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We report two cases of deep tracheal laceration in female patients after balloon dilation for benign tracheobronchial stenosis. Immediate post-procedure bronchoscopy and CT including 3D reconstructions showed deep lacerations in the posterior tracheal wall. Clinically, the patients' dyspnoea subsided and there has been no recurrence during follow-up after balloon dilation. On the follow-up 3D-reconstructed CT scans obtained 2 months and 8 months following balloon dilation, respectively, the lacerations had healed completely and there was considerable improvement in lumen size.

We present the results from a {\it Hubble Space Telescope/ACS} study of the supernovae associated with gamma-ray bursts 040924 ($z=0.86$) and 041006 ($z=0.71$). We find evidence that both GRBs were associated with a SN 1998bw-like supernova dimmed by $\sim 1.5$ and $\sim 0.3$ magnitudes, respectively, making GRB 040924 the faintest GRB-associated SN ever detected. We study the luminosity dispersion in GRB/XRF-associated SNe and compare to local Type Ibc supernovae from the literature. We find significant overlap between the two samples, suggesting that GRB/XRF-associated SNe are not necessarily more luminous nor produce more $^{56}$Ni than local SNe. Based on the current (limited) datasets, we find that the two samples may share a similar $^{56}$Ni production mechanism., Comment: ApJ accepted (in press). Revised version. High-resolution figures available at http://www.astro.caltech.edu/~ams/GRB-SNe.html

In the last few years, high power lasers have demonstrated the possibility to explore a new state of matter, the so-called warm dense matter. Among the possible techniques utilized to generate this state, we present the dynamic compression technique using high power lasers. Applications to planetary cores material (iron) will be discussed. Finally new diagnostics such as proton and hard-x-ray radiography of a shock propagating in a solid target will be presented.

To understand molecular genetic characteristics of Korean pigs, the genetic relationships of nine pig breeds including two Korean pigs (Korean native pig and Korean wild pig), three Chinese pigs (Min pig, Xiang pig, and Wuzhishan pig), and four European breeds (Berkshire, Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire) were characterized from a 16-microsatellite loci analysis. The mean heterozygosity within breeds ranged from 0.494 to 0.703. Across multiple loci, significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed in most pig breeds, except for two Chinese pigs (Min pig and Wuzhishan pig). This deviation was in the direction of heterozygote deficit. Across population loci, 36 of 144 significantly deviated (P < 0.05) from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The mean FST, a measure of genetic divergence among subpopulations, of all loci indicated that 26.1% of total variation could be attributed to the breed difference. Relationship trees based on the Nei's DA genetic distance and scatter diagram from principal component analysis consistently displayed pronounced genetic differentiation among the Korean wild pig, Xiang pig, and Wuzhishan pig. Individual assignment test using a Bayesian method showed 100% success in assigning Korean and Chinese individual pigs into their correct breeds of origin and 100% exclusion success from all alternative reference populations at P < 0.001. These findings indicate that the Korean native pig has been experiencing progressive interbreeding with Western pig breeds after originating from a North China pig breed with a black coat color. Considering the close genetic relationship of Korean pigs to the Western breeds such as Berkshire and Landrace, our findings can be used as valuable genetic information for the preservation and further genetic improvement of the Korean native pig.

The final chapter in the long-standing mystery of the gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) centres on the origin of the short-hard class, suspected on theoretical grounds to result from the coalescence of neutron star or black hole binary systems. Numerous searches for the afterglows of short-hard bursts have been made, galvanized by the revolution in our understanding of long-duration GRBs that followed the discovery in 1997 of their broadband (X-ray, optical, and radio) afterglow emission. Here we present the discovery of the X-ray afterglow of a short-hard burst whose accurate position allows us to unambiguously associate it with a star-forming galaxy at redshift z=0.160, and whose optical lightcurve definitively excludes a supernova association. Together with results from three other recent short-hard bursts, this suggests that short-hard bursts release much less energy than the long-duration GRBs. Models requiring young stellar populations, such as magnetars and collapsars, are ruled out, while coalescing degenerate binaries remain the most promising progenitor candidates., Comment: Nature in press (Oct 6 issue). 23 pages, 4 figures

Aims: The isolation and identification of a glucose-oxidizing Fe(III)-reducing bacteria (FRB) with electrochemical activity from an anoxic environment, and characterization of the role of Fe(III) in its metabolism. Methods and Results: A Gram-positive (Firmicutes), nonmotile, coccoid and facultative anaerobic FRB was isolated based on its ability to reduce Fe(III). Using the Vitek Gram-positive identification card kit and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the isolate was identified as Enterococcus gallinarum, designated strain MG25. On glucose this isolate produced lactate plus small amounts of acetate, formate and CO2 and its growth rates were similar in the presence and absence of Fe(O)OH. These results suggest that MG25 can couple glucose oxidation to Fe(III) reduction, but without conservation of energy to support growth. Cyclic voltammetry showed that strain MG25 was electrochemically active. Conclusions: An electrochemically active and FRB, E. gallinarum MG25, was isolated from submerged soil. Fe(III) is used in the bacterial metabolism as an electron sink. Significance and Impact of the Study: This is the first report concerning the electrochemical activity of glucose-oxidizing FRB, E. gallinarum. This organism and others like it could be used as new biocatalysts to improve the performance of a mediator-less microbial fuel cell.

Autocrine stimulation via coexpression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor (Met) has been reported in many human sarcomas, but few in carcinomas. In this report, we found that one gastric cancer cell line, SNU-484, among 11 gastric cell lines tested has an autocrine HGF- Met stimulation. RT-PCR, ELISA and scattering assay using MDCK cells revealed that SNU-484 cells secreted a significant amount of active HGF (about 1.25 +/- 0.41 ng/24 h/10(6) cells) into conditioned medium. Resultantly, Met in this cell line was constitutively phosphorylated. Neutralizing antibodies against HGF reduced the tyrosine phosphorylation of Met, resulting in the inhibition of cell proliferation and migration (P

Proton emission imaging cameras, in combination with proton spectrometers and a proton temporal diagnostic, provide a great deal of information about the spatial structure and time evolution of inertial-confinement fusion capsule implosions. When used with D3He-filled capsules, multiple proton emission imaging cameras measure the spatial distribution of fusion burn, with three-dimensional information about burn symmetry. Simultaneously, multiple spectrometers measure areal density as a function of angle around the imploded capsule. Experiments at the OMEGA laser facility [T. R. Boehly et al., Opt. Commun. 133, 495 (1997)] have already proven the utility of this approach. An introduction to the hardware used for penumbral imaging, and algorithms used to create images of the burn region, are provided here along with simple scaling laws relating image resolution and signal-to-noise ratio to characteristics of the cameras and the burn region.

The National Ignition Facility is operational at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). The inertial confinement fusion and HED programs at LLNL have formed diagnostic research and development groups to institute improvements outside the charter of core diagnostics. We will present data from instrumentation being developed. A major portion of our work is improvements to detectors and readout systems. We have efforts related to charge-coupled device (CCD) development. Work has been done in collaboration with the University of Arizona to back thin a large format CCD device. We have developed in collaboration with a commercial vendor a large format, compact CCD system. We have coupled large format CCD systems to our optical and x-ray streak cameras leading to improvements in resolution and dynamic range. We will discuss gate width and uniformity improvements to microchannel plate-based framing cameras. We will present data from single shot data link work and discuss technology aimed at improvements of dynamic range for high-speed transient measurements from remote locations.

The carboxylate-bridged dinuclear complex [Cd(μ-pmpa)(H2O)](ClO4)·H2O (1) (Hpmpa = bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amino-3-propionic acid) has been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction method. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system P21/n with a = 7.9678(6) A, b = 17.5103(9) A, c = 14.3147(9) A, β = 94.1030(10)°, V = 1992.0(2) A3, Z = 4. The carboxylate group of the pmpa ligand adopts a bidentate bridging coordination mode, and the ligand acts as μ-bridge linking two cadmium(II) ions to form a dinuclear complex. Each cadmium atom is seven-coordinate, with a distorted pentagonal bipyramidal geometry. The cyclic voltammogram of 1 undergoes irreversible one-electron oxidation to the Cd(III) and reversible one-electron reduction to the Cd(I).

A useful method for monostatic RCS reduction of unavoidable shapes in desired frequency bandwidth and angle range is proposed. The proposed method is based on the concept of the random scatterer for RCS reduction and the genetic algorithm for optimization. PO, MEC, and SBR methods are used to obtain RCS. Target shapes whose RCS we want to reduce are basically a plate and finally a scale model tank. Results show that monostatic RCS of a fixed shape can be reduced by the proposed method.

In order to develop a new chemical mechanical polishing process for ruthenium (Ru), the present work deals with the effect of a ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) additive on the electrochemical behaviour of physical vapour deposited Ru films in a 1 M HNO3 solution employing electrochemical methods and surface analytical techniques. By adding CAN to HNO3 solution, the polarisation curves showed an increase in the corrosion potential and current, suggesting that Ru is anodically polarised by CAN as an oxidising additive. To characterise the influence of CAN, open-circuit potential (OCP) and potentiostatic anodic current transient curves were examined in CAN-containing HNO3 solution and the resulting surfaces were then characterised by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is proposed that Ru is oxidised to heterogeneous Ru2O3 and RuO2 films on the Ru surface in CAN-containing HNO3 solution and galvanic corrosion occurs at grain boundaries, caused by the difference in OCP between the grain interiors and boundaries. The grain boundaries are oxidised to RuO4, a volatile species, resulting in a roughened and porous structure.

In this paper, we present a hybrid technique for designing RAM optimally to reduce the RCS of complex targets in a wide-band frequency range. The technique combines a high-frequency method and a genetic algorithm (GA) to obtain an optimal RAM in complex targets. By the virtue of the high-frequency method, such as the physical optics (PO) method and the method of equivalent currents (MEC), the proposed technique can be applied to complex targets with relative ease. However, the high-frequency method needs a classification of shadow regions as pre-processing. A Z-buffer algorithm is employed in this process. The procedure results in designing the optimal RAM which significantly reduces the RCS of complex targets.

This study was conducted to test the efficacy of the automatic liquid feeder(designated as NLRI) developed by National Livestock Research Institute, Korea for 7-day old early-weaning piglets. The other automatic liquid feeder imported from USA(designated as IALF) was used for a comparative purpose. A total of sixty piglets of 7 days of age were allotted to three treatments. The control group of 20 piglets was raised by their own sows until 21 days of age, while others were shifted to automatic liquid feeders of either NLRI or IALF on 7 days of age and reared during 14 days post-weaning. After then, all the piglets were fed nutritionally identical mash diets until 70 days of age. Compared with control group, body weight of piglets reared on automatic liquid feeders were lighter(P〈0.05) at 21 days of age [5.55kg (control) vs 4.97 (NLRI) and 4.98kg (IALF)], while heavier(P〈0.05) at 70 days of age(24.82kg vs 30.17 and 29.42kg). The results indicated that pigs reared on liquid feeding showed higher(P〈0.05) average daily gain than control pigs during the whole experimental period [346.7g (control) vs 425.8 (NLRI) and 416.1g (IALF)], while no difference was found in feed/gain (1.67 vs 1.78 and 1.84). There was no difference in growth performance and incidence of diarrhea between two automatic liquid feeders, NLRI and IALF. Compared with control group, intestinal villi tended to be shorter in liquid feeding group during the first week, but were recovered within two weeks. The results suggest that the automatic liquid feeder newly developed by National Livestock Research Institute, Korea can be successfully used for rearing young piglets weaned at very early age.

To develop a novel gene therapeutic modality for the effective treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), we investigated the properties of toxic gene therapy utilizing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) promoter driving herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) suicide gene to induce highly selective molecular ablation of epithelial cells with minimal systemic toxicity in canine prostate. Replication-defective recombinant adenoviral vectors containing HSV-TK gene under transcriptional control of long PSA promoter (Ad-PSA-HSV-TK) were developed and delivered in an situ manner. Briefly, laparotomies were performed and Ad-PSA-HSV-TK (1 x 10(9) PFUs) was injected into the left lateral lobe of prostate only on days 1 and 7 with appropriate prodrug acyclovir in adult Beagle dogs. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated on the 56th experimental day. The striking apoptosis of epithelial cells was identified in the treated left half of canine prostate on TUNEL assay. On immunohistochemical studies, there was markedly decreased number of PSA-secreting epithelial cells compared to control. Also significant atrophy of prostate glands, associated with dense infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells, was identified in the treated side. The PSA promoter-based suicide gene therapy induced highly selective and definite ablation of epithelial cells in benign canine prostate. Our novel approach could open opportunity of gene therapeutic modality for the treatment of clinical BPH.

An organism, identified as Mycobacterium phlei GTIS10, was isolated based on its ability to use dibenzothiophene (DBT) as a sole source of sulfur for growth at 30-52 degrees C. Similar to other biodesulfurization-competent organisms, M. phlei GTIS10 converts DBT to 2-hydroxybiphenyl (2-HBP), as detected by HPLC. The specific desulfurization activity of the 50 degrees C M. phlei GTIS10 culture was determined to be 1.1+/-0.07 micromol 2-HBP min(-1) (g dry cell)(-1). M. phlei GTIS10 can also utilize benzothiophene and thiophene as sulfur sources for growth. The dszABC operon of M. phlei GTIS10 was cloned and sequenced and was found to be identical to that of Rhodococcus erythropolis IGTS8. The presence of the R. erythropolis IGTS8 120-kb plasmid pSOX, which encodes the dszABC operon, has been demonstrated in M. phlei GTIS10. Even though identical dsz genes are contained in both cultures, the temperature at which resting cells of R. erythropolisIGTS8 reach the highest rate of DBT metabolism is near 30 degrees C whereas the temperature that shows the highest activity in resting cell cultures of M. phlei GTIS10 is near 50 degrees C, and activity is detectable at temperatures as high as 57 degrees C. In M. phlei GTIS10, the rate-limiting step in vivo appears to be the conversion of DBT to dibenzothiophene sulfone catalyzed by the product of the dszC gene, DBT monooxygenase. The thermostability of individual desulfurization enzymes was determined and 2-hydroxybiphenyl-2-sulfinate sulfinolyase, encoded by dszB, was found to be the most thermolabile. These results demonstrate that the thermostability of individual enzymes determined in vitro is not necessarily a good predictor of the functional temperature range of enzymes in vivo.

We present multi-instrument optical observations of the High Energy Transient Explorer (HETE-2)/Interplanetary Network (IPN) error box of GRB 010921. This event was the first gamma ray burst (GRB) localized by HETE-2 which has resulted in the detection of an optical afterglow. In this paper we report the earliest known observations of the GRB010921 field, taken with the 0.11-m Livermore Optical Transient Imaging System (LOTIS) telescope, and the earliest known detection of the GRB010921 optical afterglow, using the 0.5-m Sloan Digital Sky Survey Photometric Telescope (SDSS PT). Observations with the LOTIS telescope began during a routine sky patrol 52 minutes after the burst. Observations were made with the SDSS PT, the 0.6-m Super-LOTIS telescope, and the 1.34-m Tautenburg Schmidt telescope at 21.3, 21.8, and 37.5 hours after the GRB, respectively. In addition, the host galaxy was observed with the USNOFS 1.0-m telescope 56 days after the burst. We find that at later times (t > 1 day after the burst), the optical afterglow exhibited a power-law decline with a slope of $\alpha = 1.75 \pm 0.28$. However, our earliest observations show that this power-law decline can not have extended to early times (t < 0.035 day).

The Ag-alloy films have been investigated as source/drain materials applicable to thin-film transistor liquid-crystal displays (TFT-LCDs). The Ag-alloy consisting of 0.9at.%Pd, 1.7at.%Cu (designated APC) showed a resistivity that was lower than one-half that of AlNd. It also had good contact characteristics with amorphous Si (a-Si). In addition, the Ag/Si was stable after heating to above 700°C, requiring no diffusion barrier to prevent reaction between Ag and Si. Pure Ag films deposited on glass by DC magnetron sputtering showed severe hillock formation, hole growth, and agglomeration upon annealing in air. In comparison, the APC-alloy film exhibited improved resistance to agglomeration. Further, inverted-staggered back-channel-etch hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) TFTs using an APC-alloy film as a source/drain material had a threshold voltage of 4 V. A structure of single layers of gate-APC alloys and source/drain-APC alloys leads to lower costs and productivity improvements of large-area, high-resolution, active-matrix LCDs, such as 40-in. size panels through process simplification.

The effectiveness of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding was measured for poly vinylidene fluoride (PVDF) coating materials containing carbon nanofibers. Carbon nanofibers produced from the C2H4/NC73 system exhibited higher shielding effectiveness (SE) by relatively large specific surface area and high aspect ratio than those from others. When the thickness of carbon nanofibers filled PVDF coating materials varied from 25 to 50 μm, the electrical conductivity of coating materials increased sharply from 1.34 to 1.91 S/cm. However, the electrical conductivity approached a certain value with further raise of the thickness. This phenomenon denotes that a critical thickness of coating materials exists around 50 μm. The electrical conductivity and SE of coating materials decreased dramatically as the carbon nanofiber fillers were milled. It could be concluded that the decrease of the shielding effectiveness of carbon nanofiber filled composite was due to the decrease of the filler's aspect ratio by ball milling.

Experiments were performed to investigate the ablative Richtmyer-Meshkov (RM) instability in plastic (CH2) foils. The two-dimensional (2-D) perturbations were created by laser imprinting using a special phase plate with a 2-D single mode, ∼70 μm wavelength sinusoidal intensity pattern on the plastic foil. The growth of imprinted perturbations was measured by face-on, X-ray radiography using Sm and Ta backlighters in 30-μm and 50-μm thick plastic foils, respectively. After the initial imprinting phase, the 2-D perturbations grew due to ablative RM instability before the onset of foil acceleration when they were further amplified by Rayleigh-Taylor instability. Experimental results agree reasonably well with 2-D hydrodynamic simulations and analytic models showing that the modulation growth in areal density is due to ablative RM instability.

By the time an inertially confined fusion (ICF) implosion has converged a factor of 20, its surface area has shrunk 400 × , making it an inefficient x-ray energy absorber. So, ICF implosions are traditionally designed to have the laser drive shut off at a time, toff, well before bang-time, tBT, for a coast-time of t coast = t B T − t o f f > 1 ns. High-foot implosions on NIF showed a strong dependence of many key ICF performance quantities on reduced coast-time (by extending the duration of laser power after the peak power is first reached), most notably stagnation pressure and fusion yield. Herein we show that the ablation pressure, pabl, which drives high-foot implosions, is essentially triangular in temporal shape, and that reducing tcoast boosts pabl by as much as ∼ 2 × prior to stagnation thus increasing fuel and hot-spot compression and implosion speed. One-dimensional simulations are used to track hydrodynamic characteristics for implosions with various coast-times and various assumed rates of hohl...

This paper details and examines the origins of radiation drive asymmetries present during the initial High Foot implosion experiments. Such asymmetries are expected to reduce the stagnation pressure and the resulting yield of these experiments by several times. Analysis of reemission and dual axis shock timing experiments indicates that a flux asymmetry, with a P2/P0 amplitude that varies from −10% to −5%, is present during the first shock of the implosion. This first shock asymmetry can be corrected through adjustments to the laser cone fraction. A thin shell model and more detailed radiation hydrodynamic calculations indicate that an additional negative P2/P0 asymmetry during the second or portions of the third shock is required to reach the observed amount of asymmetry in the shape of the ablator at peak implosion velocity. In conjunction with symmetry data from the x-ray self emission produced at stagnation, these models also indicate that after the initially negative P2/P0 flux asymmetry, the capsule...

Many astrophysical systems are effectively “collisionless,” that is, the mean free path for collisions between particles is much longer than the size of the system. The absence of particle collisions does not preclude shock formation, however, as shocks can be the result of plasma instabilities that generate and amplify electromagnetic fields. The magnetic fields required for shock formation may either be initially present, for example, in supernova remnants or young galaxies, or they may be self-generated in systems such as gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). In the case of GRB outflows, the Weibel instability is a candidate mechanism for the generation of sufficiently strong magnetic fields to produce shocks. In experiments on the OMEGA Laser, we have demonstrated a quasi-collisionless system that is optimized for the study of the non-linear phase of Weibel instability growth. Using a proton probe to directly image electromagnetic fields, we measure Weibel-generated magnetic fields that grow in opposing, initially unmagnetized plasma flows. The collisionality of the system is determined from coherent Thomson scattering measurements, and the data are compared to similar measurements of a fully collisionless system. The strong, persistent Weibel growth observed here serves as a diagnostic for exploring large-scale magnetic field amplification and the microphysics present in the collisional-collisionless transition.

Neutron and x-ray images are collected at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) to measure the size and shape of inertial confinement fusion implosions. The x-ray images provide a measure of the size and shape of the hot region of the deuterium-tritium fuel while the neutron images provide a measure of the size and shape of the burning plasma. Although these two types of images are collected simultaneously, they are not collected along the same line of sight (LOS). One 14 MeV neutron image is collected on the NIF equator, and two x-ray images are collected along the polar axis and nearly perpendicular to the neutron imaging line of sight on the equator. Both measurements use pinhole apertures to form the images, but existing x-ray imaging provides time-resolved measurements while the neutron images are time-integrated. Detailed comparisons of the x-ray and neutron images can provide information on the fuel assembly, but these studies have been limited because the implosions are not azimuthally symmetric and the images are collected along different LOS. We have developed a conceptual design of a time-integrated x-ray imaging system that could be added to the existing neutron imaging LOS. This new system would allow these detailed studies, providing important information on the fuel assembly of future implosions. Here we present this conceptual design and the expected performance characteristics.

Sources of 5-12 keV thermal Heα x-rays are readily generated by laser irradiation of mid-Z foils at intensities10(14) W/cm(2), and are widely used as probes for inertial confinement fusion and high-energy-density experiments. Higher energy 17-50 keV x-ray sources are efficiently produced from "cold" Kα emission using short pulse, petawatt lasers at intensities10(18) W/cm(2) [H.-S. Park, B. R. Maddox et al., "High-resolution 17-75 keV backlighters for high energy density experiments," Phys. Plasmas 15(7), 072705 (2008); B. R. Maddox, H. S. Park, B. A. Remington et al., "Absolute measurements of x-ray backlighter sources at energies above 10 keV," Phys. Plasmas 18(5), 056709 (2011)]. However, when long pulse (1 ns) lasers are used with Z30 elements, the spectrum contains contributions from both K shell transitions and from ionized atomic states. Here we show that by sandwiching a silver foil between layers of high-density carbon, the ratio of Kα:Heα in the x-ray spectrum is significant increased over directly illuminated Ag foils, with narrower lines from K-shell transitions. Additionally, the emission volume is more localized for the sandwiched target, producing a more planar x-ray sheet. This technique may be useful for generating probes requiring spectral purity and a limited spatial extent, for example, in incoherent x-ray Thomson scattering experiments.

1D spectral imaging was used to characterize the K-shell emission of Z ≈ 30-35 and Z ≈ 40-42 laser-irradiated foils at the National Ignition Facility. Foils were driven with up to 60 kJ of 3ω light, reaching laser irradiances on target between 0.5 and 20 × 10(15) W/cm(2). Laser-to-X-ray conversion efficiency (CE) into the Heα line (plus satellite emission) of 1.0%-1.5% and 0.15%-0.2% was measured for Z ≈ 30-32 and Z ≈ 40-42, respectively. Measured CE into Heα (plus satellite emission) of Br (Z = 35) compound foils (either KBr or RbBr) ranged between 0.16% and 0.29%. Measured spectra are compared with 1D non-local thermodynamic equilibrium atomic kinetic and radiation transport simulations, providing a fast and accurate predictive capability.

Axial flow pumps are one type of blade pump with great flux, lower head, highly fluids flow. This type of pump can be used in agriculture, irrigation and massive water project widely. Impellers are the main and highly sensitive part of the pumps which performs the function by transferring energy to the fluid there by increasing pressure and velocity. In axial flow pump design process, in order to get high performance pump, designers usually try to increase the efficiency (η) and decrease the required net positive suction head (NPSHr) simultaneously. In this paper, multi-objective optimization of axial flow pump based on modified Particle Swarm Optimization (MPSO) is performed. At first, the NPSHr and η in a set of axial flow pump are numerically investigated using commercial software ANSYS with the design variables concerning hub angle βh, chord angle βc, cascade solidity of chord σc, maximum thickness of blade H. And then, using the Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) type neural networks in commercial software DTREG, the corresponding polynomial representation for NPSHr and η with respect to design variables are obtained. Finally, multi objective optimization based on modified Particle Swarm Optimization (MPSO) approach is used for Pareto based optimization. The result shows that an optimal solution of the axial flow pump impeller was obtained: NPSHr was decreased by 11.68 % and efficiency was increased by 4.24 % simultaneously. It means by using this method, better performance pump with higher efficiency and lower NPSHr can be got and this optimization is feasible.

Proton radiography is a useful diagnostic of high energy density (HED) plasmas under active theoretical and experimental development. In this paper we describe a new simulation tool that interacts realistic laser-driven point-like proton sources with three dimensional electromagnetic fields of arbitrary strength and structure and synthesizes the associated high resolution proton radiograph. The present tool's numerical approach captures all relevant physics effects, including effects related to the formation of caustics. Electromagnetic fields can be imported from PIC or hydrodynamic codes in a streamlined fashion, and a library of electromagnetic field `primitives' is also provided. This latter capability allows users to add a primitive, modify the field strength, rotate a primitive, and so on, while quickly generating a high resolution radiograph at each step. In this way, our tool enables the user to deconstruct features in a radiograph and interpret them in connection to specific underlying electromagnetic field elements. We show an example application of the tool in connection to experimental observations of the Weibel instability in counterstreaming plasmas, using $\sim 10^8$ particles generated from a realistic laser-driven point-like proton source, imaging fields which cover volumes of $\sim10 $ mm$^3$. Insights derived from this application show that the tool can support understanding of HED plasmas., Figures and tables related to the Appendix are included in the published journal article

Summary When considering brachial plexus block as a practical alternative to general anaesthesia for upper limb surgery, the time to achieve complete sensory block is a clinically important variable. In this prospective randomised double-blind controlled trial, we investigated the hypothesis that addition of hyaluronidase to ropivacaine may reduce the time to achieve complete sensory block after axillary brachial plexus block. The patients were randomly assigned into a hyaluronidase group (n = 24) and a control group (n = 24). The hyaluronidase group received ropivacaine 0.5% with 100 IU.ml−1 of hyaluronidase, and the control group received ropivacaine alone. The primary endpoint was the time to achieve complete sensory block. The hyaluronidase group demonstrated significantly shorter mean (SD) sensory block onset time (13.8 (6.0) min) compared with the control group (22.5 (6.3) min, p

The dynamics of microbial growth and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] production in growth/ non-growth phases of Azhohydromonas lata MTCC 2311 were studied using a maintenance-energy-dependent mathematical model. The values of calculated model kinetic parameters were: m s1 = 0.0005 h-1, k = 0.0965, µmax = 0.25 h-1 for glucose; m s1 = 0.003 h-1, k = 0.1229, µmax = 0.27 h-1 for fructose; and m s1 = 0.0076 h-1, k = 0.0694, µmax = 0.25 h-1 for sucrose. The experimental data of biomass growth, substrate consumption, and P(3HB) production on different carbon substrates were mathematically fitted using non-linear least square optimization technique and similar trends, but different levels were observed at varying initial carbon substrate concentration. Further, on the basis of substrate assimilation potential, cane molasses was used as an inexpensive and renewable carbon source for P(3HB) production. Besides, the physico-chemical, thermal, and material properties of synthesized P(3HB) were determined which reveal its suitability in various applications.

Measurements of silver K-shell and bremsstrahlung emission from thin-foil laser targets as a function of laser prepulse energy are presented. The silver targets were chosen as a potential 22 keV backlighter source for the National Ignition Facility Experiments. The targets were irradiated by the Titan laser with an intensity of 8 × 1017 W/cm2 with 40 ps pulse length. A secondary nanosecond timescale laser pulse with controlled, variable energy was used to emulate the laser prepulse. Results show a decrease in both Kα and bremsstrahlung yield with increasing artificial prepulse. Radiation hydrodynamic modeling of the prepulse interaction determined that the preplasma and intact target fraction were different in the three prepulse energies investigated. Interaction of the short pulse laser with the resulting preplasma and target was then modeled using a particle-in-cell code PSC which explained the experimental results. The relevance of this work to future Advanced Radiographic Capability laser x-ray backlighter sources is discussed. © 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.

Hydrodynamic instabilities are a major obstacle in the quest to achieve ignition as they cause preexisting capsule defects to grow and ultimately quench the fusion burn in experiments at the National Ignition Facility. Unstable growth at the ablation front has been dramatically reduced in implosions with ``high-foot'' drives as measured using x-ray radiography of modulations at the most dangerous wavelengths (Legendre mode numbers of 30--90). These growth reductions have helped to improve the performance of layered DT implosions reported by O. A. Hurricane et al. [Nature (London) 506, 343 (2014)], when compared to previous ``low-foot'' experiments, demonstrating the value of stabilizing ablation-front growth and providing directions for future ignition designs.

This Letter reports on a series of high-adiabat implosions of cryogenic layered deuterium-tritium (DT) capsules indirectly driven by a ``high-foot'' laser drive pulse at the National Ignition Facility. High-foot implosions have high ablation velocities and large density gradient scale lengths and are more resistant to ablation-front Rayleigh-Taylor instability induced mixing of ablator material into the DT hot spot. Indeed, the observed hot spot mix in these implosions was low and the measured neutron yields were typically 50% (or higher) of the yields predicted by simulation. On one high performing shot (N130812), 1.7 MJ of laser energy at a peak power of 350 TW was used to obtain a peak hohlraum radiation temperature of $\ensuremath{\sim}300\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{eV}$. The resulting experimental neutron yield was $(2.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{15}$ DT, the fuel $\ensuremath{\rho}R$ was $(0.86\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.063)\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{g}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, and the measured ${T}_{\text{ion}}$ was $(4.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.16)\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{keV}$, corresponding to 8 kJ of fusion yield, with $\ensuremath{\sim}1/3$ of the yield caused by self-heating of the fuel by $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ particles emitted in the initial reactions. The generalized Lawson criteria, an ignition metric, was 0.43 and the neutron yield was $\ensuremath{\sim}70%$ of the value predicted by simulations that include \ensuremath{\alpha}-particle self-heating.

Aims: To develop molecular tools and examine inducible and constitutive gene expression in Thermus thermophilus. Methods and Results: Two plasmid promoter probe vectors and an integrative promoter probe vector were constructed using a promoterless thermostable kanamycin nucleotidyltransferase (KmR) cassette. Three expression vectors were constructed based on a constitutive promoter J17, that functions in both Thermus and Escherichia coli. An inducible expression vector was constructed using the heat-shock inducible promoter (70 to 85°C) from the dnaK gene of T. flavus, and the malate dehydrogenase gene (mdh) from T. flavus was cloned and expressed in both E. coli and T. thermophilus HB27. Conclusions: This report describes the construction and use of improved promoter probe and expression vectors for use in Thermus species. The mdh gene can be used as a high temperature (85°C) reporter gene for Thermus sp. The dnaK promoter is thermo-inducible. Significance and Impact of the Study: The expression vectors and molecular tools described here are significant improvements over previously reported vectors for Thermus sp. The mdh gene and the thermo-inducible dnaK promoter will facilitate high temperature studies employing Thermus species.

Strengthening of a gamma TiAl alloy was sought by a chemical modification of the composition with carbon. Up to 0.6 at. pct of carbon was added to the Ti-46.6Al-1.4Mn-2Mo alloy processed by elemental powder metallurgy. Carbon addition resulted in considerable microstructural changes such as refinement, by a factor of about 2, of the lamellar microstructure and carbide precipitation. The cause of the lamellar structure refinement is twofold, increased heterogeneous nucleation rate and decreased γ platelet growth rate, the net result of which was a retarded diffusional transformation kinetics of α to α/γ lamellae. As a consequence of the microstructural changes, the high-temperature tensile properties and the creep properties of the alloy were significantly improved. Anomalous hardening was also observed at 800 °C, resulting in a tensile yield strength of 700 MPa. The strengthening effect of carbon was realized by the microstructural refinement and by precipitation hardening of intergranular as well as interlamellar Ti3AlC. In terms of the tensile properties and the creep properties, the optimum amount of carbon addition was 0.3 at. pct.

Monoenergetic-proton radiographs of laser-generated, high-Mach-number plasma jets colliding at various angles shed light on the structures and dynamics of these collisions. The observations compare favorably with results from 2D hydrodynamic simulations of multistream plasma jets, and also with results from an analytic treatment of electron flow and magnetic field advection. In collisions of two noncollinear jets, the observed flow structure is similar to the analytic model's prediction of a characteristic feature with a narrow structure pointing in one direction and a much thicker one pointing in the opposite direction. Spontaneous magnetic fields, largely azimuthal around the colliding jets and generated by the well-known ∇T(e)×∇n(e) Biermann battery effect near the periphery of the laser spots, are demonstrated to be "frozen in" the plasma (due to high magnetic Reynolds number Re(M)∼5×10(4)) and advected along the jet streamlines of the electron flow. These studies provide novel insight into the interactions and dynamics of colliding plasma jets.

Chromosome 21 is the smallest human autosome. An extra copy of chromosome 21 causes Down syndrome, the most frequent genetic cause of significant mental retardation, which affects up to 1 in 700 live births. Several anonymous loci for monogenic disorders and predispositions for common complex disorders have also been mapped to this chromosome, and loss of heterozygosity has been observed in regions associated with solid tumours. Here we report the sequence and gene catalogue of the long arm of chromosome 21. We have sequenced 33,546,361 base pairs (bp) of DNA with very high accuracy, the largest contig being 25,491,867 bp. Only three small clone gaps and seven sequencing gaps remain, comprising about 100 kilobases. Thus, we achieved 99.7% coverage of 21q. We also sequenced 281,116 bp from the short arm. The structural features identified include duplications that are probably involved in chromosomal abnormalities and repeat structures in the telomeric and pericentromeric regions. Analysis of the chromosome revealed 127 known genes, 98 predicted genes and 59 pseudogenes.

Recent studies suggest that the interaction between small intestinal nutrient stimulation and the blood glucose concentration is important in the regulation of gastric motility and appetite. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the effects of cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) on antropyloric motility and appetite are influenced by changes in the blood glucose concentration within the normal postprandial range. Seven healthy volunteers were studied on 4 separate days. A catheter incorporating a sleeve sensor was positioned across the pylorus, and the blood glucose was stabilized at either 4 mmol/l (2 days) or 8 mmol/l (2 days). After the desired blood glucose had been maintained for 90 min, an intravenous infusion of either CCK-8 (2 ng ⋅ kg− 1 ⋅ min− 1) or saline (control) was given for 60 min. Thirty minutes after the infusion began, the catheter was removed and subjects drank 400 ml of water with guar gum before being offered a buffet meal. The amount of food consumed (kcal) was quantified. The order of the studies was randomized and single-blinded. There were fewer antral waves at a blood glucose of 8 than at 4 mmol/l during the 90-min period before the infusions ( P < 0.05) and during the first 30 min of CCK-8 or saline infusion ( P = 0.07). CCK-8 suppressed antral waves ( P < 0.05), stimulated isolated pyloric pressure waves (IPPWs) ( P < 0.01), and increased basal pyloric pressure ( P < 0.005) compared with control. During administration of CCK-8, basal pyloric pressure ( P < 0.01), but not the number of IPPWs, was greater at a blood glucose of 8 mmol/l than at 4 mmol/l. CCK-8 suppressed the energy intake at the buffet meal ( P < 0.01), with no significant difference between the two blood glucose concentrations. We conclude that the acute effect of exogenous CCK-8 on basal pyloric pressure, but not appetite, is modulated by physiological changes in the blood glucose concentration.

The asymmetric hydroformylation of a 4-vinyl β-lactam catalyzed by a rhodium catalyst with a chiral phosphine ligand was investigated. The catalytic system consisting of a zwitterionic rhodium catalyst, (NBD)Rh+(C6H5B-Ph3) 4, and (S,S)-2,4 bis(diphenylphosphino)pentane, (S,S)-BDPP, gave branched aldehydes in high regio- and stereoselectivity. The hydroformylated products are key intermediates in the synthesis of 1-methylcarbapenem antibiotics. Using (3S,4R)-3-[(R)-1-(tert-butyldimethyl-silyloxy)ethyl]-4-vinyl-2-azetidinone (5a) as the reactant afforded aldehydes in a 97:3 branched-to-linear ratio and 91:9 to β- to α-branched isomers. The regio (branched/linear)- and stereoselectivity (β/α) was >99:1 when (3S,4R)-1-N-BOC-3-[(R)-1-methoxyethyl]-4-vinyl-2-azetidinone was used as the substrate (5q).

Intermetallic compounds based on TiAl are under extensive studies for structural materials in aerospace applications. Recently the effects of interstitial elements on the mechanical properties have been reported, which can be summarized as the enhancement of tensile strength and creep resistance. Appel reported that the creep resistance of TiAl alloy could be increased by carbon addition. Considering the important effect of carbon on the creep resistance of TiAl, it is important to gather more information on the basic role of carbon on the microstructure. In ingot alloys, there is an indication that the details of the fully lamellar structure were affected by carbon or nitrogen. This effect, however, has not been addressed in the intermetallic compound processed by powder metallurgical method. In this respect, the TiAl compound made by EPM (Elemental Powder Method) is of particular interest since this process is a potential alternative to ingot metallurgy for fabricating parts of complex shape. Recently the authors reported that a TiAl-Mn-Mo alloy could be successfully produced by EPM. In the present study, therefore, it was intended to study the effect of carbon on the phase transformation of this alloy of a FL (Fully Lamellar) microstructure.

The capability has successfully been developed at the Los Alamos Nuclear Science Center (LANSCE) to utilize a spatially and temporally prepared 800 MeV proton beam to produce proton radiographs. A series of proton bursts are transmitted through a dynamic object and transported, via a unique magnetic lens system, to an image plane. The magnetic lens system permits correcting for the e⁄ects of multiple coulomb scattering which would otherwise completely blur the spatially transmitted information at the image plane. The proton radiographs are recorded either on a time integrating film plate or with a recently developed multi-frame electronic imaging camera system. The latter technique permits obtaining a time dependent series of proton radiographs with time intervals (modulo 358 ns) up to many microseconds and variable time intervals between images. One electronically shuttered, intensified, CCD camera is required per image. These cameras can detect single protons interacting with a scintillating fiber optic array in the image plane but also have a dynamic range which permits recording radiographs with better than 5% statistics for observation of detailed density variations in the object. A number of tests have been carried out to characterize the quality of the proton radiography system for absolute mass determination, resolution, and dynamic range. Initial dynamic experiments characterized the temporal and spatial behavior of shock propagation in a high explosive sample with up to six images per experiment. Based on experience with the prototype system, a number of upgrades are being implemented including the anticipated capability for enhanced mass discrimination through di⁄erential multiple coulomb scattering radiographs and more images with improved imaging techniques. ( 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

In order to determine the operating conditions of an uranium reduction process with U3O8-Li-LiCl system, the operating conditions have been evaluated in thermodynamic aspects and the results were experimentally confirmed in this study. All the reduction experiments were conducted in an argon atmospheric glove box, and the resultant degree of reduction was determined by analyzing the product using XRD and TGA. In the results of this study, a reduction yield greater than 95% is achieved within about 3 hours of reaction. The effects of the added quantity of Li and LiCl to the reduction yield of U3O8 and the preferential removal of several metal oxides accompanying U3O8 in the course of reduction were discussed. For a greater reduction of U3O8, an additional 20% of Li is required when compared to the stoichiometric composition. The proper composition of LiCl is about 75% based on the weight of U3O8 charged.