Fusion Plasmas Research Articles

Experimental identification of ion cyclotron emission on HL-2A using YOLO neural network algorithm

Abstract Identification of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) instabilities with neural networks has been extensively applied in the research of magnetically controlled fusion plasmas. Ion Cyclotron Emission (ICE) is a potential fast ion diagnostic method in burning plasmas. To assess ICE as a fast ion diagnostic for International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, real-time identification of ICE is required in the fast ion diagnostic flow. In the present work, we employed YOLO (You Only Look Once) to identify core and edge ICE in a large labeled database of HL-2A discharges, achieving a precision of 85.4% and a recall rate of 77.3%. Subsequent improvements to the YOLO model resulted in a noteworthy 8.3% increment in the recall rate. The developed identification method demonstrates significant potential for real-time application in identifying MHD instabilities.

A Chlorine based detector (LaCl3(Ce)) for 2.5 MeV neutron spectroscopy in deuterium nuclear fusion plasmas with enhanced particle discrimination algorithm

Abstract Neutron Emission Spectroscopy is an effective nuclear fusion plasma diagnostics technique for diagnosing the fuel ion populations on fusion plasma experiments. The state of the art 2.5 MeV neutron spectrometer for deuterium plasmas is based on the time of flight (TOF) technique, which however requires the development of large scale instruments. In the last years, compact detectors made with Chlorine based scintillators have been explored. In these instruments, neutron detection is based on the 35Cl(n,p)35S nuclear reaction, which results in a Gaussian peak in the recorded neutron energy spectrum. In this context, one option is offered by CLYC scintillators, which have the drawback of a limited counting rate capability (a few tens of kHz). Another option is offered by the LaCl3:(Ce) scintillators, which combine a comparable energy resolution and, most importantly, a faster signal (<1 μs) enabling measurements at higher counting rates. On the other hand, LaCl3 has a more challenging particle discrimination. The standard method based on pulse shape analysis provides a limited particle identification and poses restrictions in the counting rate capability of the instruments. An innovative particle identification algorithm based on Fourier Transforms has been developed providing higher accuracy and effectiveness. In this paper, we present the performance of a 2.5 MeV neutron spectrometer based on a LaCl3 scintillator in terms of pulse shape discrimination and energy resolution. Results are used to discuss their use for neutron spectroscopy applications in tokamak plasmas.

Studies of Electron-Ion Resonant Recombination of Li-like Si11+ ions

Abstract Theoretical investigations of L-shell Δn = 0, 1, and 2 (2s→2p, 3l′, and 4l′) dielectronic recombination (DR), as well as K-shell Δn = 1, 2, and 3 (1s→2l′, 3l′,and 4l′) DR of Li-like Si11+ ions are performed, using the relativistic distorted-wave approach. Detailed resonance energies, resonance strengths, and recombination rate coefficients are calculated including complex configuration mixing, Breit interaction, and QED corrections. Good agreement is achieved between the theoretical rate coefficients and the experimental results. The plasma rate coefficients are also calculated for electron temperatures ranging from 10−1 to 106 eV, and an analytical formula is presented to fit the total plasma rate coefficients for convenient modeling of astrophysical and fusion plasmas.

Menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells combining with platelet-rich plasma infusion in endometrium repair.

Thin endometrium caused by various factors affects the conception rate of females worldwide; however, current medications are still insufficient. Therefore, a novel approach is needed. We previously reported the effect of menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) in ameliorating ethanol-induced endometrial injuries. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether the effect of MenSCs is enhanced by a combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) infusion. An endometrial injury mouse model was established by infiltrating 95% ethanol for 15 s into the uterus, followed by MenSCs, PRP, or MenSCs + PRP treatment. Pathological changes were observed by HE staining. The expression of CK18, vimentin, ItgαVβ3, and VEGF was determined using IHC staining and WB blotting. Compared with the model, MenSCs, PRP, and MenSCs + PRP treatments significantly improved endometrial damage and thickness, with the combined therapy displaying the most pronounced efficacy. The density of CK18-, vimentin-, and ItgαVβ3 positive cells increased most significantly in the MenSCs + PRP group of mice. In addition, the protein expression of CK18, vimentin, and VEGF was significantly upregulated after MenSCs + PRP, MenSCs, and PRP treatment, with MenSCs + PRP therapy showing the best efficacy. MenSCs + PRP therapy is more beneficial for ameliorating ethanol-induced endometrial damage than MenSCs or PRP alone, providing a basis for the investigation of novel approaches for treating thin endometria.

Comprehensive research facility for negative ion source neutral beam injection at CRAFT: design and first operations

Abstract Neutral beam injection (NBI) has been proven as a reliable heating and current drive method for fusion plasma. For the high-energy NBI system (particle energy > 150 keV) of large-scale fusion devices, the negative ion source neutral beam injection (NNBI) system is inevitable, which can obtain an acceptable neutralization efficiency (> 55%). But the NNBI system is very complex and challengeable. To explore and master the key NNBI technology for future fusion reactor in China, an NNBI test facility is under development in the framework of the Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Technology (CRAFT). The initial goal of CRAFT NNBI facility is to achieve a 2 MW hydrogen neutral beam at the energy of 200–400 keV for lasting 100 s. In the first operations of the CRAFT NNBI facility, a negative ion source with dual RF drivers was developed and tested. By using the 50 keV accelerator, the long-pulse and high-current extractions of negative hydrogen ions have been achieved and the typical values were 55.4 keV, 7.3 A (~ 123 A/m2), 105 s and 55.0 keV, 14.7 A (~ 248 A/m2), 30 s, respectively. By using the 200 keV accelerator, the megawatt-class negative hydrogen beam has also been achieved (135.9 keV, 8.9 A, 8 s). The whole process of the gas neutralization of negative ion beam, electric removal of residual ions, and beam transport have been demonstrated experimentally.

Intrauterine infusion of autologous platelet rich plasma can be an efficient treatment for patients with unexplained recurrent implantation failure

The studies posits that there is not sufficient evidence to support the use of intrauterine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) infusion in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). This study aims to investigate the effects of infusion of PRP on patients with unexplained-RIF in fresh and frozen embryo transfer (ET) cycles. A total of 80 participants were included in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups with and without PRP infusion. Each of the PRP and control groups were also divided into fresh and frozen ET subgroups. ET outcomes were compared between groups. Clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in Frozen ET in PRP group than other subgroups (p < 0.0001). Miscarriage rate were significantly lower in PRP group than control group. Pregnancy complications and preterm labor were significantly higher in PRP group than control group (p < 0.0001). Live birth and healthy baby rate were significantly higher in PRP group than control group (p < 0.0001). The intrauterine infusion of 0.8-1 ml of PRP 48 h before blastocyst ET at fresh and frozen cycles can be an efficient treatment option for u-RIF patients. Also, results indicated that the clinical pregnancy rate was equal to the live birth rate at fresh ET cycles, whereas the live birth rate was lower than the clinical pregnancy rate at frozen ET cycles. Therefore, considering the superiority of fresh cycles over freeze cycles, the infusion of PRP into the uterus of patients with RIF is recommended to be done at fresh ET cycles.Trial registration: NCT, NCT03996837. Registered 25/06/2019. Retrospectively registered, http://www.clinicaltrial.gov/ NCT03996837.

Bremsstrahlung radiation power in fusion plasmas revisited: towards accurate analytical fitting

Abstract In fusion plasmas, where electron temperatures $T_e$ range from keV to hundreds of keV, Bremsstrahlung radiation constitutes a significant energy loss mechanism. While various thermal average fitting formulas exist in the literature, their accuracy is limited, particularly for $T_e \leq 20$ keV with error $&gt;10\%$. Additionally, non-relativistic fitting formulas become invalid for $T_e \geq 50$ keV. The accurate calculation of Bremsstrahlung radiation is important for fusion gain study, especially of advanced fuels fusion. In this work, we develop new but still simple fitting formulas that are valid for electron temperatures ranging from small ($\lesssim0.1$ keV) to extreme relativistic range, with errors of less than 1\% even for high atomic number ions (e.g., $Z=30$), which could be sufficient for fusion plasma applications. Both electron-ion (e-i) and electron-electron (e-e) Bremsstrahlung radiations are considered. Both polynomial fitting with truncated ($t=k_BT_e/m_ec^2\leq10$) and one-fit-all formulas are provided. Additionally, we offer fitting formulas for e-i and e-e specifically for electron energies, which could prove useful in non-Maxwellian Bremsstrahlung radiation studies.

Excited ion-scale turbulence by a magnetic island in fusion plasmas

The characteristics of ion-scale turbulence in the presence of a magnetic island are numerically investigated using a gyrokinetic model in fusion plasma. We observe that in the absence of the usual ion temperature gradient (ITG) drive gradient, a magnetic island and its flatten effect could drive ITG instability. The magnetic island (MI) not only drives high-n modes of ITG instability but also induces low-n modes of vortex flow. Moreover, as the magnetic island width increases, the width of the vortex flow also increases. This implies that wider islands may more easily induce vortex flows. The study further indicates that the saturated amplitude and transport level of MI-induced ITG turbulence vary with different magnetic island widths. In general, larger magnetic islands enhance both particle and heat transport. When the magnetic island width reaches to 21ρi, the turbulence-driven transport becomes the same level with the cases that ITG is driven by pressure gradients. Our findings indicate the presence of intricate nonlinear effects in the modulation of plasma turbulence by MIs. These effects are of significant importance for comprehending the phenomenon of nonlinear coupling in forthcoming tokamaks such as ITER.

Surrogate model of turbulent transport in fusion plasmas using machine learning

Abstract The advent of machine learning (ML) has revolutionized the research of plasma confinement, offering new avenues for exploration. It enables the construction of models that effectively streamline the simulation process. While previous first-principles simulations have provided physics-based transport information, they have been inadequate fast for real-time applications or plasma control. In order to address this challenge, we introduce SExFC, a surrogate model based on the Gyro-Landau Extended Fluid Code (ExFC). An approach of physics-based database construction is detailed, as well the validity is illustrated. Through harnessing the power of ML, SExFC offers the capability to deliver rapid and precise predictions, facilitating real-time applications and enhancing plasma control. The proposed model integrates the recurrent neural network (RNN) algorithm, specifically leveraging the Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) for iterative prediction of flux evolutions based on radial profiles. Therefore, the SExFC model has the potential to enable rapid and physics-based predictions that can be seamlessly integrated into future real-time plasma control systems.

Accuracy of estimating equations for the assessment of glomerular filtration rate in critically ill patients versus outpatients.

Estimating equations for the assessment of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) have been poorly investigated in the critical care setting. We evaluated the agreement between the GFR measured with 51CrEDTA/iohexol (mGFR) and four estimating equations based on serum concentrations of creatine and/or cystatin C (eGFR) in two cohorts: critically ill patients and outpatients with normal-to-moderately reduced GFR. Forty-three patients in the critical care group and 48 patients in the outpatient group were included. GFR was measured (mGFR) by plasma infusion clearance of 51Cr-EDTA/iohexol (critical care group) and the single injection, one-sample plasma 51Cr-EDTA clearance technique (outpatients). The following estimating equations (eGFR) were used: the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation for creatinine (CKD-EPICr), cystatin C (CKD-EPICys C), creatinine+cystatin C (CKD-EPICr + Cys C) and the Lund-Malmö creatinine+cystatin C equation (LMCr + Cys C). Agreement between mGFR and eGFR was assessed by the Bland-Altman method and accuracy by calculating P30 and P10. In the critically ill group, the bias between the estimating equations and mGFR was -3.6 to 2.8 mL/min/1.73 m2, while the error was 121%-127% and the accuracy (P30) 33%-40%. In the outpatients, the bias between the estimating equations and mGFR was -13.0 to 7.6 mL/min/1.73 m2, while the error was 31%-41% and the accuracy (P30), 67%-96%. All four equations performed poorly in assessing GFR in the critically ill cohort with an unacceptably high error and low accuracy in contrast to the outpatient group. To accurately assess GFR in critically ill patients, GFR must be measured not estimated. For the assessment of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), it can be measured directly, but is frequently estimated using a point measure of serum creatinine concentration. In this study, ICU case GFR estimations, by different adjusted equations, done also for a cohort of outpatients, showed that these serum creatinine-based estimations for ICU cases are not highly precise or reliable.

The consequences of tritium mix for simulated ion cyclotron emission spectra from deuterium-tritium plasmas

Abstract Measurements of ion cyclotron emission (ICE) are obtained from most large magnetically confined fusion (MCF) plasma experiments, and may be used in future to quantify properties of the fusion-born alpha-particle population in deuterium-tritium (DT) plasmas in ITER. ICE is driven by spatially localised, strongly non-Maxwellian, minority energetic ion populations which relax collectively under the magnetoacoustic cyclotron instability (MCI). ICE spectral peaks are typically observed at, near, or separated by, integer harmonics of the energetic ion cyclotron frequency. Here, for the first time, we study how simulated ICE spectra from DT plasmas vary with tritium concentration and compare with an observed JET DT ICE spectrum. We incorporate a population of thermal tritons, in addition to thermal deuterons and an energetic minority population of fusion-born alpha-particles, in simulations with the kinetic particle-in-cell (PIC) code EPOCH. This code has previously been used extensively for interpretation of ICE observations in terms of the self-consistent gyro-resolved collective Maxwell-Lorentz dynamics of tens of millions of simulation particles. Our simulation parameters are relevant to the ICE-generative outer midplane edge region of JET DT plasma 26148, which included 11% tritium. Quantifying the variation of simulated ICE power spectra with tritium concentration reveals that our simulation with 11% tritium concentration most accurately represents the observed ICE spectrum from this plasma. This outcome is encouraging for the diagnostic application of ICE to fusion plasmas containing two thermal ion species, including future DT plasmas.

Sub-THz and THz Cherenkov radiation source with two-dimensional periodic surface lattice and multistage depressed collector

We present the theory, concept and design of an efficient, megawatt coherent Cherenkov radiation source based on a two-dimensional periodic surface lattice (2D-PSL) cavity combined with a novel energy recovery system for the generation of highly efficient (> 50%) single-frequency radiation. We demonstrate the scalability of the transverse dimension of the 2D-PSL cavity of the Cherenkov source and thus the potential for efficient, continuous-wave, high-power (> 1 MW) operation; fundamental to the eventual realization of clean, fusion energy. These new sources, with the capacity to operate in the 0.1-10THz range, hold strong promise to address the long-standing “Terahertz gap”. By combining a Cherenkov oscillator driven by a non-gyrating beam with an innovative four-stage depressed collector energy recovery system, the overall device efficiency can be increased to be competitive with gyrotrons in the requirements for heating and current drive in fusion plasma. In these Cherenkov devices, the frequency independence of the magnetic guide field enables advantageous frequency scaling without deployment constraints, making them especially attractive for high-impact applications in fusion science, turbulence diagnostics, non-destructive testing and biochemical spectroscopy. The novel energy recovery techniques presented in this paper have broad applicability to many electron-beam driven devices, bringing revolutionary potential to future THz source technologies.

Assessment of immunological factors in COVID-19 patients treated by convalescent plasma.

Following the outbreak of COVID-19, several immunotherapy methods were used to modulate the immune responses of patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the immune response to COVID-19 in patients receiving convalescent plasma. In this regard, this randomized controlled trial included 30 patients who were divided into two groups according to receiving convalescent plasma or normal control plasma. Samples from both groups were collected on days 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 after plasma infusion. We measured the expression level of TLR7/8, IRF3/7, CTLA-4, PD-1 and T cell transcription factors by Real-time PCR in the mentioned groups. Thirteen cytokines were also evaluated using flow cytometry method. Results showed that compared to the normal control plasma group, the expression levels of TLR7, 8, IRF3, 7 and PD-1 and CTLA-4, on days 3, 5 and 7 after convalescent plasma infusion, were significantly decreased. On the other hand, Gene expression results showed that the expression levels of Tbet, RORγ3 and Foxp3 on days 3, 5 and 7 after convalescent plasma infusion were significantly increased compared to the normal control plasma group. After convalescent plasma infusion, the viral load was significantly decreased compared to the normal control plasma group. Convalescent plasma infusion also reduced the plasma cytokines levels, including IL-6, IL-10, and IL-4, and enhanced the level of IL-2, IFN- γ and perforin comparing the normal control plasma group. According to the results, the convalescent plasma infusion led to a decrease in the expression of innate immunity receptors and an increase in the expression of transcription factors of adaptive immunity. Therefore, it may be concluded that convalescent plasma infusion can modulate the immune response. To achieve a reliable consequence, further studies are required.

Development of a compact bolometer camera concept for investigation of radiation asymmetries at Wendelstein 7-X.

Power exhaust is one of the central challenges in magnetically confined fusion plasmas. Radiative detachment can be employed to reduce particle and heat fluxes to the divertor target, mitigating divertor damage and erosion. However, accomplishing this for a non-axisymmetric machine such as Wendelstein 7-X is a non-trivial task because of the complex role of transport and plasma-wall interaction in a three-dimensional magnetic field topology. We introduce a new bolometer camera design that can be easily installed in multiple toroidal locations and adapted to the required geometry, providing additional spatial coverage. This can be used to locally enhance tomographic capabilities or to resolve spatial variations of the plasma emissivity. By including these non-uniformities in the total radiated power estimate, global power balance measurements can be improved. We model each bolometer camera using ray tracing. We then analyze the forward-modeled detector response to several physically motivated synthetic emission phantoms with respect to its capability to quantify the local average emissivity. The results prove this concept as a promising asset for the investigation of poloidal and toroidal radiated power asymmetries in Wendelstein 7-X. The first CBC prototypes have undergone development and installation for the next experimental campaign.

Effects of intrauterine infusion of autologous platelet-rich plasma gel on endometrial thickness and outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer in women with thin endometrium.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether intrauterine infusion of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel increases endometrial thickness (EMT) and improves the outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) in women with thin endometrium. This study included 111 women (aged 25-44years) who had thin endometrium. All patients had at least one previous cycle canceled because of thin endometrium or previous embryo transfer cycles and an EMT < 7mm. Forty-seven women underwent intrauterine infusion of autologous PRP gel on three occasions during endometrial preparation and the remaining women served as controls. The final EMT was measured by ultrasound before the start of the luteal phase, and FET-related outcome parameters were monitored. Mean EMT was greater in women who received PRP gel than in those who did not (6.7mm vs. 6.3mm, respectively, p < 0.05). FET was attempted in all women. The 47 women who underwent infusion of PRP had a significantly higher pregnancy rate (18 pregnancies (38.3%), with 17 (36.2%) ongoing) compared with 64 control women (ten pregnancies (18.5%), nine (16.7%) ongoing). However, there was no significant reduction in the miscarriage rate. Intrauterine infusion of autologous PRP gel during endometrial preparation for FET cycles can improve the EMT, clinical pregnancy rate, and ongoing pregnancy rate in women with thin endometrium.

Spectroscopic analysis of tungsten spectra in extreme-ultraviolet range of 10-480 Å observed from EAST tokamak with full tungsten divertor

Tungsten spectra in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wavelength range of 10-480 Å have been observed from high-temperature plasmas in Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) with full tungsten divertor using four fast-time-response EUV spectrometers of EUV_Short (5-45 Å), EUV_Long_a (40–180 Å), EUV_Long_c (130–330 Å) and EUV_Long_b (270–480 Å) and two space-resolved EUV spectrometers of EUV_Short2_d (45–70 Å) and EUV_Long2_d (40–130 Å). The wavelength of measured spectra is accurately calibrated based on several well-known spectral lines emitted from low-Z (He, Li, C, N and O), medium-Z (Fe and Cu) and high-Z (Mo) impurity ions. Measurements of the tungsten spectra were taken from discharges accompanied with a transient tungsten burst event, which creates a pulsed influx of tungsten atoms into the EAST plasma. The tungsten spectra observed before and after the burst event are carefully analyzed with temporal behavior and radial profile distribution of the tungsten line intensity. As a result, 213 tungsten lines are successfully confirmed in the spectra observed after the tungsten burst, and the results are summarized in tables. These tungsten lines include line identifications of 78 lines of W XXIII - W XLVI (W22+ - W45+) at 10–140 Å and 88 lines of W V - W IX (W4+ - W8+) at 160–480 Å, while 47 tungsten lines at 50–380 Å could not be clarified the transition. In addition, quasi-continuum spectra called unresolved transition array (UTA) from tungsten ions in low- and high-ionization stages are also analyzed in three wavelength ranges of 18–38 Å, 45–70 Å and 150–280 Å at which W XXIII - W XXXVIII (W22+ - W37+), W XXVII - W XLVI (W26+ - W45+) and W VI—W IX (W5+ - W8+) are dominantly emitted, respectively. Through the analysis it is found that charge state distributions of tungsten UTA at 140–220 Å significantly vary with decrease in the electron temperature. Ionization stages of all observed tungsten lines including both isolated and quasi-continuum lines are experimentally reconfirmed by comparing the radial intensity profile with the electron temperature profile. Finally, spectral lines useful for tungsten diagnostic in fusion plasmas are selected and marked in the tables.

Real-time measurement of electron temperature using a coupled centre-tapped emissive probe and a Langmuir probe (CCTELP)

Abstract Conventional electrostatic probes are commonly used for measuring the plasma parameters like plasma density, electron temperature, plasma potential and floating potential respectively in a laboratory plasma to unveil physical processes of relevance to magnetosphere and fusion plasmas. With such probes, real-time measurement of electron temperature and its fluctuating AC component becomes very difficult. These measurements are significant as they directly give the measure of energy flux and hence can be utilized in estimating the turbulence-induced energy loss in any plasma system, especially useful for electron temperature gradient plasmas. Although Triple Langmuir Probe (TLP) diagnostics provide information on real-time measurement of electron temperature, this involves many complications. These complications of TLP are suitably overcome by the proposed diagnostic, which makes use of a combination of a closely separated centre tap emissive probe (CTEP) and Langmuir probe (LP) installed on a single probe head. The coupled centre-tapped emissive and Langmuir probe (CCTELP) provides direct measurement of electron temperature (T_e) and its fluctuations (T ̃_e). The design of the proposed diagnostic is very simple and it is almost free of rigorous control electronics and post-data analysis otherwise needed to estimate the electron temperature. These features make this diagnostic an additional and simple candidate for real-time measurement of electron temperature and its fluctuation. The paper will highlight details on this novel diagnostics, called CCTELP for the measurement in Maxwellian plasmas.

Angiogenic factor-driven improvement of refractory thin endometrium with autologous platelet-rich plasma intrauterine infusion in frozen embryo transfer cycles.

A beneficial effect on endometrial thickness (EMT) and improvement of pregnancy outcome after intrauterine infusion of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been suggested. This study assessed the effect of intrauterine PRP infusion on live birth rate and obstetrical outcomes and analyzed cytokines that can potentially improve pregnancy outcomes through PRP. This study was a prospective cohort study conducted in a university hospital fertility center. The study included ninety-one patients who had a history of two or more failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts and refractory thin endometrium that remained unresponsive after at least two conventional treatments for thin endometrium. Patients were treated with an intrauterine infusion of autologous PRP between days 7 and 14 of their hormone replacement therapy-frozen embryo transfer (HRT-FET) cycle. PRP was administered at 3-day intervals until their EMT reached 7mm. After a maximum of three PRP administrations, embryo transfer (ET) was performed. The primary outcome was the live birth rate. Secondary outcomes included the implantation rate and increase in EMT compared to the previous cycle. We compared the cytokines related to angiogenesis in a patient's whole blood (WB) and PRP by utilizing a commercial screening kit. The live birth rate in the PRP treatment cycle was 20.9% (19 of 91 patients), significantly superior to the previous cycle without PRP infusion (p < 0.001). The implantation rate was also significantly higher during the PRP treatment cycle (16.4%) compared to the previous cycle (3.1%) (p < 0.001). The mean EMT post-PRP treatment was 6.1 mm, showing a significant increase of 0.8 mm (p < 0.001). Nonetheless, an increase in EMT was also observed in the non-pregnancy group. No adverse effects were reported by patients treated with autologous PRP. Cytokine array analysis confirmed marked increases in well-known pro-angiogenic factors such as Ang-1, EGF, LAP (TGF-b1), MMP-8, PDGF-AA, and PDGF-AB/PDGF-BB. Intrauterine PRP infusion offers a safe and effective treatment for patients with refractory thin endometrium and implantation failures. The angiogenic cytokines present in PRP are the primary drivers of this improvement.

Implementation of matrix compression in the coupling of JOREK to realistic 3D conducting wall structures

Abstract JOREK is an advanced non-linear simulation code for studying MHD instabilities in magnetically confined fusion plasmas and their control and/or mitigation. A free-boundary and resistive wall extension was introduced via coupling to the STARWALL and CARIDDI codes, both able to provide dense response matrices describing the electromagnetic interactions between plasma and conducting structures. For detailed CAD representations of the conducting structures and high resolutions for the plasma region, memory and computing time limitations restrict the possibility of simulating the ITER tokamak. In the present work, the Singular Value Decomposition provided by routines from the ScaLAPACK library has been successfully applied to compress some of the dense response matrices and thus optimize memory usage. This is demonstrated for simulations of Tearing Mode and Vertical Displacement Event instabilities. An outlook to future applications on large production cases and further extensions of the method are discussed.

Characterization of the image plate multi-scan response to mono-energetic x-rays.

Image plates (IPs), or phosphor storage screens, are a technology employed frequently in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) and high energy density plasma (HEDP) diagnostics because of their sensitivity to many types of radiation, including, x rays, protons, alphas, beta particles, and neutrons. Prior studies characterizing IPs are predicated on the signal level remaining below the scanner saturation threshold. Since the scanning process removes some signal from the IP via photostimulated luminescence, repeatedly scanning an IP can bring the signal level below the scanner saturation threshold. This process, in turn, raises concerns about the signal response of IPs after an arbitrary number of scans and whether such a process yields, for example, a constant ratio of signal between the nth and n + 1st scan. Here, the sensitivity of IPs is investigated when scanned multiple times. It is demonstrated that the ratio of signal decay is not a constant with the number of scans and that the signal decay depends on the x-ray energy. As such, repeatedly scanning an IP with a mixture of signal types (e.g., x ray, neutron, and protons) enables ICF and HEDP diagnostics employing IPs to better isolate a particular signal type.