Fast Shocks From Magnetic Reconnection Outflows

Magnetic reconnection is commonly perceived to drive flow and particle acceleration in flares of solar, stellar, and astrophysical disk coronae but the relative roles of different acceleration mecha- nisms in a given reconnection environment are not well understood. We show via direct numerical simulations that reconnection outflows produce weak fast shocks, when conditions for fast recon- nection are met and the outflows encounter an obstacle. The associated compression ratios lead to a Fermi acceleration particle spectrum that is significantly steeper than the strong fast shocks commonly studied, but consistent with the demands of solar flares. While this is not the only acceleration mechanism operating in a reconnection environment, it is plausibly a ubiquitous one

Polyimides Based on Asymmetric Dianhydrides (II) (a-BPDA vs a-BTDA) for Resin Transfer Molding (RTM)

A new series of low-melt viscosity imide resins (10-20 poise at 280 C) were formulated from asymmetric 2,3,3',4' -benzophenone dianhydride (a-BTDA) and 4-phenylethynylphthalic endcaps, along with 3,4' -oxydianiline, 3,3' -methylenedianiline and 3,3'- diaminobenzophenone, using a solvent-free melt process. a-BTDA RTM resins exhibited higher glass transition temperatures (Tg's = 330-400 C) compared to those prepared by asymmetric 2,3,3',4' -biphenyl dianhydride, (a-BPDA, Tg's = 320-370 C). These low-melt viscosity imide resins were fabricated into polyimide/T650-35 carbon fiber composites by a RTM process. Composites properties of a-BTDA resins, such as open-hole compression and short-beam shear strength, are compared to those of composites made from a-BPDA based resin at room temperature, 288 C and 315 C. These novel, high temperature RTM imide resins exhibit outstanding properties beyond the performance of conventional RTM resins, such as epoxy and BMI resins which have use-temperatures around 177 C and 232 C for aerospace applications

Polyimide Composites Based on Asymmetric Dianhydrides (a-ODPA vs a-BPDA)

RTM Resins based on a-ODPA and a-BPDA with kinked diamines exhibit low-melt viscosity (approximately 10 poise). Composites made from a-ODPA resins (T(sub g) = 265-330 C) by RTM display good mechanical properties at 288 C (550 F), but soften at 315 C (600 F). Composites of RTM370 based on a-BPDA retain excellent mechanical properties at 315 C, exceeding BMI-5270-1 capability

Molecular dissection of the roles of the SOD genes in mammalian response to low dose irradiation

It has been long recognized that a significant fraction of the radiation-induced genetic damage to cells are caused by secondary oxidative species. Internal cellular defense systems against oxidative stress play significant roles in countering genetic damage induced by ionizing radiation. The role of the detoxifying enzymes may be even more prominent in the case of low-dose, low-LET irradiation, as the majority of genetic damage may be caused by secondary oxidative species. In this study we have attempted to decipher the roles of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes, which are responsible for detoxifying the superoxide anions. We used adenovirus vectors to deliver RNA interference (RNAi or siRNA) technology to down-regulate the expression levels of the SOD genes. We have also over-expressed the SOD genes by use of recombinant adenovirus vectors. Cells infected with the vectors were then subjected to low dose γ-irradiation. Total RNA were extracted from the exposed cells and the expression of 9000 genes were profiled by use of cDNA microarrays. The result showed that low dose radiation had clear effects on gene expression in HCT116 cells. Both over-expression and down-regulation of the SOD1 gene can change the expression profiles of sub-groups of genes. Close to 200 of the 9000 genes examined showed over two-fold difference in expression under various conditions. Genes with changed expression pattern belong to many categories that include: early growth response, DNA-repair, ion transport, apoptosis, and cytokine response

Superconducting microfabricated ion traps

We fabricate superconducting ion traps with niobium and niobium nitride and trap single 88Sr ions at cryogenic temperatures. The superconducting transition is verified and characterized by measuring the resistance and critical current using a 4-wire measurement on the trap structure, and observing change in the rf reflection. The lowest observed heating rate is 2.1(3) quanta/sec at 800 kHz at 6 K and shows no significant change across the superconducting transition, suggesting that anomalous heating is primarily caused by noise sources on the surface. This demonstration of superconducting ion traps opens up possibilities for integrating trapped ions and molecular ions with superconducting devices.Comment: 3 pages, 2 figure