939 research outputs found
Recombination Rate Coefficients for KLL Di-electronic Satellite Lines of Fe XXV and Ni XXVII
The unified method for total electron-ion recombination is extended to study
the dielectronic satellite (DES) lines. These lines, formed from radiative
decay of autoionizing states, are highly sensitive temperature diagnostics of
astrophysical and laboratory plasma sources. The computation of the unified
recombination rates is based on the relativistic Breit-Pauli R-matrix method
and close coupling approximation. Extending the theoretical formulation
developed earlier we present recombination rate coefficients for the 22
satellite lines of KLL complexes of helium-like Fe XXV and Ni XXVII. The
isolated resonance approximation, commonly used throughout plasma modeling,
treats these resonances essentially as bound features except for dielectronic
capture into, and autoionization out of, these levels. A line profile or cross
section shape is often assumed. On the other hand, by including the coupling
between the autoionizing and continuum channels, the unified method gives the
intrinsic spectrum of DES lines which includes not only the energies and
strengths, but also the natural line or cross section shapes. A formulation is
presented to derive autoionization rates from unified resonance strengths and
enable correspondence with the isolated resonance approximation. While the
rates compare very well with existing rates for the strong lines to <20%, the
differences for weaker DES lines are larger. We also illustrate the application
of the present results to the analysis of K ALPHA complexes observed in
high-temperature X-ray emission spectra of Fe XXV and Ni XXVII. There are
considerable differences with previous results in the total KLL intensity for
Fe XXV at temperatures below the temperature of maximum abundance in coronal
equilibrium. (Abbreviated Abstract)Comment: 21 pages, 5 figures, to appear in Physica Script
K-shell dielectronic resonances in photoabsorption: differential oscillator strengths for Li-like C IV, O VI, and Fe XXIV
Recently X-ray photoabsorption in KLL resonances of O VI was predicted
[Pradhan, Astrophys.J. Lett. 545, L165 (2000)], and detected by the Chandra
X-ray Observatory [Lee et al, Astrophys. J. {\it Lett.}, submitted].
The required resonance oscillator strengths f_r, are evaluated in terms of
the differential oscillator strength df/de that relates bound and continuum
absorption. We present the f_r values from radiatively damped and undamped
photoionization cross sections for Li-like C,O, and Fe calculated using
relativistic close coupling Breit-Pauli R-matrix method. The KLL resonances of
interest here are: 1s2p (^3P^o) 2s [^4P^o_{1/2,3/2}, ^2P^o_{1/2,3/2}] and 1s2p
(^1P^o) 2s [^2P^o_{1/2,3/2}]. The KLL photoabsorption resonances in Fe XXIV are
fully resolved up to natural autoionization profiles for the first time. It is
demonstrated that the undamped f_r independently yield the resonance radiative
decay rates, and thereby provide a precise check on the resolution of
photoionization calculations in general. The predicted photoabsorption features
should be detectable by the X-ray space observatories and enable column
densities in highly ionized astrophysical plasmas to be determined from the
calculated f_r. The dielectronic satellites may appear as redward broadening of
resonances lines in emission and absorption.Comment: 9 pages, 2 figurs, Phys. Rev. A, Rapid Communication (submitted
Photoionization cross sections of O II, O III, O IV, and O V: benchmarking R-matrix theory and experiments
For crucial tests between theory and experiment, ab initio close coupling
calculations are carried out for photoionization of O II, O III, O IV, O V. The
relativistic fine structure and resonance effects are studied using the
R-matrix and its relativistic variant the Breit Pauli R-matrix (BPRM)
approximation. Detailed comparison is made with high resolution experimental
measurements carried out in three different set-ups: Advanced Light Source at
Berkeley, and synchrotron radiation experiments at University of Aarhus and
University of Paris-Sud. The comparisons illustrate physical effects in
photoionization such as (i) fine structure, (ii) resolution, and (iii)
metastable components. Photoionization cross sections sigma{PI} of the ground
and a few low lying excited states of these ions obtained in the experimental
spectrum include combined features of these states. Theoretically calculated
resonances need to be resolved with extremely fine energy mesh for precise
comparison. In addition, prominent resonant features are observed in the
measured spectra from transitions allowed with relativistic fine structure, but
not in LS coupling. The sigma_{PI} are obtained for ground and metastable (i)
2s^22p^3(^4S^o, ^2D^o, ^2P^o) states of O II, (ii) 2s^22p^2(^3P,^1D,^1S) and
2s2p^3(^5S^o) states of O III, (iii) 2s^22p(^2P^o_J) and 2s2p^2(^4P_J) levels
of O IV, and (iv) 2s^2(^1S) and 2s2p(^3P^o,^1P^o) states of O V. It is found
that resonances in ground and metastable cross sections can be a diagnostic of
experimental beam composition, with potential ap plications to astrophysical
and laboratory plasma environments.Comment: 27 pages, 7 figs., submitted to Phys. Rev. A., text with high
resolution figures at http://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/~pradhan/Oions.p
Misuse and mortality related to gabapentin and pregabalin are being under-estimated: a two-year post-mortem population
Due to the rise in their misuse and associated mortality, the UK government is reclassifying gabapentin (GBP) and pregabalin (PGL) to Class C controlled drugs from April 2019. However, it is impossible to gauge the extent of their use with current post-mortem toxicological screening, where GBP and PGL are only screened for if they are mentioned in the case documents. This study determines the prevalence of GBP and PGL, the potential extent of their under-reporting and poly-drug use in a post-mortem population. Between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2017, 3,750 deceased from Coronersâ cases in London and South East England underwent a routine drugs screen and a specific screen for GBP and PGL. The prevalence of both drugs was determined in the cohort and the subcategories of heroin users and non-heroin-users. The prevalence of both drugs was compared to tramadol (Class C drug). Case documents were reviewed to investigate the under-reporting of GBP and PGL and poly-drug use. Of 3,750 samples analyzed, 118 (3.1%) were positive for GBP, 229 (6.1%) for PGL and 120 (3.2%) were positive for tramadol. If routine analysis without additional screening of GBP and PGL had been performed in this cohort, GBP would have been under-reported by 57.6% (P < 0.0001) and PGL by 53.7% (P < 0.0001) in deaths. The most common drug group observed with GBP and PGL was non-heroin-related opioids at 60.2% and 64.6%, respectively. In total 354 deceased (9.4%) were heroin users. GBP was positive in 23 (6.5%) of these cases and PGL was positive in 69 (19.5%). The prevalence of PGL in heroin users (19.5%) was 4.1 times greater than in non-heroin users (4.7%) (P < 0.0001). GBP and PGL are being significantly under reported in fatalities. Both drugs are extensively used with opioids. The prevalence of PGL in heroin users is highly significant
GABA-B receptor function in healthy volunteers, a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of two doses of baclofen compared to placebo
AIMS AND HYPOTHESIS To assess the subjective and objective effects of baclofen on brain function in healthy volunteers. BACKGROUND Recent evidence suggests baclofen, a Îł-aminobutyric acid type B (GABA-B) receptor agonist, reduces alcohol consumption and craving and promotes abstinence in alcoholics. However, characterisation of the GABA-B receptor system in clinical addiction is limited, and it is unclear why some patients require, or tolerate, higher doses to treat alcoholism. This study assesses the effects of baclofen on brain function in healthy volunteers to inform future studies investigating the sensitivity of GABA-B receptors in alcohol addiction. METHODS Eight healthy male volunteers completed a double blind randomised 3-way cross over study, receiving oral placebo (vitamin C 100mg), 10mg and 60mg baclofen. Subjective and objective measurements were taken at baseline (before medication) and at +30mins, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 hours after dosing. Objective measures included blood plasma samples, heart rate and blood pressure. Subjective measures included; the Subjective High Assessment Questionnaire (SHAS), visual analogue scales for sleepy, relaxed, tense and alert and a motor coordination task (zig-zag task). Pharmacokinetic data was obtained using liquid chromatography mass-spectrometry (LC-MS) to measure plasma baclofen concentrations. RESULTS 60mg Baclofen showed changes in subjective measures peaking at 2 hours post dosing compared with placebo, including a significant increase (p<0.05) in total SHAS scores with individual items, including feeling âdrunk or intoxicatedâ, effects of alcohol and âmuddled or confusedâ particular affected.. Systolic blood pressure was significantly increased (p<0.05) at the 2 hours post 60mg dose. For both 10mg and 60mg baclofen, peak plasma concentration was achieved 60 minutes post dose. Pharmacokinetic data will be presented. There were no significant changes in these measures between 10mg Baclofen and placebo. CONCLUSIONS The objective and subjective measures used in this study are able to differentiate between placebo and 60mg baclofen. These findings will inform further research investigating the sensitivity of GABA-B receptors in alcohol addiction
Electron-Ion Recombination Rate Coefficients and Photoionization Cross Sections for Astrophysically Abundant Elements VI. Ni II
We present the first detailed ab initio quantum mechanical calculations for
total and state-specific recombination rate coefficients for e + Ni III --> Ni
II. These rates are obtained using a unified treatment for total electron-ion
recombination that treats the nonresonant radiative recombination and the
resonant dielectronic recombination in a self-consistent unified manner in the
close coupling approximation. Large-scale calculations are carried out using a
49-state wavefunction expansion from core configurations 3d^8, 3d^74s, and
3d^64p that permits the inclusion of prominent dipole allowed core transitions.
These extensive calculations for the recombination rates of Ni II required
hundreds of CPU hours on the Cray T90. The total recombination rate
coefficients are provided for a wide range of temperature. The state-specific
recombination rates for 532 bound states of doublet and quartet symmetries, and
the corresponding photoionization cross sections for leaving the core in the
ground state, are presented. Present total recombination rate coefficients
differ considerably from the currently used data in astrophysical models.Comment: ApJ Suppl. (submitted), 4 figure
Electron-Ion Recombination Rate Coefficients and Photoionization Cross Sections for Astrophysically Abundant Elements; 4, Relativistic calculations for C IV and C V for UV and X-ray modeling
The first complete set of unified cross sections and rate coefficients are calculated for photoionization and recombination of He- and Li-like ions using the relativistic Breit-Pauli R-matrix method. We present total, unified (e + ion) recombination rate coefficients for (e + C VI ---> C V) and (e + C V \longrightarrow C IV) including fine structure. Level-specific recombination rate coefficients up to the n = 10 levels are also obtained for the first time; these differ considerably from the approximate rates currently available. Applications to recombination-cascade coefficients in X-ray spectral models of K-alpha emission from the important He-like ions is pointed out. The overall uncertainty in the total recombination rates should not exceed 10-20%. Ionization fractions for Carbon are recomputed in the coronal approximation using the new rates. The present (e + ion) recombination rate coefficients are compared with several sets of available data, including previous LS coupling results, and `experimentally derived' rate coefficients. The role of relativistic fine structure, resolution of resonances, radiation damping, and interference effects is discussed. Two general features of recombination rates are noted: (i) the non-resonant (radiative recombination) peak as E,T ---> 0, and the (ii) the high-T resonant (di-electronic recombination) peak
The FERRUM project: Transition probabilities for forbidden lines in [FeII] and experimental metastable lifetimes
Accurate transition probabilities for forbidden lines are important
diagnostic parameters for low-density astrophysical plasmas. In this paper we
present experimental atomic data for forbidden [FeII] transitions that are
observed as strong features in astrophysical spectra.
Aims: To measure lifetimes for the 3d^6(^3G)4s a ^4G_{11/2} and 3d^6(^3D)4s b
^4D_{1/2} metastable levels in FeII and experimental transition probabilities
for the forbidden transitions 3d^7 a ^4F_{7/2,9/2}- 3d^6(^3G)4s a ^4G_{11/2}.
Methods: The lifetimes were measured at the ion storage ring facility CRYRING
using a laser probing technique. Astrophysical branching fractions were
obtained from spectra of Eta Carinae, obtained with the Space Telescope Imaging
Spectrograph onboard the Hubble Space Telescope. The lifetimes and branching
fractions were combined to yield absolute transition probabilities.
Results: The lifetimes of the a ^4G_{11/2} and the b ^4D_{1/2} levels have
been measured and have the following values, 0.75(10) s and 0.54(3) s
respectively. Furthermore, we have determined the transition probabilities for
two forbidden transitions of a ^4F_{7/2,9/2}- a ^4G_{11/2} at 4243.97 and
4346.85 A. Both the lifetimes and the transition probabilities are compared to
calculated values in the literature.Comment: 5 pages, accepted for publication in A&
On the importance of satellite lines to the He-like K ALPHA complex and the G ratio for calcium, iron, and nickel
New, more detailed calculations of the emission spectra of the He-like K
ALPHA complex of calcium, iron and nickel have been carried out using data from
both distorted-wave and R-matrix calculations. The value of the GD ratio (an
extended definition of the G ratio that accounts for the effect of resolved and
unresolved satellite lines) is significantly enhanced at temperatures below the
temperature of He-like maximum abundance. Furthermore it is shown that
satellite lines are important contributors to the GD ratio such that GD/G>1 at
temperatures well above the temperature of maximum abundance. These new
calculations demonstrate, with an improved treatment of the KLn (n>=3)
satellite lines, that K ALPHA satellite lines need to be included in models of
He like spectra even at relatively high temperatures. The excellent agreement
between spectra and line ratios calculated from R-matrix and distorted-wave
data also confirms the validity of models based on distorted-wave data for
highly charged systems, provided the effect of resonances are taken into
account as independent processes.Comment: 12 pages, 5 figures, to appear in Monthly Notices of the Royal
Astronomical Society. The definitive version is available at
www.blackwell-synergy.co
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