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- Reimerdes, H., et al.
(author)
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Overview of the TCV tokamak experimental programme
- 2022
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In: Nuclear Fusion. - : IOP Publishing. - 1741-4326 .- 0029-5515. ; 62:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The tokamak a configuration variable (TCV) continues to leverage its unique shaping capabilities, flexible heating systems and modern control system to address critical issues in preparation for ITER and a fusion power plant. For the 2019-20 campaign its configurational flexibility has been enhanced with the installation of removable divertor gas baffles, its diagnostic capabilities with an extensive set of upgrades and its heating systems with new dual frequency gyrotrons. The gas baffles reduce coupling between the divertor and the main chamber and allow for detailed investigations on the role of fuelling in general and, together with upgraded boundary diagnostics, test divertor and edge models in particular. The increased heating capabilities broaden the operational regime to include T (e)/T (i) similar to 1 and have stimulated refocussing studies from L-mode to H-mode across a range of research topics. ITER baseline parameters were reached in type-I ELMy H-modes and alternative regimes with 'small' (or no) ELMs explored. Most prominently, negative triangularity was investigated in detail and confirmed as an attractive scenario with H-mode level core confinement but an L-mode edge. Emphasis was also placed on control, where an increased number of observers, actuators and control solutions became available and are now integrated into a generic control framework as will be needed in future devices. The quantity and quality of results of the 2019-20 TCV campaign are a testament to its successful integration within the European research effort alongside a vibrant domestic programme and international collaborations.
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3. |
- Creely, A. J., et al.
(author)
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Overview of the SPARC tokamak
- 2020
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In: Journal of Plasma Physics. - 0022-3778 .- 1469-7807. ; 86:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The SPARC tokamak is a critical next step towards commercial fusion energy. SPARC is designed as a high-field (B-0 = 12.2 T), compact (R-0 = 1.85 m, a = 0.57 m), superconducting, D-T tokamak with the goal of producing fusion gain Q > 2 from a magnetically confined fusion plasma for the first time. Currently under design, SPARC will continue the high-field path of the Alcator series of tokamaks, utilizing new magnets based on rare earth barium copper oxide high-temperature superconductors to achieve high performance in a compact device. The goal of Q > 2 is achievable with conservative physics assumptions (H-98,H- y2 = 0.7) and, with the nominal assumption of H-98,H- y2 = 1, SPARC is projected to attain Q approximate to 11 and P-fusion approximate to 140 MW. SPARC will therefore constitute a unique platform for burning plasma physics research with high density (< n(e)> approximate to 3 x 10(20) m(-3)), high temperature (< Te > approximate to 7 keV) and high power density (P-fusion/V-plasma approximate to 7 MWm(-3)) relevant to fusion power plants. SPARC's place in the path to commercial fusion energy, its parameters and the current status of SPARC design work are presented. This work also describes the basis for global performance projections and summarizes some of the physics analysis that is presented in greater detail in the companion articles of this collection.
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4. |
- Varjupuro, R., et al.
(author)
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Challenges for the Holistic management of Eutrophication and Cod Fisheries in the Baltic Sea
- 2011
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The current deliverable (D7.1.) aims to review the challenges of the established policies for providing a holistic ecosystem approach for management of the inter-linked environmental problems in the Baltic Sea Region.Based on the review of the issues that are of major concern, as well as the recent scientific knowledge of the ecological coupling of eutrophication, changes in the food web structure and decline of the cod stocks (e.g. Mällman et al. 2008, Österblom et al. 2010), we decided to focus our analysis on the two inter-linked problems of eutrophication and cod fisheries.In this report, we briefly describe the ecosystem of the Baltic Sea as well as the nature of these two environmental issues. We provide an overview of major environmental policies that are governing these two inter-linked problems. We also discuss the current challenges in the implementation of these established policies in the context of requirements for holistic ecosystem based management of the Baltic Sea.
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5. |
- Verhoeven, Josine E, et al.
(author)
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Epigenetic Age in Male Combat-Exposed War Veterans : Associations with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Status
- 2018
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In: Molecular Neuropsychiatry. - : S. Karger AG. - 2296-9209. ; 4:2, s. 90-99
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- DNA methylation patterns change with age and can be used to derive an estimate of "epigenetic age," an indicator of biological age. Several studies have shown associations of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with worse somatic health and early mortality, raising the possibility of accelerated biological aging. This study examined associations between estimated epigenetic age and various variables in 160 male combat-exposed war veterans with (n = 79) and without PTSD (n = 81). DNA methylation was assessed in leukocyte genomic DNA using the Illumina 450K DNA methylation arrays. Epigenetic age was estimated using Horvath's epigenetic clock algorithm and Δage (epigenetic age-chronological age) was calculated. In veterans with PTSD (Δage = 3.2), Δage was on average lower compared to those without PTSD (Δage = 5.0; p = 0.02; Cohen's d = 0.42). This between-group difference was not explained by race/ethnicity, lifestyle factors or childhood trauma. Antidepressant use, however, explained part of the association. In the PTSD positive group, telomerase activity was negatively related to Δage (β = -0.35; p = 0.007). In conclusion, veterans with PTSD had significantly lower epigenetic age profiles than those without PTSD. Further, current antidepressant use and higher telomerase activity were related to relatively less epigenetic aging in veterans with PTSD, speculative of a mechanistic pathway that might attenuate biological aging-related processes in the context of PTSD.
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