Formation of a charge-exchange target for fast ions in the plasma of large-scale toroidal devices under NBI conditions

High-energy (E>0.2 MeV) charge-exchange diagnostics allow the determination of the distribution function of fast atoms produced via the neutralization of hydrogen isotope ions by target hydrogen-like impurity ions. To derive the distribution function from the experimental data requires knowledge of the composition and spatial distribution of the target ions in a tokamak plasma. A charge-exchange target forms as a result of the interaction between the main impurity nuclei and the heating neutral beams. In different devices, the heating beams are arranged in different ways with respect to the diagnostics; hence, in order to accurately estimate the contribution of the secondary ions to the detected signal, it is necessary to calculate their trajectories for every particular case. A model is proposed that takes into account elementary processes resulting in the ionization equilibrium of the ions of different impurities with allowance for ion motion in a specific tokamak configuration. As an example, the model is applied to the plasma of the JT-60U tokamak. Mechanisms for the formation of charge-exchange atomic flows in various energy ranges are considered. The relative contributions of different heating injectors to the charge-exchange flow are estimated. Based on the calculated results, a method is proposed for local measurements of the ion distribution function with the help of a stationary analyzer.     

Torque and rotation rate of the bacterial flagellar motor.

This paper describes an analysis of microscopic models for the coupling between ion flow and rotation of bacterial flagella. In model I it is assumed that intersecting half-channels exist on the rotor and the stator and that the driving ion is constrained to move together with the intersection site. Model II is based on the assumption that ion flow drives a cycle of conformational transitions in a channel-like stator subunit that are coupled to the motion of the rotor. Analysis of both mechanisms yields closed expressions relating the torque M generated by the flagellar motor to the rotation rate v. Model I (and also, under certain assumptions, model II) accounts for the experimentally observed linear relationship between M and v. The theoretical equations lead to predictions on the relationship between rotation rate and driving force which can be tested experimentally.     

Classical transport in a field reversed configuration

The transport of charged particles in a field reversed configuration (FRC) was previously considered to be turbulent because it is much faster than classical predictions. Classical transport has mainly been developed for plasmas in which the gyroradii of particles are small compared to the scale lengths of the variation of the density and magnetic field. This assumption is quite inappropriate for an FRC where the magnetic field vanishes on a surface within the plasma. Classical theory has been extended to include large ion gyroradii. A classical loss-cone process is revealed that is consistent with the transport experiments in which the ion gyroradii were comparable in size to the plasma radius.     

Configuration of an inviscid plasma in the field of a rotating magnetized central body

The problem is considered of configurations of a strongly magnetized inviscid plasma around a rotating magnetized central body. Strong plasma magnetization implies that the Hall conductivity is much lower than the transverse conductivity, which in turn is much lower than the longitudinal conductivity. For such conditions, a self-consistent set of equations is derived that describes the conduction current density, the magnetic and electric fields, and the angular frequency of the plasma rotation under the assumptions that the components of the dielectric tensor of the plasma envelope are known functions of height and that the plasma mass velocity has only the azimuthal component. Under the assumption that the transverse conductivity is constant over a magnetic surface, the nonlinear equations derived are solved in quadratures within the class of angular frequency distributions that are symmetric about the equatorial plane. A particular solution for the plasma configurations in a dipole magnetic field is considered that corresponds to a model exponential dependence of the transverse conductivity on the number of the L-envelope (or, equivalently, on the number of the unperturbed magnetic surface).     

Poloidal asymmetry in perpendicular plasma rotation and radial electric field measured with correlation reflectometry at TEXTOR

Measurements of plasma rotation and electric field are crucial for the study of plasma confinement and transport. The present paper is devoted to experimental observations of poloidal asymmetry in perpendicular plasma rotation with correlation reflectometry on TEXTOR. Published in Russian in Fizika Plazmy, 2008, Vol. 34, No. 9, pp. 798–802. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Three-dimensional rotational plasma flows near solid surfaces in an axial magnetic field

A rotational flow of a conducting viscous medium near an extended dielectric disk in a uniform axial magnetic field is analyzed in the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) approach. An analytical solution to the system of nonlinear differential MHD equations of motion in the boundary layer for the general case of different rotation velocities of the disk and medium is obtained using a modified Slezkin–Targ method. A particular case of a medium rotating near a stationary disk imitating the end surface of a laboratory device is considered. The characteristics of a hydrodynamic flow near the disk surface are calculated within the model of a finite-thickness boundary layer. The influence of the magnetic field on the intensity of the secondary flow is studied. Calculations are performed for a weakly ionized dense plasma flow without allowance for the Hall effect and plasma compressibility. An MHD flow in a rotating cylinder bounded from above by a retarding cap is considered. The results obtained can be used to estimate the influence of the end surfaces on the main azimuthal flow, as well as the intensities of circulating flows in various devices with rotating plasmas, in particular, in plasma centrifuges and laboratory devices designed to study instabilities of rotating plasmas.     

Dynamics of the plasma injected into the gap of a plasma opening switch across a strong magnetic field

A method is proposed to increase the linear charge density transferred through a plasma opening switch (POS) and, accordingly, reduce the POS diameter by enhancing the external magnetic field in the POS gap. Results are presented from experimental studies of the dynamics of the plasma injected into the POS gap across a strong magnetic field. The possibility of closing the POS gap by the plasma injected across an external magnetic field of up to 60 kG is demonstrated.     

Effect of the magnetic field curvature on magnetic islands in tokamaks

The effect of the magnetic field curvature on magnetic islands in a tokamak is analyzed. It is demonstrated that the original investigation of this effect by Kotschenreuther et al. (1985) is inconsistent: on the one hand, the authors made the correct assumption that this is an ideal effect and, on the other hand, they described it in terms of the parameters characteristic of the “resistive ordering” approach, which is incompatible with the ideal approximation. More recent studies of the magnetic curvature effect have produced further ambiguities; as a result, a branch of the theory of magnetic islands has arisen that is based on the supposition that the effect under discussion can be described in terms of the Glasser-Greene-Johnson parameter D_R. This branch is shown to be erroneous, because the parameter D_R describes the plasma response to magnetic field perturbations on spatial scales of about the dimension of the linear resistive layer, while the characteristic spatial scale of the magnetic islands is much longer. It is concluded that the correct theory developed here for the magnetic curvature effect makes more optimistic predictions about its stabilizing role.     

Protoplast rotation in a rotating electric field: The influence of cold acclimation

Summary An experimental and theoretical investigation has been made of the rotation of protoplasts ofSecale cereale L. (cv Puma) in a rotating electric field for the purpose of determining the electrical properties of the protoplast plasma membrane. The dependence of the protoplast rotation rate on: (1) the rotation rate of the applied electric field; (2) the electrical conductivity of the external medium; and (3) cold acclimation or lack thereof were determined. A theoretical analysis of the rotation rate of polarizable spherical cells in a rotating electric field leads to a qualitatively similar formula to that of Arnold and Zimmermann (Z. Naturforsch. 37:908–915, 1982), but it differs from this earlier work by a large numerical factor (180). Detailed comparisons of the observed protoplast rotation rates with the new theory show generally good agreement. The protoplast rotation measurements allow a noninvasive determination of the specific plasma membrane capacitance,c _m. The average value found in the present experiments isc _m=(0.56±0.08)×10^–2 F/m². Within the experimental errors, thec _m values are the same for cold-acclimated and noncold-acclimated protoplasts. Determination of plasma membrane resistance from protoplast rotation measurements does not appear feasible because of the high values of the specific resistance.     

The permeability of SPION over an artificial three-layer membrane is enhanced by external magnetic field

Background  

Sensorineural hearing loss, a subset of all clinical hearing loss, may be correctable through the use of gene therapy. We are testing a delivery system of therapeutics through a 3 cell-layer round window membrane model (RWM model) that may provide an entry of drugs or genes to the inner ear. We designed an in vitro RWM model similar to the RWM (will be referred to throughout the paper as RWM model) to determine the feasibility of using superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles (SPION) for targeted delivery of therapeutics to the inner ear.     

Quantification of electroporative uptake kinetics and electric field heterogeneity effects in cells

We have conducted experiments quantitatively investigating electroporative uptake kinetics of a fluorescent plasma membrane integrity indicator, propidium iodide (PI), in HL60 human leukemia cells resulting from exposure to 40 μs pulsed electric fields (PEFs). These experiments were possible through the use of calibrated, real-time fluorescence microscopy and the development of a microcuvette: a specialized device designed for exposing cell cultures to intense PEFs while carrying out real-time microscopy. A finite-element electrostatic simulation was carried out to assess the degree of electric field heterogeneity between the microcuvette's electrodes allowing us to correlate trends in electroporative response to electric field distribution. Analysis of experimental data identified two distinctive electroporative uptake signatures: one characterized by low-level, decelerating uptake beginning immediately after PEF exposure and the other by high-level, accelerating fluorescence that is manifested sometimes hundreds of seconds after PEF exposure. The qualitative nature of these fluorescence signatures was used to isolate the conditions required to induce exclusively transient electroporation and to discuss electropore stability and persistence. A range of electric field strengths resulting in transient electroporation was identified for HL60s under our experimental conditions existing between 1.6 and 2 kV/cm. Quantitative analysis was used to determine that HL60s experiencing transient electroporation internalized between 50 and 125 million nucleic acid-bound PI molecules per cell. Finally, we show that electric field heterogeneity may be used to elicit asymmetric electroporative PI uptake within cell cultures and within individual cells.     

Empirical test of an ion parametric resonance model for magnetic field interactions with PC-12 cells

A companion paper describes a predictive ion parametric resonance (IPR) model of magnetic field interactions with biological systems based on a selective relation between the ratio of the flux density of the static magnetic field to the AC magnetic field and the charge-to-mass ratio of ions of biological relevance. Previous studies demonstrated that nerve growth factor (NGF)-stimulated neurite outgrowth (NO) in PC-12 cells can be inhibited by exposure to magnetic fields as a function of either magnetic field flux density or AC magnetic field frequency. The present work examines whether the PC-12 cell response to magnetic fields is consistent with the quasiperiodic, resonance-based predictions of the IPR model. We tested changes in each of the experimentally controllable variables [flux densities of the parallel components of the AC magnetic field (B_ac) and the static magnetic field (B_dc) and the frequency of the AC magnetic field] over a range of exposure conditions sufficient to determine whether the IPR model is applicable. A multiple-coil exposure system independently controlled each of these critical quantities. The perpendicular static magnetic field was controlled to less than 2 mG for all tests. The first set of tests examined the NO response in cells exposed to 45 Hz B_ac from 77 to 468 mG(rms) at a B_dc of 366 mG. Next, we examined an off-resonance condition using 20 mG B_dc with a 45 Hz AC field across a range of B_ac between 7.9 and 21 mG(rms). Finally, we changed the AC frequency to 25 Hz, with a corresponding change in B_dc to 203 mG (to tune for the same set of ions as in the first test) and a B_ac range from 78 to 181 mG(rms). In all cases the observed responses were consistent with predictions of the IPR model. These experimental results are the first to support in detail the validity of the fundamental relationships embodied in the IPR model. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Metabolic model for acetate uptake by a mixed culture of phosphate- and glycogen-accumulating organisms under anaerobic conditions

This paper proposes a new metabolic model for acetate uptake by a mixed culture of phosphate- and glycogen-accumulating organisms (PAOs and GAOs) under anaerobic conditions. The model uses variable overall stoichiometry based on the assumption that PAOs may have the ability of using the glyoxylate pathway to produce the required reducing power for polyhydroxyalkonate (PHA) synthesis. The proposed model was tested and verified by experimental results. A sequencing batch reactor system was operated for enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) with acetate as the sole carbon source at different influent acetate/phosphate ratios. The resulting experimental data supported the validity of the proposed model, indicating the presence of GAOs for all tested HAc/P ratios, especially under P-limiting conditions. Strong agreement is observed between experimental values and model predictions for all model components, namely, PHB production, PHA composition, glycogen utilization, and P release.     

Radical pairs may explain reactive oxygen species-mediated effects of hypomagnetic field on neurogenesis

Exposures to a hypomagnetic field can affect biological processes. Recently, it has been observed that hypomagnetic field exposure can adversely affect adult hippocampal neurogenesis and hippocampus-dependent cognition in mice. In the same study, the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hypomagnetic field effects has been demonstrated. However, the mechanistic reasons behind this effect are not clear. This study proposes a radical pair mechanism based on a flavin-superoxide radical pair to explain the modulation of ROS production and the attenuation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis in a hypomagnetic field. The results of our calculations favor a singlet-born radical pair over a triplet-born radical pair. Our model predicts hypomagnetic field effects on the triplet/singlet yield of comparable strength as the effects observed in experimental studies on adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Our predictions are in qualitative agreement with experimental results on superoxide concentration and other observed ROS effects. We also predict the effects of applied magnetic fields and oxygen isotopic substitution on adult hippocampal neurogenesis.     

Physical model of the plant tissue response to exposure to the microwave electromagnetic field

A hypothesis was suggested to explain the effect of biostimulation of seeds exposed to microwave electromagnetic field. It was shown that the assumption on the determining influence of the microwave field on the transport properties of the conducting system of a plant satisfactorily explains the phenomena observed in germinating seeds and growing plants. A physical model of the response of a plant cell to a microwave field is presented, which served as a basis for the method of calculating the maximum possible time of exposure of plant tissue.     

Rotation of cells in an alternating electric field theory and experimental proof

Summary Protoplasts ofAvena sativa rotate in an alternating electric field provided that at least two cells are located close to each other. An optimum frequency range (20 to 30 kHz) exists where rotation of all cells exposed to the field is observed. Below and above this frequency range, rotation of some cells is only occasionally observed. The angular velocity of rotation depends on the square of the electric field strength. At field strengths above the value leading to electrical breakdown of the cell membrane, rotation is no longer observed due to deterioration of the cells. The absolute value of the angular velocity of rotation at a given field strength depends on the arrangement of the cells in the electric field. A maximum value is obtained if the angle between the field direction and the line connecting the two cells is 45^o. With increasing distance between the two cells the rotation speed decreases. Furthermore, if two cells of different radii are positioned close to each other the cell with the smaller radius will rotate with a higher speed than the larger one. Rotation of cells in an alternating electric field is described theoretically by interaction between induced dipoles is adjacent cells. The optimum frequency range for rotation is related to the relaxation of the polarization process in the cell. The quadratic dependence of the angular velocity of rotation on the field strength results from the fact that the torque is the product of the external field and the induced dipole moment which is itself proportional to the external field. The theoretical and experimental results may be relevant for cyclosis (rotational streaming of cytoplasm) in living cells.     

Error field amplification near the stability boundary of the modes interacting with a conducting wall

The effect is considered of the amplification of an external resonant error field near the stability boundary of the so-called resistive wall modes observed in the DIII-D tokamak. The analysis is performed in a standard cylindrical approximation. The model is based on Maxwell’s equations and Ohm’s law; therefore, the results of the analysis are valid for any large-scale modes interacting with a conducting wall. In contrast to earlier approaches, the model considers the resonant field amplification as a dynamic effect. It is shown that, when the effect is the strongest, the stationary solutions proposed earlier are inapplicable. The problem of plasma response to a probing pulse of the resonant field of a given amplitude and duration is analyzed. The relationships obtained explain the basic features of the observed phenomena in the DIII-D tokamak and allow direct experimental verification.     

Magnetic field perturbations as a tool for controlling enzyme-regulated and oscillatory biochemical reactions

The feasibility of magnetic field perturbations as a tool for controlling enzyme-regulated and oscillatory biochemical reactions is studied. Our approach is based on recent experimental results that revealed magnetic field effects on the in vitro activity of enzyme systems in accordance with the radical pair mechanism. A minimum model consisting of two coupled enzyme-regulated reactions is discussed that combines, in a self-consistent manner, magnetic field-sensitive enzyme kinetics with non-linear dynamical principles. Furthermore, a simple detector mechanism is described that is capable of responding to an oscillatory input. Results reveal that moderate-strength magnetic fields (B=1-100 mT) may effectively alter the dynamics of the system. In particular, a response behavior is observed that depends on: (1) the combination of static and time-varying magnetic fields; (2) the field amplitude; and (3) the field frequency in a non-linear fashion. The specific response behavior is critically determined by the biochemical boundary conditions as defined by the kinetic properties of the system. We propose an experimental implementation of the results based on the oscillatory peroxidase-oxidase reaction controlled by the enzyme horseradish peroxidase.     

Ets1 oncogene induction by ELF-modulated 50 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field

We have analyzed gene expression in hemopoietic and testicular cell types after their exposure to 50 MHz radiofrequency (RF) non-ionizing radiation modulated (80%) with a 16 Hz frequency. The exposure system generates a 0.2 microT magnetic field parallel to the ground and a 60 V/m electric field orthogonal to the earth's magnetic field. Exposure conditions were selected so as to interfere with the calcium ion flow. Under these electromagnetic field (EMF) conditions, we observed an overexpression of the ets1 mRNA in Jurkat T-lymphoblastoid and Leydig TM3 cell lines. This effect was observed only in the presence of the 16 Hz modulation, corresponding to the resonance frequency for calcium ion with a DC magnetic field of 45.7 microT. We have also identified a putative candidate gene repressed after EMF exposure. The experimental model described in this paper may contribute to the understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in EMF effects.