Use of the nuclear reaction for diagnostics of energetic particles in burning plasmas

Application of reaction-produced γ-rays to diagnostics of energetic particles in burning plasmas is analyzed. Particularly, we focus on 0.981 MeV γ-rays emitted in the nuclear reaction solely governed in the plasmas by energetic tritons. It is shown that these γ quanta can serve as a promising tool to diagnose α knock-on tritons and α-particles confined in burning DT plasmas. Key parameters of the α knock-on triton population and the α-particle confinement property can be obtained by comparing the experimental γ-ray yield and spectrum with theoretical slowing-down calculations. Even if the γ-ray spectral shape cannot be acquired, one can monitor densities of these tritons and α-particles at energies of 0.6–1.8 MeV and 2.0–3.5 MeV, respectively, in a nearly steady-state plasma. The 0.981-MeV photons also would help to display time evolution of the α-particle population in experiments of deuterium plasmas with pulsed tritium beam shots.     

Diazoxide Needs Mitochondrial Connexin43 to Exert Its Cytoprotective Effect in a Cellular Model of CoCl2-Induced Hypoxia

Hypoxia is the leading cause of death in cardiomyocytes. Cells respond to oxygen deprivation by activating cytoprotective programs, such as mitochondrial connexin43 (mCx43) overexpression and the opening of mitochondrial K_ATP channels, aimed to reduce mitochondrial dysfunction. In this study we used an in vitro model of CoCl₂-induced hypoxia to demonstrate that mCx43 and K_ATP channels cooperate to induce cytoprotection. CoCl₂ administration induces apoptosis in H9c2 cells by increasing mitochondrial ROS production, intracellular and mitochondrial calcium overload and by inducing mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Diazoxide, an opener of K_ATP channels, reduces all these deleterious effects of CoCl₂ only in the presence of mCx43. In fact, our results demonstrate that in the presence of radicicol, an inhibitor of Cx43 translocation to mitochondria, the cytoprotective effects of diazoxide disappear. In conclusion, these data confirm that there exists a close functional link between mCx43 and K_ATP channels.     

Alterations in gap junction connexin43/connexin45 ratio mediate a transition from quiescence to excitation in a mathematical model of the myometrium

The smooth muscle cells of the uterus contract in unison during delivery. These cells achieve coordinated activity via electrical connections called gap junctions which consist of aggregated connexin proteins such as connexin43 and connexin45. The density of gap junctions governs the excitability of the myometrium (among other factors). An increase in gap junction density occurs immediately prior to parturition. We extend a mathematical model of the myometrium by incorporating the voltage-dependence of gap junctions that has been demonstrated in the experimental literature. Two functional subtypes exist, corresponding to systems with predominantly connexin43 and predominantly connexin45, respectively. Our simulation results indicate that the gap junction protein connexin45 acts as a negative modulator of uterine excitability, and hence, activity. A network with a higher proportion of connexin45 relative to connexin43 is unable to excite every cell. Connexin45 has much more rapid gating kinetics than connexin43 which we show limits the maximum duration of a local burst of activity. We propose that this effect regulates the degree of synchronous excitation attained during a contraction. Our results support the hypothesis that as labour approaches, connexin45 is downregulated to allow action potentials to spread more readily through the myometrium.     

WE43镁合金表面电沉积羟基磷酸钙膜层在模拟体液中的耐腐蚀性

用电沉积方法在WFA3镁合金上制备了羟基磷酸钙(简称HA)膜层,发现这样制备的HA膜层具备双层结构.XRD分析表明,预沉积层的主要成分为磷酸氢钙和羟基磷酸钙,经过热浸处理后最终膜层的主要成分为羟基磷酸钙和氢氧化钙.微观形貌研究表明,磷酸氢钙为片状,羟基磷酸钙为梭形.在类似人体血浆的模拟体液(simulatedbody ...     

An equation by any other name is still the same: on spatial econometrics and spatial statistics

Statistics is a branch of mathematics concerned with the collection, quantification, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of real-world data, and the use of probability theory to estimate population parameters with these data. Spatial statistics is a subset of statistics that is concerned with handling the special problems associated with geographically distributed data, which include spatial point patterns, regional and lattice measurement aggregations, irregularly spaced site-specific measurements on a surface, and image analysis. Meanwhile, econometrics is concerned with the application of statistical methods to the study of economic data and problems. When coining the term spatial econometrics in 1979, Paelinck and Klaassen characterized it as a subset of econometrics that is concerned with the role of spatial dependence in regional economic model response and explanatory variables, asymmetries in spatial relationships, the specification of geographic structure governing spatial interactions, and the explicit modeling of space. We outline and discuss principal similarities (e.g., testing for the presence of spatial autocorrelation) and differences (e.g., map generalization) between spatial statistics and spatial econometrics. In doing so, our goal is to help clarify past, present, and future relationships between these two subfields.     

Comparison of tool life and surface characteristics of uncoated,coated carbide and ceramic tools during machining of SiC reinforced ZA43 alloy MMC

Abstract

In the present investigation, machinability issues of zinc–aluminium (ZA43) alloy reinforced with silicon carbide particles (SiC) were evaluated. The fabrication of composite was done through liquid metallurgy technique. Metal matrix composite (MMC) was subjected to turning using conventional lathe with three grades of cutting tools, namely, uncoated carbide tool, coated carbide tool and ceramic tool. Surface roughness and tool wear were measured during the machining process. Results reveal that roughness increases with increase in the reinforcement concentration and particle size. Feed has direct influence on roughness, i.e. surface deteriorates with higher feeds. Depth of cut has very minimum effect on the surface roughness, while inverse effect of cutting speed on the roughness was observed (i.e. increase in the cutting speed leads to better finish on the specimen). Tool wear was studied during the investigation, and it was noticed that MMC with higher reinforcement concentration and particle size cause severe wear on the flank of the cutting tool. Increase in the cutting speed, feed and depth of cut also increases the flank wear on the tool. Out of all the three grades of tools, coated carbide tool outperformed uncoated carbide and ceramic tools.     

Effects of pre-stretching on microstructure and properties of WE43A-alloy after aging treatment

Effects of pre-stretching on microstructure and mechanical properties of WE43A alloy were investigated by optical microscope, transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscopy and electronic universal material testing machine. The experimental results showed that a large number of dislocations and twins were formed in the matrix with the increase of deformation strain. During subsequent aging, β₁ phases precipitated in dislocation area and distributed in matrix in a combined manner, honeycomb network and random. The precipitation of β₁ increased the ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of WE43A alloy to 272 and 241?MPa, in comparison with the samples without pre-stretching (226 and 180?MPa). The fracture morphology of sample with strain 9% was transgranular cleavage fracture.     

黄饼中PO4^3-对TBP萃取纯化的危害性

论述黄饼中PO43-对TBP萃取纯化工艺的危害性及消除方法;分析溶解渣多带走铀的原因;讨论PO43-对萃取效率以及萃取塔操作的有害影响;提出溶解液中铀的极限浓度.黄饼中存在的PO43-对TBP萃取纯化弊大于利.     

Ce对ZA43合金组织和性能的影响

研究了Ｃｅ对高铝锌合金（ＺＡ４３）组织性能及淬火－时效过程的影响。确认加Ｃｅ处理后,ＺＡ４３合金中含有Ｃｅ化合物的存在,并分析测定了含Ｃｅ化合物的化学成分。在此基础上提出了Ｃｅ细化ＺＡ４３合金α相机理：加Ｃｅ后成分过冷效应所引起的枝晶分枝熔断脱落对细化α相起主要作用。