Analysis of the temperature influence on Langmuir probe measurements on the basis of gyrofluid simulations

The influence of the temperature and its fluctuations on the ion saturation current and the floating potential, which are typical quantities measured by Langmuir probes in the turbulent edge region of fusion plasmas, is analysed by global nonlinear gyrofluid simulations for two exemplary parameter regimes. The numerical simulation facilitates a direct access to densities, temperatures and the plasma potential at different radial positions around the separatrix. This allows a comparison between raw data and the calculated ion saturation current and floating potential within the simulation. Calculations of the fluctuation-induced radial particle flux and its statistical properties reveal significant differences to the actual values at all radial positions of the simulation domain, if the floating potential and the temperature averaged density inferred from the ion saturation current is used.Comment: Submitted to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusio

Biochip array technology and evaluation of serum levels of multiple cytokines and adhesion molecules in patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia

Aim: Evaluation of serum levels of 17 cytokines and 5 adhesion molecules in patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and in healthy subjects using biochip array technology. Methods: A total of 15 AML patients and 15 healthy subjects (blood donors) were studied. Serum samples were analyzed by biochip based immunoassays on the Evidence Investigator analyzer. This approach allows multi-analytical determination from a single sample. T-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: In newly diagnosed AML patients, we found significant increase (p < 0.01) in serum VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, L-selectin, and significant increase (p < 0.05) in serum IL-6, IL-8. No significant differences were found in the levels of other evaluated cytokines and adhesion molecules. Conclusion: Our results indicate that serum levels of specific cytokines and adhesion molecules ­(­VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, L-selectin, IL-6, IL-8) are significantly altered in patients with newly diagnosed AML, showing activity of the disease. Whether these alterations could serve as a prognostic marker for AML is not known. Further studies will be needed to define the potential role of these and additional markers in the risk stratification of AML. Key Words: cytokines, adhesion molecules, biochip array, acute myeloid leukemia

Baseline serum levels of multiple cytokines and adhesion molecules in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: results of a pivotal trial

Aim: Evaluation of serum levels of 17 cytokines and 5 adhesion molecules in patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) using biochip array technology. We searched for links between baseline levels and age, hyperleukocytosis, secondary origin of AML, resistance to induction therapy with cytarabine and daunorubicin and standard risk stratification according to cytogenetics and molecular genetics. Methods: We evaluated the sera of 51 consecutive patients. Serum samples were analyzed by biochip based immunoassays on the Evidence Investigator analyzer. T-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: We found that higher age is associated with lower levels of interleukin (IL)-12. Patients with secondary disease were older, had higher levels of EGF and IL-7, and lower levels of E-selectin, IL-12 and IL-13. In hyperleukocytosis, the levels of IL-1β, IL-2, TNF-α, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, ­E-selectin and L-selectin were increased, whereas levels of IFN-γ and MCP-1 were decreased. In patients who failed to achieve complete remission after induction therapy, we found lower E-selectin and P-selectin levels. High risk patients had lower levels of IFN-γ. Conclusion: Some leukemic cell subpopulations have the ability to produce cytokines that modulate the microenvironment by inducing inflammation. This causes endothelial cells to be activated and overexpress adhesion molecules. Hyperleukocytosis and secondary origin of the disease are the major factors influencing the cytokine and adhesion molecule profile in newly diagnosed AML patients. Key Words: cytokines, adhesion molecules, biochip array, acute myeloid leukemia

New data on the structure and age of the terminal Permian strata in the South Verkhoyansk region (northeastern Asia)

© 2015.We present new data on the structure and age of the upper Permian strata in the basin of the Setorym River (tributary of the Vostochnaya Khandyga River) in the South Verkhoyansk region, represented by the Imtachan Formation and the lower part of the Nekuchan Formation. Based on the new findings of bivalve fossils from the Intomodesma costatum Zone, as well as on the study of carbon isotopes in the shells and carbon isotopes of the organic matter of the host mudstones, we have for the first time proved the completeness of the Permian section. The detailed description of the contact between the Imtachan and Nekuchan Formations bears evidence for a certain continuity of the lithologic characteristics of the sandstones. The sharp lithologic contact between the formations reflects not a regional sedimentation hiatus but a shift of depositional settings from the upper parts of a delta to the deep shelf, caused by forced marine transgression. It is concluded that there was no long-term hiatus between the accumulation of the Imtachan and Nekuchan Formations. Images of the most characteristic species of bivalves and crinoids from the Imtachan Formation are presented

Effect of binder on performance of intumescent coatings

This study investigates the role of the polymeric binder on the properties and performance of an intumescent coating. Waterborne resins of different types (vinylic, acrylic, and styrene-acrylic) were incorporated in an intumescent paint formulation, and characterized extensively in terms of thermal degradation behavior, intumescence thickness, and thermal insulation. Thermal microscopy images of charred foam development provided further information on the particular performance of each type of coating upon heating. The best foam expansion and heat protection results were obtained with the vinyl binders. Rheological measurements showed a complex evolution of the viscoelastic characteristics of the materials with temperature. As an example, the vinyl binders unexpectedly hardened significantly after thermal degradation. The values of storage moduli obtained at the onset of foam blowing (melamine decomposition) were used to explain different intumescence expansion behaviors.Funding for this work was provided by FCT-Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (Project PTDC/EQU-EQU/65300/2006), and by FEDER/QREN (project RHED) in the - framework of Programa Operacional Factor de Competitividade-COMPETE. Joana Pimenta thanks FCT for PhD Grant SFRH/BDE/33431/2008

Conifers in cold environments synchronize maximum growth rate of tree-ring formation with day length

Intra-annual radial growth rates and durations in trees are reported to differ greatly in relation to species, site and environmental conditions. However, very similar dynamics of cambial activity and wood formation are observed in temperate and boreal zones. Here, we compared weekly xylem cell production and variation in stem circumference in the main northern hemisphere conifer species (genera Picea, Pinus, Abies and Larix) from 1996 to 2003. Dynamics of radial growth were modeled with a Gompertz function, defining the upper asymptote (A), x-axis placement (β) and rate of change (κ). A strong linear relationship was found between the constants β and κ for both types of analysis. The slope of the linear regression, which corresponds to the time at which maximum growth rate occurred, appeared to converge towards the summer solstice. The maximum growth rate occurred around the time of maximum day length, and not during the warmest period of the year as previously suggested. The achievements of photoperiod could act as a growth constraint or a limit after which the rate of tree-ring formation tends to decrease, thus allowing plants to safely complete secondary cell wall lignification before winter

Investigation of geographic origin of wine from border regions: Potential limitations and possibilities of different analytical methods and combinations of methods to identify the correct side of the border

In the presented project the investigation on discrimination of geographic origin of wine in from border areas is carried out. Authentic wine samples from the border areas of Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia (and from Serbia) are investigated and compared by applying different physico-chemical methods (e.g. IRMS, NMR, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, EPR, HPLC, UV-VIS, etc.). The comparison of the data sets from the participating countries and the different applied methods will show, to which extent a differentiation can still be achieved in the border areas of the respective countries, which methods prove most efficient and sensitive and if a combination of methods will lead to an increased sensitivity. Furthermore, we also investigate the causes for the potential differentiation, which might be environmentally determined, due to different agricultural and/or enological practices. Results from the first investigated vintage 2016 show a good separation of the respective geographic origins by isotope ratios and element concentrations as well as by other parameters. The relevant parameters for differentiation now have to be critically evaluated to exclude potential lab influences