Mass spectrometry of atomic ions produced by in-trap decay of short-lived nuclides

The triple-trap mass spectrometer ISOLTRAP at ISOLDE/CERN has demonstrated the feasibility of mass spectrometry of in-trap-decay product ions. This novel technique gives access to radionuclides, which are not produced directly at ISOL-type radioactive ion beam facilities. As a proof of principle, the in-trap decay of 37K+ has been investigated in a Penning trap filled with helium buffer gas. The half-life of the mother nuclide was confirmed and the recoiling 37Ar+ daughter ion was contained within the trap. The ions of either the mother or the daughter nuclide were transferred to a precision Penning trap, where their mass was determined

Collisional absorption in strong laser fields

Collisional absorption of dense fully ionized plasmas in strong high-frequency laser fields is investigated in the non-relativistic case. Quantum statistical methods are used as well as molecular dynamics simulations. In the quantum statistical expressions for the electrical current density and the electron-ion collision frequency–valid for arbitrary field strength–strong correlations are taken into account. In addition, molecular dynamic simulations were performed to calculate the heating of dense plasmas in laser fields. Comparisons with the analytic results for different plasma parameters are given. Isothermal plasmas as well as two-temperature plasmas are considered

Microscopic modelling of doped manganites

Colossal magneto-resistance manganites are characterized by a complex interplay of charge, spin, orbital and lattice degrees of freedom. Formulating microscopic models for these compounds aims at meeting two conflicting objectives: sufficient simplification without excessive restrictions on the phase space. We give a detailed introduction to the electronic structure of manganites and derive a microscopic model for their low-energy physics. Focusing on short-range electron–lattice and spin–orbital correlations we supplement the modelling with numerical simulations

Examples for application and diagnostics in plasma–powder interaction

Low-pressure plasmas offer a unique possibility of confinement, control and fine tailoring of particle properties. Hence, dusty plasmas have grown into a vast field and new applications of plasma-processed dust particles are emerging. There is demand for particles with special properties and for particle-seeded composite materials. For example, the stability of luminophore particles could be improved by coating with protective Al2O3 films which are deposited by a PECVD process using a metal-organic precursor gas. Alternatively, the interaction between plasma and injected micro-disperse powder particles can also be used as a diagnostic tool for the study of plasma surface processes. Two examples will be provided: the interaction of micro-sized (SiO2) grains confined in a radiofrequency plasma with an external ion beam as well as the effect of a dc-magnetron discharge on confined particles during deposition have been investigated

Diskursethik als Maximenethik: Von der Prinzipienbegründung zur Handlungsorientierung

The book introduces a conception of discourse ethics, an intersubjectivist version of Kantian ethics. Analysing contributions by Jürgen Habermas, Karl-Otto Apel, Wolfgang Kuhlmann, Albrecht Wellmer, Robert Alexy, Klaus Günther, Rainer Forst, Marcel Niquet and others, it reconstructs critical discussions of the justification of the principle of morality (Part I) and the various proposals for its application (Part II). It defends an alternative model of how discourse ethics can provide guidance in non-ideal circumstances and avoid both arbitrariness and rigorism

Large-scale fluctuation structures in plasma turbulence

The role of large-scale fluctuation structures in electrostatic drift-wave-type plasma turbulence is highlighted. In particular, well-defined laboratory experiments allow one to study the dynamics of drift wave mode structures as well as `eddies' in drift wave turbulence. In the present paper we discuss the mutual relationships between observations made in linear magnetic geometry, purely toroidal geometry and magnetic confinement. The simplest structure, a saturated, nonlinear drift mode, is the starting point for a Ruelle-Takens-Newhouse transition route to chaos and weakly developed turbulence. Both spectral and phase space analysis are applied to characterize in detail the transition scenario, which is enforced due to an increased drive by the plasma equilibrium state. In addition to direct multi-probe observation, statistical approaches are most revealing for the systematic study of the spatiotemporal dynamics in fully developed drift wave turbulence. In particular, the propagation of large-scale `eddy' structures is traced by conditional statistics methods. Finally, the control of drift wave turbulence by spatiotemporal synchronization is discussed

Micro-Computed Tomography Reveals a Remarkable Twin Intromittent Organ in Spiders – A Novelty for Arachnids With Direct Sperm Transfer

The modification of male pedipalps into secondary sexual intromittent organs is one of the hallmark characteristics of spiders, yet understanding the development and evolution of male genitalia across the order remains a challenging prospect. The embolus – the sclerite bearing the efferent spermatic duct or spermophor, and used to deliver sperm directly to the female genitalia during copulation – has always been considered the single unambiguously homologous palpal sclerite shared by all spider species, fundamental to the bauplan of the order and to the evolution and functional morphology of spider reproductive systems. Indeed, after two centuries of comparative research on spider reproduction, the presence of a single spermophor and embolus on each of a male spider’s two pedipalps remains a central tenet of evolutionary arachnology. Our findings challenge this premise, and reveal a remarkable twin intromittent organ sperm transfer system in a lineage of Australian palpimanoid spiders, characterized by a bifurcate spermophor and the presence of two efferent ducts leading to a pair of embolic sclerites on each pedipalp. This is the first time such a remarkable conformation has been observed in any group of arachnids with direct sperm transfer, complicating our understanding of palpal sclerite homologies, and challenging ideas about the evolution of spider genitalia

Families Affected by Parental Cancer: Quality of Life, Impact on Children and Psychosocial Care Needs

Parental cancer poses major challenges for families with minor children. Due to diagnosis and treatment family life is disrupted. To prevent long-term consequences in all family members and to design needs-oriented family-centered interventions, further understanding of the family's situation including the impact on the children, quality of life levels and the parental psychosocial needs is necessary. This study aims at investigating the impact of parental cancer on the minor children, family-specific psychosocial needs and quality of life levels of parents and children. Cancer patients parenting at least 1 minor child (<18 years) were eligible for study participation. In total, n=86 cancer patients under treatment participated in the study. After excluding participants without a minor child, 78 patients remained for analyses. We assessed children's quality of life using the parent proxy version of the KIDSCREEN-10 and parental quality of life using the EORTC QLQ C30 quality of life questionnaire. Additionally, the questionnaire comprised open questions about positive and negative changes parents perceived in their children as well as questions on specific family- and child-related psychosocial needs. The majority of participants were mothers (91%), mainly diagnosed with breast cancer (59%). The participating parents provided data on 117 minor children. Parents mentioned positive changes in 38% of the children (e.g., being more attentive and helpful). Negative changes were reported in 37% of the children (e.g., being more anxious and clingy). Parents reported family-specific psychosocial supportive care needs for themselves as a parent (e.g., support regarding parenting concerns), support needs for the partner or the children. Moreover, parents expressed family-related information needs and needs regarding practical aspects (e.g., childcare, household help). Global quality of life was M = 55.7 (SD = 23.4) for parents and M = 57.5 (SD = 15.5) for children. Pearson's correlation coefficient between parental and children's quality of life was 0.377 (p < 0.001). To identify parents with cancer and children in need for additional support, health care providers should proactively inquire about the impact of the disease on the children. In terms of a comprehensive cancer care, the direct assessment of family impact and family-specific support needs in cancer patients with minor children allows for needs-based allocation to support offers