Stable distribution in fragmentation processes

We introduce three models of fragmentation in which the largest fragment in the system can be broken at each time step with a fixed probability, p. We solve these models exactly in the long time limit to reveal stable time invariant (scaling) solutions which depend on p and the precise details of the fragmentation process. Various features of these models are compared with those of conventional fragmentation models. To get Figures e-mail to G.J. [email protected]

Classical BI: Its Semantics and Proof Theory

We present Classical BI (CBI), a new addition to the family of bunched logics which originates in O'Hearn and Pym's logic of bunched implications BI. CBI differs from existing bunched logics in that its multiplicative connectives behave classically rather than intuitionistically (including in particular a multiplicative version of classical negation). At the semantic level, CBI-formulas have the normal bunched logic reading as declarative statements about resources, but its resource models necessarily feature more structure than those for other bunched logics; principally, they satisfy the requirement that every resource has a unique dual. At the proof-theoretic level, a very natural formalism for CBI is provided by a display calculus \`a la Belnap, which can be seen as a generalisation of the bunched sequent calculus for BI. In this paper we formulate the aforementioned model theory and proof theory for CBI, and prove some fundamental results about the logic, most notably completeness of the proof theory with respect to the semantics.Comment: 42 pages, 8 figure

Fabrication and Characterization of Dual Phase Magnesia-Zirconia Ceramics Doped with Plutonia

Dual phase magnesia-zirconia ceramics doped with plutonia are being studied as an inert matrix fuel (IMF) for light water reactors. The motivation of this work is to develop an IMF with a thermal conductivity superior to that of the fuels based on yttria stabilized zirconia. The concept uses the MgO phase as an efficient heat conductor to increase thermal conductivity of the composite. In this paper ceramic fabrication and characterization by scanning electron microscopy, energy and wavelength dispersive xray spectroscopy is discussed. Characterization shows that the ceramics consist of the two-phase matrix and PuO2-rich inclusions. The matrix is comprised of pure MgO phase and MgO-ZrO2-PuO2 solid solution. The PuO2-rich inclusion contained dissolved MgO and ZrO2

Development of very-high-density low-enriched-uranium fuels

The RERTR program has recently begun an aggressive effort to develop dispersion fuels for research and test reactors with uranium densities of 8 to 9 g U/cm{sup 3}, based on the use of {gamma}-stabilized uranium alloys. Fabrication development teams and facilities are being put into place and preparations for the first irradiation test are in progress. The first screening irradiations are expected to begin in late April 1997 and first results should be available by end of 1997. Discussions with potential international partners in fabrication development and irradiation testing have begun

The Drift Chambers Of The Nomad Experiment

We present a detailed description of the drift chambers used as an active target and a tracking device in the NOMAD experiment at CERN. The main characteristics of these chambers are a large area, a self supporting structure made of light composite materials and a low cost. A spatial resolution of 150 microns has been achieved with a single hit efficiency of 97%.Comment: 42 pages, 26 figure

Dye-Sensitized Nonstoichiometric Strontium Titanate Core-Shell Photocathodes for Photoelectrosynthesis Applications

A core-shell approach that utilizes a high-surface-area conducting core and an outer semiconductor shell is exploited here to prepare p-type dye-sensitized solar energy cells that operate with a minimal applied bias. Photocathodes were prepared by coating thin films of nanocrystalline indium tin oxide with a 0.8 nm Al2O3 seeding layer, followed by the chemical growth of nonstoichiometric strontium titanate. Films were annealed and sensitized with either a porphyrin chromophore or a chromophore-catalyst molecular assembly consisting of the porphyrin covalently tethered to the ruthenium complex. The sensitized photoelectrodes produced cathodic photocurrents of up to -315 μA/cm2 under simulated sunlight (AM1.5G, 100 mW/cm2) in aqueous media, pH 5. The photocurrent was increased by the addition of regenerative hole donors to the system, consistent with slow interfacial recombination kinetics, an important property of p-type dye-sensitized electrodes

Panspermia, Past and Present: Astrophysical and Biophysical Conditions for the Dissemination of Life in Space

Astronomically, there are viable mechanisms for distributing organic material throughout the Milky Way. Biologically, the destructive effects of ultraviolet light and cosmic rays means that the majority of organisms arrive broken and dead on a new world. The likelihood of conventional forms of panspermia must therefore be considered low. However, the information content of dam-aged biological molecules might serve to seed new life (necropanspermia).Comment: Accepted for publication in Space Science Review

Differential cell susceptibilities to kras(G12D) in the setting of obstructive chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Activating mutation of the KRAS gene is common in some cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, but rare in other cancers. Chronic pancreatitis is a predisposing condition for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but how it synergizes with KRAS mutation is not known. METHODS: We used a mouse model to express an activating mutation of Kras in conjunction with obstruction of the main pancreatic duct to recapitulate a common etiology of human chronic pancreatitis. Because the cell of origin of PDAC is not clear, Kras mutation was introduced into either duct cells or acinar cells. RESULTS: Although Kras(G12D) expression in both cell types was protective against damage-associated cell death, chronic pancreatitis induced p53, p21, and growth arrest only in acinar-derived cells. Mutant duct cells did not elevate p53 or p21 expression and exhibited increased proliferation driving the appearance of PDAC over time. CONCLUSIONS: One mechanism by which tissues may be susceptible or resistant to KRAS(G12D)-initiated tumorigenesis is whether they undergo a p53-mediated damage response. In summary, we have uncovered a mechanism by which inflammation and intrinsic cellular programming synergize for the development of PDAC