Long range transport of ultra cold atoms in a far-detuned 1D optical lattice

We present a novel method to transport ultra cold atoms in a focused optical lattice over macroscopic distances of many Rayleigh ranges. With this method ultra cold atoms were transported over 5 cm in 250 ms without significant atom loss or heating. By translating the interference pattern together with the beam geometry the trap parameters are maintained over the full transport range. Thus, the presented method is well suited for tightly focused optical lattices that have sufficient trap depth only close to the focus. Tight focusing is usually required for far-detuned optical traps or traps that require high laser intensity for other reasons. The transport time is short and thus compatible with the operation of an optical lattice clock in which atoms are probed in a well designed environment spatially separated from the preparation and detection region.Comment: 14 pages, 6 figure

A clock network for geodesy and fundamental science

Leveraging the unrivaled performance of optical clocks in applications in fundamental physics beyond the standard model, in geo-sciences, and in astronomy requires comparing the frequency of distant optical clocks truthfully. Meeting this requirement, we report on the first comparison and agreement of fully independent optical clocks separated by 700 km being only limited by the uncertainties of the clocks themselves. This is achieved by a phase-coherent optical frequency transfer via a 1415 km long telecom fiber link that enables substantially better precision than classical means of frequency transfer. The fractional precision in comparing the optical clocks of three parts in $10^{17}$ was reached after only 1000 s averaging time, which is already 10 times better and more than four orders of magnitude faster than with any other existing frequency transfer method. The capability of performing high resolution international clock comparisons paves the way for a redefinition of the unit of time and an all-optical dissemination of the SI-second.Comment: 14 pages, 3 figures, 1 tabl

The Urine Proteome Profile Is Different in Neuromyelitis Optica Compared to Multiple Sclerosis: a Clinical Proteome Study

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Investigation of first ray mobility during gait by kinematic fluoroscopic imaging-a novel method

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>It is often suggested that sagittal instability at the first tarso-metatarsal joint level is a primary factor for hallux valgus and that sagittal instability increases with the progression of the deformity. The assessment of the degree of vertical instability is usually made by clinical evaluation while any measurements mostly refer to a static assessment of medial ray mobility (i.e. the plantar/dorsal flexion in the sagittal plane). Testing methods currently available cannot attribute the degree of mobility to the corresponding anatomical joints making up the medial column of the foot. The aim of this study was to develop a technique which allows for a quantification of the in-vivo sagittal mobility of the joints of the medial foot column during the roll-over process under full weight bearing.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Mobility of first ray bones was investigated by dynamic distortion-free fluoroscopy (25 frames/s) of 14 healthy volunteers and 8 patients with manifested clinical instability of the first ray. A CAD-based evaluation method allowed the determination of mobility and relative displacements and rotations of the first ray bones within the sagittal plane during the stance phase of gait.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Total flexion of the first ray was found to be 13.63 (SD 6.14) mm with the healthy volunteers and 13.06 (SD 8.01) mm with the patients (resolution: 0.245 mm/pixel). The dorsiflexion angle was 5.27 (SD 2.34) degrees in the healthy volunteers and increased to 5.56 (SD 3.37) degrees in the patients. Maximum rotations were found at the naviculo-cuneiform joints and least at the first tarso-metatarsal joint level in both groups.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Dynamic fluoroscopic assessment has been shown to be a valuable tool for characterisation of the kinematics of the joints of the medial foot column during gait.</p> <p>A significant difference in first ray flexion and angular rotation between the patients and healthy volunteers however could not be found.</p

Hallux rigidus: A cross-sectional study to evaluate clinical parameters

Background: Hallux rigidus (HR) is a common condition with history and physical examination used to help evaluate pathology, grade clinical changes and to inform treatment. Method: A cross-sectional study was undertaken to evaluate the demographics of and clinical parameters encountered in HR. In 110 subjects (180 feet) aged 18–70 years (mean 52 years) a standardized history and physical examination was undertaken. Clinical parameters associated with HR were evaluated. The Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) was used to measure health-related quality-of-life dimensions. Results: Seventy (64%) subjects had bilateral HR and 73 (66%)were female. Mean HR onsetwas 44 (14–68 years) years and median HR duration 6 years (1–33 years). A history of 1st MTPJ trauma presented in 22% of subjects; 74% of whom had unilateral HR. Eighty-four (47%) feet had pes planus based on a positive Foot Posture Index. A correlation between pes planus and 1st MTPJ pain was found (r = 0.84, p = 0.05). In 74% of feet, hallux abductus interphalangeus angle (HAI◦) was greater than normal (≤10◦). A correlation between HAI and reduced 1st MTPJ ROM was found (r = 0.92, p = 0.05). Second toe length was the same as the hallux in 111 feet (62%). A correlation between valgus hallucal rotation and 1st MTP joint pain in HR was found (r = .78, p = .05). A positive relationship was found between 2nd toe length and 1st MTPJ pain (p = 0.001 < 0.05). A correlation between hallucal interphalangeal joint (IPJ) hyperextension and 1st MTPJ pain was found (r = 0.78, p = 0.01). A positive relationship was found between lesser MTPJ pain and supination at propulsion (p < 0.001). There was no evidence of Achilles tendon contracture. The FHSQ results concur with clinical findings. Conclusions: HR was associated with female gender, bilateral involvement, older age groups, increased HAI◦, 2nd toe length similar to hallux, hallucal IPJ hyperextension, lesser MTP joint pain, flat foot and certain gait alterations. HR was not associated with Achilles tendon tightness or footwear. The content validity of clinical parameters of HR needs to be established by formal research prior to their inclusion in a classification of H

Geodesy and metrology with a transportable optical clock

partially_open24openGrotti, Jacopo; Koller, Silvio; Vogt, Stefan; Häfner, Sebastian; Sterr, Uwe; Lisdat, Christian; Denker, Heiner; Voigt, Christian; Timmen, Ludger; Rolland, Antoine; Baynes, Fred N.; Margolis, Helen S.; Zampaolo, Michel; Thoumany, Pierre; Pizzocaro, Marco; Rauf, Benjamin; Bregolin, Filippo; Tampellini, Anna; Barbieri, Piero; Zucco, Massimo; Costanzo, Giovanni A.; Clivati, Cecilia; Levi, Filippo; Calonico, DavideGrotti, Jacopo; Koller, Silvio; Vogt, Stefan; Häfner, Sebastian; Sterr, Uwe; Lisdat, Christian; Denker, Heiner; Voigt, Christian; Timmen, Ludger; Rolland, Antoine; Baynes, Fred N.; Margolis, Helen S.; Zampaolo, Michel; Thoumany, Pierre; Pizzocaro, Marco; Rauf, Benjamin; Bregolin, Filippo; Tampellini, Anna; Barbieri, Piero; Zucco, Massimo; Costanzo, Giovanni A.; Clivati, Cecilia; Levi, Filippo; Calonico, David