The Wisconsin Plasma Astrophysics Laboratory

The Wisconsin Plasma Astrophysics Laboratory (WiPAL) is a flexible user facility designed to study a range of astrophysically relevant plasma processes as well as novel geometries that mimic astrophysical systems. A multi-cusp magnetic bucket constructed from strong samarium cobalt permanent magnets now confines a 10 m$^3$, fully ionized, magnetic-field free plasma in a spherical geometry. Plasma parameters of $T_{e}\approx5$ to $20$ eV and $n_{e}\approx10^{11}$ to $5\times10^{12}$ cm$^{-3}$ provide an ideal testbed for a range of astrophysical experiments including self-exciting dynamos, collisionless magnetic reconnection, jet stability, stellar winds, and more. This article describes the capabilities of WiPAL along with several experiments, in both operating and planning stages, that illustrate the range of possibilities for future users.Comment: 21 pages, 12 figures, 2 table

Integration of new biological and physical retrospective dosimetry methods into EU emergency response plans–joint RENEB and EURADOS inter-laboratory comparisons

International audiencePurpose: RENEB, ‘Realising the European Network of Biodosimetry and Physical Retrospective Dosimetry,’ is a network for research and emergency response mutual assistance in biodosimetry within the EU. Within this extremely active network, a number of new dosimetry methods have recently been proposed or developed. There is a requirement to test and/or validate these candidate techniques and inter-comparison exercises are a well-established method for such validation. Materials and methods: The authors present details of inter-comparisons of four such new methods: dicentric chromosome analysis including telomere and centromere staining; the gene expression assay carried out in whole blood; Raman spectroscopy on blood lymphocytes, and detection of radiation-induced thermoluminescent signals in glass screens taken from mobile phones. Results: In general the results show good agreement between the laboratories and methods within the expected levels of uncertainty, and thus demonstrate that there is a lot of potential for each of the candidate techniques. Conclusions: Further work is required before the new methods can be included within the suite of reliable dosimetry methods for use by RENEB partners and others in routine and emergency response scenarios. © 2016 Crown Copyright. Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

Molecular mechanisms underlying the MiT translocation subgroup of renal cell carcinomas.

Item does not contain fulltextRenal cell carcinomas (RCCs) represent a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, which differ in histological, pathologic and clinical characteristics. The tumors originate from different locations within the nephron and are accompanied by different recurrent (cyto)genetic anomalies. Recently, a novel subgroup of RCCs has been defined, i.e., the MiT translocation subgroup of RCCs. These tumors originate from the proximal tubule of the nephron, exhibit pleomorphic histological features including clear cell morphologies and papillary structures, and are found predominantly in children and young adults. In addition, these tumors are characterized by the occurrence of recurrent chromosomal translocations, which result in disruption and fusion of either the TFE3 or TFEB genes, both members of the MiT family of basic helix-loop-helix/leucine-zipper transcription factor genes. Hence the name MiT translocation subgroup of RCCs. In this review several features of this RCC subgroup will be discussed, including the molecular mechanisms that may underlie their development