The usefulness of periostin determination in gynecology and obstetrics

Periostin (POSTN) is a multifunctional glycoprotein that belongs to the group of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Dueto the molecular structure, cellular interactions, tissue locations as well functions of POSTN, we realize that its pivotalrole is organization and regulation of ECM microenvironment. In available databases there is a lack of data summarizingcurrent knowledge about POSTN expression in the field of gynecology and obstetrics. We conducted a search in PubMedof the National Library of Medicine and Google Scholar. Databases were extensively searched for all original and reviewarticles/book chapters published in English until December 2019 and related to periostin expression. All relevant articleswere reviewed and presented as appropriate.In the field of POSTN expression there is only one paper evaluating its involvement in cervical cancer cell metabolism andonly two studies analyzing its myometrial commitment: maintenance during pregnancy and induction of parturition inphysiology as well control of fibroids biology in pathology. Much more attention has been devoted to the expression ofdescribed protein in the endometriosis, and above all in ovarian cancer. Finally, a few studies carried out among pregnantwomen were presented.In this review study we presented current knowledge about periostin expression in the field of gynecology and obstetrics.Many achieved results are interesting and further studies are needed to verify some hypotheses. Structure, signalingpathways as well many functions of periostin are well-described. However, as it was clearly shown there is a lot of unknownissues which are waiting to be explored

Neutronics issues and inertial fusion energy: a summary of findings

We have analyzed and compared five major inertial fusion energy (IFE) and two representative magnetic fusion energy (MFE) power plant designs for their environment, safety, and health (ES&H) characteristics. Our work has focussed upon the neutronics of each of the designs and the resulting radiological hazard indices. The calculation of a consistent set of hazard indices allows comparisons to be made between the designs. Such comparisons enable identification of trends in fusion ES&H characteristics and may be used to increase the likelihood of fusion achieving its full potential with respect to ES&H characteristics. The present work summarizes our findings and conclusions. This work emphasizes the need for more research in low-activation materials and for the experimental measurement of radionuclide release fractions under accident conditions

Ion Deflection for Final Optics In Laser Inertial Fusion Power Plants

Left unprotected, both transmissive and reflective final optics in a laser inertial fusion power plant would quickly fail from melting, pulsed thermal stresses, or degradation of optical properties as a result of ion implantation. One potential option for mitigating this threat is to magnetically deflect the ions such that they are directed into a robust energy dump. In this paper we detail integrated studies that have been carried out to asses the viability of this approach for protecting final optics

Particle Splitting for Monte-Carlo Simulation of the National Ignition Facility

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is scheduled for completion in 2009. Thereafter, experiments will commence in which capsules of DT will be imploded, generating neutrons, gammas, x-rays, and other reaction products that will interact in the facility's structure. In order to understand and minimize the exposure of workers within the facility to prompt and delayed (activation) dose, they have developed a model for the facility using the three-dimensional Monte Carlo particle transport code, TART. To obtain acceptable statistics in a reasonable amount of time, biasing techniques are employed. In an effort to improve efficiency, they are studying the optimization of particle splitting using geometrically similar, but much simpler models. They are discussing their techniques and results

The impact of pulsed irradiation upon neutron activation calculations for inertial and magnetic fusion energy power plants

Inertial fusion energy (IFE) and magnetic fusion energy (MFE) power plants will probably operate in a pulsed mode. The two different schemes, however, will have quite different time periods. Typical repetition rates for IFE power plants will be 1-5 Hz. MFE power plants will ramp up in current for about 1 hour, shut down for several minutes, and repeat the process. Traditionally, activation calculations for IFE and MFE power plants have assumed continuous operation and used either the ``steady state`` (SS) or ``equivalent steady state`` (ESS) approximations. It has been suggested recently that the SS and ESS methods may not yield accurate results for all radionuclides of interest. The present work expands that of Sisolak, et al. by applying their formulae to conditions which might be experienced in typical IFE and MFE power plants. In addition, complicated, multi-step reaction/decay chains are analyzed using an upgraded version of the ACAB radionuclide generation/depletion code. Our results indicate that the SS method is suitable for application to MFE power plant conditions. We also find that the ESS method generates acceptable results for radionuclides with half-lives more than a factor of three greater than the time between pulses. For components that are subject to 0.05 Hz (or more frequent) irradiation (such as coolant), use of the ESS method is recommended. For components or materials that are subject to less frequent irradiation (such as high-Z target materials), pulsed irradiation calculations should be used

III-V-on-silicon anti-colliding pulse-type mode-locked laser

An anti-colliding pulse-type III–V-on-silicon passively mode-locked laser is presented for the first time based on a III–V-on-silicon distributed Bragg reflector as outcoupling mirror implemented partially underneath the III–V saturable absorber. Passive mode-locking at 4.83 GHz repetition rate generating 3 ps pulses is demonstrated. The generated fundamental RF tone shows a 1.7 kHz 3 dB linewidth. Over 9 mW waveguide coupled output power is demonstrated

Improved Final Focus Shielding Designs for Modern Heavy-Ion Fusion Power Plant Designs

Recent work in heavy-ion fusion accelerators and final focusing systems shows a trend towards less current per beam, and thus, a significantly greater number of beams. Final focusing magnets are susceptible to nuclear heating, radiation damage, and neutron activation. The trend towards more beams, however, means that there can be less shielding for each magnet. Excessive levels of nuclear heating may lead to magnet quench or an intolerable recirculating power for magnet cooling. High levels of radiation damage may result in short magnet lifetimes and low reliability. Finally, neutron activation of the magnet components may lead to difficulties in maintenance, recycling, and waste disposal. The present work expands upon previous, three-dimensional magnet shielding calculations for a modified version of the HYLIFE-II IFE power plant design. We present key magnet results as a function of the number of beams