Ion current density profile of laser ablation plasma transported in multicusp magnetic field

Laser ion sources are capable of supplying ion beams with high current because a laser produced plasma has initially high number density same as that of solid. [1]..

Laser-induced-fluorescence measurement of thermal conductivity in warm dense matter generated by pulsed-power discharge

Thermal conductivity in warm dense matter is one of the interests for thermonuclear fusion scenarios. Alternative inertial confinement fusion, which is a fast ignition with applied magnetic field [1], has been considered to improve the coupling efficiency. The target behavior of the fast ignition with applied magnetic field depends on the anisotropic thermal conductivity. The magnetic confinement fusion (MCF) [2] Up to now, the heat load on the divertor in previous MCF systems has been unreached parameter. Thus, to predict properties of the divertor under these heat loads, several experiments have been performed using several methods[3-6]. To predict the performance of the tungsten divertor in MCF, we should analyze not only metallurgical properties but also thermophysical properties of ablated tungsten..

Laser-induced-fluorescence measurement of thermal conductivity in warm dense matter generated by pulsed-power discharge

Thermal conductivity in warm dense matter is one of the interests for thermonuclear fusion scenarios. Alternative inertial confinement fusion, which is a fast ignition with applied magnetic field [1], has been considered to improve the coupling efficiency. The target behavior of the fast ignition with applied magnetic field depends on the anisotropic thermal conductivity. The magnetic confinement fusion (MCF) [2] Up to now, the heat load on the divertor in previous MCF systems has been unreached parameter. Thus, to predict properties of the divertor under these heat loads, several experiments have been performed using several methods[3-6]. To predict the performance of the tungsten divertor in MCF, we should analyze not only metallurgical properties but also thermophysical properties of ablated tungsten..

Recent activity on beam dynamics study during longitudinal bunch compression by using compact beam simulators for heavy ion inertial fusion

In heavy ion inertial fusion scenario, heavy ion beams with extreme high current are most important assignment [1]. Predictions of beam behavior are basic necessity to design the accelerator complex. Especially, a bunch compression manipulation in the final stage of accelerator complex is required to generate the beam with high current and suitable short pulse duration [2]..

Recent activity on beam dynamics study during longitudinal bunch compression by using compact beam simulators for heavy ion inertial fusion

In heavy ion inertial fusion scenario, heavy ion beams with extreme high current are most important assignment [1]. Predictions of beam behavior are basic necessity to design the accelerator complex. Especially, a bunch compression manipulation in the final stage of accelerator complex is required to generate the beam with high current and suitable short pulse duration [2]..

Tight junctions in Schwann cells of peripheral myelinated axons: a lesson from claudin-19–deficient mice

Tight junction (TJ)–like structures have been reported in Schwann cells, but their molecular composition and physiological function remain elusive. We found that claudin-19, a novel member of the claudin family (TJ adhesion molecules in epithelia), constituted these structures. Claudin-19–deficient mice were generated, and they exhibited behavioral abnormalities that could be attributed to peripheral nervous system deficits. Electrophysiological analyses showed that the claudin-19 deficiency affected the nerve conduction of peripheral myelinated fibers. Interestingly, the overall morphology of Schwann cells lacking claudin-19 expression appeared to be normal not only in the internodal region but also at the node of Ranvier, except that TJs completely disappeared, at least from the outer/inner mesaxons. These findings have indicated that, similar to epithelial cells, Schwann cells also bear claudin-based TJs, and they have also suggested that these TJs are not involved in the polarized morphogenesis but are involved in the electrophysiological “sealing” function of Schwann cells

Effects of a high-fat diet on the electrical properties of porcine atria

AbstractBackgroundBecause obesity is an important risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), we conducted an animal study to examine the effect of a high-fat diet (HFD) on atrial properties and AF inducibility.MethodsTen 8-week-old pigs (weight, 18–23kg) were divided into two groups. For 18 weeks, five pigs were fed a HFD (HFD group) and five were fed a normal diet (control group). Maps of atrial activation and voltages during sinus rhythm were created for all pigs using the EnSite NavX system. Effective refractory period (ERP) and AF inducibility were also determined. When AF was induced, complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CFAE) mapping was performed. At 18 weeks, hearts were removed for comparing the results of histological analysis between the two groups. Body weight, lipid levels, hemodynamics, cardiac structures, and electrophysiological properties were also compared.ResultsTotal cholesterol levels were significantly higher (347 [191–434] vs. 81 [67–88]mg/dL, P=0.0088), and left atrium pressure was higher (34.5 [25.6–39.5] vs. 24.5 [21.3–27.8]mmHg, P=0.0833) in the HFD group than in the control group, although body weight only increased marginally (89 [78–101] vs. 70 [66–91]kg, P=0.3472). ERPs of the pulmonary vein (PV) were shorter (P<0.05) and AF lasted longer in the HFD group than in the control group (80 [45–1350] vs. 22 [3–30]s, P=0.0212). Neither CFAE site distribution nor histopathological characteristics differed between the two groups.ConclusionsThe shorter ERPs for the PV observed in response to the HFD increased vulnerability to AF, and these electrophysiological characteristics may underlie obesity-related AF

High Myopia and Its Associated Factors in JPHC-NEXT Eye Study: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

The increasing prevalence of high myopia has been noted. We investigated the epidemiological characteristics and the related factors of high myopia in a Japanese adult population. Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospective Study for the Next Generation (JPHC-NEXT) Eye Study was performed in Chikusei-city, a rural area in mid-east Japan, between 2013 and 2015. A cross-sectional observational analysis was conducted to investigate prevalence and related factors of high myopia. A total of 6101 participants aged ≥40 years without a history of ocular surgeries was included. High myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent refraction of ≤-6.00 diopters according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Potential high myopia-related factors included intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal structure, corneal endothelial cell density, age, height, body mass index, heart rate, blood pressure, biochemical profile, and current history of systemic and ocular disorders. The odds ratios of high myopia were estimated using the logistic regression models adjusted for the associated factors. The prevalence of high myopia was 3.8% in males and 5.9% in females with a significant difference. Age was inversely associated, IOP was positively associated, and none of other factors were associated with high myopia in both sexes. In conclusion, only age and IOP were associated with high myopia in this community-based sample