Generation of an intense cold-atom beam from a pyramidal magneto-optical trap: experiment and simulation

An intense cold-atom beam source based on a modified pyramidal magneto-optical trap has been developed and characterized. We have produced a slow beam of cold cesium atoms with a continuous flux of 2.2× 10^9 atoms/s at a mean velocity of 15 m/s and with a divergence of 15 mrad. The corresponding radiant intensity is 1.2×10^13 atom s^−1 sr^−1. We have characterized the performance of our beam source over a range of operating conditions, and the measured values for atom flux, mean velocity, and divergence are in good agreement with results from detailed Monte Carlo numerical simulations

Optical Imaging of Lipopolysaccharide-induced Oxidative Stress in Acute Lung Injury from Hyperoxia and Sepsis

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many acute and chronic pulmonary disorders such as acute lung injury (ALI) in adults and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants. Bacterial infection and oxygen toxicity, which result in pulmonary vascular endothelial injury, contribute to impaired vascular growth and alveolar simplification seen in the lungs of premature infants with BPD. Hyperoxia induces ALI, reduces cell proliferation, causes DNA damage and promotes cell death by causing mitochondrial dysfunction. The objective of this study was to use an optical imaging technique to evaluate the variations in fluorescence intensities of the auto-fluorescent mitochondrial metabolic coenzymes, NADH and FAD in four different groups of rats. The ratio of these fluorescence signals (NADH/FAD), referred to as NADH redox ratio (NADH RR) has been used as an indicator of tissue metabolism in injuries. Here, we investigated whether the changes in metabolic state can be used as a marker of oxidative stress caused by hyperoxia and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure in neonatal rat lungs. We examined the tissue redox states of lungs from four groups of rat pups: normoxic (21% O2) pups, hyperoxic (90% O2) pups, pups treated with LPS (normoxic + LPS), and pups treated with LPS and hyperoxia (hyperoxic + LPS). Our results show that hyperoxia oxidized the respiratory chain as reflected by a ~ 31% decrease in lung tissue NADH RR as compared to that for normoxic lungs. LPS treatment alone or with hyperoxia had no significant effect on lung tissue NADH RR as compared to that for normoxic or hyperoxic lungs, respectively. Thus, NADH RR serves as a quantitative marker of oxidative stress level in lung injury caused by two clinically important conditions: hyperoxia and LPS exposure

Electrospinning of continuous poly (L-lactide) yarns:Effect of twist on the morphology, thermal properties and mechanical behavior

Electrospinning PLLA solutions from two oppositely charged nozzles gives a triangle of fibers, also called E-triangle, that assemble into yarns at the convergence point. The formed yarn at the E-triangle was taken up by a unit comprising a take up roller and coupled twister plate, which twist rate can be varied. At all twist rates, uniform and smooth fibers without any beads were formed. The apex angle of the deposited fibers at the E-triangle was larger at higher twist rates. By increasing the twist rate from 80 rpm to 320 rpm the orientation angle of fibers in the yarn changes from 18.8° to 41.5°. Increasing the twist rate revealed a higher polymer crystallinity likely due to the polymer orientation by the applied tension to the fibers. The ultimate strength and modulus of electrospun yarns were higher when prepared at higher twist rates. However, at the highest twist rates, the strength and modulus of electrospun yarns leveled off and even decreased slightly. The results revealed that the mechanical properties not only depend on the polymer crystallinity but also on the alignment of the fibers in the yarn and the angle at which they were deposited. These biodegradable materials are promising materials to be used in a wide range of applications where environmentally friendly products are required

Effectiveness Treatment ERP on Obsessive – Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

This study is aimed to consider the effectiveness of exposure therapy and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) on decrease of symptoms of obsessive - compulsive disorder is. The research method was quasi-experimental and its design was pre-test and post-test with control group. The statistical population of this study was all patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (both male and female) referring to therapy centers of Maragheh city that a sample of 30 subjects was chosen by available sampling method and then they were replaced in experimental (therapy) group and control group randomly and answered to Maudsley Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (MOCI). The findings indicated that the experimental group's average score in obsessive-compulsive symptoms was 14/46 in pre-test and 7/67 in post-test. As well as, in control group, the mean score of obsessive - compulsive symptoms in pre-test was 14/66 and 11/93 in post-test. Thus, it could be concluded that the reduction of scores in post-test of experimental group was accompanied with the decrease of symptoms of obsessive - compulsive disorder in experimental group

Mine stability evaluation of panel 1 during waste emplacement operations at WIPP

The specific objectives of the work were defined by the Environmental Evaluation Group (EEG) as follows: (1) assess the stability of panel 1 during the proposed operation of waste emplacement; (2) estimate the amount of time before room closure would be expected to transfer rock loads to the waste packages. The work consisted of (1) an analysis of geotechnical data and a review of the Department of Energy`s (DOE) plans for waste emplacement in panel 1, (2) an evaluation of ground conditions based on data analysis and observations of changes in ground conditions since the first evaluation in 1993 (USBM 1993), and (3) preparation of a report and presentation of the results to EEG staff. Excluded from this study are radiological safety issues and policies. The study is based on data provided by DOE and Westinghouse Electric Corporation (operator of the site) and conversations with DOE and Westinghouse personnel. MTI cannot independently verify the accuracy of the data within the scope of this study and recommends independent evaluations of data gathering, quality assurance procedures, and structural designs. The operator has the ultimate responsibility for structural designs and has expressed a strong commitment to ensuring worker safety