calviño, F.; Cortés, G.; Phong, V. H.; Riego, A.; Agramunt, J.; Algora, A.; Brewer, N.; Caballero-Folch, R.; Coleman-Smith, P. J.; Davinson, T.; Dillmann, I.; Estradé, A.; Griffin, C. J.; Grzywacz, R.; Harkness-Brennan, L. J.; Kiss, G. G.; Kogimtzis, M.; Labiche, M.; Lazarus, I. H.; Lorusso, G.; Matsui, K.; Miernik, K.; Montes, F.; Morales, A. I.; Nishimura, S.; Page, R. D.; Podolyák, Z. S.; Pucknell, V. F. E.; Rasco, B. C.; Regan, P.; Rubio, B.; Rykaczewski, K. P.; Saito, Y.; Sakurai, H.; Simpson, J.; Sokol, E.; Surman, R.; Svirkhin, A.; Thomas, S. L.; Tolosa, A.; Woods, P.

2017-04-01

The conceptual design of the BRIKEN neutron detector at the radioactive ion beam factory (RIBF) of the RIKEN Nishina Center is reported. The BRIKEN setup is a complex system aimed at detecting heavy-ion implants, β particles, γ rays and β-delayed neutrons. The whole setup includes the Advanced Implantation Detection Array (AIDA), two HPGe Clover detectors and up to 166 3He-filled counters embedded in a high-density polyethylene moderator. The design is quite complex due to the large number and different types of 3He-tubes involved and the additional constraints introduced by the ancillary detectors for charged particles and γ rays. This article reports on a novel methodology developed for the conceptual design and optimisation of the 3He-counter array, aiming for the best possible performance in terms of neutron detection. The algorithm is based on a geometric representation of two selected detector parameters of merit, namely, the average neutron detection efficiency and the efficiency flatness as a function of a reduced number of geometric variables. The response of the neutron detector is obtained from a systematic Monte Carlo simulation implemented in GEANT4. The robustness of the algorithm allowed us to design a versatile detection system, which operated in hybrid mode includes the full neutron counter and two clover detectors for high-precision gamma spectroscopy. In addition, the system can be reconfigured into a compact mode by removing the clover detectors and re-arranging the 3He tubes in order to maximize the neutron detection performance. Both operation modes shows a rather flat and high average efficiency. In summary, we have designed a system which shows an average efficiency for hybrid mode (3He tubes + clovers) of 68.6% and 64% for neutron energies up to 1 and 5 MeV, respectively. For compact mode (only 3He tubes), the average efficiency is 75.7% and 71% for neutron energies up to 1 and 5 MeV, respectively. The performance of the BRIKEN detection system has been also quantified by means of Monte Carlo simulations with different neutron energy distributions.

U.S. national report to the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gorney, D. J.

1987-01-01

This paper highlights progress by U.S. authors during 1983-1986 in the broad area of auroral research. Atmospheric emissions and their use as a tool for remote-sensing the dynamics, energetics, and effects of auroral activity is a subject which is emphasized here because of the vast progress made in this area on both observational and theoretical fronts. The evolution of primary auroral electrons, the acceleration of auroral ions, small-scale electric fields, auroral kilometric radiation, auroral empirical models and activity indices are also reviewed. An extensive bibliography is supplied.

A review on the multivariate statistical methods for dimensional reduction studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aik, Lim Eng; Kiang, Lam Chee; Mohamed, Zulkifley Bin; Hong, Tan Wei

2017-05-01

In this research study we have discussed multivariate statistical methods for dimensional reduction, which has been done by various researchers. The reduction of dimensionality is valuable to accelerate algorithm progression, as well as really may offer assistance with the last grouping/clustering precision. A lot of boisterous or even flawed info information regularly prompts a not exactly alluring algorithm progression. Expelling un-useful or dis-instructive information segments may for sure help the algorithm discover more broad grouping locales and principles and generally speaking accomplish better exhibitions on new data set.

US national report to the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gorney, D.J.

1987-04-01

This paper highlights progress by U.S. authors during 1983-1986 in the broad area of auroral research. Atmospheric emissions and their use as a tool for remote-sensing the dynamics, energetics, and effects of auroral activity is a subject which is emphasized here because of the vast progress made in this area on both observational and theoretical fronts. The evolution of primary auroral electrons, the acceleration of auroral ions, small-scale electric fields, auroral kilometric radiation, auroral empirical models and activity indices are also reviewed. An extensive bibliography is supplied.

Vemurafenib for BRAF V600 mutated advanced melanoma: results of treatment beyond progression.

PubMed

Scholtens, A; Geukes Foppen, M H; Blank, C U; van Thienen, J V; van Tinteren, H; Haanen, J B

2015-03-01

Selective BRAF inhibition (BRAFi) by vemurafenib or dabrafenib has become approved standard treatment in BRAF V600 mutated advanced stage melanoma. While the response rate is high, the response duration is limited with a progression-free survival (PFS) of 5-6months. Our observation of accelerated disease progression within some patients after stopping vemurafenib treatment has fostered the idea of treatment beyond progression (BRAFi TBP). In this retrospective study, we analysed 70 metastatic melanoma patients, treated at our institute, who experienced progression after prior objective response upon treatment with vemurafenib. Thirty-five patients that continued treatment beyond progression are compared with 35 patients who stopped BRAFi treatment at disease progression. Median overall survival beyond documented progression was found to be 5.2months versus 1.4months (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.8-7.4 versus 0.6-3.4; Log-Rank p=0.002) in favour of BRAFi TBP. In the multivariate survival analysis, stopping treatment at disease progression was significantly associated with shorter survival (hazard ratio: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.04-3.55; p=0.04). Our results suggest that continuing vemurafenib treatment beyond progression may be beneficial in advanced melanoma patients, who prior to progression responded to vemurafenib. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

BrainAGE score indicates accelerated brain aging in schizophrenia, but not bipolar disorder.

PubMed

Nenadić, Igor; Dietzek, Maren; Langbein, Kerstin; Sauer, Heinrich; Gaser, Christian

2017-08-30

BrainAGE (brain age gap estimation) is a novel morphometric parameter providing a univariate score derived from multivariate voxel-wise analyses. It uses a machine learning approach and can be used to analyse deviation from physiological developmental or aging-related trajectories. Using structural MRI data and BrainAGE quantification of acceleration or deceleration of in individual aging, we analysed data from 45 schizophrenia patients, 22 bipolar I disorder patients (mostly with previous psychotic symptoms / episodes), and 70 healthy controls. We found significantly higher BrainAGE scores in schizophrenia, but not bipolar disorder patients. Our findings indicate significantly accelerated brain structural aging in schizophrenia. This suggests, that despite the conceptualisation of schizophrenia as a neurodevelopmental disorder, there might be an additional progressive pathogenic component. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Using field-particle correlations to study auroral electron acceleration in the LAPD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schroeder, J. W. R.; Howes, G. G.; Skiff, F.; Kletzing, C. A.; Carter, T. A.; Vincena, S.; Dorfman, S.

2017-10-01

Resonant nonlinear Alfvén wave-particle interactions are believed to contribute to the acceleration of auroral electrons. Experiments in the Large Plasma Device (LAPD) at UCLA have been performed with the goal of providing the first direct measurement of this nonlinear process. Recent progress includes a measurement of linear fluctuations of the electron distribution function associated with the production of inertial Alfvén waves in the LAPD. These linear measurements have been analyzed using the field-particle correlation technique to study the nonlinear transfer of energy between the Alfvén wave electric fields and the electron distribution function. Results of this analysis indicate collisions alter the resonant signature of the field-particle correlation, and implications for resonant Alfvénic electron acceleration in the LAPD are considered. This work was supported by NSF, DOE, and NASA.

The Beginning and End of the Universe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gardner, Jonathan P.

2007-01-01

Cosmology is the scientific study of how the Universe began more than 13 billion years ago, how its properties have changed, and what its future might be. The balance of forces and energy cause the Universe to expand, first accelerating, then decelerating and then accelerating again. Within this overall structure, the interplay of atoms and light with the mysterious dark matter and dark energy causes stars and galaxies to form and evolve, leading to galaxies like our own home, the Milky Way. Observational cosmology uses telescopes on Earth and in space to reach back in time to find the faint remaining echoes of the Big Bang and to trace the formation and evolution of the galaxies and structures that fill the Universe. In this lecture, Dr. Gardner will give an overview of cosmology, outlining the 13-billion year history of the Universe, and highlighting the very rapid progress this field has made in the last decade. He will discuss the role that NASA space telescopes have played in this progress and will continue to play in the years to come. He will give a time-based history of the Universe, discussing the successive processes that formed matter, particles, atoms, stars and galaxies. In particular, he will focus on cosmological inflation, the rapid accelerated expansion that marks the beginning of the Universe, and dark energy, a tenuous substance that overcomes gravity and whose properties will determine its final fate.

The Beginning and End of the Universe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gardner, Jonathan

2008-01-01

Cosmology is the scientific study of how the Universe began more than 13 billion years ago, how its properties have changed, and what its future might be. The balance of forces and energy cause the Universe to expand, first accelerating, then decelerating and then accelerating again. Within this overall structure, the interplay of atoms and light with the mysterious dark matter and dark energy causes stars and galaxies to form and evolve, leading to galaxies like our own home, the Milky Way. Observational cosmology uses telescopes on Earth and in space to reach back in time to find the faint remaining echoes of the Big Bang and to trace the formation and evolution of the galaxies and structures that fill the Universe. In this lecture, Dr. Gradner will give an overview of cosmology, outlining the 13-billion year history of the Universe, and highlighting the very rapid progress this field has made i the last decade. He will discuss the role that NASA space telescopes have played in this progress and wil continue to play in the years to come. He will give a time-based history of the Universe, discussing the successive processes that formed matter, particles, atoms, stars and galaxies. In particular, he will focus on cosmological inflation, the rapid accelerated expansion that marks the beginning of the Universe, and dark energy, a tenuous substance that overcomes gravity and whose properties will determine its final fate.

Apoptosis-induced CXCL5 accelerates inflammation and growth of prostate tumor metastases in bone.

PubMed

Roca, Hernan; Jones, Jacqueline D; Purica, Marta C; Weidner, Savannah; Koh, Amy J; Kuo, Robert; Wilkinson, John E; Wang, Yugang; Daignault-Newton, Stephanie; Pienta, Kenneth J; Morgan, Todd M; Keller, Evan T; Nör, Jacques E; Shea, Lonnie D; McCauley, Laurie K

2018-01-02

During tumor progression, immune system phagocytes continually clear apoptotic cancer cells in a process known as efferocytosis. However, the impact of efferocytosis in metastatic tumor growth is unknown. In this study, we observed that macrophage-driven efferocytosis of prostate cancer cells in vitro induced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as CXCL5 by activating Stat3 and NF-κB(p65) signaling. Administration of a dimerizer ligand (AP20187) triggered apoptosis in 2 in vivo syngeneic models of bone tumor growth in which apoptosis-inducible prostate cancer cells were either coimplanted with vertebral bodies, or inoculated in the tibiae of immunocompetent mice. Induction of 2 pulses of apoptosis correlated with increased infiltration of inflammatory cells and accelerated tumor growth in the bone. Apoptosis-induced tumors displayed elevated expression of the proinflammatory cytokine CXCL5. Likewise, CXCL5-deficient mice had reduced tumor progression. Peripheral blood monocytes isolated from patients with bone metastasis of prostate cancer were more efferocytic compared with normal controls, and CXCL5 serum levels were higher in metastatic prostate cancer patients relative to patients with localized prostate cancer or controls. Altogether, these findings suggest that the myeloid phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cancer cells accelerates CXCL5-mediated inflammation and tumor growth in bone, pointing to CXCL5 as a potential target for cancer therapeutics.

Atopic March from Atopic Dermatitis to Asthma-Like Lesions in NC/Nga Mice Is Accelerated or Aggravated by Neutralization of Stratum Corneum but Partially Inhibited by Acidification.

PubMed

Lee, Hae-Jin; Lee, Noo Ri; Jung, Minyoung; Kim, Dong Hye; Choi, Eung Ho

2015-12-01

Prolonged and/or repeated damage to the skin barrier followed by atopic dermatitis (AD) is an initial step in atopic march that ultimately progresses to respiratory allergy. Maintaining normal stratum corneum (SC) acidity has been suggested as a therapeutic or preventive strategy for barrier impairment caused by skin inflammation. We determined whether a representative AD murine model, NC/Nga mice, develops airway inflammation after repeated epicutaneous application followed by inhalation of house dust mite (HDM), implying atopic march, and whether prolongation of non-proper SC acidity accelerates respiratory allergy. HDM was applied to the skin of NC/Nga mice, accompanied by the application of neutral cream (pH 7.4) or acidic cream (pH 2.8) for 6 weeks. Intranasal inhalation of HDM was administered daily during the last 3 days. Repeated epicutaneous applications followed by inhalation of HDM in NC/Nga mice induced an atopic march-like progression from AD lesions to respiratory allergy. Concurrent neutral cream treatment accelerated or aggravated the allergic inflammation in the skin and respiratory system, whereas an acidic cream partially alleviated these symptoms. Collectively, we developed an atopic march in NC/Nga mice by HDM application, and found that prevention of a neutral environment in the SC may be an interventional method to inhibit the march.

FDA Approval Summary: Atezolizumab for the Treatment of Patients with Progressive Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma after Platinum-Containing Chemotherapy.

PubMed

Ning, Yang-Min; Suzman, Daniel; Maher, V Ellen; Zhang, Lijun; Tang, Shenghui; Ricks, Tiffany; Palmby, Todd; Fu, Wentao; Liu, Qi; Goldberg, Kirsten B; Kim, Geoffrey; Pazdur, Richard

2017-06-01

Until recently in the United States, no products were approved for second-line treatment of advanced urothelial carcinoma. On May 18, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved atezolizumab for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma whose disease progressed during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. Atezolizumab is a programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blocking antibody and represents the first approved product directed against PD-L1. This accelerated approval was based on results of a single-arm trial in 310 patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who had disease progression after prior platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients received atezolizumab 1,200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Key efficacy measures were objective response rate (ORR), as assessed by Independent Review per RECIST 1.1, and duration of response (DoR). With a median follow-up of 14.4 months, confirmed ORR was 14.8% (95% CI: 11.1, 19.3) in all treated patients. Median DoR was not reached and response durations ranged from 2.1+ to 13.8+ months. Of the 46 responders, 37 patients had an ongoing response for ≥ 6 months. The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) were fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, urinary tract infection, pyrexia, and constipation. Infection and immune-related adverse events also occurred, including pneumonitis, hepatitis, colitis, endocrine disorders, and rashes. Overall, the benefit-risk assessment was favorable to support accelerated approval. The observed clinical benefits need to be verified in confirmatory trial(s). This accelerated approval of atezolizumab for second-line use in advanced urothelial carcinoma provides patients with an effective, novel treatment option for the management of their disease. This represents the first immunotherapy approved in this disease setting. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

FDA Approval Summary: Pembrolizumab for the Treatment of Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Disease Progression on or After Platinum‐Containing Chemotherapy

PubMed Central

Blumenthal, Gideon M.; Yuan, Weishi; He, Kun; Sridhara, Rajeshwari; Subramaniam, Sriram; Zhao, Hong; Liu, Chao; Yu, Jingyu; Goldberg, Kirsten B.; McKee, Amy E.; Keegan, Patricia; Pazdur, Richard

2017-01-01

Abstract On August 5, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval to pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA injection, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., Kenilworth, NJ) for treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with disease progression on or after platinum‐containing chemotherapy. Approval was based on the objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DoR) in a cohort of patients in a nonrandomized multi‐cohort trial (KEYNOTE‐012) that included 174 patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC who had disease progression on or after platinum‐containing chemotherapy. Patients received either intravenous pembrolizumab 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks or 200 mg every 3 weeks. ORR was determined by independent review according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1. ORR was 16% (95% confidence interval 11, 22) with a complete response rate of 5%. DoR ranged from 2.4+ months to 27.7+ months. Twenty‐three of 28 responding patients (82%) had response durations of ≥6 months. Safety was evaluated in 192 patients with HNSCC receiving at least one dose of pembrolizumab. Frequent (≥2%) serious adverse reactions were pneumonia, dyspnea, confusional state, vomiting, pleural effusion, and respiratory failure. Clinically significant immune‐mediated adverse reactions included pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis, adrenal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, skin toxicity, myositis, and thyroid disorders. The benefit‐risk profile of pembrolizumab was considered acceptable in this patient population. As a condition of accelerated approval, Merck is required to conduct a confirmatory trial; this trial, KEYNOTE‐040, is ongoing. Implications for Practice. This accelerated approval expands the U.S. Food and Drug Administration‐approved indications for pembrolizumab, providing health care providers with new information regarding pembrolizumab for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with disease progression on or after platinum‐containing chemotherapy. Pembrolizumab is the first drug to receive approval for treatment of patients with HNSCC since cetuximab was approved for this indication in 2006. PMID:28533473

SAMS Acceleration Measurements on MIR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moskowitz, Milton E.; Hrovat, Kenneth; Finkelstein, Robert; Reckart, Timothy

1997-01-01

During NASA Increment 3 (September 1996 to January 1997), about 5 gigabytes of acceleration data were collected by the Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS) onboard the Russian Space Station, Mir. The data were recorded on 11 optical disks and were returned to Earth on STS-81. During this time, SAMS data were collected in the Priroda module to support the following experiments: the Mir Structural Dynamics Experiment (MiSDE) and Binary Colloidal Alloy Tests (BCAT). This report points out some of the salient features of the microgravity environment to which these experiments were exposed. Also documented are mission events of interest such as the docked phase of STS-81 operations, a Progress engine burn, attitude control thruster operation, and crew exercise. Also included are a description of the Mir module orientations, and the panel notations within the modules. This report presents an overview of the SAMS acceleration measurements recorded by 10 Hz and 100 Hz sensor heads. Variations in the acceleration environment caused by unique activities such as crew exercise and life-support fans are presented. The analyses included herein complement those presented in previous mission summary reports published by the Principal Investigator Microgravity Services (PIMS) group.

Ion beams provided by small accelerators for material synthesis and characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mackova, Anna; Havranek, Vladimir

2017-06-01

The compact, multipurpose electrostatic tandem accelerators are extensively used for production of ion beams with energies in the range from 400 keV to 24 MeV of almost all elements of the periodic system for the trace element analysis by means of nuclear analytical methods. The ion beams produced by small accelerators have a broad application, mainly for material characterization (Rutherford Back-Scattering spectrometry, Particle Induced X ray Emission analysis, Nuclear Reaction Analysis and Ion-Microprobe with 1 μm lateral resolution among others) and for high-energy implantation. Material research belongs to traditionally progressive fields of technology. Due to the continuous miniaturization, the underlying structures are far beyond the analytical limits of the most conventional methods. Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) techniques provide this possibility as they use probes of similar or much smaller dimensions (particles, radiation). Ion beams can be used for the synthesis of new progressive functional nanomaterials for optics, electronics and other applications. Ion beams are extensively used in studies of the fundamental energetic ion interaction with matter as well as in the novel nanostructure synthesis using ion beam irradiation in various amorphous and crystalline materials in order to get structures with extraordinary functional properties. IBA methods serve for investigation of materials coming from material research, industry, micro- and nano-technology, electronics, optics and laser technology, chemical, biological and environmental investigation in general. Main research directions in laboratories employing small accelerators are also the preparation and characterization of micro- and nano-structured materials which are of interest for basic and oriented research in material science, and various studies of biological, geological, environmental and cultural heritage artefacts are provided too.

Accelerated versus conventional corneal collagen cross-linking in patients with keratoconus: an intrapatient comparative study.

PubMed

Sadoughi, Mohammad Mehdi; Einollahi, Bahram; Baradaran-Rafii, Alireza; Roshandel, Danial; Hasani, Hamidreza; Nazeri, Mehrdad

2018-02-01

To compare the outcomes of the conventional and accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in patients with bilateral progressive keratoconus (KC). Fifteen consecutive patients with bilateral progressive KC were enrolled. In each patient, the fellow eyes were randomly assigned to the conventional CXL (3 mW/cm 2 for 30 min) or accelerated CXL (ACXL) (9 mW/cm 2 for 10 min) groups. Manifest refraction; uncorrected and corrected distant visual acuity; maximum and mean keratometry; corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor; endothelial cell density and morphology; central corneal thickness; and wavefront aberrations were measured before and 12 months after the CXL. Manifest refraction spherical equivalent and refractive cylinder improved significantly only in conventional group. Uncorrected and corrected distant visual acuity did not change significantly in either group. Also there was no significant change in the maximum and mean keratometry after 12 months. There was significant decrease in central corneal thickness in both groups which was more prominent in conventional group. Endothelial cell density reduced only in the conventional group which was not statistically significant (P = 0.147). CH, CRF, and wavefront aberrations did not change significantly in either group. We did not observe any significant difference in the changes of the variables between the two groups. Accelerated CXL with 9 mW/cm 2 irradiation for 10 min had similar refractive, visual, keratometric, and aberrometric results and less adverse effects on the corneal thickness and endothelial cells as compared with the conventional method after 12 months follow-up. However, randomized clinical trials with longer follow-ups and larger sample sizes are needed.

77 FR 54783 - Improving Access to Mental Health Services for Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-05

... addition, the Department of Veterans Affairs shall update its management performance evaluation system to link performance to meeting mental health service demand. Sec. 5. Improved Research and Development. (a... sharing between agencies and academic and industry researchers to accelerate progress and reduce redundant...

State of the States 2009. Renewable Energy Development and the Role of Policy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Doris, Elizabeth; McLaren, Joyce; Healey, Victoria

2009-10-01

This report tracks the progress of U.S. renewable energy development at the state level, with metrics on development status and reviews of relevant policies. The analysis offers state-by-state policy suggestions and develops performance-based evaluation metrics to accelerate and improve renewable energy development.

Report: Progress Made, but Improvements Needed at CTS of Asheville Superfund Site in North Carolina to Advance Cleanup Pace and Reduce Potential Exposure

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Report #16-P-0296, August 31, 2016. EPA Region 4 can accelerate the cleanup and completeness of work, and improve public communications, to better control human exposure to unsafe industrial contamination at the CTS site.

Accelerating Progress Against Cancer

Cancer.gov

Investment in cancer research is making a difference, but we still must overcome disparities in cancer incidence and mortality, and expand research to detect cancers earlier and develop more effective, less-toxic treatments. NCI supports research studies and programs across the country that are working to further advance cancer, research, and clinical care.

Repeated Acquisitions and Extinctions in Classical Conditioning of the Rabbit Nictitating Membrane Response

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kehoe, E. James

2006-01-01

The rabbit nictitating membrane (NM) response underwent successive stages of acquisition and extinction training in both delay (Experiment 1) and trace (Experiment 2) classical conditioning. In both cases, successive acquisitions became progressively faster, although the largest, most reliable acceleration occurred between the first and second…

On Epochal Mission of Multicultural Education in a Perspective of Globalization

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Shi-jian

2006-01-01

The development of modern societies accelerates the process of globalization, which in turn brings about a conspicuous diversity of cultures. Cultural difference and cultural diversity are characteristics of multiculturalism, which commits itself to the construction of favorable educational climates for multiple cultures. Such a progression has…

ENTRY, HALF-LIFE, AND DESFERRIOXAMINE-ACCELERATED CLEARANCE OF BRAIN ALUMINUM AFTER A SINGLE (26)AL EXPOSURE. (R825357)

EPA Science Inventory

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Concl...

AN EARLY SCHOOL ADMISSION PORJECT. PROGRESS REPORT 1962-1963.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Baltimore City Public Schools, MD.

"PROJECT HELP" REPRESENTS AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM DESIGNED TO ENRICH THE LIVES OR 4- AND 5-YEAR-OLD CULTURALLY DEPRIVED CHILDREN. IT IS A RESEARCH PROJECT DESIGNED TO DISCOVER WAYS TO ACCELERATE THE ACHIEVEMENT OF CHILDREN LIMITED IN THEIR DEVELOPMENT BY ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS BEYOND THEIR CONTROL, TO INCREASE PARENTAL UNDERSTANDING AND…

The Looming Maladaptive Style in Social Anxiety

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Michael A.; Stopa, Luisa

2008-01-01

This exploratory study examined the relationship between the looming maladaptive style (i.e., an enduring and traitlike cognitive pattern to appraise threat as rapidly rising in risk, progressively worsening, or actively speeding up and accelerating) and three different aspects of trait social anxiety (i.e., fear of negative evaluation, social…

The Institutional Challenges of Cyberinfrastructure and E-Research

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lynch, Clifford

2008-01-01

In thinking about how best to support the changes in scholarly and scientific work and also to accelerate these changes as a way of advancing scientific progress, science funding agencies began speaking about the need to systematically invest in what they called "cyberinfrastructure." This included not just information technologies but…

Education Statistics Quarterly. Volume 6, Issue 3, 2004. NCES 2005-612

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Center for Education Statistics, 2005

2005-01-01

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) fulfills a congressional mandate to collect and report "statistics and information showing the condition and progress of education in the United States and other nations in order to promote and accelerate the improvement of American education." The "Quarterly" offers a…

Quantum lattice model solver HΦ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawamura, Mitsuaki; Yoshimi, Kazuyoshi; Misawa, Takahiro; Yamaji, Youhei; Todo, Synge; Kawashima, Naoki

2017-08-01

HΦ [aitch-phi ] is a program package based on the Lanczos-type eigenvalue solution applicable to a broad range of quantum lattice models, i.e., arbitrary quantum lattice models with two-body interactions, including the Heisenberg model, the Kitaev model, the Hubbard model and the Kondo-lattice model. While it works well on PCs and PC-clusters, HΦ also runs efficiently on massively parallel computers, which considerably extends the tractable range of the system size. In addition, unlike most existing packages, HΦ supports finite-temperature calculations through the method of thermal pure quantum (TPQ) states. In this paper, we explain theoretical background and user-interface of HΦ. We also show the benchmark results of HΦ on supercomputers such as the K computer at RIKEN Advanced Institute for Computational Science (AICS) and SGI ICE XA (Sekirei) at the Institute for the Solid State Physics (ISSP).

Spallation reaction study for fission products in nuclear waste: Cross section measurements for 137Cs and 90Sr on proton and deuteron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, H.; Otsu, H.; Sakurai, H.; Ahn, D. S.; Aikawa, M.; Doornenbal, P.; Fukuda, N.; Isobe, T.; Kawakami, S.; Koyama, S.; Kubo, T.; Kubono, S.; Lorusso, G.; Maeda, Y.; Makinaga, A.; Momiyama, S.; Nakano, K.; Niikura, M.; Shiga, Y.; Söderström, P.-A.; Suzuki, H.; Takeda, H.; Takeuchi, S.; Taniuchi, R.; Watanabe, Ya.; Watanabe, Yu.; Yamasaki, H.; Yoshida, K.

2016-03-01

We have studied spallation reactions for the fission products 137Cs and 90Sr for the purpose of nuclear waste transmutation. The spallation cross sections on the proton and deuteron were obtained in inverse kinematics for the first time using secondary beams of 137Cs and 90Sr at 185 MeV/nucleon at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory. The target dependence has been investigated systematically, and the cross-section differences between the proton and deuteron are found to be larger for lighter spallation products. The experimental data are compared with the PHITS calculation, which includes cascade and evaporation processes. Our results suggest that both proton- and deuteron-induced spallation reactions are promising mechanisms for the transmutation of radioactive fission products.

A calculation model to half-life estimate of two-proton radioactive decay process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tavares, O. A. P.; Medeiros, E. L.

2018-04-01

Partial half-life of the radioactive decay by the two-proton emission mode has been estimated for proton-rich nuclei of mass number 18 < A < 68 by a model based on the quantum mechanical tunneling mechanism through a potential barrier. The Coulomb, centrifugal and overlapping contributions to the barrier have been considered within the spherical nucleus approximation. The present calculation method has been shown to be adequate in reproducing the existing experimental half-life data for 19Mg, 45Fe, 48Ni, and 54Zn 2p-emitter nuclides within a factor six. For 67Kr parent nucleus the calculated partial 2p-decay half-life has been found to be ten times greater than the recent, unique measured value at RIKEN Nishina Center. Prediction for new, yet unmeasured cases of two-proton radioactivity are also reported.

Beta-decay spectroscopy of neutron-rich 84-86Ga isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naqvi, Farheen; Xu, Zhengyu; Werner, Volker; Niikura, Megumi; Nishimura, Shunji; Eurica Collaboration

2013-10-01

The low lying excited states in 84-86 Ge were studied via the beta-gamma spectroscopy of 84-86 Ga nuclei. The study focused on the beta-delayed neutron emission probabilities and the beta-decay lifetimes, relevant for the astrophysical r process path in the region. The neutron-rich Ga isotopes were produced by in-flight fragmentation of 238U beam on a 9Be target. The experiment was performed at the Radioactive Ion Beam Facility (RIBF) at RIKEN, Japan. The BigRIPS spectrometer was utilized to identify and separate the reaction residues and the ions of interest were implanted in a segmented Si detector array called WASABI. Gamma rays emitted after the beta decay were identified by the EURICA array. Results of the ongoing analysis will be presented. Work supported by DOE grant no. DE-FG02-91ER-40609.

Observation of a γ-decaying millisecond isomeric state in 128Cd80

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jungclaus, A.; Grawe, H.; Nishimura, S.; Doornenbal, P.; Lorusso, G.; Simpson, G. S.; Söderström, P.-A.; Sumikama, T.; Taprogge, J.; Xu, Z. Y.; Baba, H.; Browne, F.; Fukuda, N.; Gernhäuser, R.; Gey, G.; Inabe, N.; Isobe, T.; Jung, H. S.; Kameda, D.; Kim, G. D.; Kim, Y.-K.; Kojouharov, I.; Kubo, T.; Kurz, N.; Kwon, Y. K.; Li, Z.; Sakurai, H.; Schaffner, H.; Shimizu, Y.; Steiger, K.; Suzuki, H.; Takeda, H.; Vajta, Zs.; Watanabe, H.; Wu, J.; Yagi, A.; Yoshinaga, K.; Benzoni, G.; Bönig, S.; Chae, K. Y.; Coraggio, L.; Daugas, J.-M.; Drouet, F.; Gadea, A.; Gargano, A.; Ilieva, S.; Itaco, N.; Kondev, F. G.; Kröll, T.; Lane, G. J.; Montaner-Pizá, A.; Moschner, K.; Mücher, D.; Naqvi, F.; Niikura, M.; Nishibata, H.; Odahara, A.; Orlandi, R.; Patel, Z.; Podolyák, Zs.; Wendt, A.

2017-09-01

A new high-spin isomer in the neutron-rich nucleus 128Cd was populated in the projectile fission of a 238U beam at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory at RIKEN. A half-life of T1/2 = 6.3 (8) ms was measured for the new state which was tentatively assigned a spin/parity of (15-). The experimental results are compared to shell model calculations performed using state-of-the-art realistic effective interactions and to the neighbouring nucleus 129Cd. In the present experiment no evidence was found for the decay of a 18+E6 spin-trap isomer, based on the complete alignment of the two-neutron and two-proton holes in the 0h11/2 and the 0g9/2 orbit, respectively, which is predicted to exist by the shell model.

Observation of New Neutron-rich Isotopes among Fission Fragments from In-flight Fission of 345 MeV/nucleon 238U: Search for New Isotopes Conducted Concurrently with Decay Measurement Campaigns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimizu, Yohei; Kubo, Toshiyuki; Fukuda, Naoki; Inabe, Naohito; Kameda, Daisuke; Sato, Hiromi; Suzuki, Hiroshi; Takeda, Hiroyuki; Yoshida, Koichi; Lorusso, Giuseppe; Watanabe, Hiroshi; Simpson, Gary S.; Jungclaus, Andrea; Baba, Hidetada; Browne, Frank; Doornenbal, Pieter; Gey, Guillaunme; Isobe, Tadaaki; Li, Zhihuan; Nishimura, Shunji; Söderström, Pär-Anders; Sumikama, Toshiyuki; Taprogge, Jan; Vajta, Zsolt; Wu, Jin; Xu, Zhengyu; Odahara, Atsuko; Yagi, Ayumi; Nishibata, Hiroki; Lozeva, Radomira; Moon, Changbum; Jung, HyoSoon

2018-01-01

The search for new isotopes using the in-flight fission of a 238U beam has been conducted concurrently with decay measurements, during the so-called EURICA campaigns, at the RIKEN Nishina Center RI Beam Factory. Fission fragments were analyzed and identified in flight using the BigRIPS separator. We have identified the following 36 new neutron-rich isotopes: 104Rb, 113Zr, 116Nb, 118,119Mo, 121,122Tc, 125Ru, 127,128Rh, 129,130,131Pd, 132Ag, 134Cd, 136,137In, 139,140Sn, 141,142Sb, 144,145Te, 146,147I, 149,150Xe, 149,150,151Cs, 153,154Ba, and 154,155,156,157La.

Implementing general quantum measurements on linear optical and solid-state qubits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ota, Yukihiro; Ashhab, Sahel; Nori, Franco

2013-03-01

We show a systematic construction for implementing general measurements on a single qubit, including both strong (or projection) and weak measurements. We mainly focus on linear optical qubits. The present approach is composed of simple and feasible elements, i.e., beam splitters, wave plates, and polarizing beam splitters. We show how the parameters characterizing the measurement operators are controlled by the linear optical elements. We also propose a method for the implementation of general measurements in solid-state qubits. Furthermore, we show an interesting application of the general measurements, i.e., entanglement amplification. YO is partially supported by the SPDR Program, RIKEN. SA and FN acknowledge ARO, NSF grant No. 0726909, JSPS-RFBR contract No. 12-02-92100, Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (S), MEXT Kakenhi on Quantum Cybernetics, and the JSPS via its FIRST program.

Update of the FANTOM web resource: high resolution transcriptome of diverse cell types in mammals.

PubMed

Lizio, Marina; Harshbarger, Jayson; Abugessaisa, Imad; Noguchi, Shuei; Kondo, Atsushi; Severin, Jessica; Mungall, Chris; Arenillas, David; Mathelier, Anthony; Medvedeva, Yulia A; Lennartsson, Andreas; Drabløs, Finn; Ramilowski, Jordan A; Rackham, Owen; Gough, Julian; Andersson, Robin; Sandelin, Albin; Ienasescu, Hans; Ono, Hiromasa; Bono, Hidemasa; Hayashizaki, Yoshihide; Carninci, Piero; Forrest, Alistair R R; Kasukawa, Takeya; Kawaji, Hideya

2017-01-04

Upon the first publication of the fifth iteration of the Functional Annotation of Mammalian Genomes collaborative project, FANTOM5, we gathered a series of primary data and database systems into the FANTOM web resource (http://fantom.gsc.riken.jp) to facilitate researchers to explore transcriptional regulation and cellular states. In the course of the collaboration, primary data and analysis results have been expanded, and functionalities of the database systems enhanced. We believe that our data and web systems are invaluable resources, and we think the scientific community will benefit for this recent update to deepen their understanding of mammalian cellular organization. We introduce the contents of FANTOM5 here, report recent updates in the web resource and provide future perspectives. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

New mass anchor points for neutron-deficient heavy nuclei from direct mass measurements of radium and actinium isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenbusch, M.; Ito, Y.; Schury, P.; Wada, M.; Kaji, D.; Morimoto, K.; Haba, H.; Kimura, S.; Koura, H.; MacCormick, M.; Miyatake, H.; Moon, J. Y.; Morita, K.; Murray, I.; Niwase, T.; Ozawa, A.; Reponen, M.; Takamine, A.; Tanaka, T.; Wollnik, H.

2018-06-01

The masses of the exotic isotopes Ac-214210 and Ra-214210 have been measured with a multireflection time-of-flight mass spectrograph. These isotopes were obtained in flight as fusion-evaporation products behind the gas-filled recoil ion separator GARIS-II at RIKEN. The new direct mass measurements serve as an independent and direct benchmark for existing α -γ spectroscopy data in this mass region. Further, new mass anchor points are set for U and Np nuclei close to the N =126 shell closure for a future benchmark of the Z =92 subshell for neutron-deficient heavy isotopes. Our mass results are in general in good agreement with the previously indirectly determined mass values. Together with the measurement data, reasons for possible mass ambiguities from decay-data links between ground states are discussed.

ANNUAL REPORT, JULY 1, 1958

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

1959-02-01

This annual report of Brookhaven National Laboratory describes its program and activities for the fiscal year 1958. The progress and trends of the research program are presented along with a description of the operational, service, and administrative activities of the Laboratory. The scientific and technical details of the many research and development activities are covered more fully in scientific and technical periodicals and in the quarterly scientific progress reports and other scientiflc reports of the Laboratory. A list of all publications for July 1, 1957 to June 30, 1958, is given. Status and progress are given in fields of physics,more » accelerator development, instrumentation, applied mathematics, chemistry, nuclear engineering, biology, and medical research. (For preceding period see BNL-462.) (W.D.M.)« less

Parkinson’s disease managing reversible neurodegeneration

PubMed Central

Hinz, Marty; Stein, Alvin; Cole, Ted; McDougall, Beth; Westaway, Mark

2016-01-01

Traditionally, the Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptom course has been classified as an irreversible progressive neurodegenerative disease. This paper documents 29 PD and treatment-induced systemic depletion etiologies which cause and/or exacerbate the seven novel primary relative nutritional deficiencies associated with PD. These reversible relative nutritional deficiencies (RNDs) may facilitate and accelerate irreversible progressive neurodegeneration, while other reversible RNDs may induce previously undocumented reversible pseudo-neurodegeneration that is hiding in plain sight since the symptoms are identical to the symptoms being experienced by the PD patient. Documented herein is a novel nutritional approach for reversible processes management which may slow or halt irreversible progressive neurodegenerative disease and correct reversible RNDs whose symptoms are identical to the patient’s PD symptoms. PMID:27103805

Contemporary patterns of spontaneous labor with normal neonatal outcomes.

PubMed

Zhang, Jun; Landy, Helain J; Branch, D Ware; Burkman, Ronald; Haberman, Shoshana; Gregory, Kimberly D; Hatjis, Christos G; Ramirez, Mildred M; Bailit, Jennifer L; Gonzalez-Quintero, Victor H; Hibbard, Judith U; Hoffman, Matthew K; Kominiarek, Michelle; Learman, Lee A; Van Veldhuisen, Paul; Troendle, James; Reddy, Uma M

2010-12-01

To use contemporary labor data to examine the labor patterns in a large, modern obstetric population in the United States. Data were from the Consortium on Safe Labor, a multicenter retrospective study that abstracted detailed labor and delivery information from electronic medical records in 19 hospitals across the United States. A total of 62,415 parturients were selected who had a singleton term gestation, spontaneous onset of labor, vertex presentation, vaginal delivery, and a normal perinatal outcome. A repeated-measures analysis was used to construct average labor curves by parity. An interval-censored regression was used to estimate duration of labor, stratified by cervical dilation at admission and centimeter by centimeter. Labor may take more than 6 hours to progress from 4 to 5 cm and more than 3 hours to progress from 5 to 6 cm of dilation. Nulliparous and multiparous women appeared to progress at a similar pace before 6 cm. However, after 6 cm, labor accelerated much faster in multiparous than in nulliparous women. The 95 percentiles of the second stage of labor in nulliparous women with and without epidural analgesia were 3.6 and 2.8 hours, respectively. A partogram for nulliparous women is proposed. In a large, contemporary population, the rate of cervical dilation accelerated after 6 cm, and progress from 4 cm to 6 cm was far slower than previously described. Allowing labor to continue for a longer period before 6 cm of cervical dilation may reduce the rate of intrapartum and subsequent repeat cesarean deliveries in the United States.

Cross-country analysis of strategies for achieving progress towards global goals for women’s and children’s health

PubMed Central

Ahmed, Syed Masud; Rawal, Lal B; Chowdhury, Sadia A; Murray, John; Arscott-Mills, Sharon; Jack, Susan; Hinton, Rachael; Alam, Prima M

2016-01-01

Abstract Objective To identify how 10 low- and middle-income countries achieved accelerated progress, ahead of comparable countries, towards meeting millennium development goals 4 and 5A to reduce child and maternal mortality. Methods We synthesized findings from multistakeholder dialogues and country policy reports conducted previously for the Success Factors studies in 10 countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Nepal, Peru, Rwanda and Viet Nam. A framework approach was used to analyse and synthesize the data from the country reports, resulting in descriptive or explanatory conclusions by theme. Findings Successful policy and programme approaches were categorized in four strategic areas: leadership and multistakeholder partnerships; health sector; sectors outside health; and accountability for resources and results. Consistent and coordinated inputs across sectors, based on high-impact interventions, were assessed. Within the health sector, key policy and programme strategies included defining standards, collecting and using data, improving financial protection, and improving the availability and quality of services. Outside the health sector, strategies included investing in girls’ education, water, sanitation and hygiene, poverty reduction, nutrition and food security, and infrastructure development. Countries improved accountability by strengthening and using data systems for planning and evaluating progress. Conclusion Reducing maternal and child mortality in the 10 fast-track countries can be linked to consistent and coordinated policy and programme inputs across health and other sectors. The approaches used by successful countries have relevance to other countries looking to scale-up or accelerate progress towards the sustainable development goals. PMID:27147765

Contemporary Patterns of Spontaneous Labor With Normal Neonatal Outcomes

PubMed Central

Zhang, Jun; Landy, Helain J.; Branch, D. Ware; Burkman, Ronald; Haberman, Shoshana; Gregory, Kimberly D.; Hatjis, Christos G.; Ramirez, Mildred M.; Bailit, Jennifer L.; Gonzalez-Quintero, Victor H.; Hibbard, Judith U.; Hoffman, Matthew K.; Kominiarek, Michelle; Learman, Lee A.; Van Veldhuisen, Paul; Troendle, James; Reddy, Uma M.

2013-01-01

Objective To use contemporary labor data to examine the labor patterns in a large, modern obstetric population in the United States. Methods Data were from the Consortium on Safe Labor, a multicenter retrospective study that abstracted detailed labor and delivery information from electronic medical records in 19 hospitals across the United States. A total of 62,415 parturients were selected who had a singleton term gestation, spontaneous onset of labor, vertex presentation, vaginal delivery, and a normal perinatal outcome. A repeated-measures analysis was used to construct average labor curves by parity. An interval-censored regression was used to estimate duration of labor stratified by cervical dilation at admission and centimeter by centimeter. Results Labor may take over 6 hours to progress from 4 to 5 cm and over 3 hours to progress from 5 to 6 cm of dilation. Nulliparas and multiparas appeared to progress at a similar pace before 6 cm. However, after 6 cm labor accelerated much faster in multiparas than in nulliparas. The 95th percentile of the 2nd stage of labor in nulliparas with and without epidural analgesia was 3.6 and 2.8 hours, respectively. A partogram for nulliparas is proposed. Conclusion In a large, contemporary population, the rate of cervical dilation accelerated after 6 cm and progress from 4 to 6 cm was far slower than previously described. Allowing labor to continue for a longer period before 6 cm of cervical dilation may reduce the rate of intrapartum and subsequent repeat cesarean deliveries in the United States. PMID:21099592

Transverse field focused system

DOEpatents

Anderson, Oscar A.

1986-01-01

A transverse field focused (TFF) system for transport or acceleration of an intense sheet beam of negative ions in which a serial arrangement of a plurality of pairs of concentric cylindrical-arc electrodes is provided. Acceleration of the sheet beam can be achieved by progressively increasing the mean electrode voltage of successive electrode pairs. Because the beam is curved by the electrodes, the system can be designed to transport the beam through a maze passage which is baffled to prevent line of sight therethrough. Edge containment of the beam can be achieved by shaping the side edges of the electrodes to produce an electric force vector directed inwardly from the electrode edges.

Work schedules and 11-year progression of carotid atherosclerosis in middle-aged Finnish men.

PubMed

Wang, Aolin; Arah, Onyebuchi A; Kauhanen, Jussi; Krause, Niklas

2015-01-01

This study investigated the relationship between different work schedules and progression of carotid atherosclerosis, an early indicator of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We studied 621 men, aged 42-60 years, in the prospective Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study cohort. Using multivariable regressions adjusting for 22 covariates including total time worked during follow-up, we evaluated the associations of baseline work schedules with 11-year progression of ultrasonographically assessed carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and their variation by preexisting CVD. Standard daytime work, weekend shifts, and evening/night/rotating shifts were associated with 31%, 37%, and 33% increases in IMT, respectively. Compared to daytime workers, weekend workers experienced a faster progression of carotid atherosclerosis [relative change ratio (RCR) = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.00-1.09)]. This ratio was higher among men who had preexisting CVD. Weekend shifts, more than standard daytime work, appear to accelerate carotid atherosclerosis progression among middle-aged Finnish men, especially those with pre-existing CVD. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Accelerated approval of oncology products: the food and drug administration experience.

PubMed

Johnson, John R; Ning, Yang-Min; Farrell, Ann; Justice, Robert; Keegan, Patricia; Pazdur, Richard

2011-04-20

We reviewed the regulatory history of the accelerated approval process and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) experience with accelerated approval of oncology products from its initiation in December 11, 1992, to July 1, 2010. The accelerated approval regulations allowed accelerated approval of products to treat serious or life-threatening diseases based on surrogate endpoints that are reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit. Failure to complete postapproval trials to confirm clinical benefit with due diligence could result in removal of the accelerated approval indication from the market. From December 11, 1992, to July 1, 2010, the FDA granted accelerated approval to 35 oncology products for 47 new indications. Clinical benefit was confirmed in postapproval trials for 26 of the 47 new indications, resulting in conversion to regular approval. The median time between accelerated approval and regular approval of oncology products was 3.9 years (range = 0.8-12.6 years) and the mean time was 4.7 years, representing a substantial time savings in terms of earlier availability of drugs to cancer patients. Three new indications did not show clinical benefit when confirmatory postapproval trials were completed and were subsequently removed from the market or had restricted distribution plans implemented. Confirmatory trials were not completed for 14 new indications. The five longest intervals from receipt of accelerated approval to July 1, 2010, without completion of trials to confirm clinical benefit were 10.5, 6.4, 5.5, 5.5, and 4.7 years. The five longest intervals between accelerated approval and successful conversion to regular approval were 12.6, 9.7, 8.1, 7.5, and 7.4 years. Trials to confirm clinical benefit should be part of the drug development plan and should be in progress at the time of an application seeking accelerated approval to prevent an ineffective drug from remaining on the market for an unacceptable time.

Active and Progressive Exoskeleton Rehabilitation Using Multisource Information Fusion From EMG and Force-Position EPP.

PubMed

Fan, Yuanjie; Yin, Yuehong

2013-12-01

Although exoskeletons have received enormous attention and have been widely used in gait training and walking assistance in recent years, few reports addressed their application during early poststroke rehabilitation. This paper presents a healthcare technology for active and progressive early rehabilitation using multisource information fusion from surface electromyography and force-position extended physiological proprioception. The active-compliance control based on interaction force between patient and exoskeleton is applied to accelerate the recovery of the neuromuscular function, whereby progressive treatment through timely evaluation contributes to an effective and appropriate physical rehabilitation. Moreover, a clinic-oriented rehabilitation system, wherein a lower extremity exoskeleton with active compliance is mounted on a standing bed, is designed to ensure comfortable and secure rehabilitation according to the structure and control requirements. Preliminary experiments and clinical trial demonstrate valuable information on the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of the progressive exoskeleton-assisted training.

SOX5 predicts poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma and promotes tumor metastasis through epithelial-mesenchymal transition

PubMed Central

Chen, Xin; Fu, Yufei; Xu, Hongfei; Teng, Peng; Xie, Qiong; Zhang, Yiran; Yan, Caochong; Xu, Yiqiao; Li, Chunqi; Zhou, Jianying; Ni, Yiming; Li, Weidong

2018-01-01

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) promotes lung cancer progression and metastasis, especially in lung adenocarcinoma. Sex determining region Y-box protein 5 (SOX5) is known to stimulate the progression of various cancers. Here, we used immunohistochemical analysis to reveal that SOX5 levels were increased in 90 lung adenocarcinoma patients. The high SOX5 expression in lung adenocarcinoma and non-tumor counterparts correlated with the patients’ poor prognosis. Inhibiting SOX5 expression attenuated metastasis and progression in lung cancer cells, while over-expressing SOX5 accelerated lung adenocarcinoma progression and metastasis via EMT. An in vivo zebrafish xenograft cancer model also showed SOX5 knockdown was followed by reduced lung cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Our results indicate SOX5 promotes lung adenocarcinoma tumorigenicity and can be a novel diagnosis and prognosis marker of the disease. PMID:29541384

Spaceborne centrifugal relays for spacecraft propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ouzidane, Malika

1991-01-01

Acceleration using centrifugal relays is a recently discovered method for the acceleration of spaceborne payloads to high velocity at high thrust. Centrifugal relays are moving rotors which progressively accelerate reaction mass to higher velocities. One important engineering problem consists of accurately tracking the position of the projectiles and rotors and guiding each projectile exactly onto the appropriate guide tracks on each rotor. The topics of this research are the system kinematics and dynamics and the computerized guidance system which will allow the projectile to approach each rotor with exact timing with respect to the rotor rotation period and with very small errors in lateral positions. Kinematics studies include analysis of rotor and projectile positions versus time and projectile/rotor interactions. Guidance studies include a detailed description of the tracking mechanism (interrupt of optical beams) and the aiming mechanism (electromagnetic focusing) including the design of electromagnetic deflection coils and the switching circuitry.

Progress In Plasma Accelerator Development for Dynamic Formation of Plasma Liners

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thio, Y. C. Francis; Eskridge, Richard; Martin, Adam; Smith, James; Lee, Michael; Cassibry, Jason T.; Griffin, Steven; Rodgers, Stephen L. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

An experimental plasma accelerator for magnetic target fusion (MTF) applications under development at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center is described. The accelerator is a coaxial pulsed plasma thruster (Figure 1). It has been tested experimentally and plasma jet velocities of approx.50 km/sec have been obtained. The plasma jet has been photographed with 10-ns exposure times to reveal a stable and repeatable plasma structure (Figure 2). Data for velocity profile information has been obtained using light pipes and magnetic probes embedded in the gun walls to record the plasma and current transit respectively at various barrel locations. Preliminary spatially resolved spectral data and magnetic field probe data are also presented. A high speed triggering system has been developed and tested as a means of reducing the gun "jitter". This jitter is being characterized and future work for second generation "ultra-low jitter" gun development is being identified.

Parallel/Vector Integration Methods for Dynamical Astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukushima, T.

Progress of parallel/vector computers has driven us to develop suitable numerical integrators utilizing their computational power to the full extent while being independent on the size of system to be integrated. Unfortunately, the parallel version of Runge-Kutta type integrators are known to be not so efficient. Recently we developed a parallel version of the extrapolation method (Ito and Fukushima 1997), which allows variable timesteps and still gives an acceleration factor of 3-4 for general problems. While the vector-mode usage of Picard-Chebyshev method (Fukushima 1997a, 1997b) will lead the acceleration factor of order of 1000 for smooth problems such as planetary/satellites orbit integration. The success of multiple-correction PECE mode of time-symmetric implicit Hermitian integrator (Kokubo 1998) seems to enlighten Milankar's so-called "pipelined predictor corrector method", which is expected to lead an acceleration factor of 3-4. We will review these directions and discuss future prospects.

Coronal and interplanetary propagation, interplanetary acceleration, cosmic-ray observations by deep space network and anomalous component

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ng, C. K.

1986-01-01

The purpose is to provide an overview of the contributions presented in sessions SH3, SH1.5, SH4.6 and SH4.7 of the 19th International Cosmic Ray Conference. These contributed papers indicate that steady progress continues to be made in both the observational and the theoretical aspects of the transport and acceleration of energetic charged particles in the heliosphere. Studies of solar and interplanetary particles have placed emphasis on particle directional distributions in relation to pitch-angle scattering and magnetic focusing, on the rigidity and spatial dependence of the mean free path, and on new propagation regimes in the inner and outer heliosphere. Coronal propagation appears in need of correlative multi-spacecraft studies in association with detailed observation of the flare process and coronal magnetic structures. Interplanetary acceleration has now gone into a consolidation phase, with theories being worked out in detail and checked against observation.

Accelerated oral nanomedicine discovery from miniaturized screening to clinical production exemplified by paediatric HIV nanotherapies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giardiello, Marco; Liptrott, Neill J.; McDonald, Tom O.; Moss, Darren; Siccardi, Marco; Martin, Phil; Smith, Darren; Gurjar, Rohan; Rannard, Steve P.; Owen, Andrew

2016-10-01

Considerable scope exists to vary the physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles, with subsequent impact on biological interactions; however, no accelerated process to access large nanoparticle material space is currently available, hampering the development of new nanomedicines. In particular, no clinically available nanotherapies exist for HIV populations and conventional paediatric HIV medicines are poorly available; one current paediatric formulation utilizes high ethanol concentrations to solubilize lopinavir, a poorly soluble antiretroviral. Here we apply accelerated nanomedicine discovery to generate a potential aqueous paediatric HIV nanotherapy, with clinical translation and regulatory approval for human evaluation. Our rapid small-scale screening approach yields large libraries of solid drug nanoparticles (160 individual components) targeting oral dose. Screening uses 1 mg of drug compound per library member and iterative pharmacological and chemical evaluation establishes potential candidates for progression through to clinical manufacture. The wide applicability of our strategy has implications for multiple therapy development programmes.

The GALAXIE all-optical FEL project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenzweig, J. B.; Arab, E.; Andonian, G.; Cahill, A.; Fitzmorris, K.; Fukusawa, A.; Hoang, P.; Jovanovic, I.; Marcus, G.; Marinelli, A.; Murokh, A.; Musumeci, P.; Naranjo, B.; O'Shea, B.; O'Shea, F.; Ovodenko, A.; Pogorelsky, I.; Putterman, S.; Roberts, K.; Shumail, M.; Tantawi, S.; Valloni, A.; Yakimenko, V.; Xu, G.

2012-12-01

We describe a comprehensive project, funded under the DARPA AXiS program, to develop an all-optical table-top X-ray FEL based on dielectric acceleration and electromagnetic undulators, yielding a compact source of coherent X-rays for medical and related applications. The compactness of this source demands that high field (>GV/m) acceleration and undulation-inducing fields be employed, thus giving rise to the project's acronym: GV/m AcceLerator And X-ray Integrated Experiment (GALAXIE). There are numerous physics and technical hurdles to surmount in this ambitious scenario, and the integrated solutions include: a biharmonic photonic TW structure, 200 micron wavelength electromagnetic undulators, 5 μm laser development, ultra-high brighness magnetized/asymmetric emittance electron beam generation, and SASE FEL operation. We describe the overall design philosophy of the project, the innovative approaches to addressing the challenges presented by the design, and the significant progress towards realization of these approaches in the nine months since project initialization.

Front surface structured targets for enhancing laser-plasma interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snyder, Joseph; George, Kevin; Ji, Liangliang; Yalamanchili, Sasir; Simonoff, Ethan; Cochran, Ginevra; Daskalova, Rebecca; Poole, Patrick; Willis, Christopher; Lewis, Nathan; Schumacher, Douglass

2016-10-01

We present recent progress made using front surface structured interfaces for enhancing ultrashort, relativistic laser-plasma interactions. Structured targets can increase laser absorption and enhance ion acceleration through a number of mechanisms such as direct laser acceleration and laser guiding. We detail experimental results obtained at the Scarlet laser facility on hollow, micron-scale plasma channels for enhancing electron acceleration. These targets show a greater than three times enhancement in the electron cutoff energy as well as an increased slope temperature for the electron distribution when compared to a flat interface. Using three-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, we have modeled the interaction to give insight into the physical processes responsible for the enhancement. Furthermore, we have used PIC simulations to design structures that are more advantageous for ion acceleration. Such targets necessitate advanced target fabrication methods and we describe techniques used to manufacture optimized structures, including vapor-liquid-solid growth, cryogenic etching, and 3D printing using two-photon-polymerization. This material is based upon work supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under Award Number FA9550-14-1-0085.

Nuclear lamina defects cause ATM-dependent NF-κB activation and link accelerated aging to a systemic inflammatory response

PubMed Central

Osorio, Fernando G.; Bárcena, Clea; Soria-Valles, Clara; Ramsay, Andrew J.; de Carlos, Félix; Cobo, Juan; Fueyo, Antonio; Freije, José M.P.; López-Otín, Carlos

2012-01-01

Alterations in the architecture and dynamics of the nuclear lamina have a causal role in normal and accelerated aging through both cell-autonomous and systemic mechanisms. However, the precise nature of the molecular cues involved in this process remains incompletely defined. Here we report that the accumulation of prelamin A isoforms at the nuclear lamina triggers an ATM- and NEMO-dependent signaling pathway that leads to NF-κB activation and secretion of high levels of proinflammatory cytokines in two different mouse models of accelerated aging (Zmpste24−/− and LmnaG609G/G609G mice). Causal involvement of NF-κB in accelerated aging was demonstrated by the fact that both genetic and pharmacological inhibition of NF-κB signaling prevents age-associated features in these animal models, significantly extending their longevity. Our findings provide in vivo proof of principle for the feasibility of pharmacological modulation of the NF-κB pathway to slow down the progression of physiological and pathological aging. PMID:23019125

Electron acceleration in solar flares and the transition from nonthermal to thermal hard X-ray phases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, D. F.

1985-01-01

Observations are reviewed which indicate that hard X-rays during the impulsive phase of a flare typically start with a primarily nonthermal phase which undergoes a transition to a primarily thermal phase as the flare progresses. Recent theoretical work on the modified two-stream instability as an efficient electron accelerator and modeling of thermal hard X-ray sources is considered. A scenario which is termed the dissipative thermal model is proposed to explain the observations. Fast tearing modes occurring in a loop give rise to cross-field ion motion. This in turn excites the modified two-stream instability which converts about 50 percent of the ion energy into accelerated electrons along the loop as long as the plasma beta is less than 0.3. These electrons impact the chromosphere and boil off a part of it which rises up the loop. This density increase coupled with the temperature increase due to tearing causes the beta to increase beyond 0.3 and efficient electron acceleration ceases. This leads to the primarily thermal phase.

The progress about measurements of the proton beam characteristics of the JUNA 400 kV accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shuo; Li, Kuoang

2018-04-01

China JinPing underground Laboratory (CJPL) was established inside the tunnels piercing Jinping Mountain in Sichuan Province, China, which can provide an ideal environment for low background experiment. Jinping Underground laboratory for Nuclear Astrophysics (JUNA) is one of the major research programs in CJPL. A new 400 kV accelerator, with high current based on an ECR source, will be installed into CJPL for the study of key nuclear reactions in astrophysics. The beam characteristics of the accelerator, like absolute energy, energy spread, and long-term energy stability, will be determined by several well-known resonance and non-resonance reactions. Due to the new accelerator still being under construction, the resonance reaction of 27Al(p, γ)28Si and non-resonance 12C(p, γ)13N were studied at the 320 kV high-voltage platform of Institute of Modern Physics in Lanzhou, China. The energy spread of proton beam is about 1.0 keV and the long-term energy stability of proton beam is better than ±200eV during 4 hours measurement.

Deficiency of iNOS-derived NO accelerates lipid accumulation-independent liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis mouse model.

PubMed

Nozaki, Yuichi; Fujita, Koji; Wada, Koichiro; Yoneda, Masato; Kessoku, Takaomi; Shinohara, Yoshiyasu; Imajo, Kento; Ogawa, Yuji; Nakamuta, Makoto; Saito, Satoru; Masaki, Naohiko; Nagashima, Yoji; Terauchi, Yasuo; Nakajima, Atsushi

2015-04-01

Although many of the factors and molecules closely associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have been reported, the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-derived nitric oxide (NO) on the progression of NASH remains unclear. We therefore investigated the role of iNOS-derived NO in NASH pathogenesis with a long-term follow-up study using systemic iNOS-knockout mice under high-fat diet (HFD) conditions. iNOS-knockout and wild-type mice were fed a basal or HFD for 10 or 48 weeks. Lipid accumulation, fibrosis, and inflammation were evaluated, and various factors and molecules closely associated with NASH were analyzed. Marked fibrosis and inflammation (indicators of NASH) were observed in the livers of iNOS-knockout mice compared to wild-type mice after 48 weeks of a HFD; however, lipid accumulation in iNOS-knockout mice livers was less than in the wild-type. Increased expressions of various cytokines that are transcriptionally controlled by NF-kB in iNOS-deficient mice livers were observed during HFD conditions. iNOS-derived NO may play a protective role against the progression to NASH during an HFD by preventing fibrosis and inflammation, which are mediated by NF-kB activation in Kupffer cells. A lack of iNOS-derived NO accelerates progression to NASH without excessive lipid accumulation.

Father absence and reproduction-related outcomes in Malaysia, a transitional fertility population.

PubMed

Sheppard, Paula; Snopkowski, Kristin; Sear, Rebecca

2014-06-01

Father absence is consistently associated with children's reproductive outcomes in industrialized countries. It has been suggested that father absence acts as a cue to particular environmental conditions that influence life history strategies. Much less is known, however, about the effects of father absence on such outcomes in lower-income countries. Using data from the 1988 Malaysian Family Life Survey (n = 567), we tested the effect of father absence on daughters' age at menarche, first marriage, and first birth; parity progression rates; and desired completed family size in Malaysia, a country undergoing an economic and fertility transition. Father absence during later childhood (ages 8 to 15), although not during earlier childhood, was associated with earlier progressions to first marriage and first birth, after controlling for other confounders. Father absence does not affect age at menarche, desired family size, or progression from first to second birth. The patterns found in this transitional population partly mirror those in developed societies, where father absence accelerates reproductive events. There is, however, a notable contrast between the acceleration in menarche for father-absent girls consistently found in developed societies and the lack of any association in our findings. The mechanisms through which father absence affects reproduction may differ in different ecological contexts. In lower-income contexts, direct paternal investment or influence may be of more importance in determining reproductive behavior than whether fathers act as a cue to environmental conditions.

Progression is caused by angiotensin II-dependent persistent podocyte loss from destabilized glomeruli

PubMed Central

Fukuda, Akihiro; Wickman, Larysa T.; Venkatareddy, Madhusudan; Sato, Yuji; Chowdhury, Mahboob; Wang, Su Q; Shedden, Kerby; Dysko, Robert; Wiggins, Jocelyn E.; Wiggins, Roger C.

2013-01-01

Podocyte depletion is a major mechanism driving glomerulosclerosis. Progression is the process by which progressive glomerulosclerosis leads to End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD). We therefore tested the hypothesis that progression to ESKD can be caused by persistent podocyte loss using the human diphtheria toxin transgenic rat model. After initial podocyte injury causing >30% loss of podocytes glomeruli became destabilized, resulting in continuous podocyte loss over time until global podocyte depletion (ESKD) occured. Similar patterns of podocyte depletion were observed in the puromycin aminonucleoside and 5/6 nephrectomy rat models of progression. Angiotensin II blockade prevented continuous podocyte loss and progression (restabilized glomeruli). Discontinuing angiotensin II blockade resulted in recurrent glomerular destabilization, podocyte loss and progression. Reduction in blood pressure alone did not reduce proteinuria or prevent podocyte loss from destabilized glomeruli. The protective effect of angiotensin II blockade could be entirely accounted for by reduction in podocyte loss. These data demonstrate that an initiating event that results in a critical degree of podocyte depletion can destabilize glomeruli by setting in train a superimposed angiotensin II-dependent podocyte loss cycle that accelerates the progression process and results in global podocyte depletion and progression to ESKD. These events can be monitored non-invasively through urine mRNA assays. PMID:21937979

Germany's Armed Forces in the Second World War: Manpower, Armaments, and Supply.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Balsamo, Larry T.

1991-01-01

Discusses the state of Germany's armed forces in World War II. Describes Germany's progress from inferior weaponry and unprepared military at the beginning of the war to superior weapons and fighting. Stresses heavy German dependence on horse drawn supply. Credits Germany's defeat to human attrition accelerated by Hitler's operational leadership.…

Evidence-Based Practice in the United States: Challenges, Progress, and Future Directions

PubMed Central

Correa-de-Araujo, Rosaly

2016-01-01

Scientific literature demonstrates that advances in evidence-based nursing have improved systems of care and women’s health outcomes. Experts agree that nurses worldwide can play a key role in building such evidence and working with interdisciplinary health care teams and systems to accelerate its implementation. PMID:26473771

Evaluating methods to quantify spatial variation in the velocity of biological invasions

Treesearch

Clement Tisseuil; Aiko Gryspeirt; Renaud Lancelot; Maryline Pioz; Andrew Liebhold; Marius Gilbert

2016-01-01

Invading species rarely spread homogeneously through a landscape and invasion patterns typically display irregular frontal boundaries as the invasion progresses through space. Those irregular patterns are generally produced by local environmental factors that may slow or accelerate movement of the frontal boundary. While there is an abundant literature on species...

Hemlock woolly adelgid initiative: progress and future direction

Treesearch

Brad Onken; Melody Keena

2008-01-01

In 2001, the USDA Forest Service in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the National Plant Board proposed a five-year program that would accelerate development and implementation of management options to reduce the spread and impact of hemlock woolly adelgid. From 2003-2007, this "Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Initiative" has involved...

Achieving Sustainability through Targeted Curriculum Change. Strategies for Transformative Change

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Audant, B.; Kirby, C.

2016-01-01

Integrated academic skills instruction was one of the core elements of the CareerPATH consortium that provided math, reading, writing, and English language skills instruction "contextualized" to occupational training. Its goal was to engage adult learners and accelerate their progress in college and careers. The focus of this brief is…

Lipoxygenase activity accelerates programmed spore germination in Aspergillus fumigatus

Treesearch

Gregory J. Fischer; William Bacon; Jun Yang; Jonathan M. Palmer; Taylor Dagenais; Bruce D. Hammock; Nancy P. Keller

2017-01-01

The opportunistic human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus initiates invasive growth through a programmed germination process that progresses from dormant spore to swollen spore (SS) to germling (GL) and ultimately invasive hyphal growth. We find a lipoxygenase with considerable homology to human Alox5 and Alox15, LoxB, that impacts the transitions of...

Ten power mega-trends for the 1990`s

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zimmer, M.J.

1995-12-01

Changes in the power generation industry have accelerated, with the progress of new legislation, globalization, financing and technology leading the way. Major trends shaping the future of the industry this decade include: fuels; niche markets; utility generation; financing; retail service; transmission; geographic regions; repowering; international developments; and regulation. These factors are discussed briefly.

Fast Track Teaching: Beginning the Experiment in Accelerated Leadership Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Churches, Richard; Hutchinson, Geraldine; Jones, Jeff

2009-01-01

This article provides an overview of the development of the Fast Track teaching programme and personalised nature of the training and support that has been delivered. Fast Track teacher promotion rates are compared to national statistics demonstrating significant progression for certain groups, particularly women. (Contains 3 tables and 3 figures.)

ALUMINUM AND PHOSPHORUS SEPARATION: APPLICATION TO PREPARATION OF TARGET FROM BRAIN TISSUE FOR 26AL DETERMINATION BY ACCELERATOR MASS SPECTROMETRY. (R825357)

EPA Science Inventory

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Concl...

Review of Physics Research Programs at LAMPF. Progress report, January-December 1983

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Allred, J.C.

1984-04-01

Research and development summaries are presented under the main headings: research, proton storage ring construction and research program development, status of LAMPF II, facility and experimental development, and accelerator operations. Complete lists are given for experiments run in 1983, new prospects, and active and complete experiments by channel. (WHK)

Computer-Aided Engineering Tools | Water Power | NREL

Science.gov Websites

energy converters that will provide a full range of simulation capabilities for single devices and arrays simulation of water power technologies on high-performance computers enables the study of complex systems and experimentation. Such simulation is critical to accelerate progress in energy programs within the U.S. Department

Toward More Productive Higher Education Systems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fischbach, Ronald

2005-01-01

America's tax-supported colleges and universities are currently enmeshed in a crisis. Legislatures are demanding more productivity--as measured by accelerated graduation rates--while students, for a whole host of reasons, are not progressing through their course work as quickly as they once did. Completing a degree in four years is now rare, and…

Digital Leisure and Perceived Family Functioning in Youth of Upper Secondary Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Valdemoros-San-Emeterio, M-Angeles; Sanz-Arazuri, Eva; Ponce-de-León-Elizondo, Ana

2017-01-01

The "Network Society" is identified by accelerated changes that occur between real and virtual worlds. The progress of digital devices has generated a new model of leisure that has conditioned family interactions. The aim of this research was to identify the relationship between digital leisure experiences and perceived family…

Beyond 2020: Envisioning the Future of Universities in America

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Darden, Mary Landon

2009-01-01

In a world progressing with dizzying acceleration into the Information Age, the slow, measured approach of the traditional university can place administrator, faculty member, and student alike at a disadvantage. To move into this brave new world, the academic animal needs tools. "Beyond 2020: Envisioning the Future of Universities in America" is…

Recess Makes Kids Smarter

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Adams, Caralee

2011-01-01

Recess has been scaled back or cut altogether in a number of schools around the country. The trend can be traced back to the late eighties and was accelerated under No Child Left Behind. Districts under pressure to show academic progress began to squeeze as much instruction into the day as possible. Others eliminated recess because of concerns…

Does Accelerating Access to Higher Education Lower Its Quality? The Australian Experience

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pitman, Tim; Koshy, Paul; Phillimore, John

2015-01-01

In the pursuit of mass higher education, fears are often expressed that the quality of higher education suffers as access is increased. This quantitative study considers three proxies of educational quality: (1) prior academic achievement of the student, (2) attrition and retention rates and (3) progression rates, to establish whether educational…

Education Statistics Quarterly. Volume 5, Issue 3, 2003. NCES 2005-609

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Center for Education Statistics, 2004

2004-01-01

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) fulfills a congressional mandate to collect and report "statistics and information showing the condition and progress of education in the United States and other nations in order to promote and accelerate the improvement of American education." The "Quarterly" offers an accessible, convenient…

Leadership in Australian Rural Schools: Bush Track, Fast Track

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Graham, Lorraine; Paterson, David; Miller, Judith

2008-01-01

Due to the difficulties inherent in staffing rural schools it is increasingly common for beginning teachers to fill school leadership roles early in their careers. The accelerated progression of some teachers impacts on the overall nature of leadership in rural schools and creates unique pathways, generally different from those available to…

Early Career Leadership Opportunities in Australian Rural Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Graham, Lorraine; Miller, Judith; Paterson, David

2009-01-01

Due to the difficulties inherent in staffing rural schools in Australia, it is increasingly common for beginning teachers to fill school leadership roles early in their careers. The purpose of this paper is to explore the accelerated progression of some early career teachers who have been offered leadership opportunities in rural schools. Results…

Central State University: Phase I Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ohio Board of Regents, 2012

2012-01-01

In December of 2011, a team of eight consultants authored a report to the Ohio Board of Regents and Central State University titled "Accentuating Strengths/Accelerating Progress (AS/AP)." AS/AP provided a road map for the administration, faculty, and staff of CSU to achieve the excellence it has sought under the leadership of President…

Overview of Progress on the LANSCE Accelerator and Target Facilities Improvement Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Macek, R. J.; Brun, T.; Donahue, J. B.; Fitzgerald, D. H.

1997-05-01

Three projects to improve the performance of the accelerator and target facilities for the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center have been initiated since 1994. The LANSCE Reliability Improvement Project was separated into two phases. Phase I, completed in 1995, was targeted at near-term improvements to beam availability that could be completed in a year. Phase II, now underway, consists of two projects: 1) converting the beam injection into the Proton Storage Ring (PSR) from the present two-step process H^- to H^0 to H^+) to direct injection of H^- beam in one step (H^- to H^+), and 2) an upgrade of the spallation neutron production target which will reduce the target change-out time from about a year to about three weeks. The third project, the SPSS Enhancement Project, is aimed at increasing the PSR output beam current from the present 70 μA at 20 Hz to 200 μA at 30 Hz, plus implementing seven new neutron scattering instruments. Objectives, plans, results and progress to date will be summarized.

Progress update on cryogenic system for ARIEL E-linac at TRIUMF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koveshnikov, A.; Bylinskii, I.; Hodgson, G.; Yosifov, D.

2014-01-01

TRIUMF is involved in a major upgrade. The Advanced Rare IsotopeE Laboratory (ARIEL) has become a fully funded project in July 2010. A 10 mA 50 MeV SRF electron linac (e-linac) operating CW at 1.3 GHz is the key component of this initiative. This machine will serve as a second independent photo-fission driver for Rare Isotope Beams (RIB) production at TRIUMF's Isotope Separator and Accelerator (ISAC) facility. The cryogens delivery system requirements are driven by the electron accelerator cryomodule design [1, 2]. Since commencement of the project in 2010 the cryogenic system of e-linac has moved from the conceptual design phase into engineering design and procurement stage. The present document summarizes the progress in cryogenic system development and construction. Current status of e-linac cryogenic system including details of LN2 storage and delivery systems, and helium subatmospheric (SA) system is presented. The first phase of e-linac consisting of two cryomodules, cryogens storage, delivery, and distribution systems, and a 600 W class liquid helium cryoplant is scheduled for installation and commissioning by year 2014.

Recent progress of a superconducting rotating-gantry for carbon-ion radiotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwata, Y.; Fujimoto, T.; Matsuba, S.; Fujita, T.; Sato, S.; Furukawa, T.; Hara, Y.; Mizushima, K.; Saraya, Y.; Tansho, R.; Saotome, N.; Shirai, T.; Noda, K.

2017-09-01

A superconducting rotating-gantry for carbon-ion radiotherapy was developed. This isocentric rotating gantry can transport carbon ions having the maximum kinetic energy of E = 430 MeV/u to an isocenter with irradiation angles of over ±180°, and is further capable of performing three-dimensional raster-scanning irradiation. By using combined-function superconducting magnets, we could design a compact rotating gantry for carbon-ion radiotherapy. Construction of the gantry structure began since early 2014, and the installation of the entire gantry system to the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba (HIMAC) complex was completed by the end of September, 2015. Beam tuning subsequently began since October, 2015, and carbon ions, as accelerated by the HIMAC upper synchrotron, having kinetic energies of between E = 430-48 MeV/u were successfully transported with the rotating gantry to the isocenter. The size and shape of the beam spots at the isocenter is being tuned over various combinations of the beam energies and the gantry angle. We will present the recent progress as well as the current status of the superconducting rotating-gantry.

Progression-free survival: gaining on overall survival as a gold standard and accelerating drug development.

PubMed

Lebwohl, David; Kay, Andrea; Berg, William; Baladi, Jean Francois; Zheng, Ji

2009-01-01

In clinical trials of oncology drugs, overall survival (OS) is a direct measure of clinical efficacy and is considered the gold standard primary efficacy end point. The purpose of this study was to discuss the difficulties in using OS as a primary efficacy end point in the setting of evolving cancer therapies. We suggest that progression-free survival is an appropriate efficacy end point in many types of cancer, specifically those for which OS is expected to be prolonged and for which subsequent treatments are expected to affect OS.

[Research progress on wetland ecotourism].

PubMed

Wang, Li-Long; Lu, Lin

2009-06-01

Wetland is rich in biodiversity and cultural diversity, possessing higher tourism value and environmental education and community participation functions. Wetland ecotourism reflects the sustainable development of tourism economy and wetland protection, having received great concern from governments and scholars at home and abroad. This paper summarized the related theories and practices, discussed the research advances in wetland ecotourism from the aspects of significance, progress, contents, methods and results, and pointed out the important research fields in the future, aimed to accelerate the development of wetland ecotourism research and to provide reference about the resources exploitation, environment protection, and scientific administration of wetland and related scenic areas.

Supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors (S-PNET) in children: A prospective experience with adjuvant intensive chemotherapy and hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Massimino, Maura; Gandola, Lorenza; Spreafico, Filippo

Purpose: Supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors (S-PNET) are rare and have a grim prognosis, frequently taking an aggressive course with local relapse and metastatic spread. We report the results of a mono-institutional therapeutic trial. Methods and Materials: We enrolled 15 consecutive patients to preradiation chemotherapy (CT) consisting of high-dose methotrexate, high-dose etoposide, high-dose cyclophosphamide, and high-dose carboplatin, craniospinal irradiation (CSI) with hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy (HART) plus focal boost, maintenance with vincristine/lomustine or consolidation with high-dose thiotepa followed by autologous stem-cell rescue. Results: Median age was 9 years; 7 were male, 8 female. Site of disease was pineal in 3, elsewhere inmore » 12. Six patients were had no evidence of disease after surgery (NED). Of those with evidence of disease after surgery (ED), 2 had central nervous system spread. Of the 9 ED patients, 2 had complete response (CR) and 2 partial response (PR) after CT, 4 stable disease, and 1 progressive disease. Of the 7 ED patients before radiotherapy, 1 had CR, 4 PR, and 2 minor response, thus obtaining a 44% CR + PR after CT and 71% after HART. Because of rapid progression in 2 of the first 5 patients, high-dose thiotepa was systematically adopted after HART in the subsequent 10 patients. Six of 15 patients relapsed (4 locally, 1 locally with dissemination, 1 with dissemination) a mean of 6 months after starting CT, 2 developed second tumors; 5 of 6 relapsers died at a median of 13 months. Three-year progression-free survival, event-free survival, and overall survival were 54%, 34%, and 61%, respectively. Conclusion: Hyperfractionated accelerated RT was the main tool in obtaining responses in S-PNET; introducing the myeloablative phase improved the prognosis (3/10 vs. 3/5 relapses), though the outcome remained unsatisfactory despite the adoption of this intensive treatment.« less

Model-based evaluation of cost-effectiveness of nerve growth factor inhibitors in knee osteoarthritis: impact of drug cost, toxicity, and means of administration.

PubMed

Losina, E; Michl, G; Collins, J E; Hunter, D J; Jordan, J M; Yelin, E; Paltiel, A D; Katz, J N

2016-05-01

Studies suggest nerve growth factor inhibitors (NGFi) relieve pain but may accelerate disease progression in some patients with osteoarthritis (OA). We sought cost and toxicity thresholds that would make NGFi a cost-effective treatment for moderate-to-severe knee OA. We used the Osteoarthritis Policy (OAPol) model to estimate the cost-effectiveness of NGFi compared to standard of care (SOC) in OA, using Tanezumab as an example. Efficacy and rates of accelerated OA progression were based on published studies. We varied the price/dose from $200 to $1000. We considered self-administered subcutaneous (SC) injections (no administration cost) vs provider-administered intravenous (IV) infusion ($69-$433/dose). Strategies were defined as cost-effective if their incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was less than $100,000/quality-adjusted life year (QALY). In sensitivity analyses we varied efficacy, toxicity, and costs. SOC in patients with high levels of pain led to an average discounted quality-adjusted life expectancy of 11.15 QALYs, a lifetime risk of total knee replacement surgery (TKR) of 74%, and cumulative discounted direct medical costs of $148,700. Adding Tanezumab increased QALYs to 11.42, reduced primary TKR utilization to 63%, and increased costs to between $155,400 and $199,500. In the base-case analysis, Tanezumab at $600/dose was cost-effective when delivered outside of a hospital. At $1000/dose, Tanezumab was not cost-effective in all but the most optimistic scenario. Only at rates of accelerated OA progression of 10% or more (10-fold higher than reported values) did Tanezumab decrease QALYs and fail to represent a viable option. At $100,000/QALY, Tanezumab would be cost effective if priced ≤$400/dose in all settings except IV hospital delivery. Copyright © 2016 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Solving Large Problems Quickly: Progress in 2001-2003

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mowry, Todd C.; Colohan, Christopher B.; Brown, Angela Demke; Steffan, J. Gregory; Zhai, Antonia

2004-01-01

This document describes the progress we have made and the lessons we have learned in 2001 through 2003 under the NASA grant entitled "Solving Important Problems Faster". The long-term goal of this research is to accelerate large, irregular scientific applications which have enormous data sets and which are difficult to parallelize. To accomplish this goal, we are exploring two complementary techniques: (i) using compiler-inserted prefetching to automatically hide the I/O latency of accessing these large data sets from disk; and (ii) using thread-level data speculation to enable the optimistic parallelization of applications despite uncertainty as to whether data dependences exist between the resulting threads which would normally make them unsafe to execute in parallel. Overall, we made significant progress in 2001 through 2003, and the project has gone well.

Stochastic Particle Acceleration in Impulsive Solar Flares

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, James A.

2001-01-01

The acceleration of a huge number of electrons and ions to relativistic energies over timescales ranging from several seconds to several tens of seconds is the fundamental problem in high-energy solar physics. The cascading turbulence model we have developed has been shown previously (e.g., Miller 2000; Miller & Roberts 1995; Miner, LaRosa, & Moore 1996) to account for all the bulk features (such as acceleration timescales, fluxes, total number of energetic particles, and maximum energies) of electron and proton acceleration in impulsive solar flares. While the simulation of this acceleration process is involved, the essential idea of the model is quite simple, and consists of just a few parts: 1. During the primary flare energy release phase, we assume that low-amplitude MHD Alfven and fast mode waves are excited at long wavelengths, say comparable to the size of the event (although the results are actually insensitive to this initial wavelength). While an assumption, this appears reasonable in light of the likely highly turbulent nature of the flare. 2. These waves then cascade in a Kolmogorov-like fashion to smaller wavelengths (e.g., Verma et al. 1996), forming a power-law spectral density in wavenumber space through the inertial range. 3. When the mean wavenumber of the fast mode waves has increased sufficiently, the transit-time acceleration rate (Miller 1997) for superAlfvenic electrons can overcome Coulomb energy losses, and these electrons are accelerated out of the thermal distribution and to relativistic energies (Miller et al. 1996). As the Alfven waves cascade to higher wavenumbers, they can cyclotron resonate with progressively lower energy protons. Eventually, they will resonate with protons in the tail of the thermal distribution, which will then be accelerated to relativistic energies as well (Miller & Roberts 1995). Hence, both ions and electrons are stochastically accelerated, albeit by different mechanisms and different waves. 4. When the protons become superAlfvenic (above about 1 MeV/nucleon), they too can suffer transit-time acceleration by the fast mode waves and will receive an extra acceleration "kick." The basic overall objective of this 1 year effort was to construct a spatially-dependent version of this acceleration model and this has been realized.

Inflammation disrupts the LDL receptor pathway and accelerates the progression of vascular calcification in ESRD patients.

PubMed

Liu, Jing; Ma, Kun Ling; Gao, Min; Wang, Chang Xian; Ni, Jie; Zhang, Yang; Zhang, Xiao Liang; Liu, Hong; Wang, Yan Li; Liu, Bi Cheng

2012-01-01

Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in the progression of vascular calcification (VC). This study was designed to investigate whether the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) pathway is involved in the progression of VC in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) during inflammation. Twenty-eight ESRD patients were divided into control and inflamed groups according to plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Surgically removed tissues from the radial arteries of patients receiving arteriovenostomy were used in the experiments. The expression of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) of the radial artery were increased in the inflamed group. Hematoxylin-eosin and alizarin red S staining revealed parallel increases in foam cell formation and calcium deposit formation in continuous cross-sections of radial arteries in the inflamed group compared to the control, which were closely correlated with increased LDLr, sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 (SREBP-2), bone morphogenetic proteins-2 (BMP-2), and collagen I protein expression, as shown by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining. Confocal microscopy confirmed that inflammation enhanced the translocation of the SREBP cleavage-activating protein (SCAP)/SREBP-2 complex from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi, thereby activating LDLr gene transcription. Inflammation increased alkaline phosphatase protein expression and reduced α-smooth muscle actin protein expression, contributing to the conversion of the vascular smooth muscle cells in calcified vessels from the fibroblastic to the osteogenic phenotype; osteogenic cells are the main cellular components involved in VC. Further analysis showed that the inflammation-induced disruption of the LDLr pathway was significantly associated with enhanced BMP-2 and collagen I expression. Inflammation accelerated the progression of VC in ESRD patients by disrupting the LDLr pathway, which may represent a novel mechanism involved in the progression of both VC and atherosclerosis.

Pneumonia’s second wind? A case study of the global health network for childhood pneumonia

PubMed Central

Berlan, David

2016-01-01

Advocacy, policy, research and intervention efforts against childhood pneumonia have lagged behind other health issues, including malaria, measles and tuberculosis. Accelerating progress on the issue began in 2008, following decades of efforts by individuals and organizations to address the leading cause of childhood mortality and establish a global health network. This article traces the history of this network’s formation and evolution to identify lessons for other global health issues. Through document review and interviews with current, former and potential network members, this case study identifies five distinct eras of activity against childhood pneumonia: a period of isolation (post WWII to 1984), the duration of WHO’s Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) Programme (1984–1995), Integrated Management of Childhood illness’s (IMCI) early years (1995–2003), a brief period of network re-emergence (2003–2008) and recent accelerating progress (2008 on). Analysis of these eras reveals the critical importance of building a shared identity in order to form an effective network and take advantage of emerging opportunities. During the ARI era, an initial network formed around a relatively narrow shared identity focused on community-level care. The shift to IMCI led to the partial dissolution of this network, stalled progress on addressing pneumonia in communities and missed opportunities. Frustrated with lack of progress on the issue, actors began forming a network and shared identity that included a broad spectrum of those whose interests overlap with pneumonia. As the network coalesced and expanded, its members coordinated and collaborated on conducting and sharing research on severity and tractability, crafting comprehensive strategies and conducting advocacy. These network activities exerted indirect influence leading to increased attention, funding, policies and some implementation. PMID:26438780

Accelerated podocyte detachment and progressive podocyte loss from glomeruli with age in Alport Syndrome.

PubMed

Ding, Fangrui; Wickman, Larysa; Wang, Su Q; Zhang, Yanqin; Wang, Fang; Afshinnia, Farsad; Hodgin, Jeffrey; Ding, Jie; Wiggins, Roger C

2017-12-01

Podocyte depletion is a common mechanism driving progression in glomerular diseases. Alport Syndrome glomerulopathy, caused by defective α3α4α5 (IV) collagen heterotrimer production by podocytes, is associated with an increased rate of podocyte detachment detectable in urine and reduced glomerular podocyte number suggesting that defective podocyte adherence to the glomerular basement membrane might play a role in driving progression. Here a genetically phenotyped Alport Syndrome cohort of 95 individuals [urine study] and 41 archived biopsies [biopsy study] were used to test this hypothesis. Podocyte detachment rate (measured by podocin mRNA in urine pellets expressed either per creatinine or 24-hour excretion) was significantly increased 11-fold above control, and prior to a detectably increased proteinuria or microalbuminuria. In parallel, Alport Syndrome glomeruli lose an average 26 podocytes per year versus control glomeruli that lose 2.3 podocytes per year, an 11-fold difference corresponding to the increased urine podocyte detachment rate. Podocyte number per glomerulus in Alport Syndrome biopsies is projected to be normal at birth (558/glomerulus) but accelerated podocyte loss was projected to cause end-stage kidney disease by about 22 years. Biopsy data from two independent cohorts showed a similar estimated glomerular podocyte loss rate comparable to the measured 11-fold increase in podocyte detachment rate. Reduction in podocyte number and density in biopsies correlated with proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis, and reduced renal function. Thus, the podocyte detachment rate appears to be increased from birth in Alport Syndrome, drives the progression process, and could potentially help predict time to end-stage kidney disease and response to treatment. Copyright © 2017 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Regulation of vascular prostaglandin synthesis by metabolites of arachidonic acid in perfused rabbit aorta.

PubMed Central

Kent, R S; Diedrich, S L; Whorton, A R

1983-01-01

To address the hypothesis that metabolites of arachidonic acid are important regulators of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis in intact vascular tissue, we studied arachidonate metabolism in rabbit aortas in response to a continuous infusion of arachidonic acid, 10 micrograms/ml. Prostacyclin (PGI2; measured as 6-keto-PGF1 alpha) production rate accelerated during the first 2 min, reached peak velocity at 2 min, and then progressively decelerated. The velocity profile of PGI2 production was similar to that previously reported for cyclooxygenase holoenzyme assayed in vitro, and was consistent with progressive inactivation of the enzymes leading to PGI2 synthesis. We determined the specific inhibition of cyclooxygenase and prostacyclin synthetase by measuring PGI2 and PGE2 production rates and by infusing cyclic endoperoxides. Our results indicate preferential inactivation of cyclooxygenase during arachidonate metabolism, most likely due to cyclooxygenase-derived oxidative intermediates. This was a dose-dependent response and resulted in a progressive decrease in the 6-keto-PGF1 alpha/PGE2 ratio. Exogenously added 15-hydroperoxy eicosatetraenoic acid, on the other hand, actually stimulated cyclooxygenase activity at low doses, while markedly inhibiting prostacyclin synthetase. This finding, along with the accelerating nature of arachidonate metabolism, is consistent with the concept of "peroxide tone" as a mediator of cyclooxygenase activity in this system. These results demonstrate that arachidonate metabolites regulate PG synthesis in intact blood vessels. The progressive enzymatic inhibition intrinsic to arachidonate metabolism may be a model for similar changes occurring in states of enhanced lipid peroxidation. These metabolic alterations might greatly influence the numerous vascular functions known to involve arachidonic acid metabolism. PMID:6409932

Pneumonia's second wind? A case study of the global health network for childhood pneumonia.

PubMed

Berlan, David

2016-04-01

Advocacy, policy, research and intervention efforts against childhood pneumonia have lagged behind other health issues, including malaria, measles and tuberculosis. Accelerating progress on the issue began in 2008, following decades of efforts by individuals and organizations to address the leading cause of childhood mortality and establish a global health network. This article traces the history of this network's formation and evolution to identify lessons for other global health issues. Through document review and interviews with current, former and potential network members, this case study identifies five distinct eras of activity against childhood pneumonia: a period of isolation (post WWII to 1984), the duration of WHO's Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) Programme (1984-1995), Integrated Management of Childhood illness's (IMCI) early years (1995-2003), a brief period of network re-emergence (2003-2008) and recent accelerating progress (2008 on). Analysis of these eras reveals the critical importance of building a shared identity in order to form an effective network and take advantage of emerging opportunities. During the ARI era, an initial network formed around a relatively narrow shared identity focused on community-level care. The shift to IMCI led to the partial dissolution of this network, stalled progress on addressing pneumonia in communities and missed opportunities. Frustrated with lack of progress on the issue, actors began forming a network and shared identity that included a broad spectrum of those whose interests overlap with pneumonia. As the network coalesced and expanded, its members coordinated and collaborated on conducting and sharing research on severity and tractability, crafting comprehensive strategies and conducting advocacy. These network activities exerted indirect influence leading to increased attention, funding, policies and some implementation. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine © The Author 2015; all rights reserved.

The Protein Micro-Crystallography Beamlines for Targeted Protein Research Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirata, Kunio; Yamamoto, Masaki; Matsugaki, Naohiro; Wakatsuki, Soichi

In order to collect proper diffraction data from outstanding micro-crystals, a brand-new data collection system should be designed to provide high signal-to noise ratio in diffraction images. SPring-8 and KEK-PF are currently developing two micro-beam beamlines for Targeted Proteins Research Program by MEXT of Japan. The program aims to reveal the structure and function of proteins that are difficult to solve but have great importance in both academic research and industrial application. At SPring-8, a new 1-micron beam beamline for protein micro-crystallography, RIKEN Targeted Proteins Beamline (BL32XU), is developed. At KEK-PF a new low energy micro-beam beamline, BL-1A, is dedicated for SAD micro-crystallography. The two beamlines will start operation in the end of 2010. The present status of the research and development for protein micro-crystallography will be presented.

Scintillator Detector Development at Central Michigan University

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McClain, David; Estrade, Alfredo; Neupane, Shree

2017-09-01

Experimental nuclear physics relies both on the accuracy and precision of the instruments for radiation detection used in experimental setups. At Central Michigan University we have setup a lab to work with scintillator detectors for radioactive ion beam experiments, using a Picosecond Laser and radioactive sources for testing. We have tested the resolution for prototypes of large area scintillators that could be used for fast timing measurements in the focal plane of spectrometers, such as the future High Rigidity Spectrometer at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). We measured the resolution as a function of the length of the detector, and also the position of the beam along the scintillator. We have also designed a scintillating detector to veto light ion background in beta-decay experiments with the Advanced Implantation Detector Array (AIDA) at RIKEN in Japan. We tested different configurations of Silicon Photomultipliers and scintillating fiber optics to find the best detection efficiency.

Study of proton- and deuteron-induced spallation reactions on the long-lived fission product 93Zr at 105 MeV/nucleon in inverse kinematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawase, Shoichiro; Nakano, Keita; Watanabe, Yukinobu; Wang, He; Otsu, Hideaki; Sakurai, Hiroyoshi; Ahn, Deuk Soon; Aikawa, Masayuki; Ando, Takashi; Araki, Shouhei; Chen, Sidong; Chiga, Nobuyuki; Doornenbal, Pieter; Fukuda, Naoki; Isobe, Tadaaki; Kawakami, Shunsuke; Kin, Tadahiro; Kondo, Yosuke; Koyama, Shunpei; Kubono, Shigeru; Maeda, Yukie; Makinaga, Ayano; Matsushita, Masafumi; Matsuzaki, Teiichiro; Michimasa, Shin'ichiro; Momiyama, Satoru; Nagamine, Shunsuke; Nakamura, Takashi; Niikura, Megumi; Ozaki, Tomoyuki; Saito, Atsumi; Saito, Takeshi; Shiga, Yoshiaki; Shikata, Mizuki; Shimizu, Yohei; Shimoura, Susumu; Sumikama, Toshiyuki; Söderström, Pär-Anders; Suzuki, Hiroshi; Takeda, Hiroyuki; Takeuchi, Satoshi; Taniuchi, Ryo; Togano, Yasuhiro; Tsubota, Jun'ichi; Uesaka, Meiko; Watanabe, Yasushi; Wimmer, Kathrin; Yamamoto, Tatsuya; Yoshida, Koichi

2017-09-01

Spallation reactions for the long-lived fission product ^{93}Zr have been studied in order to provide basic data necessary for nuclear waste transmutation. Isotopic-production cross sections via proton- and deuteron-induced spallation reactions on ^{93}Zr at 105 MeV/nucleon were measured in inverse kinematics at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory. Remarkable jumps in isotopic production originating from the neutron magic number N=50 were observed in Zr and Y isotopes. The experimental results were compared to the PHITS calculations considering both the intranuclear cascade and evaporation processes, and the calculations greatly overestimated the measured production yield, corresponding to few-nucleon-removal reactions. The present data suggest that the spallation reaction is a potential candidate for the treatment of ^{93}Zr in spent nuclear fuel.

MRMPROBS suite for metabolomics using large-scale MRM assays.

PubMed

Tsugawa, Hiroshi; Kanazawa, Mitsuhiro; Ogiwara, Atsushi; Arita, Masanori

2014-08-15

We developed new software environment for the metabolome analysis of large-scale multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) assays. It supports the data format of four major mass spectrometer vendors and mzML common data format. This program provides a process pipeline from the raw-format import to high-dimensional statistical analyses. The novel aspect is graphical user interface-based visualization to perform peak quantification, to interpolate missing values and to normalize peaks interactively based on quality control samples. Together with the software platform, the MRM standard library of 301 metabolites with 775 transitions is also available, which contributes to the reliable peak identification by using retention time and ion abundances. MRMPROBS is available for Windows OS under the creative-commons by-attribution license at http://prime.psc.riken.jp. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Alga-PrAS (Algal Protein Annotation Suite): A Database of Comprehensive Annotation in Algal Proteomes

PubMed Central

Kurotani, Atsushi; Yamada, Yutaka

2017-01-01

Algae are smaller organisms than land plants and offer clear advantages in research over terrestrial species in terms of rapid production, short generation time and varied commercial applications. Thus, studies investigating the practical development of effective algal production are important and will improve our understanding of both aquatic and terrestrial plants. In this study we estimated multiple physicochemical and secondary structural properties of protein sequences, the predicted presence of post-translational modification (PTM) sites, and subcellular localization using a total of 510,123 protein sequences from the proteomes of 31 algal and three plant species. Algal species were broadly selected from green and red algae, glaucophytes, oomycetes, diatoms and other microalgal groups. The results were deposited in the Algal Protein Annotation Suite database (Alga-PrAS; http://alga-pras.riken.jp/), which can be freely accessed online. PMID:28069893

Observation of a γ -decaying millisecond isomeric state in 128 Cd 80

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jungclaus, A.; Grawe, H.; Nishimura, S.

2017-09-01

A new high-spin isomer in the neutron-rich nucleus 128Cd was populated in the projectile fission of a 238U beam at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory at RIKEN. A half-life of T1/2 = 6.3(8) ms was measured for the new state which was tentatively assigned a spin/parity of (15-). The experimental results are compared to shell model calculations performed using state-of-the-art realistic effective interactions and to the neighbouring nucleus 129Cd. In the present experiment no evidence was found for the decay of a 18 + E6 spin-trap isomer, based on the complete alignment of the two-neutron and two-proton holes in themore » 0h 11/2 and the 0g 9/2 orbit, respectively, which is predicted to exist by the shell model.« less

An immersed boundary method for modeling a dirty geometry data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onishi, Keiji; Tsubokura, Makoto

2017-11-01

We present a robust, fast, and low preparation cost immersed boundary method (IBM) for simulating an incompressible high Re flow around highly complex geometries. The method is achieved by the dispersion of the momentum by the axial linear projection and the approximate domain assumption satisfying the mass conservation around the wall including cells. This methodology has been verified against an analytical theory and wind tunnel experiment data. Next, we simulate the problem of flow around a rotating object and demonstrate the ability of this methodology to the moving geometry problem. This methodology provides the possibility as a method for obtaining a quick solution at a next large scale supercomputer. This research was supported by MEXT as ``Priority Issue on Post-K computer'' (Development of innovative design and production processes) and used computational resources of the K computer provided by the RIKEN Advanced Institute for Computational Science.

Nuclear spectroscopy of r-process nuclei around N = 126 using KISS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirayama, Y.; Watanabe, Y. X.; Miyatake, H.; Schury, P.; Wada, M.; Oyaizu, M.; Kakiguchi, Y.; Mukai, M.; Kimura, S.; Ahmed, M.; Jeong, S. C.; Moon, J. Y.; Park, J. H.

2017-09-01

The beta-decay properties and atomic mass of nuclei with neutron magic number of N = 126 are considered critical for understanding the production of heavy elements such as gold and platinum at astrophysical sites. We will produce and measure the half-lives and masses of the nuclei with Z = 74-77 around N = 126 by using the multinucleon transfer (MNT) reaction of ^{136} Xe/ ^{238} U beams and ^{198} Pt target system. For this purpose, we have constructed the KEK Isotope Separation System (KISS) at RIKEN RIBF facility. KISS consists of an argon gas cell based laser ion source (atomic number selection) and an isotope separation on-line (ISOL) (mass number selection), to produce pure low-energy beams of neutron-rich isotopes around N = 126 . We performed the on-line tests to study the basic properties of the KISS and, successfully extracted laser-ionized nuclei around N = 126.

Isomer-delayed γ -ray spectroscopy of A =159 -164 midshell nuclei and the variation of K -forbidden E 1 transition hindrance factors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, Z.; Walker, P. M.; Podolyák, Zs.; Regan, P. H.; Berry, T. A.; Söderström, P.-A.; Watanabe, H.; Ideguchi, E.; Simpson, G. S.; Nishimura, S.; Wu, Q.; Xu, F. R.; Browne, F.; Doornenbal, P.; Lorusso, G.; Rice, S.; Sinclair, L.; Sumikama, T.; Wu, J.; Xu, Z. Y.; Aoi, N.; Baba, H.; Bello Garrote, F. L.; Benzoni, G.; Daido, R.; Dombrádi, Zs.; Fang, Y.; Fukuda, N.; Gey, G.; Go, S.; Gottardo, A.; Inabe, N.; Isobe, T.; Kameda, D.; Kobayashi, K.; Kobayashi, M.; Komatsubara, T.; Kojouharov, I.; Kubo, T.; Kurz, N.; Kuti, I.; Li, Z.; Matsushita, M.; Michimasa, S.; Moon, C.-B.; Nishibata, H.; Nishizuka, I.; Odahara, A.; Şahin, E.; Sakurai, H.; Schaffner, H.; Suzuki, H.; Takeda, H.; Tanaka, M.; Taprogge, J.; Vajta, Zs.; Yagi, A.; Yokoyama, R.

2017-09-01

Excited states have been studied in 159Sm, 161Sm, 162Sm (Z =62 ), 163Eu (Z =63 ), and 164Gd (Z =64 ), populated by isomeric decay following 238U projectile fission at RIBF, RIKEN. The isomer half-lives range from 50 ns to 2.6 μ s . In comparison with other published data, revised interpretations are proposed for 159Sm and 163Eu. The first data for excited states in 161Sm are presented, where a 2.6-μ s isomer is assigned a three-quasiparticle, Kπ=17 /2- structure. The interpretation is supported by multi-quasiparticle Nilsson-BCS calculations, including the blocking of pairing correlations. A consistent set of reduced E 1 hindrance factors is obtained. Limited evidence is also reported for isomeric decay in 163Sm, 164Eu, and 165Eu.

Nuclear structure and β -decay schemes for Te nuclides beyond N =82

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moon, B.; Moon, C.-B.; Söderström, P.-A.; Odahara, A.; Lozeva, R.; Hong, B.; Browne, F.; Jung, H. S.; Lee, P.; Lee, C. S.; Yagi, A.; Yuan, C.; Nishimura, S.; Doornenbal, P.; Lorusso, G.; Sumikama, T.; Watanabe, H.; Kojouharov, I.; Isobe, T.; Baba, H.; Sakurai, H.; Daido, R.; Fang, Y.; Nishibata, H.; Patel, Z.; Rice, S.; Sinclair, L.; Wu, J.; Xu, Z. Y.; Yokoyama, R.; Kubo, T.; Inabe, N.; Suzuki, H.; Fukuda, N.; Kameda, D.; Takeda, H.; Ahn, D. S.; Shimizu, Y.; Murai, D.; Bello Garrote, F. L.; Daugas, J. M.; Didierjean, F.; Ideguchi, E.; Ishigaki, T.; Morimoto, S.; Niikura, M.; Nishizuka, I.; Komatsubara, T.; Kwon, Y. K.; Tshoo, K.

2017-04-01

We study for the first time the internal structure of 140Te through the β -delayed γ -ray spectroscopy of 140Sb. The very neutron-rich 140Sb nuclei with Z =51 and N =89 were produced by the in-flight fission of 238U beams at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory, RIKEN. The half-life and spin-parity of 140Sb are reported as 173 ±12 ms and 3-, respectively. In addition to the excited states of 140Te produced by the β -decay branch, the β -delayed one-neutron and two-neutron emission branches were also established. By identifying the first 2+ and 4+ excited states of 140Te, we found that Te isotopes persist in their vibrator character with E (4+) /E (2+) =2 . We discuss the distinctive features manifest in this region revealed in pairs of isotopes with the same neutron holes and particles with respect to N =82 .

Shell Evolution towards 78Ni: Low-Lying States in 77Cu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahin, E.; Bello Garrote, F. L.; Tsunoda, Y.; Otsuka, T.; de Angelis, G.; Görgen, A.; Niikura, M.; Nishimura, S.; Xu, Z. Y.; Baba, H.; Browne, F.; Delattre, M.-C.; Doornenbal, P.; Franchoo, S.; Gey, G.; Hadyńska-KlÈ©k, K.; Isobe, T.; John, P. R.; Jung, H. S.; Kojouharov, I.; Kubo, T.; Kurz, N.; Li, Z.; Lorusso, G.; Matea, I.; Matsui, K.; Mengoni, D.; Morfouace, P.; Napoli, D. R.; Naqvi, F.; Nishibata, H.; Odahara, A.; Sakurai, H.; Schaffner, H.; Söderström, P.-A.; Sohler, D.; Stefan, I. G.; Sumikama, T.; Suzuki, D.; Taniuchi, R.; Taprogge, J.; Vajta, Z.; Watanabe, H.; Werner, V.; Wu, J.; Yagi, A.; Yalcinkaya, M.; Yoshinaga, K.

2017-06-01

The level structure of the neutron-rich 77Cu nucleus is investigated through β -delayed γ -ray spectroscopy at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory of the RIKEN Nishina Center. Ions of 77Ni are produced by in-flight fission, separated and identified in the BigRIPS fragment separator, and implanted in the WAS3ABi silicon detector array, surrounded by Ge cluster detectors of the EURICA array. A large number of excited states in 77Cu are identified for the first time by correlating γ rays with the β decay of 77Ni, and a level scheme is constructed by utilizing their coincidence relationships. The good agreement between large-scale Monte Carlo shell model calculations and experimental results allows for the evaluation of the single-particle structure near 78Ni and suggests a single-particle nature for both the 5 /21- and 3 /21- states in 77Cu, leading to doubly magic 78Ni.

Applications of LaBr3(Ce) Gamma-ray Spectrometer Arrays for Nuclear Spectroscopy and Radionuclide Assay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Regan, PH; Shearman, R.; Daniel, T.; Lorusso, G.; Collins, SM; Judge, SM; Bell; Pearce, AK; Gurgi, LA; Rudigier, M.; Podolyák, Zs; Mărginean, N.; Mărginean, R.; Kisyov, S.

2016-10-01

An overview of the use of discrete energy gamma-ray detectors based on cerium- doped LaBr3 scintillators for use in nuclear spectroscopy is presented. This review includes recent applications of such detectors in mixed, 'hybrid' gamma-ray coincidence detection arrays such ROSPHERE at IFIN-HH, Bucharest; EXILL+FATIMA at ILL Grenoble, France; GAMMASPHERE+FATIMA at Argonne National Laboratory, USA; FATIMA + EURICA, at RIKEN, Japan; and the National Nuclear Array (NANA) at the UK's National Physical Laboratory. This conference paper highlights the capabilities and limitations of using these sub-nanosecond 'fast-timing', medium-resolution gamma-ray detectors for both nuclear structure research and radionuclide standardisation. Potential future application of such coincidence scintillator arrays in measurements of civilian nuclear fuel waste evaluation and assay is demonstrated using coincidence spectroscopy of a mixed 134,7Cs source.

The laser and optical system for the RIBF-PALIS experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sonoda, T.; Iimura, H.; Reponen, M.; Wada, M.; Katayama, I.; Sonnenschein, V.; Takamatsu, T.; Tomita, H.; Kojima, T. M.

2018-01-01

This paper describes the laser and optical system for the Parasitic radioactive isotope (RI) beam production by Laser Ion-Source (PALIS) in the RIKEN fragment separator facility. This system requires an optical path length of 70 m for transporting the laser beam from the laser light source to the place for resonance ionization. To accomplish this, we designed and implemented a simple optical system consisting of several mirrors equipped with compact stepping motor actuators, lenses, beam spot screens and network cameras. The system enables multi-step laser resonance ionization in the gas cell and gas jet via overlap with a diameter of a few millimeters, between the laser photons and atomic beam. Despite such a long transport distance, we achieved a transport efficiency for the UV laser beam of about 50%. We also confirmed that the position stability of the laser beam stays within a permissible range for dedicated resonance ionization experiments.

Cryogenic System for the Cryomodule Test Stand at Fermilab

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

White, Michael J.; Hansen, Benjamin; Klebaner, Arkadiy

This paper describes the cryogenic system for the Cryomodule Test Stand (CMTS) at the new Cryomodule Test Facility (CMTF) located at Fermilab. CMTS is designed for production testing of the 1.3 GHz and 3.9GHz cryomodules to be used in the Linac Coherent Light Source II (LCLSII), which is an upgrade to an existing accelerator at Stanford Linear Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC). This paper will focus on the cryogenic system that extends from the helium refrigeration plant to the CMTS cave. Topics covered will include component design, installation and commissioning progress, and operational plans. The paper will conclude with a description ofmore » the heat load measurement plan.« less

Examining Factors Affecting College Students' Intention to Use Web-Based Instruction Systems: Towards an Integrated Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Yi-Cheng; Lin, Yi-Chien; Yeh, Ron Chuen; Lou, Shi-Jer

2013-01-01

With accelerated progress of information and communication technologies (ICT), web-based instruction (WBI) is becoming a popular method for education resources distributing and delivering. This study was conducted to explore what factors influence college students' behavioral intentions to utilize WBI systems. To achieve this aim, a WBI system was…

Learning Communities for Students in Developmental Math: Impact Studies at Queensborough and Houston Community Colleges. Executive Summary

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weissman, Evan; Butcher, Kristin F.; Schneider, Emily; Teres, Jedediah; Collado, Herbert; Greenberg, David

2011-01-01

Queensborough Community College and Houston Community College are two large, urban institutions that offer learning communities for their developmental math students, with the goals of accelerating students' progress through the math sequence and of helping them to perform better in college and ultimately earn degrees or certificates. They are…

Learning Communities for Students in Developmental Math: Impact Studies at Queensborough and Houston Community Colleges

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weissman, Evan; Butcher, Kristin F.; Schneider, Emily; Teres, Jedediah; Collado, Herbert; Greenberg, David

2011-01-01

Queensborough Community College and Houston Community College are two large, urban institutions that offer learning communities for their developmental math students, with the goals of accelerating students' progress through the math sequence and of helping them to perform better in college and ultimately earn degrees or certificates. They are…

Capture the Human Side of Learning: Data Makeover Puts Students Front and Center

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sharratt, Lyn; Fullan, Michael

2013-01-01

Education is overloaded with programs and data. The growth of digital power has aided and abetted the spread of accountability-driven data--Adequate Yearly Progress, test results for every child in every grade, Common Core standards, formative and summative assessments. Technology accelerates the onslaught of data. All this information goes for…

CE-TOF/MS: fundamental concepts, instrumental considerations and applications.

PubMed

Staub, Aline; Schappler, Julie; Rudaz, Serge; Veuthey, Jean-Luc

2009-05-01

This review discusses the fundamental principles of TOF analyzers and covers the great progress that has been made in this area in recent years (i.e. orthogonal acceleration, reflectron). This paper also gives an overview of applications performed by CE coupled to TOF/MS detection. The main domains of interest include the analysis of biomolecules and natural compounds.

Evaluation of an Extension-Delivered Resource for Accelerating Progress in Childhood Obesity Prevention: The BEPA-Toolkit

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gunter, Katherine B.; Abi Nader, Patrick; Armington, Amanda; Hicks, John C.; John, Deborah

2017-01-01

The Balanced Energy Physical Activity Toolkit, or the BEPA-Toolkit, supports physical activity (PA) programming via Extension in elementary schools. In a pilot study, we evaluated the effectiveness of the BEPA-Toolkit as used by teachers through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education partnerships. We surveyed teachers (n = 57)…

European Scientific Notes. Volume 37, Numbers 12.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-01

Hamburg during August. This article highlights some of the papers dealing with oceano- graphy, geology, and geophysics. ENERGY Egypt’s Energy Crisis...little progress in developing alternative sources of energy . ENGINEERING Leeds-Lyon Tribology Conference ................................. Harold’G...probe the structure of the electric field in collective ion acceleration experiments. Energy -Transfer Processes in Condensed Matter

Fast Track Initiative: Building a Global Compact for Education. Education Notes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Human Development Network Education, 2005

2005-01-01

This note series is intended to summarize lessons learned and key policy findings on the World Bank's work in education. "Fast Track Initiative" ("FTI") was launched in 2002 as a partnership between donor and developing countries to accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of universal primary education. "FTI" is built on…

On-Line Synthesis and Analysis by Mass Spectrometry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bain, Ryan M.; Pulliam, Christopher J.; Raab, Shannon A.; Cooks, R. Graham

2015-01-01

In this laboratory experiment, students learn how to use ESI to accelerate chemical synthesis and to couple it with on-line mass spectrometry for structural analysis. The Hantzsch synthesis of symmetric 1,4-dihydropyridines is a classic example of a one-pot reaction in which multiple intermediates can serve to indicate the progress of the reaction…

Let's Bring Back the Magic of Song for Teaching Reading

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Iwasaki, Becky; Rasinski, Timothy; Yildirim, Kasim; Zimmerman, Belinda S.

2013-01-01

Based on a first grade teacher's search for approaches to promote successful reading acquisition in her first grade classroom, the authors present a curricular engagement in which the teacher explored using music, specifically singing songs, as a fun and motivating way to accelerate reading progress. The premise is that singing (while at the…

Looking Forward with LIFE: Literacy Initiative for Empowerment. Global LIFE Mid-Term Evaluation Report 2006-2011

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hanemann, Ulrike

2012-01-01

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) launched the Literacy Initiative for Empowerment (2006-2015)--LIFE--to tackle the literacy challenge. This is a collaborative effort to accelerate literacy efforts in thirty five of the world's most challenged countries and thereby to unlock progress to reach all of the…

Helping Low-Achieving First-Grade Readers: A Program Combining Reading Recovery Tutoring and Small-Group Instruction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dorn, Linda; Allen, Anne

1995-01-01

Evaluates an approach that supplemented existing Reading Recovery programs with small-group, early literacy instruction in 28 Arkansas public schools. The program enabled many children to receive timely support. When space became available in Reading Recovery, these children made accelerated progress and were discontinued earlier than children who…

Recent Progress in Understanding the Origin and Acceleration of Suprathermal Ions and Electrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desai, Mihir; Dayeh, Maher

2017-04-01

Ions and electrons with energies that lie above (i.e., ˜2 keV) that of the core or bulk solar wind protons and electrons are known as suprathermal particles. Observations over the last decade have shown that such suprathermal particles are an important constituent of the overall seed population that is accelerated in solar and interplanetary events. Despite their increased level of importance, where these populations originate from and how they are accelerated remains highly controversial. This is partly due to the fact that these particles exist in the so-called tail regions of the corresponding solar wind distributions where high temporal and sensitivity measurements are sparse. Moreover, observations comprising long-term averages (between ˜hours to more than a day) have shown conflicting results. For instance, below ˜40 keV/nucleon the ion differential intensities in the solar wind frame appear to exhibit a near-constant power-law spectral slope of ˜1.5, perhaps indicating a universal acceleration mechanism. In contrast, at energies greater than ˜40 keV/nucleon, the ion composition changes with solar activity and the energy spectra are significantly steeper, perhaps indicating that the suprathermal pool of material also comprises lower-energy particle populations accelerated in corotating interaction regions, interplanetary shocks, and solar energetic particle events. This talk discusses recent observations of suprathermal ions and electrons in terms of state-of-the-art theories and models that have been put forward to account for their origins and acceleration.

Advanced phase chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor era - a report from the Swedish CML register.

PubMed

Söderlund, Stina; Dahlén, Torsten; Sandin, Fredrik; Olsson-Strömberg, Ulla; Creignou, Maria; Dreimane, Arta; Lübking, Anna; Markevärn, Berit; Själander, Anders; Wadenvik, Hans; Stenke, Leif; Richter, Johan; Höglund, Martin

2017-01-01

The primary goal in management of chronic phase (CP) chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is to prevent disease progression to accelerated phase (AP) or blast crisis (BC). We have evaluated progression rates in a decentralised healthcare setting and characterised patients progressing to AP/BC on TKI treatment. Using data from the Swedish CML register, we identified CP-CML patients diagnosed 2007-2011 who progressed to AP/BC within 2 yrs from diagnosis (n = 18) as well as patients diagnosed in advanced phase during 2007-2012 (n = 36) from a total of 544 newly diagnosed CML cases. We evaluated baseline characteristics, progression rates, outcome and adherence to guidelines for monitoring and treatment. The cumulative progression rate at 2 yrs was 4.3%. All 18 progression cases had been treated with imatinib, and six progressed within 6 months. High-risk EUTOS score was associated to a higher risk of progression. Insufficient cytogenetic and/or molecular monitoring was found in 33%. Median survival after transformation during TKI treatment was 1.4 yrs. In those presenting with BC and AP, median survival was 1.6 yrs and not reached, respectively. In this population-based setting, progression rates appear comparable to that reported from clinical trials, with similar dismal patient outcome. Improved adherence to CML guidelines may minimise the risk of disease progression. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Mechanical control of mitotic progression in single animal cells

PubMed Central

Cattin, Cedric J.; Düggelin, Marcel; Martinez-Martin, David; Gerber, Christoph; Müller, Daniel J.; Stewart, Martin P.

2015-01-01

Despite the importance of mitotic cell rounding in tissue development and cell proliferation, there remains a paucity of approaches to investigate the mechanical robustness of cell rounding. Here we introduce ion beam-sculpted microcantilevers that enable precise force-feedback–controlled confinement of single cells while characterizing their progression through mitosis. We identify three force regimes according to the cell response: small forces (∼5 nN) that accelerate mitotic progression, intermediate forces where cells resist confinement (50–100 nN), and yield forces (>100 nN) where a significant decline in cell height impinges on microtubule spindle function, thereby inhibiting mitotic progression. Yield forces are coincident with a nonlinear drop in cell height potentiated by persistent blebbing and loss of cortical F-actin homogeneity. Our results suggest that a buildup of actomyosin-dependent cortical tension and intracellular pressure precedes mechanical failure, or herniation, of the cell cortex at the yield force. Thus, we reveal how the mechanical properties of mitotic cells and their response to external forces are linked to mitotic progression under conditions of mechanical confinement. PMID:26305930

Introduction to innovations in the immunology and clinical science of alopecia areata.

PubMed

Kalabokes, Victoria D; Bergfeld, Wilma F; Christiano, Angela M

2013-12-01

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune skin disease resulting in the loss of hair on the scalp and elsewhere on the body. The disease most often occurs in childhood and affects males and females of all ages. The National Alopecia Areata Foundation conducts research summits every 2 years to review progress and create new directions in its funded and promoted research. The Foundation brings together scientists from all disciplines to get a broad and varied perspective. These summits are part of the Foundation's main strategic initiative, the Alopecia Areata Treatment Development Program to accelerate progress toward a viable alopecia areata treatment.

Potential mechanisms of disease progression and management of advanced-phase chronic myeloid leukemia

PubMed Central

Jabbour, Elias J.; Hughes, Timothy P.; Cortés, Jorge E.; Kantarjian, Hagop M.; Hochhaus, Andreas

2014-01-01

Despite vast improvements in treatment of Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP), advanced stages of CML, accelerated phase or blast crisis, remain notoriously difficult to treat. Treatments that are highly effective against CML-CP produce disappointing results against advanced disease. Therefore, a primary goal of therapy should be to maintain patients in CP for as long as possible, by (1) striving for deep, early molecular response to treatment; (2) using tyrosine kinase inhibitors that lower risk of disease progression; and (3) more closely observing patients who demonstrate cytogenetic risk factors at diagnosis or during treatment. PMID:24050507

P2Y nucleotide receptors: promise of therapeutic applications.

PubMed

Jacobson, Kenneth A; Boeynaems, Jean-Marie

2010-07-01

Extracellular nucleotides, such as ATP and UTP, have distinct signaling roles through a class of G-protein-coupled receptors, termed P2Y. The receptor ligands are typically charged molecules of low bioavailability and stability in vivo. Recent progress in the development of selective agonists and antagonists for P2Y receptors and study of knockout mice have led to new drug concepts based on these receptors. The rapidly accelerating progress in this field has already resulted in drug candidates for cystic fibrosis, dry eye disease and thrombosis. On the horizon are novel treatments for cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory diseases and neurodegeneration. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

High-power klystrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siambis, John G.; True, Richard B.; Symons, R. S.

1994-05-01

Novel emerging applications in advanced linear collider accelerators, ionospheric and atmospheric sensing and modification and a wide spectrum of industrial processing applications, have resulted in microwave tube requirements that call for further development of high power klystrons in the range from S-band to X-band. In the present paper we review recent progress in high power klystron development and discuss some of the issues and scaling laws for successful design. We also discuss recent progress in electron guns with potential grading electrodes for high voltage with short and long pulse operation via computer simulations obtained from the code DEMEOS, as well as preliminary experimental results. We present designs for high power beam collectors.

Potential mechanisms of disease progression and management of advanced-phase chronic myeloid leukemia.

PubMed

Jabbour, Elias J; Hughes, Timothy P; Cortés, Jorge E; Kantarjian, Hagop M; Hochhaus, Andreas

2014-07-01

Despite vast improvements in the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP), advanced stages of CML, accelerated phase or blast crisis, remain notoriously difficult to treat. Treatments that are highly effective against CML-CP produce disappointing results against advanced disease. Therefore, a primary goal of therapy should be to maintain patients in CP for as long as possible, by (1) striving for deep, early molecular response to treatment; (2) using tyrosine kinase inhibitors that lower risk of disease progression; and (3) more closely observing patients who demonstrate cytogenetic risk factors at diagnosis or during treatment.

Quantifying progression and regression of thrombotic risk in experimental atherosclerosis

PubMed Central

Palekar, Rohun U.; Jallouk, Andrew P.; Goette, Matthew J.; Chen, Junjie; Myerson, Jacob W.; Allen, John S.; Akk, Antonina; Yang, Lihua; Tu, Yizheng; Miller, Mark J.; Pham, Christine T. N.; Wickline, Samuel A.; Pan, Hua

2015-01-01

Currently, there are no generally applicable noninvasive methods for defining the relationship between atherosclerotic vascular damage and risk of focal thrombosis. Herein, we demonstrate methods to delineate the progression and regression of vascular damage in response to an atherogenic diet by quantifying the in vivo accumulation of semipermeable 200–300 nm perfluorocarbon core nanoparticles (PFC-NP) in ApoE null mouse plaques with [19F] magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Permeability to PFC-NP remained minimal until 12 weeks on diet, then increased rapidly following 12 weeks, but regressed to baseline within 8 weeks after diet normalization. Markedly accelerated clotting (53.3% decrease in clotting time) was observed in carotid artery preparations of fat-fed mice subjected to photochemical injury as defined by the time to flow cessation. For all mice on and off diet, an inverse linear relationship was observed between the permeability to PFC-NP and accelerated thrombosis (P = 0.02). Translational feasibility for quantifying plaque permeability and vascular damage in vivo was demonstrated with clinical 3 T MRI of PFC-NP accumulating in plaques of atherosclerotic rabbits. These observations suggest that excessive permeability to PFC-NP may indicate prothrombotic risk in damaged atherosclerotic vasculature, which resolves within weeks after dietary therapy.—Palekar, R. U., Jallouk, A. P., Goette, M. J., Chen, J., Myerson, J. W., Allen, J. S., Akk, A., Yang, L., Tu, Y., Miller, M. J., Pham, C. T. N., Wickline, S. A., Pan, H. Quantifying progression and regression of thrombotic risk in experimental atherosclerosis. PMID:25857553

Femtosecond Intrastromal Lenticular Implantation Combined With Accelerated Collagen Cross-Linking for the Treatment of Keratoconus--Initial Clinical Result in 6 Eyes.

PubMed

Ganesh, Sri; Brar, Sheetal

2015-10-01

To evaluate the initial outcomes of femtosecond intrastromal lenticular implantation (FILI) combined with accelerated collagen cross-linking in patients with progressive keratoconus. In this interventional, prospective, exploratory case series, patients with progressive keratoconus and contact lens intolerance were included. All eyes underwent femtosecond laser-enabled placement of stromal donor tissue and simultaneous accelerated collagen cross-linking. Follow-up of patients was conducted for a mean period of 190 ± 13 days (range, 177-193 days). Six eyes from 6 patients were included in the study. Based on values before and 6 months after the procedure, clinical improvement was noted in uncorrected distance visual acuity (1.06 ± 0.48 logMAR vs. 0.38 ± 0.27 logMAR), corrected distance visual acuity (0.51 ± 0.20 logMAR vs. 0.20 ± 0.24 logMAR), and manifest spherical equivalent (-3.47 ± 1.15 D vs. -1.77 ± 1.7 D). There was flattening of mean keratometry in 3-mm and 5-mm zones by 3.42 ± 2.09 D and 1.70 ± 1.31 D, respectively. Mean pachymetry in the central and midperipheral zones increased by 18.3 ± 7.3 μm and 33.0 ± 8.8 μm, respectively. All eyes had reduction in higher-order aberrations, specifically coma. No eye lost lines of corrected distance visual acuity. No adverse events such as haze, infection, or allogeneic graft rejection were observed. Initial experience with this small number of eyes suggests that the combination of tissue addition and accelerated collagen cross-linking may be a feasible option for low to moderate keratoconus. A larger cohort and longer follow-up are required to validate our results and establish long-term safety and efficacy of the procedure.

Differences in the degree of cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis in C57BL/6 mouse substrains lead to new insights in identification of potential risk factors in the development of chronic pancreatitis.

PubMed

Ulmasov, Barbara; Oshima, Kiyoko; Rodriguez, Michael G; Cox, Roger D; Neuschwander-Tetri, Brent A

2013-09-01

A frequently used experimental model of chronic pancreatitis (CP) recapitulating human disease is repeated injection of cerulein into mice. C57BL/6 is the most commonly used inbred mouse strain for biomedical research, but widespread demand has led to generation of several substrains with subtly different phenotypes. In this study, two common substrains, C57BL/6J and C57BL/6NHsd, exhibited different degrees of CP, with C57BL/6J being more susceptible to repetitive cerulein-induced CP as assessed by pancreatic atrophy, pancreatic morphological changes, and fibrosis. We hypothesized that the deficiency of nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) protein in C57BL/6J is responsible for the more severe C57BL/6J phenotype but the parameters of CP in NNT-expressing transgenic mice generated on a C57BL6/J background do not differ with those of wild-type C57BL/6J. The highly similar genetic backgrounds but different CP phenotypes of these two substrains presents a unique opportunity to discover genes important in pathogenesis of CP. We therefore performed whole mouse genome Affymetrix microarray analysis of pancreatic gene expression of C57BL/6J and C57BL/6NHsd before and after induction of CP. Genes with differentially regulated expression between the two substrains that might be candidates in CP progression included Mmp7, Pcolce2, Itih4, Wdfy1, and Vtn. We also identified several genes associated with development of CP in both substrains, including RIKEN cDNA 1810009J06 gene (trypsinogen 5), Ccl8, and Ccl6. Copyright © 2013 American Society for Investigative Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Graphics Processing Unit Acceleration of Gyrokinetic Turbulence Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hause, Benjamin; Parker, Scott; Chen, Yang

2013-10-01

We find a substantial increase in on-node performance using Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) acceleration in gyrokinetic delta-f particle-in-cell simulation. Optimization is performed on a two-dimensional slab gyrokinetic particle simulation using the Portland Group Fortran compiler with the OpenACC compiler directives and Fortran CUDA. Mixed implementation of both Open-ACC and CUDA is demonstrated. CUDA is required for optimizing the particle deposition algorithm. We have implemented the GPU acceleration on a third generation Core I7 gaming PC with two NVIDIA GTX 680 GPUs. We find comparable, or better, acceleration relative to the NERSC DIRAC cluster with the NVIDIA Tesla C2050 computing processor. The Tesla C 2050 is about 2.6 times more expensive than the GTX 580 gaming GPU. We also see enormous speedups (10 or more) on the Titan supercomputer at Oak Ridge with Kepler K20 GPUs. Results show speed-ups comparable or better than that of OpenMP models utilizing multiple cores. The use of hybrid OpenACC, CUDA Fortran, and MPI models across many nodes will also be discussed. Optimization strategies will be presented. We will discuss progress on optimizing the comprehensive three dimensional general geometry GEM code.

Measurement of absolute gravity acceleration in Firenze

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Angelis, M.; Greco, F.; Pistorio, A.; Poli, N.; Prevedelli, M.; Saccorotti, G.; Sorrentino, F.; Tino, G. M.

2011-01-01

This paper reports the results from the accurate measurement of the acceleration of gravity g taken at two separate premises in the Polo Scientifico of the University of Firenze (Italy). In these laboratories, two separate experiments aiming at measuring the Newtonian constant and testing the Newtonian law at short distances are in progress. Both experiments require an independent knowledge on the local value of g. The only available datum, pertaining to the italian zero-order gravity network, was taken more than 20 years ago at a distance of more than 60 km from the study site. Gravity measurements were conducted using an FG5 absolute gravimeter, and accompanied by seismic recordings for evaluating the noise condition at the site. The absolute accelerations of gravity at the two laboratories are (980 492 160.6 ± 4.0) μGal and (980 492 048.3 ± 3.0) μGal for the European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS) and Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, respectively. Other than for the two referenced experiments, the data here presented will serve as a benchmark for any future study requiring an accurate knowledge of the absolute value of the acceleration of gravity in the study region.

Laser acceleration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tajima, T.; Nakajima, K.; Mourou, G.

2017-02-01

The fundamental idea of Laser Wakefield Acceleration (LWFA) is reviewed. An ultrafast intense laser pulse drives coherent wakefield with a relativistic amplitude robustly supported by the plasma. While the large amplitude of wakefields involves collective resonant oscillations of the eigenmode of the entire plasma electrons, the wake phase velocity ˜ c and ultrafastness of the laser pulse introduce the wake stability and rigidity. A large number of worldwide experiments show a rapid progress of this concept realization toward both the high-energy accelerator prospect and broad applications. The strong interest in this has been spurring and stimulating novel laser technologies, including the Chirped Pulse Amplification, the Thin Film Compression, the Coherent Amplification Network, and the Relativistic Mirror Compression. These in turn have created a conglomerate of novel science and technology with LWFA to form a new genre of high field science with many parameters of merit in this field increasing exponentially lately. This science has triggered a number of worldwide research centers and initiatives. Associated physics of ion acceleration, X-ray generation, and astrophysical processes of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays are reviewed. Applications such as X-ray free electron laser, cancer therapy, and radioisotope production etc. are considered. A new avenue of LWFA using nanomaterials is also emerging.

International collaborative research on infectious diseases by Japanese universities and institutes in Asia and Africa, with a special emphasis on J-GRID.

PubMed

Shinoda, Sumio; Imamura, Daisuke; Mizuno, Tamaki; Miyoshi, Shin-Ichi; Ramamurthy, Thandavrayan

2015-01-01

In developed countries including Japan, malignant tumor (cancer), heart disease and cerebral apoplexy are major causes of death, but infectious diseases are still responsible for a high number of deaths in developing countries, especially among children aged less than 5 years. World Health Statistics published by WHO reports a high percentage of mortality from infectious diseases in children, and many of these diseases may be subject to transmission across borders and could possibly invade Japan. 　Given this situation, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan initiated Phase I of the Program of Founding Research Centers for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Disease, which ran from FY 2005 to 2009, and involved 8 Japanese universities and 2 research centers. The program was established for the following purposes: 1) creation of a domestic research structure to promote the accumulation of fundamental knowledge about infectious diseases, 2) establishment of 13 overseas research collaboration centers in 8 countries at high risk of emerging and reemerging infections and at which Japanese researchers are stationed and conduct research in partnership with overseas instructors, 3) development of a network among domestic and overseas research centers, and 4) development of human resources. 　The program was controlled under MEXT and managed by the RIKEN Center of Research Network for Infectious Diseases (Riken CRNID). Phase II of the program was set up as the Japan Initiative for Global Research Network on Infectious Diseases (J-GRID), and has been running in FY 2010-2014. 　Phase III will start in April 2015, and will be organized by the newly established Japanese governmental organization "Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)", the so-called Japanese style NIH. 　The Collaborative Research Center of Okayama University for Infectious Diseases in India (CRCOUI) was started up in 2007 at the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Disease, Kolkata, India. Major projects of CRCOUI are concerned with diarrheal diseases such as, 1) active surveillance of diarrheal patients, 2) development of dysentery vaccines, 3) viable but nonculturable (VBNC) Vibrio cholerae, and 4) pathogenic mechanisms of various diarrhogenic microorganisms. 　This review article outlines project of J-GRID and CRCOUI which the authors carried out collaboratively with NICED staff members.

A mid-term analysis of progress toward international biodiversity targets.

PubMed

Tittensor, Derek P; Walpole, Matt; Hill, Samantha L L; Boyce, Daniel G; Britten, Gregory L; Burgess, Neil D; Butchart, Stuart H M; Leadley, Paul W; Regan, Eugenie C; Alkemade, Rob; Baumung, Roswitha; Bellard, Céline; Bouwman, Lex; Bowles-Newark, Nadine J; Chenery, Anna M; Cheung, William W L; Christensen, Villy; Cooper, H David; Crowther, Annabel R; Dixon, Matthew J R; Galli, Alessandro; Gaveau, Valérie; Gregory, Richard D; Gutierrez, Nicolas L; Hirsch, Tim L; Höft, Robert; Januchowski-Hartley, Stephanie R; Karmann, Marion; Krug, Cornelia B; Leverington, Fiona J; Loh, Jonathan; Lojenga, Rik Kutsch; Malsch, Kelly; Marques, Alexandra; Morgan, David H W; Mumby, Peter J; Newbold, Tim; Noonan-Mooney, Kieran; Pagad, Shyama N; Parks, Bradley C; Pereira, Henrique M; Robertson, Tim; Rondinini, Carlo; Santini, Luca; Scharlemann, Jörn P W; Schindler, Stefan; Sumaila, U Rashid; Teh, Louise S L; van Kolck, Jennifer; Visconti, Piero; Ye, Yimin

2014-10-10

In 2010, the international community, under the auspices of the Convention on Biological Diversity, agreed on 20 biodiversity-related "Aichi Targets" to be achieved within a decade. We provide a comprehensive mid-term assessment of progress toward these global targets using 55 indicator data sets. We projected indicator trends to 2020 using an adaptive statistical framework that incorporated the specific properties of individual time series. On current trajectories, results suggest that despite accelerating policy and management responses to the biodiversity crisis, the impacts of these efforts are unlikely to be reflected in improved trends in the state of biodiversity by 2020. We highlight areas of societal endeavor requiring additional efforts to achieve the Aichi Targets, and provide a baseline against which to assess future progress. Copyright © 2014, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Coronal tibial slope is associated with accelerated knee osteoarthritis: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative.

PubMed

Driban, Jeffrey B; Stout, Alina C; Duryea, Jeffrey; Lo, Grace H; Harvey, William F; Price, Lori Lyn; Ward, Robert J; Eaton, Charles B; Barbe, Mary F; Lu, Bing; McAlindon, Timothy E

2016-07-19

Accelerated knee osteoarthritis may be a unique subset of knee osteoarthritis, which is associated with greater knee pain and disability. Identifying risk factors for accelerated knee osteoarthritis is vital to recognizing people who will develop accelerated knee osteoarthritis and initiating early interventions. The geometry of an articular surface (e.g., coronal tibial slope), which is a determinant of altered joint biomechanics, may be an important risk factor for incident accelerated knee osteoarthritis. We aimed to determine if baseline coronal tibial slope is associated with incident accelerated knee osteoarthritis or common knee osteoarthritis. We conducted a case-control study using data and images from baseline and the first 4 years of follow-up in the Osteoarthritis Initiative. We included three groups: 1) individuals with incident accelerated knee osteoarthritis, 2) individuals with common knee osteoarthritis progression, and 3) a control group with no knee osteoarthritis at any time. We did 1:1:1 matching for the 3 groups based on sex. Weight-bearing, fixed flexion posterior-anterior knee radiographs were obtained at each visit. One reader manually measured baseline coronal tibial slope on the radiographs. Baseline femorotibial angle was measured on the radiographs using a semi-automated program. To assess the relationship between slope (predictor) and incident accelerated knee osteoarthritis or common knee osteoarthritis (outcomes) compared with no knee osteoarthritis (reference outcome), we performed multinomial logistic regression analyses adjusted for sex. The mean baseline slope for incident accelerated knee osteoarthritis, common knee osteoarthritis, and no knee osteoarthritis were 3.1(2.0), 2.7(2.1), and 2.6(1.9); respectively. A greater slope was associated with an increased risk of incident accelerated knee osteoarthritis (OR = 1.15 per degree, 95 % CI = 1.01 to 1.32) but not common knee osteoarthritis (OR = 1.04, 95 % CI = 0.91 to 1.19). These findings were similar when adjusted for recent injury. Among knees with varus malalignment a greater slope increases the odds of incident accelerated knee osteoarthritis; there is no significant relationship between slope and incident accelerated knee osteoarthritis among knees with normal alignment. Coronal tibial slope, particularly among knees with malalignment, may be an important risk factor for incident accelerated knee osteoarthritis.

Birth of an intense pulsed muon source, J-PARC MUSE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyake, Yasuhiro; Shimomura, Koichiro; Kawamura, Naritoshi; Strasser, Patrick; Makimura, Shunsuke; Koda, Akihiro; Fujimori, Hiroshi; Nakahara, Kazutaka; Kadono, Ryosuke; Kato, Mineo; Takeshita, Soshi; Nishiyama, Kusuo; Higemoto, Wataru; Ishida, Katsuhiko; Matsuzaki, Teiichiro; Matsuda, Yasuyuki; Nagamine, Kanetada

2009-04-01

The muon science facility (MUSE), along with neutron, hadron, and neutrino facilities, is one of the experimental areas of the J-PARC (Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex) project, which was approved for construction between 2001 and 2008. The MUSE facility is located in the Materials and Life Science Facility (MLF), which is a building integrated to include both neutron and muon science programs. Construction of the MLF building was started at the beginning of 2004, and was recently completed at the end of the 2006 fiscal year. We have been working on the installation of the beamline components, expecting the first muon beam in the autumn of 2008. For Phase 1, we are planning to install one superconducting decay/surface channel with a modest-acceptance (about 40 mSr) pion injector, with an estimated surface muon (μ+) rate of 3×107/s and a beam size of 25 mm diameter, and a corresponding decay muon (μ+/μ-) rate of 106/s for 60 MeV/ c (up to 107/s for 120 MeV/ c) with a beam size of 50 mm diameter. These intensities correspond to more than 10-times what is available at the RIKEN/RAL muon facility, which currently possess the most intense pulsed muon beams in the world. In addition to Phase 1, we are planning to install, a surface muon channel with a modest-acceptance (about 50 mSr), mainly for experiments related to material sciences, and a super-omega muon channel with a large acceptance of 400 mSr. In the case of the super-omega muon channel, the goal is to extract 4×108 surface muons/s for the generation of ultra-slow muons and 1×107 negative cloud muons/s with a momentum of 30-60 MeV/ c. One of the important goals for this beamline is to generate intense ultra-slow muons at MUSE, utilizing an intense pulsed VUV laser system. 104-106 ultra-slow muons/s are expected, which will allow for an extension of μSR into the area of thin film and surface science. At this symposium, the current status of J-PARC MUSE will be reported.

Structure of Nuclei Far From Stability

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Blackmon, Jeffery C.; Tribble, Robert E.; Sobotka, Lee G.

2015-12-29

The work performed under this grant has led to the development of a detection system that will be used to measure reaction rates for proton or neutron capture reactions at stellar energies on radioactive ions far from stability. The reaction rates are needed to better understand the physics of nucleosynthesis in explosive stellar processes such as supernovae and X-ray burst explosions. The radioactive ions will be produced at the Radioactive Ion Beam Facility (RIBF) at RIKEN near Tokyo, Japan. During the course of this work, the group involved in this project has expanded by several institutions in Europe and Japanmore » and now involves collaborators from the U.S., Japan, Hungary, Romania, Germany, Spain, Italy, China, and South Korea. As part of the project, a novel design based on large-area silicon detectors has been built and tested and the performance characterized in a series of tests using particle beams with a variety of atomic numbers at the Cyclotron Institute of Texas A&M University and the Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Chiba facility (HIMAC) in Chiba, Japan. The work has involved mechanical construction of a special purpose vacuum chamber, with a precision mounting system for the silicon detectors, development of a new ASICs readout system that has applications with a wide variety of silicon detector systems, and the development of a data acquisition system that is integrated into the computer system being used at RIBF. The parts noted above that are needed to carry out the research program are completed and ready for installation. Several approved experiments that will use this system will be carried out in the near future. The experimental work has been delayed due to a large increase in the cost and availability of electrical power for RIBF that occurred following the massive earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in the spring of 2011. Another component of the research carried out with this grant involved developing the theoretical tools that are required to extract the information from the experiments that is needed to determine the stellar reaction rates. The tools developed through this part of the work will be made freely available for general use.« less

Association between Smoking and the Progression of Computed Tomography Findings in Chronic Pancreatitis.

PubMed

Lee, Jeong Woo; Kim, Ho Gak; Lee, Dong Wook; Han, Jimin; Kwon, Hyuk Yong; Seo, Chang Jin; Oh, Ji Hye; Lee, Joo Hyoung; Jung, Jin Tae; Kwon, Joong Goo; Kim, Eun Young

2016-05-23

Smoking and alcohol intake are two wellknown risk factors for chronic pancreatitis. However, there are few studies examining the association between smoking and changes in computed tomography (CT) findings in chronic pancreatitis. The authors evaluated associations between smoking, drinking and the progression of calcification on CT in chronic pancreatitis. In this retrospective study, 59 patients with chronic pancreatitis who had undergone initial and follow-up CT between January 2002 and September 2010 were included. Progression of calcification among CT findings was compared according to the amount of alcohol intake and smoking. The median duration of followup was 51.6 months (range, 17.1 to 112.7 months). At initial CT findings, there was pancreatic calcification in 35 patients (59.3%). In the follow-up CT, progression of calcification was observed in 37 patients (62.7%). Progression of calcification was more common in smokers according to the multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR], 9.987; p=0.006). The amount of smoking was a significant predictor for progression of calcification in the multivariate analysis (OR, 6.051 in less than 1 pack per day smokers; OR, 36.562 in more than 1 pack per day smokers; p=0.008). Continued smoking accelerates pancreatic calcification, and the amount of smoking is associated with the progression of calcification in chronic pancreatitis.

Accelerated oral nanomedicine discovery from miniaturized screening to clinical production exemplified by paediatric HIV nanotherapies

PubMed Central

Giardiello, Marco; Liptrott, Neill J.; McDonald, Tom O.; Moss, Darren; Siccardi, Marco; Martin, Phil; Smith, Darren; Gurjar, Rohan; Rannard, Steve P.; Owen, Andrew

2016-01-01

Considerable scope exists to vary the physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles, with subsequent impact on biological interactions; however, no accelerated process to access large nanoparticle material space is currently available, hampering the development of new nanomedicines. In particular, no clinically available nanotherapies exist for HIV populations and conventional paediatric HIV medicines are poorly available; one current paediatric formulation utilizes high ethanol concentrations to solubilize lopinavir, a poorly soluble antiretroviral. Here we apply accelerated nanomedicine discovery to generate a potential aqueous paediatric HIV nanotherapy, with clinical translation and regulatory approval for human evaluation. Our rapid small-scale screening approach yields large libraries of solid drug nanoparticles (160 individual components) targeting oral dose. Screening uses 1 mg of drug compound per library member and iterative pharmacological and chemical evaluation establishes potential candidates for progression through to clinical manufacture. The wide applicability of our strategy has implications for multiple therapy development programmes. PMID:27767027

Parker Solar Probe: A NASA Mission to Touch the Sun: Mission Status Update

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fox, N. J.

2017-12-01

The newly renamed, Parker Solar Probe (PSP) mission will be the first mission to fly into the low solar corona, revealing how the corona is heated and the solar wind and energetic particles are accelerated, solving fundamental mysteries that have been top priority science goals since such a mission was first proposed in 1958. The scale and concept of such a mission has been revised at intervals since that time, yet the core has always been a close encounter with the Sun. The primary science goal of the Parker Solar Probe mission is to determine the structure and dynamics of the Sun's coronal magnetic field, understand how the solar corona and wind are heated and accelerated, and determine what mechanisms accelerate and transport energetic particles. PSP uses an innovative mission design, significant technology development and a risk-reducing engineering development to meet the science objectives. In this presentation, we provide an update on the progress of the Parker Solar Probe mission as we prepare for the July 2018 launch.

Direct acceleration of electrons by a CO2 laser in a curved plasma waveguide

PubMed Central

Yi, Longqing; Pukhov, Alexander; Shen, Baifei

2016-01-01

Laser plasma interaction with micro-engineered targets at relativistic intensities has been greatly promoted by recent progress in the high contrast lasers and the manufacture of advanced micro- and nano-structures. This opens new possibilities for the physics of laser-matter interaction. Here we propose a novel approach that leverages the advantages of high-pressure CO2 laser, laser-waveguide interaction, as well as micro-engineered plasma structure to accelerate electrons to peak energy greater than 1 GeV with narrow slice energy spread (~1%) and high overall efficiency. The acceleration gradient is 26 GV/m for a 1.3 TW CO2 laser system. The micro-bunching of a long electron beam leads to the generation of a chain of ultrashort electron bunches with the duration roughly equal to half-laser-cycle. These results open a way for developing a compact and economic electron source for diverse applications. PMID:27320197

The GALAXIE all-optical FEL project

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rosenzweig, J. B.; Arab, E.; Andonian, G.

2012-12-21

We describe a comprehensive project, funded under the DARPA AXiS program, to develop an all-optical table-top X-ray FEL based on dielectric acceleration and electromagnetic undulators, yielding a compact source of coherent X-rays for medical and related applications. The compactness of this source demands that high field (>GV/m) acceleration and undulation-inducing fields be employed, thus giving rise to the project's acronym: GV/m AcceLerator And X-ray Integrated Experiment (GALAXIE). There are numerous physics and technical hurdles to surmount in this ambitious scenario, and the integrated solutions include: a biharmonic photonic TW structure, 200 micron wavelength electromagnetic undulators, 5 {mu}m laser development, ultra-highmore » brightness magnetized/asymmetric emittance electron beam generation, and SASE FEL operation. We describe the overall design philosophy of the project, the innovative approaches to addressing the challenges presented by the design, and the significant progress towards realization of these approaches in the nine months since project initialization.« less

CEPC-SPPC accelerator status towards CDR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, J.

2017-12-01

In this paper we will give an introduction to the Circular Electron Positron Collider (CEPC). The scientific background, physics goal, the collider design requirements and the conceptual design principle of the CEPC are described. On the CEPC accelerator, the optimization of parameter designs for the CEPC with different energies, machine lengths, single ring and crab-waist collision partial double ring, advanced partial double ring and fully partial double ring options, etc. have been discussed systematically, and compared. The CEPC accelerator baseline and alternative designs have been proposed based on the luminosity potential in relation with the design goals. The CEPC sub-systems, such as the collider main ring, booster, electron positron injector, etc. have also been introduced. The detector and the MAchine-Detector Interface (MDI) design have been briefly mentioned. Finally, the optimization design of the Super Proton-Proton Collider (SppC), its energy and luminosity potentials, in the same tunnel of the CEPC are also discussed. The CEPC-SppC Progress Report (2015-2016) has been published.

Solar Probe Plus: A NASA Mission to Touch the SunMission Status Update

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fox, N. J.

2016-12-01

Solar Probe Plus (SPP), currently in Phase D, will be the first mission to fly into the low solar corona, revealing how the corona is heated and the solar wind and energetic particles are accelerated, solving fundamental mysteries that have been top priority science goals since such a mission was first proposed in 1958. The scale and concept of such a mission has been revised at intervals since that time, yet the core has always been a close encounter with the Sun. The primary science goal of the Solar Probe Plus mission is to determine the structure and dynamics of the Sun's coronal magnetic field, understand how the solar corona and wind are heated and accelerated, and determine what mechanisms accelerate and transport energetic particles. SPP uses an innovative mission design, significant technology development and a risk-reducing engineering development to meet the SPP science objectives. In this presentation, we provide an update on the progress of the Solar Probe Plus mission as we prepare for the July 2018 launch.

Advancing from offline to online activity recognition with wearable sensors.

PubMed

Ermes, Miikka; Parkka, Juha; Cluitmans, Luc

2008-01-01

Activity recognition with wearable sensors could motivate people to perform a variety of different sports and other physical exercises. We have earlier developed algorithms for offline analysis of activity data collected with wearable sensors. In this paper, we present our current progress in advancing the platform for the existing algorithms to an online version, onto a PDA. Acceleration data are obtained from wireless motion bands which send the 3D raw acceleration signals via a Bluetooth link to the PDA which then performs the data collection, feature extraction and activity classification. As a proof-of-concept, the online activity system was tested with three subjects. All of them performed at least 5 minutes of each of the following activities: lying, sitting, standing, walking, running and cycling with an exercise bike. The average second-by-second classification accuracies for the subjects were 99%, 97%, and 82 %. These results suggest that earlier developed offline analysis methods for the acceleration data obtained from wearable sensors can be successfully implemented in an online activity recognition application.

State of the World: 1989. A Worldwatch Institute Report on Progress toward a Sustainable Society.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brown, Lester R.; And Others

There are more people being affected by environmental change than ever before. The deterioration of the earth's physical condition appears to be accelerating. This sixth in a series of annual reports is a collection of 10 essays detailing the major threats to global environmental security and possible responses to them. Included are: (1) "A World…

Writing Assessment in a Competence-Based Undergraduate Program for Adult Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mirel, Barbara

The School for New Learning (SNL) was established in 1972 at DePaul University especially for adult students. SNL students are adults, age 24 or older, who want to accelerate their progress to a degree by using experience as well as classwork for academic credit, and who want to design their own programs with help from an advisory committee of…

From Desktop to Teraflop: Exploiting the U.S. Lead in High Performance Computing. NSF Blue Ribbon Panel on High Performance Computing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Science Foundation, Washington, DC.

This report addresses an opportunity to accelerate progress in virtually every branch of science and engineering concurrently, while also boosting the American economy as business firms also learn to exploit these new capabilities. The successful rapid advancement in both science and technology creates its own challenges, four of which are…

What's Possible for First-Grade At-Risk Literacy Learners Receiving Early Intervention Services

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bufalino, Janet; Wang, Chuang; Gomez-Bellenge, Francisco X.; Zalud, Garreth

2010-01-01

This paper summarizes a study that was conducted on data from children who received a one-on-one intervention called Reading Recovery[R] during the first half of their first-grade year in school. The purpose was to investigate the relationship between accelerated progress children made during and after receiving a Reading Recovery intervention,…

Using reconfigurable hardware to accelerate multiple sequence alignment with ClustalW.

PubMed

Oliver, Tim; Schmidt, Bertil; Nathan, Darran; Clemens, Ralf; Maskell, Douglas

2005-08-15

Aligning hundreds of sequences using progressive alignment tools such as ClustalW requires several hours on state-of-the-art workstations. We present a new approach to compute multiple sequence alignments in far shorter time using reconfigurable hardware. This results in an implementation of ClustalW with significant runtime savings on a standard off-the-shelf FPGA.

Building the Bridge between Science and Practice: Essential Characteristics of a Translational Framework

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stafford-Brizard, K. Brooke; Cantor, Pamela; Rose, L. Todd

2017-01-01

Mind, brain, and education is a field developed with two key purposes: (1) to accelerate the knowledge developed through research by using an interdisciplinary approach, and (2) to create a bridge to connect and apply this knowledge to educational practice. While great progress has been made with regard to the interdisciplinary efforts of mind,…

Motor Vehicle Crash Brain Injury in Infants and Toddlers: A Suitable Model for Inflicted Head Injury?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shah, Mahim; Vavilala, Monica S.; Feldman, Kenneth W.; Hallam, Daniel K.

2005-01-01

Objective: Children involved in motor vehicle crash (MVC) events might experience angular accelerations similar to those experienced by children with inflicted traumatic brain injury (iTBI). This is a pilot study to determine whether the progression of signs and symptoms and radiographic findings of MVC brain injury (mvcTBI) in children of the age…

Physics Division progress report for period ending September 30, 1983

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1983-12-01

Research and development activities are summarized in the following areas: Holifield Heavy Ion Research Facility, nuclear physics, the UNISOR program, accelerator-based atomic physics, theoretical physics, nuclear science applications, atomic physics and plasma diagnostics for fusion program, high-energy physics, the nuclear data project, and the relativistic heavy-ion collider study. Publications and papers presented are listed. (WHK)

Global effects of accelerated tariff liberalization in the forest products sector to 2010.

Treesearch

Shushuai Zhu; Joseph Buongiorno; David J. Brooks

2002-01-01

This study projects the effects of tariff elimination on the world sector. Projections were done for two scenarios: (1) progressive tariff elimination according to the schedule agreed to under the current General Agreement on Tariff or Trade (GATT) and (2) complete elimination of tariff on wood products as proposed within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)...

Low-Torque Seal Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lattime, Scott B.; Borowski, Richard

2009-01-01

The EcoTurn Class K production prototypes have passed all AAR qualification tests and received conditional approval. The accelerated life test on the second set of seals is in progress. Due to the performance of the first set, no problems are expected.The seal has demonstrated superior performance over the HDL seal in the test lab with virtually zero torque and excellent contamination exclusion and grease retention.

Quantifying progression and regression of thrombotic risk in experimental atherosclerosis.

PubMed

Palekar, Rohun U; Jallouk, Andrew P; Goette, Matthew J; Chen, Junjie; Myerson, Jacob W; Allen, John S; Akk, Antonina; Yang, Lihua; Tu, Yizheng; Miller, Mark J; Pham, Christine T N; Wickline, Samuel A; Pan, Hua

2015-07-01

Currently, there are no generally applicable noninvasive methods for defining the relationship between atherosclerotic vascular damage and risk of focal thrombosis. Herein, we demonstrate methods to delineate the progression and regression of vascular damage in response to an atherogenic diet by quantifying the in vivo accumulation of semipermeable 200-300 nm perfluorocarbon core nanoparticles (PFC-NP) in ApoE null mouse plaques with [(19)F] magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Permeability to PFC-NP remained minimal until 12 weeks on diet, then increased rapidly following 12 weeks, but regressed to baseline within 8 weeks after diet normalization. Markedly accelerated clotting (53.3% decrease in clotting time) was observed in carotid artery preparations of fat-fed mice subjected to photochemical injury as defined by the time to flow cessation. For all mice on and off diet, an inverse linear relationship was observed between the permeability to PFC-NP and accelerated thrombosis (P = 0.02). Translational feasibility for quantifying plaque permeability and vascular damage in vivo was demonstrated with clinical 3 T MRI of PFC-NP accumulating in plaques of atherosclerotic rabbits. These observations suggest that excessive permeability to PFC-NP may indicate prothrombotic risk in damaged atherosclerotic vasculature, which resolves within weeks after dietary therapy. © FASEB.

Cancer nanotechnology research in the United States and China: cooperation to promote innovation.

PubMed

Schneider, Julie A; Grodzinski, Piotr; Liang, Xing-Jie

2011-01-01

The application of nanotechnology to cancer research is a promising area for US-China cooperation. Cancer is a major public health burden in both countries, and progress in cancer nanotechnology research is increasing in several fields, including imaging, biomarker detection, and targeted drug delivery. The United States and China are international leaders in nanotechnology research, and have both launched national programs to support nanotechnology efforts in the recent past. The accelerating trend of co-authorship among US and Chinese nanotechnology researchers demonstrates that individual scientists already recognize the potential for cooperation, providing a strong platform for creating additional partnerships in pre-competitive research areas. Mechanisms that could help to enhance US-China cancer nanotechnology partnerships include: developing new programs for bi-directional training and exchange; convening workshops focused on specific scientific topics of high priority to both countries; and joint support of collaborative research projects by US and Chinese funders. In addition to the accelerating scientific progress, expanded cooperation will stimulate important dialog on regulatory, policy, and technical issues needed to lay the groundwork for US and Chinese scientists to move greater numbers of cancer nanotechnology applications into the clinic. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Air oxidation of Zircaloy-4 in the 600-1000 °C temperature range: Modeling for ASTEC code application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coindreau, O.; Duriez, C.; Ederli, S.

2010-10-01

Progress in the treatment of air oxidation of zirconium in severe accident (SA) codes are required for a reliable analysis of severe accidents involving air ingress. Air oxidation of zirconium can actually lead to accelerated core degradation and increased fission product release, especially for the highly-radiotoxic ruthenium. This paper presents a model to simulate air oxidation kinetics of Zircaloy-4 in the 600-1000 °C temperature range. It is based on available experimental data, including separate-effect experiments performed at IRSN and at Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe. The kinetic transition, named "breakaway", from a diffusion-controlled regime to an accelerated oxidation is taken into account in the modeling via a critical mass gain parameter. The progressive propagation of the locally initiated breakaway is modeled by a linear increase in oxidation rate with time. Finally, when breakaway propagation is completed, the oxidation rate stabilizes and the kinetics is modeled by a linear law. This new modeling is integrated in the severe accident code ASTEC, jointly developed by IRSN and GRS. Model predictions and experimental data from thermogravimetric results show good agreement for different air flow rates and for slow temperature transient conditions.

A nationwide quality improvement project to accelerate Ghana's progress toward Millennium Development Goal Four: design and implementation progress.

PubMed

Twum-Danso, Nana A Y; Akanlu, George B; Osafo, Enoch; Sodzi-Tettey, Sodzi; Boadu, Richard O; Atinbire, Solomon; Adondiwo, Ane; Amenga-Etego, Isaac; Ashagbley, Francis; Boadu, Eric A; Dasoberi, Ireneous; Kanyoke, Ernest; Yabang, Elma; Essegbey, Ivan T; Adjei, George A; Buckle, Gilbert B; Awoonor-Williams, J Koku; Nang-Beifubah, Alexis; Twumasi, Akwasi; McCannon, C Joseph; Barker, Pierre M

2012-12-01

The gap between evidence-based guidelines and practice of care is reflected, in low- and middle-income countries, by high rates of maternal and child mortality and limited effectiveness of large-scale programing to decrease those rates. We designed a phased, rapid, national scale-up quality improvement (QI) intervention to accelerate the achievement of Millennium Development Goal Four in Ghana. Our intervention promoted systems thinking, active participation of managers and frontline providers, generation and testing of local change ideas using iterative learning from transparent district and local data, local ownership and sustainability. After 50 months of implementation, we have completed two prototype learning phases and have begun regional spread phases to all health facilities in all 38 districts of the three northernmost regions and all 29 Catholic hospitals in the remaining regions of the country. To accelerate the spread of improvement, we developed 'change packages' of rigorously tested process changes along the continuum of care from pregnancy to age 5 in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The primary successes for the project so far include broad and deep adoption of QI by local stakeholders for improving system performance, widespread capacitation of leaders, managers and frontline providers in QI methods, incorporation of local ideas into change packages and successful scale-up to approximately 25% of the country's districts in 3 years. Implementation challenges include variable leadership uptake and commitment at the district level, delays due to recruiting and scheduling barriers, weak data systems and repeated QI training due to high staff turnover.

Wavelet analysis of head acceleration response under dirac excitation for early oedema detection.

PubMed

Kostopoulos, V; Loutas, T H; Derdas, C; Douzinas, E

2008-04-01

The present work deals with the application of an innovative in-house developed wavelet-based methodology for the analysis of the acceleration responses of a human head complex model as a simulated diffused oedema progresses. The human head complex has been modeled as a structure consisting of three confocal prolate spheroids, whereas the three defined regions by the system of spheroids, from the outside to the inside, represent the scull, the region of cerebrospinal fluid, and the brain tissue. A Dirac-like pulse has been used to excite the human head complex model and the acceleration response of the system has been calculated and analyzed via the wavelet-based methodology. For the purpose of the present analysis, a wave propagation commercial finite element code, LS-DYNA 3D, has been used. The progressive diffused oedema was modeled via consecutive increases in brain volume accompanied by a decrease in brain density. It was shown that even a small increase in brain volume (at the level of 0.5%) can be identified by the effect it has on the vibration characteristics of the human head complex. More precisely, it was found that for some of the wavelet decomposition levels, the energy content changes monotonically as the brain volume increases, thus providing a useful index of monitoring an oncoming brain oedema before any brain damage appears due to uncontrolled intracranial hypertension. For the purpose of the present work and for the levels of brain volume increase considered in the present analysis, no pressure increase was assumed into the cranial vault and, associatively, no brain compliance variation.

Morphology of the Corneal Limbus Following Standard and Accelerated Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (9 mW/cm2) for Keratoconus.

PubMed

Uçakhan, Ömür Ö; Bayraktutar, Betül

2017-01-01

To evaluate the morphological features of the corneal limbus as measured by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) following standard and accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) for keratoconus. Patients with progressive keratoconus scheduled to undergo standard CXL (group 1; 31 patients, 3 mW/cm, 370 nm, 30 minutes), or accelerated CXL (group 2; 20 patients, 9 mW/cm, 370 nm, 10 minutes) in the worse eye were included in this prospective study. Thirty eyes of 30 age-matched patients served as controls (group 3). All patient eyes underwent IVCM scanning of the central cornea and the inferior limbal area at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after CXL. After CXL, epithelial regrowth was complete by day 4 in both groups 1 and 2. There were no statistically significant differences between the baseline mean central corneal wing or basal cell density, limbus-palisade middle or basal cell densities of groups 1, 2, or 3. At postoperative months 1, 3, and 6, there were no statistically significant differences in either central or limbus-palisade epithelial cell densities or diameters in keratoconic eyes that underwent standard or accelerated CXL (P > 0.05). The morphology of the limbal cells was preserved as well. The morphology of limbus structures seems to be preserved following standard and accelerated CXL in short-term follow-up, as measured using IVCM.

Beam commissioning for a superconducting proton linac

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhi-Jun; He, Yuan; Jia, Huan; Dou, Wei-ping; Chen, Wei-long; Zhang, X. L.; Liu, Shu-hui; Feng, Chi; Tao, Yue; Wang, Wang-sheng; Wu, Jian-qiang; Zhang, Sheng-hu; Zhao, Hong-Wei

2016-12-01

To develop the next generation of safe and cleaner nuclear energy, the accelerator-driven subcritical (ADS) system emerges as one of the most attractive technologies. It will be able to transmute the long-lived transuranic radionuclides produced in the reactors of today's nuclear power plants into shorter-lived ones, and also it will provide positive energy output at the same time. The prototype of the Chinese ADS (C-ADS) proton accelerator comprises two injectors and a 1.5 GeV, 10 mA continuous wave (CW) superconducting main linac. The injector scheme II at the C-ADS demo facility inside the Institute of Modern Physics is a 10 MeV CW superconducting linac with a designed beam current of 10 mA, which includes an ECR ion source, a low-energy beam transport line, a 162.5 MHz radio frequency quadrupole accelerator, a medium-energy beam transport line, and a superconducting half wave resonator accelerator section. This demo facility has been successfully operating with an 11 mA, 2.7 MeV CW beam and a 3.9 mA, 4.3 MeV CW beam at different times and conditions since June 2014. The beam power has reached 28 kW, which is the highest record for the same type of linear accelerators. In this paper, the parameters of the test injector II and the progress of the beam commissioning are reported.

SAMS Acceleration Measurement on Mir From March to September 1996

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moskowitz, Milton E.; Hrovat, Ken; Truong, Duc; Reckart, Timothy

1997-01-01

During NASA Increment 2 (March to September 1996), over 15 gigabytes of acceleration data were collected by the Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS) onboard the Russian Space Station, Mir. The data were recorded on 55 optical disks and were returned to Earth on STS-79. During this time, SAMS data were collected in the Kristall and Kvant modules, and in the Priroda module to support the following experiments: the Queen's University Experiments in Liquid Diffusion (QUELD), the Technological Evaluation of the MIM (TEM), the Forced Flow Flame Spreading Test (FFFT), and Candle Flames in Microgravity (CFM). This report points out some of the salient features of the microgravity environment to which these experiments were exposed. Also documented are mission events of interest such as the docked phase of STS-76 operations, an extravehicular activity (EVA) to install and deploy solar panels on the Kvant module, a Progress engine burn to raise Mir's altitude, and an on-orbit SAMS calibration procedure. Also included are a description of the Mir module orientations, and the panel notations within the modules. This report presents an overview of the SAMS acceleration measurements recorded by 10 Hz and 100 Hz sensor heads. Variations in the acceleration environment caused by unique activities such as crew exercise and life-support fans are presented. The analyses included herein complement those presented in previous mission summary reports published by the Principal Investigator Microgravity Services (PIMS) group.

Temporal Development of Auroral Acceleration Potentials: High-Altitude Evolutionary Sequences, Drivers and Consequences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hull, A. J.; Wilber, M.; Chaston, C.; Bonnell, J.; Mozer, F.; McFadden, J.; Goldstein, M.; Fillingim, M.

2007-12-01

The region above the auroral acceleration region is an integral part of the auroral zone electrodynamic system. At these altitudes (≥ 3 Re) we find the source plasma and fields that determine acceleration processes occurring at lower altitudes, which play a key role in the transport of mass and energy into the ionosphere. Dynamic changes in these high-altitude regions can affect and/or control lower-altitude acceleration processes according to how field-aligned currents and specific plasma sources form and decay and how they are spatially distributed, and through magnetic configuration changes deeper in the magnetotail. Though much progress has been made, the time development and consequential effects of the high-altitude plasma and fields are still not fully understood. We present Cluster multi-point observations at key instances within and above the acceleration region (> 3 RE) of evolving auroral arc current systems. Results are presented from events occurring under different conditions, such as magnetospheric activity, associations with density depletions or gradients, and Alfvenic turbulence. A preliminary survey, primarily at or near the plasma sheet boundary, indicates quasi- static up-down current pair systems are at times associated with density depletions and other instances occur in association with density gradients. The data suggest that such quasi-static current systems may be evolving from structured Alfvenic current systems. We will discuss the temporal development of auroral acceleration potentials, plasma and currents, including quasi-static system formation from turbulent systems of structured Alfvenic field-aligned currents, density depletion and constituent reorganization of the source and ionospheric plasma that transpire in such systems. Of particular emphasis is how temporal changes in magnetospheric source plasma and fields affect the development of auroral acceleration potentials at lower altitudes.

Food habits of the Egyptians: newly emerging trends.

PubMed

Hassan-Wassef, H

2004-11-01

Accelerated changes are taking place in the food habits of the present day Egyptians. Examples are drawn from foods that continue to be consumed by those considered guardians of the Egyptian tradition (Coptic Christians and isolated farming communities) and from interpretation of archaeological evidence. Recent decades have witnessed the progressive erosion of the traditional Egyptian diet and the introduction of new foods and eating habits. Sociocultural and economic changes are accelerating this erosion. The main features of the traditional Egyptian way of eating are presented along with a review of the emerging trends and of some of the important factors underlying food consumption patterns. Attention is drawn to the potential risk to health that these new trends represent, in particular to child nutrition and development.

Geometry of the q-exponential distribution with dependent competing risks and accelerated life testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Fode; Shi, Yimin; Wang, Ruibing

2017-02-01

In the information geometry suggested by Amari (1985) and Amari et al. (1987), a parametric statistical model can be regarded as a differentiable manifold with the parameter space as a coordinate system. Note that the q-exponential distribution plays an important role in Tsallis statistics (see Tsallis, 2009), this paper investigates the geometry of the q-exponential distribution with dependent competing risks and accelerated life testing (ALT). A copula function based on the q-exponential function, which can be considered as the generalized Gumbel copula, is discussed to illustrate the structure of the dependent random variable. Employing two iterative algorithms, simulation results are given to compare the performance of estimations and levels of association under different hybrid progressively censoring schemes (HPCSs).

Mechanisms of accelerated liver fibrosis in HIV-HCV coinfection.

PubMed

Chrysanthidis, Theofilos; Loli, Georgia; Metallidis, Simeon; Germanidis, Georgios

2017-01-01

Although there is evidence that HCV progresses rapidly in HIV/HCV coinfected patients in comparison with HCV monoinfected, the HIV-, HCV- and host/genetic-related factors, as well as the exact mechanisms implicated in this process are not fully elucidated. Furthermore, cure of HCV in those coinfected seems possible with the new antiviral drugs, but high cost as well as insufficient identification, linkage with care and treatment hamper the achievement of this goal. Research on the subject, could reveal an important prognostic marker for the effectiveness of persuasion of patients with HIV/HCV coinfection with a predicted accelerated fibrosis course, in order to facilitate and prioritize, not in terms of guidelines but in the real life situation, their treatment with a medically just framework.

IOTA (Integrable Optics Test Accelerator): facility and experimental beam physics program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antipov, S.; Broemmelsiek, D.; Bruhwiler, D.; Edstrom, D.; Harms, E.; Lebedev, V.; Leibfritz, J.; Nagaitsev, S.; Park, C. S.; Piekarz, H.; Piot, P.; Prebys, E.; Romanov, A.; Ruan, J.; Sen, T.; Stancari, G.; Thangaraj, C.; Thurman-Keup, R.; Valishev, A.; Shiltsev, V.

2017-03-01

The Integrable Optics Test Accelerator (IOTA) is a storage ring for advanced beam physics research currently being built and commissioned at Fermilab. It will operate with protons and electrons using injectors with momenta of 70 and 150 MeV/c, respectively. The research program includes the study of nonlinear focusing integrable optical beam lattices based on special magnets and electron lenses, beam dynamics of space-charge effects and their compensation, optical stochastic cooling, and several other experiments. In this article, we present the design and main parameters of the facility, outline progress to date and provide the timeline of the construction, commissioning and research. The physical principles, design, and hardware implementation plans for the major IOTA experiments are also discussed.

Ultra-High Gradient Channeling Acceleration in Nanostructures: Design/Progress of Proof-of-Concept (POC) Experiments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shin, Young Min; Green, A.; Lumpkin, A. H.

2016-09-16

A short bunch of relativistic particles or a short-pulse laser perturbs the density state of conduction electrons in a solid crystal and excites wakefields along atomic lattices in a crystal. Under a coupling condition the wakes, if excited, can accelerate channeling particles with TeV/m acceleration gradients in principle since the density of charge carriers (conduction electrons) in solids n 0 = ~ 10 20 – 10 23 cm -3 is significantly higher than what can be obtained in gaseous plasma. Nanostructures have some advantages over crystals for channeling applications of high power beams. The dechanneling rate can be reduced andmore » the beam acceptance increased by the large size of the channels. For beam-driven acceleration, a bunch length with a sufficient charge density would need to be in the range of the plasma wavelength to properly excite plasma wakefields, and channeled particle acceleration with the wakefields must occur before the ions in the lattices move beyond the restoring threshold. In the case of the excitation by short laser pulses, the dephasing length is appreciably increased with the larger channel, which enables channeled particles to gain sufficient amounts of energy. This paper describes simulation analyses on beam- and laser (X-ray)-driven accelerations in effective nanotube models obtained from Vsim and EPOCH codes. Experimental setups to detect wakefields are also outlined with accelerator facilities at Fermilab and NIU. In the FAST facility, the electron beamline was successfully commissioned at 50 MeV and it is being upgraded toward higher energies for electron accelerator R&D. The 50 MeV injector beamline of the facility is used for X-ray crystal-channeling radiation with a diamond target. It has been proposed to utilize the same diamond crystal for a channeling acceleration POC test. Another POC experiment is also designed for the NIU accelerator lab with time-resolved electron diffraction. Recently, a stable generation of single-cycle laser pulses with tens of Petawatt power based on thin film compression (TFC) technique has been investigated for target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA) and radiation pressure acceleration (RPA). The experimental plan with a nanometer foil is discussed with an available test facility such as Extreme Light Infrastructure – Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP).« less

Ultra-high gradient channeling acceleration in nanostructures: Design/progress of proof-of-concept (POC) experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Y. M.; Green, A.; Lumpkin, A. H.; Thurman-Keup, R. M.; Shiltsev, V.; Zhang, X.; Farinella, D. M.-A.; Taborek, P.; Tajima, T.; Wheeler, J. A.; Mourou, G.

2017-03-01

A short bunch of relativistic particles, or a short-pulse laser, perturb the density state of conduction electrons in a solid crystal and excite wakefields along atomic lattices in a crystal. Under a coupling condition between a driver and plasma, the wakes, if excited, can accelerate channeling particles with TeV/m acceleration gradients [1], in principle, since the density of charge carriers (conduction electrons) in solids n0 = 1020 - 1023 cm-3 is significantly higher than what was considered above in gaseous plasma. Nanostructures have some advantages over crystals for channeling applications of high power beams. The de-channeling rate can be reduced and the beam acceptance increased by the large size of the channels. For beam-driven acceleration, a bunch length with a sufficient charge density would need to be in the range of the plasma wavelength to properly excite plasma wakefields, and channeled particle acceleration with the wakefields must occur before the ions in the lattices move beyond the restoring threshold. In the case of the excitation by short laser pulses, the dephasing length is appreciably increased with the larger channel, which enables channeled particles to gain sufficient amounts of energy. This paper describes simulation analyses on beam- and laser (X-ray)-driven accelerations in effective nanotube models obtained from the Vsim and EPOCH codes. Experimental setups to detect wakefields are also outlined with accelerator facilities at Fermilab and Northern Illinois University (NIU). In the FAST facility, the electron beamline was successfully commissioned at 50 MeV, and it is being upgraded toward higher energies for electron accelerator R&D. The 50 MeV injector beamline of the facility is used for X-ray crystal-channeling radiation with a diamond target. It has been proposed to utilize the same diamond crystal for a channeling acceleration proof-of-concept (POC). Another POC experiment is also designed for the NIU accelerator lab with time-resolved electron diffraction. Recently, a stable generation of single-cycle laser pulses with tens of Petawatt power based on the thin film compression (TFC) technique has been investigated for target normal sheath acceleration (TNSA) and radiation pressure acceleration (RPA). The experimental plan with a nanometer foil is discussed with an available test facility such as Extreme Light Infrastructure - Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP).

Power Transmission From The ITER Model Negative Ion Source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Boilson, D.; Esch, H. P. L. de; Grand, C.

2007-08-10

In Cadarache development on negative ion sources is being carried out on the KAMABOKO III ion source on the MANTIS test bed. This is a model of the ion source designed for the neutral beam injectors of ITER. This ion source has been developed in collaboration with JAERI, Japan, who also designed and supplied the ion source. Its target performance is to accelerate a D- beam, with a current density of 200 A/m2 and <1 electron extracted per accelerated D- ion, at a source filling pressure of 0.3 Pa. For ITER a continuous ion beam must be assured for pulsemore » lengths of 1000 s, but beams of up to 3,600 s are also envisaged. The ion source is attached to a 3 grid 30 keV accelerator (also supplied by JAERI) and the accelerated negative ion current is determined from the energy deposited on a calorimeter. During long pulse operation ({<=}1000 s) it was found that the current density of both D- and H- beams, measured at the calorimeter was lower than expected and that a large discrepancy existed between the accelerated currents measured electrically and those transmitted to the calorimeter. The possibility that this discrepancy arose because the accelerated current included electrons (which would not be able to reach the calorimeter) was investigated and subsequently eliminated. Further studies have shown that the fraction of the electrical current reaching the calorimeter varies with the pulse length, which led to the suggestion that one or more of the accelerator grids were distorting due to the incident power during operation, leading to a progressive deterioration in the beam quality.. New extraction and acceleration grids have been designed and installed, which should have a better tolerance to thermal loads than those previously used. This paper describes the measurements of the power transmission and distribution using these grids.« less

DPPIV promotes endometrial carcinoma cell proliferation, invasion and tumorigenesis

PubMed Central

Yang, Xiaoqing; Zhang, Xinhua; Wu, Rongrong; Huang, Qicheng; Jiang, Yao; Qin, Jianbing; Yao, Feng; Jin, Guohua; Zhang, Yuquan

2017-01-01

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV), also known as CD26, is a 110-kDa cell surface glycoprotein expressed in various tissues. DPPIV reportedly plays a direct role in the progression of several human malignancies. DPPIV specific inhibitors are employed as antidiabetics and could potentially be repurposed to enhance anti-tumor immunotherapies. In the present study, we investigated the correlation between DPPIV expression and tumor progression in endometrial carcinoma (EC). DPPIV overexpression altered cell morphology and stimulated cell proliferation, invasion and tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. These effects were abrogated by DPPIV knockdown or pharmacological inhibition using sitagliptin. DPPIV overexpression increased hypoxia-inducible factor 1a (HIF-1a) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) expression to promote HIF-1a-VEGFA signaling. Our results indicated that DPPIV accelerated endometrial carcinoma progression and that sitagliptin may be an effective anti-EC therapeutic. PMID:28060721

The safety of hormonal contraceptives for women living with HIV and their sexual partners.

PubMed

Phillips, Sharon J; Polis, Chelsea B; Curtis, Kathryn M

2016-01-01

Hormonal contraceptives are important for the health and well-being of some women living with HIV, so evaluation of evidence regarding their safety vis-à-vis HIV-related risks is important. We updated two prior systematic reviews on the impact of hormonal contraception (HC) on HIV disease progression and female-to-male HIV transmission. One new study finds no increased risk for HIV disease progression or death associated with oral contraceptive use [adjusted (adj) hazard ratio (HR) 0.83, confidence interval [CI] 0.48-1.44] or injectables (adj HR 0.72, CI 0.53-0.98). Three new studies did not find significantly increased risks for measures of female-to-male HIV transmission with HC use. Hormonal contraceptive methods do not appear to accelerate HIV disease progression. More research is needed to clarify whether HC impacts HIV transmissibility. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.