2,938 research outputs found
Advances in the physics studies for the JT-60SA tokamak exploitation and research plan
JT-60SA, the largest tokamak that will operate before ITER, has been designed and built jointly by Japan and Europe, and is due to start operation in 2020. Its main missions are to support ITER exploitation and to contribute to the demonstration fusion reactor machine and scenario design. Peculiar properties of JT-60SA are its capability to produce long-pulse, high-ß, and highly shaped plasmas. The preparation of the JT-60SA Research Plan, plasma scenarios, and exploitation are producing physics results that are not only relevant to future JT-60SA experiments, but often constitute original contributions to plasma physics and fusion research. Results of this kind are presented in this paper, in particular in the areas of fast ion physics, high-beta plasma properties and control, and non-linear edge localised mode stability studies.Postprint (published version
Coarse-grained simulation of transmembrane peptides in the gel phase
We use Dissipative Particle Dynamics simulations, combined with parallel tempering and umbrella sampling, to investigate the potential of mean force between model transmembrane peptides in the various phases of a lipid bilayer, including the low-temperature gel phase.
The observed oscillations in the effective interaction between peptides are consistent with the different structures of the surrounding lipid phases
Understanding morphogenesis in myxobacteria from a theoretical and experimental perspective
Several species of bacteria exhibit multicellular behaviour, with individuals cells cooperatively working together within a colony. Often this has communal benefit since multiple cells acting in unison can accomplish far more than an individual cell can and the rewards can be shared by many cells. Myxobacteria are one of the most complex of the multicellular bacteria, exhibiting a number of different spatial phenotypes. Colonies engage in multiple emergent behaviours in response to starvation culminating in the formation of massive, multicellular fruiting bodies.
In this thesis, experimental work and theoretical modelling are used to investigate emergent behaviour in myxobacteria. Computational models were created using FABCell, an open source software modelling tool developed as part of the research to facilitate modelling large biological systems.
The research described here provides novel insights into emergent behaviour and suggests potential mechanisms for allowing myxobacterial cells to go from a vegetative state into a fruiting body. A differential equation model of the Frz signalling pathway, a key component in the regulation of cell motility, is developed. This is combined with a three-dimensional model describing the physical characteristics of cells using Monte Carlo methods, which allows thousands of cells to be simulated. The unified model explains how cells can ripple, stream, aggregate and form fruiting bodies. Importantly, the model copes with the transition between stages showing it is possible for the important myxobacteria control systems to adapt and display multiple behaviours
Estimate of convection-diffusion coefficients from modulated perturbative experiments as an inverse problem
The estimate of coefficients of the Convection-Diffusion Equation (CDE) from
experimental measurements belongs in the category of inverse problems, which
are known to come with issues of ill-conditioning or singularity. Here we
concentrate on a particular class that can be reduced to a linear algebraic
problem, with explicit solution. Ill-conditioning of the problem corresponds to
the vanishing of one eigenvalue of the matrix to be inverted. The comparison
with algorithms based upon matching experimental data against numerical
integration of the CDE sheds light on the accuracy of the parameter estimation
procedures, and suggests a path for a more precise assessment of the profiles
and of the related uncertainty. Several instances of the implementation of the
algorithm to real data are presented.Comment: Extended version of an invited talk presented at the 2012 EPS
Conference. To appear in Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusio
Membrane-Protein Interactions in a Generic Coarse-Grained Model for Lipid Bilayers
We study membrane-protein interactions and membrane-mediated protein-protein
interactions by Monte Carlo simulations of a generic coarse-grained model for
lipid bilayers with cylindrical hydrophobic inclusions. The strength of the
hydrophobic force and the hydrophobic thickness of the proteins are
systematically varied. The results are compared with analytical predictions of
two popular analytical theories: The Landau-de Gennes theory and the elastic
theory. The elastic theory provides an excellent description of the fluctuation
spectra of pure membranes and successfully reproduces the deformation profiles
of membranes around single proteins. However, its prediction for the potential
of mean force between proteins is not compatible with the simulation data for
large distances. The simulations show that the lipid-mediated interactions are
governed by five competing factors: Direct interactions, lipid-induced
depletion interactions, lipid bridging, lipid packing, and a smooth long-range
contribution. The mechanisms leading to "hydrophobic mismatch" interactions are
critically analyzed.Comment: 16 pages, 8 figures, accepted for publication in Biophysical Journa
Power quality and electromagnetic compatibility: special report, session 2
The scope of Session 2 (S2) has been defined as follows by the Session Advisory Group and the Technical Committee: Power Quality (PQ), with the more general concept of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and with some related safety problems in electricity distribution systems.
Special focus is put on voltage continuity (supply reliability, problem of outages) and voltage quality (voltage level, flicker, unbalance, harmonics). This session will also look at electromagnetic compatibility (mains frequency to 150 kHz), electromagnetic interferences and electric and magnetic fields issues. Also addressed in this session are electrical safety and immunity concerns (lightning issues, step, touch and transferred voltages).
The aim of this special report is to present a synthesis of the present concerns in PQ&EMC, based on all selected papers of session 2 and related papers from other sessions, (152 papers in total). The report is divided in the following 4 blocks:
Block 1: Electric and Magnetic Fields, EMC, Earthing systems
Block 2: Harmonics
Block 3: Voltage Variation
Block 4: Power Quality Monitoring
Two Round Tables will be organised:
- Power quality and EMC in the Future Grid (CIGRE/CIRED WG C4.24, RT 13)
- Reliability Benchmarking - why we should do it? What should be done in future? (RT 15
- …