1,938 research outputs found
The focus of light - linear polarization breaks the rotational symmetry of the focal spot
We experimentally demonstrate for the first time that a linearly polarized
beam is focussed to an asymmetric spot when using a high-numerical aperture
focussing system. This asymmetry was predicted by Richards and Wolf
[Proc.R.Soc.London A, 253, 358 (1959)] and can only be measured when a
polarization insensitive sensor is placed in the focal region. We used a
specially modified photodiode in a knife edge type set up to obtain highly
resolved images of the total electric energy density distribution at the focus.
The results are in good agreement with the predictions of a vectorial focussing
theory.Comment: to be published in "Journal of Modern Optics
Spin transition in GdN@C, detected by low-temperature on-chip SQUID technique
We present a magnetic study of the GdN@C molecule, consisting of a
Gd-trimer via a Nitrogen atom, encapsulated in a C cage. This molecular
system can be an efficient contrast agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
applications. We used a low-temperature technique able to detect small magnetic
signals by placing the sample in the vicinity of an on-chip SQUID. The
technique implemented at NHMFL has the particularity to operate in high
magnetic fields of up to 7 T. The GdN@C shows a paramagnetic
behavior and we find a spin transition of the GdN structure at 1.2 K. We
perform quantum mechanical simulations, which indicate that one of the Gd ions
changes from a state () to a state (), likely due to a charge transfer between the C cage and the ion
Constraining planet structure from stellar chemistry: the cases of CoRoT-7, Kepler-10, and Kepler-93
We explore the possibility that the stellar relative abundances of different
species can be used to constrain the bulk abundances of known transiting rocky
planets. We use high resolution spectra to derive stellar parameters and
chemical abundances for Fe, Si, Mg, O, and C in three stars hosting low mass,
rocky planets: CoRoT-7, Kepler-10, and Kepler-93. These planets follow the same
line along the mass-radius diagram, pointing toward a similar composition. The
derived abundance ratios are compared with the solar values. With a simple
stoichiometric model, we estimate the iron mass fraction in each planet,
assuming stellar composition. We show that in all cases, the iron mass fraction
inferred from the mass-radius relationship seems to be in good agreement with
the iron abundance derived from the host star's photospheric composition. The
results suggest that stellar abundances can be used to add constraints on the
composition of orbiting rocky planets.Comment: A&A Letters, in pres
Electron impact double ionization of helium from classical trajectory calculations
With a recently proposed quasiclassical ansatz [Geyer and Rost, J. Phys. B 35
(2002) 1479] it is possible to perform classical trajectory ionization
calculations on many electron targets. The autoionization of the target is
prevented by a M\o{}ller type backward--forward propagation scheme and allows
to consider all interactions between all particles without additional
stabilization. The application of the quasiclassical ansatz for helium targets
is explained and total and partially differential cross sections for electron
impact double ionization are calculated. In the high energy regime the
classical description fails to describe the dominant TS1 process, which leads
to big deviations, whereas for low energies the total cross section is
reproduced well. Differential cross sections calculated at 250 eV await their
experimental confirmation.Comment: LaTeX, 22 pages, 10 figures, submitted to J. Phys.
Spin transition in Gd3N@C-80, detected by low-temperature on-chip SQUID technique
We present a magnetic study of the Gd3N@C80 molecule, consisting of a Gd-trimer via a nitrogen atom, encapsulated in a C80 cage. This molecular system can be an efficient contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications. We used a low-temperature technique able to detect small magnetic signals by placing the sample in the vicinity of an on-chip SQUID. The technique implemented at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory has the particularity of being able to operate in high magnetic fields of up to 7 T. The Gd3N@C80shows a paramagnetic behavior and we find a spin transition of the Gd3N structure at 1.2 K. We perform quantum mechanical simulations, which indicate that one of the Gd ions changes from a 8S7/2 state (L = 0, S = 7/2) to a 7F6 state (L = S = 3, J = 6), likely due to a charge transfer between the C80 cage and the ion
High efficacy and low toxicity of weekly docetaxel given as first-line treatment for metastatic breast cancer
Background: Docetaxel is one of the most effective antitumor agents currently available for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). This phase II multicenter study prospectively analyzed the efficacy and toxicity of docetaxel given on a weekly schedule as first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Patients and Methods: All patients received docetaxel, 35 mg/m(2) weekly for 6 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of rest. Subsequent cycles ( 3 weeks of treatment, 2 weeks of rest) were given until a maximum of 5 cycles or disease progression. Premedication consisted of 8 mg dexamethasone intravenously 30 min prior to the infusion of docetaxel. Results: Fifty-four patients at a median age of 58 years with previously untreated MBC were included in the study. A median of 10 doses ( median cumulative dose 339 mg/m(2)) was administered ( range: 2 - 18). The overall response rate was 48.1% ( 95% CI: 34 - 61%, intent-to-treat). Median survival was 15.8 months and median time to progression was 5.9 months ( intent-to-treat). Hematological toxicity was mild with absence of neutropenia-related complications. Grade 3 neutropenia was observed in 3.7% of patients and grade 3 and 4 anemia was observed in 5.6 and 1.9% of patients, respectively. Conclusion: The weekly administration of docetaxel is highly efficient and safe as first-line treatment for MBC and may serve as an important treatment option specifically in elderly patients and patients with a reduced performance status. Copyright (C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel
Synthesis of Interface-Driven Tunable Bandgap Metal Oxides
Mixed bandgap and bandgap tunability in semiconductors is critical in expanding their use. Composition alterations through single-crystal epitaxial growth and the formation of multilayer tandem structures are often employed to achieve mixed bandgaps, albeit with limited tunability. Herein, self-assembled one-dimensional coordination polymers provide facile synthons and templates for graphitic C-doped mesoporous oxides, gC-β-Ga2O3 or gC-In2O3 via controlled oxidative ligand ablation. These materials have mixed bandgaps and colors, depending on amount of gC present. The carbon/oxide interface leads to induced gap states, hence, a stoichiometrically tunable band structure. Structurally, a multiscale porous network percolating throughout the material is realized. The nature of the heat treatment and the top-down process allows for facile tunability and the formation of mixed bandgap metal oxides through controlled carbon deposition. As a proof of concept, gC-β-Ga2O3 was utilized as a photocatalyst for CO2 reduction, which demonstrated excellent conversion rates into CH4 and CO
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