A simple analytic model for astrophysical S-factors

We propose a physically transparent analytic model of astrophysical S-factors as a function of a center-of-mass energy E of colliding nuclei (below and above the Coulomb barrier) for non-resonant fusion reactions. For any given reaction, the S(E)-model contains four parameters [two of which approximate the barrier potential, U(r)]. They are easily interpolated along many reactions involving isotopes of the same elements; they give accurate practical expressions for S(E) with only several input parameters for many reactions. The model reproduces the suppression of S(E) at low energies (of astrophysical importance) due to the shape of the low-r wing of U(r). The model can be used to reconstruct U(r) from computed or measured S(E). For illustration, we parameterize our recent calculations of S(E) (using the Sao Paulo potential and the barrier penetration formalism) for 946 reactions involving stable and unstable isotopes of C, O, Ne, and Mg (with 9 parameters for all reactions involving many isotopes of the same elements, e.g., C+O). In addition, we analyze astrophysically important 12C+12C reaction, compare theoretical models with experimental data, and discuss the problem of interpolating reliably known S(E) values to low energies (E <= 2-3 MeV).Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures, Phys. Rev. C, accepte

Numerical simulation of film-cooled ablative rocket nozzles

The objective of this research effort was to evaluate the impact of incorporating an additional cooling port downstream between the injector and nozzle throat in the NASA Fast Track chamber. A numerical model of the chamber was developed for the analysis. The analysis did not model ablation but instead correlated the initial ablation rate with the initial nozzle wall temperature distribution. The results of this study provide guidance in the development of a potentially lighter, second generation ablative rocket nozzle which maintains desired performance levels

The impact of nuclear masses near N=82N=82 on rr-process abundances

We have performed for the first time a complete $r$-process mass sensitivity study in the $N=82$ region. We take into account how an uncertainty in a single nuclear mass propagates to influence important quantities of neighboring nuclei, including Q-values and reaction rates. We demonstrate that nuclear mass uncertainties of $\pm0.5$ MeV in the $N=82$ region result in up to an order of magnitude local change in $r$-process abundance predictions. We identify key nuclei in the study whose mass has a substantial impact on final $r$-process abundances and could be measured at future radioactive beam facilities.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures, submitte

Ultrafast supercontinuum spectroscopy of carrier multiplication and biexcitonic effects in excited states of PbS quantum dots

We examine the multiple exciton population dynamics in PbS quantum dots by ultrafast spectrally-resolved supercontinuum transient absorption (SC-TA). We simultaneously probe the first three excitonic transitions over a broad spectral range. Transient spectra show the presence of first order bleach of absorption for the 1S_h-1S_e transition and second order bleach along with photoinduced absorption band for 1P_h-1P_e transition. We also report evidence of the one-photon forbidden 1S_{h,e}-1P_{h,e} transition. We examine signatures of carrier multiplication (multiexcitons for the single absorbed photon) from analysis of the first and second order bleaches, in the limit of low absorbed photon numbers (~ 10^-2), at pump energies from two to four times the semiconductor band gap. The multiexciton generation efficiency is discussed both in terms of a broadband global fit and the ratio between early- to long-time transient absorption signals.. Analysis of population dynamics shows that the bleach peak due to the biexciton population is red-shifted respect the single exciton one, indicating a positive binding energy.Comment: 16 pages, 5 figure

Protocol for a national monthly survey of alcohol use in England with 6-month follow-up: 'The Alcohol Toolkit Study'.

Timely tracking of national patterns of alcohol consumption is needed to inform and evaluate strategies and policies aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm. Between 2014 until at least 2017, the Alcohol Toolkit Study (ATS) will provide such tracking data and link these with policy changes and campaigns. By virtue of its connection with the 'Smoking Toolkit Study' (STS), links will also be examined between alcohol and smoking-related behaviour

Allosteric Control Of Oxygen Binding By Haemoglobin During Embryonic Development In The Crocodile Crocodylus porosus: The Role Of Red Cell Organic Phosphates And Carbon Dioxide

The P50 of whole blood [30 degrees C, PCO2=2.08 kPa (15.6 mmHg)] decreases during embryonic development from approximately 6.7 kPa (50 mmHg) at 15 days to about half this value at hatching (86 days), paralleling a decrease in ATP from 100 to 5-10 micromole g-1 Hb. There is also a progressive changeover from embryonic to adult haemoglobin (HbA). A pulse of 2,3- diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) (18 micromole g-1 Hb) occurs late in embryonic life. It has no effect on whole-blood oxygen-affinity and falls rapidly at hatching to values typical of post-hatchling crocodilians in general