730 research outputs found
Simulation and theory of vibrational phase relaxation in the critical and supercritical nitrogen: Origin of observed anomalies
We present results of extensive computer simulations and theoretical analysis
of vibrational phase relaxation of a nitrogen molecule along the critical
isochore and also along the gas-liquid coexistence. The simulation includes all
the different contributions [atom-atom (AA), vibration-rotation (VR) and
resonant transfer] and their cross-correlations. Following Everitt and Skinner,
we have included the vibrational coordinate () dependence of the interatomic
potential. It is found that the latter makes an important contribution. The
principal important results are: (a) a crossover from a Lorentzian-type to a
Gaussian line shape is observed as the critical point is approached along the
isochore (from above), (b) the root mean square frequency fluctuation shows
nonmonotonic dependence on the temperature along critical isochore, (c) along
the coexistence line and the critical isochore the temperature dependent
linewidth shows a divergence-like -shape behavior, and (d) the value
of the critical exponents along the coexistence and along the isochore are
obtained by fitting. The origin of the anomalous temperature dependence of
linewidth can be traced to simultaneous occurrence of several factors, (i) the
enhancement of negative cross-correlations between AA and VR contributions and
(ii) the large density fluctuations as the critical point (CP) is approached.
The former makes the decay faster so that local density fluctuations are probed
on a femtosecond time scale. A mode coupling theory (MCT) analysis shows the
slow decay of the enhanced density fluctuations near critical point. The MCT
analysis demonstrates that the large enhancement of VR coupling near CP arises
from the non-Gaussian behavior of density fluctuation and this enters through a
nonzero value of the triplet direct correlation function.Comment: 35 pages, 15 figures, revtex4 (preprint form
Millimeter and submillimeter wave technology developments for the next generation of fusion devices
There is increasing demand for compact watt-level coherent sources in the millimeter and submillimeter wave region. The approach that we have taken to satisfy this need is to fabricate two-dimensional grids loaded with oscillators, electronic beam steerers, and frequency multipliers for quasioptical coherent spatial combining of the outputs of a large number of low-power devices
Monolithic millimeter-wave diode grid frequency multiplier arrays
Monolithic diode frequency multiplier arrays, including barrier-N-N(+) (BNN) doubler, multi-quantum-barrier-varactor (MQBV) tripler, Schottky-quantum-barrier-varactor (SQBV) tripler, and resonant-tunneling-diode (RTD) tripler arrays, have been successfully fabricated with yields between 85 and 99 percent. Frequency doubling and/or tripling have been observed for all the arrays. Output powers of 2.4-2.6 W (eta = 10-18 percent) at 66 GHz with the BNN doubler and 3.8-10 W (eta = 1.7-4 percent) at 99 GHz with the SQBV tripler have been achieved
Tracking system analytic calibration activities for the Mariner Mars 1969 mission
Calibration activity of Deep Space Network in support of Mars encounter phase of Mariner Mars 1969 missio
Monolithic millimeter-wave diode array beam controllers: Theory and experiment
In the current work, multi-function beam control arrays have been fabricated and have successfully demonstrated amplitude control of transmitted beams in the W and D bands (75-170 GHz). While these arrays are designed to provide beam control under DC bias operation, new designs for high-speed electronic and optical control are under development. These arrays will fill a need for high-speed watt-level beam switches in pulsed reflectometer systems under development for magnetic fusion plasma diagnostics. A second experimental accomplishment of the current work is the demonstration in the 100-170 GHz (D band) frequency range of a new technique for the measurement of the transmission phase as well as amplitude. Transmission data can serve as a means to extract ('de-embed') the grid parameters; phase information provides more complete data to assist in this process. Additional functions of the array beam controller yet to be tested include electronically controlled steering and focusing of a reflected beam. These have application in the areas of millimeter-wave electronic scanning radar and reflectometry, respectively
Stage progression and neurological symptoms in Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense sleeping sickness: role of the CNS inflammatory response
Background: Human African trypanosomiasis progresses from an early (hemolymphatic) stage, through CNS invasion to the late (meningoencephalitic) stage. In experimental infections disease progression is associated with neuroinflammatory responses and neurological symptoms, but this concept requires evaluation in African trypanosomiasis patients, where correct diagnosis of the disease stage is of critical therapeutic importance.
Methodology/Principal Findings: This was a retrospective study on a cohort of 115 T.b.rhodesiense HAT patients recruited in Eastern Uganda. Paired plasma and CSF samples allowed the measurement of peripheral and CNS immunoglobulin and of CSF cytokine synthesis. Cytokine and immunoglobulin expression were evaluated in relation to disease duration, stage progression and neurological symptoms. Neurological symptoms were not related to stage progression (with the exception of moderate coma). Increases in CNS immunoglobulin, IL-10 and TNF-α synthesis were associated with stage progression and were mirrored by a reduction in TGF-β levels in the CSF. There were no significant associations between CNS immunoglobulin and cytokine production and neurological signs of disease with the exception of moderate coma cases. Within the study group we identified diagnostically early stage cases with no CSF pleocytosis but intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis and diagnostically late stage cases with marginal CSF pleocytosis and no detectable trypanosomes in the CSF.
Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that there is not a direct linkage between stage progression, neurological signs of infection and neuroinflammatory responses in rhodesiense HAT. Neurological signs are observed in both early and late stages, and while intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis is associated with neurological signs, these are also observed in cases lacking a CNS inflammatory response. While there is an increase in inflammatory cytokine production with stage progression, this is paralleled by increases in CSF IL-10. As stage diagnostics, the CSF immunoglobulins and cytokines studied do not have sufficient sensitivity to be of clinical value
The Palomar Testbed Interferometer Calibrator Catalog
The Palomar Testbed Interferometer (PTI) archive of observations between 1998
and 2005 is examined for objects appropriate for calibration of optical
long-baseline interferometer observations - stars that are predictably
point-like and single. Approximately 1,400 nights of data on 1,800 objects were
examined for this investigation. We compare those observations to an
intensively studied object that is a suitable calibrator, HD217014, and
statistically compare each candidate calibrator to that object by computing
both a Mahalanobis distance and a Principal Component Analysis. Our hypothesis
is that the frequency distribution of visibility data associated with
calibrator stars differs from non-calibrator stars such as binary stars.
Spectroscopic binaries resolved by PTI, objects known to be unsuitable for
calibrator use, are similarly tested to establish detection limits of this
approach. From this investigation, we find more than 350 observed stars
suitable for use as calibrators (with an additional being
rejected), corresponding to sky coverage for PTI. This approach
is noteworthy in that it rigorously establishes calibration sources through a
traceable, empirical methodology, leveraging the predictions of spectral energy
distribution modeling but also verifying it with the rich body of PTI's on-sky
observations.Comment: 100 pages, 7 figures, 7 tables; to appear in the May 2008ApJS, v176n
Millimeter and submillimeter wave technology developments for the next generation of fusion devices
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