Precision measurement with an optical Josephson junction

We study a new type of Josephson device, the so-called "optical Josephson junction" as proposed in Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 95}, 170402 (2005). Two condensates are optically coupled through a waveguide by a pair of Bragg beams. This optical Josephson junction is analogous to the usual Josephson junction of two condensates weakly coupled via tunneling. We discuss the use of this optical Josephson junction, for making precision measurements.Comment: 6 pages, 1 figur

SPINO-PELVIC KINEMATICS AND TRUNK MUSCLE ACTIVATION IN PROLONGED ERGOMETER ROWING: MECHANICAL ETIOLOGY OF NON-SPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN IN ADOLESCENT ROWERS

The aim of this study was to determine whether adolescent rowers with and without low back pain (LBP) displayed differences in spino-pelvic kinematics and trunk muscle activation during prolonged ergometer rowing. Ten rowers with LBP and twelve rowers without LBP performed a 20 minute ergometer trial with kinematics, muscle activation and self reported perception of pain data (VAS) collected during the trial. Results of this study show that rowers with LBP postured their lumbar spine in flexion for a greater proportion of the drive phase and nearer to their end range of flexion when compared to those without LBP. This study highlights potential mechanisms for the ramping of back pain in adolescent rowers

GENDER DIFFERENCES IN MOTOR CONTROL OF THE TRUNK DURING PROLONGED ERGOMETER ROWING

The aim of the study was to compare the temporal kinematics of a stroke, spino-pelvic kinematics, trunk and quadriceps muscle activation in prolonged ergometer rowing between males and female rowers. Twelve adolescent rowers performed a 20 minute rowing ergometer trial at a high self perceived rate of exertion. Spino-pelvic kinematics, muscle activity and temporal kinematics data were compared in the 1st, 10th and 20th minute. The results from this study indicate there is a difference in temporal kinematics of a rowing stroke between adolescent males and females. Furthermore, males row with a more flexed thoracic spine and a posteriorly rotated sacrum compared to females at the catch and the finish positions

SPINO-PELVIC KINEMATICS AND TRUNK MUSCLE ACTIVATION IN PROLONGED ERGOMETER ROWING: MECHANICAL ETIOLOGY OF NON-SPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN IN ADOLESCENT ROWERS

The aim of this study was to determine whether adolescent rowers with and without low back pain (LBP) displayed differences in spino-pelvic kinematics and trunk muscle activation during prolonged ergometer rowing. Ten rowers with LBP and twelve rowers without LBP performed a 20 minute ergometer trial with kinematics, muscle activation and self reported perception of pain data (VAS) collected during the trial. Results of this study show that rowers with LBP postured their lumbar spine in flexion for a greater proportion of the drive phase and nearer to their end range of flexion when compared to those without LBP. This study highlights potential mechanisms for the ramping of back pain in adolescent rowers

Entanglement between atomic condensates in an optical lattice: effects of interaction range

We study the area-dependent entropy and two-site entanglement for two state Bose-Einstein condensates in a 2D optical lattice. We consider the case where the array of two component condensates behave like an ensemble of spin-half particles with the interaction to its nearest neighbors and next nearest neighbors. We show how the Hamiltonian of their Bose-Einstein condensate lattice with nearest-neighbor and next-nearest-neighbor interactions can be mapped into a harmonic lattice. We use this to determine the entropy and entanglement content of the lattice.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, title change

Spinal Kinematics of Adolescent Male Rowers With Back Pain in Comparison to Matched Controls During Ergometer Rowing.

There is a high prevalence of low back pain (LBP) in adolescent male rowers. In this study, regional lumbar spinal kinematics and self-reported LBP intensity were compared between 10 adolescent rowers with moderate levels of LBP relating to rowing with 10 reporting no history of LBP during a 15-minute ergometer trial using an electromagnetic tracking system. Adolescent male rowers with LBP reported increasing pain intensity during ergometer rowing. No significant differences were detected in mean upper or lower lumbar angles between rowers with and without LBP. However, compared to rowers without pain, rowers with pain had: 1) relatively less excursion of the upper lumbar spine into extension over the drive phase, 2) relatively less excursion of the lower lumbar spine into extension over time, 3) greater variability in upper and lower lumbar angles over the 15-minute ergometer trial, 4) positioned their upper lumbar spine closer to end range flexion for a greater proportion of the drive phase, and 5) showed increased time in sustained flexion loading in the upper lumbar spine. Differences in regional lumbar kinematics exist between adolescent male rowers with and without LBP, which may have injury implication and intervention strategies

Bipolar risk and mental imagery susceptibility in a representative sample of Chinese adults residing in the community

BACKGROUND: We need to better understand the cognitive factors associated with risk for bipolar disorders. Recent research suggests that increased susceptibility to mental imagery may be one such factor. However, since this research was primarily conducted with Western students and at a single time-point, it is not known whether the relationship between imagery susceptibility and bipolar symptoms exists across cultures or within the general community, or whether this relationship remains stable over time. AIM: This study evaluated whether Chinese adults identified as being at high (HR) versus low (LR) risk of developing bipolar disorders showed greater mental imagery susceptibility. We aimed to test whether such a relationship was stable over time by measuring imagery characteristics at baseline and at the 7-week follow-up. METHOD: This prospective study recruited a community sample of N = 80 Chinese adults screened for the absence of neurotic and psychotic disorders. The sample was split into HR (n = 18) and LR (n = 62) groups at baseline based on a criterion cut-off score on a measure of hypomania, the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ). Participants completed measures of imagery susceptibility and its impact: the Spontaneous Use of Imagery Scale (SUIS) and the Impact of Future Events Scale (IFES), at baseline and 7 weeks later. RESULTS: HR group reported greater tendency to use imagery in daily life (SUIS) and greater emotional impact of prospective imagery (IFES) than LR group at baseline. These results remained stable at follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary evidence for increased susceptibility to mental imagery in individuals at high risk of bipolar disorders recruited from a community sample of Chinese adults. This extends previous research in Western student samples suggesting that imagery (both levels of use and its emotional impact) may be a cognitive factor with cross-cultural relevance that is stable over time