Polarization Observables in eta and pi Production Using a Polarized Target with the Crystal Ball/TAPS at MAMI

Recent experiments using the Crystal Ball/TAPS setup at the MAMI accelerator in Mainz, Germany, continue to study the properties and the excitation spectrum of the nucleon with meson photoproduction. Electromagnetic excitations of the proton and neutron are essential for understanding their isospin decomposition. The electromagnetic coupling of photons to protons is different than that to neutrons in certain states. Hence, a complete partial wave analysis (PWA) can assist in yielding more information about any reaction, but requires the determination of polarization observables. Polarization observables play a crucial role as they are essential in disentangling the contributing resonant and non-resonant amplitudes, whereas cross section data alone is not sufficient for separating broad overlapping resonances. Preliminary results of polarization observables of η, single, and double π production off a polarized neutron (dButanol) target will be shown with comparison to predictions of recent multipole analyses. These results will greatly increase the world database on pseudoscalar meson production on neutrons

Quasi-free Photoproduction of η-Mesons off 2H and 3He

In this work, we are presenting a combination of two preliminary results for quasi-free photoproduction of η-mesons from the liquid deuterium and 3He targets for incident photon energies from threshold up to 1.4 GeV. The experiments were performed at the Mainz MAMI electron accelerator, using the Glasgow tagged photon facility. Decay photons of the η-mesons and the recoil nucleons were detected with an almost 4π covering electromagnetic calorimeter combining the Crystal Ball and TAPS detectors. The data from both targets show a narrow structure in the excitation function of γ + n → n + η. The results from the two measurements are consistent within the expected effects from nuclear Fermi motion

Optimization of Transcutaneous Oxygenation Wearable Sensors for Clinical Applications

In this manuscript, the development of an experimental and mathematical toolset is reported that allows for improved in vivo measurements of optical transcutaneous oxygen tension measurements (TCOM) wearable technology in humans. In addition to optimizing O2-sensing films for higher sensitivity oxygen detection, calibration algorithms are additionally developed to account for excitation source leakage, as well as algorithms to combine readings of partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), derived from phosphorescence intensity and lifetime, into a single metric. This new iteration of the TCOM wearable device is then tested in a pilot human study. By implementing characterization and calibration algorithms, the data from the pilot study demonstrates the ability to obtain reliable transcutaneous pO2 readings with a TCOM sensor regardless of size and without the need for strict conditions of constant temperature, humidity, or motion that have limited the range of applications of this technology in the past

Helicity Dependent Cross Sections in η\eta Photoproduction off Quasi-Free Protons and Neutrons

Preliminary results for the double polarisation observable E and the corresponding helicity dependent cross sections $\sigma_{1/2}$ and $\sigma_{3/2}$ of $\eta$ photoproduction off quasi-free protons and neutrons have been obtained by a recent experiment at the MAMI electron accelerator at Mainz, Germany. The results will help to constrain the origin and quantum numbers of the bump-like structure in the $\eta$ cross section off the neutron

Double Polarization Observable E in η, π0 and 2π0 Photoproduction off Protons and Neutrons

Helicity dependent cross sections σ1/2, σ3/2, and the polarization observable E for π0, π0π0, and η photoproduction from quasi-free protons and neutrons in the second and third nucleon resonance region were measured for the first time at the electron accelerator facility MAMI. Different methods for the extraction of the observables were used to determine the systematics of the measurements. The results will provide stringent constraints on the resonances that contribute to the excitation spectrum of the nucleon and will clearly help to improve its theoretical understanding

Portable Oxygen-Sensing Device for the Improved Assessment of Compartment Syndrome and other Hypoxia-Related Conditions

Measurement of intramuscular oxygen could play a key role in the early diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome, a common condition occurring after severe trauma leading to ischemia and long-term consequences including rhabdomyolysis, limb loss, and death. However, to date, there is no existing oxygen sensor approved for such a purpose. To address the need to improve the assessment of compartment syndrome, a portable fiber-optic device for intramuscular oxygen measurements was developed. The device is based on phosphorescence quenching, where the tip of an optical fiber was coated with a poly(propyl methacrylate) (PPMA) matrix containing a brightly emitting Pt(II)-core porphyrin. The optoelectronic circuit is highly portable and is based on a microspectrometer and a microcontroller readout with a smartphone. Results from an in vivo tourniquet porcine model show that the sensor is sensitive across the physiological oxygen partial pressure range of 0-880 mmHg and exhibits an appropriate and reproducible response to changes in intramuscular oxygen. A commercial laboratory oxygen sensor based on a lifetime measurement did not respond as expected.Comment: 14 page

Effects of home-based exergaming on cardio-metabolic and cognitive health in physically inactive individuals.

AIMS To examine the effects of a home-based exergame training over 6 weeks on cardio-metabolic and cognitive health, as well as training adherence, in physically inactive individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty participants were equipped with an exergame system specifically designed for use at home. Each participant performed at least three weekly exercise sessions at ≥80% of their individual maximum heart rate, over 6 weeks. Exercise duration increased biweekly until 75 min of vigorous exercise were performed in Weeks 5 and 6. Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max ), cardio-metabolic profiling, and neuro-cognitive tests were performed at baseline and study end. Additionally, training adherence was assessed via training diaries. RESULTS After 6 weeks of home-based exergaming, VO2max increased significantly, while there was a significant decrease in heart rate (resting and maximum), blood pressure (systolic, diastolic and mean), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Dynamic balance and reaction time improved after 6 weeks of exergaming. Training adherence was 88.4%. CONCLUSIONS Home-based exergaming induced a clinically relevant increase in VO2max , a determinant of cardiovascular health, accompanied by further improvements in cardiovascular, metabolic and neuro-cognitive parameters. Exergaming may, therefore, offer an innovative approach to increasing regular physical activity, improving metabolic risk profile, and preventing chronic diseases

Optimization of Transcutaneous Oxygenation Wearable Sensors for Clinical Applications

Abstract In this manuscript, the development of an experimental and mathematical toolset is reported that allows for improved in vivo measurements of optical transcutaneous oxygen tension measurements (TCOM) wearable technology in humans. In addition to optimizing O2‐sensing films for higher sensitivity oxygen detection, calibration algorithms are additionally developed to account for excitation source leakage, as well as algorithms to combine readings of partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), derived from phosphorescence intensity and lifetime, into a single metric. This new iteration of the TCOM wearable device is then tested in a pilot human study. By implementing characterization and calibration algorithms, the data from the pilot study demonstrates the ability to obtain reliable transcutaneous pO2 readings with a TCOM sensor regardless of size and without the need for strict conditions of constant temperature, humidity, or motion that have limited the range of applications of this technology in the past