Novel concept suppressing plasma heat pulses in a tokamak by fast divertor sweeping

One of the remaining challenges in magnetic thermonuclear fusion is survival of the heat shield protecting the tokamak reactor vessel against excessive plasma heat fluxes. Unmitigated high confinement edge localized mode (ELM) is a regular heat pulse damaging the heat shield. We suggest a novel concept of magnetic sweeping of the plasma contact strike point fast and far enough in order to spread this heat pulse. We demonstrate feasibility of a dedicated copper coil in a resonant circuit, including the induced currents and power electronics. We predict the DEMO ELM properties, simulate heat conduction, 3D particles motion and magnetic fields of the plasma and coil in COMSOL Multiphysics and Matlab. The dominant system parameter is voltage, feasible 18 kV yields 1 kHz sweeping frequency, suppressing the ELM-induced surface temperature rise by a factor of 3. Multiplied by other known mitigation concepts, ELMs might be mitigated enough to ensure safe operation of DEMO.

Edge Thomson scattering diagnostic on COMPASS tokamak: installation, calibration, operation, improvements

The core Thomson scattering diagnostic (TS) on the COMPASS tokamak was put in operation and reported earlier. Implementation of edge TS, with spatial resolution along the laser beam up to ∼1/100 of the tokamak minor radius, is presented now. The procedure for spatial calibration and alignment of both core and edge systems is described. Several further upgrades of the TS system, like a triggering unit and piezo motor driven vacuum window shutter, are introduced as well. The edge TS system, together with the core TS, is now in routine operation and provides electron temperature and density profiles.

Introducing minimum Fisher regularisation tomography to AXUV and soft x-ray diagnostic systems of the COMPASS tokamak

The contribution focuses on plasma tomography via the minimum Fisher regularisation (MFR) algorithm applied on data from the recently commissioned tomographic diagnostics on the COMPASS tokamak. The MFR expertise is based on previous applications at Joint European Torus (JET), as exemplified in a new case study of the plasma position analyses based on JET soft x-ray (SXR) tomographic reconstruction. Subsequent application of the MFR algorithm on COMPASS data from cameras with absolute extreme ultraviolet (AXUV) photodiodes disclosed a peaked radiating region near the limiter. Moreover, its time evolution indicates transient plasma edge cooling following a radial plasma shift. In the SXR data, MFR demonstrated that a high resolution plasma positioning independent of the magnetic diagnostics would be possible provided that a proper calibration of the cameras on an x-ray source is undertaken.

Correlates of extra-dyadic sex in Czech heterosexual couples: does sexual behavior of parents matter?

Despite frequent sanctions and potentially serious consequences, extra-dyadic involvements are a relatively common phenomenon. Previously, potential links among extra-dyadic involvements and personal or interpersonal characteristics were extensively explored. However, the developmental aspects of extra-dyadic relationships have been rather overlooked to date. Here, we focus on the association between self-reported extra-dyadic tendencies and behavior, and previous experience with extra-dyadic sex in prior romantic relationships and in the primary family. We asked both members of 86 long-term cohabiting couples to complete several inventories assessing various aspects of the relationship satisfaction, sociosexuality and extra-dyadic intentions and behavior. As in previous studies, we found a lower level of overall Dyadic Adjustment and in the subscales Affectional Expression and Dyadic Consensus, in particular, among women but not men who reported extra-pair sex. Neither experience with own nor partners' infidelity in previous relationships was linked to reported extra-pair sex in the current relationship. However, men who reported their fathers but not mothers being unfaithful were also significantly more often unfaithful and showed a higher level of extra-dyadic intentions. There was no association between parental infidelity and extra-pair sex or extra-dyadic intentions in women. Our results suggest that experience of infidelity within the primary family has an impact on subsequent behavior. However, this is the case only in men. Women's extra-dyadic activities seem to be affected instead by the quality of the current relationship. Future research is needed to test the influence of ontogenetic and hereditary factors on the development of infidelity tendencies.

Body odor quality predicts behavioral attractiveness in humans

Growing effort is being made to understand how different attractive physical traits co-vary within individuals, partly because this might indicate an underlying index of genetic quality. In humans, attention has focused on potential markers of quality such as facial attractiveness, axillary odor quality, the second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio and body mass index (BMI). Here we extend this approach to include visually-assessed kinesic cues (nonverbal behavior linked to movement) which are statistically independent of structural physical traits. The utility of such kinesic cues in mate assessment is controversial, particularly during everyday conversational contexts, as they could be unreliable and susceptible to deception. However, we show here that the attractiveness of nonverbal behavior, in 20 male participants, is predicted by perceived quality of their axillary body odor. This finding indicates covariation between two desirable traits in different sensory modalities. Depending on two different rating contexts (either a simple attractiveness rating or a rating for long-term partners by 10 female raters not using hormonal contraception), we also found significant relationships between perceived attractiveness of nonverbal behavior and BMI, and between axillary odor ratings and 2D:4D ratio. Axillary odor pleasantness was the single attribute that consistently predicted attractiveness of nonverbal behavior. Our results demonstrate that nonverbal kinesic cues could reliably reveal mate quality, at least in males, and could corroborate and contribute to mate assessment based on other physical traits.

Judgments of sexual orientation and masculinity-femininity based on thin slices of behavior: a cross-cultural comparison

Studies of North Americans suggest that laypeople can judge the sexual orientation of others with greater than chance accuracy based on brief observations of their behavior (i.e., "gaydar" exists). One factor that appears to contribute to these judgments is targets' degree of masculinity-femininity. However, behaviors related to sexual orientation and to masculinity-femininity might vary across cultures. Thus, cross-cultural work is needed to test whether judgments of sexual orientation are more accurate when targets and raters are from the same culture. American and Czech male targets, 38 homosexual and 41 heterosexual, were videotaped and brief segments of the videotapes were presented to American and Czech raters. Overall, raters' judgments of targets' sexual orientation were related to targets' self-reported sexual orientation. However, the relationship was stronger when targets were judged by raters from their own country. In general, results suggest that there are both cross-cultural similarities and differences in gaydar and in cues related to sexual orientation.

Sexual dimorphism and personality attributions of male faces

Individuals tend to judge personality traits on the basis of physical characteristics, particularly facial traits, although this phenomenon has been mostly studied in relation to the halo effect of attractiveness. However, there are other facial traits which may also have an impact on personality attributions; here, we focused on masculinity. We carried out principal component analysis (PCA) of 15 anthropometric measurements from 71 male faces, resulting in three components: Face Height (C1), Inner Face Breadth (C2), and Cheekbones-Jaw Prominence (C3). The targets' photographs were rated by 210 women and 177 men on scales for masculinity, attractiveness, and nine psychological characteristics (selected Cattell's factors): Warmth, Reasoning, Emotional Stability, Dominance, Liveliness, Rule-Consciousness, Social Boldness, Abstractedness, and Privateness. We found that masculinity correlated positively with ratings of Dominance and Social Boldness and that masculinity rated by men correlated positively with ratings of Emotional Stability and Privateness. We found no relationship between masculinity rated by women and the PCA components, while masculinity rated by men correlated negatively with C2 (possibly related to babyface features) and positively with C3 (which included features developed under the control of testosterone, such as jaw prominence). Our results imply sex differences in masculinity ratings. In particular, men used Cheekbones-Jaw Prominence and Inner Face Breadth as cues for masculinity judgments; on the other hand, women apparently perceive masculinity in a more holistic way.

Distinguishing between perceiver and wearer effects in clothing color-associated attributions

Recent studies have noted positive effects of red clothing on success in competitive sports, perhaps arising from an evolutionary predisposition to associate the color red with dominance status. Red may also enhance judgments of women's attractiveness by men, perhaps through a similar association with fertility. Here we extend these studies by investigating attractiveness judgments of both sexes and by contrasting attributions based on six different colors. Furthermore, by photographing targets repeatedly in different colors, we could investigate whether color effects are due to influences on raters or clothing wearers, by either withholding from raters information about clothing color or holding it constant via digital manipulation, while retaining color-associated variation in wearer's expression and posture. When color cues were available, we found color-attractiveness associations when males were judged by either sex, or when males judged females, but not when females judged female images. Both red and black were associated with higher attractiveness judgments and had approximately equivalent effects. Importantly, we also detected significant clothing color-attractiveness associations even when clothing color was obscured from raters and when color was held constant by digital manipulation. These results suggest that clothing color has a psychological influence on wearers at least as much as on raters, and that this ultimately influences attractiveness judgments by others. Our results lend support for the idea that evolutionarily-derived color associations can bias interpersonal judgments, although these are limited neither to effects on raters nor to the color red.

Distinguishing between Perceiver and Wearer Effects in Clothing Color-Associated Attributions

Recent studies have noted positive effects of red clothing on success in competitive sports, perhaps arising from an evolutionary predisposition to associate the color red with dominance status. Red may also enhance judgments of women's attractiveness by men, perhaps through a similar association with fertility. Here we extend these studies by investigating attractiveness judgments of both sexes and by contrasting attributions based on six different colors. Furthermore, by photographing targets repeatedly in different colors, we could investigate whether color effects are due to influences on raters or clothing wearers, by either withholding from raters information about clothing color or holding it constant via digital manipulation, while retaining color-associated variation in wearer's expression and posture. When color cues were available, we found color-attractiveness associations when males were judged by either sex, or when males judged females, but not when females judged female images. Both red and black were associated with higher attractiveness judgments and had approximately equivalent effects. Importantly, we also detected significant clothing color-attractiveness associations even when clothing color was obscured from raters and when color was held constant by digital manipulation. These results suggest that clothing color has a psychological influence on wearers at least as much as on raters, and that this ultimately influences attractiveness judgments by others. Our results lend support for the idea that evolutionarily-derived color associations can bias interpersonal judgments, although these are limited neither to effects on raters nor to the color red.

Current issues in the study of androstenes in human chemosignaling

We review research on the 16-androstenes and their special claim, born originally of the finding that androstenes function as boar pheromones, to be human chemosignals. Microbial fauna in human axillae act upon the 16-androstenes to produce odorous volatiles. Both individual variation and sex differences in perception of these odors suggest that they may play a role in mediating social behavior, and there is now much evidence that they modulate changes in interpersonal perception, and individual mood, behavior, and physiology. Many of these changes are sensitive to the context in which the compounds are experienced. However, many key outstanding questions remain. These include identification of the key active compounds, better quantification of naturally occurring concentrations and understanding how experimentally administered concentrations elicit realistic effects, and elucidation of individual differences (e.g., sex differences) in production rates. Until such issues are addressed, the question of whether the androstenes play a special role in human interactions will remain unresolved.

MHC-correlated mate choice in humans: a review

Extremely high variability in genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in vertebrates is assumed to be a consequence of frequency-dependent parasite-driven selection and mate preferences based on promotion of offspring heterozygosity at MHC, or potentially, genome-wide inbreeding avoidance. Where effects have been found, mate choice studies on rodents and other species usually find preference for MHC-dissimilarity in potential partners. Here we critically review studies on MHC-associated mate choice in humans. These are based on three broadly different aspects: (1) odor preferences, (2) facial preferences and (3) actual mate choice surveys. As in animal studies, most odor-based studies demonstrate disassortative preferences, although there is variation in the strength and nature of the effects. In contrast, facial attractiveness research indicates a preference for MHC-similar individuals. Results concerning MHC in actual couples show a bias towards similarity in one study, dissimilarity in two studies and random distribution in several other studies. These vary greatly in sample size and heterogeneity of the sample population, both of which may significantly bias the results. This pattern of mixed results across studies may reflect context-dependent and/or life history sensitive preference expression, in addition to higher level effects arising out of population differences in genetic heterogeneity or cultural and ethnic restrictions on random mating patterns. Factors of special relevance in terms of individual preferences are reproductive status and long- vs. short-term mating context. We discuss the idea that olfactory and visual channels may work in a complementary way (i.e. odor preference for MHC-dissimilarity and visual preference for MHC-similarity) to achieve an optimal level of genetic variability, methodological issues and interesting avenues for further research.

The effect of meat consumption on body odor attractiveness

Axillary body odor is individually specific and potentially a rich source of information about its producer. Odor individuality partly results from genetic individuality, but the influence of ecological factors such as eating habits are another main source of odor variability. However, we know very little about how particular dietary components shape our body odor. Here we tested the effect of red meat consumption on body odor attractiveness. We used a balanced within-subject experimental design. Seventeen male odor donors were on "meat" or "nonmeat" diet for 2 weeks wearing axillary pads to collect body odor during the final 24 h of the diet. Fresh odor samples were assessed for their pleasantness, attractiveness, masculinity, and intensity by 30 women not using hormonal contraceptives. We repeated the same procedure a month later with the same odor donors, each on the opposite diet than before. Results of repeated measures analysis of variance showed that the odor of donors when on the nonmeat diet was judged as significantly more attractive, more pleasant, and less intense. This suggests that red meat consumption has a negative impact on perceived body odor hedonicity.

Women's preference for dominant male odour: effects of menstrual cycle and relationship status

Body odour may provide significant cues about a potential sexual partner's genetic quality, reproductive status and health. In animals, a key trait in a female's choice of sexual partner is male dominance but, to date, this has not been examined in humans. Here, we show that women in the fertile phase of their cycle prefer body odour of males who score high on a questionnaire-based dominance scale (international personality items pool). In accordance with the theory of mixed mating strategies, this preference varies with relationship status, being much stronger in fertile women in stable relationships than in fertile single women.

Probable neuroimmunological link between Toxoplasma and cytomegalovirus infections and personality changes in the human host

Background

Recently, a negative association between Toxoplasma-infection and novelty seeking was reported. The authors suggested that changes of personality trait were caused by manipulation activity of the parasite, aimed at increasing the probability of transmission of the parasite from an intermediate to a definitive host. They also suggested that low novelty seeking indicated an increased level of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain of infected subjects, a phenomenon already observed in experimentally infected rodents. However, the changes in personality can also be just a byproduct of any neurotropic infection. Moreover, the association between a personality trait and the toxoplasmosis can even be caused by an independent correlation of both the probability of Toxoplasma-infection and the personality trait with the third factor, namely with the size of living place of a subject. To test these two alternative hypotheses, we studied the influence of another neurotropic pathogen, the cytomegalovirus, on the personality of infected subjects, and reanalyzed the original data after the effect of the potential confounder, the size of living place, was controlled.

Methods

In the case-control study, 533 conscripts were tested for toxoplasmosis and presence of anti-cytomegalovirus antibodies and their novelty seeking was examined with Cloninger's TCI questionnaire. Possible association between the two infections and TCI dimensions was analyzed.

Results

The decrease of novelty seeking is associated also with cytomegalovirus infection. After the size of living place was controlled, the effect of toxoplasmosis on novelty seeking increased. Significant difference in novelty seeking was observed only in the largest city, Prague.

Conclusion

Toxoplasma and cytomegalovirus probably induce a decrease of novelty seeking. As the cytomegalovirus spreads in population by direct contact (not by predation as with Toxoplasma), the observed changes are the byproduct of brain infections rather than the result of manipulation activity of a parasite. Four independent lines of indirect evidence, namely direct measurement of neurotransmitter concentration in mice, the nature of behavioral changes in rodents, the nature of personality changes in humans, and the observed association between schizophrenia and toxoplasmosis, suggest that the changes of dopamine concentration in brain could play a role in behavioral changes of infected hosts.

Female facial attractiveness increases during the fertile phase of the menstrual cycle

The lack of obvious visible manifestations of ovulation in human females, compared with the prominent sexual swellings of many primates, has led to the idea that human ovulation is concealed. While human ovulation is clearly not advertised to the same extent as in some other species, we show here that both men and women judge photographs of women's faces that were taken in the fertile window of the menstrual cycle as more attractive than photographs taken during the luteal phase. This indicates the existence of visible cues to ovulation in the human face, and is consistent with similar cyclical changes observed for preferences of female body odour. This heightened allure could be an adaptive mechanism for raising a female's relative value in the mating market at the time in the cycle when the probability of conception is at its highest.

Bedside percutaneous dilational tracheostomy with endoscopic guidance: experience with 71 ICU patients

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of endoscopic guidance in bedside percutaneous dilational tracheostomy.

DESIGN

The medical critical care unit of a large community hospital.

SETTING

71 consecutive adult patients who required prolonged mechanical ventilation.

INTERVENTIONS

72 elective percutaneous dilational tracheostomies using the Ciaglia technique were performed under view of a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Patients were examined during tracheostomy and on days 2 and 7 after the procedure, at discharge and after half a year if they were still alive. A correct median puncture was observed by endoscopic control in 59 interventions. An initial paramedian puncture was detected in 13/72 (18%) procedures and was corrected by renewed insertion in all cases. No severe complications related to percutaneous dilational tracheostomy were noticed. Minor complications occurred in 4/71 (5.6%) patients including minor bleeding in 2, inflammatory infiltration in 1 and one superficial lesion of the posterior tracheal mucosa. Long-term follow-up revealed stomal granulation in 3 patients including one at the tracheal site. At the end of the observation period the tracheostomy still was in use in 14/71 (20%) patients and 12/71 (17%) patients were decannulated. Due to their severe underlying diseases 45/71 (63%) patients had died. To facilitate weaning from the tracheostomy a minitracheostomy tube was used in 3 patients.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous dilational tracheostomy is a simple bedside procedure associated with a low complication rate. We recommend the use of endoscopic guidance to increase the safety of tracheal puncture and dilation procedure.

Type 1 and 3 M-proteins of Streptococcus pyogenes: peptic extraction and fibrinogen binding properties

The pepsin extraction of group A type 1 streptococci for the isolation of M protein fragments was studied at different pH values and at different time intervals. The extracts were compared by SDS PAGE and fused rocket immunoelectrophoresis. Type 1 M protein fragments were prepared in preparative scale by pepsin extraction of type 1 streptococci at pH 5.5 for 60 min. The fragments were separated by affinity chromatography on immobilized fibrinogen and finally purified for sequence studies by gel chromatography. Pepsin extraction of group A type 3 streptococci was also studied at different pH values. In contrast to type 1, the SDS PAGE pattern changed drastically in dependence on the pH. Affinity chromatography on immobilized fibrinogen is also effective in the separation of the pH 5.5 type 3 streptococcal pepsin extract.

Interaction of group A type 1 streptococcal M protein with fibrinogen

Adsorption chromatography of streptococcal extracts on immobilized fibrinogen allows isolation of components that are linked to the corresponding receptors. In this study it is shown by an indirect bactericidal test that fibrinogen binds the M proteins of the streptococcal strains used. Phage-associated lysin extracts of group A type 1 streptococci precipitated with fibrinogen in a double-diffusion test. Fibrinogen reactive components of other streptococcal types inhibited this precipitation reaction. This suggests that the fibrinogen receptors in different types of group A streptococci have identical activity. The interaction between M protein and fibrinogen does not interfere with the interaction between M protein and the corresponding type specific antibodies. The streptococcal antigen components isolated by immobilized fibrinogen showed mitogenic activity in a lymphocyte transformation test.

[Changes in the non-neoplastic thymus in myasthenia gravis]

Non-neoplastic thymuses were examined in 63 patients suffering from myasthenia gravis. Germinal centres were found in 61 patients, minute capsular and septal foci consisting of histiocytes and eosinophilic leucocytes were in 27 cases. An opinion was discussed that lesion close to germinal centres could be related to immune reaction after myogenic induction in thymuses from cases of myasthenia gravis.

M antigens of group A streptococci isolated by means of immunochromatography. Biochemical and serological properties

M proteins of Streptococcus pyogenes types 1 and 12 were purified by immunochromatography on immobilized type-specific opsonizing antibodies. The M proteins were characterized serologically and biochemically. They absorb after immobilization opsonizing antibodies and only precipitate with homologous antisera in immunodiffusion. In SDS PAGE they show one main band, corresponding to mol. weights of 5 X 104 (type 1) and 5.4 X 104 (type 12), accompanied by faint lines, which form with the main band a precipitation line of identity in SDS-crossed immunoelectrophoresis. Both M proteins aggregate blood platelets and clot fibrinogen.

Type-specific and non-type-specific reactions of purified M protein preparations

M proteins of type 1 and type 12 Streptococcus pyogenes were extracted by means of phage-associated lysin and purified by ion-exchange chromatography on CM and DEAE cellulose. Molecular weight distributions were studied by gel chromatography on Biogel A 0.5 m in a 6 molar urea solution and by SDS electrophresis. Serological activities were studied by the complement-fixation reaction and immunodiffusion and were compared with the estimated molecular weights. Type-specific and non-specific activity was found to be located on the same polypeptide chain of a size of 2 X 10(4) daltons (type 1) and 1.5 X 10(4) daltons (type 12). These serologically active chains are in preparations purified by chromatographic methods accompanied by polypeptides of different sizes which are held together by noncovalent bonds thus forming molecules above 4 X 10(4) daltons.