1. |
- Aad, G., et al.
(author)
-
- 2016
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In: Physical Review D. Particles and fields. - : American Physical Society. - 0556-2821 .- 1089-4918. ; 93:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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2. |
- Aad, G., et al.
(author)
-
- 2016
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In: Journal of High Energy Physics. - : Springer. - 1029-8479 .- 1126-6708. ; :1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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3. |
- Aad, G., et al.
(author)
-
- 2015
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In: Journal of High Energy Physics. - : Springer. - 1029-8479 .- 1126-6708. ; :12
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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4. |
- Aad, G., et al.
(author)
-
- 2015
-
In: Physical Review D. Particles and fields. - : American Physical Society. - 0556-2821 .- 1089-4918. ; 92:9
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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5. |
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6. |
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7. |
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8. |
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9. |
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10. |
- Bombarda, F., et al.
(author)
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Runaway electron beam control
- 2019
-
In: Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion. - : IOP Publishing. - 1361-6587 .- 0741-3335. ; 61:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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11. |
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- 2018
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In: Nuclear Fusion. - : IOP Publishing. - 1741-4326 .- 0029-5515. ; 58:1
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Research review (peer-reviewed)
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12. |
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- 2018
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In: Nuclear Fusion. - : IOP Publishing. - 1741-4326 .- 0029-5515. ; 58:9
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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13. |
- Fenstermacher, M.E., et al.
(author)
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DIII-D research advancing the physics basis for optimizing the tokamak approach to fusion energy
- 2022
-
In: Nuclear Fusion. - : IOP Publishing. - 0029-5515 .- 1741-4326. ; 62:4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- DIII-D physics research addresses critical challenges for the operation of ITER and the next generation of fusion energy devices. This is done through a focus on innovations to provide solutions for high performance long pulse operation, coupled with fundamental plasma physics understanding and model validation, to drive scenario development by integrating high performance core and boundary plasmas. Substantial increases in off-axis current drive efficiency from an innovative top launch system for EC power, and in pressure broadening for Alfven eigenmode control from a co-/counter-I p steerable off-axis neutral beam, all improve the prospects for optimization of future long pulse/steady state high performance tokamak operation. Fundamental studies into the modes that drive the evolution of the pedestal pressure profile and electron vs ion heat flux validate predictive models of pedestal recovery after ELMs. Understanding the physics mechanisms of ELM control and density pumpout by 3D magnetic perturbation fields leads to confident predictions for ITER and future devices. Validated modeling of high-Z shattered pellet injection for disruption mitigation, runaway electron dissipation, and techniques for disruption prediction and avoidance including machine learning, give confidence in handling disruptivity for future devices. For the non-nuclear phase of ITER, two actuators are identified to lower the L-H threshold power in hydrogen plasmas. With this physics understanding and suite of capabilities, a high poloidal beta optimized-core scenario with an internal transport barrier that projects nearly to Q = 10 in ITER at ∼8 MA was coupled to a detached divertor, and a near super H-mode optimized-pedestal scenario with co-I p beam injection was coupled to a radiative divertor. The hybrid core scenario was achieved directly, without the need for anomalous current diffusion, using off-axis current drive actuators. Also, a controller to assess proximity to stability limits and regulate β N in the ITER baseline scenario, based on plasma response to probing 3D fields, was demonstrated. Finally, innovative tokamak operation using a negative triangularity shape showed many attractive features for future pilot plant operation.
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14. |
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15. |
- Meyer, H., et al.
(author)
-
Overview of progress in European medium sized tokamaks towards an integrated plasma-edge/wall solution
- 2017
-
In: Nuclear Fusion. - : Institute of Physics Publishing (IOPP). - 0029-5515 .- 1741-4326. ; 57:10
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Integrating the plasma core performance with an edge and scrape-off layer (SOL) that leads to tolerable heat and particle loads on the wall is a major challenge. The new European medium size tokamak task force (EU-MST) coordinates research on ASDEX Upgrade (AUG), MAST and TCV. This multi-machine approach within EU-MST, covering a wide parameter range, is instrumental to progress in the field, as ITER and DEMO core/pedestal and SOL parameters are not achievable simultaneously in present day devices. A two prong approach is adopted. On the one hand, scenarios with tolerable transient heat and particle loads, including active edge localised mode (ELM) control are developed. On the other hand, divertor solutions including advanced magnetic configurations are studied. Considerable progress has been made on both approaches, in particular in the fields of: ELM control with resonant magnetic perturbations (RMP), small ELM regimes, detachment onset and control, as well as filamentary scrape-off-layer transport. For example full ELM suppression has now been achieved on AUG at low collisionality with n = 2 RMP maintaining good confinement H-H(98,H-y2) approximate to 0.95. Advances have been made with respect to detachment onset and control. Studies in advanced divertor configurations (Snowflake, Super-X and X-point target divertor) shed new light on SOL physics. Cross field filamentary transport has been characterised in a wide parameter regime on AUG, MAST and TCV progressing the theoretical and experimental understanding crucial for predicting first wall loads in ITER and DEMO. Conditions in the SOL also play a crucial role for ELM stability and access to small ELM regimes.
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16. |
- Meyer, H., et al.
(author)
-
Overview of progress in European medium sized tokamaks towards an integrated plasma-edge/wall solution
- 2017
-
In: Nuclear Fusion. - : Institute of Physics Publishing (IOPP). - 0029-5515 .- 1741-4326. ; 57:10
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Integrating the plasma core performance with an edge and scrape-off layer (SOL) that leads to tolerable heat and particle loads on the wall is a major challenge. The new European medium size tokamak task force (EU-MST) coordinates research on ASDEX Upgrade (AUG), MAST and TCV. This multi-machine approach within EU-MST, covering a wide parameter range, is instrumental to progress in the field, as ITER and DEMO core/pedestal and SOL parameters are not achievable simultaneously in present day devices. A two prong approach is adopted. On the one hand, scenarios with tolerable transient heat and particle loads, including active edge localised mode (ELM) control are developed. On the other hand, divertor solutions including advanced magnetic configurations are studied. Considerable progress has been made on both approaches, in particular in the fields of: ELM control with resonant magnetic perturbations (RMP), small ELM regimes, detachment onset and control, as well as filamentary scrape-off-layer transport. For example full ELM suppression has now been achieved on AUG at low collisionality with n = 2 RMP maintaining good confinement H-H(98,H-y2) approximate to 0.95. Advances have been made with respect to detachment onset and control. Studies in advanced divertor configurations (Snowflake, Super-X and X-point target divertor) shed new light on SOL physics. Cross field filamentary transport has been characterised in a wide parameter regime on AUG, MAST and TCV progressing the theoretical and experimental understanding crucial for predicting first wall loads in ITER and DEMO. Conditions in the SOL also play a crucial role for ELM stability and access to small ELM regimes.
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17. |
- Abe, K., et al.
(author)
-
J-PARC Neutrino Beamline Upgrade Technical Design Report
- 2019
-
Reports (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this document, technical details of the upgrade plan of the J-PARC neutrino beamline for the extension of the T2K experiment are described. T2K has proposed to accumulate data corresponding to 2×1022 protons-on-target in the next decade, aiming at an initial observation of CP violation with 3σ or higher significance in the case of maximal CP violation. Methods to increase the neutrino beam intensity, which are necessary to achieve the proposed data increase, are described.
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18. |
- Labit, B., et al.
(author)
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Dependence on plasma shape and plasma fueling for small edge-localized mode regimes in TCV and ASDEX Upgrade
- 2019
-
In: Nuclear Fusion. - : IOP Publishing. - 1741-4326 .- 0029-5515. ; 59:8
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- © 2019 Institute of Physics Publishing. All rights reserved. Within the EUROfusion MST1 work package, a series of experiments has been conducted on AUG and TCV devices to disentangle the role of plasma fueling and plasma shape for the onset of small ELM regimes. On both devices, small ELM regimes with high confinement are achieved if and only if two conditions are fulfilled at the same time. Firstly, the plasma density at the separatrix must be large enough (ne,sep/nG ∼ 0.3), leading to a pressure profile flattening at the separatrix, which stabilizes type-I ELMs. Secondly, the magnetic configuration has to be close to a double null (DN), leading to a reduction of the magnetic shear in the extreme vicinity of the separatrix. As a consequence, its stabilizing effect on ballooning modes is weakened.
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19. |
- Coda, S., et al.
(author)
-
Overview of the TCV tokamak program : Scientific progress and facility upgrades
- 2017
-
In: Nuclear Fusion. - : Institute of Physics Publishing. - 0029-5515 .- 1741-4326. ; 57:10
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The TCV tokamak is augmenting its unique historical capabilities (strong shaping, strong electron heating) with ion heating, additional electron heating compatible with high densities, and variable divertor geometry, in a multifaceted upgrade program designed to broaden its operational range without sacrificing its fundamental flexibility. The TCV program is rooted in a three-pronged approach aimed at ITER support, explorations towards DEMO, and fundamental research. A 1 MW, tangential neutral beam injector (NBI) was recently installed and promptly extended the TCV parameter range, with record ion temperatures and toroidal rotation velocities and measurable neutral-beam current drive. ITER-relevant scenario development has received particular attention, with strategies aimed at maximizing performance through optimized discharge trajectories to avoid MHD instabilities, such as peeling-ballooning and neoclassical tearing modes. Experiments on exhaust physics have focused particularly on detachment, a necessary step to a DEMO reactor, in a comprehensive set of conventional and advanced divertor concepts. The specific theoretical prediction of an enhanced radiation region between the two X-points in the low-field-side snowflake-minus configuration was experimentally confirmed. Fundamental investigations of the power decay length in the scrape-off layer (SOL) are progressing rapidly, again in widely varying configurations and in both D and He plasmas; in particular, the double decay length in L-mode limited plasmas was found to be replaced by a single length at high SOL resistivity. Experiments on disruption mitigation by massive gas injection and electron-cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) have begun in earnest, in parallel with studies of runaway electron generation and control, in both stable and disruptive conditions; a quiescent runaway beam carrying the entire electrical current appears to develop in some cases. Developments in plasma control have benefited from progress in individual controller design and have evolved steadily towards controller integration, mostly within an environment supervised by a tokamak profile control simulator. TCV has demonstrated effective wall conditioning with ECRH in He in support of the preparations for JT-60SA operation.
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20. |
- Marco, Aitor, et al.
(author)
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A Variable Structure Control Scheme Proposal for the Tokamak a Configuration Variable
- 2019
-
In: Complexity. - : Hindawi Publishing Corporation. - 1076-2787 .- 1099-0526.
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Fusion power is the most significant prospects in the long-term future of energy in the sense that it composes a potentially clean, cheap, and unlimited power source that would substitute the widespread traditional nonrenewable energies, reducing the geographical dependence on their sources as well as avoiding collateral environmental impacts. Although the nuclear fusion research started in the earlier part of 20th century and the fusion reactors have been developed since the 1950s, the fusion reaction processes achieved have not yet obtained net power, since the generated plasma requires more energy to achieve and remain in necessary particular pressure and temperature conditions than the produced profitable energy. For this purpose, the plasma has to be confined inside a vacuum vessel, as it is the case of the Tokamak reactor, which consists of a device that generates magnetic fields within a toroidal chamber, being one of the most promising solutions nowadays. However, the Tokamak reactors still have several issues such as the presence of plasma instabilities that provokes a decay of the fusion reaction and, consequently, a reduction in the pulse duration. In this sense, since long pulse reactions are the key to produce net power, the use of robust and fast controllers arises as a useful tool to deal with the unpredictability and the small time constant of the plasma behavior. In this context, this article focuses on the application of robust control laws to improve the controllability of the plasma current, a crucial parameter during the plasma heating and confinement processes. In particular, a variable structure control scheme based on sliding surfaces, namely, a sliding mode controller (SMC) is presented and applied to the plasma current control problem. In order to test the validity and goodness of the proposed controller, its behavior is compared to that of the traditional PID schemes applied in these systems, using the RZIp model for the Tokamak a Configuration Variable (TCV) reactor. The obtained results are very promising, leading to consider this controller as a strong candidate to enhance the performance of the PID-based controllers usually employed in this kind of systems.
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21. |
- Coda, S., et al.
(author)
-
Physics research on the TCV tokamak facility: From conventional to alternative scenarios and beyond
- 2019
-
In: Nuclear Fusion. - : IOP Publishing. - 1741-4326 .- 0029-5515. ; 59:11
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The research program of the TCV tokamak ranges from conventional to advanced-tokamak scenarios and alternative divertor configurations, to exploratory plasmas driven by theoretical insight, exploiting the device's unique shaping capabilities. Disruption avoidance by real-time locked mode prevention or unlocking with electron-cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) was thoroughly documented, using magnetic and radiation triggers. Runaway generation with high-Z noble-gas injection and runaway dissipation by subsequent Ne or Ar injection were studied for model validation. The new 1 MW neutral beam injector has expanded the parameter range, now encompassing ELMy H-modes in an ITER-like shape and nearly non-inductive H-mode discharges sustained by electron cyclotron and neutral beam current drive. In the H-mode, the pedestal pressure increases modestly with nitrogen seeding while fueling moves the density pedestal outwards, but the plasma stored energy is largely uncorrelated to either seeding or fueling. High fueling at high triangularity is key to accessing the attractive small edge-localized mode (type-II) regime. Turbulence is reduced in the core at negative triangularity, consistent with increased confinement and in accord with global gyrokinetic simulations. The geodesic acoustic mode, possibly coupled with avalanche events, has been linked with particle flow to the wall in diverted plasmas. Detachment, scrape-off layer transport, and turbulence were studied in L- and H-modes in both standard and alternative configurations (snowflake, super-X, and beyond). The detachment process is caused by power 'starvation' reducing the ionization source, with volume recombination playing only a minor role. Partial detachment in the H-mode is obtained with impurity seeding and has shown little dependence on flux expansion in standard single-null geometry. In the attached L-mode phase, increasing the outer connection length reduces the in-out heat-flow asymmetry. A doublet plasma, featuring an internal X-point, was achieved successfully, and a transport barrier was observed in the mantle just outside the internal separatrix. In the near future variable-configuration baffles and possibly divertor pumping will be introduced to investigate the effect of divertor closure on exhaust and performance, and 3.5 MW ECRH and 1 MW neutral beam injection heating will be added.
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22. |
- Reimerdes, H., et al.
(author)
-
Overview of the TCV tokamak experimental programme
- 2022
-
In: Nuclear Fusion. - : IOP Publishing. - 1741-4326 .- 0029-5515. ; 62:4
-
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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23. |
- Abe, K., et al.
(author)
-
Neutron tagging following atmospheric neutrino events in a water Cherenkov detector
- 2022
-
In: Journal of Instrumentation. - : Institute of Physics (IOP). - 1748-0221. ; 17:10
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present the development of neutron-tagging techniques in Super-Kamiokande IV using a neural network analysis. The detection efficiency of neutron capture on hydrogen is estimated to be 26%, with a mis-tag rate of 0.016 per neutrino event. The uncertainty of the tagging efficiency is estimated to be 9.0%. Measurement of the tagging efficiency with data from an Americium-Beryllium calibration agrees with this value within 10%. The tagging procedure was performed on 3,244.4 days of SK-IV atmospheric neutrino data, identifying 18,091 neutrons in 26,473 neutrino events. The fitted neutron capture lifetime was measured as 218 +/- 9 mu s.
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24. |
- Beal, Jacob, et al.
(author)
-
Robust estimation of bacterial cell count from optical density
- 2020
-
In: Communications Biology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2399-3642. ; 3:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals <1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data.
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25. |
- Elks, Cathy E, et al.
(author)
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Thirty new loci for age at menarche identified by a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies
- 2010
-
In: Nature Genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; 42:12, s. 1077-85
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To identify loci for age at menarche, we performed a meta-analysis of 32 genome-wide association studies in 87,802 women of European descent, with replication in up to 14,731 women. In addition to the known loci at LIN28B (P = 5.4 × 10⁻⁶⁰) and 9q31.2 (P = 2.2 × 10⁻³³), we identified 30 new menarche loci (all P < 5 × 10⁻⁸) and found suggestive evidence for a further 10 loci (P < 1.9 × 10⁻⁶). The new loci included four previously associated with body mass index (in or near FTO, SEC16B, TRA2B and TMEM18), three in or near other genes implicated in energy homeostasis (BSX, CRTC1 and MCHR2) and three in or near genes implicated in hormonal regulation (INHBA, PCSK2 and RXRG). Ingenuity and gene-set enrichment pathway analyses identified coenzyme A and fatty acid biosynthesis as biological processes related to menarche timing.
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26. |
- Jayasiri, Subashini C., et al.
(author)
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The Faces of Fungi database: fungal names linked with morphology, phylogeny and human impacts
- 2015
-
In: Fungal diversity. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1560-2745 .- 1878-9129. ; 74:1, s. 3-18
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Taxonomic names are key links between various databases that store information on different organisms. Several global fungal nomenclural and taxonomic databases (notably Index Fungorum, Species Fungorum and MycoBank) can be sourced to find taxonomic details about fungi, while DNA sequence data can be sourced from NCBI, EBI and UNITE databases. Although the sequence data may be linked to a name, the quality of the metadata is variable and generally there is no corresponding link to images, descriptions or herbarium material. There is generally no way to establish the accuracy of the names in these genomic databases, other than whether the submission is from a reputable source. To tackle this problem, a new database (FacesofFungi), accessible at www.facesoffungi.org (FoF) has been established. This fungal database allows deposition of taxonomic data, phenotypic details and other useful data, which will enhance our current taxonomic understanding and ultimately enable mycologists to gain better and updated insights into the current fungal classification system. In addition, the database will also allow access to comprehensive metadata including descriptions of voucher and type specimens. This database is user-friendly, providing links and easy access between taxonomic ranks, with the classification system based primarily on molecular data (from the literature and via updated web-based phylogenetic trees), and to a lesser extent on morphological data when molecular data are unavailable. In FoF species are not only linked to the closest phylogenetic representatives, but also relevant data is provided, wherever available, on various applied aspects, such as ecological, industrial, quarantine and chemical uses. The data include the three main fungal groups (Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Basal fungi) and fungus-like organisms. The FoF webpage is an output funded by the Mushroom Research Foundation which is an NGO with seven directors with mycological expertise. The webpage has 76 curators, and with the help of these specialists, FoF will provide an updated natural classification of the fungi, with illustrated accounts of species linked to molecular data. The present paper introduces the FoF database to the scientific community and briefly reviews some of the problems associated with classification and identification of the main fungal groups. The structure and use of the database is then explained. We would like to invite all mycologists to contribute to these web pages.
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27. |
- Stolk, Lisette, et al.
(author)
-
Meta-analyses identify 13 loci associated with age at menopause and highlight DNA repair and immune pathways
- 2012
-
In: Nature Genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; 44:3, s. 260-268
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To newly identify loci for age at natural menopause, we carried out a meta-analysis of 22 genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in 38,968 women of European descent, with replication in up to 14,435 women. In addition to four known loci, we identified 13 loci newly associated with age at natural menopause (at P < 5 × 10(-8)). Candidate genes located at these newly associated loci include genes implicated in DNA repair (EXO1, HELQ, UIMC1, FAM175A, FANCI, TLK1, POLG and PRIM1) and immune function (IL11, NLRP11 and PRRC2A (also known as BAT2)). Gene-set enrichment pathway analyses using the full GWAS data set identified exoDNase, NF-κB signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction as biological processes related to timing of menopause.
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28. |
- Sheikh, U. A., et al.
(author)
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Pedestal structure and energy confinement studies on TCV
- 2019
-
In: Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion. - : Institute of Physics Publishing (IOPP). - 0741-3335 .- 1361-6587. ; 61:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- High external gas injection rates are foreseen for future devices to reduce divertor heat loads and this can influence pedestal stability. Fusion yield has been estimated to vary as strongly as T-e,ped(2) so an understanding of the underlying pedestal physics in the presence of additional fuelling and seeding is required. To address this, a database scanning plasma triangularity, fuelling and nitrogen seeding rates in neutral beam (NBH) heated ELM-y H-mode plasmas was constructed on TCV. Low nitrogen seeding was observed to increase pedestal top pressure but all other gas injection rates led to a decrease. Lower triangularity discharges were found to be less sensitive to variations in gas injection rates. No clear trend was measured between plasma top P-e and stored energy which is attributed to the non-stiffness of core plasma pressure profiles. Peeling ballooning stability analysis put these discharges close to the ideal MHD stability boundary. A constant for D in the relation pedestal width w = D root beta(Ped)(theta), was not found. Experimentally inferred values of D were used in EPED1 simulations and gave good agreement for pedestal width. Pedestal height agreed well for high triangularity but was overestimated for low triangularity. IPED simulations showed that relative shifts in pedestal position were contributing significantly to the pedestal height and were able to reproduce the measured profiles more accurately.
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29. |
- Abou, Diane S., et al.
(author)
-
Preclinical Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography of Alpha Particle-Emitting Radium-223
- 2020
-
In: Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals. - : Mary Ann Liebert Inc. - 1084-9785 .- 1557-8852. ; 35:7, s. 520-529
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Dose optimization and pharmacokinetic evaluation of α-particle emitting radium-223 dichloride (223RaCl2) by planar γ-camera or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging are hampered by the low photon abundance and injected activities. In this study, we demonstrate SPECT of 223Ra using phantoms and small animal in vivo models. Methods: Line phantoms and mice bearing 223Ra were imaged using a dedicated small animal SPECT by detecting the low-energy photon emissions from 223Ra. Localization of the therapeutic agent was verified by whole-body and whole-limb autoradiography and its radiobiological effect confirmed by immunofluorescence. Results: A state-of-the-art commercial small animal SPECT system equipped with a highly sensitive collimator enables collection of sufficient counts for three-dimensional reconstruction at reasonable administered activities and acquisition times. Line sources of 223Ra in both air and in a water scattering phantom gave a line spread function with a full-width-at-half-maximum of 1.45 mm. Early and late-phase imaging of the pharmacokinetics of the radiopharmaceutical were captured. Uptake at sites of active bone remodeling was correlated with DNA damage from the α particle emissions. Conclusions: This work demonstrates the capability to noninvasively define the distribution of 223RaCl2, a recently approved α-particle-emitting radionuclide. This approach allows quantitative assessment of 223Ra distribution and may assist radiation-dose optimization strategies to improve therapeutic response and ultimately to enable personalized treatment planning.
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30. |
- Brys, Miroslaw, et al.
(author)
-
Magnetic resonance imaging improves cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in the early detection of Alzheimer's disease.
- 2009
-
In: Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD. - 1387-2877. ; 16:2, s. 351-62
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Little is known of combined utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for prediction of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and longitudinal data is scarce. We examined these biomarkers at baseline and longitudinally in incipient AD. Forty-five subjects [21 controls (NL-NL), 16 stable MCI (MCI-MCI), 8 MCI who declined to AD (MCI-AD)] received MRI and lumbar puncture at baseline and after 2 years. CSF measures included total and phosphorylated tau (T-tau, P-tau(231)), amyloid-beta (Abeta(42)/Abeta(40)) and isoprostane. Voxel-based morphometry identified gray matter concentration (GMC) differences best distinguishing study groups and individual GMC values were calculated. Rate of medial temporal lobe (MTL) atrophy was examined using regional boundary shift (rBS) method. At baseline, for MRI, MCI-AD showed reduced GMC-MTL, and for CSF higher CSF T-tau, P-tau(231), IP and lower Abeta(42)/Abeta(40) as compared with MCI-MCI or NL-NL. Longitudinally, rBS-MTL atrophy was higher in MCI-AD than in either MCI-MCI or NL-NL, particularly in the left hemisphere. CSF data showed longitudinally greater increases of isoprostane in MCI-AD as compared with NL-NL. Combining baseline CSF-P-tau(231) and GMC-MTL significantly increased overall prediction of AD from 74% to 84% (p(step)<0.05). These results provide support for including multiple modalities of biomarkers in the identification of memory clinic patients at increased risk for dementia.
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31. |
- Carlsson, Christina, 1968, et al.
(author)
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Screening for genetic mutations
- 1996
-
In: Nature. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0028-0836 .- 1476-4687. ; 380:6571, s. 207-
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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32. |
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33. |
- Herring, Susan C., et al.
(author)
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The Future of Robotic Telepresence : Visions, Opportunities and Challenges
- 2016
-
In: Proceedings of the 2016 CHI Conference Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems. - New York : Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). - 9781450340823 ; , s. 1038-1042
-
Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This panel will bring together experts on robotic telepresence from HCI and related fields. Panelists will engage the audience in a discussion of visions, opportunities and challenges for the future of telepresence robots.
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34. |
- Kalashnikova, Marina, et al.
(author)
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The development of tone discrimination in infancy : Evidence from a cross‐linguistic, multi‐lab report
- 2024
-
In: Developmental Science. - 1363-755X .- 1467-7687. ; 27:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the findings of a multi-language and multi-lab investigation of young infants’ ability to discriminate lexical tones as a function of their native language, age and language experience, as well as of tone properties. Given the high prevalence of lexical tones across human languages, understanding lexical tone acquisition is fundamental for comprehensive theories of language learning. While there are some similarities between the developmental course of lexical tone perception and that of vowels and consonants, findings for lexical tones tend to vary greatly across different laboratories. To reconcile these differences and to assess the developmental trajectory of native and non-native perception of tone contrasts, this study employed a single experimental paradigm with the same two pairs of Cantonese tone contrasts (perceptually similar vs. distinct) across 13 laboratories in Asia-Pacific, Europe and North-America testing 5-, 10- and 17-month-old monolingual (tone, pitch-accent, non-tone) and bilingual (tone/non-tone, non-tone/non-tone) infants. Across the age range and language backgrounds, infants who were not exposed to Cantonese showed robust discrimination of the two non-native lexical tone contrasts. Contrary to this overall finding, the statistical model assessing native discrimination by Cantonese-learning infants failed to yield significant effects. These findings indicate that lexical tone sensitivity is maintained from 5 to 17 months in infants acquiring tone and non-tone languages, challenging the generalisability of the existing theoretical accounts of perceptual narrowing in the first months of life.
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35. |
- Muduli, Pranaba, et al.
(author)
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Study of magnetic anisotropy and magnetization reversal using the quadratic magnetooptical effect in epitaxial CoxMnyGez(111) films
- 2009
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In: Journal of Physics. - : IOP Publishing. - 0953-8984 .- 1361-648X. ; 21:29, s. 296005-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Magnetic anisotropy, magnetization reversal and the magnetooptic Kerr effect in CoxMnyGez have been studied over a range of compositions between 0 and 50 at.% of Ge and between 1 and 3 in the Co to Mn atomic ratio, including the Heusler alloy Co2MnGe. A strong quadratic magnetooptic Kerr effect has been observed within a narrow region of composition centered around the Co to Mn atomic ratio of 2, which has been used to probe and quantify the magnetic anisotropy and magnetization reversal of the system. The anisotropy is sixfold with a weak uniaxial component, and it exhibits sensitive dependence on composition, especially on the atomic ratio between Co and Mn. The magnetization reversal process is consistent with the single-domain Stoner-Wohlfarth model.
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36. |
- Potapov, EV, et al.
(author)
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2019 EACTS Expert Consensus on long-term mechanical circulatory support
- 2019
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In: European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1873-734X. ; 56:2, s. 230-270
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Long-term mechanical circulatory support (LT-MCS) is an important treatment modality for patients with severe heart failure. Different devices are available, and many—sometimes contradictory—observations regarding patient selection, surgical techniques, perioperative management and follow-up have been published. With the growing expertise in this field, the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) recognized a need for a structured multidisciplinary consensus about the approach to patients with LT-MCS. However, the evidence published so far is insufficient to allow for generation of meaningful guidelines complying with EACTS requirements. Instead, the EACTS presents an expert opinion in the LT-MCS field. This expert opinion addresses patient evaluation and preoperative optimization as well as management of cardiac and non-cardiac comorbidities. Further, extensive operative implantation techniques are summarized and evaluated by leading experts, depending on both patient characteristics and device selection. The faculty recognized that postoperative management is multidisciplinary and includes aspects of intensive care unit stay, rehabilitation, ambulatory care, myocardial recovery and end-of-life care and mirrored this fact in this paper. Additionally, the opinions of experts on diagnosis and management of adverse events including bleeding, cerebrovascular accidents and device malfunction are presented. In this expert consensus, the evidence for the complete management from patient selection to end-of-life care is carefully reviewed with the aim of guiding clinicians in optimizing management of patients considered for or supported by an LT-MCS device.
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37. |
- Scherer, SW, et al.
(author)
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Human chromosome 7: DNA sequence and biology
- 2003
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In: Science (New York, N.Y.). - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 1095-9203 .- 0036-8075. ; 300:5620, s. 767-772
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- DNA sequence and annotation of the entire human chromosome 7, encompassing nearly 158 million nucleotides of DNA and 1917 gene structures, are presented. To generate a higher order description, additional structural features such as imprinted genes, fragile sites, and segmental duplications were integrated at the level of the DNA sequence with medical genetic data, including 440 chromosome rearrangement breakpoints associated with disease. This approach enabled the discovery of candidate genes for developmental diseases including autism.
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38. |
- Souza, Domingos, et al.
(author)
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Improved patency in vein grafts harvested with surrounding tissue : results of a randomized study using three harvesting techniques
- 2002
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In: Annals of Thoracic Surgery. - 0003-4975 .- 1552-6259. ; 73:4, s. 1189-1195
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The technique of harvesting the saphenous vein for coronary artery bypass grafting influences the fate of vein grafts. The patency rate of a novel "no-touch" technique in which the vein is harvested with a pedicle of surrounding tissue and not distended was compared with two other techniques.METHODS: One hundred fifty-six patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting were randomized to three saphenous vein harvesting groups: group C (conventional)--the vein was stripped, distended, and stored in saline; group I (intermediate)--the vein was stripped, local application of papaverine was used instead of distention, and the vessel was then stored in heparinized blood; and group NT (no-touch)--the vein was harvested with surrounding tissue, not distended, and stored in heparinized blood. Surgical and clinical factors that might influence graft occlusion were recorded. One hundred twenty-seven vein grafts in group C, 116 in group I, and 124 in group NT, as well as 118 left internal mammary artery grafts, were angiographically assessed at 18 months mean follow-up time.RESULTS: The vein graft patency was 88.9% in group C, 86.2% in group I, and 95.4% in group NT. There was a statistically significant difference between the patency of the single-vein grafts in NT and the other two groups (p = 0.025). The higher the flow, the better the patency irrespective of the technique used. A higher attrition rate was found in vein segments taken from the knee area in group I. Poor vein quality affected patency in all groups. Forty-seven of all 51 sequential grafts (92.2%) were patent. The patency of left internal mammary artery grafts was 108 of 118 (91.5%).CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that preservation of the surrounding tissue of the saphenous vein using this no-touch technique abolishes venospasm intraoperatively and plays an important role in maintaining vein graft function and patency.
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39. |
- Strandvik, Birgitta, 1938, et al.
(author)
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Spectrum of mutations in the CFTR gene of patients with classical and atypical forms of cystic fibrosis from southwestern Sweden: identification of 12 novel mutations.
- 2001
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In: Genetic testing. - : Mary Ann Liebert Inc. - 1090-6576 .- 1557-7473. ; 5:3, s. 235-42
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. The spectrum of CFTR mutations varies between populations and depends on different factors, such as ethnic background and geographical location. The extensive CFTR mutation screening of 129 patients with classical or atypical CF from the south-western region of Sweden revealed the presence of 37 CFTR mutations, including 12 novel alleles. The overall mutation detection rate in this study population was 92%, the highest among all tested regions in Sweden. Eight mutations with a frequency above 1% (DeltaF508, 394delTT, R117C, 3659delC, E60X, 1112delT, R764X, and 621 + 1G --> T) accounted for 78% of CF chromosomes and have been recommended for inclusion in the CFTR mutation screening panel for molecular diagnosis of CF in this region. The multiple occurrence of specific CFTR alleles less common than the predominant DeltaF508 mutation (394delTT, R117C, 3659delC) allowed for genotype-phenotype comparisons and revealed consistent relationships between these mutations and disease severity.
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40. |
- Tsui, Janice C. S., et al.
(author)
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Localization of nitric oxide synthase in saphenous vein grafts harvested with a novel "no-touch" technique : potential role of nitric oxide contribution to improved early graft patency rates.
- 2002
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In: Journal of Vascular Surgery. - New York, USA : Elsevier. - 0741-5214 .- 1097-6809. ; 35:2, s. 356-362
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: The use of the saphenous vein in coronary artery bypass graft surgery is associated with high 1-year occlusion rates of as much as 30%. A new "no-touch" technique of saphenous vein harvesting in which the vein is harvested with a pedicle of surrounding tissue and not distended may result in improved early patency rates. We hypothesize that nitric oxide synthase is better preserved with the no-touch technique, and the aim of this study was the investigation of whether nitric oxide synthase distribution and quantity in saphenous veins harvested with the no-touch technique differ from those veins harvested with the conventional technique. The separate contribution of perivascular tissue removal and distension to alterations in nitric oxide synthase was also studied.Methods: Segments of 10 saphenous veins were harvested from 10 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery with the no-touch and conventional techniques. Samples were also taken from segments that were stripped of surrounding tissue but not distended. Nitric oxide synthase distribution was studied with reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate--diaphorase histochemistry, and staining was quantified with image analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used for the identification of specific nitric oxide synthase isoforms, and immunomarkers were used for the identification of associated cell types.Results: Nitric oxide synthase content was higher in no-touch vessels as compared with conventionally harvested vessels (35.5%; P <.05, with analysis of variance). This content was associated with endothelial nitric oxide synthase on the lumen while all three isoforms were present in the media. In the intact adventitia of no-touch vessels, all three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase were also present, associated with microvessels and perivascular nerves. Perivascular tissue stripping and venous distension both contribute to the reduced nitric oxide synthase in conventionally harvested veins.Conclusion: The new no-touch technique of saphenous vein harvesting preserves nitric oxide synthase, which suggests that improved nitric oxide availability may be an important mechanism in the success of this technique.
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41. |
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