High-performance and long-pulse operation is a crucial goal of current magnetic fusion research. Here, we demonstrate a high-connement plasma regime known as an H-mode with a record pulse length of ...over 30 s in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak sustained by lower hybrid wave current drive (LHCD) with advanced lithium wall conditioning. We nd that LHCD provides a exible boundary control for a ubiquitous edge instability in H-mode plasmas known as an edge-localized mode, which leads to a marked reduction in the heat load on the vessel wall compared with standard edge-localized modes. LHCD also induces edge plasma ergodization that broadens the heat deposition footprint. The heat transport caused by this ergodization can be actively controlled by regulating the edge plasma conditions. This potentially offers a new means for heat-ux control, which is a key issue for next-step fusion development. PUBLICATION ABSTRACT
This study conducts the first-known vibration analysis of carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced functionally graded composite triangular plates subjected to in-plane stresses. The first-order shear ...deformation theory is applied to study the effect of the transverse shear deformation of the plates and the element-free IMLS-Ritz method is used for numerical computation. Numerical experiments are carried out to examine the convergence and accuracy of the element-free IMLS-Ritz method in its application to the vibration of CNT-reinforced functionally graded composite plates subjected to in-plane stresses. In this study, sets of vibration frequency parameters and mode shapes for various CNT-reinforced functionally graded composite triangular plates are illustrated. The influences of CNT volume fraction, plate thickness-to-width ratio, CNT distribution type, isosceles triangular angle, in-plane stress ratio and boundary conditions on the plate’s vibration behaviors are investigated in detail. These results may serve as a benchmark for future studies.
The impact of impurity ions on a pedestal has been investigated in the HL-2A Tokamak, at the Southwestern Institute of Physics, Chengdu, China. Experimental results have clearly shown that during the ...H-mode phase, an electromagnetic turbulence was excited in the edge plasma region, where the impurity ions exhibited a peaked profile. It has been found that double impurity critical gradients are responsible for triggering the turbulence. Strong stiffness of the impurity profile has been observed during cyclic transitions between the I-phase and H-mode regime. The results suggest that the underlying physics of the self-regulated edge impurity profile offers the possibility for an active control of the pedestal dynamics via pedestal turbulence.
There are few data on the molecular epidemiology of cryptococcosis in China. Here we investigated the species distribution, molecular types and antifungal susceptibilities of 312 Cryptococcus ...neoformans species complex isolates from ten hospitals over 5 years. Isolates were identified by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing and by two matrix-assisted laser desorption–ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) systems. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used to verify species/variety and to designate molecular types. Susceptibility to six antifungal drugs was determined by the Sensititre YeastOne™ method. Cryptococcus neoformans was the predominant species (305/312 isolates (97.8%), all were ITS type 1, serotype A), of which 89.2% (272/305) were C. neoformans var. grubii MLST sequence type (ST) 5 and 6.2% (19/305) were ST31. Other C. neoformans var. grubii STs were rare but included six novel STs. Only two strains were C. neoformans var. neoformans (both serotype AD). Cryptococcus gattii was uncommon (n = 7, four ITS types) and comprised five MLST STs including one novel ST. For C. neoformans var. grubii, the proportion of isolates with non-wild-type MICs to fluconazole significantly rose in the fourth study year (from 0% (0/56 isolates) in the first year to 23.9% (17/71) in the fourth year), including five isolates with fluconazole MICs of ≥32 mg/L. The study has provided useful data on the species epidemiology and their genetic diversity and antifungal susceptibility. The proportional increase in isolates with non-wild-type MICs to fluconazole is noted.
An elastodynamic analysis of quadrilateral carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced functionally graded composite plates subjected to a transverse sudden dynamic load is studied. Based on the first-order ...shear deformation theory (FSDT), the element-free IMLS-Ritz method is extended to conduct a numerical simulation for this study. A numerical time integration for the dynamic problems is performed using the Newmark-β method. To verify the stability and accuracy of the element-free IMLS-Ritz method, convergence studies are carried out for an isotropic square plate with different support sizes and different numbers of nodes. Detailed numerical simulations are further carried out to investigate the effect of CNT volume fraction, CNT distribution type, side angles, area of quadrilateral plate, plate width-to-thickness ratio and boundary condition on the dynamic behaviors of quadrilateral CNT reinforced composite plates.
Patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia need regular red-cell transfusions. Luspatercept, a recombinant fusion protein that binds to select transforming growth factor β superfamily ligands, ...may enhance erythroid maturation and reduce the transfusion burden (the total number of red-cell units transfused) in such patients.
In this randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial, we assigned, in a 2:1 ratio, adults with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia to receive best supportive care plus luspatercept (at a dose of 1.00 to 1.25 mg per kilogram of body weight) or placebo for at least 48 weeks. The primary end point was the percentage of patients who had a reduction in the transfusion burden of at least 33% from baseline during weeks 13 through 24 plus a reduction of at least 2 red-cell units over this 12-week interval. Other efficacy end points included reductions in the transfusion burden during any 12-week interval and results of iron studies.
A total of 224 patients were assigned to the luspatercept group and 112 to the placebo group. Luspatercept or placebo was administered for a median of approximately 64 weeks in both groups. The percentage of patients who had a reduction in the transfusion burden of at least 33% from baseline during weeks 13 through 24 plus a reduction of at least 2 red-cell units over this 12-week interval was significantly greater in the luspatercept group than in the placebo group (21.4% vs. 4.5%, P<0.001). During any 12-week interval, the percentage of patients who had a reduction in transfusion burden of at least 33% was greater in the luspatercept group than in the placebo group (70.5% vs. 29.5%), as was the percentage of those who had a reduction of at least 50% (40.2% vs. 6.3%). The least-squares mean difference between the groups in serum ferritin levels at week 48 was -348 μg per liter (95% confidence interval, -517 to -179) in favor of luspatercept. Adverse events of transient bone pain, arthralgia, dizziness, hypertension, and hyperuricemia were more common with luspatercept than placebo.
The percentage of patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia who had a reduction in transfusion burden was significantly greater in the luspatercept group than in the placebo group, and few adverse events led to the discontinuation of treatment. (Funded by Celgene and Acceleron Pharma; BELIEVE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02604433; EudraCT number, 2015-003224-31.).
Highlights • Study compared disorder-specific and transdiagnostic treatment approaches. • Study also compared clinician-guided and self-guided treatment approaches. • Study is 1 of 4 related ...randomized controlled trials examining these issues. • Study focused on generalized anxiety disorder and comorbid disorders. • No marked differences were observed between the treatment approaches.
AIM To evaluate clinical findings and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC) in 22 patients. Materials and Methods Twenty-two patients were imaged using ...non-enhanced MRI and 17 underwent an additional contrast-enhanced MRI examination. Fifteen patients received an additional non-enhanced computed tomography (CT) examination, and amongst these, two underwent contrast-enhanced CT. Two radiologists read the images retrospectively. The imaging data were studied with regards to location, size, margin, signal intensity, enhancement characteristics, haemorrhage, and presence of calcifications. Clinical data, such as presenting signs and symptoms, physical findings, and medical histories, were collected. Histopathological studies were performed and analysed by two pathologists. Results Nine lesions were located in the intrasellar region, 12 in both the intra- and suprasellar regions and one in the suprasellar region. The maximum diameter of the RCCs varied from 0.7 to 4 cm, with an average size of 1.7 ± 0.7 cm. MRI features of RCC were divided into three groups based on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI): hypo- ( n = 6), iso- ( n = 9), and hyperintensity group ( n = 7). Patients in the latter two groups were statistically younger than that in the former group. The lesion size in the iso- and hyperintensity groups was significantly less than that in the hypointensity group (F = 6.421, p = 0.007). Only two cases showed enhancement after contrast injection in the cohort. One lesion with haemorrhage was found as were two cases with intracystic nodules. Conclusion Although MRI features of RCCs are variable, RCCs should be suspected when the following conditions occur: lesions located in the intrasellar region or involving both intra and suprasellar regions, less than 1.5 cm in diameter, iso- or hyperdense on T1WI and no signal enhancement after contrast injection. In addition, the first case of a RCC with a markedly enhanced intracystic nodule is reported.
Temperature dependent Raman spectra and photoluminescence, as well the Raman mapping of different parts in an individual Sn-doped CdS comb-like nanostructure reveal that the stronger electron-phonon ...coupling exist at the trunk-branch junctions than other parts. The Huang-Rhys factor was calculated and further confirms that the strong electron-phonon correlation at the junction. The localized deformation from the Sn dopant in the lattice leads to strong electron-phonon coupling at the local junction, which is proved by the scanning transmission electron microscope and energy dispersion spectrum. Moreover, the lifetime of near-band-edge emission and deep-level emission drastically increase with decreasing temperature, which both relate to the localized electron-phonon coupling and relaxation process. This work provides a clear description of the localized carrier correlation in the cross junction part of these branched nanostructures, which can be used to modulate the optoelectronic performance of micro nanodevices.
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