219 research outputs found
Fast ignition of fusion targets by laser-driven electrons
We present hybrid PIC simulations of fast electron transport and energy
deposition in pre-compressed fusion targets, taking full account of collective
magnetic effects and the hydrodynamic response of the background plasma.
Results on actual ignition of an imploded fast ignition configuration are shown
accounting for the increased beam divergence found in recent experiments [J.S.
Green et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 015003 (2008)] and the reduction of the
electron kinetic energy due to profile steepening predicted by advanced PIC
simulations [B. Chrisman et al. Phys. Plasmas 15, 056309 (2008)]. Target
ignition is studied as a function of injected electron energy, distance of
cone-tip to dense core, initial divergence and kinetic energy of the
relativistic electron beam. We found that beam collimation reduces
substantially the ignition energies of the cone-guided fuel configuration
assumed here.Comment: 15 pages, 9 figures. accepted for publication in Plasma Physics and
Controlled Fusio
Fast ignition driven by quasi-monoenergetic ions: Optimal ion type and reduction of ignition energies with an ion beam array
Fast ignition of inertial fusion targets driven by quasi-monoenergetic ion
beams is investigated by means of numerical simulations. Light and intermediate
ions such as lithium, carbon, aluminium and vanadium have been considered.
Simulations show that the minimum ignition energies of an ideal configuration
of compressed Deuterium-Tritium are almost independent on the ion atomic
number. However, they are obtained for increasing ion energies, which scale,
approximately, as Z^2, where Z is the ion atomic number. Assuming that the ion
beam can be focused into 10 {\mu}m spots, a new irradiation scheme is proposed
to reduce the ignition energies. The combination of intermediate Z ions, such
as 5.5 GeV vanadium, and the new irradiation scheme allows a reduction of the
number of ions required for ignition by, roughly, three orders of magnitude
when compared with the standard proton fast ignition scheme
Experimental results on advanced inertial fusion schemes obtained within the HiPER project
This paper presents de results of experiments conducted within the Work Package 10 (fusion experimental programme) of the HiPER project. The aim of these experiments was to study the physics relevant for advanced ignition schemes for inertial confinement fusion, i.e. the fast ignition and the shock ignition. Such schemes allow to achieve a higher
fusion gain compared to the indirect drive approach adopted in the National Ignition Facility in United States, which is
important for the future inertial fusion energy reactors and for realising the inertial fusion with smaller facilitie
Enhanced relativistic-electron beam collimation using two consecutive laser pulses
The double laser pulse approach to relativistic electron beam (REB)
collimation has been investigated at the LULI-ELFIE facility. In this scheme,
the magnetic field generated by the first laser-driven REB is used to guide a
second delayed REB. We show how electron beam collimation can be controlled by
properly adjusting laser parameters. By changing the ratio of focus size and
the delay time between the two pulses we found a maximum of electron beam
collimation clearly dependent on the focal spot size ratio of the two laser
pulses and related to the magnetic field dynamics. Cu-K alpha and CTR imaging
diagnostics were implemented to evaluate the collimation effects on the
respectively low energy ( MeV) components of the
REB
Multi-dimensionality and variability in folk classification of stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini)
Background: Not long ago Eugene Hunn suggested using a combination of cognitive, linguistic, ecological and evolutionary theories in order to account for the dynamic character of ethnoecology in the study of folk classification systems. In this way he intended to question certain homogeneity in folk classifications models and deepen in the analysis and interpretation of variability in folk classifications. This paper studies how a rural culturally mixed population of the Atlantic Forest of Misiones (Argentina) classified honey-producing stingless bees according to the linguistic, cognitive and ecological dimensions of folk classification. We also analyze the socio-ecological meaning of binomialization in naming and the meaning of general local variability in the appointment of stingless bees. Methods: We used three different approaches: the classical approach developed by Brent Berlin which relies heavily on linguistic criteria, the approach developed by Eleonor Rosch which relies on psychological (cognitive) principles of categorization and finally we have captured the ecological dimension of folk classification in local narratives. For the second approximation, we developed ways of measuring the degree of prototypicality based on a total of 107 comparisons of the type "X is similar to Y" identified in personal narratives. Results: Various logical and grouping strategies coexist and were identified as: graded of lateral linkage, hierarchical and functional. Similarity judgments among folk taxa resulted in an implicit logic of classification graded according to taxa's prototypicality. While there is a high agreement on naming stingless bees with monomial names, a considerable number of underrepresented binomial names and lack of names were observed. Two possible explanations about reported local naming variability are presented. Conclusions: We support the multidimensionality of folk classification systems. This confirms the specificity of local classification systems but also reflects the use of grouping strategies and mechanisms commonly observed in other cultural groups, such as the use of similarity judgments between more or less prototypical organisms. Also we support the idea that alternative naming results from a process of fragmentation of knowledge or incomplete transmission of knowledge. These processes lean on the facts that culturally based knowledge, on the one hand, and biologic knowledge of nature on the other, can be acquired through different learning pathways.Fil: Zamudio, Fernando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientĂficas y TĂ©cnicas. Centro CientĂfico TecnolĂłgico CĂłrdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de BiologĂa Vegetal (p); ArgentinaFil: Hilgert, Norma Ines. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientiâÂficas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Nordeste. Instituto de Biologia Subtropical. Instituto de Biologia Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazu; Argentin
Cardiovascular and renal outcomes of renin-angiotensin system blockade in adult patients with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review with network meta-analyses
Medications aimed at inhibiting the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) have been used extensively for preventing cardiovascular and renal complications in patients with diabetes, but data that compare their clinical effectiveness are limited. We aimed to compare the effects of classes of RAS blockers on cardiovascular and renal outcomes in adults with diabetes
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