Front-end electronics for ATLAS pixel detector

Large advances have been made over the last years in the development of rad-soft readout chip prototypes, closing the first phase of the ATLAS pixel [2] demonstrator programme. The next step of this programme is aimed at realizing a full scale pixel front-end chip using two rad-hard technologies. The DMILL chip has been received in Oct. 99 and the deep submicron design is currently under development. Measurements on the DMILL ATLAS pixel Front-end chip are presented

A novel forcing technique to simulate turbulent mixing in a decaying scalar field

To realize the full potential of Direct Numerical Simulation in turbulent mixing studies, it is necessary to develop numerical schemes capable of sustaining the flow physics of turbulent scalar quantities. In this work, a new scalar field forcing technique, termed “linear scalar forcing,” is presented and evaluated for passive scalars. It is compared to both the well-known mean scalar gradient forcing technique and a low waveshell spectral forcing technique. The proposed forcing is designed to capture the physics of one-time scalar variance injection and the subsequent self-similar turbulent scalar field decay, whereas the mean scalar gradient forcing and low waveshell forcing techniques are representative of continuous scalar variance injection. The linear scalar forcing technique is examined over a range of Schmidt numbers, and the behavior of the proposed scalar forcing is analyzed using single and two-point statistics. The proposed scalar forcing technique is found to be perfectly isotropic, preserving accepted scalar field statistics (fluxes) and distributions (scalar quantity, dissipation rate). Additionally, it is found that the spectra resulting from the three scalar forcing techniques are comparable for unity Schmidt number conditions, but differences manifest at high Schmidt numbers. These disparities are reminiscent of those reported between scaling arguments suggested by theoretical predictions and experimental results for the viscous-convective subrange

A proposed modification to Lundgren's physical space velocity forcing method for isotropic turbulence

As an alternative to spectral space velocity field forcing techniques commonly used in simulation studies of isotropic turbulence,Lundgren [Linearly forced isotropic turbulence,” in Annual Research Briefs (Center for Turbulence Research, Stanford, 2003), pp. 461–473] proposed and Rosales and Meneveau [“Linear forcing in numerical simulations of isotropic turbulence: Physical space implementations and convergence properties,” Phys. Fluids17, 095106 (2005)] validated a physical space forcing method termed “linear forcing.” Linear forcing has the advantages of being less memory intensive, less computationally expensive, and more easily extended to variable density simulations. However, this forcing method generates turbulent statistics that are highly oscillatory, requiring extended simulation run times to attain time-invariant properties. A slight modification of the forcing term is proposed, and it is shown to reduce this oscillatory nature without altering the turbulent physics

Cisplatin in combination with Phenethyl Isothiocyanate (PEITC), a potential new therapeutic strategy for malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a very aggressive form of cancer with a poor diagnosis and prognosis. The first line treatment for MPM is a combination of cisplatin and Pemetrexed, which displayed limited efficacy and severe side effects. The naturally occurring compound phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) previously showed interesting anti-tumor properties on several cancer cell lines. We thus aim at evaluating PEITC used alone or in combination with cisplatin in order to improve MPM treatment. Nine MPM cell lines and primary mesothelial cells (PMC), co-cultured or not with M2 macrophages present in MPM microenvironment, were used to assess PEITC and cisplatin anti-tumor properties. Compounds were used alone or in combination. Both PEITC and cisplatin were cytotoxic on MPM cells in a dose dependent manner. We herein showed that PEITC-induced cytotoxicity was due to the generation of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, we showed that cisplatin-PEITC combination allowed the potentialization of both compounds’ cytotoxic effects and prevented the emergence of resistant MPM cells. Interestingly, PMC were not sensitive to the combination. Finally, we showed that M2 macrophages did not alter the anti-tumor properties of the combination. Cisplatin-PEITC combination thus represents a promising strategy to induce a selective toxicity towards malignant cells.Iza Denis, Laurent Cellerin, Marc Gregoire and Christophe Blanquar

Deliverable D32 Core indicators for the interconnection between short and long-distance transport networks ; projet 7FP CLOSER (Connecting LOng and Short-distance networks for Efficient Transport); September 2011

The CLOSER project has been set to analyse the interfaces and interconnections between long distance transport networks and local/regional transport networks of all modes. The project is funded within the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Commission, under the topic TPT-2008.0.0.13 “New mobility/organisational schemes: interconnection between short and long-distance transport networks”. The goal of WP3 of CLOSER is to establish a set of core indicators that reflect the most crucial issues connected to interfaces between short and long-distance transport networks, both for passenger and freight transport. This includes the creation of a structured representation of these interfaces, determination of core indicators, and the assessment of usability of the core indicators. CLOSER WP3 has produced two deliverables, of which the current document is the second. The first deliverable “Interconnections between short and long-distance transport networks: Structure of interface and existing indicators” (Andersen et al., 2010) contained a review of existing indicators related to interfaces between long and short-distance freight and passenger transport.The aim of this document is to structure the interconnections between short and longdistancetransport networks. This in particular includes:- Establishment of selection criteria to choose core indicators- Selection and validation of core indicators and new indicators- Set of typologies of interfacesThe document also presents the results of the WP3 workshop arranged in Lille on May 24, 2011

Case studies: results and synthesis projet 7FP CLOSER (Connecting LOng and Short-distance networks for Efficient Transport) Rapport de recherche Deliverable 5.2 project européen CLOSER.

The CLOSER project has been set to analyse the interfaces and interconnectionsbetween long distance transport networks and local/regional transport networks of allmodes. The project is funded within the Seventh Framework Programme of theEuropean Commission, under the topic TPT-2008.0.0.13 “New mobility/organisationalschemes: interconnection between short and long-distance transport networks”.The objective of WP5 of CLOSER is to accomplish in-depth case studies to deepenand validate the understanding of results obtained in Work packages 2, 3 and 4. Thiswill be achieved by:- Developing a joint assessment and evaluation framework for the case studies,incorporating knowledge that has been obtained in WP 2, WP 3 and WP 4- Carrying out the case studies- Synthesising the results of the case studies in order to give inputs for thedevelopment of recommendations in WP 6.The deliverable at hand summarises the seven case studies that have been conductedin the CLOSER project: Leipzig-Halle airport (Germany) Armentiéres station (France) Oslo bus terminal Vaterland (Norway) Port of Helsinki (Finland) Thessaloniki port (Greece) Constantza port (Romania) Vilnius Airport (Lithuania