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Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) shuttle molecules, including L-lactate, involved in metabolism and cell signaling of the central nervous system. Astrocyte-specific MCT4 is a key component of the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS) and is important for neuroplasticity and learning of the hippocampus. However, the importance of astrocyte-specific MCT4 in neuroplasticity of the M1 primary motor cortex remains unknown. In this study, we investigated astrocyte-specific MCT4 in motor learning and neuroplasticity of the M1 primary motor cortex using a cell-type specific shRNA knockdown of MCT4. Knockdown of astrocyte-specific MCT4 resulted in impaired motor performance and learning on the accelerating rotarod. In addition, MCT4 knockdown was associated with a reduction of neuronal dendritic spine density and spine width and decreased protein expression of PSD95, Arc, and cFos. Using near-infrared-conjugated 2-deoxyglucose uptake as a surrogate marker for neuronal activity, MCT4 knockdown was also associated with decreased neuronal activity in the M1 primary motor cortex and associated motor regions including the dorsal striatum and ventral thalamus. Our study supports a potential role for astrocyte-specific MCT4 and the ANLS in the neuroplasticity of the M1 primary motor cortex. Targeting MCT4 may serve to enhance neuroplasticity and motor repair in several neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease and stroke.

Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) shuttle molecules, including L-lactate, involved in metabolism and cell signaling of the central nervous system. Astrocyte-specific MCT4 is a key component of the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS) and is important for neuroplasticity and learning of the hippocampus. However, the importance of astrocyte-specific MCT4 in neuroplasticity of the M1 primary motor cortex remains unknown. In this study, we investigated astrocyte-specific MCT4 in motor learning and neuroplasticity of the M1 primary motor cortex using a cell-type specific shRNA knockdown of MCT4. Knockdown of astrocyte-specific MCT4 resulted in impaired motor performance and learning on the accelerating rotarod. In addition, MCT4 knockdown was associated with a reduction of neuronal dendritic spine density and spine width and decreased protein expression of PSD95, Arc, and cFos. Using near-infrared-conjugated 2-deoxyglucose uptake as a surrogate marker for neuronal activity, MCT4 knockdown was also associated with decreased neuronal activity in the M1 primary motor cortex and associated motor regions including the dorsal striatum and ventral thalamus. Our study supports a potential role for astrocyte-specific MCT4 and the ANLS in the neuroplasticity of the M1 primary motor cortex. Targeting MCT4 may serve to enhance neuroplasticity and motor repair in several neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease and stroke.

Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) shuttle molecules, including L-lactate, involved in metabolism and cell signaling of the central nervous system. Astrocyte-specific MCT4 is a key component of the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle (ANLS) and is important for neuroplasticity and learning of the hippocampus. However, the importance of astrocyte-specific MCT4 in neuroplasticity of the M1 primary motor cortex remains unknown. In this study, we investigated astrocyte-specific MCT4 in motor learning and neuroplasticity of the M1 primary motor cortex using a cell-type specific shRNA knockdown of MCT4. Knockdown of astrocyte-specific MCT4 resulted in impaired motor performance and learning on the accelerating rotarod. In addition, MCT4 knockdown was associated with a reduction of neuronal dendritic spine density and spine width and decreased protein expression of PSD95 and Arc. Using near-infrared-conjugated 2-deoxyglucose uptake as a surrogate marker for neuronal activity, MCT4 knockdown was also associated with decreased neuronal activity in the M1 primary motor cortex and associated motor regions including the dorsal striatum and ventral thalamus. Our study supports a potential role for astrocyte-specific MCT4 and the ANLS in the neuroplasticity of the M1 primary motor cortex. Targeting MCT4 may serve to enhance neuroplasticity and motor repair in several neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and stroke.

The activity and stability of catalysts used in anodes and cathodes in fuel cells and electrolyzers is a vital factor for practical industrial applications. To improve performance characteristics, it is essential to link the structure and composition of the catalyst on the electrodes to electrochemical performance and durability. The investigation of the durability of materials for application in fuel cells and electrolyzers is a particularly important task. Application of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to probing the chemistry of catalyst layers and their degradation is becoming a central analytical approach due to quantitative chemical information it provides. Herein we present several cases of application of high-resolution XPS for analysis of the chemistry of electrodes and changes that are occurring during operation in several technological platforms, such as proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), alkaline membrane fuel cells (AEMFC), direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC), direct hydrazine fuel cells (DHFC) and water electrolyzers (WE). Challenges of analyzing surface chemistry of electrodes and approaches to address them are discussed.

A feeding study using rats was conducted to evaluate the utility of lablab bean husk and soya bean husk as sources of potential prebiotic fibre. Twenty 5-week-old Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups and fed one of the following diets for 3 weeks: purified diet (AIN93 G) containing 5% cellulose (CEL), or the same diet in which cellulose was replaced by corn starch (STA), lablab bean husk (LBH), or soya bean husk (SBH). Rats were sacrificed at 8 weeks of age and caecal digesta were collected. Feed intake, body weight, anatomical parameters, and caecal ammonia level did not differ significantly among diets. Rats on LBH and SBH showed higher concentrations of caecal short-chain fatty acid and lactate than those on CEL. Rats on CEL, SBH, and LBH exhibited lower caecal indole and skatole levels. LBH yielded increased caecal abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila and Oscillibacter relatives, as demonstrated by either qPCR, MiSeq, or clone library analysis. SBH favoured the growth of lactobacilli as assessed by both qPCR and MiSeq, and favoured the growth of bifidobacteria as assessed by MiSeq. In comparison with STA, LBH and SBH yielded lower caecal abundance of bacteria related to Dorea massiliensis, as demonstrated by qPCR, MiSeq, and clone library analysis. Both types of bean husk were found to contain oligosaccharides that might selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria. Based on these results, the two species of bean husk tested are considered potentially functional for promoting the gut health of monogastric animals.

Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV, genus Tospovirus) mainly occurs on onion and lisianthus plants (Eustoma grandiflorum) in Japan. The virus is genetically diverse and is classified based on its nucleocapsid protein sequence into two genotypes, IYSVNL (NL) and IYSVBR (BR), first isolated in the Netherlands and Brazil, respectively. Both genotypes are present in Japan, and they are sometimes found in the same field. Furthermore, the two genotypes are occasionally detected in a single necrotic lesion of an infected plant (designated as a ‘mosaic’ genotype). In this study, the population structures of these two genotypes and their dynamics in onion fields and lisianthus greenhouses from 2004 to 2006 were analysed using reverse transcription-PCR-restriction length polymorphism analysis (RT-PCR-RFLP). In onion fields the two genotypes were detected in all three years, and the BR genotype predominated within a year. On the other hand, both genotypes were detected at the first outbreak each year in almost all lisianthus greenhouses; however, the BR genotype was more widespread than the NL genotype. These results suggest that the incidence of IYSV disease in lisianthus during each year was triggered by the invasion of viruliferous Thrips tabaci that have acquired one or both genotypes from nearby onion fields. Although the BR genotype predominated in the last stages of cultivation, IYSV disease might be expanded by monocyclic patterns but may occasionally spread secondarily in lisianthus greenhouses.

Background Myosin phosphatase activity is regulated by mechanisms involving the phosphorylation of CPI-17 and MYPT1, primarily based on studies with tonic-type vascular smooth muscles. This study examined how these mechanisms contribute to the regulation of contraction of a phasic-type intestinal smooth muscle. Methods Phosphorylation levels, tension, and Ca2+ sensitization was detected in rat ileal smooth muscle. Key Results In rat ileal smooth muscle, phosphorylation level of CPI-17 at Thr38 and MYPT1 at Thr853, but not MYPT1 at Thr696, were increased with carbachol (1 μmol L−1) accompanied with muscle contraction. The PKC inhibitor Go6976 (1 μmol L−1) inhibited the carbachol-induced phosphorylation of CPI-17, whereas the Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, Y-27632 (10 μmol L−1) inhibited the carbachol-induced phosphorylation of both CPI-17 and MYPT1. Application of Go6976 or Y-27632 alone inhibited the carbachol-induced contraction; however, the combined application of these inhibitors did not inhibit the contraction in an additive manner. In β-escin-permeabilized ileal strip, treatment with antiphosphorylated antibodies for CPI-17 at Thr38 and MYPT1 at Thr853 and Thr696 alone almost completely abolished the Ca2+ sensitization due to carbachol with GTP. Conclusions & Inferences In conclusion, receptor stimulation increases the Ca2+ sensitivity of contractile elements through CPI-17 phosphorylation via the PKC/ROCK pathways and MYPT1 phosphorylation via the ROCK pathway, when these mechanisms operate cooperatively and/or synchronously in intestinal smooth muscle.

Electrical resistivity and Hall coefficients of layered chalcogenides of TlCu 2-x Se 2 , TlCu 2-x Te 2 and (Tl 1-x Ba x )Cu 2 Se 2 were measured on sintered pellets. TlCu 2-x Se 2 and TlCu 2-x Te 2 were stable in the range of (2-x) between 1.95 and 2.00, and 1.96 and 2.00, respectively. TlCu 2 Se 2 gave fairly small values of p at low temperatures (e.g., p = 2 x 10 -7 Ωcm at 2 K). TlCu 2 Te 2 gave a p of ca. 3 × 10 -6 Ωcm at 2 K. The values of residual resistivity were also quite small for these compounds in spite of the presence of a large number of impurities and lattice defects. TlCu 2-x Se 2 showed T 2 dependence of p below 50 K, indicative of electron-electron scattering. Hall measurements for all systems showed that conduction occurs predominantly by holes originating from charge compensation, and by a small number of electrons. The Hall mobility showed substantial T -3/2 dependence for all samples, suggesting the dominance of acoustic phonon scattering. The (Tl 1-x Ba x )Cu 2 Se 2 system showed mixed conduction with holes and electrons, where electrons originate from the Ba 2+ ions that are substituted for Tl + ions.

We report a case of a 54-year-old man with T4N0M0 non-small cell lung cancer directly invading the thoracic wall and aortic arch. He underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by en bloc resection of the tumor, lung, chest wall and aortic arch. Perfusion was maintained through femoral-femoral cardiopulmonary bypass, with permanent bypass to the arch vessels to avoid separate extracorporeal cerebral circulation. Total reconstructions of the chest wall and aortic arch were completed without the need for cardiac arrest. The final pathological diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma, T4N0M0. The patient was discharged without major complications and has been free of disease for 20 months postoperatively.

T-cell precursors differentiate into mature T cells predominantly in the thymus. However, it has also been reported that T-cell precursors mature in extrathymic organs such as the liver, bone marrow, or intestines. In order to investigate the nature of the extrathymic microenvironment that supports T-cell maturation, we examined the effect of a bone marrow-derived stroma cell line, ST2, on T-cell precursors by using a reaggregate thymic organ culture (RTOC) system. We found that ST2 cells supported the differentiation of fetal thymocytes at day 14·5 of gestation from a CD4− CD8− double negative (DN) to a CD4+ CD8+ double positive (DP) differentiation stage in a manner similar to that observed in thymus. Anti-interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) and anti-c-kit antibodies blocked the growth of thymocytes in RTOC with ST2 cells, but did not inhibit the generation of DP thymocytes. These data indicate that a bone marrow-derived stroma cell, ST2, which supports B-cell differentiation, is also able to support T-cell development and may constitute one of the microenvironmental components for extrathymic T-cell development.

To examine the contributions of endogenous inhibin and estradiol to the regulation of FSH and LH secretion in the pregnant rat, some rats were passively immunized against inhibin and/or estradiol, and others were ovariectomized, on Days 5, 10, 15, and 20 of pregnancy. Ovarian and uterine venous blood was collected separately to confirm the sources of inhibin and steroid hormones during pregnancy. Immunoreactivity of inhibin in the placenta was also examined by RIA. Levels of inhibin in ovarian venous plasma were significantly higher than those in peripheral plasma during pregnancy. No difference was observed between the levels of inhibin in uterine venous plasma and peripheral plasma. No immunoreactivity of inhibin was detected in placental homogenate from rats at Days 10, 15, and 20. FSH secretion significantly increased after immunoneutralization of inhibin during pregnancy. A marked increase in FSH secretion was noted on Days 5 and 20, and the smallest increase was observed on Day 15. Administration of estradiol antiserum (AS) alone did not induce a significant increase in FSH secretion on any day of pregnancy. However, a synergistic effect of estradiol AS and inhibin AS was observed on Day 20. On Days 5, 10, and 20, administration of inhibin AS or estradiol AS induced a significant increase in LH secretion. A synergistic effect of inhibin AS and estradiol AS on LH secretion was observed on Day 5. On Days 5 and 10, significantly high LH secretion was noted in ovariectomized rats as compared with that in rats treated with both inhibin AS and estradiol AS, indicating that other ovarian hormones such as progesterone may be involved in the suppression of LH secretion in these stages of pregnancy. These data indicate that both inhibin and estradiol, predominantly secreted from the ovary, are involved in the regulation of gonadotropin secretion during pregnancy as during the estrous cycle in the rat.

The objective of the present study was to determine whether the ductility and toughenability of a highly cross-linked epoxy resin, which has a high glass transition temperature, T g, can be enhanced by the incorporation of a ductile thermoplastic resin. Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) cured by diamino diphenyl sulphone (DDS) was used as the base resin. Polyethersulphone (PES) was used as the thermoplastic modifier. Fracture toughness and shear ductility tests were performed to characterize the materials. The fracture toughness of the DDS-cured epoxy was not enhanced by simply adding PES. However, in the presence of rubber particles as a third component, the toughness of the PES–rubber-modified epoxy was found to improve with increasing PES content. The toughening mechanisms were determined to be rubber cavitation, followed by plastic deformation of the matrix resin. It was also determined, through uniaxial compression tests, that the shear ductility of the DDS-cured epoxy was enhanced by the incorporation of PES. These results imply that the intrinsic ductility, which had been enhanced by the PES addition, was only activated under the stress state change due to the cavitation of the rubber particles. The availability of increasing matrix ductility seems to be responsible for the increase in toughness.

A newly designed computer-controlled NTSC (National Television System Committee) single-chip LSI for color television which allows tuning by software is described. Increased product reliability and improved picture performance are the result of incorporating highly accurate computer-controlled functions. The LSI consists of approximately 11000 analog and digital circuit components, including 2600 pF of capacitance integrated on a 38-mm/sup 2/ chip using the VHF process. This LSI is packaged on a 64-pin shrink-type DIP (dual inline package) and requires 7.6 V of supply voltage. >

Exclusion and inclusion of T cell receptor (TCR) genes were analyzed in alpha beta TCR transgenic mice. Both transgenes are expressed unusually early on the surface of CD4-8-, HSA+, IL-2R- thymocytes. These progenitor cells give rise to progeny, which at the single-cell level contains endogenous alpha but not beta TCR-RNA as well as protein, in addition to products encoded by the transgenes. Thus, the surface expression of an alpha beta TCR does not prevent further alpha TCR rearrangement in immature thymocytes that still transcribe RAG-1 and RAG-2 genes. Reduced levels of RAG-1 and RAG-2 RNA are detectable only in CD4+8+ TCR high cells, which result from positive selection in the thymus. The results suggest that a developing T cell may try different alpha beta TCRs for binding to thymic MHC ligands, and that recombination at the alpha locus ceases only after positive selection.

This paper reports design and fabrication of 3D shaped AT-cut quartz crystal resonator. The thickness distribution of the resonator is designed following a Gaussian-type function. The distribution was postulated from the analysis of thickness shearing vibration calculated by a finite element analysis (FEA) for a flat-shape resonator. The vibration analysis showed improvement of the energy trapping effect, and the vibration at the wafer edge was negligible. For the experimental verification, we attempted to fabricate a Gaussian-shaped resonator using MEMS technologies. The resonant characteristics were improved well by the shaping.

The ontogeny of T cells in T-cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mice, which express a transgenicαβheterodimer, specific for the male (H-Y) antigen in association with H-2Db, was determined. The transgenicαchain was expressed on about 10% of the fetal thymocytes on day 14 of gestation. About 50% of day-15 fetal thymocytes expressed bothαandβtranschains and virtually all fetal thymocytes expressed the transgenicαβheterodimer by day 17. The early expression of the transgenic TCR on CD4-8-thymocytes prevented the development ofγδcells, and led to accelerated growth of thymocytes and an earlier expression of CD4 and CD8 molecules. Up to day 17, no significant differences in T-cell development could be detected between female and male thymuses. By day 18 of gestation, the male transgenic thymus contained more CD4-8-thymocytes than the female transgenic thymus. The preponderance of CD4-8-thymocytes in the male transgenic thymus increased until birth and was a consequence of the deletion of the CD4+8+thymocytes and their CD4-8+precursors. By the time of birth, the male transgenic thymus contained half the number of cells as the female transgenic thymus. The deletion of autospecific precursor cells in the male transgenic mouse began only at day 18 of gestation, despite the fact that the ligand could already be detected by day 16.The preferential accumulation of CD4-8+T cells, which expressed a high density of the transgenic TCR, occurred only after birth and was .obvious in 6-week-old female thymus. These data support the hypothesis that the positive selection of T cells expressing this transgenic heterodimer may involve two steps, i.e., the commitment of CD4+8+thymocytes to the CD4-8+lineage following the interaction of the transgenic TCR with restricting major histocompatibility molecules, followed by a slow conversion of CD4+8+thymocytes into CD4-8+T cells.In normal mice, the precursors of CD+4+8 and single positive thymocytes have the CD4-8-CD3-J11d+(or M1/69+) phenotype. Because of the early expression of the transgenicαβheterodimer, this population was not detected in adult transgenic mice. All CD4-8-M1/ 69+cells expressed the transgenic receptor associated with CD3 and could be readily grown in media containing T-cell lectins and interleukin 2.

A prototype PFL was tested in a test bed at L-3 as part of the recently completed IVA design effort for flash radiographic sources in the new Hydrus hydrodynamics research facility at AWE. The prototype PFL represented one of the ten PFLs in the baseline IVA configuration. The 7 ohm water filled, coaxial PFL incorporates a laser triggered output switch followed by a self-breaking water sharpening switch near the end of the output line to produce a 60 ns long pulse which rises in less than 10 ns. A pre-existing Marx was modified to charge the PFL to nominally 2.5MV in 1.5 micro-seconds to match the charge rate predicted for the full IVA circuit. In addition to the PFL hardware, the other parts of the IVA that were prototyped and tested included the Marx oil/oil diaphragm, a section of the multi-port, 50 ohm oil filled manifold, and the oil-filled input and output elbows. The PFL was tested up to 3MV in the prototype facility to accelerate the reliability tests. The performance and reliability test results for the PFL and oil filled lines based on >2730 shots are presented in this paper. The test results for the LTGS along with the switch type down-selection are presented separately at this conference. The empirically based reliability of the PFL and other components that were tested is compared to the goals set out by the formal availability, reliability, and maintainability (ARM) assessment for the whole IVA. The reliability calculations for the PFL utilize an equivalent number of nominal voltage shots to take into account the higher electrical stress of the over-voltage shots. The PFL output waveform is compared to the design prediction and circuit models that match the measured performance are presented. Problems and failures that were encountered during the course of testing are discussed along with their solutions, fixes, and mitigations.

Summary form only given. Two switch designs were tested in the prototype PFL test bed at L-3 as part of the recently completed IVA design effort for flash radiographic sources in the new Hydrus hydrodynamics research facility at AWE. One design, called the slab switch, was scaled from the Phermex Laser Triggered Gas Switch (LTGS) and the other, called the diaphragm switch, was scaled from the Nike LTGS. Both switches have a single ~8 cm, laser triggered gap pressurized to 150 psig with SF6, are 42 inches in diameter, and designed to fit within the same 7-ohm PFL which is nominally charged to 2.5 MV, in 1.5 mus. The PFL and switch were tested up to 3 MV in the prototype facility. Test results for the LTGS performance based on >2730 shots are presented in this paper along with the switch type down-selection that was based on electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing criteria. The performance and reliability test results for the overall PFL are presented separately. The LTGS test results include measurements of jitter, rate of prefire, and the throughput risetime (due to inductance and resistive phase combined). The PFL design was based on a relatively low inductance prediction of between 220 to 240 nH. The effect of laser focal position in the switch gap, flow rate of the continuously flowing SF6, gas density, laser power, the mechanical deformation of the switch, and laser optic alignment on the switch jitter, risetime, and arc formation were investigated and are presented. Two dimensional EM simulations of the switch were also performed to estimate the contribution of two dimensional effects on the risetime. Circuit models that match the measured performance are presented.

SVOD (Stacked Volumetric Optical Disk) can realize 0.94-5TB capacity cartridge using 100 ultra thin disks and commercialized drive. This paper presents the mechanism of aerodynamic stabilizer and several types of thin discs.

P2P information retrieval systems have been changing from filename-based queries to contents-oriented queries. However, query messages occur frequently and consume the network bandwidth of communication systems. Instead of query broadcasting retrieval systems, we extended JXTA-like query routing protocols in order to handle characteristics of resources and queries, so that we tried to deal with topic-oriented query routing mechanisms. We also introduced hierarchical routing tables in order to reduce the storage and management costs. In our previous studies, we realized that the number of routing table hierarchy affect the trade-off between the cost of query forwarding and the amount of storage for routing information. In this paper, we consider analytical model in order to evaluate the characteristics of hierarchical peer clusters. We try to apply Palm-probability to calculate distribution of information resources. Additionally, we utilize Poisson-Voronoi-clustering to evaluate our hierarchical model.

Previously, we reported recessive gene(s) that terminate fetal development on swine chromosome (SSC) 6 between SW855 and SW122. The affected alleles originated from a Göttingen miniature pig used for construction of a Göttingen miniature pig x Meishan resource population. However, it is not known when the gene(s) are activated during fetal development, which is one of the important factors in selecting candidate genes responsible for fetal death. In the present study, a second swine population consisting of 159 progeny was produced by mating pigs carrying the deleterious allele(s). This population allowed us to narrow the genetic region harbouring the affected gene(s) and to demonstrate that the region was confined between RYR1 and SW782 (5.7 cM on the National Institute of Animal Industry (NIAI) map and 100 cR on the INRA/University of Minnesota porcine radiation hybrid panel map). In order to determine when the affected gene(s) are activated and in turn terminate fetal development, embryos produced in the second population were collected at several development stages and genotyped for markers in the region. Genes in the homozygous state affected embryo development between 9 and 11 days post-coitus.

We have successfully tested a double post-hole vacuum convolute for driving z-pinch loads on Saturn (32 TW, 1.9 MV, 40 ns FWHM, and 0.11/spl Omega/). We use the lower four insulators to feed four, conical self-magnetically insulated disk feeds (MITLs). The disk MITLs are convoluted using six anode posts (and cathode holes) to a single disk MITL (L /spl tilde/ 10 nH). A peak current of 12.5 MA was delivered to a low inductance short circuit load and 10.5 MA was delivered to a gas puff z-pinch load. Electron losses in the vacuum feed have been acceptable.

Significantly improved spatial uniformity of bremsstrahlung radiation, relative to a diode with a planar anode, is predicted for the HERMES III accelerator when a compound-lens diode is used to actively control the high-power electron beam at the exit of a coaxial, magnetically-insulated transmission line. Electron flow within the diode and subsequent radiation output is characterized as a function of diode parameters. The results of these calculations are applicable to coaxial geometries where active control of high-energy, high-current, /spl nu///spl gamma/ /spl ges/ 1 beams is desired.

PIM is a water filled Blumlein connected, in parallel, to one or two 1.5 MV, cavities which inductively add voltage on a high impedance vacuum transmission line to a load diode operating at 1-3 MV. The radiographic performance of this IVA pulsed power machine depends on the inductive rise-time of the Blumlein switches. Selection of either one or two simultaneously closing switches on PIM was used to investigate the effects of rise time, in addition to voltage on the diode. Two Blumlein switches, designed and built by Titan PSD were initially tested in a self-break mode at two charging rates, from the Marx, the time to peak voltage being 0.7 and 1.5 mus in the two cases. The breakdown curves are matched with the predicted curves from 0.5 to 1.7 MV. Under this self-break mode it was found that there was a tendency for the second switch to close 7 mus later. A model for this is proposed and its effect on the PFL output pulse is illustrated. Two types of lasers have been installed, the results from closing both switches within 2 ns of each other was investigated.

This paper describes an induction voltage adder (IVA) being designed by Titan Pulse Sciences Division (TPSD) for AWE Aldermaston, UK. This IVA will be used to power the radiography sources in AWE's planned three-axis Hydrodynamic Research Facility (HRF). TPSD will provide the IVAs and AWE will provide the radiographic diodes. The full IVA will in its initial configuration deliver a 14 MV, 110 kA, 50-60 ns pulse first to a large area diode and then to a developmental radiographic diode. The HRF IVA has been designed utilizing two-conductor water dielectric pulse forming lines (pfls) with laser triggered gas switches and can be reconfigured to power a range of radiographic diodes with peak powers from 1.5 to 3.9 TW and peak voltages from 8 to 16.8 MV. LSP simulations of the vacuum region aided by parapotential theory have explored and optimized the coupling of the different IVA configurations to various diodes.

In the PIM pulsed power machine a 1.5 MV, 100 ns duration pulse is generated by a 10 Ohm water Blumlein A prepulse reduction system based on a gas switch has been designed and built by Titan PSD. This has been fitted and reduced the prepulse to less than 3 kV. Prepulse of this order is necessary to drive the focused e-beam diodes used for flash radiography. Details of the prepulse reduction system, the experimental data obtained and comparison with computer models of the machine will be presented.

In this paper we use three different designs for induction voltage adders to be used in radiographic X-ray sources to illustrate the differences between possible IVA architectures, and between their electrical characteristics as these affect the radiographic diodes that the IVAs drive. The architectures are chosen considering the spaces in which the FVAs must fit, and the electrical characteristics are determined by the approaches chosen for the IVA electrical subsystems. We describe the status of the various IVA technologies. The IVAs, (RITS, the AWE HRF and URSA) are large systems with similar output parameters in the 12-16 MV range.

The PIM machine has been designed and constructed at AWE to develop IVA technology for flash radiography of hydrodynamic experiments. While it was originally conceived as one module of a ten module, 14 MV, 100 kA machine versions operating at up to 3 MV are of interest to satisfy future radiographic applications at AWE. The IVA architecture will enable these machines to be relatively easily configurable in either negative or positive polarity allowing the diode to be either the self magnetic pinch type already in use at AWE or a rod pinch diode to achieve smaller radiographic spots. A Marx generator drives a 1.7 MV, 10 ohm water Blumlein initiated by twin radial laser triggered switches. The Blumlein has been used to drive either one or two parallel inductive cavities to obtain an output of 1.5 or 3 MV with a current of up to /spl sim/150 kA or >50 kA respectively. Prepulse suppression is provided by a gas prepulse switch in the coaxial oil feed from the Blumlein to the cell or cells. The latest results of the testing of the laser triggering system and the prepulse reduction system will be presented.

We introduce a new step and repeat type nanoimprinting lithography (NIL) system consisting of rapid thermal control system to minimize heat cycle of nanoimprinting system. The design and experimental results are described in this paper.