Radio-frequency discharges in Oxygen. Part 1: Modeling

In this series of three papers we present results from a combined experimental and theoretical effort to quantitatively describe capacitively coupled radio-frequency discharges in oxygen. The particle-in-cell Monte-Carlo model on which the theoretical description is based will be described in the present paper. It treats space charge fields and transport processes on an equal footing with the most important plasma-chemical reactions. For given external voltage and pressure, the model determines the electric potential within the discharge and the distribution functions for electrons, negatively charged atomic oxygen, and positively charged molecular oxygen. Previously used scattering and reaction cross section data are critically assessed and in some cases modified. To validate our model, we compare the densities in the bulk of the discharge with experimental data and find good agreement, indicating that essential aspects of an oxygen discharge are captured.Comment: 11 pages, 10 figure

CSR and related terms in SME owner-managers' mental models in six European countries: national context matters

As a contribution to the emerging field of corporate social responsibility (CSR) cognition, this article reports on the findings of an exploratory study that compares SME owner–managers’ mental models with regard to CSR and related concepts across six European countries (Belgium, Italy, Norway, France, UK, Spain). Utilising Repertory Grid Technique, we found that the SME owner–managers’ mental models show a few commonalities as well as a number of differences across the different country samples. We interpret those differences by linking individual cognition to macro-environmental variables, such as language, national traditions and dissemination mechanisms. The results of our exploratory study show that nationality matters but that classifications of countries as found in the comparative capitalism literature do not exactly mirror national differences in CSR cognition and that these classifications need further differentiation. The findings from our study raise questions on the universality of cognition of academic management concepts and warn that promotion of responsible business practice should not rely on the use of unmediated US American management terminology

Genetic Dissection of Acute Ethanol Responsive Gene Networks in Prefrontal Cortex: Functional and Mechanistic Implications

Background Individual differences in initial sensitivity to ethanol are strongly related to the heritable risk of alcoholism in humans. To elucidate key molecular networks that modulate ethanol sensitivity we performed the first systems genetics analysis of ethanol-responsive gene expression in brain regions of the mesocorticolimbic reward circuit (prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and ventral midbrain) across a highly diverse family of 27 isogenic mouse strains (BXD panel) before and after treatment with ethanol. Results Acute ethanol altered the expression of ~2,750 genes in one or more regions and 400 transcripts were jointly modulated in all three. Ethanol-responsive gene networks were extracted with a powerful graph theoretical method that efficiently summarized ethanol\u27s effects. These networks correlated with acute behavioral responses to ethanol and other drugs of abuse. As predicted, networks were heavily populated by genes controlling synaptic transmission and neuroplasticity. Several of the most densely interconnected network hubs, including Kcnma1 and Gsk3β, are known to influence behavioral or physiological responses to ethanol, validating our overall approach. Other major hub genes like Grm3, Pten and Nrg3 represent novel targets of ethanol effects. Networks were under strong genetic control by variants that we mapped to a small number of chromosomal loci. Using a novel combination of genetic, bioinformatic and network-based approaches, we identified high priority cis-regulatory candidate genes, including Scn1b,Gria1, Sncb and Nell2. Conclusions The ethanol-responsive gene networks identified here represent a previously uncharacterized intermediate phenotype between DNA variation and ethanol sensitivity in mice. Networks involved in synaptic transmission were strongly regulated by ethanol and could contribute to behavioral plasticity seen with chronic ethanol. Our novel finding that hub genes and a small number of loci exert major influence over the ethanol response of gene networks could have important implications for future studies regarding the mechanisms and treatment of alcohol use disorders

Kinetic transport model for the ELMO Bumpy Torus

A bounce-averaged drift kinetic equation is solved for the toroidal plasma in the ELMO Bumpy Torus (EBT). The distribution function is assumed isotropic in pitch angle and calculated as a function of radius and speed using finite differences on a two-dimensional grid. A Fokker-Planck representation of the collision operator includes Coulomb, microwave, ionizing, and charge-exchange collisions. Ion and electron fluxes, computed as integrals of the distribution function, are of comparable magnitude for ambipolar potentials which are approximately self-consistent. Initial results assume an unperturbed distribution function which is Maxwellian; however, this is not a necessary assumption in the model. Careful accounting of loss regions where electric and magnetic poloidal drifts cancel (super banana particle orbits) leads to ion loss rates which are in some cases two orders of magnitude greater than electron rates. In these cases, radially inward pointing self-consistent electric fields occur with potentials on the order of a few times the ion temperature. These negative field results are in approximate agreement with experiment and appear to be stable to the electric field runaway encountered in positive field cases

The effect of realistic antenna geometries on plasma loading predictions

Plasma loading resistances for Ion Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ICRH) antennas are often calculated with sophisticated plasma models and only rudimentary antenna geometries. This paper presents techniques for modifying loading calculations for cavity antennas to account for such realities as return currents in the antenna sidewalls and backplane, the transmission and reflection properties of the Faraday shield, the end effects due to a finite length antenna, the reduction in phase velocity due to strap interaction with the Faraday shield, and the effect of slots in the cavity sidewalls and dividing septa. 4 refs., 4 figs