Luminescence and Potentiometric Studies on the Complexation of Europium(III) by Picolinate in an Aqueous Solution

The complexation of Eu3+ aquo ions by picolinic acid in an aqueous solution was investigated to describe the formation of polynuclear complexes that are uncommon for trivalent lanthanides. Potentiometric titration indicated that no polynuclear complexes formed via hydroxide bridges, even at high pH, and that the monomeric form [Eu(Pic)4_(H2O)]  was present when a large excess of a picolinate ligand was used. In addition, lifetime analysis of Eu3+ luminescence via time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy was performed under conditions where Eu(pic)2+ appears as the secondary dominant species. Strong quenching of the luminescence was detected, suggesting that polymeric complexes ([Eu(Pic)]m2m+) form, even at low pH, owing to a vicinal Eu-Eu interaction

Spontaneous Remission of Solitary-Type Infantile Myofibromatosis

Infantile myofibromatosis is a rare fibrous tumor of infancy. The cutaneous solitary type has typically an excellent prognosis. However, histologically, it is important to rule out leiomyosarcoma, which has a poor prognosis. The low frequency of mitosis was definitive for a diagnosis of infantile myofibromatosis. We present a cutaneous solitary-type case of infantile myofibromatosis. Following incisional biopsy, the tumor remitted spontaneously

Integrated radiation monitoring and interlock system for the LHD deuterium experiments

The Large Helical Device (LHD) successfully started the deuterium experiment in March 2017, in which further plasma performance improvement is envisaged to provide a firm basis for the helical reactor design. Some major upgrades of facilities have been made for safe and productive deuterium experiments. For radiation safety, the tritium removal system, the integrated radiation monitoring system, and the access control system have been newly installed. Each system has new interlock signals that will prevent any unsafe plasma operation or plant condition. Major interlock extensions have been implemented as a part of the integrated radiation monitoring system, which also has an inter-connection to the LHD central operation and control system. The radiation monitoring system RMSAFE (Radiation Monitoring System Applicable to Fusion Experiments) is already operating for monitoring γ(X)-rays in LHD. Some neutron measurements have been additionally applied for the deuterium experiments. The LHD data acquisition system LABCOM can acquire and process 24 h every day continuous data streams. Since γ(X)-ray and neutron measurements require higher availability, the sensors, controllers, data acquisition computers, network connections, and visualization servers have been designed to be duplicated or multiplexed for redundancy. The radiation monitoring displays in the LHD control room have been carefully designed to have excellent visual recognition, and to make users immediately aware of several alerts regarding the dose limits. The radiation safety web pages have been also upgraded to always show both dose rates of γ(X)-rays and neutrons in real time

Visualizing surface strain distribution of facial skin using stereovision

An experimental technique has been developed for measuring and visualizing strain distribution on facial skin. A stereovision technique based on digital image correlation is employed for obtaining the displacement distribution on the human face. Time-variation of the movement of the facial skin surface is obtained from consecutive images obtained using a pair of high-speed cameras. The strains on the facial skin surface are then obtained from the measured displacements. The performance of the developed system is demonstrated by applying it to the measurement of the strain on facial skin during the production of sound. Results show that the strains on facial skin can be visualized. Further discussion on the relationship between the creation of wrinkles and strains is possible with the help of the developed system