16,295 research outputs found
Dynamics of atomic spin-orbit-state wave packets produced by short-pulse laser photodetachment
We analyse the experiment by Hultgren et al. [Phys. Rev. A {\bf 87}, 031404
(2013)] on orbital alignment and quantum beats in coherently excited atomic
fine-structure manifolds produced by short-pulse laser photodetachment of
C, Si and Ge negative ions, and derive a formula that describes the
beats. Analysis of the experimental data enables us to extract the non-coherent
background contribution for each species, and indicates the need for a full
density matrix treatment of the problem
Comment on "Direct photodetachment of F by mid-infrared few-cycle femtosecond laser pulses"
Multiphoton detachment of F by strong few-cycle laser pulses was studied
by Shearer and Monteith using a Keldysh-type approach [Phys. Rev. A 88, 033415
(2013)]. We believe that this work contained errors in the calculation of the
detachment amplitude and photoelectron spectra. We describe the necessary
corrections to the theory and show that the results, in particular, the
interference features of the photoelectron spectra, appear noticeably
different.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figure
Two Wide Planetary-mass Companions to Solar-type Stars in Upper Scorpius
At wide separations, planetary-mass and brown dwarf companions to solar-type stars occupy a curious region of
parameter space not obviously linked to binary star formation or solar system scale planet formation. These
companions provide insight into the extreme case of companion formation (either binary or planetary), and
due to their relative ease of observation when compared to close companions, they offer a useful template
for our expectations of more typical planets. We present the results from an adaptive optics imaging survey
for wide (~50–500 AU) companions to solar-type stars in Upper Scorpius. We report one new discovery of a
~14 M_J companion around GSC 06214−00210and confirm that the candidate planetary-mass companion 1RXS
J160929.1−210524 detected by Lafrenière et al. is in fact comoving with its primary star. In our survey, these
two detections correspond to ~4% of solar-type stars having companions in the 6–20 M_J mass and ~200–500 AU
separation range. This figure is higher than would be expected if brown dwarfs and planetary-mass companions
were drawn from an extrapolation of the binary mass function. Finally, we discuss implications for the formation
of these objects
Characterization of laboratory simulated road paving-like asphalt by high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Prolonged, extensive exposure to asphalt fume has been associated with several adverse health effects. Inhaled polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from asphalt fume exposure are of concern. The objective of this study was to characterize both qualitative and quantitative differences between fumes generated at 150°C and 180°C using a well controlled laboratory road paving fume generation system. Fumes were characterized by (1) total vapor and particulate concentration, (2) simulated boiling point profile and (3) specific PAH content. The mean concentrations of the vapor fractions generated at 180°C and 150°C were 23.3 mg/m3 and 11.2 mg/m3, respectively, demonstrating a statistically significant increase in concentration with increasing asphalt temperature. The mean concentrations of the particulate fractions generated at 180°C and 150°C were 42.4 mg/m3 and 28.0 mg/m3, respectively. The simulated boiling point profile did not show a significant qualitative difference between the fumes generated at the two temperatures. Naphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, and chrysene were identified and quantified from the fumes
Sagittal Subtalar and Talocrural Joint Assessment With Weight-Bearing Fluoroscopy During Barefoot Ambulation
Background: Identifying talar position during ambulation has proved difficult as the talus lacks palpable landmarks for skin marker placement and more invasive methodologies such as bone pins are not practical for most clinical subjects. A fluoroscopic motion system was used to track the talus and calcaneus, allowing kinematic analysis of the talocrural and subtalar joints. Methods: Thirteen male subjects (mean age 22.9 ± 3.0 years) previously screened for normal gait were tested. A fluoroscopy unit was used to collect images at 120 fps during stance. Sagittal motion of the talocrural and subtalar joints were analyzed. Results: The intersubject mean and standard deviation values for all 58 trials of 13 subjects are reported. Maximum talocrural joint plantarflexion of 11.2 degrees (4.3 degrees of standard deviation) occurred at 11% stance and maximum dorsiflexion of −6.9 degrees (5.6 degrees of standard deviation) occurred at 85%. Maximum subtalar joint plantarflexion of 4.8 degrees (1.0 degrees of standard deviation) occurred at 96% stance and maximum dorsiflexion of −3.6 degrees (2.3 degrees of standard deviation) occurred at 30%. Talocrural and subtalar range of motion values during stance were 18.1 and 8.4 degrees, respectively. Conclusion: Existing fluoroscopic technology was capable of defining sagittal plane talocrural and subtalar motion during gait. These kinematic results compare favorably with more invasive techniques. This type of assessment could support more routine analysis of in vivo bony motion during gait. Clinical Relevance: Fluoroscopic technology offers improved sagittal plane motion evaluation during weight-bearing with potential application in patients with end-stage ankle arthritis, postoperative ankle replacements and fusions, and orthotics and braces
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