Photon generation by laser-Compton scattering at the KEK-ATF

We performed a photon generation experiment by laser-Compton scattering at the KEK-ATF, aiming to develop a Compton based polarized positron source for linear colliders. In the experiment, laser pulses with a 357 MHz repetition rate were accumulated and their power was enhanced by up to 250 times in the Fabry-Perot optical resonant cavity. We succeeded in synchronizing the laser pulses and colliding them with the 1.3 GeV electron beam in the ATF ring while maintaining the laser pulse accumulation in the cavity. As a result, we observed 26.0 +/- 0.1 photons per electron-laser pulse crossing, which corresponds to a yield of 10^8 photons in a second.Comment: 3 pages, 5 figures, Preprint submitted to TIPP09 Proceedings in NIM

Design of a Polarised Positron Source Based on Laser Compton Scattering

We describe a scheme for producing polarised positrons at the ILC from polarised X-rays created by Compton scattering of a few-GeV electron beam off a CO2 or YAG laser. This scheme is very energy effective using high finesse laser cavities in conjunction with an electron storage ring.Comment: Proposal submitted to the ILC workshop, Snowmass 2005. v2: note number adde

CLIC Polarized Positron Source Based on Laser Compton Scattering

We describe a possible layout and parameters of a polarized positron source for CLIC, where the positrons are produced from polarized gamma rays created by Compton scattering of a 1.3-GeV electron beam off a YAG laser. This scheme is very energy effective using high finesse laser cavities in conjunction with an electron storage ring. We point out the differences with respect to a similar system proposed for the ILC

Effect of contact area with fixture on dynamic behaviour of joint interface in ultrasonic welding of thermoplastics

Ultrasonic welding is one of the most common methods for joining thermoplastics. The two plastic parts to be joined are placed on the fixture before high frequency mechanical vibration is applied to the parts through an ultrasonic horn. This generates heat at the joint area and locally melts thermoplastics. The parts are welded together. In this paper, we investigate the effect of the contact area between the lower part and the fixture on the dynamic behaviour of the joint interface, which affects heat generation. The displacements and elastic strains of the interface are predicted using finite element dynamic contact analysis and compared for different contact areas. The results show that the dynamic behaviour of the interface depends on the dynamic characteristics of the two parts. When both natural frequencies are close to the horn vibration frequency, the displacements and strains are small. Conversely, when the lower part has no natural frequency near the horn vibration frequency, the displacements and strains are large. The contact area significantly affects the dynamic behaviour of the interface. This is because its dynamic behaviour depends on the natural frequencies of the parts to be joined while the natural frequency of the lower part is easily improved by the contact area.othe

A parametric study of cognitive defusion and the believability and discomfort of negative self-relevant thoughts

A previous time series study showed that rapidly repeating a single word version of a negative self-referential thought reduced the discomfort and the believability associated with that thought. The present parametric study examined whether durations of word repetition were differentially effective in altering the discomfort and believability of negative self-referential thought. In two studies, both discomfort and believability varied systematically with the duration of word repetition. The effects of rapid repetition on emotional discomfort bottomed out after 3 to 10 seconds of rapid repetition, while the effects on believability did so after 20 to 30 seconds of repetition. This study lends support to the cognitive defusion interpretation of the effect of word repetition, suggesting that emotional discomfort and believability may be distinctive functional aspects of cognitive events

Breastfeeding Education Support Tool for Baby (BEST4Baby): Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Impact of an mHealth Supported Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Intervention in rural India

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of an mHealth-supported breastfeeding peer counselor intervention implemented in rural India and the preliminary impact of the intervention on maternal breastfeeding behaviors, including exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Methods: In this quasi-experimental pilot study, participants received either the intervention plus usual care (n = 110) or usual care alone (n = 112). The intervention group received nine in-home visits during and after pregnancy from peer counselors who provided education about and support for EBF and other optimal infant feeding practices and were aided with an mHealth tool. The control group received routine prenatal and postnatal health education. Progress notes and surveys were used to assess feasibility. Logistic regression models were used for between-group comparisons of optimal infant feeding outcomes, including EBF for 6 months. Results: The intervention was delivered as intended, maintained over the study period, and had high acceptability ratings. There were statistically significant differences in all outcomes between groups. The intervention group had a significantly higher likelihood of EBF at 6 months compared to the control group (adjusted odds ratio 3.57, 95% confidence interval 1.80–7.07). Conclusion: Integration of mHealth with community-based peer counselors to educate women about EBF is feasible and acceptable in rural India and impacts maternal breastfeeding behaviors