Sample records for tandem mirror plasma

  1. A tandem mirror hybrid plume plasma propulsion facility

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yang, T. F.; Krueger, W. A.; Peng, S.; Urbahn, J.; Chang-Diaz, F. R.

    1988-01-01

    This paper discusses a novel concept in electrodeless plasma propulsion, in which the materials problems are ameliorated by an electrodeless magnetic confinement scheme borrowed from the tandem mirror approach to controlled thermonuclear fusion. The concept also features a two-stage magnetic nozzle with an annular hypersonic coaxial gas injector near the throat. The nozzle produces hybrid plume by the coaxial injection of hypersonic neutral gas, and the gas layer thus formed protects the material walls from the hot plasma and, through increased collisions, helps detach it from the diverging magnetic field. The tandem mirror plasma propulsion facility is capable of delivering a variable I(sp). The results of numerical simulation of this concept are presented together with those from an experimental tandem-mirror plasma propulsion device.

  2. A tandem mirror plasma source for hybrid plume plasma studies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yang, T. F.; Chang, F. R.; Miller, R. H.; Wenzel, K. W.; Krueger, W. A.

    1985-01-01

    A tandem mirror device to be considered as a hot plasma source for the hybrid plume rocket concept is discussed. The hot plamsa from this device is injected into an exhaust duct, which will interact with an annular hypersonic layer of neutral gas. The device can be used to study the dynamics of the hybrid plume, and to verify the numerical predictions obtained with computer codes. The basic system design is also geared towards low weight and compactness, and high power density at the exhaust. The basic structure of the device consists of four major subsystems: (1) an electric power supply; (2) a low temperature, high density plasma gun, such as a stream gun, an MPD source or gas cell; (3) a power booster in the form of a tandem mirror machine; and (4) an exhaust nozzle arrangement. The configuration of the tandem mirror section is shown.

  3. Charge exchange cooling in the tandem mirror plasma confinement apparatus

    DOEpatents

    Logan, B. Grant

    1978-01-01

    Method and apparatus for cooling a plasma of warm charged species confined in the center mirror cell of the tandem mirror apparatus by injecting cold neutral species of the plasma into at least one mirroring region of the center mirror cell, the cooling due to the loss of warm charged species through charge exchange with the cold neutral species with resulting diffusion of the warm neutral species out of the plasma.

  4. Mirror plasma apparatus

    DOEpatents

    Moir, Ralph W.

    1981-01-01

    A mirror plasma apparatus which utilizes shielding by arc discharge to form a blanket plasma and lithium walls to reduce neutron damage to the wall of the apparatus. An embodiment involves a rotating liquid lithium blanket for a tandem mirror plasma apparatus wherein the first wall of the central mirror cell is made of liquid lithium which is spun with angular velocity great enough to keep the liquid lithium against the first material wall, a blanket plasma preventing the lithium vapor from contaminating the plasma.

  5. Tandem mirror plasma confinement apparatus

    DOEpatents

    Fowler, T. Kenneth

    1978-11-14

    Apparatus and method for confining a plasma in a center mirror cell by use of two end mirror cells as positively charged end stoppers to minimize leakage of positive particles from the ends of the center mirror cell.

  6. Generating end plug potentials in tandem mirror plasma confinement by heating thermal particles so as to escape low density end stoppering plasmas

    DOEpatents

    Baldwin, David E.; Logan, B. Grant

    1981-01-01

    The invention provides a method and apparatus for raising the potential of a magnetic mirror cell by pumping charged particles of the opposite sign of the potential desired out of the mirror cell through excitation, with the pumping being done by an externally imposed field at the bounce frequency of the above charged particles. These pumped simple mirror cells then provide end stoppering for a center mirror cell for the tandem mirror plasma confinement apparatus. For the substantially complete pumping case, the end plugs of a tandem mirror can be up to two orders of magnitude lower in density for confining a given center mirror cell plasma than in the case of end plugs without pumping. As a result the decrease in recirculating power required to keep the system going, the technological state of the art required, and the capital cost are all greatly lowered.

  7. Generating end plug potentials in tandem mirror plasma confinement by heating thermal particles so as to escape low density end stoppering plasmas

    DOEpatents

    Baldwin, D.E.; Logan, B.G.

    The invention provides a method and apparatus for raising the potential of a magnetic mirror cell by pumping charged particles of the opposite sign of the potential desired out of the mirror cell through excitation, with the pumping being done by an externally imposed field at the bounce frequence of the above charged particles. These pumped simple mirror cells then provide end stoppering for a center mirror cell for the tandem mirror plasma confinement apparatus. For the substantially complete pumping case, the end plugs of a tandem mirror can be up to two orders of magnitude lower in density for confining a given center mirror cell plasma than in the case of end plugs without pumping. As a result the decrease in recirculating power required to keep the system going, the technical state of the art required, and the capital cost are all greatly lowered.

  8. A tandem mirror hybrid plume plasma propulsion facility

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chang-Diaz, F. R.; Yang, T. F.; Krueger, W. A.; Peng, S.; Urbahn, J.; Yao, X.; Griffin, D.

    1988-01-01

    A concept in electrodeless plasma propulsion, which is also capable of delivering a variable Isp, is presented. The concept involves a three-stage system of plasma injection, heating, and subsequent ejection through a magnetic nozzle. The nozzle produces the hybrid plume by the coaxial injection of hypersonic neutral gas. The gas layer, thus formed, protects the material walls from the hot plasma and, through increased collisions, helps detach it from the diverging magnetic field. The physics of this concept is evaluated numerically through full spatial and temporal simulations; these explore the operating characteristics of such a device over a wide region of parameter space. An experimental facility to study the plasma dynamics in the hybrid plume was built. The device consists of a tandem mirror operating in an asymmetric mode. A later upgrade of this system will incorporate a cold plasma injector at one end of the machine. Initial experiments involve the full characterization of the operating envelope, as well as extensive measurements of plasma properties at the exhaust. The results of the numerical simulations are described.

  9. A tandem mirror plasma source for a hybrid plume plasma propulsion concept

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yang, T. F.; Miller, R. H.; Wenzel, K. W.; Krueger, W. A.; Chang, F. R.

    1985-01-01

    This paper describes a tandem mirror magnetic plasma confinement device to be considered as a hot plasma source for the hybrid plume rocket concept. The hot plasma from this device is injected into an exhaust duct, which will interact with an annular layer of hypersonic neutral gas. Such a device can be used to study the dynamics of the hybrid plume and to experimentally verify the numerical predictions obtained with computer codes. The basic system design is also geared toward being lightweight and compact, as well as having high power density (i.e., several kW/sq cm) at the exhaust. This feature is aimed toward the feasibility of 'space testing'. The plasma is heated by microwaves. A 50 percent heating efficiency can be obtained by using two half-circle antennas. The preliminary Monte Carlo modeling of test particles result reported here indicates that interaction does take place in the exhaust duct. Neutrals gain energy from the ion, which confirms the hybrid plume concept.

  10. Kinetically Stabilized Axisymmetric Tandem Mirrors: Summary of Studies

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Post, R F

    2005-02-08

    The path to practical fusion power through plasma confinement in magnetic fields, if it is solely based on the present front-runner, the tokamak, is clearly long, expensive, and arduous. The root causes for this situation lie in the effects of endemic plasma turbulence and in the complexity the tokamak's ''closed'' field geometry. The studies carried out in the investigations described in the attached reports are aimed at finding an approach that does not suffer from these problems. This goal is to be achieved by employing an axisymmetric ''open'' magnetic field geometry, i.e. one generated by a linear array of circularmore » magnet coils, and employing the magnetic mirror effect in accomplishing the plugging of end leakage. More specifically, the studies were aimed at utilizing the tandem-mirror concept in an axisymmetric configuration to achieve performance superior to the tokamak, and in a far simpler system, one for which the cost and development time could be much lower than that for the tokamak, as exemplified by ITER and its follow-ons. An important stimulus for investigating axisymmetric versions of the tandem mirror is the fact that, beginning from early days in fusion research there have been examples of axisymmetric mirror experiments where the plasma exhibited crossfield transport far below the turbulence-enhanced rates characteristic of tokamaks, in specific cases approaching the ''classical'' rate. From the standpoint of theory, axisymmetric mirror-based systems have special characteristics that help explain the low levels of turbulence that have been observed. Among these are the facts that there are no parallel currents in the equilibrium state, and that the drift surfaces of all of the trapped particles are closed surfaces, as shown early on by Teller and Northrop. In addition, in such systems it is possible to arrange that the radial boundary of the confined plasma terminates without contact with the chamber wall. This possibility reduces the

  11. Characterization of Plasma Discharges in a High-Field Magnetic Tandem Mirror

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chang-Diaz, Franklin R.

    1998-01-01

    High density magnetized plasma discharges in open-ended geometries, like Tandem Mirrors, have a variety of space applications. Chief among them is the production of variable Specific Impulse (I(sub sp)) and variable thrust in a magnetic nozzle. Our research group is pursuing the experimental characterization of such discharges in our high-field facility located at the Advanced Space Propulsion Laboratory (ASPL). These studies focus on identifying plasma stability criteria as functions of density, temperature and magnetic field strength. Plasma heating is accomplished by both Electron and Ion Cyclotron Resonance (ECR and ICR) at frequencies of 2-3 Ghz and 1-30 Mhz respectively, for both Hydrogen and Helium. Electron density and temperature has measured by movable Langmuir probes. Macroscopic plasma stability is being investigated in ongoing research.

  12. Axisymmetric Tandem Mirrors: Stabilization and Confinement Studies

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Post, R.F.; Fowler, T.K.; Bulmer, R.

    2005-01-15

    The 'Kinetic Stabilizer' has been proposed as a means of MHD stabilizing an axisymmetric tandem mirror system. The K-S concept is based on theoretical studies by Ryutov, confirmed experimentally in the Gas Dynamic Trap experiment in Novosibirsk. In the K-S beams of ions are directed into the end of an 'expander' region outside the outer mirror of a tandem mirror. These ions, slowed, stagnated, and reflected as they move up the magnetic gradient, produce a low-density stabilizing plasma.At the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory we have been conducting theoretical and computational studies of the K-S Tandem Mirror. These studies have employedmore » a low-beta code written especially to analyze the beam injection/stabilization process,and a new code SYMTRAN (by Hua and Fowler)that solves the coupled radial and axial particle and energy transport in a K-S T-M. Also, a 'legacy' MHD stability code, FLORA, has been upgraded and employed to benchmark the injection/stabilization code and to extend its results to high beta values.The FLORA code studies so far have confirmed the effectiveness of the K-S in stabilizing high-beta (40%) plasmas with stabilizer plasmas the peak pressures of which are several orders of magnitude smaller than those of the confined plasma.Also the SYMTRAN code has shown D-T plasma ignition from alpha particle energy deposition in T-M regimes with strong end plugging.Our studies have confirmed the viability of the K-S T-M concept with respect to MHD stability and radial and axial confinement. We are continuing these studies in order to optimize the parameters and to examine means for the stabilization of possible residual instability modes, such as drift modes and 'trapped-particle' modes. These modes may in principle be controlled by tailoring the stabilizer plasma distribution and/or the radial potential distribution.In the paper the results to date of our studies are summarized and projected to scope out possible fusion-power versions of the

  13. Axisymmetric Tandem Mirrors: Stabilization and Confinement Studies

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Post, R F; Fowler, T K; Bulmer, R

    2004-07-15

    The 'Kinetic Stabilizer' has been proposed as a means of MHD stabilizing an axisymmetric tandem mirror system. The K-S concept is based on theoretical studies by Ryutov, confirmed experimentally in the Gas Dynamic Trap experiment in Novosibirsk. In the K-S beams of ions are directed into the end of an 'expander' region outside the outer mirror of a tandem mirror. These ions, slowed, stagnated, and reflected as they move up the magnetic gradient, produce a low-density stabilizing plasma. At the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory we have been conducting theoretical and computational studies of the K-S Tandem Mirror. These studies havemore » employed a low-beta code written especially to analyze the beam injection/stabilization process, and a new code SYMTRAN (by Hua and Fowler) that solves the coupled radial and axial particle and energy transport in a K-S TM. Also, a 'legacy' MHD stability code, FLORA, has been upgraded and employed to benchmark the injection/stabilization code and to extend its results to high beta values. The FLORA code studies so far have confirmed the effectiveness of the K-S in stabilizing high-beta (40%) plasmas with stabilizer plasmas the peak pressures of which are several orders of magnitude smaller than those of the confined plasma. Also the SYMTRAN code has shown D-T plasma ignition from alpha particle energy deposition in T-M regimes with strong end plugging. Our studies have confirmed the viability of the K-S-T-M concept with respect to MHD stability and radial and axial confinement. We are continuing these studies in order to optimize the parameters and to examine means for the stabilization of possible residual instability modes, such as drift modes and 'trapped-particle' modes. These modes may in principle be controlled by tailoring the stabilizer plasma distribution and/or the radial potential distribution. In the paper the results to date of our studies are summarized and projected to scope out possible fusion-power versions

  14. A high fusion power gain tandem mirror

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fowler, T. K.; Moir, R. W.; Simonen, T. C.

    2017-10-01

    Utilizing advances in high field superconducting magnet technology and microwave gyrotrons we illustrate the possibility of a high power gain (Q = 10-20) tandem mirror fusion reactor. Inspired by recent Gas Dynamic Trap (GDT) achievements we employ a simple axisymmetric mirror magnet configuration. We consider both DT and cat. DD fuel options that utilize existing as well as future technology development. We identify subjects requiring further study such as hot electron physics, trapped particle modes and plasma startup.

  15. Instabilities excited by an energetic ion beam and electron temperature anisotropy in tandem mirrors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Da Jornada, E. H.; Gaffey, J. D., Jr.; Winske, D.

    1985-01-01

    Tandem mirrors are magnetic confinement devices, which have the objective to prevent a leaking out of ions in a central (solenoidal) cell at the end. This is accomplished by making use of an electrostatic potential, which is maintained by a denser plasma in mirror end cells. In the Tandem Mirror Experiment (TMX), Correll et al. (1982) have successfully verified the basic concepts involved in the design of the considered device. However, it was also found that the simple tandem mirror could not be easily scaled to a reactor-size device. Approaches for solving the arising problems were studied, taking into account also the utilization of a thermal barrier. In this connection, Winske et al. (1985) studied the nonlinear development of the instability in a finite beta plasma with isotropic electrons. The present investigation is concerned with an extension of the calculations conducted by Winske et al., giving attention to the parameter regime of the TMX. It is found that three instabilities can occur.

  16. Summary of results from the Tandem Mirror Experiment (TMX)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Simonen, T.C.

    1981-02-26

    This report summarizes results from the successful experimental operation of the Tandem Mirror Experiment (TMX) over the period October 1978 through September 1980. The experimental program, summarized by the DOE milestones given in Table 1-1, had three basic phases: (1) an 8-month checkout period, October 1978 through May 1979; (2) a 6-month initial period of operation, June through November 1979, during which the basic principles of the tandem configuration were demonstrated (i.e., plasma confinement was improved over that of a single-cell mirror); and (3) a 10-month period, December 1979 through September 1980, during which the initial TMX results were corroboratedmore » by additional diagnostic measurements and many detailed physics investigations were carried out. This report summarizes the early results, presents results of recent data analysis, and outlines areas of ongoing research and data analysis which will be reported in future journal publications.« less

  17. Alpha particle confinement in tandem mirrors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Devoto, R.S.; Ohnishi, M.; Kerns, J.

    1980-10-10

    Mechanisms leading to loss of alpha particles from non-axisymmetric tandem mirrors are considered. Stochastic diffusion due to bounce-drift resonances, which can cause rapid radial losses of high-energy alpha particles, can be suppressed by imposing a 20% rise in axisymmetric fields before the quadrupole transition sections. Alpha particles should then be well-confined until thermal energies when they enter the resonant plateau require. A fast code for computation of drift behavior in reactors is described. Sample calculations are presented for resonant particles in a proposed coil set for the Tandem Mirror Next Step.

  18. SYMTRAN - A Time-dependent Symmetric Tandem Mirror Transport Code

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hua, D; Fowler, T

    2004-06-15

    A time-dependent version of the steady-state radial transport model in symmetric tandem mirrors in Ref. [1] has been coded up and first tests performed. Our code, named SYMTRAN, is an adaptation of the earlier SPHERE code for spheromaks, now modified for tandem mirror physics. Motivated by Post's new concept of kinetic stabilization of symmetric mirrors, it is an extension of the earlier TAMRAC rate-equation code omitting radial transport [2], which successfully accounted for experimental results in TMX. The SYMTRAN code differs from the earlier tandem mirror radial transport code TMT in that our code is focused on axisymmetric tandem mirrorsmore » and classical diffusion, whereas TMT emphasized non-ambipolar transport in TMX and MFTF-B due to yin-yang plugs and non-symmetric transitions between the plugs and axisymmetric center cell. Both codes exhibit interesting but different non-linear behavior.« less

  19. Development of plasma sources for ICRF heating experiment in KMAX mirror device

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Xuan; Liu, Ming; Yi, Hongshen; Lin, Munan; Shi, Peiyun

    2016-10-01

    KMAX, Keda Mirror with AXisymmeticity, is a tandem mirror machine with a length of 10 meters and diameters of 1.2 meters in the central cell and 0.3 meters in the mirror throat. In the past experiments, the plasma was generated by helicon wave launched from the west end. We obtained the blue core mode in argon discharge, however, it cannot provide sufficient plasma for hydrogen discharge, which is at least 1012 cm-3 required for effective ICRF heating. Several attempts have thus been tried or under design to increase the central cell's plasma density: (1) a washer gun with aperture of 1cm has been successfully tested, and a plasma density of 1013 cm-3 was achieved in the west cell near the gun, however, the plasma is only 1011 cm-3 in the central cell possible due to the mirror trapping and/or neutral quenching effect (2) a larger washer gun with aperture of 2.5 cm and a higher power capacitor bank are being assembled in order to generate more plasmas. In addition, how to mitigate the neutrals is under consideration (3) A hot cathode is been designed and will be tested in combination with plasma gun or alone. Preliminary results from those plasma sources will be presented and discussed.

  20. Optical properties of relativistic plasma mirrors

    PubMed Central

    Vincenti, H.; Monchocé, S.; Kahaly, S.; Bonnaud, G.; Martin, Ph.; Quéré, F.

    2014-01-01

    The advent of ultrahigh-power femtosecond lasers creates a need for an entirely new class of optical components based on plasmas. The most promising of these are known as plasma mirrors, formed when an intense femtosecond laser ionizes a solid surface. These mirrors specularly reflect the main part of a laser pulse and can be used as active optical elements to manipulate its temporal and spatial properties. Unfortunately, the considerable pressures exerted by the laser can deform the mirror surface, unfavourably affecting the reflected beam and complicating, or even preventing, the use of plasma mirrors at ultrahigh intensities. Here we derive a simple analytical model of the basic physics involved in laser-induced deformation of a plasma mirror. We validate this model numerically and experimentally, and use it to show how such deformation might be mitigated by appropriate control of the laser phase. PMID:24614748

  1. Towards plasma cleaning of ITER first mirrors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moser, L.; Marot, L.; Eren, B.; Steiner, R.; Mathys, D.; Leipold, F.; Reichle, R.; Meyer, E.

    2015-06-01

    To avoid reflectivity losses in ITER's optical diagnostic systems, on-site cleaning of metallic first mirrors via plasma sputtering is foreseen to remove deposit build-ups migrating from the main wall. In this work, the influence of aluminium and tungsten deposits on the reflectivity of molybdenum mirrors as well as the possibility to clean them with plasma exposure is investigated. Porous ITER-like deposits are grown to mimic the edge conditions expected in ITER, and a severe degradation in the specular reflectivity is observed as these deposits build up on the mirror surface. In addition, dense oxide films are produced for comparisons with porous films. The composition, morphology and crystal structure of several films were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and secondary ion mass spectrometry. The cleaning of the deposits and the restoration of the mirrors' optical properties are possible either with a Kaufman source or radio frequency directly applied to the mirror (or radio frequency plasma generated directly around the mirror surface). Accelerating ions of an external plasma source through a direct current applied onto the mirror does not remove deposits composed of oxides. A possible implementation of plasma cleaning in ITER is addressed.

  2. A new simpler way to obtain high fusion power gain in tandem mirrors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fowler, T. K.; Moir, R. W.; Simonen, T. C.

    2017-05-01

    From the earliest days of fusion research, Richard F. Post and other advocates of magnetic mirror confinement recognized that mirrors favor high ion temperatures where nuclear reaction rates < σ v> begin to peak for all fusion fuels. In this paper we review why high ion temperatures are favored, using Post’s axisymmetric Kinetically Stabilized Tandem Mirror as the example; and we offer a new idea that appears to greatly improve reactor prospects at high ion temperatures. The idea is, first, to take advantage of recent advances in superconducting magnet technology to minimize the size and cost of End Plugs; and secondly, to utilize parallel advances in gyrotrons that would enable intense electron cyclotron heating (ECH) in these high field End Plugs. The yin-yang magnets and thermal barriers that complicated earlier tandem mirror designs are not required. We find that, concerning end losses, intense ECH in symmetric End Plugs could increase the fusion power gain Q, for both DT and Catalyzed DD fuel cycles, to levels competitive with steady-state tokamaks burning DT fuel. Radial losses remain an issue that will ultimately determine reactor viability.

  3. Wave excitation by nonlinear coupling among shear Alfvén waves in a mirror-confined plasma

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ikezoe, R., E-mail: ikezoe@prc.tsukuba.ac.jp; Ichimura, M.; Okada, T.

    2015-09-15

    A shear Alfvén wave at slightly below the ion-cyclotron frequency overcomes the ion-cyclotron damping and grows because of the strong anisotropy of the ion temperature in the magnetic mirror configuration, and is called the Alfvén ion-cyclotron (AIC) wave. Density fluctuations caused by the AIC waves and the ion-cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF) waves used for ion heating have been detected using a reflectometer in a wide radial region of the GAMMA 10 tandem mirror plasma. Various wave-wave couplings are clearly observed in the density fluctuations in the interior of the plasma, but these couplings are not so clear in themore » magnetic fluctuations at the plasma edge when measured using a pick-up coil. A radial dependence of the nonlinearity is found, particularly in waves with the difference frequencies of the AIC waves; bispectral analysis shows that such wave-wave coupling is significant near the core, but is not so evident at the periphery. In contrast, nonlinear coupling with the low-frequency background turbulence is quite distinct at the periphery. Nonlinear coupling associated with the AIC waves may play a significant role in the beta- and anisotropy-limits of a mirror-confined plasma through decay of the ICRF heating power and degradation of the plasma confinement by nonlinearly generated waves.« less

  4. Development of polarization-controlled multi-pass Thomson scattering system in the GAMMA 10 tandem mirror

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yoshikawa, M.; Morimoto, M.; Shima, Y.

    2012-10-15

    In the GAMMA 10 tandem mirror, the typical electron density is comparable to that of the peripheral plasma of torus-type fusion devices. Therefore, an effective method to increase Thomson scattering (TS) signals is required in order to improve signal quality. In GAMMA 10, the yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG)-TS system comprises a laser, incident optics, light collection optics, signal detection electronics, and a data recording system. We have been developing a multi-pass TS method for a polarization-based system based on the GAMMA 10 YAG TS. To evaluate the effectiveness of the polarization-based configuration, the multi-pass system was installed in the GAMMA 10 YAG-TSmore » system, which is capable of double-pass scattering. We carried out a Rayleigh scattering experiment and applied this double-pass scattering system to the GAMMA 10 plasma. The integrated scattering signal was made about twice as large by the double-pass system.« less

  5. Plasma confinement apparatus using solenoidal and mirror coils

    DOEpatents

    Fowler, T. Kenneth; Condit, William C.

    1979-01-01

    A plasma confinement apparatus, wherein multiple magnetic mirror cells are linked by magnetic field lines inside of a solenoid with the mirroring regions for adjacent magnetic mirror cells each formed by a separate mirror coil inside of the solenoid. The magnetic mirror cells may be field reversed.

  6. Plasma cleaning of ITER first mirrors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moser, L.; Marot, L.; Steiner, R.; Reichle, R.; Leipold, F.; Vorpahl, C.; Le Guern, F.; Walach, U.; Alberti, S.; Furno, I.; Yan, R.; Peng, J.; Ben Yaala, M.; Meyer, E.

    2017-12-01

    Nuclear fusion is an extremely attractive option for future generations to compete with the strong increase in energy consumption. Proper control of the fusion plasma is mandatory to reach the ambitious objectives set while preserving the machine’s integrity, which requests a large number of plasma diagnostic systems. Due to the large neutron flux expected in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), regular windows or fibre optics are unusable and were replaced by so-called metallic first mirrors (FMs) embedded in the neutron shielding, forming an optical labyrinth. Materials eroded from the first wall reactor through physical or chemical sputtering will migrate and will be deposited onto mirrors. Mirrors subject to net deposition will suffer from reflectivity losses due to the deposition of impurities. Cleaning systems of metallic FMs are required in more than 20 optical diagnostic systems in ITER. Plasma cleaning using radio frequency (RF) generated plasmas is currently being considered the most promising in situ cleaning technique. An update of recent results obtained with this technique will be presented. These include the demonstration of cleaning of several deposit types (beryllium, tungsten and beryllium proxy, i.e. aluminium) at 13.56 or 60 MHz as well as large scale cleaning (mirror size: 200 × 300 mm2). Tests under a strong magnetic field up to 3.5 T in laboratory and first experiments of RF plasma cleaning in EAST tokamak will also be discussed. A specific focus will be given on repetitive cleaning experiments performed on several FM material candidates.

  7. Note: Tandem Kirkpatrick-Baez microscope with sixteen channels for high-resolution laser-plasma diagnostics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yi, Shengzhen; Zhang, Zhe; Huang, Qiushi; Zhang, Zhong; Wang, Zhanshan; Wei, Lai; Liu, Dongxiao; Cao, Leifeng; Gu, Yuqiu

    2018-03-01

    Multi-channel Kirkpatrick-Baez (KB) microscopes, which have better resolution and collection efficiency than pinhole cameras, have been widely used in laser inertial confinement fusion to diagnose time evolution of the target implosion. In this study, a tandem multi-channel KB microscope was developed to have sixteen imaging channels with the precise control of spatial resolution and image intervals. This precise control was created using a coarse assembly of mirror pairs with high-accuracy optical prisms, followed by precise adjustment in real-time x-ray imaging experiments. The multilayers coated on the KB mirrors were designed to have substantially the same reflectivity to obtain a uniform brightness of different images for laser-plasma temperature analysis. The study provides a practicable method to achieve the optimum performance of the microscope for future high-resolution applications in inertial confinement fusion experiments.

  8. Plasma mirrors for short pulse KrF lasers

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gilicze, Barnabás; Szatmári, Sándor; Barna, Angéla

    2016-08-15

    It is demonstrated for the first time that plasma mirrors can be successfully applied for KrF laser systems. High reflectivity up to 70% is achieved by optimization of the beam quality on the plasma mirror. The modest spectral shift and the good reflected beam quality allow its applicability for high power laser systems for which a new arrangement is suggested.

  9. Relativistic mirrors in laser plasmas (analytical methods)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bulanov, S. V.; Esirkepov, T. Zh; Kando, M.; Koga, J.

    2016-10-01

    Relativistic flying mirrors in plasmas are realized as thin dense electron (or electron-ion) layers accelerated by high-intensity electromagnetic waves to velocities close to the speed of light in vacuum. The reflection of an electromagnetic wave from the relativistic mirror results in its energy and frequency changing. In a counter-propagation configuration, the frequency of the reflected wave is multiplied by the factor proportional to the Lorentz factor squared. This scientific area promises the development of sources of ultrashort x-ray pulses in the attosecond range. The expected intensity will reach the level at which the effects predicted by nonlinear quantum electrodynamics start to play a key role. We present an overview of theoretical methods used to describe relativistic flying, accelerating, oscillating mirrors emerging in intense laser-plasma interactions.

  10. Production of field-reversed mirror plasma with a coaxial plasma gun

    DOEpatents

    Hartman, Charles W.; Shearer, James W.

    1982-01-01

    The use of a coaxial plasma gun to produce a plasma ring which is directed into a magnetic field so as to form a field-reversed plasma confined in a magnetic mirror. Plasma thus produced may be used as a target for subsequent neutral beam injection or other similarly produced and projected plasma rings or for direct fusion energy release in a pulsed mode.

  11. Production of field-reversed mirror plasma with a coaxial plasma gun

    DOEpatents

    Hartman, C.W.; Shearer, J.W.

    The use of a coaxial plasma gun to produce a plasma ring which is directed into a magnetic field so as to form a field-reversed plasma confined in a magnetic mirror. Plasma thus produced may be used as a target for subsequent neutral beam injection or other similarly produced and projected plasma rings or for direct fusion energy release in a pulsed mode.

  12. Mirror-field confined compact plasma source using permanent magnet for plasma processings.

    PubMed

    Goto, Tetsuya; Sato, Kei-Ichiro; Yabuta, Yuki; Sugawa, Shigetoshi

    2016-12-01

    A mirror-field confined compact electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma source using permanent magnets was developed, aiming for the realization of high-quality plasma processings where high-density reactive species are supplied to a substrate with minimizing the ion bombardment damages. The ECR position was located between a microwave transmissive window and a quartz limiter, and plasmas were transported from the ECR position to a midplane of the magnetic mirror field through the quartz limiter. Thus, a radius of core plasma could be determined by the limiter, which was 15 mm in this study. Plasma parameters were investigated by the Langmuir probe measurement. High-density plasma larger than 10 11 cm -3 could be produced by applying 5.85-GHz microwave power of 10 W or more. For the outside region of the core plasma where a wafer for plasma processings will be set at, the ion current density was decreased dramatically with distance from the core plasma and became smaller by approximately two orders of magnitude that in the core plasma region for the radial position of 40 mm, suggesting the realization of reduction in ion bombardment damages.

  13. Anticorrelated Emission of High Harmonics and Fast Electron Beams From Plasma Mirrors.

    PubMed

    Bocoum, Maïmouna; Thévenet, Maxence; Böhle, Frederik; Beaurepaire, Benoît; Vernier, Aline; Jullien, Aurélie; Faure, Jérôme; Lopez-Martens, Rodrigo

    2016-05-06

    We report for the first time on the anticorrelated emission of high-order harmonics and energetic electron beams from a solid-density plasma with a sharp vacuum interface-plasma mirror-driven by an intense ultrashort laser pulse. We highlight the key role played by the nanoscale structure of the plasma surface during the interaction by measuring the spatial and spectral properties of harmonics and electron beams emitted by a plasma mirror. We show that the nanoscale behavior of the plasma mirror can be controlled by tuning the scale length of the electron density gradient, which is measured in situ using spatial-domain interferometry.

  14. Laser-plasma mirrors: from electron acceleration to harmonics generation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thévenet, Maxence; Bocoum, Maïmouna; Faure, Jérôme; Leblanc, Adrien; Vincenti, Henri; Quéré, Fabien

    2016-10-01

    Accelerating electrons in the > 10 TV/m fields inside an ultrashort ultraintense laser pulse has been a long-standing goal in experimental physics, motivated by promising theoretical predictions. The biggest hurdle was to have electrons injected in the center of the laser pulse. Recent experimental and numerical results showed that this problem could be solved using a plasma mirror, i.e. an overdense plasma with a sharp (plasma mirrors, giving new insights into the motion of the plasma mirror surface. funded by the European Research Council, Contract No. 306708, ERC Starting Grant FEMTOELEC.

  15. X-ray emission from a plasma mirror of a neodymium glass laser

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kalal, M.; Pina, L.; Vrbova, M.

    1984-11-01

    An investigation was made of the optical and x-ray characteristics of the radiation emitted by a plasma mirror in a neodymium glass laser. The optical reflection coefficient of the mirror was found to be nonlinear and the plasma temperature was about 300 eV.

  16. Experiments and PIC simulations on liquid crystal plasma mirrors for pulse contrast enhancement

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cochran, G. E.; Poole, P. L.; Krygier, A.; Foster, P. S.; Scott, G. G.; Wilson, L. A.; Bailey, J.; Bourgeois, N.; Hernandez-Gomez, C.; Heery, R.; Purcell, J.; Neely, D.; Rajeev, P. P.; Freeman, R. R.; Schumacher, D. W.

    2016-10-01

    High pulse contrast is crucial for performing many experiments on high intensity lasers in order to minimize modification of the target surface by pre-pulse. This is often achieved through the use of solid dielectric plasma mirrors which can limit laser shot rates. Liquid crystal films, originally developed as variable thickness ion acceleration targets, have been demonstrated as effective plasma mirrors for pulse cleaning, reaching peak reflectivities over 70%. These films were used as plasma mirrors in an ion acceleration experiment on the Scarlet laser and the resultant increase in peak proton energy and change in acceleration direction will be discussed. Also presented here are novel 2D3V, LSP particle-in-cell simulations of dielectric plasma mirror operation. By including multiphoton ionization and dimensionality corrections, an excellent match to experiment is obtained over 4 decades in intensity. Analysis of pulse shortening and plasma critical surface behavior in these simulations will be discussed. Formation of thin films at 1.5 Hz will also be presented. Performed with support from the DARPA PULSE program through AMRDEC, from NNSA, and from OSC.

  17. Steady state whistler turbulence and stability of thermal barriers in tandem mirrors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Litwin, C.; Sudan, R.N.

    The effect of the whistler turbulence on anisotropic electrons in a thermal barrier is examined. The electron distribution function is derived self-consistently by solving the steady state quasilinear diffusion equation. Saturated amplitudes are computed using the resonance broadening theory or convective stabilization. Estimated power levels necessary for sustaining the steady state of a strongly anisotropic electron population are found to exceed by orders of magnitude the estimates based on Fokker--Planck calculations for the range of parameters of tandem mirror (TMX-U and MFTF-B) experiments (Nucl. Fusion 25, 1205 (1985)). Upper limits on the allowed degree of anisotropy for existing power densitiesmore » are calculated.« less

  18. Synfuels from fusion: using the tandem mirror reactor and a thermochemical cycle to produce hydrogen

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Werner, R.W.

    1982-11-01

    This study is concerned with the following area: (1) the tandem mirror reactor and its physics; (2) energy balance; (3) the lithium oxide canister blanket system; (4) high-temperature blanket; (5) energy transport system-reactor to process; (6) thermochemical hydrogen processes; (7) interfacing the GA cycle; (8) matching power and temperature demands; (9) preliminary cost estimates; (10) synfuels beyond hydrogen; and (11) thermodynamics of the H/sub 2/SO/sub 4/-H/sub 2/O system. (MOW)

  19. Experiment and simulation of novel liquid crystal plasma mirrors for high contrast, intense laser pulses

    PubMed Central

    Poole, P. L.; Krygier, A.; Cochran, G. E.; Foster, P. S.; Scott, G. G.; Wilson, L. A.; Bailey, J.; Bourgeois, N.; Hernandez-Gomez, C.; Neely, D.; Rajeev, P. P.; Freeman, R. R.; Schumacher, D. W.

    2016-01-01

    We describe the first demonstration of plasma mirrors made using freely suspended, ultra-thin films formed dynamically and in-situ. We also present novel particle-in-cell simulations that for the first time incorporate multiphoton ionization and dielectric models that are necessary for describing plasma mirrors. Dielectric plasma mirrors are a crucial component for high intensity laser applications such as ion acceleration and solid target high harmonic generation because they greatly improve pulse contrast. We use the liquid crystal 8CB and introduce an innovative dynamic film formation device that can tune the film thickness so that it acts as its own antireflection coating. Films can be formed at a prolonged, high repetition rate without the need for subsequent realignment. High intensity reflectance above 75% and low-field reflectance below 0.2% are demonstrated, as well as initial ion acceleration experimental results that demonstrate increased ion energy and yield on shots cleaned with these plasma mirrors. PMID:27557592

  20. Experiment and simulation of novel liquid crystal plasma mirrors for high contrast, intense laser pulses

    DOE PAGES

    Poole, P. L.; Krygier, A.; Cochran, G. E.; ...

    2016-08-25

    Here, we describe the first demonstration of plasma mirrors made using freely suspended, ultra-thin films formed dynamically and in-situ. We also present novel particle-in-cell simulations that for the first time incorporate multiphoton ionization and dielectric models that are necessary for describing plasma mirrors. Dielectric plasma mirrors are a crucial component for high intensity laser applications such as ion acceleration and solid target high harmonic generation because they greatly improve pulse contrast. We use the liquid crystal 8CB and introduce an innovative dynamic film formation device that can tune the film thickness so that it acts as its own antireflection coating.more » Films can be formed at a prolonged, high repetition rate without the need for subsequent realignment. High intensity reflectance above 75% and low-field reflectance below 0.2% are demonstrated, as well as initial ion acceleration experimental results that demonstrate increased ion energy and yield on shots cleaned with these plasma mirrors.« less

  1. Tandem resonator reflectance modulator

    DOEpatents

    Fritz, I.J.; Wendt, J.R.

    1994-09-06

    A wide band optical modulator is grown on a substrate as tandem Fabry-Perot resonators including three mirrors spaced by two cavities. The absorption of one cavity is changed relative to the absorption of the other cavity by an applied electric field, to cause a change in total reflected light, as light reflecting from the outer mirrors is in phase and light reflecting from the inner mirror is out of phase with light from the outer mirrors. 8 figs.

  2. Experimental investigation of plasma sheaths in magnetic mirror and cusp configurations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, Zhengqi; Wei, Zi-an; Ma, J. X.

    2017-11-01

    Sheath structures near a metal plate in a magnetized plasma were experimentally investigated in magnetic mirror and cusp configurations. Plasma parameters and the sheath potential distributions were probed by a planar and an emissive probe, respectively. The measured sheath profiles in the mirror configuration show that the sheath thickness first decreases and then increases when the magnetic strength is raised. A magnetic flux-tube model was used to explain this result. In the cusp configuration, the measured sheath thickness decreases with the increase of the coil current creating the magnetic cusp. However, when normalized by the electron Debye length, the dependence of the sheath thickness on the coil current is reversed.

  3. Plasma cleaning of ITER edge Thomson scattering mock-up mirror in the EAST tokamak

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yan, Rong; Moser, Lucas; Wang, Baoguo; Peng, Jiao; Vorpahl, Christian; Leipold, Frank; Reichle, Roger; Ding, Rui; Chen, Junling; Mu, Lei; Steiner, Roland; Meyer, Ernst; Zhao, Mingzhong; Wu, Jinhua; Marot, Laurent

    2018-02-01

    First mirrors are the key element of all optical and laser diagnostics in ITER. Facing the plasma directly, the surface of the first mirrors could be sputtered by energetic particles or deposited with contaminants eroded from the first wall (tungsten and beryllium), which would result in the degradation of the reflectivity. The impurity deposits emphasize the necessity of the first mirror in situ cleaning for ITER. The mock-up first mirror system for ITER edge Thomson scattering diagnostics has been cleaned in EAST for the first time in a tokamak using radio frequency capacitively coupled plasma. The cleaning properties, namely the removal of contaminants and homogeneity of cleaning were investigated with molybdenum mirror insets (25 mm diameter) located at five positions over the mock-up plate (center to edge) on which 10 nm of aluminum oxide, used as beryllium proxy, were deposited. The cleaning efficiency was evaluated using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, reflectivity measurements and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Using argon or neon plasma without magnetic field in the laboratory and with a 1.7 T magnetic field in the EAST tokamak, the aluminum oxide films were homogeneously removed. The full recovery of the mirrors’ reflectivity was attained after cleaning in EAST with the magnetic field, and the cleaning efficiency was about 40 times higher than that without the magnetic field. All these results are promising for the plasma cleaning baseline scenario of ITER.

  4. Compact Kirkpatrick–Baez microscope mirrors for imaging laser-plasma x-ray emission

    DOE PAGES

    Marshall, F. J.

    2012-07-18

    Compact Kirkpatrick–Baez microscope mirror components for use in imaging laser-plasma x-ray emission have been manufactured, coated, and tested. A single mirror pair has dimensions of 14 × 7 × 9 mm and a best resolution of ~5 μm. The mirrors are coated with Ir providing a useful energy range of 2-8 keV when operated at a grazing angle of 0.7°. The mirrors can be circularly arranged to provide 16 images of the target emission a configuration best suited for use in combination with a custom framing camera. As a result, an alternative arrangement of the mirrors would allow alignment ofmore » the images with a fourstrip framing camera.« less

  5. Parabolic lithium mirror for a laser-driven hot plasma producing device

    DOEpatents

    Baird, James K.

    1979-06-19

    A hot plasma producing device is provided, wherein pellets, singly injected, of frozen fuel are each ignited with a plurality of pulsed laser beams. Ignition takes place within a void area in liquid lithium contained within a pressure vessel. The void in the liquid lithium is created by rotating the pressure vessel such that the free liquid surface of molten lithium therein forms a paraboloid of revolution. The paraboloid functions as a laser mirror with a reflectivity greater than 90%. A hot plasma is produced when each of the frozen deuterium-tritium pellets sequentially arrive at the paraboloid focus, at which time each pellet is illuminated by the plurality of pulsed lasers whose rays pass through circular annuli across the top of the paraboloid. The beams from the lasers are respectively directed by associated mirrors, or by means of a single conical mirror in another embodiment, and by the mirror-like paraboloid formed by the rotating liquid lithium onto the fuel pellet such that the optical flux reaching the pellet can be made to be uniform over 96% of the pellet surface area. The very hot plasma produced by the action of the lasers on the respective singly injected fuel pellets in turn produces a copious quantity of neutrons and X-rays such that the device has utility as a neutron source or as an x-ray source. In addition, the neutrons produced in the device may be utilized to produce tritium in a lithium blanket and is thus a mechanism for producing tritium.

  6. Gasdynamic Mirror Fusion Propulsion Experiment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Emrich, Bill; Rodgers, Stephen L. (Technical Monitor)

    2000-01-01

    A gasdynamic mirror (GDM) fusion propulsion experiment is currently being constructed at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to test the feasibility of this particular type of fusion device. Because of the open magnetic field line configuration of mirror fusion devices, they are particularly well suited for propulsion system applications since they allow for the easy ejection of thrust producing plasma. Currently, the MSFC GDM is constructed in three segments. The vacuum chamber mirror segment, the plasma injector mirror segment, and the main plasma chamber segment. Enough magnets are currently available to construct up to three main plasma chamber segments. The mirror segments are also segmented such that they can be expanded to accommodate new end plugging strategies with out requiring the disassembly of the entire mirror segment. The plasma for the experiment is generated in a microwave cavity located between the main magnets and the mirror magnets. Ion heating is accomplished through ambipolar diffusion. The objective of the experiment is to investigate the stability characteristics of the gasdynamic mirror and to map a region of parameter space within which the plasma can be confined in a stable steady state configuration. The mirror ratio, plasma density, and plasma "b" will be varied over a range of values and measurements subsequently taken to determine the degree of plasma stability.

  7. Small amplitude waves and linear firehose and mirror instabilities in rotating polytropic quantum plasma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bhakta, S.; Prajapati, R. P.; Dolai, B.

    2017-08-01

    The small amplitude quantum magnetohydrodynamic (QMHD) waves and linear firehose and mirror instabilities in uniformly rotating dense quantum plasma have been investigated using generalized polytropic pressure laws. The QMHD model and Chew-Goldberger-Low (CGL) set of equations are used to formulate the basic equations of the problem. The general dispersion relation is derived using normal mode analysis which is discussed in parallel, transverse, and oblique wave propagations. The fast, slow, and intermediate QMHD wave modes and linear firehose and mirror instabilities are analyzed for isotropic MHD and CGL quantum fluid plasmas. The firehose instability remains unaffected while the mirror instability is modified by polytropic exponents and quantum diffraction parameter. The graphical illustrations show that quantum corrections have a stabilizing influence on the mirror instability. The presence of uniform rotation stabilizes while quantum corrections destabilize the growth rate of the system. It is also observed that the growth rate stabilizes much faster in parallel wave propagation in comparison to the transverse mode of propagation. The quantum corrections and polytropic exponents also modify the pseudo-MHD and reverse-MHD modes in dense quantum plasma. The phase speed (Friedrichs) diagrams of slow, fast, and intermediate wave modes are illustrated for isotropic MHD and double adiabatic MHD or CGL quantum plasmas, where the significant role of magnetic field and quantum diffraction parameters on the phase speed is observed.

  8. Liquid crystal film development for plasma mirrors and waveplates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cochran, G. E.; Poole, P. L.; Willis, C.; Hanna, R. J.; Pytel, K.; Sullivan, K. S.; Andereck, C. D.; Schumacher, D. W.

    2015-11-01

    Many laser-plasma phenomena currently under study depend critically on the quality of the pulse contrast. Costly sacrificial plasma mirrors are now commonly used to improve the temporal laser contrast before target interaction, especially for ion acceleration where high contrast is necessary to achieve interesting new mechanisms. Liquid crystal films were originally developed as variable thickness thin-film targets, and were demonstrated for this purpose in. Varying film formation parameters such as volume, temperature, and draw speed allows thickness control between 10 nm and several 10s of microns, in-situ and under vacuum. Development since that initial work has allowed large area films to be formed, several cm2 in extent, with the same thickness range. The molecular flatness of a freely suspended film renders these films excellent low-cost plasma mirrors, given appropriate formation control. Additionally, the birefringence of the liquid crystal used here permits these films to be used as large area zero-order waveplates at the appropriate thickness. Details on the current state of liquid crystal film application development, including a >1 Hz small area film formation device, will be presented. This work was performed with support from the DARPA PULSE program through a grant from AMRDEC and by the NNSA under contract DE-NA0001976.

  9. First operation and effect of a new tandem-type ion source based on electron cyclotron resonance

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kato, Yushi, E-mail: kato@eei.eng.osaka-u.ac.jp; Kimura, Daiju; Yano, Keisuke

    A new tandem type source has been constructed on the basis of electron cyclotron resonance plasma for producing synthesized ion beams in Osaka University. Magnetic field in the first stage consists of all permanent magnets, i.e., cylindrically comb shaped one, and that of the second stage consists of a pair of mirror coil, a supplemental coil and the octupole magnets. Both stage plasmas can be individually operated, and produced ions in which is energy controlled by large bore extractor also can be transported from the first to the second stage. We investigate the basic operation and effects of the tandemmore » type electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS). Analysis of ion beams and investigation of plasma parameters are conducted on produced plasmas in dual plasmas operation as well as each single operation. We describe construction and initial experimental results of the new tandem type ion source based on ECRIS with wide operation window for aiming at producing synthesized ion beams as this new source can be a universal source in future.« less

  10. Observations of mirror waves and plasma depletion layer upstream of Saturn's magnetopause

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Violante, L.; Cattaneo, M. B. Bavassano; Moreno, G.; Richardson, J. D.

    1995-01-01

    The two inbound traversals of the Saturn's magnetosheath by Voyagers 1 and 2 have been studied using plasma and magnetic field data. In a great portion of the subsolar magnetosheath, large-amplitude compressional waves are observed at low frequency (approximately 0.1 f(sub p)) in a high-beta plasma regime. The fluctuations of the magnetic field magnitude and ion density are anticorrelated, as are those of the magnetic and thermal pressures. The normals to the structures are almost orthogonal to the background field, and the Doppler ratio is on the average small. Even though the data do not allow the determination of the ion thermal anisotropy, the observations are consistent with values of T(sub perpendicular)/T(sub parallel) greater than 1, producing the onset of the mirror instability. All the above features indicate that the waves should be most probably identified with mirror modes. One of the two magnetopause crossings is of the high-shear type and the above described waves are seen until the magnetopause. The other crossing is of the low-shear type and, similarly to what has been observed at Earth, a plasma depletion occurs close to the magnetopause. In this layer, waves with smaller amplitude, presumably of the mirror mode, are present together with higher-frequency waves showing a transverse component.

  11. Determination of tiropramide in human plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Lee, Hye Won; Ji, Hye Young; Kim, Hee Hyun; Cho, Hea-Young; Lee, Yong-Bok; Lee, Hye Suk

    2003-11-05

    A rapid, sensitive and selective liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) method for the determination of tiropramide in human plasma was developed. Tiropramide and internal standard, cisapride were extracted from human plasma by liquid-liquid extraction and analyzed on a Luna C8 column with the mobile phase of acetonitrile-ammonium formate (10mM, pH 4.5) (50:50, v/v). The analytes was detected using an electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry in the multiple-reaction-monitoring mode. The standard curve was linear (r=0.998) over the concentration range of 2.0-200 ng/ml. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation ranged from 2.8 to 7.8 and 6.7 to 8.9%, respectively. The recoveries of tiropramide ranged from 50.2 to 53.1%, with that of cisapride (internal standard) being 60.9+/-5.3%. The lower limit of quantification for tiropramide was 2.0 ng/ml using 100 microl plasma sample. This method was applied to the pharmacokinetic study of tiropramide in human.

  12. Properties of chirped mirrors manufactured by plasma ion assisted electron beam evaporation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bischoff, Martin; Stenzel, Olaf; Gäbler, Dieter; Kaiser, Norbert

    2005-09-01

    Nowadays, chirped dielectric mirrors for ultrafast optics and laser applications are usually manufactured by sputtering techniques. The suitability of Advanced Plasma Source (APS) assisted electron beam evaporation with respect to such coatings is still under investigation. The purpose of this presentation is to show our first results of the deposition of chirped layers produced by plasma ion assisted electron beam evaporation and of the investigation of their properties. The aim was to design and prepare a NIR-mirror for the spectral range of 700 nm to 900 nm. It has been attempted to find a design that is robust with respect to errors of thickness and refractive index. The mirror consists of more than 26 layers composed of alternating high- (Nb2O5) and low-refractive index (SiO2) material. The deposited coatings were tested in terms of their group delay dispersion (GDD) and their reflectivity. We show, that in the wavelength range between 720 nm and 890 nm the GDD exhibits a value of about -50 fs2, whereas the reflectivity is above 99%. However, the subsequent reverse engineering operations show a relatively large thickness error of more than 1% - 2% regarding the particular layers. Nevertheless the effect on the GDD and the reflectivity is tolerable. Furthermore, we present our first experiments concerning the design and fabrication of a chirped mirror, which allows controlling the third order dispersion (TOD), whereas the relative thickness error of the particular layers should not exceed 1%.

  13. Inverse mirror plasma experimental device (IMPED) - a magnetized linear plasma device for wave studies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bose, Sayak; Chattopadhyay, P. K.; Ghosh, J.; Sengupta, S.; Saxena, Y. C.; Pal, R.

    2015-04-01

    In a quasineutral plasma, electrons undergo collective oscillations, known as plasma oscillations, when perturbed locally. The oscillations propagate due to finite temperature effects. However, the wave can lose the phase coherence between constituting oscillators in an inhomogeneous plasma (phase mixing) because of the dependence of plasma oscillation frequency on plasma density. The longitudinal electric field associated with the wave may be used to accelerate electrons to high energies by exciting large amplitude wave. However when the maximum amplitude of the wave is reached that plasma can sustain, the wave breaks. The phenomena of wave breaking and phase mixing have applications in plasma heating and particle acceleration. For detailed experimental investigation of these phenomena a new device, inverse mirror plasma experimental device (IMPED), has been designed and fabricated. The detailed considerations taken before designing the device, so that different aspects of these phenomena can be studied in a controlled manner, are described. Specifications of different components of the IMPED machine and their flexibility aspects in upgrading, if necessary, are discussed. Initial results meeting the prerequisite condition of the plasma for such study, such as a quiescent, collisionless and uniform plasma, are presented. The machine produces δnnoise/n <= 1%, Luniform ~ 120 cm at argon filling pressure of ~10-4 mbar and axial magnetic field of B = 1090 G.

  14. Therapeutic plasma exchange performed in tandem with hemodialysis without supplemental calcium in the apheresis circuit.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Yong; Ibrahim, Hiba; Bailey, Jeffrey A; Linden, Jeanne; Hickson, Elda; Haynes, Stefanie; Greene, Mindy; Vauthrin, Michelle; Weinstein, Robert

    2017-06-01

    Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and hemopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) collection are apheresis procedures that can safely be performed in tandem with hemodialysis. Despite the return of citrate-anticoagulated blood to the patient during HPC collection, it is not necessary to administer supplemental calcium during these procedures because the ionized calcium concentration is restored as the returning blood passes through the dialyzer. It is not known whether this applies to TPE, in which a mixture of blood and pharmaceutical albumin, an avid binder of plasma ionized calcium, is returned to the patient through the dialyzer. We report on three dialysis-dependent patients who required TPE and underwent tandem treatments without supplemental calcium in the apheresis circuit. Overall, ionized calcium fell 4-12% (P = 0.0.024) and patients reported no symptoms of hypocalcemic toxicity. Tandem hemodialysis/TPE can be performed without supplemental calcium in the apheresis circuit. J. Clin. Apheresis 32:154-157, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  15. Microinstabilities in the Gasdynamic Mirror Propulsion System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Emrich, William

    2005-01-01

    The gasdynamic mirror has been proposed as a concept which could form the basis of a highly efficient fusion rocket engine. Gasdynamic mirrors differ from most other mirror type plasma confinement schemes in that they have much larger aspect ratios and operate at somewhat higher plasma densities. There are several types of instabilities which are known to plague mirror type confinement schemes. These instabilities fall into two general classes. One class of instability is the Magnetohydrodynamic or MHD instability which induces gross distortions in the plasma geometry. The other class of instability is the "loss cone" microinstability which leads to general plasma turbulence. The "loss cone" microinstability is caused by velocity space asymmetries resulting from the loss of plasma having constituent particle velocities within the angle of the magnetic mirror "loss cone." These instabilities generally manifest themselves in high temperature, moderately dense plasmas. The present study indicates that a GDM configured as a rocket engine might operate in a plasma regime where microinstabilities could potentially be significant.

  16. Microinstabilities in the Gasdynamic Mirror Propulsion System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Emrich, William

    2005-01-01

    The gasdynamic mirror has been proposed as a concept which could form the basis of a highly efficient fusion rocket engine. Gasdynamic mirrors differ from most other mirror type plasma confinement schemes in that they have much larger aspect ratios and operate at somewhat higher plasma densities. There are several types of instabilities which are known to plague mirror type confinement schemes. These instabilities fall into two general classes. One class of instability is the Magnetohdrodynamic or MHD instability which induces gross distortions in the plasma geometry. The other class of instability is the "loss cone" microinstability which leads to general plasma turbulence. The "loss cone" microinstability is caused by velocity space asymmetries resulting from the loss of plasma having constituent particle velocities within the angle of the magnetic mirror "loss cone." These instabilities generally manifest themselves in high temperature, moderately dense plasmas. The present study indicates that a GDM configured as a rocket engine might operate in a plasma regine where microinstabilities could potentially be significant.

  17. Plasma mirror implementation on LFEX laser for ion and fast electron fast ignition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Morace, A.; Kojima, S.; Arikawa, Y.; Fujioka, S.; Yogo, A.; Tosaki, S.; Sakata, S.; Abe, Y.; Lee, S. H.; Matsuo, K.; Sagisaka, A.; Kondo, K.; Pirozhkov, A. S.; Norimatsu, T.; Jitsuno, T.; Miyanaga, N.; Shiraga, H.; Nakai, M.; Nishimura, H.; Azechi, H.

    2017-12-01

    In this work we report the successful implementation of plasma mirror (PM) technology on an LFEX laser facility at the Institute of Laser Engineering, Osaka University. The LFEX laser pulse was successfully refocused at the target chamber center (TCC) by means of a spherical plasma mirror, resulting in 5  ×  1018 W cm-2 laser intensity, with 45% reflectivity at a laser flux of about 90 J cm-2 on the PM. Experimental results show stable focusing and pointing of the LFEX pulse after PM refocusing. The contrast improvement was demonstrated by both cooler fast electron slope temperature distribution as well as by the ability to shoot sub-µm plastic foils obtaining proton beams with maximum energy exceeding 20 MeV. Experimental results are qualitatively reproduced by 2D particle in cell simulations.

  18. Cleaning of HT-7 Tokamak Exposed First Mirrors by Radio Frequency Magnetron Sputtering Plasma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yan, Rong; Chen, Junling; Chen, Longwei; Ding, Rui; Zhu, Dahuan

    2014-12-01

    The stainless steel (SS) first mirror pre-exposed in the deposition-dominated environment of the HT-7 tokamak was cleaned in the newly built radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering plasma device. The deposition layer on the FM surface formed during the exposure was successfully removed by argon plasma with a RF power of about 80 W and a gas pressure of 0.087 Pa for 30 min. The total reflectivity of the mirrors was recovered up to 90% in the wavelength range of 300-800 nm, while the diffuse reflectivity showed a little increase, which was attributed to the increase of surface roughness in sputtering, and residual contaminants. The FMs made from single crystal materials could help to achieve a desired recovery of specular reflectivity in the future.

  19. Hybrid flow control of a transport truck side-mirror using AC-DBD plasma actuated guide vane

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Michelis, Theodoros; Kotsonis, Marios

    2014-11-01

    A wind-tunnel study is conducted towards hybrid flow control of a full-scale transport truck side-mirror (Re = 4 ×105) . The mirror is mounted on a structure that models the truck cabin. PIV measurements are performed at a range of velocities from 15 to 25 m/s and from leeward to windward angles of -5° to +5° . A slim guide vane of 6cm chord is employed along the span of the hub of the mirror for redirecting high momentum flow towards the wake region. Separation from the leading edge of the guide vane is reduced or eliminated by means of AC-DBD plasma actuator, operating at voltage of 35 kV peak-to-peak and frequency of 200 Hz. Time-averaged velocity fields are obtained at the centre of the mirror for three scenarios: a) reference case lacking any control elements; b) guide vane only and c) combination of the guide vane and the AC-DBD. The comparison of cases demonstrates that at 25 m/s windward conditions (-5°) the guide vane is capable of increasing momentum (+20%) in the wake of the mirror with additional improvement when plasma actuation is applied (+21%). In contrast, at leeward conditions (+5°) , the guide vane reduces momentum (-20%), though with actuation an increase is observed (+5%). Total recovered momentum is 25%.

  20. Repetitive cleaning of a stainless steel first mirror using radio frequency plasma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Peng, Jiao; Yan, Rong; Ding, Rui; Chen, Junling; Zhu, Dahuan; Zhang, Zengming

    2017-10-01

    First mirrors (FMs) are crucial components of optical diagnostic systems in present-day tokamaks and future fusion reactors. Their lifetimes should be extremely limited due to their proximity to burning plasma, greatly influencing the safe operation of corresponding diagnostics. Repetitive cleaning is expected to provide a solution to the frequent replacement of contaminated FMs, thus prolonging their lifetimes. Three repetitive cleaning cycles using radio frequency plasma were applied to stainless steel (SS) FM samples, to evaluate the change of the mirrors’ optical properties and morphology during each cycle. Amorphous carbon films were deposited on mirror surfaces under identical conditions in three cycles. In three cycles with identical cleaning parameters, the total reflectivity was restored at up to 95%. Nevertheless, with successive cleaning cycles, the FM surfaces gradually appeared to roughen due to damage to the grain boundaries. Correspondingly, the diffuse reflectivity increased from a few percent to 20% and 27% after the second and third cycles. After optimizing the cleaning parameters of the second and third cycles, the roughness showed a significant decrease, and simultaneously the increase of diffuse reflectivity was remarkably improved.

  1. Influence of the shear flow on electron cyclotron resonance plasma confinement in an axisymmetric magnetic mirror trap of the electron cyclotron resonance ion source.

    PubMed

    Izotov, I V; Razin, S V; Sidorov, A V; Skalyga, V A; Zorin, V G; Bagryansky, P A; Beklemishev, A D; Prikhodko, V V

    2012-02-01

    Influence of shear flows of the dense plasma created under conditions of the electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) gas breakdown on the plasma confinement in the axisymmetric mirror trap ("vortex" confinement) was studied experimentally and theoretically. A limiter with bias potential was set inside the mirror trap for plasma rotation. The limiter construction and the optimal value of the potential were chosen according to the results of the preliminary theoretical analysis. This method of "vortex" confinement realization in an axisymmetric mirror trap for non-equilibrium heavy-ion plasmas seems to be promising for creation of ECR multicharged ion sources with high magnetic fields, more than 1 T.

  2. Random and independent sampling of endogenous tryptic peptides from normal human EDTA plasma by liquid chromatography micro electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Dufresne, Jaimie; Florentinus-Mefailoski, Angelique; Ajambo, Juliet; Ferwa, Ammara; Bowden, Peter; Marshall, John

    2017-01-01

    Normal human EDTA plasma samples were collected on ice, processed ice cold, and stored in a freezer at - 80 °C prior to experiments. Plasma test samples from the - 80 °C freezer were thawed on ice or intentionally warmed to room temperature. Protein content was measured by CBBR binding and the release of alcohol soluble amines by the Cd ninhydrin assay. Plasma peptides released over time were collected over C18 for random and independent sampling by liquid chromatography micro electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) and correlated with X!TANDEM. Fully tryptic peptides by X!TANDEM returned a similar set of proteins, but was more computationally efficient, than "no enzyme" correlations. Plasma samples maintained on ice, or ice with a cocktail of protease inhibitors, showed lower background amounts of plasma peptides compared to samples incubated at room temperature. Regression analysis indicated that warming plasma to room temperature, versus ice cold, resulted in a ~ twofold increase in the frequency of peptide identification over hours-days of incubation at room temperature. The type I error rate of the protein identification from the X!TANDEM algorithm combined was estimated to be low compared to a null model of computer generated random MS/MS spectra. The peptides of human plasma were identified and quantified with low error rates by random and independent sampling that revealed 1000s of peptides from hundreds of human plasma proteins from endogenous tryptic peptides.

  3. Spatial configuration of a plasma bunch formed under gyromagnetic resonance in a magnetic mirror trap

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Andreev, V. V.; Novitskii, A. A.; Umnov, A. M.

    2016-06-15

    The spatial configuration of a relativistic plasma bunch generated under the gyromagnetic autoresonance and confined in a magnetic mirror trap has been studied experimentally and numerically. The characteristics of bremsstrahlung generated by the plasma bunch from the gas and chamber walls were investigated using X-ray spectroscopy and radiometry, which made it possible to determine the localization of the bunch and analyze the dynamics of its confinement.

  4. Effect of anode-cathode geometry on performance of the HIP-1 hot ion plasma. [magnetic mirrors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lauver, M. R.

    1978-01-01

    Hot-ion hydrogen plasma experiments were conducted in the NASA Lewis HIP-1 magnetic mirror facility to determine how the ion temperature was influenced by the axial position of the cathode tips relative to the anodes. A steady-state EXB plasma was formed by applying a strong radially inward dc electric field near the throats of the magnetic mirrors. The dc electric field was created between hollow cathode rods inside hollow anode cylinders, both concentric with the magnetic axis. The highest ion temperatures, 900 eV, were attained when the tip of each cathode was in the same plane as the end of its anode. These temperatures were reached with 22 kV applied to the electrodes in a field of 1.1 tesla. Scaling relations were empirically determined for ion temperature and the product of ion density and neutral particle density as a function of cathode voltage, discharge current, and electrode positions. Plasma discharge current vs voltage (I-V) characteristics were determined.

  5. Accessibility condition of wave propagation and multicharged ion production in electron cyclotron resonance ion source plasma.

    PubMed

    Kato, Yushi; Yano, Keisuke; Nishiokada, Takuya; Nagaya, Tomoki; Kimura, Daiju; Kumakura, Sho; Imai, Youta; Hagino, Shogo; Otsuka, Takuro; Sato, Fuminobu

    2016-02-01

    A new tandem type source of electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasmas has been constructing for producing synthesized ion beams in Osaka University. Magnetic mirror field configuration with octupole magnets can be controlled to various shape of ECR zones, namely, in the 2nd stage plasma to be available by a pair mirror and a supplemental coil. Noteworthy correlations between these magnetic configurations and production of multicharged ions are investigated in detail, as well as their optimum conditions. We have been considering accessibility condition of electromagnetic and electrostatic waves propagating in ECR ion source plasma, and then investigated their correspondence relationships with production of multicharged ions. It has been clarified that there exits efficient configuration of ECR zones for producing multicharged ion beams experimentally, and then has been suggested from detail accessibility conditions on the ECR plasma that new resonance, i.e., upper hybrid resonance, must have occurred.

  6. On-shot characterization of single plasma mirror temporal contrast improvement

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Obst, L.; Metzkes-Ng, J.; Bock, S.; Cochran, G. E.; Cowan, T. E.; Oksenhendler, T.; Poole, P. L.; Prencipe, I.; Rehwald, M.; Rödel, C.; Schlenvoigt, H.-P.; Schramm, U.; Schumacher, D. W.; Ziegler, T.; Zeil, K.

    2018-05-01

    We report on the setup and commissioning of a compact recollimating single plasma mirror (PM) for temporal contrast enhancement at the Draco 150 TW laser during laser-proton acceleration experiments. The temporal contrast with and without PM is characterized single-shot by means of self-referenced spectral interferometry with extended time excursion at unprecedented dynamic and temporal range. This allows for the first single-shot measurement of the PM trigger point, which is interesting for the quantitative investigation of the complex pre-plasma formation process at the surface of the target used for proton acceleration. As a demonstration of high contrast laser plasma interaction we present proton acceleration results with ultra-thin liquid crystal targets of ∼ 1 μm down to 10 nm thickness. Focus scans of different target thicknesses show that highest proton energies are reached for the thinnest targets at best focus. This indicates that the contrast enhancement is effective such that the acceleration process is not limited by target pre-expansion induced by laser light preceding the main laser pulse.

  7. Characterization of a medium-sized washer-gun for an axisymmetric mirror

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yi, Hongshen; Liu, Ming; Shi, Peiyun; Yang, Zhida; Zhu, Guanghui; Lu, Quanming; Sun, Xuan

    2018-04-01

    A new medium-sized washer gun is developed for a plasma start-up in a fully axisymmetric mirror. The gun is positioned at the east end of the Keda Mirror with AXisymmetricity facility and operated in the pulsed mode with an arc discharging time of 1.2 ms and a typical arc current of 8.5 kA with 1.5 kV discharge voltage. To optimize the operation, a systematic scan of the neutral pressure, the arc voltage, the bias voltage on a mesh grid 6 cm in front of the gun and an end electrode located on the west end of mirror, and the mirror ratio was performed. The streaming plasma was measured with triple probes in the three mirror cells and a diamagnetic loop in the central cell. Floating potential measurements suggest that the plasma could be divided into streaming and mirror-confined plasmas. The floating potential for the streaming plasma is negative, with an electric field pointing inwards. The mirror-confined plasma has a typical lifetime of 0.5 ms.

  8. Characterization of a medium-sized washer-gun for an axisymmetric mirror.

    PubMed

    Yi, Hongshen; Liu, Ming; Shi, Peiyun; Yang, Zhida; Zhu, Guanghui; Lu, Quanming; Sun, Xuan

    2018-04-01

    A new medium-sized washer gun is developed for a plasma start-up in a fully axisymmetric mirror. The gun is positioned at the east end of the Keda Mirror with AXisymmetricity facility and operated in the pulsed mode with an arc discharging time of 1.2 ms and a typical arc current of 8.5 kA with 1.5 kV discharge voltage. To optimize the operation, a systematic scan of the neutral pressure, the arc voltage, the bias voltage on a mesh grid 6 cm in front of the gun and an end electrode located on the west end of mirror, and the mirror ratio was performed. The streaming plasma was measured with triple probes in the three mirror cells and a diamagnetic loop in the central cell. Floating potential measurements suggest that the plasma could be divided into streaming and mirror-confined plasmas. The floating potential for the streaming plasma is negative, with an electric field pointing inwards. The mirror-confined plasma has a typical lifetime of 0.5 ms.

  9. Pondermotive versus mirror force in creation of the filamentary cavities in auroral plasma

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Singh, Nagendra

    1994-01-01

    Recently rocket observations on spikelets of lower-hybrid waves along with strong density cavities and transversely heated ions were reported. The observed thin filamentary cavities oriented along the magnetic field in the auroral plasma have density depletions up to several tens of percent. These observations have been interpreted in terms of a theory for lower-hybrid wave condensation and collapse. The modulational instability leading to the wave consensation of the lower-hybrid waves yields only weak density perturbations, which cannot explain the above strong density depletions. The wave collapse theory is based on the nonlinear pondermotive force in a homogeneous ambient plasma and the density depletion is determined by the balance between the wave pressure (pondermotive force) and the plasma pressure. In the auroral plasma, the balance is achieved in a time tau(sub wc) equal to or less than 1 ms. It is shown here that the mirror force, acting on the transversely heated ions at a relatively long time scale, is an effective mechanism for creating the strong plasma cavities. We suggest that the process of wave condensation, through the pondermotive force causing generation of short wavelength waves from relatively long wavelength waves, is a dominant process until the former waves evolve and become effective in the transverse heating of ions. As soon as this happens, mirror force on ions becomes an important factor in the creation of the density cavities, which may further trap and enhance the waves. Results from a model of cavity formation by transverse ion heating show that the observed depletions in the density cavities can be produced by the heating rates determined by the observed wave amplitudes near the lower-hybrid frequency. It is found that the creation of a strong density cavity takes a few minutes.

  10. High-concentration mirror-based Kohler integrating system for tandem solar cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Winston, R.; Benitez, P.; Cvetkovic, A.

    2006-06-01

    A novel two-mirror high concentration nonimaging optic has been designed that shares the advantages of present two mirror aplanatic imaging concentrators but also overcomes their main limitation of trade-off between acceptance angle and irradiance uniformity. A system concept has been defined, and a first prototype in under development.

  11. Accelerating Plasma Mirrors to Investigate the Black Hole Information Loss Paradox.

    PubMed

    Chen, Pisin; Mourou, Gerard

    2017-01-27

    The question of whether Hawking evaporation violates unitarity, and therefore results in the loss of information, has remained unresolved since Hawking's seminal discovery. To date, the investigations have remained mostly theoretical since it is almost impossible to settle this paradox through direct astrophysical black hole observations. Here, we point out that relativistic plasma mirrors can be accelerated drastically and stopped abruptly by impinging intense x-ray pulses on solid plasma targets with a density gradient. This is analogous to the late time evolution of black hole Hawking evaporation. A conception of such an experiment is proposed and a self-consistent set of physical parameters is presented. Critical issues, such as how the black hole unitarity may be preserved, can be addressed through the entanglement between the analog Hawking radiation photons and their partner modes.

  12. Accelerating Plasma Mirrors to Investigate the Black Hole Information Loss Paradox

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Pisin; Mourou, Gerard

    2017-01-01

    The question of whether Hawking evaporation violates unitarity, and therefore results in the loss of information, has remained unresolved since Hawking's seminal discovery. To date, the investigations have remained mostly theoretical since it is almost impossible to settle this paradox through direct astrophysical black hole observations. Here, we point out that relativistic plasma mirrors can be accelerated drastically and stopped abruptly by impinging intense x-ray pulses on solid plasma targets with a density gradient. This is analogous to the late time evolution of black hole Hawking evaporation. A conception of such an experiment is proposed and a self-consistent set of physical parameters is presented. Critical issues, such as how the black hole unitarity may be preserved, can be addressed through the entanglement between the analog Hawking radiation photons and their partner modes.

  13. Theoretical investigation of the ultra-intense laser interaction with plasma mirrors in radiation pressure dominant regime

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sonia, Krishna Kumar; Maheshwari, K. P.; Jaiman, N. K.

    2017-05-01

    At laser intensity in the range ~ 1022 -1023W/cm2, the radiation pressure starts to play a key role in the interaction of an intense electromagnetic wave with a dense plasma foil. Depending upon the incident laser intensity, polarization of the incident beam and also on the density of the thin plasma layer the mirror motion may be assumed to be uniform, accelerated, or oscillatory. A solid dense plasma slab, accelerated in the radiation pressure dominant (RPD) regime, can efficiently reflect a counter-propagating relativistically strong source pulse consisting of up-shifted frequency and high harmonics. In this RPD regime we present our numerical results for the frequency and brightness of the reflected radiation from a uniformly moving plasma mirror. Our numerical results show that for the appropriate laser and plasma parameters in the case 2γ < {({n}e{λ }s3)}1/6 there are approximately 8.03 × 1042 photons / (mm2 - mrad2 - sec.-0.1% bandwidth) in the energy range ~ 10keV. In the case when 2γ > {({n}e{λ }s3)}1/6 for the same parameters and ad = 300, λd = 0.8 μm, the brightness is found to be 3.27 × 1034 photons / (mm2 - mrad2 - sec. - 0.1% bandwidth) in the energy range ~100 keV.

  14. Self-aligning concave relativistic plasma mirror with adjustable focus

    DOE PAGES

    Tsai, Hai-En; Arefiev, Alexey V.; Shaw, Joseph M.; ...

    2017-01-04

    We report an experimental-computational study of the optical properties of plasma mirrors (PMs) at the incident laser frequency when irradiated directly at relativistic intensity (10 180<10 19W/cm 2) by near-normally incident (4°), high-contrast, 30 fs, 800 nm laser pulses. We find that such relativistic PMs are highly reflective (0.6–0.8) and focus a significant fraction of reflected light to intensity as large as ~10I0 at distance f as small as ~25 μm from the PM, provided that pre-pulses do not exceed 10 14 W/cm 2 prior to ~20 ps before arrival of the main pulse peak. Particle-in-cell simulations show that focusingmore » results from denting of the reflecting surface by light pressure combined with relativistic transparency and that reflectivity and f can be adjusted by controlling pre-plasma length L over the range 0.5 ≲L ≲ 3 μm. Pump-probe reflectivity measurements show that the PM's focusing properties evolve on a ps time scale.« less

  15. Self-aligning concave relativistic plasma mirror with adjustable focus

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tsai, Hai-En; Arefiev, Alexey V.; Shaw, Joseph M.; Stark, David J.; Wang, Xiaoming; Zgadzaj, Rafal; Downer, M. C.

    2017-01-01

    We report an experimental-computational study of the optical properties of plasma mirrors (PMs) at the incident laser frequency when irradiated directly at relativistic intensity ( 10 18 < I 0 < 10 19 W / cm 2 ) by near-normally incident ( 4 ° ), high-contrast, 30 fs, 800 nm laser pulses. We find that such relativistic PMs are highly reflective ( 0.6 - 0.8 ) and focus a significant fraction of reflected light to intensity as large as ˜ 10 I 0 at distance f as small as ˜ 25 μ m from the PM, provided that pre-pulses do not exceed 1014 W/cm2 prior to ˜ 20 ps before arrival of the main pulse peak. Particle-in-cell simulations show that focusing results from denting of the reflecting surface by light pressure combined with relativistic transparency and that reflectivity and f can be adjusted by controlling pre-plasma length L over the range 0.5 ≲ L ≲ 3 μ m. Pump-probe reflectivity measurements show that the PM's focusing properties evolve on a ps time scale.

  16. Tandem-Mirror Ion Source

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Biddle, A.; Stone, N.; Reasoner, D.; Chisholm, W.; Reynolds, J.

    1986-01-01

    Improved ion source produces beam of ions at any kinetic energy from 1 to 1,000 eV, with little spread in energy or angle. Such ion beams useful in studies of surface properties of materials, surface etching, deposition, and development of plasma-diagnostic instrumentation. Tandemmirror ion source uses electrostatic and magnetic fields to keep electrons in ionization chamber and assure uniform output ion beam having low divergence in energy and angle.

  17. Direct determination of trace phthalate esters in alcoholic spirits by spray-inlet microwave plasma torch ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Miao, Meng; Zhao, Gaosheng; Xu, Li; Dong, Junguo; Cheng, Ping

    2018-03-01

    A direct analytical method based on spray-inlet microwave plasma torch tandem mass spectrometry was applied to simultaneously determine 4 phthalate esters (PAEs), namely, benzyl butyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dipentyl phthalate, and dodecyl phthalate with extremely high sensitivity in spirits without sample treatment. Among the 4 brands of spirit products, 3 kinds of PAE compounds were directly determined at very low concentrations from 1.30 to 114 ng·g -1 . Compared with other online and off-line methods, the spray-inlet microwave plasma torch tandem mass spectrometry technique is extremely simple, rapid, sensitive, and high efficient, providing an ideal screening tool for PAEs in spirits. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  18. Particle-in-cell Simulations of Continuously Driven Mirror and Ion Cyclotron Instabilities in High Beta Astrophysical and Heliospheric Plasmas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Riquelme, Mario A.; Quataert, Eliot; Verscharen, Daniel

    2015-02-01

    We use particle-in-cell simulations to study the nonlinear evolution of ion velocity space instabilities in an idealized problem in which a background velocity shear continuously amplifies the magnetic field. We simulate the astrophysically relevant regime where the shear timescale is long compared to the ion cyclotron period, and the plasma beta is β ~ 1-100. The background field amplification in our calculation is meant to mimic processes such as turbulent fluctuations or MHD-scale instabilities. The field amplification continuously drives a pressure anisotropy with p > p ∥ and the plasma becomes unstable to the mirror and ion cyclotron instabilities. In all cases, the nonlinear state is dominated by the mirror instability, not the ion cyclotron instability, and the plasma pressure anisotropy saturates near the threshold for the linear mirror instability. The magnetic field fluctuations initially undergo exponential growth but saturate in a secular phase in which the fluctuations grow on the same timescale as the background magnetic field (with δB ~ 0.3 langBrang in the secular phase). At early times, the ion magnetic moment is well-conserved but once the fluctuation amplitudes exceed δB ~ 0.1 langBrang, the magnetic moment is no longer conserved but instead changes on a timescale comparable to that of the mean magnetic field. We discuss the implications of our results for low-collisionality astrophysical plasmas, including the near-Earth solar wind and low-luminosity accretion disks around black holes.

  19. Effect of remote inductively coupled plasma (ICP) on the electron energy probability function of an in-tandem main ICP

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Jaewon; Kim, Kyung-Hyun; Chung, Chin-Wook

    2017-02-01

    The remote plasma has been generally used as the auxiliary plasma source for indirect plasma processes such as cleaning or ashing. When tandem plasma sources that contain main and remote plasma sources are discharged, the main plasma is affected by the remote plasma and vice versa. Charged particles can move between two chambers due to the potential difference between the two plasmas. For this reason, the electron energy possibility function of the main plasma can be controlled by adjusting the remote plasma state. In our study, low energy electrons in the main plasma are effectively heated with varying remote plasma powers, and high energy electrons which overcome potential differences between two plasmas—are exchanged with no remarkable change in the plasma density and the effective electron temperature.

  20. Mirror Langmuir probe: a technique for real-time measurement of magnetized plasma conditions using a single Langmuir electrode.

    PubMed

    LaBombard, B; Lyons, L

    2007-07-01

    A new method for the real-time evaluation of the conditions in a magnetized plasma is described. The technique employs an electronic "mirror Langmuir probe" (MLP), constructed from bipolar rf transistors and associated high-bandwidth electronics. Utilizing a three-state bias wave form and active feedback control, the mirror probe's I-V characteristic is continuously adjusted to be a scaled replica of the "actual" Langmuir electrode immersed in a plasma. Real-time high-bandwidth measurements of the plasma's electron temperature, ion saturation current, and floating potential can thereby be obtained using only a single electrode. Initial tests of a prototype MLP system are reported, proving the concept. Fast-switching metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors produce the required three-state voltage bias wave form, completing a full cycle in under 1 mus. Real-time outputs of electron temperature, ion saturation current, and floating potential are demonstrated, which accurately track an independent computation of these values from digitally stored I-V characteristics. The MLP technique represents a significant improvement over existing real-time methods, eliminating the need for multiple electrodes and sampling all three plasma parameters at a single spatial location.

  1. Sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous determination of paracetamol and guaifenesin in human plasma.

    PubMed

    Chen, Xiaoyan; Huang, Jia; Kong, Zhang; Zhong, Dafang

    2005-03-25

    A rapid and sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of paracetamol and guaifenesin in human plasma was developed and validated, using high-performance liquid chromatographic separation with tandem mass spectrometric detection. After extracted from plasma samples by diethyl ether-dichloromethane (3:2, v/v), the analytes and internal standard osalmide were chromatographed on a C18 column. Detection was performed on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer by selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode via atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI). The method was linear in the concentration range of 0.05-20.0 microg/ml for paracetamol and 5.0-2000.0 ng/ml for guaifenesin. The intra- and inter-day precision was within 14% for both paracetamol and guaifenesin. The assay accuracy was within +/-2.4% for the analytes. This is the first assay method described for the simultaneous determination of paracetamol and guaifenesin in plasma using one chromatographic run. The method was successfully employed in a pharmacokinetic study after an oral administration of a multicomponent formulation, containing 650 mg paracetamol, 200 mg guaifenesin, 60 mg pseudoephedrine and 20 mg dextrorphan.

  2. External control of electron energy distributions in a dual tandem inductively coupled plasma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Lei; Sridhar, Shyam; Zhu, Weiye; Donnelly, Vincent M.; Economou, Demetre J.; Logue, Michael D.; Kushner, Mark J.

    2015-08-01

    The control of electron energy probability functions (EEPFs) in low pressure partially ionized plasmas is typically accomplished through the format of the applied power. For example, through the use of pulse power, the EEPF can be modulated to produce shapes not possible under continuous wave excitation. This technique uses internal control. In this paper, we discuss a method for external control of EEPFs by transport of electrons between separately powered inductively coupled plasmas (ICPs). The reactor incorporates dual ICP sources (main and auxiliary) in a tandem geometry whose plasma volumes are separated by a grid. The auxiliary ICP is continuously powered while the main ICP is pulsed. Langmuir probe measurements of the EEPFs during the afterglow of the main ICP suggests that transport of hot electrons from the auxiliary plasma provided what is effectively an external source of energetic electrons. The tail of the EEPF and bulk electron temperature were then elevated in the afterglow of the main ICP by this external source of power. Results from a computer simulation for the evolution of the EEPFs concur with measured trends.

  3. Gasdynamic Mirror (GDM) Fusion Propulsion Engine Experiment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1999-01-01

    The Gasdynamic Mirror, or GDM, is an example of a magnetic mirror-based fusion propulsion system. Its design is primarily consisting of a long slender solenoid surrounding a vacuum chamber that contains plasma. The bulk of the fusion plasma is confined by magnetic field generated by a series of toroidal-shaped magnets in the center section of the device. the purpose of the GDM Fusion Propulsion Experiment is to confirm the feasibility of the concept and to demonstrate many of the operational characteristics of a full-size plasma can be confined within the desired physical configuration and still reman stable. This image shows an engineer from Propulsion Research Technologies Division at Marshall Space Flight Center inspecting solenoid magnets-A, an integrate part of the Gasdynamic Mirror Fusion Propulsion Engine Experiment.

  4. The GOL-NB program: further steps in multiple-mirror confinement research

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Postupaev, V. V.; Batkin, V. I.; Beklemishev, A. D.; Burdakov, A. V.; Burmasov, V. S.; Chernoshtanov, I. S.; Gorbovsky, A. I.; Ivanov, I. A.; Kuklin, K. N.; Mekler, K. I.; Rovenskikh, A. F.; Sidorov, E. N.; Yurov, D. V.

    2017-03-01

    Physical and technical details of the GOL-NB project are presented. GOL-NB is a medium-scale multiple-mirror trap that is under development in the Budker Institute, Novosibirsk, Russia. This device will be created in several years as a deep conversion of the existing GOL-3 facility. It will consist of a central trap with two 0.75 MW neutral beams, two multiple-mirror solenoids, two expander tanks and a plasma gun that creates the start plasma. The central trap with the neutral beam injection-heated plasma is a compact gas-dynamic system. The multiple-mirror sections should decrease the power and particle losses along the magnetic field. The confinement improvement factor depends on plasma parameters and on the magnetic configuration in the multiple mirrors. The main physical task of GOL-NB is direct demonstration of the performance of multiple-mirror sections that will change equilibrium plasma parameters in the central trap. In this paper we discuss results of the scenario modeling and progress in the hardware.

  5. Bright high-order harmonic generation with controllable polarization from a relativistic plasma mirror

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Zi-Yu; Pukhov, Alexander

    2016-01-01

    Ultrafast extreme ultraviolet (XUV) sources with a controllable polarization state are powerful tools for investigating the structural and electronic as well as the magnetic properties of materials. However, such light sources are still limited to only a few free-electron laser facilities and, very recently, to high-order harmonic generation from noble gases. Here we propose and numerically demonstrate a laser–plasma scheme to generate bright XUV pulses with fully controlled polarization. In this scheme, an elliptically polarized laser pulse is obliquely incident on a plasma surface, and the reflected radiation contains pulse trains and isolated circularly or highly elliptically polarized attosecond XUV pulses. The harmonic polarization state is fully controlled by the laser–plasma parameters. The mechanism can be explained within the relativistically oscillating mirror model. This scheme opens a practical and promising route to generate bright attosecond XUV pulses with desirable ellipticities in a straightforward and efficient way for a number of applications. PMID:27531047

  6. Determination of albendazole sulfoxide in human plasma by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Saraner, Nihal; Özkan, Güler Yağmur; Güney, Berrak; Alkan, Erkin; Burul-Bozkurt, Nihan; Sağlam, Onursal; Fikirdeşici, Ezgi; Yıldırım, Mevlüt

    2016-06-01

    A rapid, simple and sensitive method was developed and validated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for determination of albendazole sulfoxide (ABZOX) in human plasma. The plasma samples were extracted by protein precipitation using albendazole sulfoxide-d3 as internal standard (IS). The chromatographic separation was performed on Waters Xbridge C18Column (100×4.6mm, 3.5μm) with a mobile phase consisting of ammonia solution, water and methanol at a flow rate of 0.70mL/min. ABZOX was detected and identified by mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (ESI) in positive ion and multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The method was linear in the range of 3-1500ng/mL for ABZOX. This method was successfully applied to the bioequivalence study in human plasma samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Compact tunable Compton x-ray source from laser-plasma accelerator and plasma mirror

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tsai, Hai-En; Wang, Xiaoming; Shaw, Joseph M.; Li, Zhengyan; Arefiev, Alexey V.; Zhang, Xi; Zgadzaj, Rafal; Henderson, Watson; Khudik, V.; Shvets, G.; Downer, M. C.

    2015-02-01

    We present an in-depth experimental-computational study of the parameters necessary to optimize a tunable, quasi-monoenergetic, efficient, low-background Compton backscattering (CBS) x-ray source that is based on the self-aligned combination of a laser-plasma accelerator (LPA) and a plasma mirror (PM). The main findings are (1) an LPA driven in the blowout regime by 30 TW, 30 fs laser pulses produce not only a high-quality, tunable, quasi-monoenergetic electron beam, but also a high-quality, relativistically intense (a0 ˜ 1) spent drive pulse that remains stable in profile and intensity over the LPA tuning range. (2) A thin plastic film near the gas jet exit retro-reflects the spent drive pulse efficiently into oncoming electrons to produce CBS x-rays without detectable bremsstrahlung background. Meanwhile, anomalous far-field divergence of the retro-reflected light demonstrates relativistic "denting" of the PM. Exploiting these optimized LPA and PM conditions, we demonstrate quasi-monoenergetic (50% FWHM energy spread), tunable (75-200 KeV) CBS x-rays, characteristics previously achieved only on more powerful laser systems by CBS of a split-off, counter-propagating pulse. Moreover, laser-to-x-ray photon conversion efficiency (˜6 × 10-12) exceeds that of any previous LPA-based quasi-monoenergetic Compton source. Particle-in-cell simulations agree well with the measurements.

  8. Fast ion motion in the plasma part of a stellarator-mirror fission-fusion hybrid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moiseenko, V. E.; Nemov, V. V.; Ågren, O.; Kasilov, S. V.; Garkusha, I. E.

    2016-06-01

    Recent developments of a stellarator-mirror (SM) fission-fusion hybrid concept are reviewed. The hybrid consists of a fusion neutron source and a powerful sub-critical fast fission reactor core. The aim is transmutation of spent nuclear fuel and safe fission energy production. In its fusion part, a stellarator-type system with an embedded magnetic mirror is used. The stellarator confines deuterium plasma with moderate temperature, 1-2 keV. In the magnetic mirror, a hot component of sloshing tritium ions is trapped. There, the fusion neutrons are generated. A candidate for a combined SM system is a DRACON magnetic trap. A basic idea behind an SM device is to maintain local neutron production in a mirror part, but at the same time eliminate the end losses by using a toroidal device. A possible drawback is that the stellarator part can introduce collision-free radial drift losses, which is the main topic for this study. For high energy ions of tritium with an energy of 70 keV, comparative computations of collisionless losses in the rectilinear part of a specific design of the DRACON type trap are carried out. Two versions of the trap are considered with different lengths of the rectilinear sections. Also the total number of current-carrying rings in the magnetic system is varied. The results predict that high energy ions from neutral beam injection can be satisfactorily confined in the mirror part during 0.1-1 s. The Uragan-2M experimental device is used to check key points of the SM concept. The magnetic configuration of a stellarator with an embedded magnetic mirror is arranged in this device by switching off one toroidal coil. The motion of particles magnetically trapped in the embedded mirror is analyzed numerically with use of motional invariants. It is found that without radial electric field particles quickly drift out of the SM, even if the particles initially are located on a nested magnetic surface. We will show that a weak radial electric field, which

  9. Properties and parameters of the electron beam injected into the mirror magnetic trap of a plasma accelerator

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Andreev, V. V., E-mail: temple18@mail.ru; Novitsky, A. A.; Vinnichenko, L. A.

    2016-03-15

    The parameters of the injector of an axial plasma beam injected into a plasma accelerator operating on the basis of gyroresonance acceleration of electrons in the reverse magnetic field are determined. The trapping of the beam electrons into the regime of gyroresonance acceleration is numerically simulated by the particle- in-cell method. The optimal time of axial injection of the beam into a magnetic mirror trap is determined. The beam parameters satisfying the condition of efficient particle trapping into the gyromagnetic autoresonance regime are found.

  10. Quantitative ionspray liquid chromatographic/tandem mass spectrometric determination of reserpine in equine plasma.

    PubMed

    Anderson, M A; Wachs, T; Henion, J D

    1997-02-01

    A method based on ionspray liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) was developed for the determination of reserpine in equine plasma. A comparison was made of the isolation of reserpine from plasma by liquid-liquid extraction and by solid-phase extraction. A structural analog, rescinnamine, was used as the internal standard. The reconstituted extracts were analyzed by ionspray LC/MS/MS in the selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. The calibration graph for reserpine extracted from equine plasma obtained using liquid-liquid extraction was linear from 10 to 5000 pg ml-1 and that using solid-phase extraction from 100 to 5000 pg ml-1. The lower level of quantitation (LLQ) using liquid-liquid and solid-phase extraction was 50 and 200 pg ml-1, respectively. The lower level of detection for reserpine by LC/MS/MS was 10 pg ml-1. The intra-assay accuracy did not exceed 13% for liquid-liquid and 12% for solid-phase extraction. The recoveries for the LLQ were 68% for liquid-liquid and 58% for solid-phase extraction.

  11. Helium temperature measurements in a hot filament magnetic mirror plasma using high resolution Doppler spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Knott, S.; McCarthy, P. J.; Ruth, A. A.

    2016-09-01

    Langmuir probe and spectroscopic diagnostics are used to routinely measure electron temperature and density over a wide operating range in a reconfigured Double Plasma device at University College Cork, Ireland. The helium plasma, generated through thermionic emission from a negatively biased tungsten filament, is confined by an axisymmetric magnetic mirror configuration using two stacks of NdFeB permanent magnets, each of length 20 cm and diameter 3 cm placed just outside the 15 mm water cooling jacket enclosing a cylindrical vacuum vessel of internal diameter 25 cm. Plasma light is analysed using a Fourier Transform-type Bruker spectrometer with a highest achievable resolution of 0.08 cm-1 . In the present work, the conventional assumption of room temperature ions in the analysis of Langmuir probe data from low temperature plasmas is examined critically using Doppler spectroscopy of the 468.6 nm He II line. Results for ion temperatures obtained from spectroscopic data for a variety of engineering parameters (discharge voltage, gas pressure and plasma current) will be presented.

  12. Quantitation of iothalamate in urine and plasma using liquid chromatography electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS).

    PubMed

    Molinaro, Ross J; Ritchie, James C

    2010-01-01

    The following chapter describes a method to measure iothalamate in plasma and urine samples using high performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray positive ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). Methanol and water are spiked with the internal standard (IS) iohexol. Iothalamate is isolated from plasma after IS spiked methanol extraction and from urine by IS spiked water addition and quick-spin filtration. The plasma extractions are dried under a stream of nitrogen. The residue is reconstituted in ammonium acetate-formic acid-water. The reconstituted plasma and filtered urine are injected into the HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Iothalamate and iohexol show similar retention times in plasma and urine. Quantification of iothalamate in the samples is made by multiple reaction monitoring using the hydrogen adduct mass transitions, from a five-point calibration curve.

  13. Gasdynamic Mirror Fusion Propulsion Experiment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Emrich, William J., Jr.; Rodgers, Stephen L. (Technical Monitor)

    2001-01-01

    Nuclear fusion appears to be the most promising concept for producing extremely high specific impulse rocket engines. One particular fusion concept which seems to be particularly well suited for fusion propulsion applications is the gasdynamic mirror (GDM). This device would operate at much higher plasma densities and with much larger LD ratios than previous mirror machines. Several advantages accrue from such a design. First, the high LA:) ratio minimizes to a large extent certain magnetic curvature effects which lead to plasma instabilities causing a loss of plasma confinement. Second, the high plasma density will result in the plasma behaving much more Re a conventional fluid with a mean free path shorter than the length of the device. This characteristic helps reduce problems associated with "loss cone" microinstabilities. An experimental GDM device is currently being constructed at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center to provide an initial assessment of the feasibility of this type of propulsion system. Initial experiments are expected to commence in the late fall of 2000.

  14. Non-esterified fatty acids in early luteal bovine oviduct fluid mirror plasma concentrations: An ex vivo approach.

    PubMed

    Jordaens, Lies; Van Hoeck, Veerle; De Bie, Jessie; Berth, Mario; Marei, Waleed F A; Desmet, Karolien L J; Bols, Peter E J; Leroy, Jo L M R

    2017-09-01

    We investigated whether and to which extent plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) are reflected in oviduct fluid (OF) using an improved ex vivo flushing method. OF and plasma NEFA concentrations were respectively 0.29±0.19 and 0.31±0.14mmol/L, they didn't differ significantly (P=0.13) and tended to be positively correlated (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.56; P=0.07). Results suggest that OF NEFAs mirror the concentrations seen in plasma of healthy cattle. Copyright © 2017 Society for Biology of Reproduction & the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.

  15. Engineering and manufacturing of ITER first mirror mock-ups.

    PubMed

    Joanny, M; Travère, J M; Salasca, S; Corre, Y; Marot, L; Thellier, C; Gallay, G; Cammarata, C; Passier, B; Fermé, J J

    2010-10-01

    Most of the ITER optical diagnostics aiming at viewing and monitoring plasma facing components will use in-vessel metallic mirrors. These mirrors will be exposed to a severe plasma environment and lead to an important tradeoff on their design and manufacturing. As a consequence, investigations are carried out on diagnostic mirrors toward the development of optimal and reliable solutions. The goals are to assess the manufacturing feasibility of the mirror coatings, evaluate the manufacturing capability and associated performances for the mirrors cooling and polishing, and finally determine the costs and delivery time of the first prototypes with a diameter of 200 and 500 mm. Three kinds of ITER candidate mock-ups are being designed and manufactured: rhodium films on stainless steel substrate, molybdenum on TZM substrate, and silver films on stainless steel substrate. The status of the project is presented in this paper.

  16. Production of atmospheric pressure microwave plasma with dielectric half-mirror resonator and its application to polymer surface treatment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sasai, Kensuke; Keyamura, Kazuki; Suzuki, Haruka; Toyoda, Hirotaka

    2018-06-01

    For the surface treatment of a polymer tube, a ring-shaped atmospheric pressure microwave plasma (APMP) using a coaxial waveguide is studied. In this APMP, a dielectric plate is used not only as a partial mirror for cavity resonation but also for the precise alignment of the discharge gap for ring-shaped plasma production. The optimum position of the dielectric plate is investigated by electromagnetic wave simulation. On the basis of simulation results, a ring-shaped plasma with good uniformity along the ring is produced. The coaxial APMP is applied to the surface treatment of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene. A very fast surface modification within 3 s is observed.

  17. Compact tunable Compton x-ray source from laser-plasma accelerator and plasma mirror

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Tsai, Hai-En; Wang, Xiaoming; Shaw, Joseph M.

    2015-02-15

    We present an in-depth experimental-computational study of the parameters necessary to optimize a tunable, quasi-monoenergetic, efficient, low-background Compton backscattering (CBS) x-ray source that is based on the self-aligned combination of a laser-plasma accelerator (LPA) and a plasma mirror (PM). The main findings are (1) an LPA driven in the blowout regime by 30 TW, 30 fs laser pulses produce not only a high-quality, tunable, quasi-monoenergetic electron beam, but also a high-quality, relativistically intense (a{sub 0} ∼ 1) spent drive pulse that remains stable in profile and intensity over the LPA tuning range. (2) A thin plastic film near the gas jetmore » exit retro-reflects the spent drive pulse efficiently into oncoming electrons to produce CBS x-rays without detectable bremsstrahlung background. Meanwhile, anomalous far-field divergence of the retro-reflected light demonstrates relativistic “denting” of the PM. Exploiting these optimized LPA and PM conditions, we demonstrate quasi-monoenergetic (50% FWHM energy spread), tunable (75–200 KeV) CBS x-rays, characteristics previously achieved only on more powerful laser systems by CBS of a split-off, counter-propagating pulse. Moreover, laser-to-x-ray photon conversion efficiency (∼6 × 10{sup −12}) exceeds that of any previous LPA-based quasi-monoenergetic Compton source. Particle-in-cell simulations agree well with the measurements.« less

  18. Scattering of magnetic mirror trapped electrons by an Alfven wave

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Y.; Gekelman, W. N.; Pribyl, P.; Papadopoulos, K.; Karavaev, A. V.; Shao, X.; Sharma, A. S.

    2010-12-01

    Highly energetic particles from large solar flares or other events can be trapped in the Earth’s magnetic mirror field and pose a danger to intricate space satellites. Aiming for artificially de-trapping these particles, an experimental and theoretical study of the interactions of a shear Alfven wave with electrons trapped in a magnetic mirror was performed on the Large Plasma Device (LaPD) at UCLA, with critical parameter ratios matched in the lab plasma to those in space. The experiment was done in a quiescent afterglow plasma with ne≈5×1011cm-3, Te≈0.5eV, B0≈1000G, L=18m, and diameter=60cm. A magnetic mirror was established in LaPD (mirror ratio≈1.5, Lmirror≈3m). An electron population with large v⊥ (E⊥≈1keV) was introduced by microwave heating at upper-hybrid frequency with a 2.45GHz pulsed microwave source at up to 5kW. A shear Alfven wave with arbitrary polarization (fwave≈0.5fci , Bwave/B0≈0.5%) was launched by a Rotating Magnetic Field (RMF) antenna axially 2m away from the center of the mirror. It was observed that the Alfven wave effectively eliminated the trapped electrons. A diagnostic probe was developed for this experiment to measure electrons with large v⊥ in the background plasma. Plasma density and temperature perturbations from the Alfven wave were observed along with electron scattering. Computer simulations tracking single particle motion with wave field are ongoing. In these the Alfven wave’s effect on the electrons pitch angle distribution by a Monte-Carlo method is studied. Planned experiments include upgrading the microwave source for up to 100kW pulses to make electrons with higher transverse energy and longer mirror trapping time. This work is supported by The Office of Naval Research under a MURI award. Work was done at the Basic Plasma Science Facility which is supported by DOE and NSF.

  19. Laser cleaning of ITER's diagnostic mirrors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Skinner, C. H.; Gentile, C. A.; Doerner, R.

    2012-10-01

    Practical methods to clean ITER's diagnostic mirrors and restore reflectivity will be critical to ITER's plasma operations. We report on laser cleaning of single crystal molybdenum mirrors coated with either carbon or beryllium films 150 - 420 nm thick. A 1.06 μm Nd laser system provided 220 ns pulses at 8 kHz with typical power densities of 1-2 J/cm^2. The laser beam was fiber optically coupled to a scanner suitable for tokamak applications. The efficacy of mirror cleaning was assessed with a new technique that combines microscopic imaging and reflectivity measurements [1]. The method is suitable for hazardous materials such as beryllium as the mirrors remain sealed in a vacuum chamber. Excellent restoration of reflectivity for the carbon coated Mo mirrors was observed after laser scanning under vacuum conditions. For the beryllium coated mirrors restoration of reflectivity has so far been incomplete and modeling indicates that a shorter duration laser pulse is needed. No damage of the molybdenum mirror substrates was observed.[4pt][1] C.H. Skinner et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. at press.

  20. Progress in Mirror-Based Fusion Neutron Source Development.

    PubMed

    Anikeev, A V; Bagryansky, P A; Beklemishev, A D; Ivanov, A A; Kolesnikov, E Yu; Korzhavina, M S; Korobeinikova, O A; Lizunov, A A; Maximov, V V; Murakhtin, S V; Pinzhenin, E I; Prikhodko, V V; Soldatkina, E I; Solomakhin, A L; Tsidulko, Yu A; Yakovlev, D V; Yurov, D V

    2015-12-04

    The Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics in worldwide collaboration has developed a project of a 14 MeV neutron source for fusion material studies and other applications. The projected neutron source of the plasma type is based on the gas dynamic trap (GDT), which is a special magnetic mirror system for plasma confinement. Essential progress in plasma parameters has been achieved in recent experiments at the GDT facility in the Budker Institute, which is a hydrogen (deuterium) prototype of the source. Stable confinement of hot-ion plasmas with the relative pressure exceeding 0.5 was demonstrated. The electron temperature was increased up to 0.9 keV in the regime with additional electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) of a moderate power. These parameters are the record for axisymmetric open mirror traps. These achievements elevate the projects of a GDT-based neutron source on a higher level of competitive ability and make it possible to construct a source with parameters suitable for materials testing today. The paper presents the progress in experimental studies and numerical simulations of the mirror-based fusion neutron source and its possible applications including a fusion material test facility and a fusion-fission hybrid system.

  1. Determination of moxifloxacin in human plasma, plasma ultrafiltrate, and cerebrospinal fluid by a rapid and simple liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry method.

    PubMed

    Pranger, Arianna D; Alffenaar, Jan-Willem C; Wessels, A Mireille A; Greijdanus, Ben; Uges, Donald R A

    2010-04-01

    Moxifloxacin (MFX) is a useful agent in the treatment of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). At Tuberculosis Centre Beatrixoord, a referral center for tuberculosis in the Netherlands, approximately 36% of the patients have received MFX as treatment. Based on the variability of MFX AUC, the variability of in vitro susceptibility to MFX of M. tuberculosis, and the variability of penetration into sanctuary sites, measuring the concentration of MFX in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) could be recommended. Therefore, a rapid and validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) analyzing method with a simple pretreatment procedure was developed for therapeutic drug monitoring of MFX in human plasma and CSF. Because of the potential influence of protein binding on efficacy, we decided to determine both bound and unbound (ultrafiltrate) fraction of MFX. The calibration curves were linear in the therapeutic range of 0.05 to 5.0 mg/L plasma and CSF with CV in the range of -5.4% to 9.3%. MFX ultrafiltrate samples could be determined with the same method setup for analysis of MFX in CSF. The LC-MS-MS method developed in this study is suitable for monitoring MFX in human plasma, plasma ultrafiltrate, and CSF.

  2. Simultaneous imaging/reflectivity measurements to assess diagnostic mirror cleaning.

    PubMed

    Skinner, C H; Gentile, C A; Doerner, R

    2012-10-01

    Practical methods to clean ITER's diagnostic mirrors and restore reflectivity will be critical to ITER's plasma operations. We describe a technique to assess the efficacy of mirror cleaning techniques and detect any damage to the mirror surface. The method combines microscopic imaging and reflectivity measurements in the red, green, and blue spectral regions and at selected wavelengths. The method has been applied to laser cleaning of single crystal molybdenum mirrors coated with either carbon or beryllium films 150-420 nm thick. It is suitable for hazardous materials such as beryllium as the mirrors remain sealed in a vacuum chamber.

  3. Determination of fluspirilene in human plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionisation.

    PubMed

    Swart, K J; Sutherland, F C; van Essen, G H; Hundt, H K; Hundt, A F

    1998-12-18

    An ultra-sensitive method for the determination of fluspirilene in plasma was established, using high-performance liquid chromatographic separation with tandem mass spectrometric detection. The samples were extracted with hexane/isoamyl alcohol, separated on a Phenomenex Luna C18 5 mu 150 x 2.1 mm column with a mobile phase consisting of methanol-water-acetic acid (600:400:1) at a flow-rate of 0.3 ml/min. Detection was achieved by a Finnigan Matt mass spectrometer (LCQ) at unit resolution in full scan mode scanning the product ion spectrum from m/z 130-500 and monitoring the transition of the protonated molecular ion at m/z 476.2, to the sum of the largest product ions m/z 371, 342 and 274 (MS-MS). Electrospray ionisation was used for ion production. The mean recovery for fluspirilene was 90% with a lower limit of quantification of 21.50 pg/ml using 1 ml plasma for extraction. This is the first chromatographic method described for the determination of fluspirilene in plasma that is accurate and sensitive enough to be used in pharmacokinetic studies.

  4. Sensitive analysis of blonanserin, a novel antipsychotic agent, in human plasma by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Ogawa, Tadashi; Hattori, Hideki; Kaneko, Rina; Ito, Kenjiro; Iwai, Masayo; Mizutani, Yoko; Arinobu, Tetsuya; Ishii, Akira; Suzuki, Osamu; Seno, Hiroshi

    2010-01-01

    A rapid and sensitive method for analysis of blonanserin in human plasma by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry is presented. After pretreatment of a plasma sample by solid-phase extraction, blonanserin was analyzed by the system with a C(18) column. This method gave satisfactory recovery rates, reproducibility, and good linearity of calibration curve in the range of 0.01-10.0 ng/mL for quality control samples spiked with blonanserin. The detection limit was as low as 1 pg/mL. This method seems very useful in forensic and clinical toxicology and pharmacokinetic studies.

  5. Profiling of kidney vascular endothelial cell plasma membrane proteins by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Liu, Zan; Xu, Bo; Nameta, Masaaki; Zhang, Ying; Magdeldin, Sameh; Yoshida, Yutaka; Yamamoto, Keiko; Fujinaka, Hidehiko; Yaoita, Eishin; Tasaki, Masayuki; Nakagawa, Yuki; Saito, Kazuhide; Takahashi, Kota; Yamamoto, Tadashi

    2013-06-01

    Vascular endothelial cells (VECs) play crucial roles in physiological and pathologic conditions in tissues and organs. Most of these roles are related to VEC plasma membrane proteins. In the kidney, VECs are closely associated with structures and functions; however, plasma membrane proteins in kidney VECs remain to be fully elucidated. Rat kidneys were perfused with cationic colloidal silica nanoparticles (CCSN) to label the VEC plasma membrane. The CCSN-labeled plasma membrane fraction was collected by gradient ultracentrifugation. The VEC plasma membrane or whole-kidney lysate proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and digested with trypsin in gels for liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Enrichment analysis was then performed. The VEC plasma membrane proteins were purified by the CCSN method with high yield (approximately 20 μg from 1 g of rat kidney). By Mascot search, 582 proteins were identified in the VEC plasma membrane fraction, and 1,205 proteins were identified in the kidney lysate. In addition to 16 VEC marker proteins such as integrin beta-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-2 (ICAM-2), 8 novel proteins such as Deltex 3-like protein and phosphatidylinositol binding clathrin assembly protein (PICALM) were identified. As expected, many key functions of plasma membranes in general and of endothelial cells in particular (i.e., leukocyte adhesion) were significantly overrepresented in the proteome of CCSN-labeled kidney VEC fraction. The CCSN method is a reliable technique for isolation of VEC plasma membrane from the kidney, and proteomic analysis followed by bioinformatics revealed the characteristics of in vivo VECs in the kidney.

  6. Determination of suvorexant in human plasma using 96-well liquid-liquid extraction and HPLC with tandem mass spectrometric detection.

    PubMed

    Breidinger, S A; Simpson, R C; Mangin, E; Woolf, E J

    2015-10-01

    A method, using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection (LC-MS/MS), was developed for the determination of suvorexant (MK-4305, Belsomra(®)), a selective dual orexin receptor antagonist for the treatment insomnia, in human plasma over the concentration range of 1-1000ng/mL. Stable isotope labeled (13)C(2)H3-suvorexant was used as an internal standard. The sample preparation procedure utilized liquid-liquid extraction, in the 96-well format, of a 100μL plasma sample with methyl t-butyl ether. The compounds were chromatographed under isocratic conditions on a Waters dC18 (50×2.1mm, 3μm) column with a mobile phase consisting of 30/70 (v/v %) 10mM ammonium formate, pH3/acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.3mL/min. Multiple reaction monitoring of the precursor-to-product ion pairs for suvorexant (m/z 451→186) and (13)C(2)H3-suvorexant (m/z 455→190) on an Applied Biosystems API 4000 tandem mass spectrometer was used for quantitation. Intraday assay precision, assessed in six different lots of control plasma, was within 10% CV at all concentrations, while assay accuracy ranged from 95.6 to 105.0% of nominal. Quality control (QC) samples in plasma were stored at -20°C. Initial within day analysis of QCs after one freeze-thaw cycle showed accuracy within 9.5% of nominal with precision (CV) of 6.7% or less. The plasma QC samples were demonstrated to be stable for up to 25 months at -20°C. The method described has been used to support clinical studies during Phase I through III of clinical development. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Determination of linsidomine in human plasma by tandem LC-MS with ESI.

    PubMed

    Sutherland, F C; de Jager, A D; Swart, K J; Hundt, H K; Scanes, T; Hundt, A F

    2000-04-01

    A sensitive method for the determination of linsidomine in plasma was developed, using high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) separation with tandem mass spectrometric detection. Linsidomine was derivatised with propyl chloroformate and extracted with tert-butyl methyl ether/1,2-dichloroethane (55:45, v/v), back-extracted into HCl (0.01 M) followed by alkalinisation and back-extraction into ether; the final ether extract evaporated, reconstituted in mobile phase and then separated on a Phenomenex Luna C18 (2) 5 micron 2.1 x 150 mm column with a mobile phase consisting of methanol water formic acid (98/100%) (400:600:0.05, v/v/v) at a flow-rate of 0.4 ml min(-1). Detection was achieved by a Finnigan MAT mass spectrometer (LCQ) at unit resolution in the selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode monitoring the transition of the protonated molecular ion m/z 257.0 to the product ion m/z 86.0. The mean recovery for linsidomine was 51% with a lower limit of quantification of 0.70 ng/ml using 1 ml plasma for extraction. This LC-MS/MS method for the determination of linsidomine in human plasma allows for better specificity and a higher sample throughput than the traditional LC-UV methods. It also demonstrates the profound effect that the composition of acidic modifiers and matrix constituents can have on the electrospray ionisation (ESI) of the analyte.

  8. A Novel and Rapid Method to Determine Doxycycline in Human Plasma by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

    PubMed Central

    Krishna, A. Chaitanya; Sathiyaraj, M.; Saravanan, R. S.; Chelladurai, R.; Vignesh, R.

    2012-01-01

    A simple, rapid, specific and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric method has been developed and validated for the determination of doxycycline from the human plasma. Doxycycline is extracted from human plasma by solid phase extraction. Demeclocycline was used as an internal standard. Detection was performed at transitions of 444.800→428.200 for doxycycline and 464.700→448.100 for demeclocycline using mass spectrometry. Chromatographic separation of analyte and internal standard were carried out using a reverse phase C18, column at 0.500 ml/min flow. The assay of doxycycline is linear over the range of 0.055-7.612 μg/ml, with a precision <14.83%, regression coefficient (r2)=0.9961 and the limit of quantification in plasma for doxycycline was 0.055 μg/ml. Mean extraction recovery obtained was 95.55%. Samples are stable at room temperature for 6 h, processed samples were stable at least for 30.20 h and also stable at three freeze-thaw cycles. The method has been used to perform pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence studies in human plasma. PMID:23798780

  9. Fast quantification of endogenous carbohydrates in plasma using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Bangjie; Liu, Feng; Li, Xituo; Wang, Yan; Gu, Xue; Dai, Jieyu; Wang, Guiming; Cheng, Yu; Yan, Chao

    2015-01-01

    Endogenous carbohydrates in biosamples are frequently highlighted as the most differential metabolites in many metabolomics studies. A simple, fast, simultaneous quantitative method for 16 endogenous carbohydrates in plasma has been developed using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. In order to quantify 16 endogenous carbohydrates in plasma, various conditions, including columns, chromatographic conditions, mass spectrometry conditions, and plasma preparation methods, were investigated. Different conditions in this quantified analysis were performed and optimized. The reproducibility, precision, recovery, matrix effect, and stability of the method were verified. The results indicated that a methanol/acetonitrile (50:50, v/v) mixture could effectively and reproducibly precipitate rat plasma proteins. Cold organic solvents coupled with vortex for 1 min and incubated at -20°C for 20 min were the most optimal conditions for protein precipitation and extraction. The results, according to the linearity, recovery, precision, matrix effect, and stability, showed that the method was satisfactory in the quantification of endogenous carbohydrates in rat plasma. The quantified analysis of endogenous carbohydrates in rat plasma performed excellently in terms of sensitivity, high throughput, and simple sample preparation, which met the requirement of quantification in specific expanded metabolomic studies after the global metabolic profiling research. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. Characteristics of X-Ray Emission from the PFRC-2 Capacitively Coupled Plasma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Oliver, Richard; Pearcy, Jacob; Jandovitz, Peter; Swanson, Charles; Matteucci, Jackson; Cohen, Samuel; PFRC Team

    2015-11-01

    It is uncertain what causes keV X-rays emitted from the central-cell region of a cool (bulk Te ~ 4 eV), tenuous (ne ~1010 cm-3), 5 cm diameter, weakly ionized hydrogen plasma column generated in a tandem high-mirror-ratio mirror machine (PFRC-2 device) by a low-power, external, capacitively-coupled RF (27 MHz) antenna. We explored whether the energetic electrons responsible for the X-rays exist only in the central cell (ER) or also in the asymmetric mirror regions at opposite ends of the machine, as well as how the spectra compare if they do exist in both regions. To address this, we have designed, built, calibrated, installed and operated an X-ray detector system to view the PFRC-2 region near the RF antenna in one end cell (MC). We observe somewhat different X-ray spectra emanating from the two regions. The system comprises two Amptek XR-100CR detectors with moveable slits that scan across the plasma column. Further control of radial resolution (to 0.4 cm) is afforded by changing the detector-to-slit distance. Calibrations were performed with an 55Fe source. These data are being used to understand the source of the fast electrons that create the X-rays in the MC and in the ER. This work is supported by the US DOE Contract No. DE-AC02-09CH11466 and the Princeton Environmental Institute.

  11. Fabrication Methods for Adaptive Deformable Mirrors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Toda, Risaku; White, Victor E.; Manohara, Harish; Patterson, Keith D.; Yamamoto, Namiko; Gdoutos, Eleftherios; Steeves, John B.; Daraio, Chiara; Pellegrino, Sergio

    2013-01-01

    Previously, it was difficult to fabricate deformable mirrors made by piezoelectric actuators. This is because numerous actuators need to be precisely assembled to control the surface shape of the mirror. Two approaches have been developed. Both approaches begin by depositing a stack of piezoelectric films and electrodes over a silicon wafer substrate. In the first approach, the silicon wafer is removed initially by plasmabased reactive ion etching (RIE), and non-plasma dry etching with xenon difluoride (XeF2). In the second approach, the actuator film stack is immersed in a liquid such as deionized water. The adhesion between the actuator film stack and the substrate is relatively weak. Simply by seeping liquid between the film and the substrate, the actuator film stack is gently released from the substrate. The deformable mirror contains multiple piezoelectric membrane layers as well as multiple electrode layers (some are patterned and some are unpatterned). At the piezolectric layer, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), or its co-polymer, poly(vinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene P(VDF-TrFE) is used. The surface of the mirror is coated with a reflective coating. The actuator film stack is fabricated on silicon, or silicon on insulator (SOI) substrate, by repeatedly spin-coating the PVDF or P(VDFTrFE) solution and patterned metal (electrode) deposition. In the first approach, the actuator film stack is prepared on SOI substrate. Then, the thick silicon (typically 500-micron thick and called handle silicon) of the SOI wafer is etched by a deep reactive ion etching process tool (SF6-based plasma etching). This deep RIE stops at the middle SiO2 layer. The middle SiO2 layer is etched by either HF-based wet etching or dry plasma etch. The thin silicon layer (generally called a device layer) of SOI is removed by XeF2 dry etch. This XeF2 etch is very gentle and extremely selective, so the released mirror membrane is not damaged. It is possible to replace SOI with silicon

  12. Determination of flomoxef in human plasma by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Kravtsova, Oxana Yu; Paramonov, Sergey A; Vasilevich, Natalya I; Kazyulkin, Denis N; Vlasova, Ekaterina; Engsig, Michael

    2013-12-01

    A specific, sensitive, rapid and reproducible method for the determination of flomoxef in human plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated. Flomoxef was detected using an electrospay ionization method operated in negative-ion mode. Chromatographic separation was performed in gradient elution mode on a Luna® C18(2) column (3 μM, 20 × 4.0 mm) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min and runtime 3.5 min. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and water containing 0.1% formic acid as additive. Extraction of flomoxef from plasma and precipitation of plasma proteins was performed with acetonitrile with an absolute recovery of 86.4 ± 1.6%. The calibration curve was linear with a correlation coefficient of 0.999 over the concentration range 10-5000 ng/mL and the lower limit of quantification was 10 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day precisions were <11.8%, while the accuracy ranged from 99.6 to 109.0%. A stability study of flomoxef revealed that it could be successfully analyzed at 4 ºС over 24 h, but it was unstable in solutions at room temperature during short-term storage (4 h) and several freeze-thaw cycles. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  13. Producing multicharged fullerene ion beam extracted from the second stage of tandem-type ECRIS.

    PubMed

    Nagaya, Tomoki; Nishiokada, Takuya; Hagino, Shogo; Uchida, Takashi; Muramatsu, Masayuki; Otsuka, Takuro; Sato, Fuminobu; Kitagawa, Atsushi; Kato, Yushi; Yoshida, Yoshikazu

    2016-02-01

    We have been constructing the tandem-type electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS). Two ion sources of the tandem-type ECRIS are possible to generate plasma individually, and they also confined individual ion species by each different plasma parameter. Hence, it is considered to be suitable for new materials production. As the first step, we try to produce and extract multicharged C60 ions by supplying pure C60 vapor in the second stage plasma because our main target is producing the endohedral fullerenes. We developed a new evaporator to supply fullerene vapor, and we succeeded in observation about multicharged C60 ion beam in tandem-type ECRIS for the first time.

  14. The proteins cleaved by endogenous tryptic proteases in normal EDTA plasma by C18 collection of peptides for liquid chromatography micro electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Dufresne, Jaimie; Florentinus-Mefailoski, Angelique; Ajambo, Juliet; Ferwa, Ammara; Bowden, Peter; Marshall, John

    2017-01-01

    The tryptic peptides from ice cold versus room temperature plasma were identified by C18 liquid chromatography and micro electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). Samples collected on ice showed low levels of endogenous tryptic peptides compared to the same samples incubated at room temperature. Plasma on ice contained peptides from albumin, complement, and apolipoproteins and others that were observed by the X!TANDEM and SEQUEST algorithms. In contrast to ice cold samples, after incubation at room temperature, greater numbers of tryptic peptides from well characterized plasma proteins, and from cellular proteins were observed. A total of 583,927 precursor ions and MS/MS spectra were correlated to 94,669 best fit peptides that reduced to 22,287 correlations to the best accession within a gene symbol and to 7174 correlations to at least 510 gene symbols with ≥ 5 independent MS/MS correlations (peptide counts) that showed FDR q-values ranging from E-9 (i.e. FDR = 0.000000001) to E-227. A set of 528 gene symbols identified by X!TANDEM and SEQUEST including C4B showed ≥ fivefold variation between ice cold versus room temperature incubation. STRING analysis of the protein gene symbols observed from endogenous peptides in normal plasma revealed an extensive protein-interaction network of cellular factors associated with cell signalling and regulation, the formation of membrane bound organelles, cellular exosomes and exocytosis network proteins. Taken together the results indicated that a pool of cellular proteins, or protein complexes, in plasma are apparently not stable and degrade soon after incubation at room temperature.

  15. Modeling of reference operating scenario of GOL-NB multiple-mirror trap

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Postupaev, V. V., E-mail: V.V.Postupaev@inp.nsk.su; Yurov, D. V.

    Currently, the GOL-NB multiple-mirror trap is being developed at the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences. The main scientific goal pursued by building GOL-NB is direct demonstration of suppression of longitudinal losses of particles and energy from the trap by using sections with a multiple-mirror magnetic field, which can be attached to the central gas-dynamic trap. Plasma heating in GOL-NB will be accomplished by neutral beam injection with a power of up to 1.5MW. The paper presents the first results of modeling the dynamics of the plasma parameters and fast ions under the reference operatingmore » scenario of the trap in which traditional short magnetic mirrors, rather than multiple-mirror sections, are attached to the central trap. In such a configuration, the plasma lifetime in the trap is expected to be minimal. The modeling was performed by using the DOL kinetic code. As a result, the initial conditions of the experiments are refined and the requirements to the system of maintaining the particle balance in the trap are determined.« less

  16. Mirror Instability: Quasi-linear Effects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hellinger, P.; Travnicek, P. M.; Passot, T.; Sulem, P.; Kuznetsov, E. A.

    2008-12-01

    Nonlinear properties of the mirror instability are investigated by direct integration of the quasi-linear diffusion equation [Shapiro and Shevchenko, 1964] near threshold. The simulation results are compared to the results of standard hybrid simulations [Califano et al., 2008] and discussed in the context of the nonlinear dynamical model by Kuznetsov et al. [2007]. References: Califano, F., P. Hellinger, E. Kuznetsov, T. Passot, P. L. Sulem, and P. M. Travnicek (2008), Nonlinear mirror mode dynamics: Simulations and modeling, J. Geophys. Res., 113, A08219, doi:10.1029/2007JA012898. Kuznetsov, E., T. Passot and P. L. Sulem (2007), Dynamical model for nonlinear mirror modes near threshold, Phys. Rev. Lett., 98, 235003 . Shapiro, V. D., and V. I. Shevchenko (1964), Quasilinear theory of instability of a plasma with an anisotropic ion velocity distribution, Sov. JETP, 18, 1109.

  17. Producing multicharged fullerene ion beam extracted from the second stage of tandem-type ECRIS

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Nagaya, Tomoki, E-mail: nagaya@nf.eie.eng.osaka-u.ac.jp; Nishiokada, Takuya; Hagino, Shogo

    2016-02-15

    We have been constructing the tandem-type electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS). Two ion sources of the tandem-type ECRIS are possible to generate plasma individually, and they also confined individual ion species by each different plasma parameter. Hence, it is considered to be suitable for new materials production. As the first step, we try to produce and extract multicharged C{sub 60} ions by supplying pure C{sub 60} vapor in the second stage plasma because our main target is producing the endohedral fullerenes. We developed a new evaporator to supply fullerene vapor, and we succeeded in observation about multicharged C{sub 60}more » ion beam in tandem-type ECRIS for the first time.« less

  18. Quantitative determination of hederagenin in rat plasma and cerebrospinal fluid by ultra fast liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method.

    PubMed

    Yang, Xuemei; Li, Guoliang; Chen, Lingyun; Zhang, Cong; Wan, Xinxiang; Xu, Jiangping

    2011-07-01

    A rapid, sensitive and selective method was developed for the quantitative determination of hederagenin in rat plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by ultra fast liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-MS/MS). It has been successfully applied in a pharmacokinetic study of hederagenin in the central nervous system (CNS). Sample pretreatment involved a simple protein precipitation with methanol and a one-step extraction with ethyl acetate. Separation was carried out in a Shim-pack XR-ODS II (75 mm × 2.0 mm, i.d., 2.1 μm) column with gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.35 mL/min. The mobile phase was 5mM ammonium acetate and acetonitrile. Detection was performed in a triple-quadruple tandem mass spectrometer by multiple-reaction-monitoring mode via electrospray ionization. A linear calibration curve for hederagenin was obtained over a concentration range of 0.406 (lower limit of quantification, LLOQ) to 203 ng/mL (r² > 0.99) for both plasma and CSF. The intra-day and inter-day precision (relative standard deviation, RSD) values were less than 15%. At all quality control (QC) levels, the accuracy (relative error, RE) was within -9.0% and 11.1% for plasma and CSF, respectively. The pharmacokinetics results indicated that hederagenin could pass through the blood-brain barrier. This UFLC-MS/MS method demonstrates higher sensitivity and sample throughput than previous methods. It was also successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of hederagenin following oral administration of Fructus akebiae extract in rats. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Image quality method as a possible way of in situ monitoring of in-vessel mirrors in a fusion reactor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Konovalov, V. G.; Voitsenya, V. S.; Makhov, M. N.; Ryzhkov, I. V.; Shapoval, A. N.; Solodovchenko, S. I.; Stan, A. F.; Bondarenko, V. N.; Donné, A. J. H.; Litnovsky, A.

    2016-09-01

    The plasma-facing (first) mirrors in ITER will be subject to sputtering and/or contamination with rates that will depend on the precise mirror locations. The resulting influence of both these factors can reduce the mirror reflectance (R) and worsen the transmitted image quality (IQ). This implies that monitoring the mirror quality in situ is an actual desire, and the present work is an attempt towards a solution. The method we propose is able to elucidate the reason for degradation of the mirror reflectance: sputtering by charge exchange atoms or deposition of contaminated layers. In case of deposition of contaminants, the mirror can be cleaned in situ, but a rough mirror (due to sputtering) cannot be used anymore and has to be replaced. To demonstrate the feasibility of the IQ method, it was applied to mirror specimens coated with carbon film in laboratory conditions and to mirrors coated with contaminants during exposure in fusion devices (TRIAM-1M and Tore Supra), as well as to mirrors of different materials exposed to sputtering by plasma ions in the DSM-2 plasma stand (in IPP NSC KIPT).

  20. Refurbishing of carbon contaminated pre-mirror of reflectivity beam line at Indus-1

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yadav, P. K.; Kumar, M.; Gupta, R. K.; Sinha, M.; Patel, H. S.; Modi, M. H.

    2018-04-01

    In recent days optics contamination and its refurbishing is a serious issue for synchrotron radiation beam line community. Here we refurbished a carbon contaminated mirror by Ar and O2 gas mixed (1:1) radio frequency plasma. For structural analysis pre and post characterization of the mirror was done by Soft X-ray reflectivity (SXRR), Raman Spectroscopy (RS) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM). Before refurbishing mirror, a low density graphitic carbon layer of thickness 400 Å with surface roughness about 55 Å and Au surface roughness 14Å was estimated by SXRR. After one hour RF plasma exposure it is observed by SXRR and Raman spectroscopy that carbon layer is completely removed. The AFM and SXRR results show that roughness of Au surface not increase after plasma exposure.

  1. Mode conversion between Alfvén wave eigenmodes in axially inhomogeneous two-ion-species plasmas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Roberts, D. R.; Hershkowitz, N.; Tataronis, J. A.

    1990-04-01

    The uniform cylindrical plasma model of Litwin and Hershkowitz [Phys. Fluids 30, 1323 (1987)] is shown to predict mode conversion between the lowest radial order m=+1 fast magnetosonic surface and slow ion-cyclotron global eigenmodes of the Alfvén wave at the light-ion species Alfvén resonance of a cold two-ion plasma. A hydrogen (h)-deuterium (d) plasma is examined in experiments. The fast mode is efficiently excited by a rotating field antenna array at ω˜Ωh in the central cell of the Phaedrus-B tandem mirror [Phys. Rev. Lett. 51, 1955(1983)]. Radially scanned magnetic probes observe the propagating eigenmode wave fields within a shallow central cell magnetic gradient in which the conversion zone is axially localized according to nd/nh. A low radial-order slow ion-cyclotron mode, observed in the vicinity of the conversion zone, gives evidence for the predicted mode conversion.

  2. Statistical study of mirror mode events in the Earth magnetosheath

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Genot, V.; Budnik, E.; Jacquey, C.; Sauvaud, J.; Dandouras, I.; Lucek, E.

    2006-12-01

    Using a search and classification tool developed at CDPP (Centre de la Physique des Plasmas, http://cdpp.cesr.fr), we investigate the physics of the mirror instability. Indeed both analytical and observational recent studies have shown the paramount importance of this instability in the development of magnetosheath turbulence and its potential role in reconnection. 5 years of Cluster data have been mined by our tool which can be intuitively parametrized and set up with specific constraints on the actual data content. The strength of the method is illustrated by our results concerning the efficiency of different identification procedures. Beyond the presentation of the general mirror mode event distribution in the magnetosheath, some of the key questions we address include : evolution of the wave amplitude with the fractional distance to the boundaries (bow shock/magnetopause), mirror structure behaviour in relation with 1/ local parameters (plasma beta, temperature anisotropy) and 2/ conditioning parameters (solar wind Mach numbers, IMF orientation), tests of theoretical expressions obtained with different closure equations, ... The implications of these results for the mirror mode modelization is discussed.

  3. A new technique for high performance tandem time-of- flight mass spectrometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Katz, Daniel Louis

    2001-08-01

    The main result of this written dissertation is a mathematical solution to the problem of multiplex recording for high performance tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The prescription is to use a time-lag accelerator in the second stage to match the ion optical properties of the decay fragments to the requirements of the electrostatic ion mirror. With this technique the ion mirror is able to focus the full mass range of fragment ions at a single voltage setting, permitting acquisition of the entire mass spectrum from a single ionization event. This work was performed in support of a joint project carried out by researchers at Oregon State University and The University of Uppsala, Sweden, to design, build and test a tandem instrument featuring precision selection of the precursor species in the first stage of the spectrometer, a means of fragmenting the precursor species, and multiplex recording of the resulting fragment spectrum in the second stage. A patent application has been filed on the complete instrument with the United States Patent Office, a copy of which has been included as an appendix, and a prototype of that instrument has been constructed and awaits testing at Oregon State University.

  4. Simultaneous determination of osthole, bergapten and isopimpinellin in rat plasma and tissues by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Li, Jing; Ma, Bo; Zhang, Qi; Yang, Xiaojing; Sun, Jingjing; Tang, Bowen; Cui, Guangbo; Yao, Di; Liu, Lei; Gu, Guiying; Zhu, Jianwei; Wei, Ping; Ouyang, Pingkai

    2014-11-01

    A highly selective and sensitive method for simultaneous quantitation of osthole, bergapten and isopimpinellin in rat plasma and tissues was developed by liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). After liquid-liquid extraction of samples with methyl tert-butyl ether, the analytes and dextrorphan (internal standard, IS) were separated by a Hypersil GOLD AQ C18 column with gradient elution of acetonitrile and water containing 0.5‰ formic acid. Three determinands were detected using an electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) modes with positive electrospray ionization. Calibration curves were recovered over the concentration ranges of 1-200 ng/ml, 1-500 ng/ml, 0.25-200 ng/ml for osthole, bergapten and isopimpinellin in plasma; 1-100 ng/ml, 1-500 ng/ml, 0.5-100 ng/ml for osthole, bergapten and isopimpinellin in tissues, respectively. The intra-day precision (R.S.D.) was within 13.90% and the intra-day accuracy (R.E.) was within -6.27 to 6.84% in all biological matrixes. The inter-day precision (R.S.D.) was less than 13.66% and the inter-day accuracy (R.E.) was within -10.64 to 13.04%. Then the method was successfully applied to investigate plasma pharmacokinetic study and tissue distribution of osthole, bergapten and isopimpinellin in rats after oral administration of Fructus Cnidii extraction, especially for testis/uterus tissue distribution. The results demonstrated that osthole, bergapten and isopimpinellin were absorbed and eliminated rapidly with wide distributions in rats. Distribution data of these three bioactive components in testis/uterus tissues could offer useful information for the further preclinical and clinical studies of Fructus Cnidii in the treatment of genital system disease. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Performance of plasma free metanephrines measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma.

    PubMed

    Peaston, Robert T; Graham, Kendon S; Chambers, Erin; van der Molen, Jan C; Ball, Stephen

    2010-04-02

    Plasma free metanephrines have proved a highly sensitive biochemical test for the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. We have developed and validated a simple, LC-MS/MS method to determine plasma metanephrines and compared the diagnostic efficacy of the method with an enzyme immunoassay procedure in 151 patients, 38 with histologically confirmed pheochromocytoma. Off-line solid phase extraction in a 96-well plate format was used to isolate metanephrines from 100-microL of plasma, followed by rapid separation with hydrophilic interaction chromatography. Mass spectrometry detection was performed in multiple-reaction monitoring mode using a tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer with positive electrospray ionization. Detection limits were <0.1nmol/l with method linearity up to 23.0nmol/L for normetanephrine (NMN), metanephrine (MN) and 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT). Method comparison with an automated LC-MS/MS yielded Deming regression slopes of r=0.94 for NMN, r=0.98 for MN and r=0.94 for 3-MT. Method comparison with enzyme immunoassay revealed regression slope of r=1.28 (NMN) and 1.25 (MN) with values approximately 25% lower than LC-MS/MS. Plasma metanephrines by LC-MS/MS identified all 38 patients with phaeochromocytoma compared with 36 cases by immunoassay. Plasma metanephrines measured by LC-MS/MS are a reliable and sensitive test for the biochemical detection of pheochromocytoma. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Centrifugal particle confinement in mirror geometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    White, Roscoe; Hassam, Adil; Brizard, Alain

    2018-01-01

    The use of supersonic rotation of a plasma in mirror geometry has distinct advantages for thermonuclear fusion. The device is steady state, there are no disruptions, the loss cone is almost closed, sheared rotation stabilizes magnetohydrodynamic instabilities as well as plasma turbulence, there are no runaway electrons, and the coil configuration is simple. In this work, we examine the effect of rotation on mirror confinement using a full cyclotron orbit code. The full cyclotron simulations give a much more complete description of the particle energy distribution and losses than the use of guiding center equations. Both collisionless loss as a function of rotation and the effect of collisions are investigated. Although the cross field diffusion is classical, we find that the local rotating Maxwellian is increased to higher energy, increasing the fusion rate and also enhancing the radial diffusion. We find a loss channel not envisioned with a guiding center treatment, but a design can be chosen that can satisfy the Lawson criterion for ions. Of course, the rotation has a minimal effect on the alpha particle birth distribution, so there is initially loss through the usual loss cone, just as in a mirror with no rotation. However after this loss, the alphas slow down on the electrons with little pitch angle scattering until reaching low energy, so over half of the initial alpha energy is transferred to the electrons. The important problem of energy confinement, with losses primarily through the electron channel, is not addressed in this work. We also discuss the use of rotating mirror geometry to produce an ion thruster.

  7. Sputtering effects on mirrors made of different tungsten grades

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Voitsenya, V. S.; Ogorodnikova, O. V.; Bardamid, A. F.; Bondarenko, V. N.; Konovalov, V. G.; Lytvyn, P. M.; Marot, L.; Ryzhkov, I. V.; Shtan', A. F.; Skoryk, O. O.; Solodovchenko, S. I.

    2018-03-01

    Because tungsten (W) is used in present fusion devices and it is a reference material for ITER divertor and possible plasma-facing material for DEMO, we strive to understand the response of different W grades to ion bombardment. In this study, we investigated the behavior of mirrors made of four polycrystalline W grades under long-term ion sputtering. Argon (Ar) and deuterium (D) ions extracted from a plasma were used to investigate the effect of projectile mass on surface modification. Depending on the ion fluence, the reflectance measured at normal incidence was very different for different W grades. The lowest degradation rate of the reflectance was measured for the mirror made of recrystallized W. The highest degradation rate was found for one of the ITER-grade W samples. Pre-irradiation of a mirror with 20-MeV W6+ ions, as simulation of neutron irradiation in ITER, had no noticeable influence on reflectance degradation under sputtering with either Ar or D ions.

  8. Influence of number and depth of magnetic mirror on Alfvénic gap eigenmode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chang, Lei; Hu, Ning; Yao, Jianyao

    2016-10-01

    Alfvénic gap eigenmode (AGE) can eject energetic particles from confinement and thereby threaten the success of magnetically controlled fusion. A low-temperature plasma cylinder is a promising candidate to study this eigenmode, due to easy diagnostic access and simple geometry, and the idea is to arrange a periodic array of magnetic mirrors along the plasma cylinder and introduce a local defect to break the field periodicity. The present work validates this idea by reproducing a clear AGE inside a spectral gap, and more importantly details the influence of the number and depth (or modulation factor) of magnetic mirror on the characteristics of AGE. Results show that AGE is suppressed by other modes inside the spectral gap when the number of magnetic mirrors is below a certain value, which leads to a weakened Bragg’s effect. The structure and frequency of AGE remain unchanged for a decreased number of magnetic mirrors, as long as this number is enough for the AGE formation. The width of spectral gap and decay constant (inverse of decay length) of AGE are linearly proportional to the depth of magnetic mirror, implying easier observation of AGE through a bigger mirror depth. The frequency of AGE shifts to a lower range with the depth increased, possibly due to the unfrozen plasma with field line and the invalidity of small-perturbation analysis. Nevertheless, it is exciting to find that the depth of field modulation can be increased to form AGE for a very limited number of magnetic mirrors. This is of particular interest for the experimental implementation of AGE on a low-temperature plasma cylinder with limited length. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11405271, 11372104, 75121543, 11332013, 11372363, and 11502037).

  9. System for the production of plasma

    DOEpatents

    Bakken, George S.

    1978-01-01

    The present invention provides a system for the production of a plasma by concentrating and focusing a laser beam on the plasma-forming material with a lightfocusing member which comprises a parabolic axicon in conjunction with a coaxial conical mirror. The apex of the conical mirror faces away from the focus of the parabolic axicon such that the conical mirror serves to produce a virtual line source along the axis of the cone. Consequently, irradiation from a laser parallel to the axis toward the apex of the conical mirror will be concentrated at the focus of the parabolic axicon, impinging upon the plasma-forming material there introduced to produce a plasma. The system is adaptable to irradiation of a target pellet introduced at the focus of the parabolic axicon and offers an advantage in that the target pellet can be irradiated with a high degree of radial and spherical symmetry.

  10. Rapid determination of tafenoquine in small volume human plasma samples by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Doyle, E; Fowles, S E; Summerfield, S; White, T J

    2002-03-25

    A method was developed for the determination of tafenoquine (I) in human plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Prior to analysis, the protein in plasma samples was precipitated with methanol containing [2H3(15N)]tafenoquine (II) to act as an internal standard. The supernatant was injected onto a Genesis-C18 column without any further clean-up. The mass spectrometer was operated in the positive ion mode, employing a heat assisted nebulisation, electrospray interface. Ions were detected in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The assay required 50 microl of plasma and was precise and accurate within the range 2 to 500 ng/ml. The average within-run and between-run relative standard deviations were < 7% at 2 ng/ml and greater concentrations. The average accuracy of validation standards was generally within +/- 4% of the nominal concentration. There was no evidence of instability of I in human plasma following three complete freeze-thaw cycles and samples can safely be stored for at least 8 months at approximately -70 degrees C. The method was very robust and has been successfully applied to the analysis of clinical samples from patients and healthy volunteers dosed with I.

  11. Quantification of rifampicin in human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid by a highly sensitive and rapid liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric method.

    PubMed

    Srivastava, Abhishek; Waterhouse, David; Ardrey, Alison; Ward, Stephen A

    2012-11-01

    A highly sensitive and rapid liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method has been developed to measure the levels of the antitubercular drug rifampicin (RIF) in human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The analyte and internal standard (IS) were isolated from plasma and CSF by a simple organic solvent based precipitation of proteins followed by centrifugation. Detection was carried out by electrospray positive ionization mass spectrometry in the multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The assay was linear in the concentration range 25-6400 ng/mL with intra- and inter-day precision of <7% and <8%, respectively. The validated method was applied to the study of RIF pharmacokinetics in human CSF and plasma over 25 h period after a 10 mg/kg oral dose. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. High-throughput and simultaneous analysis of eight central-acting muscle relaxants in human plasma by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in the positive and negative ionization modes.

    PubMed

    Ogawa, Tadashi; Hattori, Hideki; Kaneko, Rina; Ito, Kenjiro; Iwai, Masae; Mizutani, Yoko; Arinobu, Tetsuya; Ishii, Akira; Seno, Hiroshi

    2011-06-01

    In this report, a high-throughput and sensitive method for analysis of eight central-acting muscle relaxants in human plasma by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) in the positive and negative ionization modes using tolbutamide as internal standard is presented. After pretreatment of a plasma sample by solid-phase extraction with an Oasis HLB cartridge, muscle relaxants were analyzed by UPLC with Acquity UPLC BEH C(18) column and Acquity TQD tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization interface. The calibration curves for muscle relaxants spiked into human plasma equally showed good linearities in the nanogram per milliliter order range. The detection limits (signal-to-noise ratio = 3) was as low as 0.1-2 ng/mL. The method gave satisfactory recovery rates, accuracy, and precision for quality control samples spiked with muscle relaxants. To further validate the present method, 250 mg of chlorphenesin carbamate was orally administered to a healthy male volunteer, and the concentrations of chlorphenesin carbamate in plasma were measured 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h after dosing; their concentrations in human plasma were between 0.62 and 2.44 μg/mL. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing simultaneous analysis of over more than two central-acting muscle relaxants by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. This has been realized by the capability of our instrument for simultaneous multiple reaction monitoring of the target compounds in both positive and negative ionization modes. Therefore, the present method seems very useful in forensic and clinical toxicology and pharmacokinetic studies.

  13. Statistical analysis of mirror mode waves in sheath regions driven by interplanetary coronal mass ejection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ala-Lahti, Matti M.; Kilpua, Emilia K. J.; Dimmock, Andrew P.; Osmane, Adnane; Pulkkinen, Tuija; Souček, Jan

    2018-05-01

    We present a comprehensive statistical analysis of mirror mode waves and the properties of their plasma surroundings in sheath regions driven by interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME). We have constructed a semi-automated method to identify mirror modes from the magnetic field data. We analyze 91 ICME sheath regions from January 1997 to April 2015 using data from the Wind spacecraft. The results imply that similarly to planetary magnetosheaths, mirror modes are also common structures in ICME sheaths. However, they occur almost exclusively as dip-like structures and in mirror stable plasma. We observe mirror modes throughout the sheath, from the bow shock to the ICME leading edge, but their amplitudes are largest closest to the shock. We also find that the shock strength (measured by Alfvén Mach number) is the most important parameter in controlling the occurrence of mirror modes. Our findings suggest that in ICME sheaths the dominant source of free energy for mirror mode generation is the shock compression. We also suggest that mirror modes that are found deeper in the sheath are remnants from earlier times of the sheath evolution, generated also in the vicinity of the shock.

  14. Simultaneous and rapid determination of gefitinib, erlotinib and afatinib plasma levels using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer.

    PubMed

    Hayashi, Hideki; Kita, Yutaro; Iihara, Hirotoshi; Yanase, Koumei; Ohno, Yasushi; Hirose, Chiemi; Yamada, Maya; Todoroki, Kenichiro; Kitaichi, Kiyoyuki; Minatoguchi, Shinya; Itoh, Yoshinori; Sugiyama, Tadashi

    2016-07-01

    A simultaneous, selective, sensitive and rapid liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the quantification of gefitinib, erlotinib and afatinib in 250 μL samples of human blood plasma. Diluted plasma samples were extracted using a liquid-phase extraction procedure with tert-butyl methyl ether. The three drugs were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography using a C18 column and an isocratic mobile phase running at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min for 5 min. The drugs were detected using a tandem mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization using imatinib as an internal standard. Calibration curves were generated over the linear concentration range of 0.05-100 nm in plasma with a lower limit of quantification of 0.01 or 0.05 nm for all compounds. Finally, the validated method was applied to a clinical pharmacokinetic study in patients with nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following the oral administration of afatinib. These results indicate that this method is suitable for assessing the risks and benefits of chemotherapy in patients with NSCLC and is useful for therapeutic drug monitoring for NSCLC treatment. As far as we know, this is the first report on LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of NSCLC tyrosine kinase inhibitor plasma concentrations including afatinib. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  15. Determination of the neuropharmacological drug nodakenin in rat plasma and brain tissues by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry: Application to pharmacokinetic studies.

    PubMed

    Song, Yingshi; Yan, Huiyu; Xu, Jingbo; Ma, Hongxi

    2017-09-01

    A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry detection using selected reaction monitoring in positive ionization mode was developed and validated for the quantification of nodakenin in rat plasma and brain. Pareruptorin A was used as internal standard. A single step liquid-liquid extraction was used for plasma and brain sample preparation. The method was validated with respect to selectivity, precision, accuracy, linearity, limit of quantification, recovery, matrix effect and stability. Lower limit of quantification of nodakenin was 2.0 ng/mL in plasma and brain tissue homogenates. Linear calibration curves were obtained over concentration ranges of 2.0-1000 ng/mL in plasma and brain tissue homogenates for nodakenin. Intra-day and inter-day precisions (relative standard deviation, RSD) were <15% in both biological media. This assay was successfully applied to plasma and brain pharmacokinetic studies of nodakenin in rats after intravenous administration. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  16. Mode conversion between Alfven wave eigenmodes in axially inhomogeneous two-ion-species plasmas

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Roberts, D.R.; Hershkowitz, N.; Tataronis, J.A.

    The uniform cylindrical plasma model of Litwin and Hershkowitz (Phys. Fluids {bold 30}, 1323 (1987)) is shown to predict mode conversion between the lowest radial order {ital m}=+1 fast magnetosonic surface and slow ion-cyclotron global eigenmodes of the Alfven wave at the light-ion species Alfven resonance of a cold two-ion plasma. A hydrogen ({ital h})--deuterium ({ital d}) plasma is examined in experiments. The fast mode is efficiently excited by a rotating field antenna array at {omega}{similar to}{Omega}{sub {ital h}} in the central cell of the Phaedrus-B tandem mirror (Phys. Rev. Lett. {bold 51}, 1955(1983)). Radially scanned magnetic probes observe themore » propagating eigenmode wave fields within a shallow central cell magnetic gradient in which the conversion zone is axially localized according to {ital n}{sub {ital d}}/{ital n}{sub {ital h}}. A low radial-order slow ion-cyclotron mode, observed in the vicinity of the conversion zone, gives evidence for the predicted mode conversion.« less

  17. Current Status of the Gasdynamic Mirror Fusion Propulsion Experiment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Emrich, William J., Jr.

    2002-01-01

    Nuclear fusion appears to be the most promising concept for producing extremely high specific impulse rocket engines. One particular fusion concept which seems to be particularly well suited for fusion propulsion applications is the gasdynamic mirror (GDM). An experimental GDM device has been constructed at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center to provide an initial assessment of the feasibility of this type of propulsion system. An initial shakedown of the device is currently underway with initial experiments slated to occur in late 2001. This device would operate at much higher plasma densities and with much larger L/D ratios than previous mirror machines. The high L/D ratio minimizes to a large extent certain magnetic curvature effects which lead to plasma instabilities causing a loss of plasma confinement. The high plasma density results in the plasma behaving much more like a conventional fluid with a mean free path shorter than the length of the device. This characteristic helps reduce problems associated with 'loss cone' microinstabilities. The device has been constructed to allow a considerable degree of flexibility in its configuration thus permitting the experiment to grow over time without necessitating a great deal of additional fabrication.

  18. A reliable and rapid tool for plasma quantification of 18 psychotropic drugs by ESI tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Vecchione, Gennaro; Casetta, Bruno; Chiapparino, Antonella; Bertolino, Alessandro; Tomaiuolo, Michela; Cappucci, Filomena; Gatta, Raffaella; Margaglione, Maurizio; Grandone, Elvira

    2012-01-01

    A simple liquid chromatographic tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method has been developed for simultaneous analysis of 17 basic and one acid psychotropic drugs in human plasma. The method relies on a protein precipitation step for sample preparation and offers high sensitivity, wide linearity without interferences from endogenous matrix components. Chromatography was run on a reversed-phase column with an acetonitrile-H₂O mixture. The quantification of target compounds was performed in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) and by switching the ionization polarity within the analytical run. A further sensitivity increase was obtained by implementing the functionality "scheduled multiple reaction monitoring" (sMRM) offered by the recent version of the software package managing the instrument. The overall injection interval was less than 5.5 min. Regression coefficients of the calibration curves and limits of quantification (LOQ) showed a good coverage of over-therapeutic, therapeutic and sub-therapeutic ranges. Recovery rates, measured as percentage of recovery of spiked plasma samples, were ≥ 94%. Precision and accuracy data have been satisfactory for a therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) service as for managing plasma samples from patients receiving psycho-pharmacological treatment. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Wave induced supersonic rotation in mirrors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fetterman, Abraham

    2010-11-01

    Wave-particle interactions in ExB supersonically rotating plasmas feature an unusual effect: particles are diffused by waves in both potential energy and kinetic energy [1]. This wave-particle interaction generalizes the alpha channeling effect, in which radio frequency waves are used to remove alpha particles collisionlessly at low energy. In rotating plasmas, the alpha particles may be removed at low energy through the loss cone, and the energy lost may be transferred to the radial electric field. This eliminates the need for electrodes in the mirror throat, which have presented serious technical issues in past rotating plasma devices. A particularly simple way to achieve this effect is to use a high azimuthal mode number perturbation on the magnetic field [2]. In the rotating frame, this perturbation is seen as a wave near the alpha particle cyclotron harmonic, and can break the azimuthal symmetry and magnetic moment conservation without changing the particle's total energy. The particle may exit if it reduces its kinetic energy and becomes more trapped if it gains kinetic energy, leading to a steady state current that maintains the field. Simulations of single particles in rotating mirrors show that a stationary wave can extract enough energy from alpha particles for a reactor to be self-sustaining. Rotation can also be sustained by waves in plasmas without a kinetic energy source. This type of wave has been considered for plasma centrifuges used for isotope separation [3]. [4pt] [1] A. J. Fetterman and N. J. Fisch, Phys Rev Lett 101, 205003 (2008). [0pt] [2] A. J. Fetterman and N. J. Fisch, Phys. Plasmas 17, 042112 (2010). [0pt] [3] A. J. Fetterman and N. J. Fisch, Plasma Sources Sci. Tech. 18, 045003 (2009).

  20. Demonstration of Flying Mirror with Improved Efficiency

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Pirozhkov, Alexander S.; Kando, Masaki; Fukuda, Yuji

    2009-07-25

    A strongly nonlinear wake wave driven by an intense laser pulse can act as a partially reflecting relativistic mirror (the flying mirror)[S. V. Bulanov, et al., Bulletin of the Lebedev Physics Institute, No. 6, 9 (1991); S. V. Bulanov, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 085001 (2003)]. Upon reflection from such mirror, a counter-propagating optical-frequency laser pulse is directly converted into high-frequency radiation, with a frequency multiplication factor approx4gamma{sup 2}(the double Doppler effect). We present the results of recent experiment in which the photon number in the reflected radiation was at least several thousand times larger than in our proof-of-principlemore » experiment [M. Kando, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 99, 135001 (2007); A. S. Pirozhkov, et al., Phys. Plasmas 14, 123106 (2007)]. The flying mirror holds promise of generating intense coherent ultrashort XUV and x-ray pulses that inherit their temporal shape and polarization from the original optical-frequency (laser) pulses. Furthermore, the reflected radiation bears important information about the reflecting wake wave itself, which can be used for its diagnostics.« less

  1. Simultaneous determination of guanidinoacetate, creatine and creatinine in urine and plasma by un-derivatized liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Carling, R S; Hogg, S L; Wood, T C; Calvin, J

    2008-11-01

    Creatine plays an important role in the storage and transmission of phosphate-bound energy. The cerebral creatine deficiency syndromes (CCDS) comprise three inherited defects in creatine biosynthesis and transport. They are characterized by mental retardation, speech and language delay and epilepsy. All three disorders cause low-creatine signal on brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS); however, MRS may not be readily available and even when it is, biochemical tests are required to determine the underlying disorder. Analysis was performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in positive ionization mode. Samples were analysed underivatized using a rapid 'dilute and shoot' approach. Chromatographic separation of the three compounds was achieved. Stable isotope internal standards were used for quantification. Creatine, creatinine and guanidinoacetate were measured with a 2.5 minute run time. For guanidinoacetate, the standard curve was linear to at least 5000 mumol/L and for creatine and creatinine it was linear to at least 25 mmol/L. The lower limit of quantitation was 0.4 mumol/L for creatine and guanidinoacetate and 0.8 mumol/L for creatinine. Recoveries ranged from 86% to 106% for the three analytes. Intra- and inter-assay variation for each analyte was <10% in both urine and plasma. A tandem mass spectrometric method has been developed and validated for the underivatized determination of guanidinoacetate, creatine and creatinine in human urine and plasma. Minimal sample preparation coupled with a rapid run time make the method applicable to the routine screening of patients with suspected CCDS.

  2. Polarized Nuclei in a Simple Mirror Fusion Reactor

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Noever, David A.

    1995-01-01

    The possibility of enhancing the ratio of output to input power Q in a simple mirror machine by polarizing Deuterium-Tritium (D- T) nuclei is evaluated. Taking the Livermore mirror reference design mirror ratio of 6.54, the expected sin(sup 2) upsilon angular distribution of fusion decay products reduces immediate losses of alpha particles to the loss cone by 7.6% and alpha-ion scattering losses by approx. 50%. Based on these findings, alpha- particle confinement times for a polarized plasma should therefore be 1.11 times greater than for isotropic nuclei. Coupling this enhanced alpha-particle heating with the expected greater than 50% D- T reaction cross section, a corresponding power ratio for polarized nuclei, Q(sub polarized), is found to be 1.63 times greater than the classical unpolarized value Q(sub classical). The effects of this increase in Q are assessed for the simple mirror.

  3. Analysis of carvedilol enantiomers in human plasma using chiral stationary phase column and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Poggi, Josiane Cristófani; Da Silva, Flávia Garcez; Coelho, Eduardo Barbosa; Marques, Maria Paula; Bertucci, Carlo; Lanchote, Vera Lucia

    2012-03-01

    Carvedilol is an antihypertensive drug available as a racemic mixture. (-)-(S)-carvedilol is responsible for the nonselective β-blocker activity but both enantiomers present similar activity on α(1)-adrenergic receptor. To our knowledge, this is the first study of carvedilol enantiomers in human plasma using a chiral stationary phase column and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The method involves plasma extraction with diisopropyl ether using metoprolol as internal standard and direct separation of the carvedilol enantiomers on a Chirobiotic T® (Teicoplanin) column. Protonated ions [M + H](+) and their respective ion products were monitored at transitions of 407 > 100 for the carvedilol enantiomers and 268 > 116 for the internal standard. The quantification limit was 0.2 ng ml(-1) for both enantiomers in plasma. The method was applied to study enantioselectivity in the pharmacokinetics of carvedilol administered as a single dose of 25 mg to a hypertensive patient. The results showed a higher plasma concentration of (+)-(R)-carvedilol (AUC(0-∞) 205.52 vs. 82.61 (ng h) ml(-1)), with an enantiomer ratio of 2.48. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  4. Rapid quantification of resveratrol in mouse plasma by ultra high pressure liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Castillo-Pichardo, Linette; Dharmawardhane, Suranganie; Rodríguez-Orengo, José F

    2014-12-01

    The objective of this study was to develop a rapid and sensitive method for the quantification of resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound with multiple health beneficial effects, in mouse plasma. We used reversed-phase ultra high pressure-liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection for the determination of resveratrol levels in mouse plasma. An Agilent Zorbax Eclipse Plus C18 column (2.1 mm x 50 mm, 1.8 μm) was used as the stationary phase. The mobile phase consisted of a gradient formed using 1 mM ammonium fluoride and methanol. Using this improved method, we obtained a retention time of 2.2 min and a total run time of 5 min, for resveratrol. The calibration curve for resveratrol showed a linear range from 0.5 to 100 ng/mL. The average coefficient of variation was 6% for interday variation and 4% for intraday variation. The recovery for resveratrol in mouse plasma was 85 ± 10% (mean ± standard deviation). The method presented herein allows a rapid and very sensitive quantification of resveratrol in mouse plasma at concentrations as low as 500 ppt.

  5. Stereoselective pharmacokinetic study of rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline epimers in rat plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xin; Zheng, Mei; Liu, Jia; Qiao, Zhou; Liu, Wenyuan; Feng, Feng

    2017-06-01

    1. In this study, the stereoselective pharmacokinetics of rhynchophylline (RIN) and isorhynchophylline (IRN) in rat plasma were investigated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). 2. A rapid, robust and sensitive LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous quantification of RIN and IRN in rat plasma was established and validated. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Poroshell 120 EC-C 18 column under a gradient elution with methanol and water containing 0.01% ammonia as mobile phase. Calibration curve was linear over a concentration range of 1-2000 ng/mL for both epimers. 3. After intravenous administration, there was no apparent difference in pharmacokinetic parameters between two epimers. However, after oral administration, RIN showed remarkable higher plasma exposure than IRN. The bioavailability, C max and AUC 0- t of RIN were about 9.2-fold, 6.4-fold and 9.1-fold higher than those of IRN at 10 mg/kg, and 7.8-fold, 4.3-fold and 7.7-fold at 20 mg/kg, respectively. Additionally, with dosage enhanced from 10 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg, the plasma concentrations of RIN or IRN increased significantly and the bioavailability enhanced about three times. 4. In conclusion, the results of this work demonstrated for the first time that the pharmacokinetics of RIN and IRN have stereoselectivity.

  6. Magnetic mirror effect in a cylindrical Hall thruster

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, Yiwei; Tang, Haibin; Ren, Junxue; Li, Min; Cao, Jinbin

    2018-01-01

    For cylindrical Hall thrusters, the magnetic field geometry is totally different from that in conventional Hall thrusters. In this study, we investigate the magnetic mirror effect in a fully cylindrical Hall thruster by changing the number of iron rings (0-5), which surround the discharge channel wall. The plasma properties inside the discharge channel and plume area are simulated with a self-developed PIC-MCC code. The numerical results show significant influence of magnetic geometry on the electron confinement. With the number of rings increasing above three, the near-wall electron density gap is reduced, indicating the suppression of neutral gas leakage. The electron temperature inside the discharge channel reaches its peak (38.4 eV) when the magnetic mirror is strongest. It is also found that the thruster performance has strong relations with the magnetic mirror as the propellant utilisation efficiency reaches the maximum (1.18) at the biggest magnetic mirror ratio. Also, the optimal magnetic mirror improves the multi-charged ion dynamics, including the ion production and propellant utilisation efficiency.

  7. A Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Quantifying Amisulpride in Human Plasma and Breast Milk, Applied to Measuring Drug Transfer to a Fully Breast-Fed Neonate.

    PubMed

    OʼHalloran, Sean J; Wong, Antonia; Joyce, David A

    2016-08-01

    Amisulpride is a second generation atypical antipsychotic drug. The management of psychosis exacerbation in late pregnancy or during lactation is often hampered by inadequate knowledge of risk to the baby from placental transfer or breast milk transfer of drugs. There is no specific information on adverse effects from amisulpride. To gather guiding information from one mother-baby pair, we conducted a drug concentration study on the fourth post-natal day and developed a novel liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method with application to the very small plasma volumes obtainable from a neonate, requiring 15 μL of plasma, and with application to human breast milk. Plasma and breast milk extracts, spiked with deuterated internal standard (amisulpride-d5) were separated isocratically with a buffered water-methanol-acetonitrile mobile phase. A tandem mass spectrometer in positive electrospray ionisation mode with multiple reaction monitoring was used for detection. Method linearity, sensitivity, imprecision, matrix effects, recovery, and overall process efficiency were satisfactory for milk and plasma. No interferences were found from a broad range of psychotropic and general drugs. The breast milk area under the concentration-time curve for the interval 0-12 hours was 10,726 mcg·h·L, corresponding to a mean breast milk concentration of 894 mcg/L. Breast milk amisulpride was 12-fold higher than the simultaneous plasma concentration. The baby's plasma amisulpride concentration was 10.5% of the maternal plasma concentration. An assay was developed that is suitable for therapeutic drug monitoring of amisulpride. Its application to breast milk and neonate plasma showed that amisulpride partitioned strongly into breast milk and that the neonate reached plasma levels that were more than desirable for a psychotropic drug.

  8. Rapid quantification of underivatized amino acids in plasma by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) coupled with tandem mass-spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Prinsen, Hubertus C M T; Schiebergen-Bronkhorst, B G M; Roeleveld, M W; Jans, J J M; de Sain-van der Velden, M G M; Visser, G; van Hasselt, P M; Verhoeven-Duif, N M

    2016-09-01

    Amino acidopathies are a class of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) that can be diagnosed by analysis of amino acids (AA) in plasma. Current strategies for AA analysis include cation exchange HPLC with post-column ninhydrin derivatization, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS-related methods. Major drawbacks of the current methods are time-consuming procedures, derivative problems, problems with retention, and MS-sensitivity. The use of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) columns is an ideal separation mode for hydrophilic compounds like AA. Here we report a HILIC-method for analysis of 36 underivatized AA in plasma to detect defects in AA metabolism that overcomes the major drawbacks of other methods. A rapid, sensitive, and specific method was developed for the analysis of AA in plasma without derivatization using HILIC coupled with tandem mass-spectrometry (Xevo TQ, Waters). Excellent separation of 36 AA (24 quantitative/12 qualitative) in plasma was achieved on an Acquity BEH Amide column (2.1×100 mm, 1.7 μm) in a single MS run of 18 min. Plasma of patients with a known IEM in AA metabolism was analyzed and all patients were correctly identified. The reported method analyzes 36 AA in plasma within 18 min and provides baseline separation of isomeric AA such as leucine and isoleucine. No separation was obtained for isoleucine and allo-isoleucine. The method is applicable to study defects in AA metabolism in plasma.

  9. Flying mirror model for interaction of a super-intense laser pulse with a thin plasma layer: Transparency and shaping of linearly polarized laser pulses

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kulagin, Victor V.; Cherepenin, Vladimir A.; Hur, Min Sup

    2007-11-15

    A self-consistent one-dimensional (1D) flying mirror model is developed for description of an interaction of an ultra-intense laser pulse with a thin plasma layer (foil). In this model, electrons of the foil can have large longitudinal displacements and relativistic longitudinal momenta. An approximate analytical solution for a transmitted field is derived. Transmittance of the foil shows not only a nonlinear dependence on the amplitude of the incident laser pulse, but also time dependence and shape dependence in the high-transparency regime. The results are compared with particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations and a good agreement is ascertained. Shaping of incident laser pulses usingmore » the flying mirror model is also considered. It can be used either for removing a prepulse or for reducing the length of a short laser pulse. The parameters of the system for effective shaping are specified. Predictions of the flying mirror model for shaping are compared with the 1D PIC simulations, showing good agreement.« less

  10. Determination of metoprolol enantiomers in human plasma and saliva samples utilizing microextraction by packed sorbent and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Elmongy, Hatem; Ahmed, Hytham; Wahbi, Abdel-Aziz; Amini, Ahmad; Colmsjö, Anders; Abdel-Rehim, Mohamed

    2016-08-01

    A sensitive, accurate and reliable bioanalytical method for the enantioselective determination of metoprolol in plasma and saliva samples utilizing liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated. Human plasma and saliva samples were pretreated by microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) prior to analysis. A new MEPS syringe form with two inputs was used. Metoprolol enantiomers and internal standard pentycaine (IS) were eluted from MEPS sorbent using isopropanol after removal of matrix interferences using aliquots of 5% methanol in water. Complete separation of metoprolol enantiomers was achieved on a Cellulose-SB column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) using isocratic elution with mobile phase 0.1% ammonium hydroxide in hexane-isopropanol (80:20, v/v) with a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. A post-column solvent-assisted ionization was applied to enhance metoprolol ionization signal in positive mode monitoring (+ES) using 0.5% formic acid in isopropanol at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. The total chromatographic run time was 10 min for each injection. The detection of metoprolol in plasma and saliva samples was performed using triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer in +ES under the following mass transitions: m/z 268.08 → 72.09 for metoprolol and m/z 303.3 → 154.3 for IS. The linearity range was 2.5-500 ng/mL for both R- and S-metoprolol in plasma and saliva. The limits of detection and quantitation for both enantiomers were 0.5 and 2.5 ng/mL respectively, in both matrices (plasma and saliva). The intra- and inter-day precisions were presented in terms of RSD values for replicate analysis of quality control samples and were <5%; the accuracy of determinations varied from 96 to 99%. The method was able to determine the therapeutic levels of metoprolol enantiomers in both human plasma and saliva samples successfully, which can aid in therapeutic drug monitoring in clinical laboratories. Copyright © 2016

  11. PLASMA DEVICE

    DOEpatents

    Gow, J.D.; Wilcox, J.M.

    1961-12-26

    A device is designed for producing and confining highenergy plasma from which neutrons are generated in copious quantities. A rotating sheath of electrons is established in a radial electric field and axial magnetic field produced within the device. The electron sheath serves as a strong ionizing medium to gas introdueed thereto and also functions as an extremely effective heating mechanism to the resulting plasma. In addition, improved confinement of the plasma is obtained by ring magnetic mirror fields produced at the ends of the device. Such ring mirror fields are defined by the magnetic field lines at the ends of the device diverging radially outward from the axis of the device and thereafter converging at spatial annular surfaces disposed concentrically thereabout. (AFC)

  12. Debris- and radiation-induced damage effects on EUV nanolithography source collector mirror optics performance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Allain, J. P.; Nieto, M.; Hendricks, M.; Harilal, S. S.; Hassanein, A.

    2007-05-01

    Exposure of collector mirrors facing the hot, dense pinch plasma in plasma-based EUV light sources to debris (fast ions, neutrals, off-band radiation, droplets) remains one of the highest critical issues of source component lifetime and commercial feasibility of nanolithography at 13.5-nm. Typical radiators used at 13.5-nm include Xe and Sn. Fast particles emerging from the pinch region of the lamp are known to induce serious damage to nearby collector mirrors. Candidate collector configurations include either multi-layer mirrors (MLM) or single-layer mirrors (SLM) used at grazing incidence. Studies at Argonne have focused on understanding the underlying mechanisms that hinder collector mirror performance at 13.5-nm under fast Sn or Xe exposure. This is possible by a new state-of-the-art in-situ EUV reflectometry system that measures real time relative EUV reflectivity (15-degree incidence and 13.5-nm) variation during fast particle exposure. Intense EUV light and off-band radiation is also known to contribute to mirror damage. For example offband radiation can couple to the mirror and induce heating affecting the mirror's surface properties. In addition, intense EUV light can partially photo-ionize background gas (e.g., Ar or He) used for mitigation in the source device. This can lead to local weakly ionized plasma creating a sheath and accelerating charged gas particles to the mirror surface and inducing sputtering. In this paper we study several aspects of debris and radiation-induced damage to candidate EUVL source collector optics materials. The first study concerns the use of IMD simulations to study the effect of surface roughness on EUV reflectivity. The second studies the effect of fast particles on MLM reflectivity at 13.5-nm. And lastly the third studies the effect of multiple energetic sources with thermal Sn on 13.5-nm reflectivity. These studies focus on conditions that simulate the EUVL source environment in a controlled way.

  13. Sensitive and rapid liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric assay for the quantification of piperaquine in human plasma.

    PubMed

    Singhal, Puran; Gaur, Ashwani; Gautam, Anirudh; Varshney, Brijesh; Paliwal, Jyoti; Batra, Vijay

    2007-11-01

    A simple, sensitive and rapid liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for quantification of piperaquine, an antimalarial drug, in human plasma using its structural analogue, piperazine bis chloroquinoline as internal standard (IS). The method involved a simple protein precipitation with methanol followed by rapid isocratic elution of analytes with 10mM ammonium acetate buffer/methanol/formic acid/ammonia solution (25/75/0.2/0.15, v/v) on Chromolith SpeedROD RP-18e reversed phase chromatographic column and quantification by mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction monitoring mode (MRM). The precursor to product ion transitions of m/z 535.3-->288.2 and m/z 409.1-->205.2 were used to measure the analyte and the IS, respectively. The assay exhibited a linear dynamic range of 1.0-250.2 ng/mL for piperaquine in plasma. The limit of detection (LOD) and lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) in plasma were 0.2 and 1.0 ng/mL, respectively. Acceptable precision and accuracy (+/-20% deviation for LLOQ standard and +/-15% deviation for other standards from the respective nominal concentration) were obtained for concentrations over the standard curve ranges. A run time of 2.5 min for a sample made it possible to achieve a throughput of more than 400 plasma samples analyzed per day. The validated method was successfully applied to analyze human plasma samples from phase-1 clinical studies. The mean pharmacokinetic parameters of piperaquine following 1000 mg oral dose: observed maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) and elimination half-life (T1/2) were 46.1 ng/mL, 3.8h and 13 days, respectively.

  14. An ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantification of teicoplanin in plasma of neonates.

    PubMed

    Begou, O; Kontou, A; Raikos, N; Sarafidis, K; Roilides, E; Papadoyannis, I N; Gika, H G

    2017-03-15

    The development and validation of an ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method was performed with the aim to be applied for the quantification of plasma teicoplanin concentrations in neonates. Pharmacokinetic data of teicoplanin in the neonatal population is very limited, therefore, a sensitive and reliable method for the determination of all isoforms of teicoplanin applied in a low volume of sample is of real importance. Teicoplanin main components were extracted by a simple acetonitrile precipitation step and analysed on a C18 chromatographic column by a triple quadrupole MS with electrospray ionization. The method provides quantitative data over a linear range of 25-6400ng/mL with LOD 8.5ng/mL and LOQ 25ng/mL for total teicoplanin. The method was applied in plasma samples from neonates to support pharmacokinetic data and proved to be a reliable and fast method for the quantification of teicoplanin concentration levels in plasma of infants during therapy in Intensive Care Unit. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Development and validation of two liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methods for the determination of silibinin and silibinin hemisuccinate in human plasma.

    PubMed

    Sala, Federica; Albares, Pablo; Colovic, Milena; Persiani, Stefano; Rovati, Lucio C

    2014-01-15

    To investigate the pharmacokinetics of silibinin and silibinin hemisuccinate in human plasma, two high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) methods were developed and validated. The methods require a small volume of sample (100μL), and the recovery of the analytes was complete with a good reproducibility (CV% 1.7-9.5), after a simple protein precipitation. Naringenin was used as internal standard. The chromatographic methods provided a good separation of diastereoisomers A and B of both silibinin and silibinin hemisuccinate onto a Chromolith Performance RP18e 100mm×3mm column, with a resolution of peaks from plasma matrix in less than 6min. The methods precision values expressed as CV% were always ≤6.2% and the accuracy was always well within the acceptable 15% range. Quantification was performed on a triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer by Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM) mode, in a negative ion mode, via electrospray ionization (ESI). The lower limit of quantitation was set at 5.0ng/mL (silibinin) and 25.0ng/mL (silibinin hemisuccinate), and the linearity was validated up to 1000.0 and 12,500.0ng/mL, for silibinin and silibinin hemisuccinate, respectively, with correlation coefficients (R(2)) of 0.991 or better. The methods were suitable for pharmacokinetic studies and were successfully applied to human plasma samples from subjects treated intravenously with Legalon(®) SIL at the dose of 20mg/kg, expressed as silibinin. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. [Qualitative and quantitative analysis of amygdalin and its metabolite prunasin in plasma by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry].

    PubMed

    Gao, Meng; Wang, Yuesheng; Wei, Huizhen; Ouyang, Hui; He, Mingzhen; Zeng, Lianqing; Shen, Fengyun; Guo, Qiang; Rao, Yi

    2014-06-01

    A method was developed for the determination of amygdalin and its metabolite prunasin in rat plasma after intragastric administration of Maxing shigan decoction. The analytes were identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry and quantitatively determined by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. After purified by liquid-liquid extraction, the qualitative analysis of amygdalin and prunasin in the plasma sample was performed on a Shim-pack XR-ODS III HPLC column (75 mm x 2.0 mm, 1.6 microm), using acetonitrile-0.1% (v/v) formic acid aqueous solution. The detection was performed on a Triple TOF 5600 quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometer. The quantitative analysis of amygdalin and prunasin in the plasma sample was performed by separation on an Agilent C18 HPLC column (50 mm x 2.1 mm, 1.7 microm), using acetonitrile-0.1% (v/v) formic acid aqueous solution. The detection was performed on an AB Q-TRAP 4500 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer utilizing electrospray ionization (ESI) interface operated in negative ion mode and multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The qualitative analysis results showed that amygdalin and its metabolite prunasin were detected in the plasma sample. The quantitative analysis results showed that the linear range of amygdalin was 1.05-4 200 ng/mL with the correlation coefficient of 0.999 0 and the linear range of prunasin was 1.25-2 490 ng/mL with the correlation coefficient of 0.997 0. The method had a good precision with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) lower than 9.20% and the overall recoveries varied from 82.33% to 95.25%. The limits of detection (LODs) of amygdalin and prunasin were 0.50 ng/mL. With good reproducibility, the method is simple, fast and effective for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the amygdalin and prunasin in plasma sample of rats which were administered by Maxing shigan decoction.

  17. A liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry assay for the analysis of atomoxetine in human plasma and in vitro cellular samples

    PubMed Central

    Appel, David I.; Brinda, Bryan; Markowitz, John S.; Newcorn, Jeffrey H.; Zhu, Hao-Jie

    2012-01-01

    A simple, rapid and sensitive method for quantification of atomoxetine by liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed. This assay represents the first LC-MS/MS quantification method for atomoxetine utilizing electrospray ionization. Deuterated atomoxetine (d3-atomoxetine) was adopted as the internal standard. Direct protein precipitation was utilized for sample preparation. This method was validated for both human plasma and in vitro cellular samples. The lower limit of quantification was 3 ng/ml and 10 nM for human plasma and cellular samples, respectively. The calibration curves were linear within the ranges of 3 ng/ml to 900 ng/ml and 10 nM to 10 μM for human plasma and cellular samples, respectively (r2 > 0.999). The intra- and inter-day assay accuracy and precision were evaluated using quality control samples at 3 different concentrations in both human plasma and cellular lysate. Sample run stability, assay selectivity, matrix effect, and recovery were also successfully demonstrated. The present assay is superior to previously published LC-MS and LC-MS/MS methods in terms of sensitivity or the simplicity of sample preparation. This assay is applicable to the analysis of atomoxetine in both human plasma and in vitro cellular samples. PMID:22275222

  18. Determination of artemisitene in rat plasma by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and its application in pharmacokinetics.

    PubMed

    Wu, Li-Lan; Wu, Yun-Shan; Chen, Wei-Ying; Zhou, Wen; Tang, Lipeng; Li, Ben; Liu, Bo

    2017-07-15

    Artemisitene shows a wide variety of pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant protection in vitro and in vivo. It has been identified as a novel Nrf2 inducer. However, there is no report on an ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS/MS) method to quantitate artemisitene in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic profile study. An ACQUITY UPLC™ BEH Symmetry Shield RP18 column (1.7 μm, 2.1 mm × 100 mm) was used at a flow rate of 0.3 mL·min -1 . Mass detection was performed by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry via multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in positive mode. Plasma samples were pre-treated by a single-step extraction with 0.1% formic acid aqueous solutions-acetonitrile, and tolbutamide was used as internal standard. The calibration curve was from 0.98 to 1000 ng∙mL -1 (r 2  = 0.995). The extraction recoveries were 61.5-79.4% and 81.7-94.6% for artemisitene and tolbutamide, respectively. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 0.98 ng∙mL -1 . The absolute bioavailability of artemisitene was 3.7% after intravenous and oral administration in rats. The UPLC/MS/MS assay was validated for linearity, accuracy, stability, extraction recovery, matrix effects, and intra-day and inter-day precision. The method, for the first time, achieved some pharmacokinetic parameters and was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  19. Quantitative determination of galantamine in human plasma by sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry using loratadine as an internal standard.

    PubMed

    Nirogi, Ramakrishna V S; Kandikere, Vishwottam N; Mudigonda, Koteshwara; Maurya, Santosh

    2007-02-01

    A simple, rapid, sensitive, and selective liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method is developed and validated for the quantitation of galantamine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor in human plasma, using a commercially available compound, loratadine, as the internal standard. Following liquid-liquid extraction, the analytes are separated using an isocratic mobile phase on a reverse-phase C18 column and analyzed by mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction monitoring mode using the respective (M+H)+ ions, m/z 288 to 213 for galantamine and m/z 383 and 337 for the internal standard. The assay exhibit a linear dynamic range of 0.5-100 ng/mL for galantamine in human plasma. The lower limit of quantitation is 0.5 ng/mL, with a relative standard deviation of less than 8%. Acceptable precision and accuracy are obtained for concentrations over the standard curve range. A run time of 2.5 min for each sample makes it possible to analyze more than 400 human plasma samples per day. The validated method is successfully used to analyze human plasma samples for application in pharmacokinetic, bioavailability, or bioequivalence studies.

  20. Basic Studies on High Pressure Air Plasmas

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-08-30

    which must be added a 1.5 month salary to A. Bugayev for assistance in laser and optic techniques. 2 Part II Technical report Plasma-induced phase shift...two-wavelength heterodyne interferometry applied to atmospheric pressure air plasma 11.1 .A. Plasma-induced phase shift - Electron density...a driver, since the error on the frequency leads to an error on the phase shift. (c) Optical elements Mirrors Protected mirrors must be used to stand

  1. Relativistic Tennis with Photons: Frequency Up-Shifting, Light Intensification and Ion Acceleration with Flying Mirrors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bulanov, S. V.; Esirkepov, T. Zh.; Kando, M.

    2011-01-04

    We formulate the Flying Mirror Concept for relativistic interaction of ultra-intense electromagnetic waves with plasmas, present its theoretical description and the results of computer simulations and laboratory experiments. In collisionless plasmas, the relativistic flying mirrors are thin and dense electron or electron-ion layers accelerated by the high intensity electromagnetic waves up to velocity close to the speed of light in vacuum; in nonlinear-media and in nonlinear vacuum they are the ionization fronts and the refraction index modulations induced by a strong electromagnetic wave. The reflection of the electromagnetic wave at the relativistic mirror results in its energy and frequency changemore » due to the double Doppler effect. In the co-propagating configuration, in the radiation pressure dominant regime, the energy of the electromagnetic wave is transferred to the ion energy providing a highly efficient acceleration mechanism. In the counter-propagation configuration the frequency of the reflected wave is multiplied by the factor proportional to the gamma-factor squared. If the relativistic mirror performs an oscillatory motion as in the case of the electron motion at the plasma-vacuum interface, the reflected light spectrum is enriched with high order harmonics.« less

  2. Simultaneous determination of acetylpuerarin and puerarin in rat plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: Application to a pharmacokinetic study following intravenous and oral administration.

    PubMed

    Sun, Deqing; Xue, Aiying; Wu, Jing; Zhang, Bin; Yu, Jinlong; Li, Qiang; Sun, Chao

    2015-07-15

    A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of acetylpuerarin (AP) and its major metabolite puerarin (PUE) in rat plasma using genistein as the internal standard (IS). Plasma samples were pretreated by protein precipitation with a mixture of methanol and acetonitrile. Chromatographic separation was performed on a CAPCELL PAK C18 MGШ column with a mixture of 0.1% formic acid in water and methanol (35:65, v/v) as the mobile phase. The analytes were detected using a tandem mass spectrometer in the positive ionization and multiple-reaction monitoring mode. The ion transition of m/z 669.4→627.3, 417.5→297.6 and 271.3→153.0 was utilized to quantify AP, PUE and the IS, respectively. The calibration curves showed good linearity over the plasma concentration range of 1-2000ng/mL for AP and 2.5-5000ng/mL for PUE. The intra- and inter-day precisions (RSD %) for each analyte were less than 6.91%, and the accuracies ranged from -2.17% to 2.93%. The validated LC-MS/MS method was further successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of AP and PUE in rats following intravenous and oral administration. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. High-sensitivity simultaneous liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel in human plasma.

    PubMed

    Gandhi, Abhishek; Guttikar, Swati; Trivedi, Priti

    2015-10-01

    A sensitive and simultaneous liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for quantification of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. The analytes were extracted with methyl-tert-butyl ether: n-hexane (50:50, v/v) solvent mixture, followed by dansyl derivatization. The chromatographic separation was performed on a Kinetex C 18 (50 mm×4.6 mm, 2.6 µm) column with a mobile phase of 0.1% (v/v) formic acid in water and acetonitrile in gradient composition. The mass transitions were monitored in electrospray positive ionization mode. The assay exhibited a linear range of 0.100-20.0 ng/mL for levonorgestrel and 4.00-500 pg/mL for ethinyl estradiol in human plasma. A run time of 9.0 min for each sample made it possible to analyze a throughput of more than 100 samples per day. The validated method has been successfully used to analyze human plasma samples for application in pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence studies.

  4. Determination of PF-04928473 in human plasma using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry

    PubMed Central

    Jain, Lokesh; Gardner, Erin R.; Venitz, Jürgen; Giaccone, Giuseppe; Houk, Brett E.; Figg, William D.

    2010-01-01

    A simple, rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) analytical method was developed for quantification of Hsp90 inhibitor PF-04928473 in human plasma, following administration of its prodrug, PF-04929113. Sample processing involved protein precipitation by addition of 0.4 mL of methanol containing internal standard (PF-04972487) to 50 μL volume of plasma sample. Chromatographic separation of PF-04928473 and PF-04972487 was achieved on a Phenomenex® Luna C18(2) (2.0×50 mm, 5 μm) column using a gradient elution method with mobile phase solvents: methanol containing 0.1% formic acid and 0.1% formic acid at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min. Detection was performed in electrospray positive ionization mode, monitoring the ion transitions from m/z 465.1→350.1 (PF-04928473) and m/z 447.0→329.1 (PF-04972487). The retention times for PF-04928473 and PF-04972487 were 1.86 and 2.85 minutes, respectively. Calibration curves were generated in the range of 2–2000 ng/mL. The accuracy and precision ranged from 94.1–99.0% and 86.7–97.6%, respectively, which were calculated using quality control samples of three different concentrations analyzed in quintuplicate on four different days. PMID:20951100

  5. Mirror-Image Equivalence and Interhemispheric Mirror-Image Reversal

    PubMed Central

    Corballis, Michael C.

    2018-01-01

    Mirror-image confusions are common, especially in children and in some cases of neurological impairment. They can be a special impediment in activities such as reading and writing directional scripts, where mirror-image patterns (such as b and d) must be distinguished. Treating mirror images as equivalent, though, can also be adaptive in the natural world, which carries no systematic left-right bias and where the same object or event can appear in opposite viewpoints. Mirror-image equivalence and confusion are natural consequences of a bilaterally symmetrical brain. In the course of learning, mirror-image equivalence may be established through a process of symmetrization, achieved through homotopic interhemispheric exchange in the formation of memory circuits. Such circuits would not distinguish between mirror images. Learning to discriminate mirror-image discriminations may depend either on existing brain asymmetries, or on extensive learning overriding the symmetrization process. The balance between mirror-image equivalence and mirror-image discrimination may nevertheless be precarious, with spontaneous confusions or reversals, such as mirror writing, sometimes appearing naturally or as a manifestation of conditions like dyslexia. PMID:29706878

  6. Mirror-Image Equivalence and Interhemispheric Mirror-Image Reversal.

    PubMed

    Corballis, Michael C

    2018-01-01

    Mirror-image confusions are common, especially in children and in some cases of neurological impairment. They can be a special impediment in activities such as reading and writing directional scripts, where mirror-image patterns (such as b and d ) must be distinguished. Treating mirror images as equivalent, though, can also be adaptive in the natural world, which carries no systematic left-right bias and where the same object or event can appear in opposite viewpoints. Mirror-image equivalence and confusion are natural consequences of a bilaterally symmetrical brain. In the course of learning, mirror-image equivalence may be established through a process of symmetrization, achieved through homotopic interhemispheric exchange in the formation of memory circuits. Such circuits would not distinguish between mirror images. Learning to discriminate mirror-image discriminations may depend either on existing brain asymmetries, or on extensive learning overriding the symmetrization process. The balance between mirror-image equivalence and mirror-image discrimination may nevertheless be precarious, with spontaneous confusions or reversals, such as mirror writing, sometimes appearing naturally or as a manifestation of conditions like dyslexia.

  7. Mirror Neurons and Mirror-Touch Synesthesia.

    PubMed

    Linkovski, Omer; Katzin, Naama; Salti, Moti

    2016-05-30

    Since mirror neurons were introduced to the neuroscientific community more than 20 years ago, they have become an elegant and intuitive account for different cognitive mechanisms (e.g., empathy, goal understanding) and conditions (e.g., autism spectrum disorders). Recently, mirror neurons were suggested to be the mechanism underlying a specific type of synesthesia. Mirror-touch synesthesia is a phenomenon in which individuals experience somatosensory sensations when seeing someone else being touched. Appealing as it is, careful delineation is required when applying this mechanism. Using the mirror-touch synesthesia case, we put forward theoretical and methodological issues that should be addressed before relying on the mirror-neurons account. © The Author(s) 2016.

  8. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Logan, B.G.

    A recently completed two-year study of a commercial tandem mirror reactor design (Mirror Advanced Reactor Study (MARS)) is briefly reviewed. The end plugs are designed for trapped particle stability, MHD ballooning, balanced geodesic curvature, and small radial electric fields in the central cell. New technologies such as lithium-lead blankets, 24T hybrid coils, gridless direct converters and plasma halo vacuum pumps are highlighted.

  9. Quantitative high-throughput determination of endogenous retinoids in human plasma using triple-stage liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Gundersen, Thomas E; Bastani, Nasser E; Blomhoff, Rune

    2007-01-01

    A high-throughput ultrasensitive analytical method based on liquid chromatography with positive ion atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) coupled to tandem mass spectrometric detection (LC/MS/MS) was developed for the determination of all-trans-4-oxo-retinoic acid (at4oxoRA), 13-cis-4-oxo-retinoic acid (13c4oxoRA), 13-cis-retinoic acid (13cRA), all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA) and all-trans-retinol (atROH) in human plasma. A stable isotope of atRA was used as internal standard (IS). The analytes and IS were isolated from 100 microL plasma by acetonitrile mono-phase extraction (MPE) performed in black 96-well microtiterplates. A 100 microL injection was focused on-column and chromatographed on an Agilent ZORBAX SB-C18 rapid-resolution high-throughput (RRHT) column with 1.8-microm particles (4.6 mmx50 mm) maintained at 60 degrees C. The initial mobile phase composition was acetonitrile/water/formic acid (10:90:0.1, v/v/v) delivered at 1.8 mL/min. Elution was accomplished by a fast gradient to acetonitrile/methanol/formic acid (90:10:0.1, v/v/v). The method had a chromatographic total run time of 7 min. An Applied Biosystems 4000 Q TRAP linear tandem mass spectrometer equipped with a heated nebulizer (APCI) ionization source was operated in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with the precursor-to-product ion transitions m/z 315.4-->297 (4-oxo-retinoic acids), 301.2-->205 (retinoic acids), 305.0-->209 (IS) and 269.2-->93 (retinol) used for quantification. The assay was fully validated and found to have acceptable accuracy, precision, linearity, sensitivity and selectivity. The mean extraction recoveries from spiked plasma samples were 80-105% for the various retinoids at three different levels. The intra-day accuracy of the assay was within 8% of nominal and intra-day precision was better than 8% coefficient of variance (CV) for retinoic acids. Inter-day precision results for quality control samples run over a 12-day period alongside clinical samples

  10. Effect of teaching with or without mirror on balance in young female ballet students

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background In literature there is a general consensus that the use of the mirror improves proprioception. During rehabilitation the mirror is an important instrument to improve stability. In some sports, such as dancing, mirrors are widely used during training. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of a mirror on balance in young dancers. Sixty-four young dancers (ranging from 9–10 years) were included in this study. Thirty-two attending lessons with a mirror (mirror- group) were compared to 32 young dancers that attended the same lessons without a mirror (non-mirror group). Balance was evaluated by BESS (Balance Error Scoring System), which consists of three stances (double limb, single limb, and tandem) on two surfaces (firm and foam). The errors were assessed at each stance and summed to create the two subtotal scores (firm and foam surface) and the final total score (BESS). The BESS was performed at recruitment (T0) and after 6 months of dance lessons (T1). Results The repeated measures ANOVA analysis showed that for the BESS total score there is a difference due to the time (F = 3.86; p < 0.05). No other differences due to the group or to the time of measurement were found (p > 0.05). The analysis of the multiple regression model showed the influence of the values at T0 for every BESS items and the dominance of limb for stability on an unstable surface standing on one or two legs. Conclusions These preliminary results suggest that the use of a mirror in a ballet classroom does not improve balance acquisition of the dancer. On the other hand, improvement found after 6 months confirms that at the age of the dancers studied motor skills and balance can easily be trained and improved. PMID:24996519

  11. Effect of teaching with or without mirror on balance in young female ballet students.

    PubMed

    Notarnicola, Angela; Maccagnano, Giuseppe; Pesce, Vito; Di Pierro, Silvia; Tafuri, Silvio; Moretti, Biagio

    2014-07-04

    In literature there is a general consensus that the use of the mirror improves proprioception. During rehabilitation the mirror is an important instrument to improve stability. In some sports, such as dancing, mirrors are widely used during training. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of a mirror on balance in young dancers. Sixty-four young dancers (ranging from 9-10 years) were included in this study. Thirty-two attending lessons with a mirror (mirror- group) were compared to 32 young dancers that attended the same lessons without a mirror (non-mirror group). Balance was evaluated by BESS (Balance Error Scoring System), which consists of three stances (double limb, single limb, and tandem) on two surfaces (firm and foam). The errors were assessed at each stance and summed to create the two subtotal scores (firm and foam surface) and the final total score (BESS). The BESS was performed at recruitment (T0) and after 6 months of dance lessons (T1). The repeated measures ANOVA analysis showed that for the BESS total score there is a difference due to the time (F = 3.86; p < 0.05). No other differences due to the group or to the time of measurement were found (p > 0.05). The analysis of the multiple regression model showed the influence of the values at T0 for every BESS items and the dominance of limb for stability on an unstable surface standing on one or two legs. These preliminary results suggest that the use of a mirror in a ballet classroom does not improve balance acquisition of the dancer. On the other hand, improvement found after 6 months confirms that at the age of the dancers studied motor skills and balance can easily be trained and improved.

  12. Advanced astigmatism-corrected tandem Wadsworth mounting for small-scale spectral broadband imaging spectrometer.

    PubMed

    Lei, Yu; Lin, Guan-yu

    2013-01-01

    Tandem gratings of double-dispersion mount make it possible to design an imaging spectrometer for the weak light observation with high spatial resolution, high spectral resolution, and high optical transmission efficiency. The traditional tandem Wadsworth mounting is originally designed to match the coaxial telescope and large-scale imaging spectrometer. When it is used to connect the off-axis telescope such as off-axis parabolic mirror, it presents lower imaging quality than to connect the coaxial telescope. It may also introduce interference among the detector and the optical elements as it is applied to the short focal length and small-scale spectrometer in a close volume by satellite. An advanced tandem Wadsworth mounting has been investigated to deal with the situation. The Wadsworth astigmatism-corrected mounting condition for which is expressed as the distance between the second concave grating and the imaging plane is calculated. Then the optimum arrangement for the first plane grating and the second concave grating, which make the anterior Wadsworth condition fulfilling each wavelength, is analyzed by the geometric and first order differential calculation. These two arrangements comprise the advanced Wadsworth mounting condition. The spectral resolution has also been calculated by these conditions. An example designed by the optimum theory proves that the advanced tandem Wadsworth mounting performs excellently in spectral broadband.

  13. A mechanism for pressure anisotropy and mirror instability in the dayside magnetosheath

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Crooker, N.U.; Siscoe, G.L.

    1977-01-01

    The plasma in the dayside magnetosheaht exhibits a persistent pressure anisotropy in the sense p/sub perpendicular/>p/sub parallel/. A likely source for this anisotropy is the effect of field compression and plasma depletion along field lines as magnetosheath plasma flows toward the magnetopause. The model of Zwan and Wolf describing this effect for the case of isotropic pressure is combined with the double-adiabatic fluid equations to predict the behavior of the anisotropic pressure. For a fluid element following a streamline inward from the bow shock, we find theoretical pressure anisotropies of magnitude large enough to trigger the mirror instability over mostmore » of the dayside magnetosheath. These findings are supported by the observations of Kaufmann et al. of large-amplitude hydromagnetic waves in the inner magnetosheath believed to be generated by the mirror instability. (AIP)« less

  14. Development and validation of amitriptyline and its metabolite in human plasma by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and its application to a bioequivalence study.

    PubMed

    Bhatt, Mitesh; Shah, Sanjay

    2010-11-01

    A method based on ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) in combination with solid-phase extraction for sample pretreatment has been developed for the simultaneous analysis of amitriptyline and its main metabolite in human plasma. The extraction of the analytes from plasma samples was carried out by means of a selective SPE procedure using hydrophilic-lipophilic balance cartridges. The assay involves a simple solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure of 0.2 mL of human plasma and analysis was performed on a triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer by multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) mode via electrospray ionization (ESI). The standard calibration curve was linear over the ranges 0.370-95.539 ng/mL for amitriptyline and 0.365-94.374 ng/mL for nortriptyline, expressed by the linear correlation coefficient r², which was better than 0.995 for both. The intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy of the quality control samples were within 10.0%. The recovery was 85.3, 88.4 and 80.7% for amitriptyline, nortriptyline and doxepin respectively. Total run time was 1.2 min only for each sample, which makes it possible to analyze more than 400 samples per day. The method was highly reproducible and gave peaks with excellent chromatography properties. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  15. 47 CFR 69.111 - Tandem-switched transport and tandem charge.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 47 Telecommunication 3 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Tandem-switched transport and tandem charge. 69... SERVICES (CONTINUED) ACCESS CHARGES Computation of Charges § 69.111 Tandem-switched transport and tandem...-switched transport shall consist of two rate elements, a transmission charge and a tandem switching charge...

  16. Quantitation of slow release triptorelin in beagle dog plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Han, Jiangbin; Sun, Jiye; Sha, Chunjie; Zhang, Jinfeng; Gai, Yunyun; Li, Youxin; Liu, Wanhui

    2012-07-01

    A sensitive method based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry has been developed for the determination of triptorelin levels in beagle dog plasma. Plasma samples were applied to Oasis(®) HLB solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. Extracted samples were evaporated under a stream of nitrogen and then reconstituted with 100 μl methanol:water:formic acid (60:40:0.08, v/v/v). The separation was achieved on a Venusil MP-C18 column (2.1 mm × 50 mm, 3 μm, Agela) with a gradient elution. Detection utilized a Qtrap5500 system operated in the positive ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring of the analyte at m/z 656.5→249.1 and of the I.S. at m/z 510.8→120.1. The proposed method was validated by assessing the specificity, linearity, precision and accuracy, recovery, matrix effects, and stability. Linear calibration curves were obtained in the concentration range of 0.01-10 ng/ml (the correlation coefficients were above 0.995). The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of the method was 0.01 ng/ml. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of a slow release triptorelin formulation in beagle dogs following a single intramuscular injection. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Determination of L-ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and caffeine in rat plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Cooper, Stephen D; Fletcher, Brenda L; Silinski, Melanie A Rehder; Brown, Sherri S; Lodge, Jon W; Fernando, Reshan A; Collins, Bradley J

    2011-07-01

    A rapid and simple liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of L-ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and caffeine in male Fisher-344 rat plasma at nanogram-per-milliliter concentrations for use in support of toxicology studies. Only 25 μL of plasma is required, and extraction is performed using a simple, single-step protein precipitation. The method was validated over a range of 2.09 to 5460 ng/mL for L-ephedrine, 2.09 to 5050 ng/mL for pseudoephedrine and 2.03 to 5340 ng/mL for caffeine. A binary gradient elution at 0.3 mL/min was used with a Waters XBridge Phenyl (2.1 × 150 mm, 3.5 μm) column and a Waters XBridge Phenyl 2.1- × 10-mm guard column at ambient temperature. The mobile phase consisted of 10 mM ammonium acetate in water (pH 5.0) and methanol. Caffeine trimethyl-(13)C(3) was used as the internal standard. The method was evaluated for linearity, recovery, precision, accuracy, and stability, and it was successfully applied in toxicokinetic studies of ephedrine, administered alone, in combination with caffeine, and in the herbal source Ma Huang.

  18. Laser Plasma Soft X-ray Microscope with Wolter Mirrors for Observation of Biological Specimens in Air

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hoshino, Masato; Aoki, Sadao

    2006-02-01

    A laser plasma soft X-ray microscope with Wolter mirrors was developed so that specimens could be set in the atmosphere. Silicon nitride membranes 100 nm thick were used as vacuum-tight windows. Using relatively large windows (0.46× 0.46 mm2), an adequate working distance for samples, which was approximately 1.2 mm, was assured. The endurance of the vacuum-tight window was measured briefly. Dry biological cells could be observed with resolution better than 100 nm. A preliminary observation of wet biological cells was carried out using a wet environmental sample holder which was composed of only two sheets of silicon nitride membrane. An X-ray micrograph of wet red blood cells from a chicken was obtained without apparent effects of radiation damage. The properties of a vacuum-tight window and a wet sample holder are discussed.

  19. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry assay to determine the pharmacokinetics of aildenafil in human plasma.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jiang; Jiang, Yao; Wang, Yingwu; Zhao, Xia; Cui, Yimin; Gu, Jingkai

    2007-05-09

    A simple, sensitive and specific liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitation of aildenafil, a new phosphodiesterase V inhibitor, in human plasma is presented. The analyte and internal standard, sildenafil, were extracted by a one-step liquid-liquid extraction in alkaline conditions and separated on a C(18) column using ammonia:10mM ammonium acetate buffer:methanol (0.1:15:85, v/v/v) as the mobile phase. The detection by an API 4000 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer in multiple-reaction monitoring mode was completed within 2.5 min. The calibration curve exhibited a linear dynamic range of 0.05-100 ng/ml with a 10 pg/ml limit of detection. The intra- and inter-day precisions measured as relative standard deviation were within 8.04% and 5.72%, respectively. This method has been used in a pharmacokinetic study of aildenafil in healthy male volunteers each given an oral administration of one of the three dosages.

  20. Validated Method for the Quantification of Baclofen in Human Plasma Using Solid-Phase Extraction and Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

    PubMed Central

    Nahar, Limon Khatun; Cordero, Rosa Elena; Nutt, David; Lingford-Hughes, Anne; Turton, Samuel; Durant, Claire; Wilson, Sue; Paterson, Sue

    2016-01-01

    Abstract A highly sensitive and fully validated method was developed for the quantification of baclofen in human plasma. After adjusting the pH of the plasma samples using a phosphate buffer solution (pH 4), baclofen was purified using mixed mode (C8/cation exchange) solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. Endogenous water-soluble compounds and lipids were removed from the cartridges before the samples were eluted and concentrated. The samples were analyzed using triple-quadrupole liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS-MS) with triggered dynamic multiple reaction monitoring mode for simultaneous quantification and confirmation. The assay was linear from 25 to 1,000 ng/mL (r2 > 0.999; n = 6). Intraday (n = 6) and interday (n = 15) imprecisions (% relative standard deviation) were <5%, and the average recovery was 30%. The limit of detection of the method was 5 ng/mL, and the limit of quantification was 25 ng/mL. Plasma samples from healthy male volunteers (n = 9, median age: 22) given two single oral doses of baclofen (10 and 60 mg) on nonconsecutive days were analyzed to demonstrate method applicability. PMID:26538544

  1. Determination of triapine, a ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor, in human plasma by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Feng, Ye; Kunos, Charles A; Xu, Yan

    2015-09-01

    Triapine is an inhibitor of ribonucleotide reductase (RNR). Studies have shown that triapine significantly decreases the activity of RNR and enhanced the radiation-mediated cytotoxicity in cervical and colon cancer. In this work, we have developed and validated a selective and sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the determination of triapine in human plasma. In this method, 2-[(3-fluoro-2-pyridinyl)methylene] hydrazinecarbothioamide (NSC 266749) was used as the internal standard (IS); plasma samples were prepared by deproteinization with acetonitrile; tripaine and the IS were separated on a Waters Xbridge Shield RP18 column (3.5 µm; 2.1 × 50 mm) using a mobile phase containing 25.0% methanol and 75.0% ammonium bicarbonate buffer (10.0 mM, pH 8.50; v/v); column eluate was monitored by positive turbo-ionspray tandem mass spectrometry; and quantitation of triapine was carried out in multiple-reaction-monitoring mode. The method developed had a linear calibration range of 0.250-50.0 ng/mL with correlation coefficient of 0.999 for triapine in human plasma. The IS-normalized recovery and the IS-normalized matrix factor of triapine were 101-104% and 0.89-1.05, respectively. The accuracy expressed as percentage error and precision expressed as coefficient of variation were ≤±6 and ≤8%, respectively. The validated LC-MS/MS method was applied to the measurement of triapine in patient samples from a phase I clinical trial. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  2. Determination of total and unbound concentrations of lopinavir in plasma using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and ultrafiltration methods.

    PubMed

    Illamola, S M; Labat, L; Benaboud, S; Tubiana, R; Warszawski, J; Tréluyer, J M; Hirt, D

    2014-08-15

    Lopinavir is an HIV protease inhibitor with high protein binding (98-99%) in human plasma. This study was designed to develop an ultrafiltration method to measure the unbound concentrations of lopinavir overcoming the non-specific binding issue. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination of total concentrations of lopinavir in plasma was developed and validated, and an adaptation was also optimized and validated for the determination of unbound concentrations. The chromatographic separation was performed with a C18 column (100 mm × 2.1mm i.d., 5 μm particle size) using a mobile phase containing deionized water with formic acid, and acetonitrile, with gradient elution at a flow-rate of 350 μL min(-1). Identification of the compounds was performed by multiple reaction monitoring, using electrospray ionization in positive ion mode. The method was validated over a clinical range of 0.01-1 μg/mL for human plasma ultrafiltrate and 0.1-15 μg/mL in human plasma. The inter and intra-assay accuracies and precisions were between 0.23% and 11.37% for total lopinavir concentrations, and between 3.50% and 13.30% for plasma ultrafiltrate (unbound concentration). The ultrafiltration method described allows an accurate separation of the unbound fraction of lopinavir, circumscribing the loss of drug by nonspecific binding (NSB), and the validated LC-MS/MS methodology proposed is suitable for the determination of total and unbound concentrations of lopinavir in clinical practice. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Novel rapid liquid chromatography tandem masspectrometry method for vemurafenib and metabolites in human plasma, including metabolite concentrations at steady state.

    PubMed

    Vikingsson, Svante; Strömqvist, Malin; Svedberg, Anna; Hansson, Johan; Höiom, Veronica; Gréen, Henrik

    2016-08-01

    A novel, rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry method for quantification of vemurafenib in human plasma, that also for the first time allows for metabolite semi-quantification, was developed and validated to support clinical trials and therapeutic drug monitoring. Vemurafenib was analysed by precipitation with methanol followed by a 1.9 min isocratic liquid chromatography tandem masspectrometry analysis using an Acquity BEH C18 column with methanol and formic acid using isotope labelled internal standards. Analytes were detected in multireaction monitoring mode on a Xevo TQ. Semi-quantification of vemurafenib metabolites was performed using the same analytical system and sample preparation with gradient elution. The vemurafenib method was successfully validated in the range 0.5-100 μg/mL according to international guidelines. The metabolite method was partially validated owing to the lack of commercially available reference materials. For the first time concentration levels at steady state for melanoma patients treated with vemurafenib is presented. The low abundance of vemurafenib metabolites suggests that they lack clinical significance. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  4. Clonazepam quantification in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry in a bioequivalence study.

    PubMed

    Cavedal, Luiz E; Mendes, Fabiana D; Domingues, Claudia C; Patni, Anil K; Monif, Tausif; Reyar, Simrit; Pereira, Alberto Dos S; Mendes, Gustavo D; De Nucci, Gilberto

    2007-01-01

    A rapid, sensitive and specific method for quantifying clonazepam in human plasma using diazepam as the internal standard (IS) is described. The analyte and the IS were extracted from plasma by liquid-liquid extraction using a hexane/diethylether (20 : 80, v/v) solution. The extracts were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS-MS). Chromatography was performed on a Jones Genesis C8 4 microm analytical column (100 x 2.1 mm i.d.). The method had a chromatographic run time of 3.0 min and a linear calibration curve over the range 0.5-50 ng/ml (r2 > 0.9965). The limit of quantification was 0.5 ng/ml. This HPLC/MS/MS procedure was used to assess the bioequivalence of two clonazepam 2 mg tablet formulations (clonazepam test formulation from Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd and Rivotril from Roche Laboratórios Ltda as standard reference formulation). Copyright 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  5. Simultaneous quantitation of acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel along with their metabolites in human plasma using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Chhonker, Yashpal S; Pandey, Chandra P; Chandasana, Hardik; Laxman, Tulsankar Sachin; Prasad, Yarra Durga; Narain, V S; Dikshit, Madhu; Bhatta, Rabi S

    2016-03-01

    The interest in therapeutic drug monitoring has increased over the last few years. Inter- and intra-patient variability in pharmacokinetics, plasma concentration related toxicity and success of therapy have stressed the need of frequent therapeutic drug monitoring of the drugs. A sensitive, selective and rapid liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), salicylic acid, clopidogrel and carboxylic acid metabolite of clopidogrel in human plasma. The chromatographic separations were achieved on Waters Symmetry Shield(TM) C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) using 3.5 mm ammonium acetate (pH 3.5)-acetonitrile (10:90, v/v) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.75 mL/min. The present method was successfully applied for therapeutic drug monitoring of aspirin and clopidogrel in 67 patients with coronary artery disease. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  6. Mirror agnosia and the mirrored-self misidentification delusion: a hypnotic analogue.

    PubMed

    Connors, Michael H; Cox, Rochelle E; Barnier, Amanda J; Langdon, Robyn; Coltheart, Max

    2012-05-01

    Mirrored-self misidentification is the delusional belief that one's reflection in the mirror is a stranger. Current theories suggest that one pathway to the delusion is mirror agnosia (a deficit in which patients are unable to use mirror knowledge when interacting with mirrors). This study examined whether a hypnotic suggestion for mirror agnosia can recreate features of the delusion. Ten high hypnotisable participants were given either a suggestion to not understand mirrors or to see the mirror as a window. Participants were asked to look into a mirror and describe what they saw. Participants were tested on their understanding of mirrors and received a series of challenges. Participants then received a detailed postexperimental inquiry. Three of five participants given the suggestion to not understand mirrors reported seeing a stranger and maintained this belief when challenged. These participants also showed signs of mirror agnosia. No participants given the suggestion to see a window reported seeing a stranger. Results indicate that a hypnotic suggestion for mirror agnosia can be used to recreate the mirrored-self misidentification delusion. Factors influencing the effectiveness of hypnotic analogues of psychopathology, such as participants' expectations and interpretations, are discussed.

  7. Simultaneous high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS-MS) analysis of cyanide and thiocyanate from swine plasma.

    PubMed

    Bhandari, Raj K; Manandhar, Erica; Oda, Robert P; Rockwood, Gary A; Logue, Brian A

    2014-01-01

    An analytical procedure for the simultaneous determination of cyanide and thiocyanate in swine plasma was developed and validated. Cyanide and thiocyanate were simultaneously analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in negative ionization mode after rapid and simple sample preparation. Isotopically labeled internal standards, Na(13)C(15)N and NaS(13)C(15)N, were mixed with swine plasma (spiked and nonspiked), proteins were precipitated with acetone, the samples were centrifuged, and the supernatant was removed and dried. The dried samples were reconstituted in 10 mM ammonium formate. Cyanide was reacted with naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde and taurine to form N-substituted 1-cyano[f]benzoisoindole, while thiocyanate was chemically modified with monobromobimane to form an SCN-bimane product. The method produced dynamic ranges of 0.1-50 and 0.2-50 μM for cyanide and thiocyanate, respectively, with limits of detection of 10 nM for cyanide and 50 nM for thiocyanate. For quality control standards, the precision, as measured by percent relative standard deviation, was below 8 %, and the accuracy was within ±10 % of the nominal concentration. Following validation, the analytical procedure successfully detected cyanide and thiocyanate simultaneously from the plasma of cyanide-exposed swine.

  8. Timecourse of mirror and counter-mirror effects measured with transcranial magnetic stimulation

    PubMed Central

    Cavallo, Andrea; Heyes, Cecilia; Becchio, Cristina; Bird, Geoffrey

    2014-01-01

    The human mirror system has been the subject of much research over the past two decades, but little is known about the timecourse of mirror responses. In addition, it is unclear whether mirror and counter-mirror effects follow the same timecourse. We used single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation to investigate the timecourse of mirror and counter-mirror responses in the human brain. Experiment 1 demonstrated that mirror responses can be measured from around 200 ms after observed action onset. Experiment 2 demonstrated significant effects of counter-mirror sensorimotor training at all timepoints at which a mirror response was found in Experiment 1 (i.e. from 200 ms onward), indicating that mirror and counter-mirror responses follow the same timecourse. By suggesting similarly direct routes for mirror and counter-mirror responses, these results support the associative account of mirror neuron origins whereby mirror responses arise as a result of correlated sensorimotor experience during development. More generally, they contribute to theorizing regarding mirror neuron function by providing some constraints on how quickly mirror responses can influence social cognition. PMID:23709352

  9. Research on stellarator-mirror fission-fusion hybrid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moiseenko, V. E.; Kotenko, V. G.; Chernitskiy, S. V.; Nemov, V. V.; Ågren, O.; Noack, K.; Kalyuzhnyi, V. N.; Hagnestål, A.; Källne, J.; Voitsenya, V. S.; Garkusha, I. E.

    2014-09-01

    The development of a stellarator-mirror fission-fusion hybrid concept is reviewed. The hybrid comprises of a fusion neutron source and a powerful sub-critical fast fission reactor core. The aim is the transmutation of spent nuclear fuel and safe fission energy production. In its fusion part, neutrons are generated in deuterium-tritium (D-T) plasma, confined magnetically in a stellarator-type system with an embedded magnetic mirror. Based on kinetic calculations, the energy balance for such a system is analyzed. Neutron calculations have been performed with the MCNPX code, and the principal design of the reactor part is developed. Neutron outflux at different outer parts of the reactor is calculated. Numerical simulations have been performed on the structure of a magnetic field in a model of the stellarator-mirror device, and that is achieved by switching off one or two coils of toroidal field in the Uragan-2M torsatron. The calculations predict the existence of closed magnetic surfaces under certain conditions. The confinement of fast particles in such a magnetic trap is analyzed.

  10. Alternative approaches to plasma confinement

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Roth, J. R.

    1978-01-01

    The paper discusses 20 plasma confinement schemes each representing an alternative to the tokamak fusion reactor. Attention is given to: (1) tokamak-like devices (TORMAC, Topolotron, and the Extrap concept), (2) stellarator-like devices (Torsatron and twisted-coil stellarators), (3) mirror machines (Astron and reversed-field devices, the 2XII B experiment, laser-heated solenoids, the LITE experiment, the Kaktus-Surmac concept), (4) bumpy tori (hot electron bumpy torus, toroidal minimum-B configurations), (5) electrostatically assisted confinement (electrostatically stuffed cusps and mirrors, electrostatically assisted toroidal confinement), (6) the Migma concept, and (7) wall-confined plasmas. The plasma parameters of the devices are presented and the advantages and disadvantages of each are listed.

  11. Chiral mirrors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Plum, Eric, E-mail: erp@orc.soton.ac.uk; Zheludev, Nikolay I., E-mail: niz@orc.soton.ac.uk; The Photonics Institute and Centre for Disruptive Photonic Technologies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637378

    2015-06-01

    Mirrors are used in telescopes, microscopes, photo cameras, lasers, satellite dishes, and everywhere else, where redirection of electromagnetic radiation is required making them arguably the most important optical component. While conventional isotropic mirrors will reflect linear polarizations without change, the handedness of circularly polarized waves is reversed upon reflection. Here, we demonstrate a type of mirror reflecting one circular polarization without changing its handedness, while absorbing the other. The polarization-preserving mirror consists of a planar metasurface with a subwavelength pattern that cannot be superimposed with its mirror image without being lifted out of its plane, and a conventional mirror spacedmore » by a fraction of the wavelength from the metasurface. Such mirrors enable circularly polarized lasers and Fabry-Pérot cavities with enhanced tunability, gyroscopic applications, polarization-sensitive detectors of electromagnetic waves, and can be used to enhance spectroscopies of chiral media.« less

  12. Timecourse of mirror and counter-mirror effects measured with transcranial magnetic stimulation.

    PubMed

    Cavallo, Andrea; Heyes, Cecilia; Becchio, Cristina; Bird, Geoffrey; Catmur, Caroline

    2014-08-01

    The human mirror system has been the subject of much research over the past two decades, but little is known about the timecourse of mirror responses. In addition, it is unclear whether mirror and counter-mirror effects follow the same timecourse. We used single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation to investigate the timecourse of mirror and counter-mirror responses in the human brain. Experiment 1 demonstrated that mirror responses can be measured from around 200 ms after observed action onset. Experiment 2 demonstrated significant effects of counter-mirror sensorimotor training at all timepoints at which a mirror response was found in Experiment 1 (i.e. from 200 ms onward), indicating that mirror and counter-mirror responses follow the same timecourse. By suggesting similarly direct routes for mirror and counter-mirror responses, these results support the associative account of mirror neuron origins whereby mirror responses arise as a result of correlated sensorimotor experience during development. More generally, they contribute to theorizing regarding mirror neuron function by providing some constraints on how quickly mirror responses can influence social cognition. © The Author (2013). Published by Oxford University Press. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  13. Virtual Mirrors

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Greenslade, Thomas B., Jr.

    2010-01-01

    The multiple-reflection photograph in Fig. 1 was taken in an elevator on board the cruise ship Norwegian Jade in March 2008. Three of the four walls of the elevator were mirrored, allowing me to see the combination of two standard arrangements of plane mirrors: two mirrors set at 90 degrees to each other and two parallel mirrors. Optical phenomena…

  14. Reliable and sensitive determination of dutasteride in human plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Contractor, Pritesh; Kurani, Hemal; Guttikar, Swati; Shrivastav, Pranav S

    2013-09-01

    An accurate and precise method was developed and validated using LC-MS/MS to quantify dutasteride in human plasma. The analyte and dutasteride-13C6 as internal standard (IS) were extracted from 300 μL plasma volume using methyl tert-butyl ether-n-hexane (80:20, v/v). Chromatographic analysis was performed on a Gemini C18 (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) column using acetonitrile-5 mm ammonium formate, pH adjusted to 4.0 with formic acid (85:15, v/v) as the mobile phase. Tandem mass spectrometry in positive ionization mode was used to quantify dutasteride by multiple reaction monitoring. The entire data processing was done using Watson LIMS(TM) software, which provided excellent data integrity and high throughput with improved operational efficiency. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.1-25 ng/mL, with intra-and inter-batch values for accuracy and precision (coefficient of variation) ranging from 95.8 to 104.0 and from 0.7 to 5.3%, respectively. The mean overall recovery across quality controls was ≥95% for the analyte and IS, while the interference of matrix expressed as IS-normalized matrix factors ranged from 1.01 to 1.02. The method was successfully applied to support a bioequivalence study of 0.5 mg dutasteride capsules in 24 healthy subjects. Assay reproducibility was demonstrated by reanalysis of 103 incurred samples. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  15. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pflaster, Gail

    1979-01-01

    The study determined the value of using a mirror for speech teaching by recording manner, place, voicing, and blend errors produced by 27 hearing-impaired children (5-13 years old) while imitating consonant-vowel syllables under three conditions (audition alone, audition plus direct vision, and audition plus vision using a mirror). (Author)

  16. Measurement of neosaxitoxin in human plasma using liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry: Proof of concept for a pharmacokinetic application.

    PubMed

    Peake, Roy W A; Zhang, Victoria Y; Azcue, Nina; Hartigan, Christina E; Shkreta, Aida; Prabhakara, Jasmina; Berde, Charles B; Kellogg, Mark D

    2016-11-15

    Neosaxitoxin, a member of the saxitoxin family of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins, has shown potential as an effective, long-acting, anesthetic. We describe the development and validation of a highly sensitive method for measurement of neosaxitoxin in human plasma using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and provide evidence for its use in a human pharmacokinetic study. Samples were prepared using cation exchange solid phase extraction followed by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and MS/MS detection in positive electrospray ionization mode. Multiple reaction monitoring was used to monitor neosaxitoxin (m/z 316.17>220.07) and the internal standard analogue decarbamoylneosaxitoxin (m/z 273.12>180.00). The method was validated for lower limit of quantification, precision, accuracy, linearity and matrix effect. The stability of neosaxitoxin in plasma matrix at various storage conditions was also investigated. Standard curves for calibration were linear (r>0.995) across the assay calibration range, 10 to 1000pg/mL. The analytical measurable range of the assay was 10-10,000pg/mL in plasma matrix. This method has demonstrated excellent sensitivity demonstrating a lower limit of quantification in human plasma of 10pg/mL. The mean, inter-batch variation was <5.2% across the concentration range 30 to 800pg/mL. This method was successfully used in a phase 1 trial to investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of neosaxitoxin in humans following the intravenous administration of the drug at a range of doses up to 40μg. We conclude that our high-sensitivity method for measurement of neosaxitoxin in human plasma is capable of supporting future clinical trials. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Chinese "Magic" Mirrors.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Swinson, Derek B.

    1992-01-01

    Chinese "magic" mirrors are made from bronze with the front side a mirror and the reverse side a molded image. When light is reflected from the mirror,the image on the reverse side appears. Discusses reflections of conventional mirrors, possible explanations for the magic mirror phenomenon, and applications of the phenomenon to…

  18. Cleaning of first mirrors in ITER by means of radio frequency discharges.

    PubMed

    Leipold, F; Reichle, R; Vorpahl, C; Mukhin, E E; Dmitriev, A M; Razdobarin, A G; Samsonov, D S; Marot, L; Moser, L; Steiner, R; Meyer, E

    2016-11-01

    First mirrors of optical diagnostics in ITER are subject to charge exchange fluxes of Be, W, and potentially other elements. This may degrade the optical performance significantly via erosion or deposition. In order to restore reflectivity, cleaning by applying radio frequency (RF) power to the mirror itself and thus creating a discharge in front of the mirror will be used. The plasma generated in front of the mirror surface sputters off deposition, restoring its reflectivity. Although the functionality of such a mirror cleaning technique is proven in laboratory experiments, the technical implementation in ITER revealed obstacles which needs to be overcome: Since the discharge as an RF load in general is not very well matched to the power generator and transmission line, power reflections will occur leading to a thermal load of the cable. Its implementation for ITER requires additional R&D. This includes the design of mirrors as RF electrodes, as well as feeders and matching networks inside the vacuum vessel. Mitigation solutions will be evaluated and discussed. Furthermore, technical obstacles (i.e., cooling water pipes for the mirrors) need to be solved. Since cooling water lines are usually on ground potential at the feed through of the vacuum vessel, a solution to decouple the ground potential from the mirror would be a major simplification. Such a solution will be presented.

  19. A high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method coupled with protein precipitation for determination of granisetron in human plasma and its application to a comparative pharmacokinetic study.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Ying; Jiang, Ji; Hu, Pei; Wang, Hongyun

    2014-12-01

    A rapid, simple and validated method based on liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has been developed for the determination of granisetron in human plasma. Plasma samples were pre-purified by protein precipitation procedure. The chromatographic separation was achieved with Synergi Polar-RP (75 × 2 mm, 4 µm) column using a mixture of 5 mm pH4.0 ammonium formate and methanol (300:316, v/v) under isocratic conditions at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The detection was performed on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer in multiple reaction monitoring mode using positive electrospray ionization. The analysis time was about 2.5 min. The method was fully validated over the concentration range 0.1-10 ng/mL. The lower limit of quantification was 0.1 ng/mL. Inter- and intra-batch precision was <6.1% and the accuracy was within 95.6-100.0%. The mean extraction recovery was 96.3%. Selectivity, matrix effect and stability were also validated. The method was applied to the comparative pharmacokinetic study of granisetron in Chinese healthy subjects. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  20. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric assay for the T790M mutant EGFR inhibitor osimertinib (AZD9291) in human plasma.

    PubMed

    Rood, Johannes J M; van Bussel, Mark T J; Schellens, Jan H M; Beijnen, Jos H; Sparidans, Rolf W

    2016-09-15

    A method for the quantitative analysis by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry of the highly selective irreversible covalent inhibitor of EGFR-TK, osimertinib in human plasma was developed and validated, using pazopanib as an internal standard. The validation was performed in a range from 1 to 1000ng/ml, with the lowest level corresponding to the lower limit of quantitation. Gradient elution was performed on a 1.8μm particle trifunctional bonded C18 column by 1% (v/v) formic acid in water, and acetonitrile as mobile phase. The analyte was detected in the selected reaction monitoring mode of a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer after positive ionization with the heated electrospray interface. Within-day precisions ranged from 3.4 to 10.3%, and between-day precisions from 3.8 to 10.4%, accuracies were 95.5-102.8%. Plasma (either lithium heparin or sodium EDTA) pretreatment was performed by salting-out assisted liquid-liquid extraction using acetonitrile and magnesium sulfate. This method was used to analyze the osimertinib blood plasma levels of five adult patients with metastatic T790M mutated non-small cellular lung carcinoma for therapeutic drug monitoring purposes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. A simple and rapid ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method to determine plasma biotin in hemodialysis patients.

    PubMed

    Yagi, Shigeaki; Nishizawa, Manabu; Ando, Itiro; Oguma, Shiro; Sato, Emiko; Imai, Yutaka; Fujiwara, Masako

    2016-08-01

    A simple, rapid, and selective method for determination of plasma biotin was developed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). After single-step protein precipitation with methanol, biotin and stable isotope-labeled biotin as an internal standard (IS) were chromatographed on a pentafluorophenyl stationary-phase column (2.1 × 100 mm, 2.7 μm) under isocratic conditions using 10 mm ammonium formate-acetonitrile (93:7, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. The total chromatographic runtime was 5 min for each injection. Detection was performed in a positive electrospray ionization mode by monitoring selected ion transitions at m/z 245.1/227.0 and 249.1/231.0 for biotin and the IS, respectively. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 0.05-2 ng/mL using 300 μL of plasma. The intra- and inter-day precisions were all <7.1%. The accuracy varied from -0.7 to 8.2%. The developed UHPLC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to determine plasma biotin concentrations in hemodialysis patients. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  2. Validated Method for the Quantification of Baclofen in Human Plasma Using Solid-Phase Extraction and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Nahar, Limon Khatun; Cordero, Rosa Elena; Nutt, David; Lingford-Hughes, Anne; Turton, Samuel; Durant, Claire; Wilson, Sue; Paterson, Sue

    2016-03-01

    A highly sensitive and fully validated method was developed for the quantification of baclofen in human plasma. After adjusting the pH of the plasma samples using a phosphate buffer solution (pH 4), baclofen was purified using mixed mode (C8/cation exchange) solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. Endogenous water-soluble compounds and lipids were removed from the cartridges before the samples were eluted and concentrated. The samples were analyzed using triple-quadrupole liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) with triggered dynamic multiple reaction monitoring mode for simultaneous quantification and confirmation. The assay was linear from 25 to 1,000 ng/mL (r(2) > 0.999; n = 6). Intraday (n = 6) and interday (n = 15) imprecisions (% relative standard deviation) were <5%, and the average recovery was 30%. The limit of detection of the method was 5 ng/mL, and the limit of quantification was 25 ng/mL. Plasma samples from healthy male volunteers (n = 9, median age: 22) given two single oral doses of baclofen (10 and 60 mg) on nonconsecutive days were analyzed to demonstrate method applicability. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  3. The hybrid reactor project based on the straight field line mirror concept

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ågren, O.; Noack, K.; Moiseenko, V. E.; Hagnestâl, A.; Källne, J.; Anglart, H.

    2012-06-01

    The straight field line mirror (SFLM) concept is aiming towards a steady-state compact fusion neutron source. Besides the possibility for steady state operation for a year or more, the geometry is chosen to avoid high loads on materials and plasma facing components. A comparatively small fusion hybrid device with "semi-poor" plasma confinement (with a low fusion Q factor) may be developed for industrial transmutation and energy production from spent nuclear fuel. This opportunity arises from a large fission to fusion energy multiplication ratio, Qr = Pfis/Pfus>>1. The upper bound on Qr is primarily determined by geometry and reactor safety. For the SFLM, the upper bound is Qr≈150, corresponding to a neutron multiplicity of keff=0.97. Power production in a mirror hybrid is predicted for a substantially lower electron temperature than the requirement Te≈10 keV for a fusion reactor. Power production in the SFLM seems possible with Q≈0.15, which is 10 times lower than typically anticipated for hybrids (and 100 times smaller than required for a fusion reactor). This relaxes plasma confinement demands, and broadens the range for use of plasmas with supra-thermal ions in hybrid reactors. The SFLM concept is based on a mirror machine stabilized by qudrupolar magnetic fields and large expander tanks beyond the confinement region. The purpose of the expander tanks is to distribute axial plasma loss flow over a sufficiently large area so that the receiving plates can withstand the heat. Plasma stability is not relying on a plasma flow into the expander regions. With a suppressed plasma flow into the expander tanks, a possibility arise for higher electron temperature. A brief presentation will be given on basic theory for the SFLM with plasma stability and electron temperature issues, RF heating computations with sloshing ion formation, neutron transport computations with reactor safety margins and material load estimates, magnetic coil designs as well as a discussion on

  4. Parametric dependence of ion temperature and relative density in the NASA Lewis SUMMA facility. [superconducting magnetic mirror

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Snyder, A.; Lauver, M. R.; Patch, R. W.

    1976-01-01

    Further hot-ion plasma experiments were conducted in the SUMMA superconducting magnetic mirror facility. A steady-state ExB plasma was formed by applying a strong radially inward dc electric field between cylindrical anodes and hollow cathodes located near the magnetic mirror maxima. Extending the use of water cooling to the hollow cathodes, in addition to the anodes, resulted in higher maximum power input to the plasma. Steady-state hydrogen plasmas with ion kinetic temperatures as high as 830 eV were produced. Functional relations were obtained empirically among the plasma current, voltage, magnetic flux density, ion temperature, and relative ion density. The functional relations were deduced by use of a multiple correlation analysis. Data were obtained for midplane magnetic fields from 0.5 to 3.37 tesla and input power up to 45 kW. Also, initial absolute electron density measurements are reported from a 90 deg Thomson scattering laser system.

  5. Topological mirror superconductivity.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Fan; Kane, C L; Mele, E J

    2013-08-02

    We demonstrate the existence of topological superconductors (SCs) protected by mirror and time-reversal symmetries. D-dimensional (D=1, 2, 3) crystalline SCs are characterized by 2(D-1) independent integer topological invariants, which take the form of mirror Berry phases. These invariants determine the distribution of Majorana modes on a mirror symmetric boundary. The parity of total mirror Berry phase is the Z(2) index of a class DIII SC, implying that a DIII topological SC with a mirror line must also be a topological mirror SC but not vice versa and that a DIII SC with a mirror plane is always time-reversal trivial but can be mirror topological. We introduce representative models and suggest experimental signatures in feasible systems. Advances in quantum computing, the case for nodal SCs, the case for class D, and topological SCs protected by rotational symmetries are pointed out.

  6. Liquid-liquid extraction of strongly protein bound BMS-299897 from human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Xue, Y J; Pursley, Janice; Arnold, Mark

    2007-04-11

    BMS-299897 is a gamma-secretase inhibitor that is being developed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), chromatographic/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) methods have been developed and validated for the quantitation of BMS-299897 in human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Both methods utilized (13)C6-BMS-299897, the stable label isotope analog, as the internal standard. For the human plasma extraction method, two incubation steps were required after the addition of 5 mM ammonium acetate and the internal standard in acetonitrile to release the analyte bound to proteins prior to LLE with toluene. For the human CSF extraction method, after the addition of 0.5 N HCl and the internal standard, CSF samples were extracted with toluene and no incubation was required. The organic layers obtained from both extraction methods were removed and evaporated to dryness. The residues were reconstituted and injected into the LC/MS/MS system. Chromatographic separation was achieved isocratically on a MetaChem C18 Hypersil BDS column (2.0 mm x 50 mm, 3 microm). The mobile phase contained 10 mM ammonium acetate pH 5 and acetonitrile. Detection was by negative ion electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. The standard curves ranged from 1 to 1000 ng/ml for human plasma and 0.25-100 ng/ml for human CSF. Both standard curves were fitted to a 1/x weighted quadratic regression model. For both methods, the intra-assay precision was within 8.2% CV, the inter-assay precision was within 5.4% CV, and assay accuracy was within +/-7.4% of the nominal values. The validation and sample analysis results demonstrated that both methods had acceptable precision and accuracy across the calibration ranges.

  7. Material Assessment for ITER's Collective Thomson Scattering first mirror

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Santos, R.; Policarpo, H.; Goncalves, B.

    2015-07-01

    The International Thermonuclear Energy Reactor (ITER) Collective Thomson Scattering (CTS) system is a diagnostic instrument that measures plasma density and velocity through Thomson scattering of microwave radiation. Some of the key components of the CTS are quasi-optical mirrors that are used to produce astigmatic beam patterns, which have impact on the strength and spatial resolution of the diagnostic signal. The mirrors are exposed to neutron radiation, which may alter the quality of the signal received. In this work, three different materials (molybdenum (Mo), stainless steel 316 (SS-316) and tungsten (W)) are considered for the first mirror of the CTS. Themore » objective is to access which of the material studied are best suited for this mirror, considering different neutron radiation loads simulated scenarios defined by ITER, based on the resultant stresses and temperature distributions. For it, the neutron irradiation, and subsequent heat-load on the mirrors are simulated using the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) code. Based on the MCNP heat-load results, transient thermal-structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of the mirror over a 400 s discharge, with and without cooling on the rear side, are conducted using in commercial FEA software ANSYS. Results show that of the tested materials Mo and W are the most suitable material for this application. Even though, this study does not yet consider the variation of the material properties with temperature, it presents a quick initial satisfactory assessment that may be considered in subsequent and more complex analysis. (authors)« less

  8. Mirror man: a case of skilled deliberate mirror writing.

    PubMed

    McIntosh, Robert D; De Lucia, Natascia; Della Sala, Sergio

    2014-01-01

    Mirror writing is a striking behaviour that is common in children and can reemerge in adults following brain damage. Skilled deliberate mirror writing has also been reported, but only anecdotally. We provide the first quantitative study of skilled deliberate mirror writing. K.B. can write forward or backward, vertically upright or inverted, with the hands acting alone or simultaneously. K.B. is predominantly left handed, but writes habitually with his right hand. Of his writing formats, his left hand mirror writing is by far the most similar in style to his normal handwriting. When writing bimanually, he performs better when his two hands make mirror-symmetrical movements to write opposite scripts than if they move in the same direction to write similar scripts. He has no special facility for reading mirrored text. These features are consistent with prior anecdotal cases and support a motor basis for K.B.'s ability, according to which his skilled mirror writing results from the left hand execution of a low-level motor program for a right hand abductive writing action. Our methods offer a novel framework for investigating the sharing of motor representations across effectors.

  9. MR-Tandem: parallel X!Tandem using Hadoop MapReduce on Amazon Web Services.

    PubMed

    Pratt, Brian; Howbert, J Jeffry; Tasman, Natalie I; Nilsson, Erik J

    2012-01-01

    MR-Tandem adapts the popular X!Tandem peptide search engine to work with Hadoop MapReduce for reliable parallel execution of large searches. MR-Tandem runs on any Hadoop cluster but offers special support for Amazon Web Services for creating inexpensive on-demand Hadoop clusters, enabling search volumes that might not otherwise be feasible with the compute resources a researcher has at hand. MR-Tandem is designed to drop in wherever X!Tandem is already in use and requires no modification to existing X!Tandem parameter files, and only minimal modification to X!Tandem-based workflows. MR-Tandem is implemented as a lightly modified X!Tandem C++ executable and a Python script that drives Hadoop clusters including Amazon Web Services (AWS) Elastic Map Reduce (EMR), using the modified X!Tandem program as a Hadoop Streaming mapper and reducer. The modified X!Tandem C++ source code is Artistic licensed, supports pluggable scoring, and is available as part of the Sashimi project at http://sashimi.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/sashimi/trunk/trans_proteomic_pipeline/extern/xtandem/. The MR-Tandem Python script is Apache licensed and available as part of the Insilicos Cloud Army project at http://ica.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/ica/trunk/mr-tandem/. Full documentation and a windows installer that configures MR-Tandem, Python and all necessary packages are available at this same URL. brian.pratt@insilicos.com

  10. Enhancement of Photon Number Reflected by the Relativistic Flying Mirror

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kando, M.; Pirozhkov, A. S.; Kawase, K.

    2009-12-04

    Laser light reflection by a relativistically moving electron density modulation (flying mirror) in a wake wave generated in a plasma by a high intensity laser pulse is investigated experimentally. A counterpropagating laser pulse is reflected and upshifted in frequency with a multiplication factor of 37-66, corresponding to the extreme ultraviolet wavelength. The demonstrated flying mirror reflectivity (from 3x10{sup -6} to 2x10{sup -5}, and from 1.3x10{sup -4} to 0.6x10{sup -3}, for the photon number and pulse energy, respectively) is close to the theoretical estimate for the parameters of the experiment.

  11. Determination of limonin in dog plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and its application to a pharmacokinetic study.

    PubMed

    Liu, Shi-jia; Zhou, Ling; Zhang, Jun; Yu, Bo-yang; Li, Chang-yin; Liu, Zi-xiu; Ju, Wen-zheng

    2013-04-01

    A highly sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the determination of limonin in beagle dog plasma using nimodipine as internal standard. The analyte and internal standard (IS) were extracted with ether followed by a rapid isocratic elution with 10 mm ammonium acetate buffer-methanol (26:74, v/v) on a C18 column (150 × 2.1 mm i.d.) and subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. The precursor to product ion transitions of m/z 469.4 → 229.3 and m/z 417.2 → 122.0 were used to measure the analyte and the IS. The assay was linear over the concentration range of 0.625-100 ng/mL for limonin in dog plasma. The lower limit of quantification was 0.312 ng/mL and the extraction recovery was >90.4% for limonin. The inter- and intra-day precision of the method at three concentrations was less than 9.9%. The method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic study of limonin in dogs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  12. High current multicharged metal ion source using high power gyrotron heating of vacuum arc plasma.

    PubMed

    Vodopyanov, A V; Golubev, S V; Khizhnyak, V I; Mansfeld, D A; Nikolaev, A G; Oks, E M; Savkin, K P; Vizir, A V; Yushkov, G Yu

    2008-02-01

    A high current, multi charged, metal ion source using electron heating of vacuum arc plasma by high power gyrotron radiation has been developed. The plasma is confined in a simple mirror trap with peak magnetic field in the plug up to 2.5 T, mirror ratio of 3-5, and length variable from 15 to 20 cm. Plasma formed by a cathodic vacuum arc is injected into the trap either (i) axially using a compact vacuum arc plasma gun located on axis outside the mirror trap region or (ii) radially using four plasma guns surrounding the trap at midplane. Microwave heating of the mirror-confined, vacuum arc plasma is accomplished by gyrotron microwave radiation of frequency 75 GHz, power up to 200 kW, and pulse duration up to 150 micros, leading to additional stripping of metal ions by electron impact. Pulsed beams of platinum ions with charge state up to 10+, a mean charge state over 6+, and total (all charge states) beam current of a few hundred milliamperes have been formed.

  13. MR-Tandem: parallel X!Tandem using Hadoop MapReduce on Amazon Web Services

    PubMed Central

    Pratt, Brian; Howbert, J. Jeffry; Tasman, Natalie I.; Nilsson, Erik J.

    2012-01-01

    Summary: MR-Tandem adapts the popular X!Tandem peptide search engine to work with Hadoop MapReduce for reliable parallel execution of large searches. MR-Tandem runs on any Hadoop cluster but offers special support for Amazon Web Services for creating inexpensive on-demand Hadoop clusters, enabling search volumes that might not otherwise be feasible with the compute resources a researcher has at hand. MR-Tandem is designed to drop in wherever X!Tandem is already in use and requires no modification to existing X!Tandem parameter files, and only minimal modification to X!Tandem-based workflows. Availability and implementation: MR-Tandem is implemented as a lightly modified X!Tandem C++ executable and a Python script that drives Hadoop clusters including Amazon Web Services (AWS) Elastic Map Reduce (EMR), using the modified X!Tandem program as a Hadoop Streaming mapper and reducer. The modified X!Tandem C++ source code is Artistic licensed, supports pluggable scoring, and is available as part of the Sashimi project at http://sashimi.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/sashimi/trunk/trans_proteomic_pipeline/extern/xtandem/. The MR-Tandem Python script is Apache licensed and available as part of the Insilicos Cloud Army project at http://ica.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/ica/trunk/mr-tandem/. Full documentation and a windows installer that configures MR-Tandem, Python and all necessary packages are available at this same URL. Contact: brian.pratt@insilicos.com PMID:22072385

  14. Combined dry plasma etching and online metrology for manufacturing highly focusing x-ray mirrors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Berujon, S., E-mail: berujon@esrf.eu; Ziegler, E., E-mail: ziegler@esrf.eu; Cunha, S. da

    A new figuring station was designed and installed at the ESRF beamline BM05. It allows the figuring of mirrors within an iterative process combining the advantage of online metrology with dry etching. The complete process takes place under a vacuum environment to minimize surface contamination while non-contact surfacing tools open up the possibility of performing at-wavelength metrology and eliminating placement errors. The aim is to produce mirrors whose slopes do not deviate from the stigmatic profile by more than 0.1 µrad rms while keeping surface roughness in the acceptable limit of 0.1-0.2 nm rms. The desired elliptical mirror surface shapemore » can be achieved in a few iterations in about a one day time span. This paper describes some of the important aspects of the process regarding both the online metrology and the etching process.« less

  15. Is that me in the mirror? Depersonalisation modulates tactile mirroring mechanisms.

    PubMed

    Adler, Julia; Schabinger, Nadine; Michal, Matthias; Beutel, Manfred E; Gillmeister, Helge

    2016-05-01

    Our sense of self is thought to develop through sensory-motor contingencies provided, not only by observing one's own body, but also by mirroring interactions with others. This suggests that there is a strong link between mirroring mechanisms and the bodily self. The present study tested whether this link is expressed at early, implicit stages of the mirroring process or at later, more cognitive stages. We also provide, to the best of our knowledge, the first demonstration of how inter-individual differences in our sense of bodily self may affect mirroring mechanisms. We used somatosensory event-related potentials (SEPs) to investigate the temporal dynamics of mirroring highly self-related information (viewed touch on one's own face) compared to other-related information (viewed touch on a stranger's face), in individuals with low and high levels of depersonalisation, a mental condition characterised by feeling detached or estranged from one's self and body. For the low-depersonalisation group, mirroring for self-related events (P45) preceded mirroring for other-related events (N80). At later stages (P200), mirroring was stronger for other-related than self-related events. This shows that early, implicit and later, more cognitive processes play different relative roles in mirroring self- and other-related bodily events. Critically, mirroring differed in the high-depersonalisation group, specifically for self-related events. An absence of early, implicit mirroring for self-related events over P45 suggests that the associated processes may be the neural correlates of the disembodiment experienced in depersonalisation. A lack of differential mirroring for self- and other-related events over P200 may reflect compensatory mechanisms that redress deficiencies in mirroring at earlier stages, which may break down to give rise to symptoms of depersonalisation. Alternatively, or in addition, they may represent an attenuation of processes related to self-other distinction

  16. Einstein's Mirror

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gjurchinovski, Aleksandar; Skeparovski, Aleksandar

    2008-01-01

    Reflection of light from a plane mirror in uniform rectilinear motion is a century-old problem, intimately related to the foundations of special relativity. The problem was first investigated by Einstein in his famous 1905 paper by using the Lorentz transformations to switch from the mirror's rest frame to the frame where the mirror moves at a…

  17. Simultaneous determination of tryptophan and 8 metabolites in human plasma by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Boulet, Lysiane; Faure, Patrice; Flore, Patrice; Montérémal, Julien; Ducros, Véronique

    2017-06-01

    Tryptophan (Trp) is an essential amino-acid and the precursor of many biologically active substances such as kynurenine (KYN) and serotonin (5HT). Its metabolism is involved in different physiopathological states, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, immunomodulation or depression. Hence, the quantification of Trp catabolites, from both KYN and 5HT pathways, might be usefulfor the discovery of novel diagnostic and follow-up biomarkers. We have developed a simple method for quantification of Trp and 8 of its metabolites,involved in both KYN and 5HT pathways, using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. We also validated the methodin human plasma samples, according to NF EN ISO 15189 criteria. Our method shows acceptable intra- and inter-day coefficients of variation (CV) (<12% and <16% respectively). The linearity entirelycovers the human plasma range. Stabilities of whole blood and of residues weredetermined, as well as the use of 2 different types of collectiontube, enabling us to adapt our process. Matrix effects and reference values showed good agreement compared to the literature. We propose here a method allowing the simultaneous quantification of a panel of Trp catabolites, never used before to our knowledge. This method, witha quickchromatographic runtime (15min) and simple sample preparation, has beenvalidated according to NF EN ISO 15189 criteria. The method enables the detailed analysis of these metabolic pathways, which are thought to be involved in a number of pathological conditions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Detection of myo-inositol trispyrophosphate in equine urine and plasma by hydrophillic interaction chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Wong, April S Y; Ho, Emmie N M; Wan, Terence S M

    2012-05-01

    Myo-inositol trispyrophosphate (ITPP) is a new drug capable of increasing the amount of oxygen in hypoxic tissues. Studies have shown that administration of ITPP increases the maximal exercise capacity in normal mice as well as mice with severe heart failure. The properties of ITPP make it an ideal candidate as a doping agent to enhance performance in racehorses. While there have been speculations in the horseracing industry that the covert use of ITPP is already widespread, no reported method exists for the detection of ITPP in equine biological samples. ITPP is a difficult-to-detect drug due to its hydrophilic nature; the complexity of equine biological matrices also adds to the problem. This paper describes for the first time a method for the detection and confirmation of ITPP in equine urine and plasma. ITPP was isolated from the sample matrices by solid-phase extraction and the extract was analyzed by hydrophilic interaction chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. ITPP could be detected at low ppb levels in both fortified equine plasma and urine with good precision, fast instrumental turnaround time, and negligible matrix interferences. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a validated method for the detection and unequivocal confirmation of low levels of ITPP in any biological fluid. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  19. Double arch mirror study

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Vukobratovich, D.; Hillman, D.

    1983-01-01

    The development of a method of mounting light weight glass mirrors for astronomical telescopes compatible with the goals of the Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) was investigated. A 20 in. diameter double arch lightweight mirror previously fabricated was modified to use a new mount configuration. This mount concept was developed and fabricated. The mounting concept of the double mounting mirror is outlined. The modifications made to the mirror, fabrication of the mirror mount, and room temperature testing of the mirror and mount and the extension of the mirror and mount concept to a full size (40 in. diameter) primary mirror for SIRTF are discussed.

  20. Mirror mount

    DOEpatents

    Kuklo, Thomas C.; Bender, Donald A.

    1994-01-01

    A unique lens or mirror mount having adjustable constraints at two key locations to allow for "X" and "Y" tilts of the mirror only. The device uses two pair of flexures of a type such that the pivots of the mirror gimble are rigidly fixed in all planes allowing the device to have zero stacking tolerance and zero wear over time.

  1. Amorphous Metals and Composites as Mirrors and Mirror Assemblies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hofmann, Douglas C. (Inventor); Davis, Gregory L. (Inventor); Agnes, Gregory S. (Inventor); Shapiro, Andrew A. (Inventor)

    2016-01-01

    A mirror or mirror assembly fabricated by molding, pressing, assembling, or depositing one or more bulk metal glass (BMG), bulk metal glass composite (BMGMC), or amorphous metal (AM) parts and where the optical surface and backing of the mirror can be fabricated without machining or polishing by utilizing the unique molding capabilities of this class of materials.

  2. Adding EUV reflectance to aluminum-coated mirrors for space-based observation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Allred, David D.; Turley, R. Steven; Thomas, Stephanie M.; Willett, Spencer G.; Greenburg, Michael J.; Perry, Spencer B.

    2017-09-01

    Protective layers on aluminum mirror surfaces which can be removed via the use of atomic hydrogen or hydrogen plasmas at the point of use in space may allow an expansion of broad-band mirrors into the EUV. LUVOIR (large, UV-optical-IR telescope) is a potential NASA flagship space-based observatory of the 2020's or 30's. It would utilize the largest mirrors ever flown1 . Their reflective coating will almost certainly be aluminum, since such telescopes would profit from truly broad-band mirrors. To achieve reflectance over the broadest band, the top surface of such aluminum mirrors, however, needs to be bare, without the oxide layers that naturally form in air. This will open the 11 to 15 eV band. Since thin aluminum films are largely transparent between 15 and 70 eV an EUV mirror under the aluminum could make EUV bands such as 30.4 nm available for space-based astrophysics without sacrificing mirror IR, visible and UV reflectance. The local space environment for the observatory is sufficiently oxygen-free that the surface should remain bare for decades. We discuss protecting as-deposited aluminum mirrors with robust, oxygenimpenetrable, barrier layers applied in vacuo to the aluminum immediately after deposition and before air contact. The goal is that the barrier could also be cleanly, and relatively easily, removed once the mirror is in space. We propose hydrogen atoms as the means for removing the overcoat, since they can be expected to meet the criteria that the means is gentle enough to not roughen the mirror surface, and does not redeposit material on the mirror or other spacecraft components. We have investigated both organic and inorganic (such as, a-Si) hydrogen-removable films that can be applied to the aluminum immediately after its deposition have been investigated. We also examined the REVAP technique, using Cd and Zn. Agglomeration limited their effectiveness as barrier layers. That and dealing with the reevaporated atoms may limit their utility as

  3. [Determination of morroniside concentration in beagle plasma and its pharmacokinetics by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry].

    PubMed

    Xiong, Shan; Li, Jinglai; Zhu, Xiuqing; Wang, Xiaoying; Lü, Guiyuan; Zhang, Zhenqing

    2014-03-01

    A sensitive, simple and specific high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed for the determination of morroniside in the plasma of beagles administered via intragastric (ig) doses of morroniside. The method employed paeoniflorin as the internal standard and extracted by simple protein precipitation. The separation was achieved using an Inertsil ODS-SP column (50 mm x 2.1 mm, 5 microm) with mobile phases of 1 mmol/L sodium formate aqueous solution and acetonitrile (gradient elution) at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. The detection was accomplished by a mass spectrometer using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in positive mode. Pharmacokinetic parameters were fitted by software DAS 2.0. The methodological study showed a good linear relationship of 2-5 000 microg/L (r = 0.996 6) with a sensitivity of 2 microg/L as the limit of quantification. The precision, accuracy, mean recoveries and the matrix effects were satisfied with the requirements of biological sample measurement. The method described above was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of morroniside in the beagle plasma samples. The area under the plasma concentration-time curves (AUC(0-infinity)) of morroniside after single ig administration doses of 5, 15 and 45 mg/kg were (1 631.20 +/- 238.50), (3 984.05 +/- 750.38) and (10 397.64 +/- 3 156.34) microg/L x h. The relationship between dose and AUC showed a good linearity. The pharmacokinetic property of morroniside was proposed to be linear pharmacokinetics.

  4. Simultaneous determination of azilsartan and chlorthalidone in rat and human plasma by liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Ramakrishna, Rachumallu; Puttrevu, Santosh Kumar; Bhateria, Manisha; Bala, Veenu; Sharma, Vishnu L; Bhatta, Rabi Sankar

    2015-05-15

    Azilsartan medoxomil (AZM), an ester prodrug of azilsartan (AZ), and chlorthalidone (CLT) have recently been approved as a combination therapy for the management of hypertension. This is the first report which described a selective and sensitive method for the simultaneous quantification of AZ and CLT in rat and human plasma using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). AZ and CLT were extracted from plasma by liquid-liquid extraction technique and separated on a C18 reverse phase column using ammonium acetate (10mM, pH 4)-mixture of methanol and acetonitrile (8:92, v/v) as a mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.7mL/min. Detection was performed by electrospray ionization (ESI) operated in negative multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of this method was 1ng/mL and the calibration curves were linear (r(2)≥0.995) over the concentration range of 1-4000ng/mL for both the analytes. The intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy were well within the acceptable limits. The mean extraction recoveries were found to be about 80% and no matrix effect was observed. AZ and CLT were found to be stable under all relevant storage conditions. The method was successfully applied to the oral pharmacokinetic study of AZM and CLT in rats. Further, the sensitivity of the method enabled the determination of protein binding of AZ and CLT in human plasma. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Mirror mount

    DOEpatents

    Kuklo, T.C.; Bender, D.A.

    1994-10-04

    A unique lens or mirror mount having adjustable constraints at two key locations to allow for ''X'' and ''Y'' tilts of the mirror only is disclosed. The device uses two pair of flexures of a type such that the pivots of the mirror gimble are rigidly fixed in all planes allowing the device to have zero stacking tolerance and zero wear over time. 4 figs.

  6. On improved confinement in mirror plasmas by a radial electric field

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ågren, O.; Moiseenko, V. E.

    2017-11-01

    A weak radial electric field can suppress radial excursions of a guiding center from its mean magnetic surface. The physical origin of this effect is the smearing action by a poloidal E × B rotation, which tend to cancel out the inward and outward radial drifts. A use of this phenomenon may provide larger margins for magnetic field shaping with radial confinement of particles maintained in the collision free idealization. Mirror fields, stabilized by a quadrupolar field component, are of particular interest for their MHD stability and the possibility to control the quasi neutral radial electric field by biased potential plates outside the confinement region. Flux surface footprints on the end tank wall have to be traced to avoid short-circuiting between biased plates. Assuming a robust biasing procedure, moderate voltage demands for the biased plates seems adequate to cure even the radial excursions of Yushmanov ions which could be locally trapped near the mirrors. Analytical expressions are obtained for a magnetic quadrupolar mirror configuration which possesses minimal radial magnetic drifts in the central confinement region. By adding a weak controlled radial quasi-neutral electric field, the majority of gyro centers are predicted to be forced to move even closer to their respective mean magnetic surface. The gyro center radial coordinate is in such a case an accurate approximation for a constant of motion. By using this constant of motion, the analysis is in a Vlasov description extended to finite β. A correspondence between that Vlasov system and a fluid description with a scalar pressure and an electric potential is verified. The minimum B criterion is considered and implications for flute mode stability in the considered magnetic field is analyzed. By carrying out a long-thin expansion to a higher order, the validity of the calculations are extended to shorter and more compact device designs.

  7. Determination of genkwanin in rat plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: application to a bioavailability study.

    PubMed

    Song, Yanqing; Zhang, Sixi; Liu, Hong; Jin, Xiangqun

    2013-10-01

    We developed and validated a sensitive, rapid, and specific liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method to determine genkwanin in rat plasma. Genistein was used as the internal standard. After liquid-liquid extraction with ethyl acetate, the chromatographic separation of genkwanin was achieved by using a reversed-phase HPLC using Agela Venusil MP-C18 analytical column (2.1 mm × 50 mm, 5 μm particles) with a mobile phase of methanol (A)-water (B) (65:35, v/v) containing 5mM ammonium acetate and 0.1% formic acid. The detection was performed by negative ion electrospray ionization in multiple-reaction monitoring mode by using transitions of m/z 283.1→268.1 and m/z 269.1→133.0 for genkwanin and IS, respectively. Good linearity was observed in the concentration range of 3.84 ng/ml to 3,840 ng/ml (r(2)>0.99), and the lower limit of quantification was 3.84 ng/ml in 100 μl of rat plasma. The intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision of genkwanin were both within acceptable limits. This present method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of genkwanin in rats following oral (50mg/kg) and intravenous (5mg/kg) administration. For the oral administration group, the maximum mean concentration of genkwanin in plasma (Cmax, 36.9 ± 9.4 ng/ml) was achieved at 3.83 ± 1.33 h (Tmax), and the area under the plasma concentration versus time curve from 0 h to 12h (AUC0-12h) was 218 ± 40 ngh/ml. For the intravenous administration group, essential pharmacokinetic parameters such as Cmax (1,755 ± 197 ng/ml) and AUC0-12h (2,349 ± 573 ngh/ml) were shown. The result showed that the compound was poorly absorbed with an absolute bioavailability of approximately 1.1%. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Stimulated Mirror Instability From the Interplay of Anisotropic Protons and Electrons, and their Suprathermal Populations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shaaban, S. M.; Lazar, M.; Astfalk, P.; Poedts, S.

    2018-03-01

    Mirror instability driven by the temperature anisotropy of protons can offer a plausible explanation for the mirror-like fluctuations observed in planetary magnetosheaths. In the present paper we invoke a realistic kinetic approach which can reproduce nonthermal features of plasma particles reported by the observations, i.e., temperature anisotropies and suprathermal populations. Seeking accuracy, a numerical analysis is performed using an advanced code named DSHARK, recently proposed to resolve the linear dispersion and stability for an arbitrary propagation in bi-Kappa distributed electron-proton plasmas. The stimulating effect of the anisotropic bi-Maxwellian electrons reported in Remya et al. (2013, https://doi.org/10.1002/jgra.50091) is markedly enhanced in the presence of suprathermal electrons described by the bi-Kappa distribution functions. The influence of suprathermal protons is more temperate, but overall, present results demonstrate that these sources of free energy provide natural conditions for a stimulated mirror instability, more efficient than predicted before and capable to compete with other instabilities (e.g., the electromagnetic ion-cyclotron instability) and mechanisms of relaxation.

  9. Relating the "mirrorness" of mirror neurons to their origins.

    PubMed

    Kilner, James M; Friston, Karl J

    2014-04-01

    Ever since their discovery, mirror neurons have generated much interest and debate. A commonly held view of mirror neuron function is that they transform "visual information into knowledge," thus enabling action understanding and non-verbal social communication between con-specifics (Rizzolatti & Craighero 2004). This functionality is thought to be so important that it has been argued that mirror neurons must be a result of selective pressure.

  10. [Motion control of moving mirror based on fixed-mirror adjustment in FTIR spectrometer].

    PubMed

    Li, Zhong-bing; Xu, Xian-ze; Le, Yi; Xu, Feng-qiu; Li, Jun-wei

    2012-08-01

    The performance of the uniform motion of the moving mirror, which is the only constant motion part in FTIR spectrometer, and the performance of the alignment of the fixed mirror play a key role in FTIR spectrometer, and affect the interference effect and the quality of the spectrogram and may restrict the precision and resolution of the instrument directly. The present article focuses on the research on the uniform motion of the moving mirror and the alignment of the fixed mirror. In order to improve the FTIR spectrometer, the maglev support system was designed for the moving mirror and the phase detection technology was adopted to adjust the tilt angle between the moving mirror and the fixed mirror. This paper also introduces an improved fuzzy PID control algorithm to get the accurate speed of the moving mirror and realize the control strategy from both hardware design and algorithm. The results show that the development of the moving mirror motion control system gets sufficient accuracy and real-time, which can ensure the uniform motion of the moving mirror and the alignment of the fixed mirror.

  11. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for simultaneous determination of raltegravir, dolutegravir and elvitegravir concentrations in human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid samples.

    PubMed

    Tsuchiya, Kiyoto; Ohuchi, Mayu; Yamane, Naoe; Aikawa, Hiroaki; Gatanaga, Hiroyuki; Oka, Shinichi; Hamada, Akinobu

    2018-02-01

    A simple sample treatment procedure and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method were developed for the simultaneous quantification of the concentrations of human immunodeficiency virus-1 integrase strand transfer inhibitors - raltegravir, dolutegravir and elvitegravir - in human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Plasma and CSF samples (20 μL each) were deproteinized with acetonitrile. Raltegravir-d 3 was used as the internal standard. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an XBridge C 18 column (50 × 2.1 mm i.d., particle size 3.5 μm) using acetonitrile-water (7:3, v/v) containing 0.1% formic acid as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. The run time was 5 min. Calibration curves for all three drugs were linear in the range 5-1500 ng/mL for plasma and 1-200 ng/mL for CSF. The intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy of all three drugs in plasma were coefficient of variation (CV) <12.9% and 100.0 ± 12.2%, respectively, while those in CSF were CV <12.3% and 100.0 ± 7.9%, respectively. Successful validation under the same LC-MS/MS conditions for both plasma and CSF indicates this analytical method is useful for monitoring the levels of these integrase strand transfer inhibitors in the management of treatment of HIV-1 carriers. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  12. Metallic mirrors for plasma diagnosis in current and future reactors: tests for ITER and DEMO

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rubel, M.; Moon, Soonwoo; Petersson, P.; Garcia-Carrasco, A.; Hallén, A.; Krawczynska, A.; Fortuna-Zaleśna, E.; Gilbert, M.; Płociński, T.; Widdowson, A.; Contributors, JET

    2017-12-01

    Optical spectroscopy and imaging diagnostics in next-step fusion devices will rely on metallic mirrors. The performance of mirrors is studied in present-day tokamaks and in laboratory systems. This work deals with comprehensive tests of mirrors: (a) exposed in JET with the ITER-like wall (JET-ILW); (b) irradiated by hydrogen, helium and heavy ions to simulate transmutation effects and damage which may be induced by neutrons under reactor conditions. The emphasis has been on surface modification: deposited layers on JET mirrors from the divertor and on near-surface damage in ion-irradiated targets. Analyses performed with ion beams, microscopy and spectro-photometry techniques have revealed: (i) the formation of multiple co-deposited layers; (ii) flaking-off of the layers already in the tokamak, despite the small thickness (130-200 nm) of the granular deposits; (iii) deposition of dust particles (0.2-5 μm, 300-400 mm-2) composed mainly of tungsten and nickel; (iv) that the stepwise irradiation of up to 30 dpa by heavy ions (Mo, Zr or Nb) caused only small changes in the optical performance, in some cases even improving reflectivity due to the removal of the surface oxide layer; (v) significant reflectivity degradation related to bubble formation caused by the irradiation with He and H ions.

  13. New insights on boundary plasma turbulence and the Quasi-Coherent Mode in Alcator C-Mod using a Mirror Langmuir Probe

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Labombard, Brian

    2013-10-01

    A ``Mirror Langmuir Probe'' (MLP) diagnostic has been used to interrogate edge plasma profiles and turbulence in Alcator C-Mod with unprecedented detail, yielding fundamental insights on the Quasi-Coherent Mode (QCM) - a mode that regulates plasma density and impurities in EDA H-modes without ELMs. The MLP employs a fast-switching, self-adapting bias scheme, recording density, electron temperature and plasma potential simultaneously at high bandwidth (~1 MHz) on each of four separate electrodes on a scanning probe. Temporal dynamics are followed in detail; wavenumber-frequency spectra and phase relationships are readily deduced. Poloidal field fluctuations are recorded separately with a two-coil, scanning probe. Results from ohmic L-mode and H-mode plasmas are reported, including key observations of the QCM: The QCM lives in a region of positive radial electric field, with a mode width (~3 mm) that spans open and closed field line regions. Remarkably large amplitude (~30%), sinusoidal bursts in density, electron temperature and plasma potential fluctuations are observed that are in phase; potential lags density by at most 10 degrees. Propagation velocity of the mode corresponds to the sum of local E × B and electron diamagnetic drift velocities - quantities that are deduced directly from time-averaged profiles. Poloidal magnetic field fluctuations project to parallel current densities of ~5 amps/cm2 in the mode layer, with significant parallel electromagnetic induction. Electron force balance is examined, unambiguously identifying the mode type. It is found that fluctuations in parallel electron pressure gradient are roughly balanced by the sum of electrostatic and electromotive forces. Thus the primary mode structure of the QCM is that of a drift-Alfven wave. Work supported by US DoE award DE-FC02-99ER54512.

  14. Mirrors, Mirrors on the Wall...The Ubiquitous Multiple Reflection Error

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lawson, Rebecca

    2012-01-01

    Participants decided when somebody, Janine, could see their face in a horizontal row of adjacent mirrors mounted flat on the same wall. They saw real mirrors and a shop-dummy representing Janine. Such coplanar mirrors reflect different, non-overlapping areas of a scene. However, almost everybody made an unexpected error: they claimed that Janine…

  15. Mirror Instability in the Turbulent Solar Wind

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hellinger, Petr; Landi, Simone; Verdini, Andrea

    2017-04-01

    The relationship between a decaying strong turbulence and the mirror instability in a slowly expanding plasma is investigated using two-dimensional hybrid expanding box simulations. We impose an initial ambient magnetic field perpendicular to the simulation box, and we start with a spectrum of large-scale, linearly polarized, random-phase Alfvénic fluctuations that have energy equipartition between kinetic and magnetic fluctuations and a vanishing correlation between the two fields. A turbulent cascade rapidly develops, magnetic field fluctuations exhibit a Kolmogorov-like power-law spectrum at large scales and a steeper spectrum at sub-ion scales. The imposed expansion (taking a strictly transverse ambient magnetic field) leadsmore » to the generation of an important perpendicular proton temperature anisotropy that eventually drives the mirror instability. This instability generates large-amplitude, nonpropagating, compressible, pressure-balanced magnetic structures in a form of magnetic enhancements/humps that reduce the perpendicular temperature anisotropy.« less

  16. Simultaneous analysis of hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene and reserpine in rat plasma by high performance liquid chromatography and tandem solid-phase extraction.

    PubMed

    Li, Hang; He, Junting; Liu, Qin; Huo, Zhaohui; Liang, Si; Liang, Yong

    2011-03-01

    A tandem solid-phase extraction method (SPE) of connecting two different cartridges (C(18) and MCX) in series was developed as the extraction procedure in this article, which provided better extraction yields (>86%) for all analytes and more appropriate sample purification from endogenous interference materials compared with a single cartridge. Analyte separation was achieved on a C(18) reversed-phase column at the wavelength of 265 nm by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The method was validated in terms of extraction yield, precision and accuracy. These assays gave mean accuracy values higher than 89% with RSD values that were always less than 3.8%. The method has been successfully applied to plasma samples from rats after oral administration of target compounds. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. Castable Amorphous Metal Mirrors and Mirror Assemblies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hofmann, Douglas C.; Davis, Gregory L.; Agnes, Gregory S.; Shapiro, Andrew A.

    2013-01-01

    A revolutionary way to produce a mirror and mirror assembly is to cast the entire part at once from a metal alloy that combines all of the desired features into the final part: optical smoothness, curvature, flexures, tabs, isogrids, low CTE, and toughness. In this work, it has been demonstrated that castable mirrors are possible using bulk metallic glasses (BMGs, also called amorphous metals) and BMG matrix composites (BMGMCs). These novel alloys have all of the desired mechanical and thermal properties to fabricate an entire mirror assembly without machining, bonding, brazing, welding, or epoxy. BMGs are multi-component metal alloys that have been cooled in such a manner as to avoid crystallization leading to an amorphous (non-crystalline) microstructure. This lack of crystal structure and the fact that these alloys are glasses, leads to a wide assortment of mechanical and thermal properties that are unlike those observed in crystalline metals. Among these are high yield strength, carbide-like hardness, low melting temperatures (making them castable like aluminum), a thermoplastic processing region (for improving smoothness), low stiffness, high strength-to-weight ratios, relatively low CTE, density similar to titanium alloys, high elasticity and ultra-smooth cast parts (as low as 0.2-nm surface roughness has been demonstrated in cast BMGs). BMGMCs are composite alloys that consist of a BMG matrix with crystalline dendrites embedded throughout. BMGMCs are used to overcome the typically brittle failure observed in monolithic BMGs by adding a soft phase that arrests the formation of cracks in the BMG matrix. In some cases, BMGMCs offer superior castability, toughness, and fatigue resistance, if not as good a surface finish as BMGs. This work has demonstrated that BMGs and BMGMCs can be cast into prototype mirrors and mirror assemblies without difficulty.

  18. Production and Characterization of Femtosecond-Laser-Induced Air Plasma

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-03-01

    thereby eliminating the acoustic reflections. As advertised , the plasma spark was now visible to the goggled eye with the room lights on, marking a...focusing mirrors instead of achromatic lenses. This change would eliminate chromatic aberrations, although curved mirrors do introduce astigmatism into the

  19. High-throughput quantification for a drug mixture in rat plasma-a comparison of Ultra Performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry with high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Yu, Kate; Little, David; Plumb, Rob; Smith, Brian

    2006-01-01

    A quantitative Ultra Performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPL/MS/MS) protocol was developed for a five-compound mixture in rat plasma. A similar high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) quantification protocol was developed for comparison purposes. Among the five test compounds, three preferred positive electrospray ionization (ESI) and two preferred negative ESI. As a result, both UPLC/MS/MS and HPLC/MS/MS analyses were performed by having the mass spectrometer collecting ESI multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) data in both positive and negative ion modes during a single injection. Peak widths for most standards were 4.8 s for the HPLC analysis and 2.4 s for the UPLC analysis. There were 17 to 20 data points obtained for each of the LC peaks. Compared with the HPLC/MS/MS method, the UPLC/MS/MS method offered 3-fold decrease in retention time, up to 10-fold increase in detected peak height, with 2-fold decrease in peak width. Limits of quantification (LOQs) for both HPLC and UPLC methods were evaluated. For UPLC/MS/MS analysis, a linear range up to four orders of magnitude was obtained with r2 values ranging from 0.991 to 0.998. The LOQs for the five analytes ranged from 0.08 to 9.85 ng/mL. Three levels of quality control (QC) samples were analyzed. For the UPLC/MS/MS protocol, the percent relative standard deviation (RSD%) for low QC (2 ng/mL) ranged from 3.42 to 8.67% (N = 18). The carryover of the UPLC/MS/MS protocol was negligible and the robustness of the UPLC/MS/MS system was evaluated with up to 963 QC injections. Copyright 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  20. Rapid Fabrication of Lightweight SiC Optics using Reactive Atom Plasma (RAP) Processing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Fiske, Peter S.

    2006-01-01

    Reactive Atom Plasma (RAP) processing is a non-contact, plasma-based processing technology that can be used to generate damage-free optical surfaces. We have developed tools and processes using RAP that allow us to shape extremely lightweight mirror Surfaces made from extremely hard-to-machine materials (e.g. SiC). We will describe our latest results using RAP in combination with other technologies to produce finished lightweight SiC mirrors and also discuss applications for RAP in the rapid fabrication of mirror segments for reflective and grazing incidence telescopes.

  1. ULF waves and plasma stability in different regions of the magnetosheath

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Soucek, Jan; Escoubet, C. Philippe; Grison, Benjamin

    2016-04-01

    We present a statistical study of the occurrence and properties of ultra low frequency waves in the magnetosheath and interpret the results in terms of the competition of mirror and Alfvén-ion-cyclotron (AIC) instabilities. Both mirror and AIC waves are generated in high beta plasma of the magnetosheath when ion temperature anisotropy exceeds the threshold of the respective instabilities. These waves are frequently observed in the terrestrial and planetary magnetosheaths, but their distribution within the magnetosheath is inhomogeneous and their character varies as a function of location, local and upstream plasma parameters. We studied the spatial distribution of the two wave modes in the magnetosheath together with the local plasma parameters important for the stability of ULF waves. This analysis was performed on a dataset of all magnetosheath crossings observed by Cluster spacecraft over two years. For each observation we used bow shock, magnetopause and magnetosheath flow models to identify the relative position of the spacecraft with respect to magnetosheath boundaries and local properties of the upstream shock crossing. A strong dependence of parameters characterizing plasma stability and mirror/AIC wave occurrence on upstream ΘBn and MA is identified. The occurrence of mirror and AIC modes was compared against the respective instability thresholds and it was observed that AIC waves occurred nearly exclusively under mirror stable conditions. This is interpreted in terms of the different character of non-linear saturation of the two modes.

  2. Simultaneous quantitative analysis of dextromethorphan, dextrorphan and chlorphenamine in human plasma by liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Ding, Ying; Huang, Kai; Chen, Lan; Yang, Jie; Xu, Wen-Yan; Xu, Xue-Jiao; Duan, Ru; Zhang, Jing; He, Qing

    2014-03-01

    A sensitive and accurate HPLC-MS/MS method was developed for the simultaneous determination of dextromethorphan, dextrorphan and chlorphenamine in human plasma. Three analytes were extracted from plasma by liquid-liquid extraction using ethyl acetate and separated on a Kromasil 60-5CN column (3 µm, 2.1 × 150 mm) with mobile phase of acetonitrile-water (containing 0.1% formic acid; 50:50, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. Quantification was performed on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer in multiple reaction monitoring mode using positive electrospray ionization. The calibration curve was linear over the range of 0.01-5 ng/mL for dextromethorphan, 0.02-5 ng/mL for dextrorphan and 0.025-20 ng/mL for chlorphenamine. The lower limits of quantification for dextromethorphan, dextrorphan and chlorphenamine were 0.01, 0.02 and 0.025 ng/mL, respectively. The intra- and inter-day precisions were within 11% and accuracies were in the range of 92.9-102.5%. All analytes were proved to be stable during sample storage, preparation and analytic procedures. This method was first applied to the pharmacokinetic study in healthy Chinese volunteers after a single oral dose of the formulation containing dextromethorphan hydrobromide (18 mg) and chlorpheniramine malaeate (8 mg). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  3. Simultaneous Determination of Seven Neuroactive Steroids Associated with Depression in Rat Plasma and Brain by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Wang, Youqiong; Tang, Lipeng; Yin, Wei; Chen, Jiesi; Leng, Tiandong; Zheng, Xiaoke; Zhu, Wenbo; Zhang, Haipeng; Qiu, Pengxin; Yang, Xiaoxiao; Yan, Guangmei; Hu, Haiyan

    2016-01-01

    Sensitive and specific biomarkers are required for the diagnosis and treatment of depression because the existing diagnostic criteria are subjective and could produce false positives or negatives. Some endogenous neuroactive steroids that have shown either antidepressant effects or concentration changes in individuals with depression could provide potential biomarkers. In this study, a simple and specific method was developed to simultaneously determine seven endogenous neuroactive steroids in biological samples: cortisone, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, estradiol, progesterone, pregnenolone, and testosterone. After liquid-liquid extraction, chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 column with gradient elution using water-methanol at a flow rate of 300 μL min(-1). Detection and quantitation were performed by tandem mass spectrometry with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and selected reaction monitoring. Plasma and brain neuroactive steroid levels were then determined in control rats and rats exposed to forced swimming, a classical rodent model of depression. The results showed that the plasma concentrations of testosterone, pregnenolone, and progesterone significantly increased in rats exposed to the forced swimming test. In contrast, brain homogenate levels of cortisol, estradiol, and progesterone decreased, while pregnenolone levels were elevated in this model of depression. In conclusion, a new method to quantify neuroactive steroids was successfully developed and applied to their investigation in rat plasma and brain. The findings of this study indicated that plasma testosterone, pregnenolone, and progesterone levels could provide potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of depression.

  4. Mirror mount

    DOEpatents

    Humpal, H.H.

    1987-11-10

    A mirror mount is provided that allows free pitch, yaw and roll motion of the mirror while keeping the location of a point on the surface of the mirror fixed in the rest frame of reference of the mount. Yaw movement is provided by two yaw cylinders that are bearing mounted to provide rotation. Pitch and roll motion is provided by a spherically annular shell that is air bearing mounted to move between a clamp and an upper pedestal bearing. The centers of curvature of the spherical surfaces of the shell lie upon the point. Pitch motion and roll motion are separately and independently imparted to mirror by a pair of pitch paddles and a pair of roll paddles that are independently and separately moved by control rods driven by motors. 5 figs.

  5. Mirror mount

    DOEpatents

    Humpal, H.H.

    1986-03-21

    A mirror mount is provided that allows free pitch, yaw and roll motion of the mirror while keeping the location of a point on the surface of the mirror fixed in the rest frame of reference of the mount. Yaw movement is provided by two yaw cylinders that are bearing mounted to provide rotation. Pitch and roll motion is provided by a spherically annular shell that is air bearing mounted to move between a clamp and an upper pedestal bearing. The centers of curvature of the spherical surfaces of the shell lie upon the point. Pitch motion and roll motion are separately and independently imparted to mirror by a pair of pitch paddles and a pair of roll paddles that are independently and separately moved by control rods driven by motors.

  6. Study Of Pre-Shaped Membrane Mirrors And Electrostatic Mirrors With Nonlinear-Optical Correction

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-01-01

    mirrors have been manufactured of glass-like material Zerodur with very low coefficient of linear expansion. They have a more light cellular construction...primary and flat secondary mirrors are both segmented ones. In the case of the primary mirror made of traditional materials such as Zerodur or fused...FINAL REPORT ISTC Project #2103p “Study of Pre-Shaped Membrane Mirrors and Electrostatic Mirrors with Nonlinear-Optical Correction” Manager

  7. Validated method for determination of bromopride in human plasma by liquid chromatography--electrospray tandem mass spectrometry: application to the bioequivalence study.

    PubMed

    Nazare, P; Massaroti, P; Duarte, L F; Campos, D R; Marchioretto, M A M; Bernasconi, G; Calafatti, S; Barros, F A P; Meurer, E C; Pedrazzoli, J; Moraes, L A B

    2005-09-01

    A simple, sensitive and specific liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantification of bromopride I in human plasma is presented. Sample preparation consisted of the addition of procainamide II as the internal standard, liquid-liquid extraction in alkaline conditions using hexane-ethyl acetate (1 : 1, v/v) as the extracting solvent, followed by centrifugation, evaporation of the solvent and sample reconstitution in acetonitrile. Both I and II (internal standard, IS) were analyzed using a C18 column and the mobile-phase acetonitrile-water (formic acid 0.1%). The eluted compounds were monitored using electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. The analyses were carried out by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) using the parent-to-daughter combinations of m/z 344.20 > 271.00 and m/z 236.30 > 163.10. The areas of peaks from analyte and IS were used for quantification of I. The achieved limit of quantification was 1.0 ng/ml and the assay exhibited a linear dynamic range of 1-100.0 ng/ml and gave a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.995 or better. Validation results on linearity, specificity, accuracy, precision and stability, as well as application to the analysis of samples taken up to 24 h after oral administration of 10 mg of I in healthy volunteers demonstrated the applicability to bioequivalence studies.

  8. Scaling laws for light weight optics, studies of light weight mirrors mounting and dynamic mirror stress, and light weight mirror and mount designs

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Vukobratovich, Daniel; Richard, Ralph M.; Valente, Tina M.; Cho, Myung K.

    1990-01-01

    Scaling laws for light-weight optical systems are examined. A cubic relationship between mirror diameter and weight has been suggested and used by many designers of optical systems as the best description for all light-weight mirrors. A survey of existing light-weight systems in the open literature was made to clarify this issue. Fifty existing optical systems were surveyed with all varieties of light-weight mirrors including glass and beryllium structured mirrors, contoured mirrors, and very thin solid mirrors. These mirrors were then categorized and weight to diameter ratio was plotted to find a best curve for each case. A best fitting curve program tests nineteen different equations and ranks a goodness-to-fit for each of these equations. The resulting relationship found for each light-weight mirror category helps to quantify light-weight optical systems and methods of fabrication and provides comparisons between mirror types.

  9. Electron cyclotron plasma startup in the GDT experiment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yakovlev, D. V.; Shalashov, A. G.; Gospodchikov, E. D.; Solomakhin, A. L.; Savkin, V. Ya.; Bagryansky, P. A.

    2017-01-01

    We report on a new plasma startup scenario in the gas dynamic trap (GDT) magnetic mirror device. The primary 5 MW neutral beam injection (NBI) plasma heating system fires into a sufficiently dense plasma target (‘seed plasma’), which is commonly supplied by an arc plasma generator. In the reported experiments, a different approach to seed plasma generation is explored. One of the channels of the electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) heating system is used to ionize the neutral gas and build up the density of plasma to a level suitable for NBI capture. After a short transition of approximately 1 ms the discharge becomes essentially similar to a standard one initiated by the plasma gun. This paper presents the discharge scenario and experimental data on the seed plasma evolution during ECRH, along with the dependencies on incident microwave power, magnetic configuration and pressure of a neutral gas. The characteristics of the consequent high-power NBI discharge are studied and differences from the conventional scenario are discussed. A theoretical model describing the ECR breakdown and the seed plasma accumulation in a large-scale mirror trap is developed on the basis of the GDT experiment.

  10. Mirror and (absence of) counter-mirror responses to action sounds measured with TMS.

    PubMed

    Ticini, Luca F; Schütz-Bosbach, Simone; Waszak, Florian

    2017-11-01

    To what extent is the mirror neuron mechanism malleable to experience? The answer to this question can help characterising its ontogeny and its role in social cognition. Some suggest that it develops through sensorimotor associations congruent with our own actions. Others argue for its extreme volatility that will encode any sensorimotor association in the environment. Here, we added to this debate by exploring the effects of short goal-directed 'mirror' and 'counter-mirror' trainings (a 'mirror' training is defined as the first type of training encountered by the participants) on human auditory mirror motor-evoked potentials (MEPs). We recorded MEPs in response to two tones void of previous motor meaning, before and after mirror and counter-mirror trainings in which participants generated two tones of different pitch by performing free-choice button presses. The results showed that mirror MEPs, once established, were protected against an equivalent counter-mirror experience: they became manifest very rapidly and the same number of training trials that lead to the initial association did not suffice to reverse the MEP pattern. This steadiness of the association argues that, by serving direct-matching purposes, the mirror mechanism is a good solution for social cognition. © The Author (2017). Published by Oxford University Press.

  11. PLASMA ENERGIZATION

    DOEpatents

    Furth, H.P.; Chambers, E.S.

    1962-03-01

    BS>A method is given for ion cyclotron resonance heatthg of a magnetically confined plasma by an applied radio-frequency field. In accordance with the invention, the radiofrequency energy is transferred to the plasma without the usual attendent self-shielding effect of plasma polarlzatlon, whereby the energy transfer is accomplished with superior efficiency. More explicitly, the invention includes means for applying a radio-frequency electric field radially to an end of a plasma column confined in a magnetic mirror field configuration. The radio-frequency field propagates hydromagnetic waves axially through the column with the waves diminishing in an intermediate region of the column at ion cyclotron resonance with the fleld frequency. In such region the wave energy is converted by viscous damping to rotational energy of the plasma ions. (AEC)

  12. Electron temperature differences and double layers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chan, C.; Hershkowitz, N.; Lonngren, K. E.

    1983-01-01

    Electron temperature differences across plasma double layers are studied experimentally. It is shown that the temperature differences across a double layer can be varied and are not a result of thermalization of the bump-on-tail distribution. The implications of these results for electron thermal energy transport in laser-pellet and tandem-mirror experiments are also discussed.

  13. An ultra-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous determination of three physalins in rat plasma and its application to pharmacokinetic study of Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii (Chinese lantern) in rats.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Yunliang; Chen, Yong; Ren, Yiping; Luan, Lianjun; Wu, Yongjiang

    2012-01-25

    An ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the quantification of three major ingredients in Chinese lantern preparations (CLP) in rat plasma. Following extraction by ethyl acetate, the analytes were separated on an Acquity UPLC BEH Shield RP C(18) column using a gradient mobile phase system of acetonitrile-water. Electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem interface was employed prior to mass spectrometric detection. The calibration curves were linear over the range of 5.0-500.0 ng/ml for physalin D, 2.3-230.0 ng/ml for physalin G and 0.71-71.0 ng/ml for 4,7-didehydroneophysalin B. The average extraction recoveries, examined at four concentration levels, carried from 57.1% to 76.9%, and the accuracies ranged from 94.0% to 113.3% with precision (RSD) <15%. The validated method was successfully applied to the determination of the three physalins in rat plasma after intragastric administration of CLP suspension. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Development and characterization of semiconductor ion detectors for plasma diagnostics in the range over 0.3 keV

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cho, T.; Sakamoto, Y.; Hirata, M.; Kohagura, J.; Makino, K.; Kanke, S.; Takahashi, K.; Okamura, T.; Nakashima, Y.; Yatsu, K.; Tamano, T.; Miyoshi, S.

    1997-01-01

    For the purpose of plasma-ion-energy analyses in a wide-energy range from a few hundred eV to hundreds of keV, upgraded semiconductor detectors are newly fabricated and characterized using a test-ion-beam line from 0.3 to 12 keV. In particular, the detectable lowest-ion energy is drastically improved at least down to 0.3 keV; this energy is one to two orders-of-magnitude better than those for commercially available Si-surface-barrier diodes employed for previous plasma-ion diagnostics. A signal-to-noise ratio of two to three orders-of-magnitude better than that for usual metal-collector detectors is demonstrated for the compact-sized semiconductor along with the availability of the use under conditions of a good vacuum and a strong-magnetic field. Such characteristics are achieved due to the improving methods of the optimization of the thicknesses of a Si dead layer and a SiO2 layer, as well as the nitrogen-doping technique near the depletion layer along with minimizing impurity concentrations in Si. Such an upgraded capability of an extremely low-energy-ion detection with the low-noise characteristics enlarges research regimes of plasma-ion behavior using semiconductor detectors not only in the divertor regions of tokamaks but in wider spectra of open-field plasma devices including tandem mirrors. An application of the semiconductor ion detector for plasma-ion diagnostics is demonstrated in a specially designed ion-spectrometer structure.

  15. Improvement and validation of a high-performance liquid chromatography in tandem mass spectrometry method for monitoring of omeprazole in plasma.

    PubMed

    Wojnicz, Aneta; Gil García, Ana Isabel; Román-Martínez, Manuel; Ochoa-Mazarro, Dolores; Abad-Santos, Francisco; Ruiz-Nuño, Ana

    2015-06-01

    Omeprazole (OME) is a proton pump inhibitor with a 58% bioavailability after a single oral dose. It is subject to marked interindividual variations and significant drug-drug interactions. The authors developed a simple and rapid method based on liquid chromatography in tandem with mass spectrometry with solid phase extraction and isotope-labeled internal standard to monitor plasma levels of OME in pharmacokinetics and drug-drug interaction studies. OME and its internal standard (OME-D3) were eluted with a Zorbax Extend C-18 rapid resolution column (4.6 × 50 mm, 3.5 μm) at 25°C, under isocratic conditions through a mobile phase consisting of 1 mM ammonium acetate, pH 8.5 (55%), and acetonitrile (45%). The flow rate was 0.8 mL/min, and the chromatogram run time was 1.2 minutes. OME was detected and quantified by liquid chromatography in tandem with mass spectrometry with positive electrospray ionization, which operates in multiple-reaction monitoring mode. The method was linear in the range of 1.5-2000 ng/mL for OME. The validation assays for accuracy and precision, matrix effect, extraction recovery, and stability of the samples for OME did not deviate more than 20% for the lower limit of quantification and no more than 15% for other quality controls. These findings are consistent with the requirements of regulatory agencies. The method enables rapid quantification of OME concentrations and can be used in pharmacokinetic and drug-drug interaction studies.

  16. Quantification of vosaroxin and its metabolites N-desmethylvosaroxin and O-desmethylvosaroxin in human plasma and urine using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Nijenhuis, C M; Lucas, L; Rosing, H; Jamieson, G; Fox, J A; Schellens, J H M; Beijnen, J H

    2016-08-01

    Vosaroxin is a first-in-class anticancer quinolone derivative topoisomerase II inhibitor that is currently in development in combination with cytarabine for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To investigate vosaroxin pharmacokinetics (PK) in patients, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assays to quantify vosaroxin and the two metabolites N-desmethylvosaroxin and O-desmethylvosaroxin in human plasma and urine were developed and validated. Immediately after collection the samples were stored at -80°C. Prior to analysis, the plasma samples were subjected to protein precipitation and the urine samples were diluted. For both assays the reconstituted extracts were injected on a Symmetry Shield RP8 column and gradient elution was applied using 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile-methanol (50:50, v/v). Analyses were performed with a triple quadruple mass spectrometer in positive-ion mode. A deuterated isotope of vosaroxin was used as internal standard for the quantification. The validated assays quantify vosaroxin and N-desmethylvosaroxin in the concentration range of 2-500ng/mL in plasma and urine. For O-desmethylvosaroxin the concentration range of 4-500ng/mL in plasma and urine was validated. Dilution integrity experiments show that samples can be diluted 25 fold in control matrix prior to analysis. The expanded concentration range for plasma and urine for vosaroxin and N-desmethylvosaroxin is therefore from 2 to 15,000ng/mL and in plasma for O-desmethylvosaroxin from 4 to 15,000ng/mL. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Analysis of methyloxime derivatives of intact esters of testosterone and boldenone in equine plasma using ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Gray, Bobby P; Teale, Phil; Pearce, Clive M

    2011-04-01

    Analysis of equine plasma samples to detect the abuse of anabolic steroids can be complicated when the parent steroid is endogenous to the animal. Anabolic steroids are usually administered intramuscularly as synthetic esters and therefore detection of the exogenous esters provides unequivocal proof of illegal administration. An ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric (UPLC-MSMS) method for the analysis of esters of testosterone (propionate, phenylpropionate, isocaproate, and decanoate) and boldenone (undecylenate) in equine plasma has been developed. Esters were extracted from equine plasma using a mixture of hexane and ethyl acetate and treated with methoxyamine hydrochloride to form methyloxime derivatives. Metenolone enanthate was used as an internal standard. After chromatographic separation, the derivatized steroid esters were quantified using selected reaction monitoring (SRM). The limit of detection for all of the steroid esters, based on a signal to noise ratio (S/N) of 3:1, was 1-3 pg/mL. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for the all of the steroid esters was 5 pg/mL when 2 mL of plasma was extracted. Recovery of the steroid esters was 85-97% for all esters except for testosterone decanoate which was recovered at 62%. The intra-day coefficient of variation (CV) for the analysis of plasma quality control (QC) samples was less than 9.2% at 40 pg/mL and less than 6.0% at 400 pg/mL. The developed assay was used to successfully confirm the presence of intact testosterone esters in equine plasma samples following intramuscular injection of Durateston® (mixed testosterone esters). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  18. De novo synthesis of trideuteromethyl esters of amino acids for use in GC-MS and GC-tandem MS exemplified for ADMA in human plasma and urine: standardization, validation, comparison and proof of evidence for their aptitude as internal standards.

    PubMed

    Tsikas, Dimitrios

    2009-08-01

    Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA, N(G),N(G)-dimethyl-L-arginine) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, a potential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and a powerful biochemical parameter in clinical studies. In our previous work we have reported on a GC-tandem MS method for the accurate and precise quantification of ADMA in biological fluids using de novo synthesized [(2)H(3)]-methyl ester ADMA (d(3)Me-ADMA) as internal standard (IS). This method provides basal ADMA concentrations in biological fluids that agree with those obtained by other groups using other validated methods for ADMA. Unanimously, de novo synthesized stable-isotope labeled analogues are considered not ideal IS, because they must be prepared in a matrix different from the biological sample. Recently, [2,3,3,4,4,5,5-(2)H(7)]-ADMA (d(7)-ADMA) has become commercially available and we took this opportunity to test the reliability of the de novo synthesized d(3)Me-ADMA as an IS for ADMA in GC-tandem MS. In this article, we report on the re-validation of the previously reported GC-tandem MS method for ADMA in human plasma and urine using d(7)-ADMA as IS, and on comparative quantitative analyses of ADMA by GC-tandem MS using d(7)-ADMA and d(3)Me-ADMA. After thorough standardization of d(7)-ADMA and methods validation, we obtained by GC-tandem MS very similar ADMA concentrations in plasma and urine using d(7)-ADMA and d(3)Me-ADMA. The present study gives a proof of evidence for the aptitude of (2)H(3)-ADMA as IS in GC-tandem MS and suggests that de novo synthesis of stable-isotope labeled alkyl esters of amino acids and amino acid derivates may be a generally applicable method in mass spectrometry-based methods for amino acids. This approach is especially useful for amino acids for which no stable-isotope labeled analogues are commercially available.

  19. Two-dimensional designed fabrication of subwavelength grating HCG mirror on silicon-on-insulator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Huang, Shen-Che; Hong, Kuo-Bin; Lu, Tien-Chang; He, Sailing

    2016-03-01

    We designed and fabricated a two dimensional high contrast subwavelength grating (HCG) mirrors. The computer-aided software was employed to verify the structural parameters including grating periods and filling factors. From the optimized simulation results, the designed HCG structure has a wide reflection stopband (reflectivity (R) >90%) of over 200 nm, which centered at telecommunication wavelength. The optimized HCG mirrors were fabricated by electron beam lithography and inductively coupled plasma process technique. The experimental result was almost consistent with calculated data. This achievement should have an impact on numerous photonic devices helpful attribution to the integrated HCG VCSELs in the future.

  20. Ion and electron temperatures in the SUMMA mirror device by emission spectroscopy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Patch, R. W.; Voss, D. E.; Reinmann, J. J.; Snyder, A.

    1974-01-01

    Ion and electron temperatures, and ion drift were measured in a superconducting magnetic mirror apparatus by observing the Doppler-broadened charge-exchange component of the 667.8 and 587.6 nanometer He lines in He plasma, and the H sub alpha and H sub beta lines in H2 plasma. The second moment of the line profiles was used as the parameter for determining ion temperature. Corrections for magnetic splitting, fine structure, monochromator slit function, and variation in charge-exchange cross section with energy are included. Electron temperatures were measured by the line ratio method for the corona model, and correlations of ion and electron temperatures with plasma parameters are presented.

  1. The mirror neuron system.

    PubMed

    Cattaneo, Luigi; Rizzolatti, Giacomo

    2009-05-01

    Mirror neurons are a class of neurons, originally discovered in the premotor cortex of monkeys, that discharge both when individuals perform a given motor act and when they observe others perform that same motor act. Ample evidence demonstrates the existence of a cortical network with the properties of mirror neurons (mirror system) in humans. The human mirror system is involved in understanding others' actions and their intentions behind them, and it underlies mechanisms of observational learning. Herein, we will discuss the clinical implications of the mirror system.

  2. Simple and sensitive analysis of blonanserin and blonanserin C in human plasma by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and its application.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Yunliang; Hu, Xingjiang; Liu, Jian; Wu, Guolan; Zhou, Huili; Zhu, Meixiang; Zhai, You; Wu, Lihua; Shentu, Jianzhong

    2014-01-01

    A highly sensitive, simple, and rapid liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method to simultaneously determine blonanserin and blonanserin C in human plasma with AD-5332 as internal standard (IS) was established. A simple direct protein precipitation method was used for the sample pretreatment, and chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters XBridge C8 (4.6 × 150 mm, 3.5  μ m) column. The mobile phase consists of a mixture of 10 mM ammonium formate and 0.1% formic acid in water (A) and 0.1% formic acid in methanol (B). To quantify blonanserin, blonanserin C, and IS, multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was performed in positive ESI mode. The calibration curve was linear in the concentration range of 0.012-5.78 ng·mL(-1) for blonanserin and 0.023-11.57 ng·mL(-1) for blonanserin C (r (2) > 0.9990). The intra- and interday precision of three quality control (QC) levels in plasma were less than 7.5%. Finally, the current simple, sensitive, and accurate LC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics of blonanserin and blonanserin C in healthy Chinese volunteers.

  3. A novel liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of menadione in human plasma after derivatization with 3-mercaptopropionic acid.

    PubMed

    Liu, Ruijuan; Wang, Mengmeng; Ding, Li

    2014-10-01

    Menadione (VK3), an essential fat-soluble naphthoquinone, takes very important physiological and pathological roles, but its detection and quantification is challenging. Herein, a new method was developed for quantification of VK3 in human plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) after derivatization with 3-mercaptopropionic acid via Michael addition reaction. The derivative had been identified by the mass spectra and the derivatization conditions were optimized by considering different parameters. The method was demonstrated with high sensitivity and a low limit of quantification of 0.03 ng mL(-1) for VK3, which is about 33-fold better than that for the direct analysis of the underivatized compound. The method also had good precision and reproducibility. It was applied in the determination of basal VK3 in human plasma and a clinical pharmacokinetic study of menadiol sodium diphosphate. Furthermore, the method for the quantification of VK3 using LC-MS/MS was reported in this paper for the first time, and it will provide an important strategy for the further research on VK3 and menadione analogs. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Water Cooled Mirror Design

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Dale, Gregory E.; Holloway, Michael Andrew; Pulliam, Elias Noel

    2015-03-30

    This design is intended to replace the current mirror setup being used for the NorthStar Moly 99 project in order to monitor the target coupon. The existing setup has limited movement for camera alignment and is difficult to align properly. This proposed conceptual design for a water cooled mirror will allow for greater thermal transfer between the mirror and the water block. It will also improve positioning of the mirror by using flexible vacuum hosing and a ball head joint capable of a wide range of motion. Incorporating this design into the target monitoring system will provide more efficient coolingmore » of the mirror which will improve the amount of diffraction caused by the heating of the mirror. The process of aligning the mirror for accurate position will be greatly improved by increasing the range of motion by offering six degrees of freedom.« less

  5. Design of optical mirror structures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Soosaar, K.

    1971-01-01

    The structural requirements for large optical telescope mirrors was studied with a particular emphasis placed on the three-meter Large Space Telescope primary mirror. Analysis approaches through finite element methods were evaluated with the testing and verification of a number of element types suitable for particular mirror loadings and configurations. The environmental conditions that a mirror will experience were defined and a candidate list of suitable mirror materials with their properties compiled. The relation of the mirror mechanical behavior to the optical performance is discussed and a number of suitable design criteria are proposed and implemented. A general outline of a systematic method to obtain the best structure for the three-meter diffraction-limited system is outlined. Finite element programs, using the STRUDL 2 analysis system, were written for specific mirror structures encompassing all types of active and passive mirror designs. Parametric studies on support locations, effects of shear deformation, diameter to thickness ratios, lightweight and sandwich mirror configurations, and thin shell active mirror needs were performed.

  6. Cosmology with liquid mirror telescopes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hogg, David W.; Gibson, Brad K.; Hickson, Paul

    1993-01-01

    Liquid mirrors provide an exciting means to obtain large optical telescopes for substantially lower costs than conventional technologies. The liquid mirror concept has been demonstrated in the lab with the construction of a diffraction limited 1.5 m mirror. The mirror surface, using liquid mercury, forms a perfect parabolic shape when the mirror cell is rotated at a uniform velocity. A liquid mirror must be able to support a heavy mercury load with minimal flexure and have a fundamental resonant frequency that is as high as possible, to suppress the amplitude of surface waves caused by small vibrations transmitted to the mirror. To minimize the transmission of vibrations to the liquid surface, the entire mirror rests on an air bearing. This necessitates the mirror cell being lightweight, due to the limited load capabilities of the air bearing. The mirror components must also have physical characteristics which minimize the effects of thermal expansion with ambient temperature fluctuations in the observatory. In addition, the 2.7 m mirror construction is designed so that the techniques used may be readily extended to the construction of large mirrors. To attain the goals of a lightweight, rigid mirror, a composite laminant construction was used. The mirror consists of a foam core cut to the desired parabolic shape, with an accuracy of a few mm. An aluminum hub serves as an anchor for the foam and skin, and allows precise centering of the mirror on the air bearing and drive system. Several plys of Kevlar, covered in an epoxy matrix, are then applied to the foam. A final layer of pure epoxy is formed by spin casting. This final layer is parabolic to within a fraction of a mm. An aluminum ring bonded to the circumference of the mirror retains the mercury, and incorporates stainless-steel hard-points for the attachment of balance weights.

  7. Integration of Mirror Design with Suspension System Using NASA's New Mirror Modeling Software

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Arnold, William R., Sr.; Bevan, Ryan M.; Stahl, H. Philip

    2013-01-01

    Advances in mirror fabrication are making very large space based telescopes possible. In many applications, only monolithic mirrors can meet the performance requirements. The existing and near-term planned heavy launch vehicles place a premium on lowest possible mass, and then available payload shroud sizes limit near term designs to 4 meter class mirrors. Practical 8 meter class and beyond designs could encourage planners to include larger shrouds, if it can be proven that such mirrors can be manufactured. These two factors, lower mass and larger mirrors, present the classic optimization problem. There is a practical upper limit to how large of a mirror can be supported by a purely kinematic mount system handling both operational and launch loads. This paper shows how the suspension system and mirror blank need to be designed simultaneously. We will also explore the concepts of auxiliary support systems which act only during launch and disengage on orbit. We will define required characteristics of these systems and show how they can substantially reduce the mirror mass.

  8. Integration of Mirror Design with Suspension System using NASA's New Mirror Modeling Software

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Arnold,William R., Sr.; Bevan, Ryan M.; Stahl, Philip

    2013-01-01

    Advances in mirror fabrication are making very large space based telescopes possible. In many applications, only monolithic mirrors can meet the performance requirements. The existing and near-term planned heavy launch vehicles place a premium on lowest possible mass, and then available payload shroud sizes limit near term designs to 4 meter class mirrors. Practical 8 meter class and beyond designs could encourage planners to include larger shrouds, if it can be proven that such mirrors can be manufactured. These two factors, lower mass and larger mirrors, present the classic optimization problem. There is a practical upper limit to how large of a mirror can be supported by a purely kinematic mount system handling both operational and launch loads. This paper shows how the suspension system and mirror blank need to be designed simultaneously. We will also explore the concepts of auxiliary support systems which act only during launch and disengage on orbit. We will define required characteristics of these systems and show how they can substantially reduce the mirror mass.

  9. Experiments on the transportation of a magnetized plasma stream in the GOL-3 facility

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Postupaev, V. V., E-mail: V.V.Postupaev@inp.nsk.su; Batkin, V. I.; Burdakov, A. V.

    2016-04-15

    The program of the deep upgrade of the GOL-3 multiple-mirror trap is presented. The upgrade is aimed at creating a new GOL-NB open trap located at the GOL-3 site and intended to directly demonstrate the efficiency of using multiple-mirror magnetic cells to improve longitudinal plasma confinement in a gasdynamic open trap. The GOL-NB device will consist of a new central trap, adjoint cells with a multiple-mirror magnetic field, and end tanks (magnetic flux expanders). Plasma in the central trap will be heated by neutral beam injection with a power of up to 1.5 MW and duration of 1 ms. Atmore » present, physical experiments directed at developing plasma technologies that are novel for this facility are being carried out using the 6-m-long autonomous part of the GOL-3 solenoid. The aim of this work was to develop a method for filling the central trap with a low-temperature start plasma. Transportation of a plasma stream from an arc source over a distance of 3 m in a uniform magnetic field with an induction of 0.5–4.5 T is demonstrated. In these experiments, the axial plasma density was (1–4) × 10{sup 20} m{sup –3} and the mirror ratio varied from 5 to 60. In general, the experiments confirmed the correctness of the adopted decisions for the start plasma source of the GOL-NB device.« less

  10. MSFC Test Results for Selected Mirrors: Brush-Wellman/Goodrich 0.5 meter Joined-Beryllium Mirror; IABG 0.5 meter C/SiC Mirror; Xinetics 0.5 meter SiC Mirror; and Kodak 0.23 meter SiO2 Mirror

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hadaway, James; Blackwell, Lisa; Matthews, Gary; Eng, Ron; Stahl, Phil; Hraba, John; Thornton, Gary

    2002-01-01

    The results of cryo tests performed at the XRCF on the above mirrors will be presented. Each mirror was tested from room-temperature to around 30 K. The first three were tested together on a 3-mirror stand in the large chamber using the PhaseCam interferometer, while the Kodak mirror was tested in the small chamber using the EPI interferometer.

  11. Simultaneous determination of dextromethorphan, dextrorphan, and guaifenesin in human plasma using semi-automated liquid/liquid extraction and gradient liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Eichhold, Thomas H; McCauley-Myers, David L; Khambe, Deepa A; Thompson, Gary A; Hoke, Steven H

    2007-01-17

    A method for the simultaneous determination of dextromethorphan (DEX), dextrorphan (DET), and guaifenesin (GG) in human plasma was developed, validated, and applied to determine plasma concentrations of these compounds in samples from six clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) studies. Semi-automated liquid handling systems were used to perform the majority of the sample manipulation including liquid/liquid extraction (LLE) of the analytes from human plasma. Stable-isotope-labeled analogues were utilized as internal standards (ISTDs) for each analyte to facilitate accurate and precise quantification. Extracts were analyzed using gradient liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Use of semi-automated LLE with LC-MS/MS proved to be a very rugged and reliable approach for analysis of more than 6200 clinical study samples. The lower limit of quantification was validated at 0.010, 0.010, and 1.0 ng/mL of plasma for DEX, DET, and GG, respectively. Accuracy and precision of quality control (QC) samples for all three analytes met FDA Guidance criteria of +/-15% for average QC accuracy with coefficients of variation less than 15%. Data from the thorough evaluation of the method during development, validation, and application are presented to characterize selectivity, linearity, over-range sample analysis, accuracy, precision, autosampler carry-over, ruggedness, extraction efficiency, ionization suppression, and stability. Pharmacokinetic data are also provided to illustrate improvements in systemic drug and metabolite concentration-time profiles that were achieved by formulation optimization.

  12. Production of multicharged metal ion beams on the first stage of tandem-type ECRIS

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hagino, Shogo, E-mail: hagino@nf.eie.eng.osaka-u.ac.jp; Nagaya, Tomoki; Nishiokada, Takuya

    2016-02-15

    Multicharged metal ion beams are required to be applied in a wide range of fields. We aim at synthesizing iron-endohedral fullerene by transporting iron ion beams from the first stage into the fullerene plasma in the second stage of the tandem-type electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS). We developed new evaporators by using a direct ohmic heating method and a radiation heating method from solid state pure metal materials. We investigate their properties in the test chamber and produce iron ions on the first stage of the tandem-type ECRIS. As a result, we were successful in extracting Fe{sup +} ionmore » beams from the first stage and introducing Fe{sup +} ion beams to the second stage. We will try synthesizing iron-endohedral fullerene on the tandem-type ECRIS by using these evaporators.« less

  13. Adaptive optics using a MEMS deformable mirror for a segmented mirror telescope

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Miyamura, Norihide

    2017-09-01

    For small satellite remote sensing missions, a large aperture telescope more than 400mm is required to realize less than 1m GSD observations. However, it is difficult or expensive to realize the large aperture telescope using a monolithic primary mirror with high surface accuracy. A segmented mirror telescope should be studied especially for small satellite missions. Generally, not only high accuracy of optical surface but also high accuracy of optical alignment is required for large aperture telescopes. For segmented mirror telescopes, the alignment is more difficult and more important. For conventional systems, the optical alignment is adjusted before launch to achieve desired imaging performance. However, it is difficult to adjust the alignment for large sized optics in high accuracy. Furthermore, thermal environment in orbit and vibration in a launch vehicle cause the misalignments of the optics. We are developing an adaptive optics system using a MEMS deformable mirror for an earth observing remote sensing sensor. An image based adaptive optics system compensates the misalignments and wavefront aberrations of optical elements using the deformable mirror by feedback of observed images. We propose the control algorithm of the deformable mirror for a segmented mirror telescope by using of observed image. The numerical simulation results and experimental results show that misalignment and wavefront aberration of the segmented mirror telescope are corrected and image quality is improved.

  14. Laser correcting mirror

    DOEpatents

    Sawicki, Richard H.

    1994-01-01

    An improved laser correction mirror (10) for correcting aberrations in a laser beam wavefront having a rectangular mirror body (12) with a plurality of legs (14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28) arranged into opposing pairs (34, 36, 38, 40) along the long sides (30, 32) of the mirror body (12). Vector force pairs (49, 50, 52, 54) are applied by adjustment mechanisms (42, 44, 46, 48) between members of the opposing pairs (34, 36, 38, 40) for bending a reflective surface 13 of the mirror body 12 into a shape defining a function which can be used to correct for comatic aberrations.

  15. Determination of rutin in rat plasma by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and application to pharmacokinetic study.

    PubMed

    Chen, Mengchun; Zhang, Xiaoqian; Wang, Hao; Lin, Baoli; Wang, Shuanghu; Hu, Guoxin

    2015-04-01

    A sensitive and rapid ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS-MS) method for the determination of rutin in rat plasma was developed and validated. After addition of tolbutamide as internal standard (IS), protein precipitation by acetonitrile was used as sample preparation. The chromatographic separation was performed on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 μm particle size), using acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid as the mobile phase with gradient elution, delivered at a flow-rate of 0.4 mL/min. Mass spectrometric analysis was performed using a XEVO TQD mass spectrometer coupled with an electro-spray ionization (ESI) source in the positive ion mode. The MRM transitions of m/z 610.91→302.98 and m/z 271.2→155.1 were used to quantify for rutin and tolbutamide, respectively. This assay method has been fully validated in terms of specificity, linearity, recovery and matrix effect, accuracy, precision and stability. Calibration curves were linear in the concentration ranges of 25-2000 ng/mL for rutin. Only 3 min was needed for an analytical run. This developed method was successfully used for determination of rutin in rat plasma for pharmacokinetic study. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  16. Simultaneous determination of blonanserin and its four metabolites in human plasma using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Ying; Liu, Ming; Jiang, Ji; Wang, Hongyun; Hu, Pei

    2013-11-15

    A sensitive and rapid method based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of blonanserin, its major active metabolite (N-deethyl form) and other three metabolites (N-oxide form, Ethylenediamine form and Carboxylate form) in human plasma. Plasma samples were pre-purified by solid-phase extraction (SPE) and analyzed using a gradient chromatographic separation over an Acquity UPLC CSH C18 column. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-water containing 5mM ammonium formate and 0.1% formic acid at a flow rate of 0.5mL/min. Positive electrospray ionization was employed as the ionization source in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The analysis time was about 3.5min. The method was fully validated over the concentration range of 0.01-1ng/mL for all analytes. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 0.01ng/mL. Inter- and intra-batch precision was less than 15% and the accuracy was within 85-115%. The mean extraction recoveries of all analytes at two concentration levels were consistent. Selectivity, matrix effect and stability were also validated. The method was applied to the pharmacokinetic study of blonanserin in Chinese healthy subjects. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Analytical interference of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymethamphetamine with the measurement of plasma free normetanephrine by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Dunand, Marielle; Donzelli, Massimiliano; Rickli, Anna; Hysek, Cédric M; Liechti, Matthias E; Grouzmann, Eric

    2014-08-01

    The diagnosis of pheochromocytoma relies on the measurement of plasma free metanephrines assay whose reliability has been considerably improved by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Here we report an analytical interference occurring between 4-hydroxy-3-methoxymethamphetamine (HMMA), a metabolite of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "Ecstasy"), and normetanephrine (NMN) since they share a common pharmacophore resulting in the same product ion after fragmentation. Synthetic HMMA was spiked into plasma samples containing various concentrations of NMN and the intensity of the interference was determined by UPLC-MS/MS before and after improvement of the analytical method. Using a careful adjustment of chromatographic conditions including the change of the UPLC analytical column, we were able to distinguish both compounds. HMMA interference for NMN determination should be seriously considered since MDMA activates the sympathetic nervous system and if confounded with NMN may lead to false-positive tests when performing a differential diagnostic of pheochromocytoma. Copyright © 2014 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Mirror mount

    DOEpatents

    Humpal, Harold H.

    1987-01-01

    A mirror mount (10) is provided that allows free pitch, yaw and roll motion of the mirror (28) while keeping the location of a point (56) on the surface of the mirror (28) fixed in the rest frame of reference of the mount (10). Yaw movement is provided by two yaw cylinders (30,32) that are bearing (52) mounted to provide rotation. Pitch and roll motion is provided by a spherically annular shell (42) that is air bearing (72,74) mounted to move between a clamp (60) and an upper pedestal bearing (44). The centers of curvature of the spherical surfaces of the shell (42) lie upon the point (56). Pitch motion and roll motion are separately and independently imparted to mirror (28) by a pair of pitch paddles (34) and a pair of roll paddles (36) that are independently and separately moved by control rods (76,80) driven by motors (78,82).

  19. Determination of molindone enantiomers in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry using macrocyclic antibiotic chiral stationary phases.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Hongliang; Li, Yinghe; Pelzer, Mary; Cannon, Michelle J; Randlett, Christopher; Junga, Heiko; Jiang, Xiangyu; Ji, Qin C

    2008-05-30

    A sensitive and selective bioanalytical assay was developed and validated for the determination of enantiomeric molindone in human plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry along with supported liquid extraction procedures. The chiral separation was evaluated and optimized on macrocyclic antibiotic type chiral stationary phases (CSPs) based on teicoplanin aglycone (Chirobiotic TAG) in polar organic, polar ionic, and reversed-phase mode chromatography, respectively. Complete baseline separation was achieved on a Chirobiotic TAG column under isocratic condition in reversed-phase chromatography. The method validation was conducted using a Chirobiotic TAG column (100 mm x 2.1 mm) over the curve range 0.100-100 ng/ml for each molindone enantiomer using 0.0500 ml of plasma sample. The flow rate was 0.8 ml/min and the total run time was 9 min. Supported liquid extraction in a 96-well plate format was used for sample preparation. Parameters including recovery, matrix effect, linearity, sensitivity, specificity, carryover, precision, accuracy, dilution integrity, and stability were evaluated. The intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy of the quality control samples at low, medium, and high concentration levels were RSD plasma samples from clinical studies.

  20. Determination of hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls (HO-PCBs) in blood plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Letcher, R J; Li, H X; Chu, S G

    2005-01-01

    Hydroxylated metabolites of polychlorinated biphenyls (HO-PCBs) and pentachlorophenol (PCP) are halogenated phenolic compounds, and they are increasingly common as environmental contaminants mainly in the blood of wildlife and humans. A methodology based on high-performance liquid chromatography (reversed-phase)-electrospray (negative) ionization-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-ESI(-)-MS-MS) in the select ion monitoring or multiple reaction monitoring modes was developed for HO-PCB and PCP determination in blood plasma and serum. Among 11 environmentally relevant HO-PCB congeners and PCP spiked to fetal calf serum, quantitative assessments, including matrix effects on ESI(-) suppression/ enhancement, showed process (recovery) efficiencies of 73% to 89% without internal standard (IS) correction, and 88% to 103% with IS correction, and method limits of quantification ranging from 1 to 50 pg/g (wet weight). Using the developed LC-ESI(-)-MS methodology in comparison with GC-MS and GC-ECD based approaches, similar results were found for HO-PCB identification and quantification in the plasma of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) from the Canadian arctic. LC-ESI(-)-MS identified four HO-PCB congeners [4'-HO-2,2',4,6,6'-pentachlorobiphenyl (4'-HO-CB104), 4-HO-2,3,3',4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (4-HO-CB107), 4-HO-2,3,3',5,5',6-hexachlorobiphenyl (4-HO-CB165) and 3'-HO-2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-heptachlorobiphenyl (3'-HO-CB180)], and 14 additional tetra- to hepta-chlorinated HO-PCBs isomers in the polar bear plasma.

  1. Durable solar mirror films

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    O'Neill, Mark B.; Henderson, Andrew J.; Hebrink, Timothy J.

    The present disclosure generally relates to durable solar mirror films, methods of making durable solar mirror films, and constructions including durable solar mirror films. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a solar mirror film comprising: a multilayer optical film layer including having a coefficient of hygroscopic expansion of less than about 30 ppm per percent relative humidity; and a reflective layer having a coefficient of hygroscopic expansion.

  2. Durable solar mirror films

    DOEpatents

    O'Neill, Mark B.; Henderson, Andrew J.; Hebrink, Timothy J.; Katare, Rajesh K.; Jing, Naiyong; North, Diane; Peterson, Eric M.

    2017-02-14

    The present disclosure generally relates to durable solar mirror films, methods of making durable solar mirror films, and constructions including durable solar mirror films. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a solar mirror film comprising: a multilayer optical film layer including having a coefficient of hygroscopic expansion of less than about 30 ppm per percent relative humidity; and a reflective layer having a coefficient of hygroscopic expansion.

  3. Mirroring of fast solar flare electrons on a downstream corotating interaction region

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Anderson, K. A.; Sommers, J.; Lin, R. P.; Pick, M.; Chaizy, P.; Murphy, N.; Smith, E. J.; Phillips, J. L.

    1995-01-01

    We discuss an example of confinement of fast solar electrons by a discrete solar wind-interplanetary magnetic field structure on February 22, 1991. The structure is about 190,000 km in width and is clearly defined by changes in the direction of the magnetic field at the Ulysses spacecraft. This structure carries electrons moving toward the Sun as well as away from the Sun. A loss cone in the angular distribution of the fast electrons shows that mirroring, presumably magnetic, takes place downstream from the spacecraft. Following passage of this narrow structure, the return flux vanishes for 21 min after which time the mirroring resumes and persists for several hours. We identify the enhanced magnetic field region lying downstream from the Ulysses spacecraft that is responsible for the mirroring to be a corotating stream interaction region. Backstreaming suprathermal electron measurements by the Los Alamos National Laboratory plasma experiment on the Ulysses spacecraft support this interpretation.

  4. Radio frequency and microwave plasma for optical thin-film deposition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Otto, Juergen; Paquet, Volker; Kersten, Ralf T.; Etzkorn, Heinz-Werner; Brusasco, Raymond M.; Britten, Jerald A.; Campbell, Jack H.; Thorsness, J. B.

    1990-12-01

    For the next generation of fusion lasers reflecting mirrors with laser damage thresholds of at least 40 J/cm2 for 1 0 ns laser pulses at 1 .064 pm are needed. Up to now, no deposition technique has been developed to produce such mirrors. Best R&D-values realized today are around 30 J/cm2 for e-beam evaporated mirrors. R&D on conventional e-beam coating processes over the last 1 0 years has come up with marginal improvements in laser damage thresholds only. However, new technologies, like PICVD (Plasma-Impulse CVD) developed for the fabrication of ultra-low loss fiber preforms, seem to offer the potential to solve this problem. First results have been reported already [1-3]. It is well known that fused silica produced by CVD processes can have laser damage thresholds as high as 80 J/cm2. However, the thickness of a single deposited film is in the pm-range for most of the CVD-processes used for preform manufacturing; since interference optics need films in the ; /4n range (where n is the refractive index of the dielectric material) the use of preform-fabrication processes for the purpose of interference mirror fabrication is limited to a few plasma based CVD technologies, namely PCVD (Plasma-CVD, Philips [4]; PICVD, SCHOTT [5]). Especially PICVD is a very powerful technology to fabricate thin film multilayers for interference mirrors, because this technique is able to produce films down to monolayer thickness with nearly perfect stoichiometry and morphology. In first and preliminary experiments the usual deposition in a circular tube at high temperatures has been used for simplicity. However, to produce large area high quality laser mirrors this principle know-how has to be transfered from circular to planar geometry. Experiments showed, that there may be some limitations with respect to the homogeneity of a planar deposition using microwave excitation for the plasma. Therefore experiments have been performed in parallel with both RF and microwave excitation for

  5. Monte Carlo simulation of neutral-beam injection for mirror fusion reactors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Miller, Ronald Lee

    1979-01-01

    Computer simulation techniques using the Monte Carlo method have been developed for application to the modeling of neutral-beam intection into mirror-confined plasmas of interest to controlled thermonuclear research. The energetic (10 to 300 keV) neutral-beam particles interact with the target plasma (T i ~ 10 to 100 keV) through electron-atom and ion-atom collisional ionization as well as ion-atom charge-transfer (charge-exchange) collisions to give a fractional trapping of the neutral beam and a loss of charge-transfer-produced neutrals which escape to bombard the reactor first wall. Appropriate interaction cross sections for these processes are calculated for the assumed anisotropic, non-Maxwellian plasma ionmore » phase-space distributions.« less

  6. Space Mirror Alignment System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jau, Bruno M.; McKinney, Colin; Smythe, Robert F.; Palmer, Dean L.

    2011-01-01

    An optical alignment mirror mechanism (AMM) has been developed with angular positioning accuracy of +/-0.2 arcsec. This requires the mirror s linear positioning actuators to have positioning resolutions of +/-112 nm to enable the mirror to meet the angular tip/tilt accuracy requirement. Demonstrated capabilities are 0.1 arc-sec angular mirror positioning accuracy, which translates into linear positioning resolutions at the actuator of 50 nm. The mechanism consists of a structure with sets of cross-directional flexures that enable the mirror s tip and tilt motion, a mirror with its kinematic mount, and two linear actuators. An actuator comprises a brushless DC motor, a linear ball screw, and a piezoelectric brake that holds the mirror s position while the unit is unpowered. An interferometric linear position sensor senses the actuator s position. The AMMs were developed for an Astrometric Beam Combiner (ABC) optical bench, which is part of an interferometer development. Custom electronics were also developed to accommodate the presence of multiple AMMs within the ABC and provide a compact, all-in-one solution to power and control the AMMs.

  7. High current proton beams production at Simple Mirror Ion Source 37.

    PubMed

    Skalyga, V; Izotov, I; Razin, S; Sidorov, A; Golubev, S; Kalvas, T; Koivisto, H; Tarvainen, O

    2014-02-01

    This paper presents the latest results of high current proton beam production at Simple Mirror Ion Source (SMIS) 37 facility at the Institute of Applied Physics (IAP RAS). In this experimental setup, the plasma is created and the electrons are heated by 37.5 GHz gyrotron radiation with power up to 100 kW in a simple mirror trap fulfilling the ECR condition. Latest experiments at SMIS 37 were performed using a single-aperture two-electrode extraction system. Proton beams with currents up to 450 mA at high voltages below 45 kV were obtained. The maximum beam current density was measured to be 600 mA/cm(2). A possibility of further improvement through the development of an advanced extraction system is discussed.

  8. Covalently Linked Tandem Lesions in DNA

    PubMed Central

    Patrzyc, Helen B.; Dawidzik, Jean B.; Budzinski, Edwin E.; Freund, Harold G.; Wilton, John H.; Box, Harold C.

    2013-01-01

    Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generate a type of DNA damage called tandem lesions, two adjacent nucleotides both modified. A subcategory of tandem lesions consists of adjacent nucleotides linked by a covalent bond. Covalently linked tandem lesions generate highly characteristic liquid chromotography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) elution profiles. We have used this property to comprehensively survey X-irradiated DNA for covalently linked tandem lesions. A total of 15 tandem lesions were detected in DNA irradiated in deoxygenated aqueous solution, five tandem lesions were detected in DNA that was irradiated in oxygenated solution. PMID:23106212

  9. Lightweight Zerodur Mirror Technology

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-10-01

    17 September 1981 Contract Expiration Date: 15 May 1982 Short Title of Work: Lightweight Zerodur Mirror Technology Program Code Number: 1LIO Period of...iepRA LIGHTWEIGHT ZERODUR MIRROR TECHNOLOGY 21 Sep 81 - 21 May 82 1. PERFORMING 0,10. REPORT NUMWERn 15512 7: AUTHOR(*J S. CONTRACT OR GRANT NUMSER[JlII...1S. KIEV WORDS (Continue on reverse aide If necesery 1nd Identify b? block nwi nhm ) Zerodur Lightweight Mirrors Mirror Blank Fabrication Frit

  10. Determination of a deuterohemin-peptide conjugate in rat plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and application to a preclinical pharmacokinetic study.

    PubMed

    Wang, Hao; Sun, Yantong; Guo, Wei; Fang, Chunxue; Fawcett, J Paul; Li, Wei; Gao, Yin; Yang, Yan; Gu, Jingkai

    2014-09-01

    The deuterohemin-peptide conjugate (DhHP-6) is a microperoxidase mimetic, which has demonstrated substantial benefits in vivo as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species. This paper reports the development of a sensitive and rapid liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination of DhHP-6 in rat plasma using triptorelin as an internal standard (IS). 50μL plasma was used in sample preparation, and a simple protein precipitation procedure with acetonitrile was involved. Satisfactory peak shapes of analyte and IS were obtained on an Agilent HC-C18 column by using a gradient elution with 10mM ammonium acetate-0.5% formic acid (v:v) and acetonitrile, there was no significant interference impacting the determination. A calibration curve obtained from this method was linear within the concentration range 10-3000ng/mL with intra- and inter-day precisions of 4.2-6.8% and 3.2-8.9%, respectively and accuracy of -1.3% to 2.1%. The recovery was above 80% with low matrix effects. The method was successfully applied to support a preclinical pharmacokinetic study in rat. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Determination of ketamine and its main metabolites by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry in pig plasma: Comparison of extraction methods.

    PubMed

    Ramiole, Cindy; D'Hayer, Benoit; Boudy, Vincent; Legagneux, Josette; Fonsart, Julien; Houzé, Pascal

    2017-11-30

    A rapid, sensitive and specific liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the simultaneous quantification pig plasma of ketamine and its two principal metabolites, norketamine and dehydronorketamine. Three extraction procoles were assessed including acetonitrile precipitation, Oase™ microplate extraction, and liquid-liquid extraction. Oase™ microplate extraction induced no significant matrix effect, important signal/noise ratio and good recoveries, ranging from 82 to 87% for the considered compounds. Using this extraction procedure, the assay was linear in the dynamic range 10-3000ng/mL (R 2 >0.99) regardless of the analytes. Intra- and inter-day accuracies were less than 12% for all compounds and intra- and inter-day precisions expressed as RSD were within <9.9%. Samples were stable in different storage conditions. High ketamine, norketamine and dehydronorketamine concentrations up to 15,000ng/mL can be determined with good precision using appropriate sample dilution. The assay was successfully applied to pig plasma samples to determine the pharmacokinetics of ketamine and the consecutive metabolites after buccal administration of a 4mg/kg ketamine base solutions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Mass-loading, pile-up, and mirror-mode waves at comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Volwerk, M.; Richter, I.; Tsurutani, B.; Götz, C.; Altwegg, K.; Broiles, T.; Burch, J.; Carr, C.; Cupido, E.; Delva, M.; Dósa, M.; Edberg, N. J. T.; Eriksson, A.; Henri, P.; Koenders, C.; Lebreton, J.-P.; Mandt, K. E.; Nilsson, H.; Opitz, A.; Rubin, M.; Schwingenschuh, K.; Stenberg Wieser, G.; Szegö, K.; Vallat, C.; Vallieres, X.; Glassmeier, K.-H.

    2016-01-01

    The data from all Rosetta plasma consortium instruments and from the ROSINA COPS instrument are used to study the interaction of the solar wind with the outgassing cometary nucleus of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. During 6 and 7 June 2015, the interaction was first dominated by an increase in the solar wind dynamic pressure, caused by a higher solar wind ion density. This pressure compressed the draped magnetic field around the comet, and the increase in solar wind electrons enhanced the ionization of the outflow gas through collisional ionization. The new ions are picked up by the solar wind magnetic field, and create a ring/ring-beam distribution, which, in a high-β plasma, is unstable for mirror mode wave generation. Two different kinds of mirror modes are observed: one of small size generated by locally ionized water and one of large size generated by ionization and pick-up farther away from the comet.

  13. Mass-loading, pile-up, and mirror-mode waves at comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Volwerk, Martin

    2016-04-01

    The data from all Rosetta Plasma Consortium instruments and from the ROSINA COPS instrument are used to study the interaction of the solar wind with the outgassing cometary nucleus of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. During 6 and 7 June 2015, the interaction was first dominated by an increase in the solar wind dynamic pressure, caused by a higher solar wind ion density. This pressure compressed the draped magnetic field around the comet, and the increase in solar wind electrons enhanced the ionization of the outflow gas through collisional ionization. The new ions are picked up by the solar wind magnetic field, and create a ring/ring-beam distribution, which, in a high-β plasma, is unstable for mirror mode wave generation. Two different kinds of mirror modes are observed: one of small size generated by locally ionized water and one of large size generated by ionization and pick-up farther away from the comet.

  14. Determination of gymnemagenin in rat plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: application to pharmacokinetics after oral administration of Gymnema sylvestre extract.

    PubMed

    Kamble, Bhagyashree; Gupta, Ankur; Patil, Dada; Khatal, Laxman; Janrao, Shirish; Moothedath, Ismail; Duraiswamy, Basavan

    2013-05-01

    A sensitive and rapid high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method has been developed and validated for the determination of gymnemagenin (GMG), a triterpene sapogenin from Gymnema sylvestre, in rat plasma using withaferin A as the internal standard (IS). Plasma samples were simply extracted using liquid-liquid extraction with tetra-butyl methyl ether. Chromatographic separation was performed on Luna C(18) column using gradient elution of water and methanol (with 0.1% formic acid and 0.3% ammonia) at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. GMG and IS were eluted at 4.64 and 4.36 min, ionized in negative and positive mode, respectively, and quantitatively estimated using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Two MRM transitions were selected at m/z 505.70 → 455.5 and m/z 471.50 → 281.3 for GMG and IS, respectively. The assay was linear over the concentration range of 5.280-300.920 ng/mL. The mean plasma extraction recoveries for GMG and IS were found to be 80.92 ± 8.70 and 55.63 ± 0.76%, respectively. The method was successfully applied for the determination of pharmacokinetic parameters of GMG after oral administration of G. sylvestre extract. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  15. COI NMSD Hybrid Mirror

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mehle, Greg; Stahl, Phil (Technical Monitor)

    2002-01-01

    This presentation provides an overview of the development of the 1.6 meter hybrid mirror demonstrator for the NGST Mirror System Demonstrator (NMSD) program. The COI design approach for the NGST program combines the optical performance of glass, with the high specific stiffness capabilities of composite materials The foundation technologies being exploited in the development of the hybrid mirror focus upon precision Composite Materials for cryogenic operation, and non-contact optical processing (ion figuring) of the lightweight mirror surface. The NGST Mirror System Demonstrator (NMSD) has been designed and built by Composite Optics, Inc. (COI) with optical processing performed by SAGEM (REOSC). The sponsors of these efforts are the NASA Marshall and Goddard Space Flight Centers.

  16. Determination of Colistin and Colistimethate Levels in Human Plasma and Urine by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Bihan, Kevin; Lu, Qin; Enjalbert, Manon; Apparuit, Maxime; Langeron, Olivier; Rouby, Jean-Jacques; Funck-Brentano, Christian; Zahr, Noël

    2016-12-01

    Colistin is a polypeptide antibiotic from the polymyxin E group used for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. The main constituents, accounting for approximately 85% of this mixture, are colistin A (polymyxin E1) and colistin B (polymyxin E2). The aim of this study was to develop and validate new and fast methods of quantification of colistin A and B and its precursors [colistin methanesulfonate sodium (CMS) A and B] by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in plasma and urine with short pretreatment and run times. Chromatography was performed on an Acquity UPLC-MS/MS system (WATERS) with a WATERS Acquity UPLC C18 column (4.6 × 150 mm, 3.5 μm particle size). The pretreatment of samples consists of precipitation and extraction into microcolumns plate and HLB 96-well plate 30 μm-30 mg (OASIS) with a Positive Pressure-96 (WATERS). Quantification was performed using a multiple reaction monitoring of the following transitions: m/z 390.9 → 385.1 for colistin A, m/z 386.2 → 101.0 for colistin B, and m/z 602.4 → 241.1 for polymyxin B1 sulfate. In plasma and urine, calibration curves were linear from 30 to 6000 ng/mL for colistin A and from 15 to 3000 ng/mL for colistin B. With an acceptable accuracy and precision, the lower limit of quantification were set at 24.0 ng/mL and 12.0 ng/mL for colistin A and B in plasma, and at 18.0 ng/mL and 9.0 ng/mL for colistin A and B in urine. These LC-MS/MS methods of quantification for colistin A and B and its precursors (CMS A and B) in plasma and urine are fast, simple, specific, sensitive, accurate, precise, and reliable. Furthermore, they are linear and repeatable. These procedures were successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of a critically ill patient suffering from ventilator-associated pneumonia, who was treated with nebulized CMS.

  17. Rapid analysis of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in fish plasma micro-aliquots using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Chen, Fangfang; Gong, Zhiyuan; Kelly, Barry C

    2015-02-27

    A sensitive analytical method based on liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed for rapid analysis of 11 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in fish plasma micro-aliquots (∼20μL). Target PPCPs included, bisphenol A, carbamazepine, diclofenac, fluoxetine, gemfibrozil, ibuprofen, naproxen, risperidone, sertraline, simvastatin and triclosan. A relatively quicker and cheaper LLE procedure exhibited comparable analyte recoveries with solid-phase extraction. Rapid separation and analysis of target compounds in fish plasma extracts was achieved by employing a high efficiency C-18 HPLC column (Agilent Poroshell 120 SB-C18, 2.1mm×50mm, 2.7μm) and fast polarity switching, enabling effective monitoring of positive and negative ions in a single 9min run. With the exception of bisphenol A, which exhibited relatively high background contamination, method detection limits of individual PPCPs ranged between 0.15 and 0.69pg/μL, while method quantification limits were between 0.05 and 2.3pg/μL. Mean matrix effect (ME) values ranged between 65 and 156% for the various target analytes. Isotope dilution quantification using isotopically labelled internal surrogates was utilized to correct for signal suppression or enhancement and analyte losses during sample preparation. The method was evaluated by analysis of 20μL plasma micro-aliquots collected from zebrafish (Danio rerio) from a laboratory bioaccumulation study, which included control group fish (no exposure), as well as fish exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of PPCPs. Using the developed LC-MS/MS based method, concentrations of the studied PPCPs were consistently detected in the low pg/μL (ppb) range. The method may be useful for investigations requiring fast, reliable concentration measurements of PPCPs in fish plasma. In particular, the method may be applicable for in situ contaminant biomonitoring, as well as

  18. Clinical characteristics of mirror syndrome: a comparison of 10 cases of mirror syndrome with non-mirror syndrome fetal hydrops cases.

    PubMed

    Hirata, Go; Aoki, Shigeru; Sakamaki, Kentaro; Takahashi, Tsuneo; Hirahara, Fumiki; Ishikawa, Hiroshi

    2016-01-01

    To investigate clinical features of mirror syndrome. We retrospectively reviewed 71 cases of fetal hydrops with or without mirror syndrome, and compared with respect to maternal age, the body mass index, the primipara rate, the gestational age at delivery, the timing of fetal hydrops onset, the severity of fetal edema, placental swelling, the laboratory data and the fetal mortality. The data are expressed as the medians. Mirror syndrome developed in 29% (10/35) of the cases with fetal hydrops. In mirror group, the onset time of fetal hydrops was significantly earlier (29 weeks versus 31 weeks, p = 0.011), and the severity of fetal hydrops (fetal edema/biparietal diameter) was significantly higher than non-mirror group (0.23 versus 0.16, p < 0.001). There was significantly higher serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (453,000 IU/L versus 80,000 IU/L, p < 0.001) and lower hemoglobin (8.9 g/dL versus 10.1 g/dL, p =0.002), hypoalbuminemia (2.3 mg/dL versus 2.7 mg/dL, p = 0.007), hyperuricemia (6.4 mg/dL versus 5.0 mg/dL, p = 0.043) in mirror group. Mirror syndrome is occurred frequently in early and severe fetal hydrops and cause hemodilution and elevation of serum hCG.

  19. Ion Cyclotron Resonant Heating (ICRH) system used on the Tandem Mirror Experiment-Upgrade (TMX-U)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ferguson, S.W.; Maxwell, T.M.; Antelman, D.R.

    1985-11-11

    Ion Cyclotron Resonant Heating (ICRH) is part of the plasma heating system used on the TMX-U experiment. Radio frequency (RF) energy is injected into the TMX-U plasma at a frequency near the fundamental ion resonance (2 to 5 MHz). The RF fields impart high velocities to the ions in a direction perpendicular to the TMX-U magnetic field. Particle collision then converts this perpendicular heating to uniform plasma heating. This paper describes the various aspects of the ICRH system: antennas, power supplies, computer control, and data acquisition. 4 refs., 10 figs.

  20. Enantioselective supercritical fluid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous estimation of risperidone and its 9-hydroxyl metabolites in rat plasma.

    PubMed

    Prasad, Thatipamula R; Joseph, Siji; Kole, Prashant; Kumar, Anoop; Subramanian, Murali; Rajagopalan, Sudha; Kr, Prabhakar

    2017-11-01

    Objective of the current work was to develop a 'green chemistry' compliant selective and sensitive supercritical fluid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous estimation of risperidone (RIS) and its chiral metabolites in rat plasma. Methodology & results: Agilent 1260 Infinity analytical supercritical fluid chromatography system resolved RIS and its chiral metabolites within runtime of 6 min using a gradient chromatography method. Using a simple protein precipitation sample preparation followed by mass spectrometric detection achieved a sensitivity of 0.92 nM (lower limit of quantification). With linearity over four log units (0.91-7500 nM), the method was found to be selective, accurate, precise and robust. The method was validated and was successfully applied for simultaneous estimation of RIS and 9-hydroxyrisperidone metabolites (R & S individually) after intravenous and per oral administration to rats.

  1. Integration of Mirror Design with Suspension System using NASA's New Mirror Modeling Software

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Arnold, William; Bevan Ryan M.; Stahl, Philip

    2013-01-01

    Advances in mirror fabrication is making very large space based telescopes possible. In the many applications, only monolithic mirrors meet the performance requirements. The existing and near-term planned heavy launch vehicles place a premium on lowest possible mass. Again, available and planned payload shroud size limits near term designs to 4 meter class mirror. Practical 8 meter and beyond designs could encourage planners to include larger shrouds if it can be proven that such mirrors can be manufactured. These two factors lower mass and larger mirrors, presents the classic optimization problem. There is a practical upper limit to how large a mirror can be supported by a purely kinematic mount system and be launched. This paper shows how the design of the suspension system and mirror blank needs to be designed simultaneously. We will also explore the concepts of auxiliary support systems, which act only during launch and disengage on orbit. We will define required characteristics of these systems and show how they can substantially reduce the mirror mass. The AMTD project is developing and maturing the processes for future replacements for HUBBLE, creating the design tools, validating the methods and techniques necessary to manufacture, test and launch extremely large optical missions. This paper will use the AMTD 4 meter "design point" as an illustration of the typical use of the modeler in generating the multiple models of mirror and suspension systems used during the conceptual design phase of most projects. The influence of Hexapod geometry, mirror depth, cell size and construction techniques (Exelsis Deep Core Low Temperature Fusion (c) versus Corning Frit Bonded (c) versus Schott Pocket Milled Zerodur (c) in this particular study) are being evaluated. Due to space and time consideration we will only be able to present snippets of the study in this paper. The advances in manufacturing techniques for lightweight mirrors, such as EXELSIS deep core low

  2. Multi-element analysis of water decoction of medicine food homology plants using inductively coupled plasma-tandem mass spectrometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fu, Liang; Shi, Shu-Yun; Chen, Xiao-Qing

    2017-07-01

    The concentration of twelve trace elements in the water decoction of medicine food homology plants (MFHP) was determined by inductively coupled plasma-tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS). Water decoctions of MFHP were analyzed directly using the MS/MS mode after acidification by 1% (v/v) nitric acid. The polyatomic interferences were eliminated by oxygen mass shift, oxygen on-mass, and ammonia mass shift. The accuracy of the method was verified by analysis of standard reference materials. This method was utilized to investigate the water decoction composition of 16 common Chinese MFHPs. The trace elements in the water decoctions of different MFHPs presented significantly different dissolution ratios. The dissolution ratio of V was the lowest (4.21%-14.86%), whereas Zn showed the highest dissolution ratio (24.87%-86.80%). In addition, the dissolution ratio of heavy metallic elements in most MFHP was equal to or was lower than 30%. Therefore, consumption of MHFP decoction could decrease the heavy metal intake associated with MFHP use and reduce the risk of heavy metal poisoning.

  3. Mirror mechanism and dedicated circuits are the scaffold for mirroring processes.

    PubMed

    Fogassi, Leonardo

    2014-04-01

    In the past decade many studies have demonstrated the existence of a mirror mechanism that matches the sensory representation of a biological stimulus with its somatomotor and visceromotor representation. This mechanism, likely phylogenetically very old, explains several types of mirroring behaviours, at different levels of complexity. The presence in primates of dedicated neuroanatomical pathways for specific sensorimotor integrations processes implies, at least in the primate lineage, a hard-wired mirror mechanism for social cognitive functions.

  4. Simple and Sensitive Analysis of Blonanserin and Blonanserin C in Human Plasma by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Its Application

    PubMed Central

    Zheng, Yunliang; Hu, Xingjiang; Liu, Jian; Wu, Guolan; Zhou, Huili; Zhu, Meixiang; Zhai, You; Wu, Lihua; ShenTu, Jianzhong

    2014-01-01

    A highly sensitive, simple, and rapid liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method to simultaneously determine blonanserin and blonanserin C in human plasma with AD-5332 as internal standard (IS) was established. A simple direct protein precipitation method was used for the sample pretreatment, and chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters XBridge C8 (4.6 × 150 mm, 3.5 μm) column. The mobile phase consists of a mixture of 10 mM ammonium formate and 0.1% formic acid in water (A) and 0.1% formic acid in methanol (B). To quantify blonanserin, blonanserin C, and IS, multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was performed in positive ESI mode. The calibration curve was linear in the concentration range of 0.012–5.78 ng·mL−1 for blonanserin and 0.023–11.57 ng·mL−1 for blonanserin C (r 2 > 0.9990). The intra- and interday precision of three quality control (QC) levels in plasma were less than 7.5%. Finally, the current simple, sensitive, and accurate LC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics of blonanserin and blonanserin C in healthy Chinese volunteers. PMID:24678425

  5. Validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for quantitative determination of dauricine in human plasma and its application to pharmacokinetic study.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xiaoying; Liu, Qian; Wang, Dongmei; Wang, Xueya; Zhang, Peng; Xu, Haiyan; Zhao, Hui; Zhao, Huaiqing

    2010-05-01

    A highly sensitive and selective LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the determination of dauricine in human plasma, using protopine as internal standard (IS). The analyte and IS were extracted by liquid-liquid extraction and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Chromatographic separation was performed on Agilent TC-C(18) column with a mobile phase of methanol-water-glacial acetic acid (60:40:0.8, v/v/v) at a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min. Detection was performed on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrum by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode using the electrospray ionization technique in positive mode. The method was linear over the concentration range of 1-200 ng/mL. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 1 ng/mL in human plasma with acceptable precision and accuracy. The intra- and inter-day precision was less than 5.9% determined from quality control (QC) samples at concentrations of 2.0, 20.0 and 160 ng/mL, and the accuracy was within +/-9.9%. This method was successfully applied for the evaluation of pharmacokinetics of dauricine after oral doses of 100, 300 and 600 mg phenolic alkaloids of menispermum dauricum tablet (PAMDT) to 12 Chinese healthy volunteers. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Simultaneous determination of ezetimibe and its glucuronide metabolite in human plasma by solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Guo, Lin; Wang, Meng-meng; He, Min; Qiu, Fu-rong; Jiang, Jian

    2015-04-01

    A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS) was developed to quantify ezetimibe (EZM) and its major glucuronide (ezetimibe glucuronide, EZM-G) in human plasma simultaneously. The analytes were purified by solid phase extraction (SPE) without hydrolysis. Separation of the analytes was achieved using acetonitrile-water (0.08% formic acid) (70:30, v/v) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min on an Agilent Extend C18 column. The analytes were detected by LC-MS/MS using negative ionization in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The mass transition pairs of m/z 408.4→271.0 and m/z 584.5→271.0 were used to detect EZM and EZM-G, respectively. The analytical method was linear over the concentration range of 0.1-20 ng/mL for EZM and 0.5-200 ng/mL for EZM-G. Within- and between-run precision for EZM was no more than 8.6% and 12.8%; and for EZM-G was no more than 9.0% and 8.7%, respectively. This method was reproducible and reliable, and was successfully used to analyze human plasma samples for application in a bioequivalence study. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Onset of magnetic reconnection in a weakly collisional, high- β plasma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alt, Andrew; Kunz, Matthew

    2017-10-01

    In a magnetized, weakly collisional plasma, the magnetic moment of the constituent particles is an adiabatic invariant. An increase of the magnetic-field strength in such a plasma thus leads to an increase in the thermal pressure perpendicular to the field lines. Above a β-dependent threshold, this pressure anisotropy drives the mirror instability, which produces strong distortions in the field lines and traps particles on ion-Larmor scales. The impact of this instability on magnetic reconnection is investigated using simple analytical and numerical models for the formation of a current sheet and the associated production of pressure anisotropy. The difficulty in maintaining an isotropic, Maxwellian particle distribution during the formation and subsequent thinning of a current sheet in a weakly collisional plasma, coupled with the low threshold for the mirror instability in a high- β plasma, imply that the topology of reconnecting magnetic fields can radically differ from the standard Harris-sheet profile often used in kinetic simulations of collisionless reconnection. Depending on the rate of current-sheet formation, this mirror-induced disruption may occur before standard tearing modes are able to develop. This work was supported by U.S. DOE contract DE-AC02-09CH11466.

  8. Simultaneous estimation of E- and Z-isomers of guggulsterone in rabbit plasma using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and its application to pharmacokinetic study.

    PubMed

    Bhatta, R S; Kumar, D; Chhonker, Y S; Jain, G K

    2011-09-01

    A sensitive and selective liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric method was developed for simultaneous determination of E- and Z-guggulsterone isomers (antihyperlipidemic drug) in rabbit plasma. Both the isomers were resolved on a Symmetry-Shield C(18) (5 µm, 4.6 × 150 mm) column, using gradient elution comprising a mobile phase of methanol, 0.5% v/v formic acid and acetonitrile. With dexamethasone as internal standard, plasma samples were extracted by an automated solid-phase extraction method using C(18) cartridges. Detection was performed by electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in positive mode. The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range of 1.56-200 ng/mL (r(2) ≥ 0.998) for both analytes. The intra-day and inter-day accuracy and precision were within -0.96 to 4.12 (%bias) and 2.73 to 8.00 (%RSD) respectively. The analytes were stable after three freeze-thaw cycles. The method was successfully applied to study steriospecific pharmacokinetics of E- and Z-guggulsterone in NZ rabbit. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  9. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitative analysis of ceritinib in human plasma and its application to pharmacokinetic studies.

    PubMed

    Heudi, Olivier; Vogel, Denise; Lau, Yvonne Y; Picard, Franck; Kretz, Olivier

    2014-11-01

    Ceritinib is a highly selective inhibitor of an important cancer target, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). Because it is an investigational compound, there is a need to develop a robust and reliable analytical method for its quantitative determination in human plasma. Here, we report the validation of a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the rapid quantification of ceritinib in human plasma. The method consists of protein precipitation with acetonitrile, and salting-out assisted liquid-liquid extraction (SALLE) using a saturated solution of sodium chloride prior to analysis by LC-MS/MS with electrospray ionization (ESI) technique in positive mode. Samples were eluted at 0.800 mL min(-1) on Ascentis Express® C18 column (50 mm × 2.1 mm, 2.7 μm) with a mobile phase made of 0.1 % formic acid in water (A) and 0.1 % formic acid in acetonitrile (B). The method run time was 3.6 min and the low limit of quantification (LLOQ) was estimated at 1.00 ng mL(-1) when using 0.100 mL of human plasma. The assay was fully validated and the method exhibited sufficient specificity, accuracy, precision, and sensitivity. In addition, recovery data and matrix factor (MF) in normal and in hemolyzed plasmas were assessed, while incurred samples stability (ISS) for ceritinib was demonstrated for at least 21 months at a storage temperature of -65 °C or below. The method was successfully applied to the measurement of ceritinib in clinical samples and the data obtained on incurred samples reanalysis (ISR) showed that our method was reliable and suitable to support the analysis of samples from the clinical studies.

  10. A liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous determination of UTL-5g and its metabolites in human plasma.

    PubMed

    Shaw, Jiajiu; Wiegand, Richard; Wu, Jianmei; Bao, Xun; Valeriote, Frederick; Li, Jing

    2015-06-01

    UTL-5g is a novel small-molecule TNF-α inhibitor under investigation as both a chemoprotective and radioprotective agent. Animal studies showed that pretreatment of UTL-5g protected kidney, liver, and platelets from cisplatin-induced toxicity. In addition, UTL-5g reduced liver and lung injuries induced by radiation in vivo. Although a number of preclinical studies have been conducted, a validated bioanalytical method for UTL-5g in human plasma has not been published. In this work, a sensitive and reproducible reverse-phase liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay was developed and validated for the determination of UTL-5g and its metabolites, 5-methylisoxazole-3-carboxylic acid (ISOX) and 2,4-dichloroaniline (DCA), in human plasma. The method involves a simple methanol precipitation step followed by injection of the supernatant onto a Waters 2695 HPLC system coupled with a Waters Quattro Micro™ triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Chromatographic separation was accomplished using a Waters Nova-Pak C18 column maintained at 30°C, running at gradient mode with mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid in water and 0.1% formic acid in methanol at a flow rate of 0.2mL/min. The analytes were monitored under positive electrospray ionization (ESI). Quantitation of these compounds in plasma was linear from 0.05 to 10μM. The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) was 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2μM for UTL-5g, ISOX and DCA, respectively. The accuracy and intra-and inter-day precisions were within the generally accepted criteria for bioanalytical method (<15%). This method provides a practical tool to measure and characterize the plasma concentration-time profiles for UTL-5g and its metabolites, ISOX and DCA. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Scattering of Magnetic Mirror-Trapped Fast Electrons by a Shear Alfvén Wave

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Y.; Gekelman, W. N.; Pribyl, P.; Papadopoulos, K.

    2011-12-01

    Highly energetic electrons produced naturally or artificially can be trapped in the earth's radiation belts for months, posing a danger to satellites in space. An experimental investigation of the scattering of mirror trapped fast electrons by a shear Alfvén wave is performed at the Large Plasma Device (LaPD) at UCLA, and sheds light on a technique for artificially de-trapping the hazardous electrons in space. The experiment is performed in a quiescent afterglow plasma (ne ≈ 0.1 to 1×1012cm-3, Te ≈ 0.5 eV, B0 = 400 to 1200 G, L = 18 m, and diameter = 0.6 m). The magnetic field is programmed to include a mirror section approximately 3 m long, with 1.1 ≤Rmirror≤ 4. A trapped fast electron population is generated in the mirror section using second harmonic Electron Cyclotron Heating (ECH). The heating source comprises a 25 kW magnetron, operating at 2.45 GHz, with the microwave power injected for 10 - 50 ms. Longer injection periods (τ>30ms) result in a population of runaway electrons (energies up to 5MeV) as evidenced by X-ray production when the electron orbits hit a probe or the waveguide. The fastest electrons are generated in an annular region in front of the waveguide, with a radial extent of several cm and axial extent L ≈ 1 m. Shear Alfvén waves are launched with Bwave/B0 less than 0.5%, at frequencies ranging from 115 to 230 kHz (0.19 to 0.75 of fci in the straight field). Using the X-ray production, v⊥ probes and Langmuir probes as diagnostics, the Alfvén waves are observed to have a dramatic effect on the run-away electrons (E~105eV) as well as the less energetic electrons (E~102eV): the Alfvén wave can modify the trapped electron orbits to the extent that they are lost from the mirror trap. Possible mechanisms for scattering include the shear Alfvén wave breaking of one or more adiabatic invariants of an electron in a mirror field. This work is supported by The Office of Naval Research and performed at the Basic Plasma Science Facility

  12. Bronze rainbow hologram mirrors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dawson, P.

    2006-02-01

    This project draws on holographic embossing techniques, ancient artistic conventions of bronze mirror design and modelling and casting processes to accomplish portraiture of reflection. Laser scanning, 3D computer graphics and holographic imaging are employed to enable a permanent 3D static holographic image to appear integrated with the real-time moving reflection of a viewer's face in a polished bronze disc. The disc and the figure which holds it (caryatid) are cast in bronze from a lost wax model, a technique which has been used for millennia to make personal mirrors. The Caryatid form of bronze mirror which went through many permutations in ancient Egyptian, Greece and Rome shows a plethora of expressive figure poses ranging from sleek nudes to highly embellished multifigure arrangements. The prototype of this series was made for Australian choreographer Graeme Murphy, Artistic Director of the Sydney Dance Company. Each subsequent mirror will be unique in figure and holographic imagery as arranged between artist and subject. Conceptually this project references both the modern experience of viewing mirrors retrieved from ancient tombs, which due to deterioration of the surface no longer reflect, and the functioning of Chinese Magic mirrors, which have the ability to project a predetermined image. Inspired by the metaphorical potential of these mirrors, which do not reflect the immediate reality of the viewer, this bronze hologram mirror series enables each viewer to reflect upon himself or herself observing simultaneously the holographic image and their own partially obliterated reflection.

  13. Mirror Metrology Using Nano-Probe Supports

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Robinson, David; Hong, Maoling; Byron, Glenn; McClelland, Ryan; Chan, Kai-Wing

    2012-01-01

    Thin, lightweight mirrors are needed for future x-ray space telescopes in order to increase x-ray collecting area while maintaining a reduced mass and volume capable of being launched on existing rockets. However, it is very difficult to determine the undistorted shape of such thin mirrors because the mounting of the mirror during measurement causes distortion. Traditional kinematic mounts have insufficient supports to control the distortion to measurable levels and prevent the mirror from vibrating during measurement. Over-constrained mounts (non-kinematic) result in an unknown force state causing mirror distortion that cannot be determined or analytically removed. In order to measure flexible mirrors, it is necessary to over-constrain the mirror. Over-constraint causes unknown distortions to be applied to the mirror. Even if a kinematic constraint system can be used, necessary imperfections in the kinematic assumption can lead to an unknown force state capable of distorting the mirror. Previously, thicker, stiffer, and heavier mirrors were used to achieve low optical figure distortion. These mirrors could be measured to an acceptable level of precision using traditional kinematic mounts. As lighter weight precision optics have developed, systems such as the whiffle tree or hydraulic supports have been used to provide additional mounting supports while maintaining the kinematic assumption. The purpose of this invention is to over-constrain a mirror for optical measurement without causing unacceptable or unknown distortions. The invention uses force gauges capable of measuring 1/10,000 of a Newton attached to nano-actuators to support a thin x-ray optic with known and controlled forces to allow for figure measurement and knowledge of the undeformed mirror figure. The mirror is hung from strings such that it is minimally distorted and in a known force state. However, the hanging mirror cannot be measured because it is both swinging and vibrating. In order to

  14. Phenolic metabolites in plasma and tissues of rats fed with a grape pomace extract as assessed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Rodriguez Lanzi, Cecilia; Perdicaro, Diahann J; Antoniolli, Andrea; Piccoli, Patricia; Vazquez Prieto, Marcela A; Fontana, Ariel

    2018-05-31

    Grape pomace extract (GPE) is a rich and relatively low-cost source of phenolic compounds. However, little is known about the main GPE metabolites in mammals, which could help explain the observed health-promoting effects. This study investigated the presence of parent compounds from flavanol, flavonol and stilbene families and their metabolites in rat plasma and tissues after an acute intake of GPE in doses of 300 and 600 mg kg/body weight. The measurement of free compounds and their metabolites was performed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Results showed the presence of epicatechin, epicatechin methyl-glucuronide, epicatechin methyl-sulphate, catechin, catechin-glucuronide, quercetin methyl-glucuronide, resveratrol-3-glucuronide, resveratrol-4-glucuronide and resveratrol-3-sulphate in plasma, which was dose dependent. The most abundant measured compound in plasma was epicatechin-glucuronide. The presence of glucuronidated and methyl-glucuronidated forms of catechin were observed in the liver at both doses, while epicatechin-glucuronide and methyl-glucuronide were detected only upon intake of 600 mg GPE/kg body weight. At this dose epicatechin-glucuronide and methyl-glucuronide were also detected in muscle, and catechin methyl-glucuronide in adipose tissue. Results show the main GPE metabolites present in rat tissues after oral consumption, contributing to better understand the health benefits of GPE and its potential utilization as a functional ingredient. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  15. On-line miniaturized asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry with selected reaction monitoring for quantitative analysis of phospholipids in plasma lipoproteins.

    PubMed

    Yang, Iseul; Kim, Ki Hun; Lee, Ju Yong; Moon, Myeong Hee

    2014-01-10

    A direct analytical method for high speed quantitative analysis of lipids in human blood plasma using on-line chip-type asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (cAF4-ESI-MS/MS) with selected reaction monitoring (SRM) is described in this study. Utilizing a miniaturized cAF4 channel, high speed size separation of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) from plasma samples can be accomplished at a microflow rate along with simultaneous desalting of lipoproteins, both of which are conducive to direct ESI of lipids in lipoproteins. This study demonstrates that the SRM method to monitor phospholipids during cAF4-ESI-MS/MS can be successfully applied to the quantitation of lipid molecules in plasma lipoproteins without the need of a separate lipid extraction process. For quantitation of lipids in HDL and LDL during cAF4-ESI-MS/MS runs, a protein standard (carbonic anhydrase, 29 kDa) was added to each plasma sample as an internal standard such that a peak intensity of y67(+5) ions, which are high abundant SRM product ions of CA, could be utilized to calculate the relative intensity of each lipid molecule. The developed method was applied to plasma samples from 10 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and 10 healthy control samples, and quantitative analysis of 39 lipid molecules including phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, sphingomyelins, phosphatidylglycerols, and phosphatidylinositols, resulted in the selection of 13 PL species showing more than 2.5 fold difference in relative abundance (p<0.01) between the groups. The present study demonstrates a high speed analytical method for determining plasma lipid content and distribution without an organic solvent extraction of lipids from plasma. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Heat transfer in a fissioning uranium plasma reactor cavity

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kascak, A. F.

    1973-01-01

    Two schemes are investigated by which a fission-heated uranium plasma located in the central cavity of a test reactor could be insulated to keep its temperature above condensation in a neutron flux of 10 to the 15th power neutrons/(sq cm)(sec) or less. The first scheme was to use a mirrored cavity wall to reflect the thermal radiation back into the plasma. The second scheme was to seed the transpirational cavity wall coolant so as to make it opaque to thermal radiation, thus insulating the hot plasma from the cold wall. The analysis showed that a mirrored cavity wall must have a reflectivity of over 95 percent or that seeded argon must be used as the wall coolant to give an acceptable operating margin above fuel condensation conditions.

  17. Variable focal length deformable mirror

    DOEpatents

    Headley, Daniel [Albuquerque, NM; Ramsey, Marc [Albuquerque, NM; Schwarz, Jens [Albuquerque, NM

    2007-06-12

    A variable focal length deformable mirror has an inner ring and an outer ring that simply support and push axially on opposite sides of a mirror plate. The resulting variable clamping force deforms the mirror plate to provide a parabolic mirror shape. The rings are parallel planar sections of a single paraboloid and can provide an on-axis focus, if the rings are circular, or an off-axis focus, if the rings are elliptical. The focal length of the deformable mirror can be varied by changing the variable clamping force. The deformable mirror can generally be used in any application requiring the focusing or defocusing of light, including with both coherent and incoherent light sources.

  18. Surface phenomena related to mirror degradation in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Madey, Theodore E.; Faradzhev, Nadir S.; Yakshinskiy, Boris V.; Edwards, N. V.

    2006-12-01

    One of the most promising methods for next generation device manufacturing is extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, which uses 13.5 nm wavelength radiation generated from freestanding plasma-based sources. The short wavelength of the incident illumination allows for a considerable decrease in printed feature size, but also creates a range of technological challenges not present for traditional optical lithography. Contamination and oxidation form on multilayer reflecting optics surfaces that not only reduce system throughput because of the associated reduction in EUV reflectivity, but also introduce wavefront aberrations that compromise the ability to print uniform features. Capping layers of ruthenium, films ∼2 nm thick, are found to extend the lifetime of Mo/Si multilayer mirrors used in EUV lithography applications. However, reflectivities of even the Ru-coated mirrors degrade in time during exposure to EUV radiation. Ruthenium surfaces are chemically reactive and are very effective as heterogeneous catalysts. In the present paper we summarize the thermal and radiation-induced surface chemistry of bare Ru exposed to gases; the emphasis is on H2O vapor, a dominant background gas in vacuum processing chambers. Our goal is to provide insights into the fundamental physical processes that affect the reflectivity of Ru-coated Mo/Si multilayer mirrors exposed to EUV radiation. Our ultimate goal is to identify and recommend practices or antidotes that may extend mirror lifetimes.

  19. Mesmerising mirror neurons.

    PubMed

    Heyes, Cecilia

    2010-06-01

    Mirror neurons have been hailed as the key to understanding social cognition. I argue that three currents of thought-relating to evolution, atomism and telepathy-have magnified the perceived importance of mirror neurons. When they are understood to be a product of associative learning, rather than an adaptation for social cognition, mirror neurons are no longer mesmerising, but they continue to raise important questions about both the psychology of science and the neural bases of social cognition. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. The ontogenetic origins of mirror neurons: evidence from 'tool-use' and 'audiovisual' mirror neurons.

    PubMed

    Cook, Richard

    2012-10-23

    Since their discovery, mirror neurons--units in the macaque brain that discharge both during action observation and execution--have attracted considerable interest. Whether mirror neurons are an innate endowment or acquire their sensorimotor matching properties ontogenetically has been the subject of intense debate. It is widely believed that these units are an innate trait; that we are born with a set of mature mirror neurons because their matching properties conveyed upon our ancestors an evolutionary advantage. However, an alternative view is that mirror neurons acquire their matching properties during ontogeny, through correlated experience of observing and performing actions. The present article re-examines frequently overlooked neurophysiological reports of 'tool-use' and 'audiovisual' mirror neurons within the context of this debate. It is argued that these findings represent compelling evidence that mirror neurons are a product of sensorimotor experience, and not an innate endowment.

  1. Mirror systems.

    PubMed

    Fogassi, Leonardo; Ferrari, Pier Francesco

    2011-01-01

    Mirror neurons are a class of visuomotor neurons, discovered in the monkey premotor cortex and in an anatomically connected area of the inferior parietal lobule, that activate both during action execution and action observation. They constitute a circuit dedicated to match actions made by others with the internal motor representations of the observer. It has been proposed that this matching system enables individuals to understand others' behavior and motor intentions. Here we will describe the main features of mirror neurons in monkeys. Then we will present evidence of the presence of a mirror system in humans and of its involvement in several social-cognitive functions, such as imitation, intention, and emotion understanding. This system may have several implications at a cognitive level and could be linked to specific social deficits in humans such as autism. Recent investigations addressed the issue of the plasticity of the mirror neuron system in both monkeys and humans, suggesting also their possible use in rehabilitation. WIREs Cogn Sci 2011 2 22-38 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.89 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  2. Mirror and (absence of) counter-mirror responses to action sounds measured with TMS

    PubMed Central

    Schütz-Bosbach, Simone; Waszak, Florian

    2017-01-01

    Abstract To what extent is the mirror neuron mechanism malleable to experience? The answer to this question can help characterising its ontogeny and its role in social cognition. Some suggest that it develops through sensorimotor associations congruent with our own actions. Others argue for its extreme volatility that will encode any sensorimotor association in the environment. Here, we added to this debate by exploring the effects of short goal-directed ‘mirror’ and ‘counter-mirror’ trainings (a ‘mirror’ training is defined as the first type of training encountered by the participants) on human auditory mirror motor-evoked potentials (MEPs). We recorded MEPs in response to two tones void of previous motor meaning, before and after mirror and counter-mirror trainings in which participants generated two tones of different pitch by performing free-choice button presses. The results showed that mirror MEPs, once established, were protected against an equivalent counter-mirror experience: they became manifest very rapidly and the same number of training trials that lead to the initial association did not suffice to reverse the MEP pattern. This steadiness of the association argues that, by serving direct-matching purposes, the mirror mechanism is a good solution for social cognition. PMID:29036454

  3. Mirror, Mirror by the Stairs: The Impact of Mirror Exposure on Stair versus Elevator Use in College Students.

    PubMed

    Hodgin, Katie L; Graham, Dan J

    2016-01-01

    Previous research has indicated that self-awareness-inducing mirrors can successfully incite behaviors that align with one's personal values, such as helping others. Other research has found a large discrepancy between the high percentage of young adults who report valuing the healthfulness of physical activity (PA) and the low percentage who actually meet PA participation standards. However, few studies have examined how mirror exposure and both perceived and actual body size influence highly valued PA participation among college students. The present study assessed stair versus elevator use on a western college campus and hypothesized that mirror exposure would increase the more personally healthy transportation method of stair use. In accordance with previous research, it was also hypothesized that males and those with a lower body mass index (BMI) would be more likely to take the stairs, and that body size distorting mirrors would impact the stair-elevator decision. One hundred sixty-seven students (51% male) enrolled in an introductory psychology course were recruited to take a survey about their "transportation choices" at an indoor campus parking garage. Participants were individually exposed to either no mirror, a standard full-length mirror, or a full-length mirror manipulated to make the reflected body size appear either slightly thinner or slightly wider than normal before being asked to go to the fourth floor of the garage for a survey. Participants' choice of floor-climbing method (stairs or elevator) was recorded, and they were administered an Internet-based survey assessing demographic information, BMI, self-awareness, perceived body size, and other variables likely to be associated with stair use. Results from logistic regression analyses revealed that participants who were not exposed to a mirror [odds ratios (OR) = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.14-0.96], males (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.13-0.85), those with lower BMI (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.71-0.99), those

  4. Mirror, Mirror by the Stairs: The Impact of Mirror Exposure on Stair versus Elevator Use in College Students

    PubMed Central

    Hodgin, Katie L.; Graham, Dan J.

    2016-01-01

    Previous research has indicated that self-awareness-inducing mirrors can successfully incite behaviors that align with one’s personal values, such as helping others. Other research has found a large discrepancy between the high percentage of young adults who report valuing the healthfulness of physical activity (PA) and the low percentage who actually meet PA participation standards. However, few studies have examined how mirror exposure and both perceived and actual body size influence highly valued PA participation among college students. The present study assessed stair versus elevator use on a western college campus and hypothesized that mirror exposure would increase the more personally healthy transportation method of stair use. In accordance with previous research, it was also hypothesized that males and those with a lower body mass index (BMI) would be more likely to take the stairs, and that body size distorting mirrors would impact the stair–elevator decision. One hundred sixty-seven students (51% male) enrolled in an introductory psychology course were recruited to take a survey about their “transportation choices” at an indoor campus parking garage. Participants were individually exposed to either no mirror, a standard full-length mirror, or a full-length mirror manipulated to make the reflected body size appear either slightly thinner or slightly wider than normal before being asked to go to the fourth floor of the garage for a survey. Participants’ choice of floor-climbing method (stairs or elevator) was recorded, and they were administered an Internet-based survey assessing demographic information, BMI, self-awareness, perceived body size, and other variables likely to be associated with stair use. Results from logistic regression analyses revealed that participants who were not exposed to a mirror [odds ratios (OR) = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.14–0.96], males (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.13–0.85), those with lower BMI (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0

  5. Mirror Image Proteins

    PubMed Central

    Zhao, Le; Lu, Wuyuan

    2017-01-01

    Proteins composed entirely of unnatural D-amino acids and the achiral amino acid glycine are mirror image forms of their native L-protein counterparts. Recent advances in chemical protein synthesis afford unique and facile synthetic access to domain-sized mirror image D-proteins, enabling protein research to be conducted through “the looking glass” and in a way previously unattainable. D-proteins can facilitate structure determination of their native L-forms that are difficult to crystallize (racemic X-ray crystallography); D-proteins can serve as the bait for library screening to ultimately yield pharmacologically superior D-peptide/D-protein therapeutics (mirror image phage display); D-proteins can also be used as a powerful mechanistic tool for probing molecular events in biology. This review examines recent progress in the application of mirror image proteins to structural biology, drug discovery, and immunology. PMID:25282524

  6. Determination of itopride in human plasma by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometric detection: application to a bioequivalence study.

    PubMed

    Lee, Heon-Woo; Seo, Ji-Hyung; Choi, Seung-Ki; Lee, Kyung-Tae

    2007-01-30

    A simple method using a one-step liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) with butyl acetate followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with positive ion electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric (ESI-MS/MS) detection was developed for the determination of itopride in human plasma, using sulpiride as an internal standard (IS). Acquisition was performed in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, by monitoring the transitions: m/z 359.5>166.1 for itopride and m/z 342.3>111.6 for IS, respectively. Analytes were chromatographed on an YMC C18 reverse-phase chromatographic column by isocratic elution with 1 mM ammonium acetate buffer-methanol (20: 80, v/v; pH 4.0 adjusted with acetic acid). Results were linear (r2=0.9999) over the studied range (0.5-1000 ng mL(-1)) with a total analysis time per run of 2 min for LC-MS/MS. The developed method was validated and successfully applied to bioequivalence studies of itopride hydrochloride in healthy male volunteers.

  7. Determination of geniposide in adjuvant arthritis rat plasma by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method and its application to oral bioavailability and plasma protein binding ability studies.

    PubMed

    Chen, Jian; Wu, Hong; Xu, Guo-Bing; Dai, Miao-Miao; Hu, Shun-Li; Sun, Liang-Liang; Wang, Wei; Wang, Rong; Li, Shu-Pin; Li, Guo-Qiang

    2015-04-10

    A specific, sensitive and high throughput ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric method (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS) was established and validated to assay geniposide (GE), a promising anti-inflammatory drug, in adjuvant arthritis rat plasma: application to pharmacokinetic and oral bioavailability studies and plasma protein binding ability. Plasma samples were processed by de-proteinised with ice-cold methanol and separated on an ACQUITY UPLC™ HSS C18 column (100 mm × 2.1mm i.d., 1.8 μm particle size) at a gradient flow rate of 0.2 mL/min using acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid in water as mobile phase, and the total run time was 9 min. Mass detection was performed in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode with negative electro-spray ionization includes the addition of paeoniflorin (Pae) as an internal standard (IS). The mass transition ion-pair was followed as m/z 387.4 → 122.4 for GE and m/z 479.4 → 449.0 for IS. The calibration curves were linear over the concentration range of 2-50,000 ng/mL with lower limit of quantification of 2 ng/mL. The intra-day and inter-day precisions (RSD, %) of the assay were less than 8.4%, and the accuracy was within ± 6.4% in terms of relative error (RE). Extraction recovery, matrix effect and stability were satisfactory in adjuvant arthritis rat plasma. The UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of GE after oral administration of depurated GE at 33, 66, 132 mg/kg and intravenous injection at 33, 66, 132 mg/kg in adjuvant arthritis (AA) rats. In addition, it was found that GE has rapid absorption and elimination, low absolute bioavailability, high plasma protein binding ability in AA rats after oral administration within the tested dosage range. It suggested that GE showed slow distribution into the intra- and extracellular space, and the binding rate was not proportionally dependent on plasma concentration of GE when the concentration of GE was

  8. Point Relay Scanner Utilizing Ellipsoidal Mirrors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Manhart, Paul K. (Inventor); Pagano, Robert J. (Inventor)

    1997-01-01

    A scanning system uses a polygonal mirror assembly with each facet of the polygon having an ellipsoidal mirror located thereon. One focal point of each ellipsoidal mirror is located at a common point on the axis of rotation of the polygonal mirror assembly. As the mirror assembly rotates. a second focal point of the ellipsoidal mirrors traces out a scan line. The scanner can be utilized for scanned output display of information or for scanning information to be detected.

  9. [Mirror therapy in hemiplegic patient].

    PubMed

    Lisalde-Rodríguez, María Elena; Garcia-Fernández, José Antonio

    2016-01-01

    Mirror therapy is a relatively new intervention, every time more used and with easy access for the rehabilitation treatment of stroke patient. The patient moves the unaffected limb in front of a mirror watching the reflection of that move as if he was moving de affected limb. To analyze the effectiveness of mirror therapy in the sensorimotor function, hemineglect and activities of daily living of stroke patients. We defined a strategy of bibliography search in Medline, EMBASE, PEDro y Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) looking for randomised controlled trials (RCT) conducted with hemiplegic patients considering mirror therapy as the main rehabilitation intervention. Seven trials met the inclusion criteria with medium-high methodological quality. Most of them evaluate the mirror therapy effect on motor outcomes showing significant improvements. Three of this RCTs evaluate the effect of mirror therapy on the hemineglect with positive result. A combination of mirror therapy with conventional rehabilitation obtained significant improvements mainly in motor function but not that much on sensory function and functional performance. About the effect of mirror therapy on hemineglect, there are significant improvements but supported only with a few RCTs with small sample sizes producing promising but inconclusive results.

  10. Orthogonal tandem catalysis

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lohr, Tracy L.; Marks, Tobin J.

    2015-05-20

    Tandem catalysis is a growing field that is beginning to yield important scientific and technological advances toward new and more efficient catalytic processes. 'One-pot' tandem reactions, where multiple catalysts and reagents, combined in a single reaction vessel undergo a sequence of precisely staged catalytic steps, are highly attractive from the standpoint of reducing both waste and time. Orthogonal tandem catalysis is a subset of one-pot reactions in which more than one catalyst is used to promote two or more mechanistically distinct reaction steps. This Perspective summarizes and analyses some of the recent developments and successes in orthogonal tandem catalysis, withmore » particular focus on recent strategies to address catalyst incompatibility. We also highlight the concept of thermodynamic leveraging by coupling multiple catalyst cycles to effect challenging transformations not observed in single-step processes, and to encourage application of this technique to energetically unfavourable or demanding reactions.« less

  11. Archetypal-imaging and mirror-gazing.

    PubMed

    Caputo, Giovanni B

    2014-03-01

    Mirrors have been studied by cognitive psychology in order to understand self-recognition, self-identity, and self-consciousness. Moreover, the relevance of mirrors in spirituality, magic and arts may also suggest that mirrors can be symbols of unconscious contents. Carl G. Jung investigated mirrors in relation to the unconscious, particularly in Psychology and Alchemy. However, the relationship between the conscious behavior in front of a mirror and the unconscious meaning of mirrors has not been clarified. Recently, empirical research found that gazing at one's own face in the mirror for a few minutes, at a low illumination level, produces the perception of bodily dysmorphic illusions of strange-faces. Healthy observers usually describe huge distortions of their own faces, monstrous beings, prototypical faces, faces of relatives and deceased, and faces of animals. In the psychiatric population, some schizophrenics show a dramatic increase of strange-face illusions. They can also describe the perception of multiple-others that fill the mirror surface surrounding their strange-face. Schizophrenics are usually convinced that strange-face illusions are truly real and identify themselves with strange-face illusions, diversely from healthy individuals who never identify with them. On the contrary, most patients with major depression do not perceive strange-face illusions, or they perceive very faint changes of their immobile faces in the mirror, like death statues. Strange-face illusions may be the psychodynamic projection of the subject's unconscious archetypal contents into the mirror image. Therefore, strange-face illusions might provide both an ecological setting and an experimental technique for "imaging of the unconscious". Future researches have been proposed.

  12. Microwave electron cyclotron electron resonance (ECR) ion source with a large, uniformly distributed, axially symmetric, ECR plasma volume

    DOEpatents

    Alton, Gerald D.

    1996-01-01

    An electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source includes a primary mirror coil disposed coaxially around a vacuum vessel in which a plasma is induced and introducing a solenoidal ECR-producing field throughout the length of the vacuum vessel. Radial plasma confinement is provided by a multi-cusp, multi-polar permanent magnet array disposed azimuthally around the vessel and within the primary mirror coil. Axial confinement is provided either by multi-cusp permanent magnets at the opposite axial ends of the vessel, or by secondary mirror coils disposed on opposite sides of the primary coil.

  13. Development and validation of a sensitive liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric method for the simultaneous analysis of granisetron and 7-hydroxy granisetron in human plasma and urine samples: application in a clinical pharmacokinetic study in pregnant subject.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Yang; Chen, Hui-Jun; Caritis, Steve; Venkataramanan, Raman

    2016-02-01

    A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method for the quantification of granisetron and its major metabolite, 7-hydroxy granisetron in human plasma and urine samples was developed and validated. Respective stable isotopically labeled granisetron and 7-hydroxy granisetron were used as internal standards (IS). Chromatography was performed using an Xselect HSS T3 analytical column with a mobile phase of 20% acetonitrile in water (containing 0.2 mM ammonium formate and 0.14% formic acid, pH 4) delivered in an isocratic mode. Tandem mass spectrometry operating in positive electrospray ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring was used for quantification. The standard curves were linear in the concentration ranges of 0.5-100 ng/mL for granisetron and 0.1-100 ng/mL for 7-hydroxy granisetron in human plasma samples, and 2-2000 ng/mL for granisetron and 2-1000 ng/mL for 7-hydroxy granisetron in human urine samples, respectively. The accuracies were >85% and the precision as determined by the coefficient of variations was <10%. No significant matrix effects were observed for granisetron or 7-hydroxy granisetron in either plasma or urine samples. Granisetron was stable under various storage and experimental conditions. This validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study after intravenous administration of 1 mg granisetron to a pregnant subject. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  14. PVMirror: A New Concept for Tandem Solar Cells and Hybrid Solar Converters

    DOE PAGES

    Yu, Zhengshan J.; Fisher, Kathryn C.; Wheelwright, Brian M.; ...

    2015-08-25

    As the solar electricity market has matured, energy conversion efficiency and storage have joined installed system cost as significant market drivers. In response, manufacturers of flatplate silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells have pushed cell efficiencies above 25%—nearing the 29.4% detailed-balance efficiency limit— and both solar thermal and battery storage technologies have been deployed at utility scale. This paper introduces a new tandem solar collector employing a “PVMirror” that has the potential to both increase energy conversion efficiency and provide thermal storage. A PVMirror is a concentrating mirror, spectrum splitter, and light-to-electricity converter all in one: It consists of a curved arrangementmore » of PV cells that absorb part of the solar spectrum and reflect the remainder to their shared focus, at which a second solar converter is placed. A strength of the design is that the solar converter at the focus can be of a radically different technology than the PV cells in the PVMirror; another is that the PVMirror converts a portion of the diffuse light to electricity in addition to the direct light. Here, we consider two case studies—a PV cell located at the focus of the PVMirror to form a four-terminal PV–PV tandem, and a thermal receiver located at the focus to form a PV–CSP (concentrating solar thermal power) tandem—and compare the outdoor energy outputs to those of competing technologies. PVMirrors can outperform (idealized) monolithic PV–PV tandems that are under concentration, and they can also generate nearly as much energy as silicon flat-plate PV while simultaneously providing the full energy storage benefit of CSP.« less

  15. Reference intervals for orotic acid in urine, plasma and dried blood spot using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    D'Apolito, Oceania; Garofalo, Daniela; la Marca, Giancarlo; Dello Russo, Antonio; Corso, Gaetano

    2012-02-01

    Orotic acid (OA), a marker of hereditary orotic aciduria, is usually used for the differential diagnosis of some hyperammonemic inherited defects of urea cycle and of basic amino acid transporters. This study was aimed to establish age related reference intervals of OA in urine, and for the first time in plasma, and dried blood spot (DBS) from 229 apparently healthy subjects aged from three days to 40 years. The quantification of OA was performed by a previously implemented method, using a stable isotope dilution with 1,3-[(15)N(2)]-orotic acid and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS). The method has proved to be sensitive and accurate for a quantitative analysis of OA also in DBS and plasma. According to previous studies, urinary OA levels (mmol/mol of creatinine) decrease significantly with age. The upper limits (as 99th %ile) were of 3.44 and 1.30 in groups aged from three days to 1 year (group 1) and from 1 year to 12 years (group 2), respectively; in teenagers (from 13 to 19 years; group 3) and adults (from 20 to 40 years; group 4) urinary levels became more stable and the upper limits were of 0.64 and 1.21, respectively. Furthermore, OA levels in DBS (μM) also resulted significantly higher in subjects of group 1 (upper limit of 0.89) than in subjects of groups 2, 3 and 4 (upper limits of 0.24, 0.21, and 0.29, respectively). OA levels in plasma (μM) were significantly lower in subjects of group 3 (upper limit of 0.30) than in subjects of groups 1, 2, and 4 (upper limits of 0.59, 0.48, and 0.77, respectively). This method was also employed for OA quantification in plasma and DBS of 17 newborns affected by urea cycle defects, resulting sensitive and specific enough to screen these disorders. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Partially segmented deformable mirror

    DOEpatents

    Bliss, Erlan S.; Smith, James R.; Salmon, J. Thaddeus; Monjes, Julio A.

    1991-01-01

    A partially segmented deformable mirror is formed with a mirror plate having a smooth and continuous front surface and a plurality of actuators to its back surface. The back surface is divided into triangular areas which are mutually separated by grooves. The grooves are deep enough to make the plate deformable and the actuators for displacing the mirror plate in the direction normal to its surface are inserted in the grooves at the vertices of the triangular areas. Each actuator includes a transducer supported by a receptacle with outer shells having outer surfaces. The vertices have inner walls which are approximately perpendicular to the mirror surface and make planar contacts with the outer surfaces of the outer shells. The adhesive which is used on these contact surfaces tends to contract when it dries but the outer shells can bend and serve to minimize the tendency of the mirror to warp.

  17. Characteristics and time evolution of a hollow cathode produced glow discharge plasma in air

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gregor, Joseph Atilla

    Current radar systems use mechanical directors and phased array technology for beam steering. Use of a sheet plasma as a microwave reflector promises several advantages over these methods. Operation is inherently broad-band, since all frequencies below the plasma frequency are reflected. The orientation and shape of the reflector may be changed directly through electronic control without resort to moving parts or expensive RF switches. The relatively fast plasma formation and extinction times ([/approx]10/ /mus) allow for rapid redirection of the microwave beam. An experimental system, dubbed the Agile Mirror, has been constructed using a cylindrical LexanTM vacuum chamber suspended within a water cooled Helmholtz coil pair capable of producing a uniform 500 Gauss field. Using this system we have created plasmas capable of reflecting 10 GHz microwaves with characteristics comparable to that of a plane metallic reflector. Most previous glow discharge work has concentrated either on the DC characteristics, or on the very early evolution (<1-2 μs), of the discharge. To create a practical agile mirror direction, we must be able to produce a stable, flat, homogeneous plasma sheet with predictable characteristics timescales from 5 μs to 1 ms-a regime where little pertinent quantitative data exists. This work concentrates on diagnosing the time resolved behavior of the agile mirror plasma during the mid-time, from t = 5-300 μs, in a regime which accentuates observed changes in the discharge circuit characteristics. Measurements on an air discharge produced using VD/approx2.2 kV, p ≈ 208 mTorr, and B ≈ 250 G reveal an ne=1011/ cm-3,/ Te=1[-]3 eV plasma with distinct negative glow, Faraday dark space, and positive column regions. Analysis of time resolved potential, temperature, and spectroscopic data reveal that this discharge transitions-on time scales of [/approx]100/ /mus-into a pure negative glow discharge. The characteristics and evolution of the discharge are

  18. Determination of isoorientin levels in rat plasma after oral administration of Vaccinum bracteatum Thunb. methanol extract by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Kim, Min-Ji; Kwon, Seung-Hwan; Jang, Choon-Gon; Maeng, Han-Joo

    2018-01-15

    A simple, sensitive and rapid liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS) was developed and validated for the determination of plasma isoorientin levels in rats. After simple protein precipitation using methanol, chromatographic analysis was performed using a Synergi 4μ polar-RP 80A column (150 × 2.0 mm, 4μm) under isocratic conditions and a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid in water and methanol (80:20, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. In positive electrospray ionization mode, the protonated precursor and product ion transitions of isoorientin (m/z 449.0 → 299.1) and of puerarin (the internal standard; m/z 417.1 → 297.1) were acquired by multiple reaction monitoring. Calibration curves obtained for plasma showed good linearity over the concentration range 1-1000 ng/mL. The lower limit of quantification was 1 ng/mL. Intra- and inter-day precisions were within 8.8% relative standard deviation. Accuracies ranged from 92.1 and 109.7%. The isoorientin stability in rat plasma under typical handling/storage conditions also found to be acceptable. The developed method was applied successfully to a pharmacokinetic study of isoorientin orally administered as the methanol extract of Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. or administered as pure isoorientin. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  19. Semi-automated 96-well solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography-negative chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry for the trace analysis of fluprostenol in rat plasma.

    PubMed

    Gauw, R D; Stoffolano, P J; Kuhlenbeck, D L; Patel, V S; Garver, S M; Baker, T R; Wehmeyer, K R

    2000-07-21

    Semi-automated 96-well plate solid-phase extraction (SPE) was used for sample preparation of fluprostenol, a prostaglandin analog, in rat plasma prior to detection by gas chromatography-negative chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry (GC-NCI-MS-MS). A liquid handling system was utilized for all aspects of sample handling prior to SPE including transferring of samples into a 96-well format, preparation of standards as well as addition of internal standard to standards, quality control samples and study samples. SPE was performed in a 96-well plate format using octadecylsilane packing and the effluent from the SPE was dried in a custom-made 96-well apparatus. The sample residue was derivatized sequentially with pentafluorobenzylbromide followed by N-methyl-N-trimethylsilyltrifluoroacetamide. The derivatized sample was then analyzed using GC-NCI-MS-MS. The dynamic range for the method was from 7 to 5800 pg/ml with a 0.1-ml plasma sample. The methodology was evaluated over a 4-day period and demonstrated an accuracy of 90-106% with a precision of 2.4-12.9%.

  20. The neuronal correlates of mirror therapy: an fMRI study on mirror induced visual illusions in patients with stroke.

    PubMed

    Michielsen, Marian E; Smits, Marion; Ribbers, Gerard M; Stam, Henk J; van der Geest, Jos N; Bussmann, Johannes B J; Selles, Ruud W

    2011-04-01

    To investigate the neuronal basis for the effects of mirror therapy in patients with stroke. 22 patients with stroke participated in this study. The authors used functional MRI to investigate neuronal activation patterns in two experiments. In the unimanual experiment, patients moved their unaffected hand, either while observing it directly (no-mirror condition) or while observing its mirror reflection (mirror condition). In the bimanual experiment, patients moved both hands, either while observing the affected hand directly (no-mirror condition) or while observing the mirror reflection of the unaffected hand in place of the affected hand (mirror condition). A two-factorial analysis with movement (activity vs rest) and mirror (mirror vs no mirror) as main factors was performed to assess neuronal activity resultant of the mirror illusion. Data on 18 participants were suitable for analysis. Results showed a significant interaction effect of movement×mirror during the bimanual experiment. Activated regions were the precuneus and the posterior cingulate cortex (p<0.05 false discovery rate). In this first study on the neuronal correlates of the mirror illusion in patients with stroke, the authors showed that during bimanual movement, the mirror illusion increases activity in the precuneus and the posterior cingulate cortex, areas associated with awareness of the self and spatial attention. By increasing awareness of the affected limb, the mirror illusion might reduce learnt non-use. The fact that the authors did not observe mirror-related activity in areas of the motor or mirror neuron system questions popular theories that attribute the clinical effects of mirror therapy to these systems.

  1. Archetypal-Imaging and Mirror-Gazing

    PubMed Central

    Caputo, Giovanni B.

    2013-01-01

    Mirrors have been studied by cognitive psychology in order to understand self-recognition, self-identity, and self-consciousness. Moreover, the relevance of mirrors in spirituality, magic and arts may also suggest that mirrors can be symbols of unconscious contents. Carl G. Jung investigated mirrors in relation to the unconscious, particularly in Psychology and Alchemy. However, the relationship between the conscious behavior in front of a mirror and the unconscious meaning of mirrors has not been clarified. Recently, empirical research found that gazing at one’s own face in the mirror for a few minutes, at a low illumination level, produces the perception of bodily dysmorphic illusions of strange-faces. Healthy observers usually describe huge distortions of their own faces, monstrous beings, prototypical faces, faces of relatives and deceased, and faces of animals. In the psychiatric population, some schizophrenics show a dramatic increase of strange-face illusions. They can also describe the perception of multiple-others that fill the mirror surface surrounding their strange-face. Schizophrenics are usually convinced that strange-face illusions are truly real and identify themselves with strange-face illusions, diversely from healthy individuals who never identify with them. On the contrary, most patients with major depression do not perceive strange-face illusions, or they perceive very faint changes of their immobile faces in the mirror, like death statues. Strange-face illusions may be the psychodynamic projection of the subject’s unconscious archetypal contents into the mirror image. Therefore, strange-face illusions might provide both an ecological setting and an experimental technique for “imaging of the unconscious”. Future researches have been proposed. PMID:25379264

  2. Simple and rapid determination of norethindrone in human plasma by supported liquid extraction and ultra performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Gong, Zhilong; Chandler, Kiresha; Webster, Stephen; Kerley, Remy; Buist, Susan; McCort-Tipton, Melanie

    2012-03-15

    We report for the first time an ultra performance liquid chromatographic method with tandem mass spectrometric detection (UPLC/MS/MS) for the determination of norethindrone alone in human plasma over the concentration range of 50.0-25000 pg mL(-1) using a sample volume of 0.250 mL. Norethindrone and its internal standard (ISTD), norethindrone-(13)C(2), were extracted from human plasma by supported liquid extraction (SLE). After evaporation of the organic solvent, samples were reconstituted and analyzed on an UPLC/MS/MS system. The UPLC system used a Waters BEH C18 (100 mm × 2.1mm, 1.7 μm) column with mobile phase A of 0.05% formic acid in water:acetonitrile (65:35, v/v) and mobile phase B of 0.05% formic acid in methanol:acetonitrile (50:50, v/v). The flow rate was 0.500 mL min(-1). The method was fully validated. The inter-run accuracy and precision at the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ), low, mid and high quality control (QC) concentration levels were 99.2-108.4% with a <8.1% CV (coefficient of variation), respectively. The validated method has been successfully applied to analysis of thousands of pharmacokinetic samples. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. JWST Mirror Technology Development Results

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stahl, H. Philip

    2007-01-01

    Mirror technology is a critical enabling capability for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). JWST requires a Primary Mirror Segment Assembly (PMSA) that can survive launch, deploy and align itself to form a 25 square meter collecting area 6.5 meter diameter primary mirror with a 131 nm rms wavefront error at temperatures less than 50K and provide stable optical performance. At the inception of JWST in 1996, such a capability did not exist. A highly successful technology development program was initiated including the Sub-scale Beryllium Mirror Demonstrator (SBMD) and Advanced Mirror System Demonstrator (AMSD) projects. These projects along with flight program activities have matured and demonstrated mirror technology for JWST. Directly traceable prototypes or flight hardware has been built, tested and operated in a relevant environment. This paper summarizes that technology development effort.

  4. Transient plasma estimation: a noise cancelling/identification approach

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Candy, J.V.; Casper, T.; Kane, R.

    1985-03-01

    The application of a noise cancelling technique to extract energy storage information from sensors occurring during fusion reactor experiments on the Tandem Mirror Experiment-Upgrade (TMX-U) at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is examined. We show how this technique can be used to decrease the uncertainty in the corresponding sensor measurements used for diagnostics in both real-time and post-experimental environments. We analyze the performance of algorithm on the sensor data and discuss the various tradeoffs. The algorithm suggested is designed using SIG, an interactive signal processing package developed at LLNL.

  5. Lightweight ZERODUR: Validation of Mirror Performance and Mirror Modeling Predictions

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hull, Tony; Stahl, H. Philip; Westerhoff, Thomas; Valente, Martin; Brooks, Thomas; Eng, Ron

    2017-01-01

    Upcoming spaceborne missions, both moderate and large in scale, require extreme dimensional stability while relying both upon established lightweight mirror materials, and also upon accurate modeling methods to predict performance under varying boundary conditions. We describe tests, recently performed at NASA's XRCF chambers and laboratories in Huntsville Alabama, during which a 1.2 m diameter, f/1.2988% lightweighted SCHOTT lightweighted ZERODUR(TradeMark) mirror was tested for thermal stability under static loads in steps down to 230K. Test results are compared to model predictions, based upon recently published data on ZERODUR(TradeMark). In addition to monitoring the mirror surface for thermal perturbations in XRCF Thermal Vacuum tests, static load gravity deformations have been measured and compared to model predictions. Also the Modal Response(dynamic disturbance) was measured and compared to model. We will discuss the fabrication approach and optomechanical design of the ZERODUR(TradeMark) mirror substrate by SCHOTT, its optical preparation for test by Arizona Optical Systems (AOS). Summarize the outcome of NASA's XRCF tests and model validations

  6. Lightweight ZERODUR®: Validation of mirror performance and mirror modeling predictions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hull, Anthony B.; Stahl, H. Philip; Westerhoff, Thomas; Valente, Martin; Brooks, Thomas; Eng, Ron

    2017-01-01

    Upcoming spaceborne missions, both moderate and large in scale, require extreme dimensional stability while relying both upon established lightweight mirror materials, and also upon accurate modeling methods to predict performance under varying boundary conditions. We describe tests, recently performed at NASA’s XRCF chambers and laboratories in Huntsville Alabama, during which a 1.2m diameter, f/1.29 88% lightweighted SCHOTT lightweighted ZERODUR® mirror was tested for thermal stability under static loads in steps down to 230K. Test results are compared to model predictions, based upon recently published data on ZERODUR®. In addition to monitoring the mirror surface for thermal perturbations in XRCF Thermal Vacuum tests, static load gravity deformations have been measured and compared to model predictions. Also the Modal Response (dynamic disturbance) was measured and compared to model. We will discuss the fabrication approach and optomechanical design of the ZERODUR® mirror substrate by SCHOTT, its optical preparation for test by Arizona Optical Systems (AOS), and summarize the outcome of NASA’s XRCF tests and model validations.

  7. Simultaneous determination of blonanserin and its metabolite in human plasma and urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: application to a pharmacokinetic study.

    PubMed

    Wen, Yu-Guan; Ni, Xiao-Jia; Zhang, Ming; Liu, Xia; Shang, De-Wei

    2012-08-15

    Blonanserin is a novel atypical antipsychotic with highly selective receptor antagonist activity to dopamine D₂ and 5-HT(2A). N-desethyl blonanserin (blonanserin C) is its major active metabolite in human plasma. Herein we report a new highly sensitive, selective, and rapid liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method to determine blonanserin and blonanserin C simultaneously in human plasma and urine, with N-desethyl-chlor-blonanserin (blonanserin D) as internal standard (IS). Blonanserin and blonanserin C were extracted from aliquots of plasma and urine with ethyl acetate and dichloromethane (4:1) as the solvent and chromatographic separation was performed using an Agilent Eclipse Plus C₁₈ column. The mobile phase was composed of: acetonitrile and ammonium formate-formic acid buffer containing 5mM ammonium formate and 0.1% formic acid (87:13, v/v). To quantify blonanserin, blonanserin C, and blonanserin D, respectively, multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transition of m/z 368.2→297.2, m/z 340.2→297.1, and m/z 356.2→313.3 was performed in positive mode. The analysis time was about 5.5 min. The calibration curve was linear in the concentration range of 0.01-2 ng/ml. The lower limit of quantification reached 0.01 ng/ml. The intra and inter-day precision and relative errors were less than 8.0% and 6.6% for three QC levels in plasma and urine. The current LC-MS/MS method was validated as simple, sensitive, and accurate and has been successfully applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics of blonanserin and blonanserin C in humans. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous determination of cocaine and its metabolite (-)ecgonine methyl ester in human acidified stabilized plasma samples.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yongzhen; Zheng, Bo; Strafford, Stephanie; Orugunty, Ravi; Sullivan, Michael; Gus, Jeffrey; Heidbreder, Christian; Fudala, Paul J; Nasser, Azmi

    2014-06-15

    Two simple, sensitive and rapid liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) methods (low range and high range) were developed and validated for the quantification of cocaine and its metabolite (-)ecgonine methyl ester (EME) in human acidified stabilized plasma samples. In the low range assay, cocaine and the internal standard, cocaine-D3, were extracted using a single step liquid-liquid extraction from human acidified stabilized plasma. For the high range assay, human acidified stabilized plasma containing cocaine, EME, and the internal standards, cocaine-D3 and EME-D3, was mixed with acetonitrile, and the protein precipitate was separated by centrifugation. Both cocaine and EME extracted from both assays were separated on a HILIC column and detected in positive ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Both methods were validated and the specificity, linearity, lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ), precision, accuracy, recoveries and stability were determined. The linear range for the low range assay was 0.01-5ng/mL for cocaine; in the high range assay values were 5-1000ng/mL for cocaine and 1-200ng/mL for EME. The correlation coefficient (R(2)) values for both assays were 0.993 or greater. The precision and accuracy for intra-day and inter-day were better than 13.0%. The recovery was above 85% and matrix effects were low with the matrix factor ranging from 0.817 to 1.10 for both analytes in both assays. The validated methods were successfully used to quantify the plasma concentrations of cocaine and EME in clinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. The mirror-neuron system.

    PubMed

    Rizzolatti, Giacomo; Craighero, Laila

    2004-01-01

    A category of stimuli of great importance for primates, humans in particular, is that formed by actions done by other individuals. If we want to survive, we must understand the actions of others. Furthermore, without action understanding, social organization is impossible. In the case of humans, there is another faculty that depends on the observation of others' actions: imitation learning. Unlike most species, we are able to learn by imitation, and this faculty is at the basis of human culture. In this review we present data on a neurophysiological mechanism--the mirror-neuron mechanism--that appears to play a fundamental role in both action understanding and imitation. We describe first the functional properties of mirror neurons in monkeys. We review next the characteristics of the mirror-neuron system in humans. We stress, in particular, those properties specific to the human mirror-neuron system that might explain the human capacity to learn by imitation. We conclude by discussing the relationship between the mirror-neuron system and language.

  10. Partially segmented deformable mirror

    DOEpatents

    Bliss, E.S.; Smith, J.R.; Salmon, J.T.; Monjes, J.A.

    1991-05-21

    A partially segmented deformable mirror is formed with a mirror plate having a smooth and continuous front surface and a plurality of actuators to its back surface. The back surface is divided into triangular areas which are mutually separated by grooves. The grooves are deep enough to make the plate deformable and the actuators for displacing the mirror plate in the direction normal to its surface are inserted in the grooves at the vertices of the triangular areas. Each actuator includes a transducer supported by a receptacle with outer shells having outer surfaces. The vertices have inner walls which are approximately perpendicular to the mirror surface and make planar contacts with the outer surfaces of the outer shells. The adhesive which is used on these contact surfaces tends to contract when it dries but the outer shells can bend and serve to minimize the tendency of the mirror to warp. 5 figures.

  11. Effects of a mirror-induced visual illusion on a reaching task in stroke patients: implications for mirror therapy training.

    PubMed

    Selles, Ruud W; Michielsen, Marian E; Bussmann, Johannes B J; Stam, Henk J; Hurkmans, Henri L; Heijnen, Iris; de Groot, Danielle; Ribbers, Gerard M

    2014-09-01

    Although most mirror therapy studies have shown improved motor performance in stroke patients, the optimal mirror training protocol still remains unclear. To study the relative contribution of a mirror in training a reaching task and of unilateral and bimanual training with a mirror. A total of 93 stroke patients at least 6 months poststroke were instructed to perform a reaching task as fast and as fluently as possible. They performed 70 practice trials after being randomly allocated to 1 of 5 experimental groups: training with (1) the paretic arm with direct view (Paretic-No Mirror), (2) the nonparetic arm with direct view (Nonparetic-No Mirror), (3) the nonparetic arm with mirror reflection (Nonparetic Mirror), (4) both sides and with a nontransparent screen preventing visual control of paretic side (Bilateral-Screen), and (5) both sides with mirror reflection of the nonparetic arm (Bilateral-Mirror). As baseline and follow-up, patients performed 6 trials using only their paretic side. Primary outcome measure was the movement time. We found the largest intervention effect in the Paretic-No Mirror condition. However, the Nonparetic-Mirror condition was not significantly different from the Paretic-No Mirror condition, while the Unaffected-No Mirror condition had significantly less improvement than the Paretic-No Mirror condition. In addition, movement time improved significantly less in the bimanual conditions and there was no difference between both bimanual conditions or between both mirror conditions. The present study confirms that using a mirror reflection can facilitate motor learning. In this task, bimanual movement using mirror training was less effective than unilateral training. © The Author(s) 2014.

  12. Antiproton powered propulsion with magnetically confined plasma engines

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lapointe, Michael R.

    1989-01-01

    Matter-antimatter annihilation releases more energy per unit mass than any other method of energy production, making it an attractive energy source for spacecraft propulsion. In the magnetically confined plasma engine, antiproton beams are injected axially into a pulsed magnetic mirror system, where they annihilate with an initially neutral hydrogen gas. The resulting charged annihilation products transfer energy to the hydrogen propellant, which is then exhausted through one end of the pulsed mirror system to provide thrust. The calculated energy transfer efficiencies for a low number density (10(14)/cu cm) hydrogen propellant are insufficient to warrant operating the engine in this mode. Efficiencies are improved using moderate propellant number densities (10(16)/cu cm), but the energy transferred to the plasma in a realistic magnetic mirror system is generally limited to less than 2 percent of the initial proton-antiproton annihilation energy. The energy transfer efficiencies are highest for high number density (10(18)/cu cm) propellants, but plasma temperatures are reduced by excessive radiation losses. Low to moderate thrust over a wide range of specific impulse can be generated with moderate propellant number densities, while higher thrust but lower specific impulse may be generated using high propellant number densities. Significant mass will be required to shield the superconducting magnet coils from the high energy gamma radiation emitted by neutral pion decay. The mass of such a radiation shield may dominate the total engine mass, and could severely diminish the performance of antiproton powered engines which utilize magnetic confinement. The problem is compounded in the antiproton powered plasma engine, where lower energy plasma bremsstrahlung radiation may cause shield surface ablation and degradation.

  13. Measuring a Precise Ultra-Lightweight Spaceflight Mirror on Earth: The Analysis of the SHARPI PM Mirror Figure Data during Mirror Processing at GSFC

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Antonille, Scott; Content, David; Rabin, Douglas; Wallace, Thomas; Wake, Shane

    2007-01-01

    The SHARPI (Solar High Angular Resolution Photometric Imager) primary mirror is a 5kg, 0.5m paraboloid, diffraction limited at FUV wavelengths when placed in a 0-G environment. The ULE sandwich honeycomb mirror and the attached mount pads were delivered by ITT (then Kodak) in 2003 to NASA s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). At GSFC, we accepted, coated, mounted, and vibration tested this mirror in preparation for flight on the PICTURES (Planet Imaging Concept Testbed Using a Rocket Experiment) mission. At each step, the integrated analysis of interferometer data and FEA models was essential to quantify the 0-G mirror figure. This task required separating nanometer sized variations from hundreds of nanometers of gravity induced distortion. The ability to isolate such features allowed in-situ monitoring of mirror figure, diagnosis of perturbations, and remediation of process errors. In this paper, we describe the technical approach used to achieve these measurements and overcome the various difficulties maintaining UV diffraction-limited performance with this aggressively lightweighted mirror.

  14. Design and verification for front mirror-body structure of on-axis three mirror anastigmatic space camera

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Xiaoyong; Guo, Chongling; Hu, Yongli; He, Hongyan

    2017-11-01

    The primary and secondary mirrors of onaxis three mirror anastigmatic (TMA) space camera are connected and supported by its front mirror-body structure, which affects both imaging performance and stability of the camera. In this paper, the carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) thin-walled cylinder and titanium alloy connecting rod have been used for the front mirror-body opto-mechanical structure of the long-focus on-axis and TMA space camera optical system. The front mirror-body component structure has then been optimized by finite element analysis (FEA) computing. Each performance of the front mirror-body structure has been tested by mechanics and vacuum experiments in order to verify the validity of such structure engineering design.

  15. Compact neutron imaging system using axisymmetric mirrors

    DOEpatents

    Khaykovich, Boris; Moncton, David E; Gubarev, Mikhail V; Ramsey, Brian D; Engelhaupt, Darell E

    2014-05-27

    A dispersed release of neutrons is generated from a source. A portion of this dispersed neutron release is reflected by surfaces of a plurality of nested, axisymmetric mirrors in at least an inner mirror layer and an outer mirror layer, wherein the neutrons reflected by the inner mirror layer are incident on at least one mirror surface of the inner mirror layer N times, wherein N is an integer, and wherein neutrons reflected by the outer mirror are incident on a plurality of mirror surfaces of the outer layer N+i times, where i is a positive integer, to redirect the neutrons toward a target. The mirrors can be formed by a periodically reversed pulsed-plating process.

  16. Fused silica mirror development for SIRTF

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Barnes, W. P., Jr.

    1983-01-01

    An advanced design, lightweight, fuse-quartz mirror of sandwich construction was evaluated for optical figure performance at cryogenic temperatures. A low temperature shroud was constructed with an integral mirror mount and interface to a cryostat for use in a vacuum chamber. The mirror was tested to 13 K. Cryogenic distortion of the mirror was measured interferometrically. Separate interferometry of the chamber window during the test permitted subtraction of the small window distortions from the data. Results indicate that the imaging performance of helium cooled, infrared telescopes will be improved using this type of mirror without correction of cryogenic distortion of the primary mirror.

  17. Simultaneous determination of flurbiprofen and its hydroxy metabolite in human plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for clinical application.

    PubMed

    Lee, Hye-In; Choi, Chang-Ik; Byeon, Ji-Yeong; Lee, Jung-Eun; Park, So-Young; Kim, Young-Hoon; Kim, Se-Hyung; Lee, Yun-Jeong; Jang, Choon-Gon; Lee, Seok-Yong

    2014-11-15

    Flurbiprofen (FLB) is one of the phenylalkanoic acid derivatives of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used for the management of pain and inflammation in patients with arthritis. We developed and validated a rapid and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography analytical method utilizing tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) for the simultaneous determination of FLB and its major metabolite, 4'-hydroxyflurbiprofen (4'-OH-FLB), in human plasma. Probenecid was used as an internal standard (IS). After liquid-liquid extraction with methyl t-butyl ether, chromatographic separation of the two analytes was achieved using a reversed-phase Luna C18 column (2.0mm×50mm, 5μm particles) with a mobile phase of 10mM ammonium formate buffer (pH 3.5)-methanol (15:85, v/v) and quantified by MS/MS detection in ESI negative ion mode. The flow rate of the mobile phase was 250μl/min and the retention times of FLB, 4'-OH-FLB, and IS were 1.1, 0.8, and 0.9min, respectively. The calibration curves were linear over a range of 0.01-10μg/ml for FLB and 0.01-1μg/ml for 4'-OH-FLB. The lower limit of quantifications using 100μl of human plasma was 0.01μg/ml for both analytes. The mean accuracy and precision for intra- and inter-run validation of FLB and 4'-OH-FLB were all within acceptable limits. The present HPLC-MS/MS method showed improved sensitivity for quantification of the FLB and its major metabolite in human plasma compared with previously described analytical methods. The validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in humans. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Stable mirror mount

    DOEpatents

    Cutburth, Ronald W.

    1990-01-01

    An improved mirror mount assembly is disclosed. The mirror mount assembly provides a post assembly slidable in a Y-axis orientation and a nut plate assembly slidable in an X-axis orientation and a device for simultaneously locking the post assembly and the key assembly in a fixed position.

  19. Stable mirror mount

    DOEpatents

    Cutburth, R.W.

    1983-11-04

    An improved mirror mount assembly is disclosed. The mirror mount assembly provides a post assembly slidable in a Y-axis orientation and a nut plate assembly slidable in an X-axis orientation and means for simultaneously locking said post assembly and said key assembly in a fixed position.

  20. A sensitive and selective liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for quantitative analysis of efavirenz in human plasma.

    PubMed

    Srivastava, Praveen; Moorthy, Ganesh S; Gross, Robert; Barrett, Jeffrey S

    2013-01-01

    A selective and a highly sensitive method for the determination of the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), efavirenz, in human plasma has been developed and fully validated based on high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Sample preparation involved protein precipitation followed by one to one dilution with water. The analyte, efavirenz was separated by high performance liquid chromatography and detected with tandem mass spectrometry in negative ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring. Efavirenz and ¹³C₆-efavirenz (Internal Standard), respectively, were detected via the following MRM transitions: m/z 314.20243.90 and m/z 320.20249.90. A gradient program was used to elute the analytes using 0.1% formic acid in water and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile as mobile phase solvents, at a flow-rate of 0.3 mL/min. The total run time was 5 min and the retention times for the internal standard (¹³C₆-efavirenz) and efavirenz was approximately 2.6 min. The calibration curves showed linearity (coefficient of regression, r>0.99) over the concentration range of 1.0-2,500 ng/mL. The intraday precision based on the standard deviation of replicates of lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 9.24% and for quality control (QC) samples ranged from 2.41% to 6.42% and with accuracy from 112% and 100-111% for LLOQ and QC samples. The inter day precision was 12.3% and 3.03-9.18% for LLOQ and quality controls samples, and the accuracy was 108% and 95.2-108% for LLOQ and QC samples. Stability studies showed that efavirenz was stable during the expected conditions for sample preparation and storage. The lower limit of quantification for efavirenz was 1 ng/mL. The analytical method showed excellent sensitivity, precision, and accuracy. This method is robust and is being successfully applied for therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetic studies in HIV-infected patients.

  1. A Sensitive and Selective Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Quantitative Analysis of Efavirenz in Human Plasma

    PubMed Central

    Srivastava, Praveen; Moorthy, Ganesh S.; Gross, Robert; Barrett, Jeffrey S.

    2013-01-01

    A selective and a highly sensitive method for the determination of the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), efavirenz, in human plasma has been developed and fully validated based on high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Sample preparation involved protein precipitation followed by one to one dilution with water. The analyte, efavirenz was separated by high performance liquid chromatography and detected with tandem mass spectrometry in negative ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring. Efavirenz and 13C6-efavirenz (Internal Standard), respectively, were detected via the following MRM transitions: m/z 314.20243.90 and m/z 320.20249.90. A gradient program was used to elute the analytes using 0.1% formic acid in water and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile as mobile phase solvents, at a flow-rate of 0.3 mL/min. The total run time was 5 min and the retention times for the internal standard (13C6-efavirenz) and efavirenz was approximately 2.6 min. The calibration curves showed linearity (coefficient of regression, r>0.99) over the concentration range of 1.0–2,500 ng/mL. The intraday precision based on the standard deviation of replicates of lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 9.24% and for quality control (QC) samples ranged from 2.41% to 6.42% and with accuracy from 112% and 100–111% for LLOQ and QC samples. The inter day precision was 12.3% and 3.03–9.18% for LLOQ and quality controls samples, and the accuracy was 108% and 95.2–108% for LLOQ and QC samples. Stability studies showed that efavirenz was stable during the expected conditions for sample preparation and storage. The lower limit of quantification for efavirenz was 1 ng/mL. The analytical method showed excellent sensitivity, precision, and accuracy. This method is robust and is being successfully applied for therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetic studies in HIV-infected patients. PMID:23755102

  2. Simultaneous quantification of paeoniflorin, nobiletin, tangeretin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, liquiritin and formononetin from Si-Ni-San extract in rat plasma and tissues by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Li, Tianxue; Yan, Zhixiang; Zhou, Chen; Sun, Jian; Jiang, Chuan; Yang, Xinghao

    2013-08-01

    In this study, a sensitive and reliable liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of seven bioactive components including paeoniflorin, nobiletin, tangeretin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, liquiritin and formononetin in rat plasma and tissues after oral administration of Si-Ni-San extract using astragaloside IV as internal standard (IS). The plasma and tissue samples were extracted by solid-phase extraction. Chromatographic separation was accomplished on a C18 column with a multiple-step gradient elution. The quantification was obtained by scanning with multiple reaction monitoring via an electrospray ionization source that was operated by switching between the positive and negative modes in two MS/MS scan segments. Full validation of the assay was implemented. In conclusion, this method demonstrated good linearity and specificity. The lower limits of quantification for the analytes were <7.5 ng/mL. Intra- and inter-day precisions (RSD) were <12.5% and accuracy (RE) ranged from -10.2 to 7.3%. The average recoveries of the analytes from rat plasma and tissues were >65.2% and 58.6%, respectively. The validated method was further applied to the determination of actual rat plasma and tissues after oral administration of Si-Ni-San extract. The results provided a meaningful basis for the clinical application of this prescription. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  3. Near-field flat focusing mirrors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cheng, Yu-Chieh; Staliunas, Kestutis

    2018-03-01

    This article reviews recent progress towards the design of near-field flat focusing mirrors, focusing/imaging light patterns in reflection. An important feature of such flat focusing mirrors is their transverse invariance, as they do not possess any optical axis. We start with a review of the physical background to the different focusing mechanisms of near- and far-field focusing. These near-field focusing devices like flat lenses and the reviewed near-field focusing mirrors can implement planar focusing devices without any optical axis. In contrast, various types of far-field planar focusing devices, such as high-contrast gratings and metasurfaces, unavoidably break the transverse invariance due to their radially symmetrical structures. The particular realizations of near-field flat focusing mirrors including Bragg-like dielectric mirrors and dielectric subwavelength gratings are the main subjects of the review. The first flat focusing mirror was demonstrated with a chirped mirror and was shown to manage an angular dispersion for beam focusing, similar to the management of chromatic dispersion for pulse compression. Furthermore, the reviewed optimized chirped mirror demonstrated a long near-field focal length, hardly achieved by a flat lens or a planar hyperlens. Two more different configurations of dielectric subwavelength gratings that focus a light beam at normal or oblique incidence are also reviewed. We also summarize and compare focusing performance, limitations, and future perspectives between the reviewed flat focusing mirrors and other planar focusing devices including a flat lens with a negative-index material, a planar hyperlens, a high-contrast grating, and a metasurface.

  4. High stroke pixel for a deformable mirror

    DOEpatents

    Miles, Robin R.; Papavasiliou, Alexandros P.

    2005-09-20

    A mirror pixel that can be fabricated using standard MEMS methods for a deformable mirror. The pixel is electrostatically actuated and is capable of the high deflections needed for spaced-based mirror applications. In one embodiment, the mirror comprises three layers, a top or mirror layer, a middle layer which consists of flexures, and a comb drive layer, with the flexures of the middle layer attached to the mirror layer and to the comb drive layer. The comb drives are attached to a frame via spring flexures. A number of these mirror pixels can be used to construct a large mirror assembly. The actuator for the mirror pixel may be configured as a crenellated beam with one end fixedly secured, or configured as a scissor jack. The mirror pixels may be used in various applications requiring high stroke adaptive optics.

  5. Generation of Electron Whistler Waves at the Mirror Mode Magnetic Holes: MMS Observations and PIC Simulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ahmadi, N.; Wilder, F. D.; Usanova, M.; Ergun, R.; Argall, M. R.; Goodrich, K.; Eriksson, S.; Germaschewski, K.; Torbert, R. B.; Lindqvist, P. A.; Le Contel, O.; Khotyaintsev, Y. V.; Strangeway, R. J.; Schwartz, S. J.; Giles, B. L.; Burch, J.

    2017-12-01

    The Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission observed electron whistler waves at the center and at the gradients of magnetic holes on the dayside magnetosheath. The magnetic holes are nonlinear mirror structures which are anti-correlated with particle density. We used expanding box Particle-in-cell simulations and produced the mirror instability magnetic holes. We show that the electron whistler waves can be generated at the gradients and the center of magnetic holes in our simulations which is in agreement with MMS observations. At the nonlinear regime of mirror instability, the proton and electron temperature anisotropy are anti-correlated with the magnetic hole. The plasma is unstable to electron whistler waves at the minimum of the magnetic field structures. In the saturation regime of mirror instability, when magnetic holes are dominant, electron temperature anisotropy develops at the edges of the magnetic holes and electrons become isotropic at the magnetic field minimum. We investigate the possible mechanism for enhancing the electron temperature anisotropy and analyze the electron pitch angle distributions and electron distribution functions in our simulations and compare it with MMS observations.

  6. Eliminating mirror responses by instructions.

    PubMed

    Bardi, Lara; Bundt, Carsten; Notebaert, Wim; Brass, Marcel

    2015-09-01

    The observation of an action leads to the activation of the corresponding motor plan in the observer. This phenomenon of motor resonance has an important role in social interaction, promoting imitation, learning and action understanding. However, mirror responses not always have a positive impact on our behavior. An automatic tendency to imitate others can introduce interference in action execution and non-imitative or opposite responses have an advantage in some contexts. Previous studies suggest that mirror tendencies can be suppressed after extensive practice or in complementary joint action situations revealing that mirror responses are more flexible than previously thought. The aim of the present study was to gain insight into the mechanisms that allow response flexibility of motor mirroring. Here we show that the mere instruction of a counter-imitative mapping changes mirror responses as indexed by motor evoked potentials (MEPs) enhancement induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Importantly, mirror activation was measured while participants were passively watching finger movements, without having the opportunity to execute the task. This result suggests that the implementation of task instructions activates stimulus-response association that can overwrite the mirror representations. Our outcome reveals one of the crucial mechanisms that might allow flexible adjustments of mirror responses in different contexts. The implications of this outcome are discussed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Nanolaminate deformable mirrors

    DOEpatents

    Papavasiliou, Alexandros P.; Olivier, Scot S.

    2009-04-14

    A deformable mirror formed out of two layers of a nanolaminate foil attached to a stiff substrate is introduced. Deformation is provided by an electrostatic force between two of the layers. The internal stiffness of the structure allows for high-spatial-frequency shapes. The nanolaminate foil of the present invention allows for a high-quality mirror surface. The device achieves high precision in the vertical direction by using foils with accurately controlled thicknesses, but does not require high precision in the lateral dimensions, allowing such mirrors to be fabricated using crude lithography techniques. Such techniques allow structures up to about the meter scale to be fabricated.

  8. Accurate determination of non-metallic impurities in high purity tetramethylammonium hydroxide using inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fu, Liang; Xie, Hualin; Shi, Shuyun; Chen, Xiaoqing

    2018-06-01

    The content of non-metallic impurities in high-purity tetramethylammonium hydroxide (HPTMAH) aqueous solution has an important influence on the yield, electrical properties and reliability of the integrated circuit during the process of chip etching and cleaning. Therefore, an efficient analytical method to directly quantify the content of non-metallic impurities in HPTMAH aqueous solutions is necessary. The present study was aimed to develop a novel method that can accurately determine seven non-metallic impurities (B, Si, P, S, Cl, As, and Se) in an aqueous solution of HPTMAH by inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS). The samples were measured using a direct injection method. In the MS/MS mode, oxygen and hydrogen were used as reaction gases in the octopole reaction system (ORS) to eliminate mass spectral interferences during the analytical process. The detection limits of B, Si, P, S, Cl, As, and Se were 0.31, 0.48, 0.051, 0.27, 3.10, 0.008, and 0.005 μg L-1, respectively. The samples were analyzed by the developed method and the sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS) was used for contrastive analysis. The values of these seven elements measured using ICP-MS/MS were consistent with those measured by SF-ICP-MS. The proposed method can be utilized to analyze non-metallic impurities in HPTMAH aqueous solution. Table S2 Multiple potential interferences on the analytes. Table S3 Parameters of calibration curve and the detection limit (DL). Table S4 Results obtained for 25% concentration high-purity grade TMAH aqueous solution samples (μg L-1, mean ± standard deviation, n = 10).

  9. Observational physics of mirror world

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Khlopov, M. YA.; Beskin, G. M.; Bochkarev, N. E.; Pustilnik, L. A.; Pustilnik, S. A.

    1989-01-01

    The existence of the whole world of shadow particles, interacting with each other and having no mutual interactions with ordinary particles except gravity is a specific feature of modern superstring models, being considered as models of the theory of everything. The presence of shadow particles is the necessary condition in the superstring models, providing compensation of the asymmetry of left and right chirality states of ordinary particles. If compactification of additional dimensions retains the symmetry of left and right states, shadow world turns to be the mirror one, with particles and fields having properties strictly symmetrical to the ones of corresponding ordinary particles and fields. Owing to the strict symmetry of physical laws for ordinary and mirror particles, the analysis of cosmological evolution of mirror matter provides rather definite conclusions on possible effects of mirror particles in the universe. A general qualitative discussion of possible astronomical impact of mirror matter is given, in order to make as wide as possible astronomical observational searches for the effects of mirror world, being the unique way to test the existence of mirror partners of ordinary particles in the Nature.

  10. Structure Formation in Complex Plasma

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-08-24

    Dewer bottle (upper figures) or in the vapor of liquid helium (lower figures). Liq. He Ring electrode Particles Green Laser RF Plasma ... Ring electrode CCD camera Prism mirror Liq. He Glass Tube Liq. N2 Glass Dewar Acrylic particles Gas Helium Green Laser CCD camera Pressure

  11. Measurements of plasma mirror reflectivity and focal spot quality for tens of picosecond laser pulses

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Forestier-Colleoni, Pierre; Williams, Jackson; Scott, Graeme; Mariscal, Dereck. A.; McGuffey, Christopher; Beg, Farhat N.; Chen, Hui; Neely, David; Ma, Tammy

    2017-10-01

    The Advanced Radiographic Capability (ARC) laser at the NIF (LLNL) is high-energy ( 4 kJ) with a pulse length of 30ps, and is capable of focusing to an intensity of 1018W/cm2 with a 100 μm focal spot. The ARC laser is at an intensity which can be used to produce proton beams. However, for applications such as radiography and warm dense matter creation, a higher laser intensity may be desired to generate more energetic proton beams. One possibility to increase the intensity is to decrease the focused spot size by employing a smaller f-number optic. But it is difficult to implement such an optic or to bring the final focusing parabola closer to the target within the complicated NIF chamber geometry. A proposal is to use ellipsoidal plasma mirrors (PM) for fast focusing of the ARC laser light, thereby increasing the peak intensity. There is uncertainty, however, in the survivability and reflectivity of PM at such long pulse durations. Here, we show experimental results from the Titan laser to study the reflectivity of flat PM as a function of laser pulse length. A calorimeter was used to measure the PM reflectivity. We also observed degradation of the far and near field energy distribution of the laser after the reflection by the PM for pulse-lengths beyond 10ps. Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344. Funded by the LLNL LDRD program: tracking code 17-ERD-039.

  12. Quantitative analysis of a novel HIV fusion inhibitor (sifuvirtide) in HIV infected human plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Che, Jinjing; Meng, Qingfang; Chen, Zhihang; Hou, Yunan; Shan, Chengqi; Cheng, Yuanguo

    2010-03-11

    A sensitive method for measuring sifuvirtide, a novel HIV fusion inhibitor peptide drug in HIV-1(+) human plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed. The plasma samples were treated by solvent/detergent (S/D) method to inactivate viral activity before analysis. After protein precipitation sifuvirtide was determined by LC-MS/MS. A structure analog was used as internal standard (IS). The mass spectrometer was operated in positive ion and multiple reaction monitoring mode with transitions m/z 946.3-->159.0 for sifuvirtide and 951.7-->159.2 for IS. The intra-day precision ranged from 2.74% to 7.57% with accuracy from 91.63% to 102.53%. The inter-day precision ranged from 2.65% to 3.58% and the accuracy from 95.53% to 105.28%. Stability studies showed that sifuvirtide was stable both during the assay procedure and long-term storage. The lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) was 9.75ngml(-1). The method was used for analyzing samples from phase IIa clinical study of sifuvirtide in China. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Achieving 15% Tandem Polymer Solar Cells

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-06-23

    solar cell structures – both polymer only and hybrid tandem cells to constantly pushing the envelope of solution processed solar cell ...performance – 11.6% polymer tandem cell , 7% transparent tandem polymer cell , and over 10% PCE hybrid tandem solar cells were achieved. In addition, AFOSR’s...final support also enabled us to explore novel hybrid perovskite solar cells in depth. For example, single junction cell efficiency

  14. JWST Primary Mirror Technology Development

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stahl, H. Philip

    2010-01-01

    Mirror Technology was identified as a (if not the) critical capability necessary to achieve the Level 1 science goals. A never before demonstrated space telescope capability was required: 6 to 8 meter class pri mary mirror, diffraction limited at 2 micrometers and operates at temperatures below 50K. Launch vehicle constraints placed significant architectural constraints: deployed/segmented primary mirror (4.5 meter fairing diameter) 20 kg/m2 areal density (PM 1000 kg mass) Such mirror technology had never been demonstrated - and did not exist

  15. Mirror-image-induced magnetic modes.

    PubMed

    Xifré-Pérez, Elisabet; Shi, Lei; Tuzer, Umut; Fenollosa, Roberto; Ramiro-Manzano, Fernando; Quidant, Romain; Meseguer, Francisco

    2013-01-22

    Reflection in a mirror changes the handedness of the real world, and right-handed objects turn left-handed and vice versa (M. Gardner, The Ambidextrous Universe, Penguin Books, 1964). Also, we learn from electromagnetism textbooks that a flat metallic mirror transforms an electric charge into a virtual opposite charge. Consequently, the mirror image of a magnet is another parallel virtual magnet as the mirror image changes both the charge sign and the curl handedness. Here we report the dramatic modification in the optical response of a silicon nanocavity induced by the interaction with its image through a flat metallic mirror. The system of real and virtual dipoles can be interpreted as an effective magnetic dipole responsible for a strong enhancement of the cavity scattering cross section.

  16. Shell Separation for Mirror Replication

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1999-01-01

    NASA's Space Optics Manufacturing Center has been working to expand our view of the universe via sophisticated new telescopes. The Optics Center's goal is to develop low-cost, advanced space optics technologies for the NASA program in the 21st century - including the long-term goal of imaging Earth-like planets in distant solar systems. To reduce the cost of mirror fabrication, Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has developed replication techniques, the machinery, and materials to replicate electro-formed nickel mirrors. Optics replication uses reusable forms, called mandrels, to make telescope mirrors ready for final finishing. MSFC optical physicist Bill Jones monitors a device used to chill a mandrel, causing it to shrink and separate from the telescope mirror without deforming the mirror's precisely curved surface.

  17. Numerical Analysis of Plasma Transport in Tandem Volume Magnetic Multicusp Ion Sources

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-03-01

    the results of the model are qualitatively correct. Boltzmann Equation, Ion Sources, Plasma Simulation, Electron Temperature, Plasma Density, Ion Temperature, Hydrogen Ions, Magnetic Filters, Hydrogen Plasma Chemistry .

  18. LED structure with enhanced mirror reflectivity

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bergmann, Michael; Donofrio, Matthew; Heikman, Sten

    2014-04-01

    Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to LED chips having improved overall emission by reducing the light-absorbing effects of barrier layers adjacent mirror contacts. In one embodiment, a LED chip comprises one or more LEDs, with each LED having an active region, a first contact under the active region having a highly reflective mirror, and a barrier layer adjacent the mirror. The barrier layer is smaller than the mirror such that it does not extend beyond the periphery of the mirror. In another possible embodiment, an insulator is further provided, with the insulator adjacent the barrier layer andmore » adjacent portions of the mirror not contacted by the active region or by the barrier layer. In yet another embodiment, a second contact is provided on the active region. In a further embodiment, the barrier layer is smaller than the mirror such that the periphery of the mirror is at least 40% free of the barrier layer, and the second contact is below the first contact and accessible from the bottom of the chip.« less

  19. In vivo study on the neurotransmitters and their metabolites change in depressive disorder rat plasma by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Longshan; Zheng, Shuning; Su, Guangyue; Lu, Xiumei; Yang, Jingyu; Xiong, Zhili; Wu, Chunfu

    2015-04-15

    A sensitive and versatile, ultra-high performance, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method coupled to pre-column derivatization for the simultaneous determination of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), homovanillic acid (HVA), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamic acid (Glu) was developed and validated in rat plasma. The analytes were dansylated under strong alkaline conditions after protein precipitation extraction, which were analyzed on a BEH C18 column using a gradient elution. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) values for 5-HT, 5-HIAA, DA, NE, HVA, GABA and Glu were 1.00, 1.00, 0.991, 0.992, 1.02, 1000, and 5030 pmol/mL, respectively. Good linearity was obtained (r > 0.99) and the intra- and inter-day precisions of the method (relative standard deviation, RSD%) were lower than 12%. The method was novel, sensitive and specific which can provide an alternative method for the quantification of neurotransmitters and their metabolites in plasma samples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Helical plasma thruster

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Beklemishev, A. D., E-mail: bekl@bk.ru

    2015-10-15

    A new scheme of plasma thruster is proposed. It is based on axial acceleration of rotating magnetized plasmas in magnetic field with helical corrugation. The idea is that the propellant ionization zone can be placed into the local magnetic well, so that initially the ions are trapped. The E × B rotation is provided by an applied radial electric field that makes the setup similar to a magnetron discharge. Then, from the rotating plasma viewpoint, the magnetic wells of the helically corrugated field look like axially moving mirror traps. Specific shaping of the corrugation can allow continuous acceleration of trapped plasma ionsmore » along the magnetic field by diamagnetic forces. The accelerated propellant is expelled through the expanding field of magnetic nozzle. By features of the acceleration principle, the helical plasma thruster may operate at high energy densities but requires a rather high axial magnetic field, which places it in the same class as the VASIMR{sup ®} rocket engine.« less

  1. Identification of multiple constituents in the traditional Chinese medicine formula Zhi-zi-chi decoction and rat plasma after oral administration by liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Xu; Long, Zhimin; Dai, Jinna; Bi, Kaishun; Chen, Xiaohui

    2012-10-30

    Liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to positive electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) employing a time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometer was established to identify multi-components of Zhi-zi-chi decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, and the constituents in rat plasma after oral administration of Zhi-zi-chi decoction. The LC separation was achieved on a C(18) column. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile/0.2% formic acid with gradient program. The quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometer was operated in the positive ion mode with an electrospray ionization source (ESI+). The capillary voltage of the ion source was set at 4500 V and the capillary exit was 90 V. The nebulizer pressure was maintained at 1.2 bar. Hexapole radio frequencies 1 and 2 were set to 200 Vpp and 250 Vpp, respectively. A total 47 compounds in the Zhi-zi-chi decoction and 24 constituents in rat plasma after oral administration of Zhi-zi-chi decoction were identified. Of the 47 detected compounds in the Zhi-zi-chi decoction, 15 were identified by comparing the retention time and MS data with that of reference compounds and the rest were identified by MS analysis and retrieving the reference literature. Of the identified 24 compounds in rat plasma, 19 were the original form of the compounds absorbed from the 47 detected compounds, and the other five were the metabolites of the compounds existing in the Zhi-zi-chi decoction. A fast and sensitive LC/Q-TOF MS method has been developed and successfully utilized to screen the active ingredients of a Chinese medical formula, Zhi-zi-chi decoction, for the first time. The results indicated that the 24 compounds identified in rat plasma were the potential active ingredients of Zhi-zi-chi decoction, which provided helpful chemical information for further pharmacology and active mechanism research on Zhi-zi-chi decoction and other traditional Chinese medicines. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  2. Cannabinoids assessment in plasma and urine by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry after molecularly imprinted polymer microsolid-phase extraction.

    PubMed

    Sánchez-González, Juan; Salgueiro-Fernández, Rocío; Cabarcos, Pamela; Bermejo, Ana María; Bermejo-Barrera, Pilar; Moreda-Piñeiro, Antonio

    2017-02-01

    A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) selective for cannabinoids [Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC-COOH), and 11-hydroxy-Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC-OH)] has been synthesized, fully characterized, and applied to the assessment of plasma and urine analysis of marijuana abuse by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Δ9-THC-COOH was used as a template molecule, whereas ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) was used as a functional monomer, divinylbenzene (DVB) as a cross-linker, and 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator. The prepared MIP was found to be highly selective for cannabinoids typically found in blood and urine, and also for cannabinol (CBN) and cannabidiol (CBD). MIP beads (50 mg) were loaded inside a cone-shaped device made of a polypropylene (PP) membrane for microsolid-phase extraction (μ-SPE) in batch mode. Optimum retention of analytes (0.1 to 1.0 mL of plasma/urine) was achieved by fixing plasma/urine pH at 6.5 and assisting the procedure by mechanical shaking (150 rpm, 40 °C, 12 min). Optimum elution conditions implied 2 mL of a 90:10 methanol/acetic acid and ultrasound extraction (35 kHz, 325 W) for 6 min. Good precision was assessed by intra-day and inter-day assays. In addition, the method was found to be accurate after intra-day and inter-day analytical recovery assays and after analyzing control serum and urine control samples. The limits of quantification were in the range of 0.36-0.49 ng L -1 (plasma analysis) and 0.47-0.57 ng L -1 (urine analysis). These values are low enough for confirmative conclusions regarding marijuana abuse through blood and urine analysis. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

  3. Study of Cryogenic Complex Plasma

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-04-26

    enabled us to detect the formation of the Coulomb crystals as shown in Fig. 2. Liq. He Ring electrode Particles Green Laser RF Plasma ... Ring electrode CCD camera Prism mirror Liq. He Glass Tube Liq. N2 Glass Dewar Acrylic particles Gas Helium Green Laser CCD camera Pressure

  4. Advanced Mirror & Modelling Technology Development

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Effinger, Michael; Stahl, H. Philip; Abplanalp, Laura; Maffett, Steven; Egerman, Robert; Eng, Ron; Arnold, William; Mosier, Gary; Blaurock, Carl

    2014-01-01

    The 2020 Decadal technology survey is starting in 2018. Technology on the shelf at that time will help guide selection to future low risk and low cost missions. The Advanced Mirror Technology Development (AMTD) team has identified development priorities based on science goals and engineering requirements for Ultraviolet Optical near-Infrared (UVOIR) missions in order to contribute to the selection process. One key development identified was lightweight mirror fabrication and testing. A monolithic, stacked, deep core mirror was fused and replicated twice to achieve the desired radius of curvature. It was subsequently successfully polished and tested. A recently awarded second phase to the AMTD project will develop larger mirrors to demonstrate the lateral scaling of the deep core mirror technology. Another key development was rapid modeling for the mirror. One model focused on generating optical and structural model results in minutes instead of months. Many variables could be accounted for regarding the core, face plate and back structure details. A portion of a spacecraft model was also developed. The spacecraft model incorporated direct integration to transform optical path difference to Point Spread Function (PSF) and between PSF to modulation transfer function. The second phase to the project will take the results of the rapid mirror modeler and integrate them into the rapid spacecraft modeler.

  5. Chemical vapor deposited silica coatings for solar mirror protection

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gulino, Daniel A.; Dever, Therese M.; Banholzer, William F.

    1988-01-01

    A variety of techniques is available to apply protective coatings to oxidation susceptible spacecraft components, and each has associated advantages and disadvantages. Film applications by means of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has the advantage of being able to be applied conformally to objects of irregular shape. For this reason, a study was made of the oxygen plasma durability of thin film (less than 5000 A) silicon dioxide coatings applied by CVD. In these experiments, such coatings were applied to silver mirrors, which are strongly subject to oxidation, and which are proposed for use on the space station solar dynamic power system. Results indicate that such coatings can provide adequate protection without affecting the reflectance of the mirror. Scanning electron micrographs indicated that oxidation of the silver layer did occur at stress crack locations, but this did not affect the measured solar reflectances. Oxidation of the silver did not proceed beyond the immediate location of the crack. Such stress cracks did not occur in thinner silica flims, and hence such films would be desirable for this application.

  6. Chemical vapor deposited silica coatings for solar mirror protection

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Gulino, Daniel A.; Dever, Therese M.; Banholzer, William F.

    1988-01-01

    A variety of techniques is available to apply protective coatings to oxidation susceptible spacecraft components, and each has associated advantages and disadvantages. Film applications by means of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has the advantage of being able to be applied conformally to objects of irregular shape. For this reason, a study was made of the oxygen plasma durability of thin film (less than 5000 A) silicon dioxide coatings applied by CVD. In these experiments, such coatings were applied to silver mirrors, which are strongly subject to oxidation, and which are proposed for use on the space station solar dynamic power system. Results indicate that such coatings can provide adequate protection without affecting the reflectance of the mirror. Scanning electron micrographs indicated that oxidation of the silver layer did occur at stress crack locations, but this did not affect the measured solar reflectances. Oxidation of the silver did not proceed beyond the immediate location of the crack. Such stress cracks did not occur in thinner silica films, and hence such films would be desirable for this application.

  7. Diluted thrombin time reliably measures low to intermediate plasma dabigatran concentrations.

    PubMed

    Božič-Mijovski, Mojca; Malmström, Rickard E; Malovrh, Petra; Antovic, Jovan P; Vene, Nina; Šinigoj, Petra; Mavri, Alenka

    2016-07-01

    Direct oral anticoagulant dabigatran was first introduced as a fixed-dose drug without routine coagulation monitoring, but current recommendations suggest that diluted thrombin time can be used to estimate plasma drug level. The aim of this study was to assess a diluted thrombin time assay based on the same thrombin reagent already used for traditional thrombin time measurements that reliably measure low to intermediate plasma dabigatran levels. We included 44 patients with atrial fibrillation who started treatment with dabigatran 150 mg (23 patients) or 110 mg (21 patients) twice a day. Blood samples were collected at baseline (no dabigatran) and 2-4 weeks after the beginning of dabigatran therapy at trough and at peak. Plasma dabigatran levels were measured with diluted thrombin time and compared to liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry as the reference method. The performance of the diluted thrombin time was compared to Hemoclot® Thrombin Inhibitor and Ecarin Chromogenic Assay. In ex vivo plasma samples, diluted thrombin time highly correlated with the liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (Pearson's R = 0.9799). In the low to intermediate range (dabigatran concentration ≤ 100 µg/L) diluted thrombin time correlated significantly more closely to the liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (R = 0.964) than Hemoclot® Thrombin Inhibitor (R = 0.935, p = 0.05) or Ecarin Chromogenic Assay (R = 0.915, p < 0.01). It was also the only functional assay without any significant bias in the low to intermediate range. Both trough and peak diluted thrombin time values were similar to liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. We conclude that the diluted thrombin time assay presented in this study reliably detects dabigatran and that it is superior to the Hemoclot® Thrombin Inhibitor assay in the low to intermediate range. © The Author(s) 2015.

  8. Figures of Merit for Mirror Materials

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1980-07-10

    show higher temporal stability. Mirror figure changes with time have generally been small: - X/30 - X/40 for CER-VIT and silica mirrors .27 Zerodur and...9 III. MIRROR FAILURE CRITERIA ................. s .. .................. 13 A. Mechanical Loading Effects...41 / a3 I.. I • INTRODUCTION Large space mirrors were analyzed I with the objective of comparing the ability of materials to minimize static

  9. Metallic alternative to glass mirrors (active mirrors in aluminium) - A review

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rozelot, Jean P.; Leblanc, Jean-M.

    1991-09-01

    Present-day glass mirrors for telescopes, including the most recent results obtained with aluminum mirrors developed within the European EUREKA procedure (LAMA program) are reviewed. The major advantages of the aluminum-alloy solution, which can be extrapolated today for large size, are discussed. It is shown that aluminum-alloy meniscus blanks, polished on a thin nickel coating, are appropriate to manufacture mirrors of astronomical quality. With the technique of electron-beam welding, large sizes can be envisaged. The development of active optics makes it possible to easily compensate for real-time deformations. The good thermal diffusivity of aluminum alloys leads to a better and faster thermal equilibrium than all other glass structures.

  10. Status of Mirror Development for the Marshall Grazing Incidence X-ray Spectrometer (MaGIXS)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Champey, P. R.; Winebarger, A. R.; Kobayashi, K.; Savage, S. L.; Ramsey, B.; Kolodziejczak, J.; Speegle, C.; Young, M.; Kester, T.; Cheimets, P.; Hertz, E.

    2017-12-01

    The Marshall Grazing Incidence X-ray Spectrometer (MaGIXS) is a NASA sounding rocket instrument designed to observe soft X-ray emissions at 0.5 - 2.0 keV energies (24 - 6 Å) from a solar active region. MaGIXS will, for the first time, obtain spatially resolved spectra of high-temperature, low-emission plasma within an active region core. The unique optical design includes a Wolter I telescope and a 3-optic grazing incidence spectrograph. The spectrograph consists of a finite conjugate, stigmatic mirror pair and a planar varied line space grating. The grazing incidence mirrors are being developed at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and are produced using electroform nickel-replication techniques, employing the same facilities developed for HERO, FOXSI, ART-XC and IXPE. The MaGIXS mirror mandrels have been fabricated, figured, and have completed the first phase of polishing. A set of three test shells were replicated and exposed to X-rays in the Stray Light Facility (SLF) at MSFC. Here we present results from mandrel metrology and X-ray testing at the SLF. We also discuss the development of a new polishing technique for the MaGIXS mirror mandrels, where we plan to use the Zeeko polishing machine.

  11. Spontaneous expression of mirror self-recognition in monkeys after learning precise visual-proprioceptive association for mirror images.

    PubMed

    Chang, Liangtang; Zhang, Shikun; Poo, Mu-Ming; Gong, Neng

    2017-03-21

    Mirror self-recognition (MSR) is generally considered to be an intrinsic cognitive ability found only in humans and a few species of great apes. Rhesus monkeys do not spontaneously show MSR, but they have the ability to use a mirror as an instrument to find hidden objects. The mechanism underlying the transition from simple mirror use to MSR remains unclear. Here we show that rhesus monkeys could show MSR after learning precise visual-proprioceptive association for mirror images. We trained head-fixed monkeys on a chair in front of a mirror to touch with spatiotemporal precision a laser pointer light spot on an adjacent board that could only be seen in the mirror. After several weeks of training, when the same laser pointer light was projected to the monkey's face, a location not used in training, all three trained monkeys successfully touched the face area marked by the light spot in front of a mirror. All trained monkeys passed the standard face mark test for MSR both on the monkey chair and in their home cage. Importantly, distinct from untrained control monkeys, the trained monkeys showed typical mirror-induced self-directed behaviors in their home cage, such as using the mirror to explore normally unseen body parts. Thus, bodily self-consciousness may be a cognitive ability present in many more species than previously thought, and acquisition of precise visual-proprioceptive association for the images in the mirror is critical for revealing the MSR ability of the animal.

  12. Fabrication and testing of Wolter type-I mirrors for soft x-ray microscopes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hoshino, Masato; Aoki, Sadao; Watanabe, Norio; Hirai, Shinichiro

    2004-10-01

    Development of a small Wolter type-I mirror that is mainly used as an objective for the X-ray microscope is described. Small Wolter mirrors for X-ray microscopes are fabricated by the vacuum replication method because of their long aspherical shape. Master mandrel is ground and polished by an ultra-precision NC lathe. Tungsten carbide was selected as a material because its thermal expansion coefficient is a little larger than the replica glass. It was ground by ELID (Electrolytic In-process Dressing) grinding technique that is appropriate for the efficient mirror surface grinding. After ultra-precision grinding, the figure error of master mandrel was better than 0.5μm except the boundary between the hyperboloid and the ellipsoid. Before vacuum replication, the mandrel was coated with Au (thickness 50nm) as the parting layer. Pyrex glass was empirically selected as mirror material. The master mandrel was inserted into the Pyrex glass tube and heated up to 675°C in the electric furnace. Although vacuum replication is a proper technique in terms of its high replication accuracy, the surface roughness characterized by the high spatial frequency of the mandrel was replicated less accurate than the figure error characterized by the low spatial frequency. This indicates that the surface roughness and the figure error depend on the glass surface and the figure error of the master mandrel, respectively. A fabricated mirror was evaluated by the imaging performance with a laser plasma X-ray source (λ=3.2nm).

  13. JWST Lightweight Mirror TRL-6 Results

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stahl, H. Philip

    2007-01-01

    Mirror technology for a Primary Mirror Segment Assembly (PMSA) is a system of components: reflective coating; polished optical surface; mirror substrate; actuators, mechanisms and flexures; and reaction structure. The functional purpose of a PMSA is to survive launch, deploy and align itself to form a 25 square meter collecting area 6.5 meter diameter primary mirror with a 131 nm rms wavefront error at temperatures less than 50K and provide stable optical performance for the anticipated thermal environment. At the inception of JWST in 1996, such a capability was at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3. A highly successful technology development program was initiated including the Sub-scale Beryllium Mirror Demonstrator (SBMD) and Advanced Mirror System Demonstrator (AMSD) projects. These projects along with flight program activities have matured mirror technology for JWST to TRL-6. A directly traceable prototype (and in some cases the flight hardware itself) has been built, tested and operated in a relevant environment.

  14. Absolute measurements of large mirrors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Su, Peng

    The ability to produce mirrors for large astronomical telescopes is limited by the accuracy of the systems used to test the surfaces of such mirrors. Typically the mirror surfaces are measured by comparing their actual shapes to a precision master, which may be created using combinations of mirrors, lenses, and holograms. The work presented here develops several optical testing techniques that do not rely on a large or expensive precision, master reference surface. In a sense these techniques provide absolute optical testing. The Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) has been designed with a 350 m 2 collecting area provided by a 25 m diameter primary mirror made out from seven circular independent mirror segments. These segments create an equivalent f/0.7 paraboloidal primary mirror consisting of a central segment and six outer segments. Each of the outer segments is 8.4 m in diameter and has an off-axis aspheric shape departing 14.5 mm from the best-fitting sphere. Much of the work in this dissertation is motivated by the need to measure the surfaces or such large mirrors accurately, without relying on a large or expensive precision reference surface. One method for absolute testing describing in this dissertation uses multiple measurements relative to a reference surface that is located in different positions with respect to the test surface of interest. The test measurements are performed with an algorithm that is based on the maximum likelihood (ML) method. Some methodologies for measuring large flat surfaces in the 2 m diameter range and for measuring the GMT primary mirror segments were specifically developed. For example, the optical figure of a 1.6-m flat mirror was determined to 2 nm rms accuracy using multiple 1-meter sub-aperture measurements. The optical figure of the reference surface used in the 1-meter sub-aperture measurements was also determined to the 2 nm level. The optical test methodology for a 1.7-m off axis parabola was evaluated by moving several

  15. Where do mirror neurons come from?

    PubMed

    Heyes, Cecilia

    2010-03-01

    Debates about the evolution of the 'mirror neuron system' imply that it is an adaptation for action understanding. Alternatively, mirror neurons may be a byproduct of associative learning. Here I argue that the adaptation and associative hypotheses both offer plausible accounts of the origin of mirror neurons, but the associative hypothesis has three advantages. First, it provides a straightforward, testable explanation for the differences between monkeys and humans that have led some researchers to question the existence of a mirror neuron system. Second, it is consistent with emerging evidence that mirror neurons contribute to a range of social cognitive functions, but do not play a dominant, specialised role in action understanding. Finally, the associative hypothesis is supported by recent data showing that, even in adulthood, the mirror neuron system can be transformed by sensorimotor learning. The associative account implies that mirror neurons come from sensorimotor experience, and that much of this experience is obtained through interaction with others. Therefore, if the associative account is correct, the mirror neuron system is a product, as well as a process, of social interaction. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Transport and equilibrium in field-reversed mirrors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Boyd, J.K.

    Two plasma models relevant to compact torus research have been developed to study transport and equilibrium in field reversed mirrors. In the first model for small Larmor radius and large collision frequency, the plasma is described as an adiabatic hydromagnetic fluid. In the second model for large Larmor radius and small collision frequency, a kinetic theory description has been developed. Various aspects of the two models have been studied in five computer codes ADB, AV, NEO, OHK, RES. The ADB code computes two dimensional equilibrium and one dimensional transport in a flux coordinate. The AV code calculates orbit average integralsmore » in a harmonic oscillator potential. The NEO code follows particle trajectories in a Hill's vortex magnetic field to study stochasticity, invariants of the motion, and orbit average formulas. The OHK code displays analytic psi(r), B/sub Z/(r), phi(r), E/sub r/(r) formulas developed for the kinetic theory description. The RES code calculates resonance curves to consider overlap regions relevant to stochastic orbit behavior.« less

  17. Studies on dynamic behavior of rotating mirrors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Jingzhen; Sun, Fengshan; Gong, Xiangdong; Huang, Hongbin; Tian, Jie

    2005-02-01

    A rotating mirror is a kernel unit in a Miller-type high speed camera, which is both as an imaging element in optical path and as an element to implement ultrahigh speed photography. According to Schardin"s Principle, information capacity of an ultrahigh speed camera with rotating mirror depends on primary wavelength of lighting used by the camera and limit linear velocity on edge of the rotating-mirror: the latter is related to material (including specifications in technology), cross-section shape and lateral structure of rotating mirror. In this manuscript dynamic behavior of high strength aluminium alloy rotating mirrors is studied, from which it is preliminarily shown that an aluminium alloy rotating mirror can be absolutely used as replacement for a steel rotating-mirror or a titanium alloy rotating-mirror in framing photographic systems, and it could be also used as a substitute for a beryllium rotating-mirror in streak photographic systems.

  18. TANDEM: matching proteins with tandem mass spectra.

    PubMed

    Craig, Robertson; Beavis, Ronald C

    2004-06-12

    Tandem mass spectra obtained from fragmenting peptide ions contain some peptide sequence specific information, but often there is not enough information to sequence the original peptide completely. Several proprietary software applications have been developed to attempt to match the spectra with a list of protein sequences that may contain the sequence of the peptide. The application TANDEM was written to provide the proteomics research community with a set of components that can be used to test new methods and algorithms for performing this type of sequence-to-data matching. The source code and binaries for this software are available at http://www.proteome.ca/opensource.html, for Windows, Linux and Macintosh OSX. The source code is made available under the Artistic License, from the authors.

  19. Graded Mirror Self-Recognition by Clark's Nutcrackers.

    PubMed

    Clary, Dawson; Kelly, Debbie M

    2016-11-04

    The traditional 'mark test' has shown some large-brained species are capable of mirror self-recognition. During this test a mark is inconspicuously placed on an animal's body where it can only be seen with the aid of a mirror. If the animal increases the number of actions directed to the mark region when presented with a mirror, the animal is presumed to have recognized the mirror image as its reflection. However, the pass/fail nature of the mark test presupposes self-recognition exists in entirety or not at all. We developed a novel mirror-recognition task, to supplement the mark test, which revealed gradation in the self-recognition of Clark's nutcrackers, a large-brained corvid. To do so, nutcrackers cached food alone, observed by another nutcracker, or with a regular or blurry mirror. The nutcrackers suppressed caching with a regular mirror, a behavioural response to prevent cache theft by conspecifics, but did not suppress caching with a blurry mirror. Likewise, during the mark test, most nutcrackers made more self-directed actions to the mark with a blurry mirror than a regular mirror. Both results suggest self-recognition was more readily achieved with the blurry mirror and that self-recognition may be more broadly present among animals than currently thought.

  20. Mirror neurons: from origin to function.

    PubMed

    Cook, Richard; Bird, Geoffrey; Catmur, Caroline; Press, Clare; Heyes, Cecilia

    2014-04-01

    This article argues that mirror neurons originate in sensorimotor associative learning and therefore a new approach is needed to investigate their functions. Mirror neurons were discovered about 20 years ago in the monkey brain, and there is now evidence that they are also present in the human brain. The intriguing feature of many mirror neurons is that they fire not only when the animal is performing an action, such as grasping an object using a power grip, but also when the animal passively observes a similar action performed by another agent. It is widely believed that mirror neurons are a genetic adaptation for action understanding; that they were designed by evolution to fulfill a specific socio-cognitive function. In contrast, we argue that mirror neurons are forged by domain-general processes of associative learning in the course of individual development, and, although they may have psychological functions, they do not necessarily have a specific evolutionary purpose or adaptive function. The evidence supporting this view shows that (1) mirror neurons do not consistently encode action "goals"; (2) the contingency- and context-sensitive nature of associative learning explains the full range of mirror neuron properties; (3) human infants receive enough sensorimotor experience to support associative learning of mirror neurons ("wealth of the stimulus"); and (4) mirror neurons can be changed in radical ways by sensorimotor training. The associative account implies that reliable information about the function of mirror neurons can be obtained only by research based on developmental history, system-level theory, and careful experimentation.

  1. A contoured gap coaxial plasma gun with injected plasma armature.

    PubMed

    Witherspoon, F Douglas; Case, Andrew; Messer, Sarah J; Bomgardner, Richard; Phillips, Michael W; Brockington, Samuel; Elton, Raymond

    2009-08-01

    A new coaxial plasma gun is described. The long term objective is to accelerate 100-200 microg of plasma with density above 10(17) cm(-3) to greater than 200 km/s with a Mach number above 10. Such high velocity dense plasma jets have a number of potential fusion applications, including plasma refueling, magnetized target fusion, injection of angular momentum into centrifugally confined mirrors, high energy density plasmas, and others. The approach uses symmetric injection of high density plasma into a coaxial electromagnetic accelerator having an annular gap geometry tailored to prevent formation of the blow-by instability. The injected plasma is generated by numerous (currently 32) radially oriented capillary discharges arranged uniformly around the circumference of the angled annular injection region of the accelerator. Magnetohydrodynamic modeling identified electrode profiles that can achieve the desired plasma jet parameters. The experimental hardware is described along with initial experimental results in which approximately 200 microg has been accelerated to 100 km/s in a half-scale prototype gun. Initial observations of 64 merging injector jets in a planar cylindrical testing array are presented. Density and velocity are presently limited by available peak current and injection sources. Steps to increase both the drive current and the injected plasma mass are described for next generation experiments.

  2. NASA superconducting magnetic mirror facility

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Reinmann, J. J.; Swanson, M. C.; Nichols, C. R.; Obloy, S. J.; Nagy, L. A.; Brady, F. J.

    1973-01-01

    This report summarizes the design details and initial test results of a superconducting magnetic mirror facility that has been constructed at NASA Lewis Research Center for use in thermonuclear research. The magnet system consists of four solenoidal coils which are individually rated at 5.0 T. Each coil is composed of an inner, middle, and outer winding. The inner winding is wound of stabilized Nb3SN superconducting ribbon, and the middle and outer windings are wound of stabilized Nb-Ti superconducting wire. When arranged in the mirror geometry, the four coils will produce 8.7 T at the mirrors and a 1.8 mirror ratio. The magnet has a 41-cm diameter clear bore which is open to atmosphere. Distance between the mirrors is 111 cm. Presently there are only three magnets in the facility; the fourth magnet is being rebuilt.

  3. Mirror symmetry of ions and electron temperature variations within the dusty dynamo layer of the auroral ionosphere

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Timofeev, Evgeny; Kangas, Jorma; Vallinkoski, Matti

    Quasi-periodic (consisting of a dozen electro-thermal structures, ETS) variations of ionospheric parameters during April, 10 and March, 23 1988 substorms were investigated using the data of EISCAT radars in Tromso. These variations were measured at the lower edge of dynamo-layer 106 km and include the ion and electron temperature, electron density and ionospheric electric field; all data were smoothed out using moving average with optimal lag window. It was shown that: 1) ETS clusters are observed when value of the electric field is < 10 mV/m and average electron density is about (5-10)*10 (4) /sm (3) , 2) For each ETS the envelop demonstrate the so called mirror symmetry, that is antiphased variations of the ion and electron temperature (when Ti increases and Te decreases), 3) The symmetry breaks when the electric field is larger than FB instability threshold (15-20 mVm), 4) The periods of these variations is in the range of 3-10 min, 5) The self-similarity of the scales is observed: smaller scales are included into the larger scales, 6) Temperature variations were accompanied by the electric field variations with amplitude of 4-7 mV/m, 7) Large scale structures (and sometimes dyads formed by two subsequent structures) were accompanied by the electric field rotation up to the whole circle. Specific ETS and plasma parameters variations can be interpreted as a result of Ekman-type instability in the dusty plasma of the dynamo layer. The mirror symmetry of plasma temperature variations is an evidence of a partial blocking of energy transfer between the ions and electrons at low values of the external electric field (below FB instability threshold) because the main energy in such a kind of plasma is attributed to dusty macro-particles (Fortov et al., 2010). Under these conditions the time scale of the dust particle energy variations are considerably larger than the corresponding scales of the temperature variations. According to our previous results (Timofeev et al

  4. Mirror Technology

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1992-01-01

    Under a NASA contract, MI-CVD developed a process for producing bulk silicon carbide by means of a chemical vapor deposition process. The technology allows growth of a high purity material with superior mechanical/thermal properties and high polishability - ideal for mirror applications. The company employed the technology to develop three research mirrors for NASA Langley and is now marketing it as CVD SILICON CARBIDE. Its advantages include light weight, thermal stability and high reflectivity. The material has nuclear research facility applications and is of interest to industrial users of high power lasers.

  5. Ultra-fast liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry determination of eight bioactive components of Kai-Xin-San in rat plasma and its application to a comparative pharmacokinetic study in normal and Alzheimer's disease rats.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xiaotong; Zhang, Yue; Niu, Huibin; Geng, Yajing; Wang, Bing; Yang, Xiaomei; Yan, Pengyu; Li, Qing; Bi, Kaishun

    2017-05-01

    A method of ultra-fast liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantitation of eight bioactive components, including polygalaxanthone III, sibiricaxanthone B, tenuifolin, sibiricose A5, sibiricose A6, tenuifoliside A, ginsenoside Re and ginsenoside Rb1 in rat plasma after oral administration of Kai-Xin-San. The plasma samples were extracted by liquid-liquid extraction using digoxin as an internal standard. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Venusil MP C 18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 3 μm) with methanol and 0.05% acetic acid in water as mobile phase. The tandem mass spectrometric detection was performed in the multiple reaction monitoring with turbo ion spray source in the negative ionization. Validation parameters were within acceptable ranges. The established method has been successfully applied to compare the pharmacokinetic profiles of the analytes between normal and Alzheimer's disease rats. The results indicated that there were significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters of some components between two groups, which may be due to the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and pharmacological effects of the analytes. The pharmacokinetic research in the pathological state might provide more useful information to guide the clinical usage of herbal medicine. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  6. Mirror with thermally controlled radius of curvature

    DOEpatents

    Neil, George R.; Shinn, Michelle D.

    2010-06-22

    A radius of curvature controlled mirror for controlling precisely the focal point of a laser beam or other light beam. The radius of curvature controlled mirror provides nearly spherical distortion of the mirror in response to differential expansion between the front and rear surfaces of the mirror. The radius of curvature controlled mirror compensates for changes in other optical components due to heating or other physical changes. The radius of curvature controlled mirror includes an arrangement for adjusting the temperature of the front surface and separately adjusting the temperature of the rear surface to control the radius of curvature. The temperature adjustment arrangements can include cooling channels within the mirror body or convection of a gas upon the surface of the mirror. A control system controls the differential expansion between the front and rear surfaces to achieve the desired radius of curvature.

  7. Spontaneous expression of mirror self-recognition in monkeys after learning precise visual-proprioceptive association for mirror images

    PubMed Central

    Chang, Liangtang; Zhang, Shikun; Poo, Mu-ming; Gong, Neng

    2017-01-01

    Mirror self-recognition (MSR) is generally considered to be an intrinsic cognitive ability found only in humans and a few species of great apes. Rhesus monkeys do not spontaneously show MSR, but they have the ability to use a mirror as an instrument to find hidden objects. The mechanism underlying the transition from simple mirror use to MSR remains unclear. Here we show that rhesus monkeys could show MSR after learning precise visual-proprioceptive association for mirror images. We trained head-fixed monkeys on a chair in front of a mirror to touch with spatiotemporal precision a laser pointer light spot on an adjacent board that could only be seen in the mirror. After several weeks of training, when the same laser pointer light was projected to the monkey's face, a location not used in training, all three trained monkeys successfully touched the face area marked by the light spot in front of a mirror. All trained monkeys passed the standard face mark test for MSR both on the monkey chair and in their home cage. Importantly, distinct from untrained control monkeys, the trained monkeys showed typical mirror-induced self-directed behaviors in their home cage, such as using the mirror to explore normally unseen body parts. Thus, bodily self-consciousness may be a cognitive ability present in many more species than previously thought, and acquisition of precise visual-proprioceptive association for the images in the mirror is critical for revealing the MSR ability of the animal. PMID:28193875

  8. Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Flowers, Jim; Rose, M. Annette

    1998-01-01

    Students use tables of anthropometric data, their own measurements, underlying principles of physics, and math to solve a problem. The problem is to determine the height of a wall mirror, and where to mount it, so that 90% of the clientele can view their entire length without stretching or bending. (Author)

  9. Method development for the determination of 24S-hydroxycholesterol in human plasma without derivatization by high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry in atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mode.

    PubMed

    Sugimoto, Hiroshi; Kakehi, Masaaki; Satomi, Yoshinori; Kamiguchi, Hidenori; Jinno, Fumihiro

    2015-10-01

    We developed a highly sensitive and specific high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method with an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization interface to determine 24S-hydroxycholesterol, a major metabolite of cholesterol formed by cytochrome P450 family 46A1, in human plasma without any derivatization step. Phosphate buffered saline including 1% Tween 80 was used as the surrogate matrix for preparation of calibration curves and quality control samples. The saponification process to convert esterified 24S-hydroxycholesterol to free sterols was optimized, followed by liquid-liquid extraction using hexane. Chromatographic separation of 24S-hydroxycholesterol from other isobaric endogenous oxysterols was successfully achieved with gradient mobile phase comprised of 0.1% propionic acid and acetonitrile using L-column2 ODS (2 μm, 2.1 mm id × 150 mm). This assay was capable of determining 24S-hydroxycholesterol in human plasma (200 μL) ranging from 1 to 100 ng/mL with acceptable intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy. The potential risk of in vitro formation of 24S-hydroxycholesterol by oxidation from endogenous cholesterol in human plasma was found to be negligible. The stability of 24S-hydroxycholesterol in relevant solvents and human plasma was confirmed. This method was successfully applied to quantify the plasma concentrations of 24S-hydroxycholesterol in male and female volunteers. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. Cavity-induced mirror-mirror entanglement in a single-atom Raman laser

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Teklu, Berihu; Byrnes, Tim; Khan, Faisal Shah

    2018-02-01

    We address an experimental scheme to analyze the optical bistability and the entanglement of two movable mirrors coupled to a two-mode laser inside a doubly resonant cavity. With this aim we investigate the master equations of the atom-cavity subsystem in conjunction with the quantum Langevin equations that describe the interaction of the mirror cavity. The parametric amplification-type coupling induced by the two-photon coherence on the optical bistability of the intracavity mean photon numbers is found and investigated. Under this condition, the optical intensities exhibit bistability for all large values of cavity laser detuning. We also provide numerical evidence for the generation of strong entanglement between the movable mirrors and show that it is robust against environmental thermalization.

  11. Chiral analysis of bambuterol, its intermediate and active drug in human plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: Application to a pharmacokinetic study.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Ting; Liu, Shan; Zhao, Ting; Zeng, Jing; He, Mingzhi; Xu, Beining; Qu, Shanshan; Xu, Ling; Tan, Wen

    2015-08-01

    A sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method has been developed for simultaneous chiral analysis of an antiasthma drug bambuterol, its key intermediate monocarbamate bambuterol and its active drug terbutaline in human plasma. All samples were extracted with ethyl acetate and separated on an Astec Chirobiotic T column under isocratic elution with a mobile phase consisting of methanol and water with the addition of 20mm ammonium acetate and 0.005% (v/v) formic acid at 0.6mL/min. The analytes were detected by a Xevo TQ-S tandem mass spectrometer with positive electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The established method has high sensitivity with the lower limit of quantifications of 25.00pg/mL for bambuterol enantiomers, and 50.00pg/mL for monocarbamate bambuterol and terbutaline enantiomers, respectively. The calibration curves for bambuterol enantiomers were linear in the range of 25.00-2500pg/mL, and for monocarbamate bambuterol and terbutaline enantiomers were linear in the range of 50.00-5000pg/mL. The intra- and inter-day precisions were <12.4%. All the analytes were separated in 18.0min. For the first time, the validated method was successfully applied to an enantioselective pharmacokinetic study of rac-bambuterol in 8 healthy volunteers. According to the results, this chiral LC-MS/MS assay provides a suitable and robust method for the enantioselectivity and interaction study of the prodrug bambuterol, the key intermediate monocarbamate bambuterol and its active drug terbutaline in human. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Simultaneous quantification of reparixin and paclitaxel in plasma and urine using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (UHPLC-MS/MS): Application to a preclinical pharmacokinetic study in rats.

    PubMed

    Malhi, Sarandeep; Stesco, Nicholas; Alrushaid, Samaa; Lakowski, Ted M; Davies, Neal M; Gu, Xiaochen

    2017-03-01

    A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) assay was developed and validated to simultaneously quantify anticancer drugs reparixin and paclitaxel in this study. The compounds were extracted from plasma and urine samples by protein precipitation with acetone (supplemented with 0.1% formic acid). Chromatographic separation was achieved using a C18 column, and drug molecules were ionized using dual ion source electrospray and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (DUIS: ESI-APCI). Reparixin and paclitaxel were quantified using negative and positive multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, respectively. Stable isotope palcitaxel-D5 was used as the internal standard (IS). The assay was validated for specificity, recovery, carryover and sample stability under various storage conditions; it was also successfully applied to measure drug concentrations collected from a pharmacokinetic study in rats. The results confirmed that the assay was accurate and simple in quantifying both reparixin and paclitaxel in plasma and urine with minimal sample pretreatment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Large active mirror in aluminium

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Leblanc, Jean-M.; Rozelot, Jean-Pierre

    1991-11-01

    The Large Active Mirrors in Aluminum Project (LAMA) is intended as a metallic alternative to the conventional glass mirrors. This alternative is to bring about definite improvements in terms of lower cost, shorter manufacturing, and reduced brittleness. Combined in a system approach that integrates design, development, and manufacturing of both the aluminum meniscus and its active support, the LAMA project is a technologically consistent product for astronomical and laser telescopes. Large size mirrors can be delivered, up to 8 m diameter. Recent progress in active optics makes possible control, as well as real-time adjustment, of a metallic mirror's deformations, especially those induced by temperature variations and/or aging. It also enables correction of whatever low-frequency surface waves escaped polishing. Besides, the manufacturing process to produce the aluminum segments together with the electron welding technique ensure the material's homogeneity. Quality of the surface condition will result from optimized implementation of the specific aluminum machining and polishing techniques. This paper highlights the existing aluminum realizations compared to glass mirrors, and gives the main results obtained during a feasibility demonstration phase, based on 8 m mirror requirements.

  14. EAGLE: relay mirror technology development

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hartman, Mary; Restaino, Sergio R.; Baker, Jeffrey T.; Payne, Don M.; Bukley, Jerry W.

    2002-06-01

    EAGLE (Evolutionary Air & Space Global Laser Engagement) is the proposed high power weapon system with a high power laser source, a relay mirror constellation, and the necessary ground and communications links. The relay mirror itself will be a satellite composed of two optically-coupled telescopes/mirrors used to redirect laser energy from ground, air, or space based laser sources to distant points on the earth or space. The receiver telescope captures the incoming energy, relays it through an optical system that cleans up the beam, then a separate transmitter telescope/mirror redirects the laser energy at the desired target. Not only is it a key component in extending the range of DoD's current laser weapon systems, it also enables ancillary missions. Furthermore, if the vacuum of space is utilized, then the atmospheric effects on the laser beam propagation will be greatly attenuated. Finally, several critical technologies are being developed to make the EAGLE/Relay Mirror concept a reality, and the Relay Mirror Technology Development Program was set up to address them. This paper will discuss each critical technology, the current state of the work, and the future implications of this program.

  15. Simultaneous determination of AM80 (tamibarotene) and WJD-A-1 in rat plasma by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and its application to a pharmacokinetic study.

    PubMed

    Leng, Ping; Yang, Zhao; Ma, Baohua; Li, Jing; Sun, Jialin; Xie, Yiming; Sun, Yong

    2018-03-05

    A compound (WJD-A-1) was previously reported as a candidate prodrug of Am80 (tamibarotene), which was approved in Japan in 2005 as a therapeutic agent for recurrent refractory acute promyelocytic leukaemia. A rapid, selective and sensitive ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the first time to simultaneously determine WJD-A-1 and its major phase-I metabolites AM80 in rat plasma. After a simple sample preparation procedure by protein precipitation with methanol and acetonitrile, WJD-A-1, AM80 and the internal standard were chromatographed on an ACQUITY UPLC TM BEH C 18 column. The mobile phase consisted of methanol-0.1% formic acid (80:20, v/v) and the flow rate was 0.20 mL/min. The detection was performed on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode via electrospray ionization (ESI) source. Each plasma sample was chromatographed within 2.6 min. The linear calibration curves for WJD-A-1 and the AM80 were obtained in the concentration range of 5.40-5.40 × 10 3 and 5.08-5.08 × 10 3  ng/mL, respectively (r ≥ 0.99). The intra- and inter-day precision (relative standard deviation, RSD) values were less than 8% and the accuracy (relative error, RE) was within ±6.8%, determined from quality control (QC) samples for the analytes. The method herein described was fully validated and successfully applied to pharmacokinetic study of WJD-A-1 following an intravenous administration of 300 μg/kg WJD-A-1 to rats.

  16. Development of silicon carbide mirrors: the example of the Sofia secondary mirror

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fruit, Michel; Antoine, Pascal

    2017-11-01

    The 352 mm tip-tilt SOFIA Secondary Mirror has been developed by the ASTRIUM / BOOSTEC joint venture SiCSPACE, taking full benefit of the intrinsic properties of the BOOSTEC S-SiC sintered material, associated to qualified processes specifically developed for space borne mirrors by ASTRIUM SAS. Achieved performances include a low mass of 1.7 kg, a very high stiffness with a first resonant frequency higher than 2000 Hz and an optical surface accuracy corresponding to a maximum WFE of 50 nm rms. This mirror is part of the joint NASA-DLR project for a 2.5 m airborne Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA).

  17. Simultaneous determination of metolazone and valsartan in plasma by on-line SPE coupled with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Jiezhao; Chen, Meiling; Li, Ying; Yu, Fanglin; Cheng, Xiaohui; Yang, Yang; Liu, Yan; Xie, Xiangyang; Li, Zhiping; Zhang, Hui; Mei, Xingguo

    2017-10-01

    Combination of metolazone (0.5 mg) and valsartan (80 mg) has been verified as a promising therapy treatment for hypertension. In order to facilitate to pharmacokinetic research, it needs a method for the simultaneously determination of metolazone and valsartan in biological samples. However, there are no relative reports so far. In order to facilitate to pharmacokinetic research, an on-line solid phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous determination of metolazone and valsartan in beagle dog plasma was developed and validated in this study. An on-line solid phase extraction column Retain PEP Javelin (10 mm × 2.1 mm) was used to remove impurities in plasma samples. The metolazone, valsartan and internal standard (losartan) were separated on a Poroshell 120 SB-C18 column (4.6 mm × 50 mm × 2.7 µm) with a gradient elution procedure. Acidified acetonitrile/water mixture was used as a mobile phase. The selected multiple-reaction monitoring mode in positive ion was performed and the parent to the product transitions m/z 366/259, m/z 436.2/291 and m/z 423.4/207 were used to measure the metolazone, valsartan and losartan. The method was linear over the range of 0.1-100 ng/mL and 1-1000 ng/mL for metolazone and valsartan, respectively. This method was validated in terms of specificity, linearity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, matrix effect, and stability and then successfully applied to pharmacokinetic studies of the metolazone and valsartan combination tablets in beagle dogs.

  18. Mirror image agnosia.

    PubMed

    Chandra, Sadanandavalli Retnaswami; Issac, Thomas Gregor

    2014-10-01

    Gnosis is a modality-specific ability to access semantic knowledge of an object or stimulus in the presence of normal perception. Failure of this is agnosia or disorder of recognition. It can be highly selective within a mode. self-images are different from others as none has seen one's own image except in reflection. Failure to recognize this image can be labeled as mirror image agnosia or Prosopagnosia for reflected self-image. Whereas mirror agnosia is a well-recognized situation where the person while looking at reflected images of other objects in the mirror he imagines that the objects are in fact inside the mirror and not outside. Five patients, four females, and one male presented with failure to recognize reflected self-image, resulting in patients conversing with the image as a friend, fighting because the person in mirror is wearing her nose stud, suspecting the reflected self-image to be an intruder; but did not have prosopagnosia for others faces, non living objects on self and also apraxias except dressing apraxia in one patient. This phenomena is new to our knowledge. Mirror image agnosia is an unique phenomena which is seen in patients with parietal lobe atrophy without specificity to a category of dementing illness and seems to disappear as disease advances. Reflected self-images probably have a specific neural substrate that gets affected very early in posterior dementias specially the ones which predominantly affect the right side. At that phase most patients are mistaken as suffering from psychiatric disorder as cognition is moderately preserved. As disease becomes more widespread this symptom becomes masked. A high degree of suspicion and proper assessment might help physicians to recognize the organic cause of the symptom so that early therapeutic interventions can be initiated. Further assessment of the symptom with FMRI and PET scan is likely to solve the mystery of how brain handles reflected self-images. A new observation involving failure

  19. Mirror Image Agnosia

    PubMed Central

    Chandra, Sadanandavalli Retnaswami; Issac, Thomas Gregor

    2014-01-01

    Background: Gnosis is a modality-specific ability to access semantic knowledge of an object or stimulus in the presence of normal perception. Failure of this is agnosia or disorder of recognition. It can be highly selective within a mode. self-images are different from others as none has seen one's own image except in reflection. Failure to recognize this image can be labeled as mirror image agnosia or Prosopagnosia for reflected self-image. Whereas mirror agnosia is a well-recognized situation where the person while looking at reflected images of other objects in the mirror he imagines that the objects are in fact inside the mirror and not outside. Material and Methods:: Five patients, four females, and one male presented with failure to recognize reflected self-image, resulting in patients conversing with the image as a friend, fighting because the person in mirror is wearing her nose stud, suspecting the reflected self-image to be an intruder; but did not have prosopagnosia for others faces, non living objects on self and also apraxias except dressing apraxia in one patient. This phenomena is new to our knowledge. Results: Mirror image agnosia is an unique phenomena which is seen in patients with parietal lobe atrophy without specificity to a category of dementing illness and seems to disappear as disease advances. Discussion: Reflected self-images probably have a specific neural substrate that gets affected very early in posterior dementias specially the ones which predominantly affect the right side. At that phase most patients are mistaken as suffering from psychiatric disorder as cognition is moderately preserved. As disease becomes more widespread this symptom becomes masked. A high degree of suspicion and proper assessment might help physicians to recognize the organic cause of the symptom so that early therapeutic interventions can be initiated. Further assessment of the symptom with FMRI and PET scan is likely to solve the mystery of how brain handles

  20. Scanning mirror for infrared sensors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Anderson, R. H.; Bernstein, S. B.

    1972-01-01

    A high resolution, long life angle-encoded scanning mirror, built for application in an infrared attitude sensor, is described. The mirror uses a Moire' fringe type optical encoder and unique torsion bar suspension together with a magnetic drive to meet stringent operational and environmental requirements at a minimum weight and with minimum power consumption. Details of the specifications, design, and construction are presented with an analysis of the mirror suspension that allows accurate prediction of performance. The emphasis is on mechanical design considerations, and brief discussions are included on the encoder and magnetic drive to provide a complete view of the mirror system and its capabilities.

  1. [The ontogeny of the mirror neuron system].

    PubMed

    Myowa-Yamakoshi, Masako

    2014-06-01

    Abstract Humans utilize the mirror neuron system to understand and predict others' actions. However, the ontogeny of the mirror neuron system remains unknown. Whether mirror neuron function is an innate trait or whether mirror neurons acquire their sensorimotor matching properties ontogenetically remains to be clarified. In this paper, I review the ontogenetic theory of the mirror neuron system. I then discuss the functioning of the mirror neuron system in the context of social cognitive abilities, which are unique to humans. Recently, some researchers argue that it is too early to interpret the function of mirror neurons as an understanding of the underlying psychological states of others. They imply that such functioning would require inferential cognitive processes that are known to involve areas outside the mirror neuron system. Filling in this missing link may be the key to elucidating the unique ability of humans to understand others' actions.

  2. Advanced Mirror Technology Development

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stahl, H. Philip

    2017-01-01

    The Advanced Mirror Technology Development (AMTD) project matures critical technologies required to enable ultra-stable 4-m-or-larger monolithic or segmented ultraviolet, optical, and infrared (UVOIR) space telescope primary-mirror assemblies for general astrophysics and ultra-high-contrast observations of exoplanets.

  3. Detecting long tandem duplications in genomic sequences.

    PubMed

    Audemard, Eric; Schiex, Thomas; Faraut, Thomas

    2012-05-08

    Detecting duplication segments within completely sequenced genomes provides valuable information to address genome evolution and in particular the important question of the emergence of novel functions. The usual approach to gene duplication detection, based on all-pairs protein gene comparisons, provides only a restricted view of duplication. In this paper, we introduce ReD Tandem, a software using a flow based chaining algorithm targeted at detecting tandem duplication arrays of moderate to longer length regions, with possibly locally weak similarities, directly at the DNA level. On the A. thaliana genome, using a reference set of tandem duplicated genes built using TAIR,(a) we show that ReD Tandem is able to predict a large fraction of recently duplicated genes (dS  <  1) and that it is also able to predict tandem duplications involving non coding elements such as pseudo-genes or RNA genes. ReD Tandem allows to identify large tandem duplications without any annotation, leading to agnostic identification of tandem duplications. This approach nicely complements the usual protein gene based which ignores duplications involving non coding regions. It is however inherently restricted to relatively recent duplications. By recovering otherwise ignored events, ReD Tandem gives a more comprehensive view of existing evolutionary processes and may also allow to improve existing annotations.

  4. Progress on SOFIA primary mirror

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Geyl, Roland; Tarreau, Michel

    2000-06-01

    REOSC, SAGEM Group, has a significant contribution to the SOFIA project with the design and fabrication of the 2.7-m primary mirror and its fixtures as well as the M3 mirror tower assembly. This paper will primarily report the progress made on the primary mirror design and the first important manufacturing step: its lightweighting by machining pockets from the rear side of the blank.

  5. [Mirror, mirror of the wall: mirror therapy in the treatment of phantom limbs and phantom limb pain].

    PubMed

    Casale, Roberto; Furnari, Anna; Lamberti, Raul Coelho; Kouloulas, Efthimios; Hagenberg, Annegret; Mallik, Maryam

    2015-01-01

    Phantom limb and phantom limb pain control are pivotal points in the sequence of intervention to bring the amputee to functional autonomy. The alterations of perception and sensation, the pain of the residual limb and the phantom limb are therefore aspects of amputation that should be taken into account in the "prise en charge" of these patients. Within the more advanced physical therapies to control phantom and phantom limb pain there is the use of mirrors (mirror therapy). This article willfocus on its use and on the possible side effects induced by the lack of patient selection and a conflict of body schema restoration through mirror therapy with concurrent prosthetic training and trauma acceptance. Advice on the need to select patients before treatment decisions, with regard to their psychological as well as clinical profile (including time since amputation and clinical setting), and the need to be aware of the possible adverse effects matching different and somehow conflicting therapeutic approaches, are put forward. Thus a coordinated sequence of diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic procedures carried out by an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team that works globally on all patients' problems is fundamental in the management of amputees and phantom limb pain. Further studies and the development of a multidisciplinary network to study this and other applications of mirror therapy are needed.

  6. Cryogenic mirror analysis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Nagy, S.

    1988-01-01

    Due to extraordinary distances scanned by modern telescopes, optical surfaces in such telescopes must be manufactured to unimaginable standards of perfection of a few thousandths of a centimeter. The detection of imperfections of less than 1/20 of a wavelength of light, for application in the building of the mirror for the Space Infrared Telescope Facility, was undertaken. Because the mirror must be kept very cold while in space, another factor comes into effect: cryogenics. The process to test a specific morror under cryogenic conditions is described; including the follow-up analysis accomplished through computer work. To better illustrate the process and analysis, a Pyrex Hex-Core mirror is followed through the process from the laser interferometry in the lab, to computer analysis via a computer program called FRINGE. This analysis via FRINGE is detailed.

  7. Study on the determination and chiral inversion of R-salbutamol in human plasma and urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Ting; Zeng, Jing; Liu, Shan; Zhao, Ting; Wu, Jie; Lai, Wenshi; He, Mingzhi; Xu, Beining; Qu, Shanshan; Xu, Ling; Tan, Wen

    2015-10-01

    The chiral inversion has been a concerned issue during the research and development of a chiral drug. In this study, a sensitive chiral liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed for determination of salbutamol enantiomers in human plasma and urine. The chiral inversion mechanism of R-salbutamol was fully investigated for the first time by studying the effects of physicochemical factors, including pH, temperature and time. A fitted model to predict the chiral inversion ratio of R-salbutamol was proposed using a Box-Behnken design. All the samples were separated on an Astec Chirobiotic T column and detected by a tandem mass spectrometer in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Lower limit of quantification of 0.100ng/mL was achieved under the optimized conditions. The method was fully validated and successfully applied to the clinical pharmacokinetic study of R-salbutamol in healthy volunteers. Chiral inversion of R-salbutamol to S-salbutamol has been detected in urine samples. The results indicated that pH and temperature were two dominant factors that caused the chiral inversion of R-salbutamol, which should be taken into consideration during the analysis of chiral drugs. The chiral inversion of R-salbutamol determined in this study was confirmed resulted from the gastric acid in stomach rather than caused by the analysis conditions. Moreover, the calculated results of the fitted model matched very well with the enantioselective pharmacokinetic study of R-salbutamol, and the individual difference of the chiral inversion ratio of R-salbutamol was related to the individual gastric environment. On the basis of the results, this study provides important and concrete information not only for the chiral analysis but also for the metabolism research of chiral drugs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Spherical mirror grazing incidence x-ray optics

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cash, Jr., Webster C. (Inventor)

    1997-01-01

    An optical system for x-rays combines at least two spherical or near spherical mirrors for each dimension in grazing incidence orientation to provide the functions of a lens in the x-ray region. To focus x-ray radiation in both the X and the Y dimensions, one of the mirrors focusses the X dimension, a second mirror focusses the Y direction, a third mirror corrects the X dimension by removing comatic aberration and a fourth mirror corrects the Y dimension. Spherical aberration may also be removed for an even better focus. The order of the mirrors is unimportant.

  9. Method development for quantification of quizartinib in rat plasma by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry for pharmacokinetic application.

    PubMed

    Ezzeldin, Essam; Iqbal, Muzaffar; Mostafa, Gamal; Al-Rashood, Khalid A; El-Nahhas, Toqa

    2018-03-01

    Quizartinib is a highly potent inhibitor of the fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor, which is one of the most commonly mutated genes in acute myeloid leukemia. Quizartinib has shown a significant antileukemic clinical influence among relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia patients. This study aimed at developing and validating an analytical method for the measurement of quizartinib in rat plasma using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The method was validated according to US Food and Drug Administration guidelines, and the results obtained in this work met the set criteria. Liquid-liquid extraction was used and chromatographic separation was achieved on a BEHTM C 18 column. Detection of quizartinib was achieved in multiple reaction monitoring mode using positive-ion mode electrospray ionization. The MS/MS ion transitions at mass-to-charge ratios (m/z) of 561.129/114.09 and 441.16/84.03 were monitored for quizartinib and ibrutinib, respectively. The linear detection range was 2-1000 ng/mL (r > 0.998), with intra- and inter-day assay precisions ≤13.07 and 13.17%, respectively. This rapid, simple and sensitive method was validated and successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of quizartinib in rat samples. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  10. Four-mirror extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography projection system

    DOEpatents

    Cohen, Simon J; Jeong, Hwan J; Shafer, David R

    2000-01-01

    The invention is directed to a four-mirror catoptric projection system for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography to transfer a pattern from a reflective reticle to a wafer substrate. In order along the light path followed by light from the reticle to the wafer substrate, the system includes a dominantly hyperbolic convex mirror, a dominantly elliptical concave mirror, spherical convex mirror, and spherical concave mirror. The reticle and wafer substrate are positioned along the system's optical axis on opposite sides of the mirrors. The hyperbolic and elliptical mirrors are positioned on the same side of the system's optical axis as the reticle, and are relatively large in diameter as they are positioned on the high magnification side of the system. The hyperbolic and elliptical mirrors are relatively far off the optical axis and hence they have significant aspherical components in their curvatures. The convex spherical mirror is positioned on the optical axis, and has a substantially or perfectly spherical shape. The spherical concave mirror is positioned substantially on the opposite side of the optical axis from the hyperbolic and elliptical mirrors. Because it is positioned off-axis to a degree, the spherical concave mirror has some asphericity to counter aberrations. The spherical concave mirror forms a relatively large, uniform field on the wafer substrate. The mirrors can be tilted or decentered slightly to achieve further increase in the field size.

  11. Manufacturing Large Membrane Mirrors at Low Cost

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    2007-01-01

    Relatively inexpensive processes have been developed for manufacturing lightweight, wide-aperture mirrors that consist mainly of reflectively coated, edge-supported polyimide membranes. The polyimide and other materials in these mirrors can withstand the environment of outer space, and the mirrors have other characteristics that make them attractive for use on Earth as well as in outer space: With respect to the smoothness of their surfaces and the accuracy with which they retain their shapes, these mirrors approach the optical quality of heavier, more expensive conventional mirrors. Unlike conventional mirrors, these mirrors can be stowed compactly and later deployed to their full sizes. In typical cases, deployment would be effected by inflation. Potential terrestrial and outer-space applications for these mirrors include large astronomical telescopes, solar concentrators for generating electric power and thermal power, and microwave reflectors for communication, radar, and short-distance transmission of electric power. The relatively low cost of manufacturing these mirrors stems, in part, from the use of inexpensive tooling. Unlike in the manufacture of conventional mirrors, there is no need for mandrels or molds that have highly precise surface figures and highly polished surfaces. The surface smoothness is an inherent property of a polyimide film. The shaped area of the film is never placed in contact with a mold or mandrel surface: Instead the shape of a mirror is determined by a combination of (1) the shape of a fixture that holds the film around its edge and (2) control of manufacturing- process parameters. In a demonstration of this manufacturing concept, spherical mirrors having aperture diameters of 0.5 and 1.0 m were fabricated from polyimide films having thicknesses ranging from <20 m to 150 m. These mirrors have been found to maintain their preformed shapes following deployment.

  12. Stroboscopic Interferometer for Measuring Mirror Vibrations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stahl, H. Philip; Robers, Ted

    2005-01-01

    Stroboscopic interferometry is a technique for measuring the modes of vibration of mirrors that are lightweight and, therefore, unavoidably flexible. The technique was conceived especially for modal characterization of lightweight focusing mirror segments to be deployed in outer space; however, the technique can be applied to lightweight mirrors designed for use on Earth as well as the modal investigation of other optical and mechanical structures. To determine the modal structure of vibration of a mirror, it is necessary to excite the mirror by applying a force that varies periodically with time at a controllable frequency. The excitation can utilize sinusoidal, square, triangular, or even asynchronous waveforms. Because vibrational modes occur at specific resonant frequencies, it is necessary to perform synchronous measurements and sweep the frequency to locate the significant resonant modes. For a given mode it is possible to step the phase of data acquisition in order to capture the modal behavior over a single cycle of the resonant frequency. In order to measure interferometrically the vibrational response of the mirror at a given frequency, an interferometer must be suitably aligned with the mirror and adjustably phase-locked with the excitation signal. As in conventional stroboscopic photography, the basic idea in stroboscopic interferometry is to capture an image of the shape of a moving object (in this case, the vibrating mirror) at a specified instant of time in the vibration cycle. Adjusting the phase difference over a full cycle causes the interference fringes to vary over the full range of motion for the mode at the excitation frequency. The interference-fringe pattern is recorded as a function of the phase difference, and, from the resulting data, the surface shape of the mirror for the given mode is extracted. In addition to the interferometer and the mirror to be tested, the equipment needed for stroboscopic interferometry includes an arbitrary

  13. Removing Silicon Monoxide From Nickel Mirrors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zaniewski, John J.

    1987-01-01

    Combination of polishing tool and polishing mixture used to remove adherent fragments of silicon monoxide protective coatings from nickel/aluminum mirrors without altering shapes or harming polishes of mirror surfaces. Polishing technique developed to prepare stained mirrors for recoating to restore high reflectance.

  14. Deformable mirrors development program at ESO

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Stroebele, Stefan; Vernet, Elise; Brinkmann, Martin; Jakob, Gerd; Lilley, Paul; Casali, Mark; Madec, Pierre-Yves; Kasper, Markus

    2016-07-01

    Over the last decade, adaptive optics has become essential in different fields of research including medicine and industrial applications. With this new need, the market of deformable mirrors has expanded a lot allowing new technologies and actuation principles to be developed. Several E-ELT instruments have identified the need for post focal deformable mirrors but with the increasing size of the telescopes the requirements on the deformable mirrors become more demanding. A simple scaling up of existing technologies from few hundred actuators to thousands of actuators will not be sufficient to satisfy the future needs of ESO. To bridge the gap between available deformable mirrors and the future needs for the E-ELT, ESO started a development program for deformable mirror technologies. The requirements and the path to get the deformable mirrors for post focal adaptive optics systems for the E-ELT is presented.

  15. Passivation coating for flexible substrate mirrors

    DOEpatents

    Tracy, C. Edwin; Benson, David K.

    1990-01-01

    A protective diffusion barrier for metalized mirror structures is provided by a layer or coating of silicon nitride which is a very dense, transparent, dielectric material that is impervious to water, alkali, and other impurities and corrosive substances that typically attack the metal layers of mirrors and cause degradation of the mirrors' reflectivity. The silicon nitride layer can be deposited on the substrate before metal deposition thereon to stabilize the metal/substrate interface, and it can be deposited over the metal to encapsulate it and protect the metal from corrosion or other degradation. Mirrors coated with silicon nitride according to this invention can also be used as front surface mirrors. Also, the silver or other reflective metal layer on mirrors comprising thin, lightweight, flexible substrates of metal or polymer sheets coated with glassy layers can be protected with silicon nitride according to this invention.

  16. [Mirror neurons].

    PubMed

    Rubia Vila, Francisco José

    2011-01-01

    Mirror neurons were recently discovered in frontal brain areas of the monkey. They are activated when the animal makes a specific movement, but also when the animal observes the same movement in another animal. Some of them also respond to the emotional expression of other animals of the same species. These mirror neurons have also been found in humans. They respond to or "reflect" actions of other individuals in the brain and are thought to represent the basis for imitation and empathy and hence the neurobiological substrate for "theory of mind", the potential origin of language and the so-called moral instinct.

  17. Simultaneous determination of TPN729 and its five metabolites in human plasma and urine by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yang; Shao, Shuguang; Song, Hanlin; Yao, Xueting; Liu, Jie; Liu, Hongzhong; Song, Ling; Jiang, Ji; Liu, Dongyang; Hu, Pei

    2018-03-20

    A specific and sensitive method was firstly developed using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) to simultaneously quantify TPN729 and its metabolites (TPN729-D1, TPN729-D2, TPN729M15-3 and TPN729M3) in human plasma and (TPN729-D1, TPN729-D2, TPN729M15-3 and TPN729M14) in human urine. Protein precipitation and direct dilution were used to extract TPN729 and its metabolites from plasma and urine, respectively. Ionization of TPN729, TPN729-D1, TPN729-D2, TPN729M15-3, TPN729M3, TPN729M14 and sildenafil (internal standard, IS) was performed using an electrospray ionization (ESI) source in positive mode and detection was carried out with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. This assay method for TPN729 and its five metabolites has been fully validated in terms of sensitivity, linearity, lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), precision, accuracy, stability, matrix effect and recovery. The LLOQ of TPN729/TPN729-D1/TPN729-D2/TPN729M15-3/TPN729M3 in human plasma and TPN729/TPN729-D1/TPN729-D2/TPN729M15-3/TPN729M14 in human urine were 0.200/0.500/2.00/0.500/1.00 ng/mL and 4.00/2.50/10.0/2.50/1.00 ng/mL, respectively. Inter- and intra-batch precision of TPN729 and its metabolites were less than 15% and the accuracy was within ±15% for both plasma and urine. The extraction recoveries of all analytes at three concentration levels were consistent. In conclusion, the validation results showed that this method was robust, specific, and sensitive and it can successfully fulfill the requirement of clinical pharmacokinetic study of TPN729 in Chinese healthy subjects. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Constraints on mirror models of dark matter from observable neutron-mirror neutron oscillation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mohapatra, Rabindra N.; Nussinov, Shmuel

    2018-01-01

    The process of neutron-mirror neutron oscillation, motivated by symmetric mirror dark matter models, is governed by two parameters: n -n‧ mixing parameter δ and n -n‧ mass splitting Δ. For neutron mirror neutron oscillation to be observable, the splitting between their masses Δ must be small and current experiments lead to δ ≤ 2 ×10-27 GeV and Δ ≤10-24 GeV. We show that in mirror universe models where this process is observable, this small mass splitting constrains the way that one must implement asymmetric inflation to satisfy the limits of Big Bang Nucleosynthesis on the number of effective light degrees of freedom. In particular we find that if asymmetric inflation is implemented by inflaton decay to color or electroweak charged particles, the oscillation is unobservable. Also if one uses SM singlet fields for this purpose, they must be weakly coupled to the SM fields.

  19. Hot ion plasma production in HIP-1 using water-cooled hollow cathodes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Reinmann, J. J.; Lauver, M. R.; Patch, R. W.; Layman, R. W.; Snyder, A.

    1975-01-01

    The paper reports on hot-ion plasma experiments conducted in a magnetic mirror facility. A steady-state E x B plasma was formed by applying a strong radially inward dc electric field near the mirror throats. Most of the results were for hydrogen, but deuterium and helium plasmas were also studied. Three water-cooled hollow cathodes were operated in the hot-ion plasma mode with the following results: (1) thermally emitting cathodes were not required to achieve the hot-ion mode; (2) steady-state operation (several minutes) was attained; (3) input powers greater than 40 kW were achieved; (4) cathode outside diameters were increased from 1.2 cm (uncooled) to 4.4 cm (water-cooled); (5) steady-state hydrogen plasmas with ion temperatures from 185 to 770 eV and electron temperatures from 5 to 21 eV were produced. Scaling relations were empirically obtained for discharge current, ion temperature, electron temperature, and relative ion density as a function of hydrogen gas feed rate, magnetic field, and cathode voltage.

  20. Stitching interferometry for ellipsoidal x-ray mirrors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yumoto, Hirokatsu, E-mail: yumoto@spring8.or.jp; Koyama, Takahisa; Matsuyama, Satoshi

    2016-05-15

    Ellipsoidal mirrors, which can efficiently produce a two-dimensional focusing beam with a single mirror, are superior x-ray focusing optics, especially when compared to elliptical-cylinder mirrors in the Kirkpatrick–Baez geometry. However, nano-focusing ellipsoidal mirrors are not commonly used for x-ray optics because achieving the accuracy required for the surface metrology of nano-focusing ellipsoidal mirrors is difficult due to their small radius of curvature along the short ellipsoidal axis. Here, we developed a surface metrology system for nano-focusing ellipsoidal mirrors using stitching interferometric techniques. The developed system simultaneously measures sub-aperture shapes with a microscopic interferometer and the tilt angles of the sub-aperturemore » shapes with a large Fizeau interferometer. After correcting the systematic errors included in the sub-aperture shapes, the entire mirror shape is calculated by stitching the sub-aperture shapes based on the obtained relative angles between partially overlapped sub-apertures. In this study, we developed correction methods for systematic errors in sub-aperture shapes that originated from off-axis aberrations produced in the optics of the microscopic interferometer. The systematic errors on an ellipsoidal mirror were estimated by measuring a series of tilted plane substrates and the ellipsoidal substrate. From measurements of an ellipsoidal mirror with a 3.6-mm radius of curvature at the mirror center, we obtained a measurement repeatability of 0.51 nm (root-mean-square) in an assessment area of 0.5 mm × 99.18 mm. This value satisfies the requirements for surface metrology of nano-focusing x-ray mirrors. Thus, the developed metrology system should be applicable for fabricating nano-focusing ellipsoidal mirrors.« less

  1. The mirror neuron system: new frontiers.

    PubMed

    Keysers, Christian; Fadiga, Luciano

    2008-01-01

    Since the discovery of mirror neurons, much effort has been invested into studying their location and properties in the human brain. Here we review these original findings and introduce the main topics of this special issue of Social Neuroscience. What does the mirror system code? How is the mirror system embedded into the mosaic of circuits that compose our brain? How does the mirror system contribute to communication, language and social interaction? Can the principle of mirror neurons be extended to emotions, sensations and thoughts? Papers using a wide range of methods, including single cell recordings, fMRI, TMS, EEG and psychophysics, collected in this special issue, start to give us some impressive answers.

  2. Novel liquid chromatography method based on linear weighted regression for the fast determination of isoprostane isomers in plasma samples using sensitive tandem mass spectrometry detection.

    PubMed

    Aszyk, Justyna; Kot, Jacek; Tkachenko, Yurii; Woźniak, Michał; Bogucka-Kocka, Anna; Kot-Wasik, Agata

    2017-04-15

    A simple, fast, sensitive and accurate methodology based on a LLE followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for simultaneous determination of four regioisomers (8-iso prostaglandin F 2α , 8-iso-15(R)-prostaglandin F 2α , 11β-prostaglandin F 2α , 15(R)-prostaglandin F 2α ) in routine analysis of human plasma samples was developed. Isoprostanes are stable products of arachidonic acid peroxidation and are regarded as the most reliable markers of oxidative stress in vivo. Validation of method was performed by evaluation of the key analytical parameters such as: matrix effect, analytical curve, trueness, precision, limits of detection and limits of quantification. As a homoscedasticity was not met for analytical data, weighted linear regression was applied in order to improve the accuracy at the lower end points of calibration curve. The detection limits (LODs) ranged from 1.0 to 2.1pg/mL. For plasma samples spiked with the isoprostanes at the level of 50pg/mL, intra-and interday repeatability ranged from 2.1 to 3.5% and 0.1 to 5.1%, respectively. The applicability of the proposed approach has been verified by monitoring of isoprostane isomers level in plasma samples collected from young patients (n=8) subjected to hyperbaric hyperoxia (100% oxygen at 280kPa(a) for 30min) in a multiplace hyperbaric chamber. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. The magic of relay mirrors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Duff, Edward A.; Washburn, Donald C.

    2004-09-01

    Laser weapon systems would be significantly enhanced with the addition of high altitude or space-borne relay mirrors. Such mirrors, operating alone with a directed energy source, or many in a series fashion, can be shown to effectively move the laser source to the last, so-called fighting mirror. This "magically" reduces the range to target and offers to enhance the performance of directed energy systems like the Airborne Laser and even ground-based or ship-based lasers. Recent development of high altitude airships will be shown to provide stationary positions for such relay mirrors thereby enabling many new and important applications for laser weapons. The technical challenges to achieve this capability are discussed.

  4. Reducing the Surface Performance Requirements of a Primary Mirror by Adding a Deformable Mirror in its Optical Path

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-12-01

    carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) mirrors been proposed for use in future imaging satellites. Compared to traditional glass -based mirrors, CFRP...SUBJECT TERMS carbon fiber reinforced polymer mirror, adaptive optics, deformable mirror, surface figure error 15. NUMBER OF PAGES 79 16. PRICE CODE...Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering iv THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK v ABSTRACT In recent years, carbon fiber reinforced

  5. Mirror neurons: functions, mechanisms and models.

    PubMed

    Oztop, Erhan; Kawato, Mitsuo; Arbib, Michael A

    2013-04-12

    Mirror neurons for manipulation fire both when the animal manipulates an object in a specific way and when it sees another animal (or the experimenter) perform an action that is more or less similar. Such neurons were originally found in macaque monkeys, in the ventral premotor cortex, area F5 and later also in the inferior parietal lobule. Recent neuroimaging data indicate that the adult human brain is endowed with a "mirror neuron system," putatively containing mirror neurons and other neurons, for matching the observation and execution of actions. Mirror neurons may serve action recognition in monkeys as well as humans, whereas their putative role in imitation and language may be realized in human but not in monkey. This article shows the important role of computational models in providing sufficient and causal explanations for the observed phenomena involving mirror systems and the learning processes which form them, and underlines the need for additional circuitry to lift up the monkey mirror neuron circuit to sustain the posited cognitive functions attributed to the human mirror neuron system. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Poco Graphite Mirror Metrology Report

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kester, Thomas J.

    2005-01-01

    Recently a lightweight mirror technology was tested at Marshall Space Flight Center's Space Optic Manufacturing Technology Center (MSFC, SOMTC). The mirror is a Poco Graphite CVD Si clad SiC substrate. It was tested for cryogenic (cryo) survivability to 20deg Kelvin in SOMTC's X-ray Calibration and Cryogenic Test Facility. The surface figure of the mirror was measured before and after cry0 cycling. The test technique and results are discussed.

  7. A Deployable Primary Mirror for Space Telescopes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lake, Mark S.; Phelps, James E.; Dyer, Jack E.; Caudle, David A.; Tam, Anthony

    1999-01-01

    NASA Langley Research Center, Composite Optics, Inc., and Nyma/ADF have developed jointly a deployable primary mirror for space telescopes that combines over five years of research on deployment of optical-precision structures and over ten years of development of fabrication techniques for optical-precision composite mirror panels and structures. The deployable mirror is directly applicable to a broad class of non-imaging "lidar" (Light direction and ranging) telescopes whose figure-error requirements are in the range of one to ten microns RMS. Furthermore, the mirror design can be readily modified to accommodate imaging-quality reflector panels and active panel-alignment control mechanisms for application to imaging telescopes. The present paper: 1) describes the deployable mirror concept; 2) explains the status of the mirror development; and 3) provides some technical specifications for a 2.55- m-diameter, proof-of-concept mirror.

  8. A Deployable Primary Mirror for Space Telescopes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lake, Mark S.; Phelps, James E.; Dyer, Jack E.; Caudle, David A.; Tam, Anthony; Escobedo, Javier; Kasl, Eldon P.

    1999-01-01

    NASA Langley Research Center, Composite Optics, Inc., and Nyma/ADF have developed jointly a deployable primary mirror for space telescopes that combines over five years of research on deployment of optical-precision structures and over ten years of development of fabrication techniques for optical-precision composite mirror panels and structures. The deployable mirror is directly applicable to a broad class of non-imaging "lidar" (light direction and ranging) telescopes whose figure-error requirements are in the range of one to ten microns RMS. Furthermore, the mirror design can be readily modified to accommodate imaging-quality reflector panels and active panel-alignment control mechanisms for application to imaging telescopes. The present paper: 1) describes the deployable mirror concept; 2) explains the status of the mirror development; and 3) provides some technical specifications for a 2.55-m-diameter, proof-of-concept mirror.

  9. Enantioselective determination of 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) in human plasma by liquid chromatography on a teicoplanin-based chiral column coupled with tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Diao, Xingxing; Ma, Zhiyu; Lei, Peng; Zhong, Dafang; Zhang, Yifan; Chen, Xiaoyan

    2013-11-15

    A novel and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated to determine the exposure of 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) enantiomers in human plasma. The NBP enantiomers were extracted from human plasma using methyl tert-butyl ether. The baseline separation of R-(+)-NBP and S-(-)-NBP was achieved within 11.0min using a teicoplanin-based Astec Chirobiotic T column (250mm×4.6mm i.d., 5μm) under isocratic conditions at a flow rate of 0.6mL/min. The selection of the chiral stationary phase and the effect of the mobile phase composition on the resolution of the enantiomers were discussed. The selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, matrix effect, recovery, and stability were evaluated under optimized conditions. The LC-MS/MS method using 200μL of human plasma was linear over the concentration range of 5.00-400ng/mL for each enantiomer. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for both enantiomers was 5.00ng/mL. The intra- and inter-assay precision values of the replicated quality control samples were within 8.0% for each enantiomer. The mean accuracy values for the quality control samples were within ±6.1% of the nominal values for R-(+)-NBP and S-(-)-NBP. No chiral inversion was observed during sample storage, preparation, and analysis. The method proved suitable for enantioselective pharmacokinetic studies of NBP after an oral administration of a therapeutic dose of racemic NBP. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Investigation of a Light Gas Helicon Plasma Source for the VASIMR Space Propulsion System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Squire, J. P.; Chang-Diaz, F. R.; Jacobson, V. T.; Glover, T. W.; Baity, F. W.; Carter, M. D.; Goulding, R. H.; Bengtson, R. D.; Bering, E. A., III

    2003-01-01

    An efficient plasma source producing a high-density (approx.10(exp 19/cu m) light gas (e.g. H, D, or He) flowing plasma with a high degree of ionization is a critical component of the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) concept. We are developing an antenna to apply ICRF power near the fundamental ion cyclotron resonance to further accelerate the plasma ions to velocities appropriate for space propulsion applications. The high degree of ionization and a low vacuum background pressure are important to eliminate the problem of radial losses due to charge exchange. We have performed parametric (e.g. gas flow, power (0.5 - 3 kW), magnetic field , frequency (25 and 50 MHz)) studies of a helicon operating with gas (H2 D2, He, N2 and Ar) injected at one end with a high magnetic mirror downstream of the antenna. We have explored operation with a cusp and a mirror field upstream. Plasma flows into a low background vacuum (<10(exp -4) torr) at velocities higher than the ion sound speed. High densities (approx. 10(exp 19/cu m) have been achieved at the location where ICRF will be applied, just downstream of the magnetic mirror.

  11. Flight solar calibrations using the Mirror Attenuator Mosaic (MAM): Low scattering mirror

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lee, Robert B., III

    1992-01-01

    Measurements of solar radiances reflected from the mirror attenuator mosaic (MAM) were used to calibrate the shortwave portions of the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) thermistor bolometer scanning radiometers. The MAM is basically a low scattering mirror which has been used to attenuate and reflect solar radiation into the fields of view for the broadband shortwave (0.2 to 5 micrometers) and total (0.2 to 50.0+ micrometers) ERBE scanning radiometers. The MAM assembly consists of a tightly packed array of aluminum, 0.3175-cm diameter concave spherical mirrors and field of view limiting baffles. The spherical mirrors are masked by a copper plate, electro-plated with black chrome. Perforations (0.14 centimeter in diameter) in the copper plate serve as apertures for the mirrors. Black anodized aluminum baffles limit the MAM clear field of view to 7.1 degrees. The MAM assemblies are located on the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite (ERBS) and on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA-9 and NOAA-10 spacecraft. The 1984-1985 ERBS and 1985-1986 NOAA-9 solar calibration datasets are presented. Analyses of the calibrations indicate that the MAM exhibited no detectable degradation in its reflectance properties and that the gains of the shortwave scanners did not change. The stability of the shortwave radiometers indicates that the transmission of the Suprasil W1 filters did not degrade detectably when exposed to Earth/atmosphere-reflected solar radiation.

  12. Solar Collector With Image-Forming Mirror Cavity to Irradiate Small Central Volume

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Buchele, Don; Castle, Charles; Bonoetti, Joseph A.

    2001-01-01

    A unique solar thermal chamber has been designed and fabricated to produce the maximum concentration of solar energy and higher temperature possible. Its primary purpose was for solar plasma propulsion experiments and related material specimen testing above 3000 K. The design not only maximized solar concentration, but also, minimized infrared heat loss. This paper provides the underlying theory and operation of the chamber and initial optical correlation to the actual fabricated hardware. The chamber is placed at the focal point of an existing primary concentrator with a 2.74 m (9 ft) focal length. A quartz lens focuses a small sun image at the inlet hole of the mirrored cavity. The lens focuses two image planes at prescribed positions; the sun at the cavity's entrance hole and the primary concentrator at the junction plane of two surfaces that form the cavity chamber. The back half is an ellipsoid reflector that produces a 1.27 cm diameter final sun image. The image is "suspended in space," 7.1 cm away from the nearest cavity surface, to minimize thermal and contaminate damage to the mirror surfaces. A hemisphere mirror makes up the front chamber and has its center of curvature at the target image, where rays leaving the target are reflected back upon themselves, minimizing radiation losses.

  13. Characteristic investigation of Golay9 multiple mirror telescope with a spherical primary mirror

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Feng; Wu, Quanying; Zhu, Xifang; Xiang, Ruxi; Qian, Lin

    2017-10-01

    The sparse aperture provides a novel solution to the manufacturing difficulties of modern super large telescopes. Golay configurations are optimal in the sparse aperture family. Characteristics of the Golay9 multiple mirror telescope having a spherical primary mirror are investigated. The arrangement of the nine sub-mirrors is discussed after the planar Golay9 configuration is analyzed. The characteristics of the entrance pupil are derived by analyzing the sub-aperture shapes with different relative apertures and sub-mirror sizes. Formulas about the fill factor and the overlay factor are deduced. Their maximal values are presented based on the derived tangency condition. Formulas for the point spread function (PSF) and the modulation transfer function (MTF) of the Golay9 MMT are also deduced. Two Golay9 MMT have been developed by Zemax simulation. Their PSF, MTF, fill factors, and overlay factors prove that our theoretical results are consistent with the practical simulation ones.

  14. More Toda-like (0,2) mirrors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Zhuo; Guo, Jirui; Sharpe, Eric; Wu, Ruoxu

    2017-08-01

    In this paper, we extend our previous work to construct (0 , 2) Toda-like mirrors to A/2-twisted theories on more general spaces, as part of a program of understanding (0,2) mirror symmetry. Specifically, we propose (0 , 2) mirrors to GLSMs on toric del Pezzo surfaces and Hirzebruch surfaces with deformations of the tangent bundle. We check the results by comparing correlation functions, global symmetries, as well as geometric blowdowns with the corresponding (0 , 2) Toda-like mirrors. We also briefly discuss Grassmannian manifolds.

  15. Staging of laser-plasma accelerators

    DOE PAGES

    Steinke, S.; van Tilborg, J.; Benedetti, C.; ...

    2016-05-02

    We present results of an experiment where two laser-plasma-accelerator stages are coupled at a short distance by a plasma mirror. Stable electron beams from the first stage were used to longitudinally probe the dark-current-free, quasi-linear wakefield excited by the laser of the second stage. Changing the arrival time of the electron beam with respect to the second stage laser pulse allowed reconstruction of the temporal wakefield structure, determination of the plasma density, and inference of the length of the electron beam. The first stage electron beam could be focused by an active plasma lens to a spot size smaller thanmore » the transverse wake size at the entrance of the second stage. Furthermore, this permitted electron beam trapping, verified by a 100 MeV energy gain.« less

  16. Study of fusion product effects in field-reversed mirrors

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Driemeyer, D.E.

    1980-01-01

    The effect of fusion products (fps) on Field-Reversed Mirror (FRM) reactor concepts has been evaluated through the development of two new computer models. The first code (MCFRM) treats fps as test particles in a fixed background plasma, which is represented as a fluid. MCFRM includes a Monte Carlo treatment of Coulomb scattering and thus provides an accurate treatment of fp behavior even at lower energies where pitch-angle scattering becomes important. The second code (FRMOD) is a steady-state, globally averaged, two-fluid (ion and electron), point model of the FRM plasma that incorporates fp heating and ash buildup values which are consistentmore » with the MCFRM calculations. These codes have been used extensively in the development of an advanced-fuel FRM reactor design (SAFFIRE). A Catalyzed-D version of the plant is also discussed along with an investigation of the steady-state energy distribution of fps in the FRM. User guides for the two computer codes are also included.« less

  17. The meter-class carbon fiber reinforced polymer mirror and segmented mirror telescope at the Naval Postgraduate School

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wilcox, Christopher; Fernandez, Bautista; Bagnasco, John; Martinez, Ty; Romeo, Robert; Agrawal, Brij

    2015-03-01

    The Adaptive Optics Center of Excellence for National Security at the Naval Postgraduate School has implemented a technology testing platform and array of facilities for next-generation space-based telescopes and imaging system development. The Segmented Mirror Telescope is a 3-meter, 6 segment telescope with actuators on its mirrors for system optical correction. Currently, investigation is being conducted in the use of lightweight carbon fiber reinforced polymer structures for large monolithic optics. Advantages of this material include lower manufacturing costs, very low weight, and high durability and survivability compared to its glass counterparts. Design and testing has begun on a 1-meter, optical quality CFRP parabolic mirror for the purpose of injecting collimated laser light through the SMT primary and secondary mirrors as well as the following aft optics that include wavefront sensors and deformable mirrors. This paper will present the design, testing, and usage of this CFRP parabolic mirror and the current path moving forward with this ever-evolving technology.

  18. Sensorimotor learning configures the human mirror system.

    PubMed

    Catmur, Caroline; Walsh, Vincent; Heyes, Cecilia

    2007-09-04

    Cells in the "mirror system" fire not only when an individual performs an action but also when one observes the same action performed by another agent [1-4]. The mirror system, found in premotor and parietal cortices of human and monkey brains, is thought to provide the foundation for social understanding and to enable the development of theory of mind and language [5-9]. However, it is unclear how mirror neurons acquire their mirror properties -- how they derive the information necessary to match observed with executed actions [10]. We address this by showing that it is possible to manipulate the selectivity of the human mirror system, and thereby make it operate as a countermirror system, by giving participants training to perform one action while observing another. Before this training, participants showed event-related muscle-specific responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation over motor cortex during observation of little- and index-finger movements [11-13]. After training, this normal mirror effect was reversed. These results indicate that the mirror properties of the mirror system are neither wholly innate [14] nor fixed once acquired; instead they develop through sensorimotor learning [15, 16]. Our findings indicate that the human mirror system is, to some extent, both a product and a process of social interaction.

  19. The neuronal correlates of mirror therapy: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study on mirror-induced visual illusions of ankle movements.

    PubMed

    Guo, Feng; Xu, Qun; Abo Salem, Hassan M; Yao, Yihao; Lou, Jicheng; Huang, Xiaolin

    2016-05-15

    Recovery in stroke is mediated by neural plasticity. Mirror therapy is an effective method in the rehabilitation of stroke patients, but the mechanism is still obscure. To identify the neural networks associated with the effect of lower-limbs mirror therapy, we investigated a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study of mirror-induced visual illusion of ankle movements. Five healthy controls and five left hemiplegic stroke patients performed tasks related to mirror therapy in the fMRI study. Neural activation was compared in a no-mirror condition and a mirror condition. All subjects in the experiment performed the task of flexing and extending the right ankle. In a mirror condition, movement of the left ankle was simulated by mirror reflection of right ankle movement. Changes in neural activation in response to mirror therapy were assessed both in healthy controls and stroke patients. We found strong activation of the motor cortex bilaterally in healthy controls, as well as significant activation of the ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex, the occipital gyrus, and the anterior prefrontal gyrus in stroke patients with respect to the non-mirror condition. We concluded that mirror therapy of ankle movements may induce neural activation of the ipsilesional sensorimotor cortex, and that cortical reorganization may be useful for motor rehabilitation in stroke. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. A Research on the Primary Mirror Manipulator of Large Segmented-mirror Telescope

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zuo, H.

    2012-09-01

    Since Galileo firstly used the telescope to observe the sky 400 years ago, the aperture of the telescope has become larger and larger to observe the deeper universe, and the segmented-mirror telescope is becoming more and more popular with increasing aperture. In the early 21st century, a series of segmented-mirror telescopes have been constructed including the Large Sky Area Multi-object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope (LAMOST) of China. LAMOST is a meridian reflecting Schmidt telescope, and the dimension of the primary mirror is about 6.7 m× 6 m, which is composed of 37 hexagonal sub-mirrors. However, a problem about the mirror installation appears with the increasing aperture. If there are hundreds of sub-mirrors in the telescope, it is a challenging job to mount and dismount them to the truss. This problem is discussed in this paper and a manipulator for the primary mirror of LAMOST is designed to perform the mount and dismount work. In chapter 1, all the segmented-mirror telescopes in the world are introduced and how the sub-mirrors of these telescopes are installed has been investigated. After comparing with the serial and the parallel robot, a serial robot manipulator proposal, which has several redundant degrees of freedom (DOFs), has been chosen from a series of design proposals. In chapter 2, the theoretical analysis has been carried out on the basis of the design proposal, which includes the forward kinematics and the inverse kinematics. Firstly the D-H coordinate is built according to the structure of the manipulator, so it is possible to obtain the end-effector position and orientation from the individual joint motion thanks to the forward kinematics. Because of the redundant DOFs of the manipulator, the inverse kinematics solution can be a very trick task, and the result may not be only, therefore a kind of simulation is carried out to get the numerical solution using ADAMS (Automatic Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical System). In the dynamics analysis the

  1. Membrane Mirrors With Bimorph Shape Actuators

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yang, Eui-Hyeok

    2003-01-01

    Deformable mirrors of a proposed type would be equipped with relatively-large-stroke microscopic piezoelectric actuators that would be used to maintain their reflective surfaces in precise shapes. These mirrors would be members of the class of MEMS-DM (for microelectromechanical system deformable mirror) devices, which offer potential for a precise optical control in adaptive-optics applications in such diverse fields as astronomy and vision science. The proposed mirror would be fabricated, in part, by use of a membrane-transfer technique. The actuator design would contain bimorph-type piezoelectric actuators.

  2. SIRTF primary mirror design, analysis, and testing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sarver, George L., III; Maa, Scott; Chang, LI

    1990-01-01

    The primary mirror assembly (PMA) requirements and concepts for the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) program are discussed. The PMA studies at NASA/ARC resulted in the design of two engineering test articles, the development of a mirror mount cryogenic static load testing system, and the procurement and partial testing of a full scale spherical mirror mounting system. Preliminary analysis and testing of the single arch mirror with conical mount design and the structured mirror with the spherical mount design indicate that the designs will meet all figure and environmental requirements of the SIRTF program.

  3. Owning the body in the mirror: The effect of visual perspective and mirror view on the full-body illusion

    PubMed Central

    Preston, Catherine; Kuper-Smith, Benjamin J.; Henrik Ehrsson, H.

    2015-01-01

    Mirrors allow us to view our own body from a third-person (observer) perspective. However, how viewing ourselves through a mirror affects central body representations compared with true third-person perspective is not fully understood. Across a series of experiments, multisensory full-body illusions were used to modulate feelings of ownership over a mannequin body that was viewed from a third-person perspective through a mirror, from a third-person perspective without a mirror, and from a first-person perspective. In contrast to non-mirror third-person perspective, synchronously touching the participant’s actual body and the mannequin body viewed in the mirror elicited strong feelings of ownership over the mannequin and increased physiological responses to the mannequin being threatened compared to the equivalent asynchronous (non-ownership) control condition. Subjective reports of ownership viewing the mannequin through a mirror were also statistically equivalent to those following the first-person perspective illusion. These findings suggest that mirrors have a special role for viewing the self. The results also support the importance of egocentric reference frames for body ownership and suggest that mirror reflections of one’s own body are related to peripersonal space, which enables updating of central body representations. PMID:26678091

  4. Determination of lansoprazole in human plasma by rapid resolution liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry: application to a bioequivalence study on Chinese volunteers.

    PubMed

    Wu, Guo-Lan; Zhou, Hui-Li; Shentu, Jian-Zhong; He, Qiao-Jun; Yang, Bo

    2008-12-15

    A simple, sensitive and rapid LC/MS/MS method was developed for the quantification of lansoprazole in human plasma. After a simple sample preparation procedure by one-step protein precipitation with acetonitrile, lansoprazole and the internal standard bicalutamide were chromatographed on a Zorbax SB-C(18) (3.0 mm x 150 mm, 3.5 microm, Agilent) column with the mobile phase consisted of methanol-water (70:30, v/v, containing 5 mM ammonium formate, pH was adjusted to 7.85 by 1% ammonia solution). Detection was performed on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode via negative eletrospray ionization source (ESI(-)). The lower limit of quantification was 5.5 ng/mL, and the assay exhibited a linear range of 5.5-2200.0 ng/mL. The validated method was successfully applied to investigate the bioequivalence between two kinds of preparation (test vs. reference product) in twenty-eight healthy male Chinese volunteers.

  5. Composite structures for optical mirror applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Brand, Richard A.; Marks, John E.

    1990-10-01

    The employment of composites in RF structures such as antennas, feedhorns, and waveguides is outlined, and focus is placed on the parameters of a composite mirror operating in the 3-5- and 8-12-micron areas. A large beam-steering composite mirror fabricated from ultrahigh-modulus graphite/epoxy is described, including its three subassemblies: the core subassembly and two facesheet subassemblies. Attention is given to an alternative approach in which a gel coat resin is applied to the glass surface and the mirror substrate is pressed to the tool to cover the mirror with the resin. Another method is to seal the composite from the effects of moisture expansion by applying a eutectic coating; voids and crystal-grain growth are the main sources of surface perturbation on such mirror surfaces.

  6. Simultaneous quantification of adalimumab and infliximab in human plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Jourdil, Jean-François; Némoz, Benjamin; Gautier-Veyret, Elodie; Romero, Charlotte; Stanke-Labesque, Françoise

    2018-03-30

    Adalimumab (ADA) and infliximab (IFX) are therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (TMabs) targeting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα). They are used to treat inflammatory diseases. Clinical trials have suggested that therapeutic drug monitoring for ADA or IFX could improve treatment response and cost-effectiveness. However, ADA and IFX were quantified by ELISA in all these studies, and the discrepancies between the results obtained raise questions about their reliability.We describe here the validation of a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous quantification of ADA and IFX in human samples. Full-length antibodies labeled with stable isotopes were added to plasma samples as an internal standard. Samples were then prepared using Mass Spectrometry Immuno Assay (MSIA) followed by trypsin digestion prior ADA and IFX quantification by LC-MS/MS.ADA and IFX were quantified in serum from patients treated with ADA (n=21) or IFX (n=22), and the concentrations obtained were compared with those obtained with a commercial ELISA kit. The chromatography run lasted 8.6 minutes and the quantification range was 1 to 26 mg/L. The method was reproducible, repeatable and accurate. For both levels of internal quality control, for ADA and IFX inter and intra-day coefficients of variation and accuracies were all within 15%, in accordance with FDA recommendations. No significant cross-contamination effect was noted.Good agreement was found between LC-MS/MS and ELISA results, for both ADA and IFX. This LC-MS/MS method can be used for the quantification of ADA and IFX in a single analytical run and for the optimization of LC-MS/MS resource use in clinical pharmacology laboratories.

  7. A comparison of performance of lightweight mirrors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cho, Myung K.; Richard, Ralph M.; Hileman, Edward A.

    1990-01-01

    Four lightweight solid contoured back mirror shapes (a double arch, a single arch, a modified single arch, and a double concave mirror) and a cellular sandwich lightweight meniscus mirror, have been considered for the primary mirror of the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF). A parametric design study using these shapes for the SIRTF 40 inch primary mirror with a focal ratio f/2 is presented. Evaluations of the optical performance and fundamental frequency analyses are performed to compare relative merits of each mirror configuration. Included in these are structural, optical, and frequency analyses for (1) different back contour shapes, (2) different number and location of the support points, and (3) two gravity orientations (ZENITH and HORIZON positions). The finite element program NASTRAN is used to obtain the structural deflections of the optical surface. For wavefront error analysis, FRINGE and PCFRINGE programs are used to evaluate the optical performance. A scaling law relating the optical and structural performance for various mirror contoured back shapes is developed.

  8. A Deployable Primary Mirror for Space Telescopes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lake, Mark S.; Phelps, James E.; Dyer, Jack E.; Caudle, David A.; Tam, Anthony; Escobedo, Javier; Kasl, Eldon P.

    1999-01-01

    NASA Langley Research Center, Composite Optics, Inc., and Nyma/ADF have developed jointly a deployable primary mirror for space telescopes that combines over five years of research on deployment of optical-precision structures and over ten years of development of fabrication techniques for optical-precision composite mirror panels and structures. The deployable mirror is directly applicable to a broad class of non-imaging "lidar" (light direction a nd ranging) telescopes whose figure-error requirements are in the range of one to ten microns RMS. Furthermore, the mirror design can be readily modified to accommodate imaging-quality reflector panels and active panel-alignment control mechanisms for application to imaging telescopes. The present paper: 1) describes the deployable mirror concept; 2) explains the status of the mirror development; and 3) provides some technical specifications for a 2.55- m-diameter, proof-of-concept mirror. Keywords: precision deployment, hinge joint, latch joint, deployable structures, fabrication, space telescopes, optical instruments, microdynamics.

  9. Rollable Thin Shell Composite-Material Paraboloidal Mirrors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Meinel, Aden; Meinel, Marjorie; Romeo, Robert

    2003-01-01

    An experiment and calculation have demonstrated the feasibility of a technique of compact storage of paraboloidal mirrors made of thin composite-material (multiple layers of carbon fiber mats in a polymeric matrix) shells coated with metal for reflectivity. Such mirrors are under consideration as simple, lightweight alternatives to the heavier, more complex mirrors now used in space telescopes. They could also be used on Earth in applications in which gravitational sag of the thin shells can be tolerated. The present technique is essentially the same as that used to store large maps, posters, tapestries, and similar objects: One simply rolls up the mirror to a radius small enough to enable the insertion of the mirror in a protective cylindrical case. Provided that the stress associated with rolling the mirror is not so large as to introduce an appreciable amount of hysteresis, the mirror can be expected to spring back to its original shape, with sufficient precision to perform its intended optical function, when unrolled from storage.

  10. Evaluation of microfabricated deformable mirror systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cowan, William D.; Lee, Max K.; Bright, Victor M.; Welsh, Byron M.

    1998-09-01

    This paper presents recent result for aberration correction and beam steering experiments using polysilicon surface micromachined piston micromirror arrays. Microfabricated deformable mirrors offer a substantial cost reduction for adaptive optic systems. In addition to the reduced mirror cost, microfabricated mirrors typically require low control voltages, thus eliminating high voltage amplifiers. The greatly reduced cost per channel of adaptive optic systems employing microfabricated deformable mirrors promise high order aberration correction at low cost. Arrays of piston micromirrors with 128 active elements were tested. Mirror elements are on a 203 micrometers 12 by 12 square grid. The overall array size is 2.4 mm square. The arrays were fabricated in the commercially available DARPA supported MUMPs surface micromachining foundry process. The cost per mirror array in this prototyping process is less than 200 dollars. Experimental results are presented for a hybrid correcting element comprised of a lenslet array and piston micromirror array, and for a piston micromirror array only. Also presented is a novel digital deflection micromirror which requires no digital to analog converters, further reducing the cost of adaptive optics system.

  11. Minimal mirror twin Higgs

    DOE PAGES

    Barbieri, Riccardo; Hall, Lawrence J.; Harigaya, Keisuke

    2016-11-29

    In a Mirror Twin World with a maximally symmetric Higgs sector the little hierarchy of the Standard Model can be significantly mitigated, perhaps displacing the cutoff scale above the LHC reach. We show that consistency with observations requires that the Z 2 parity exchanging the Standard Model with its mirror be broken in the Yukawa couplings. A minimal such effective field theory, with this sole Z 2 breaking, can generate the Z 2 breaking in the Higgs sector necessary for the Twin Higgs mechanism. The theory has constrained and correlated signals i n Higgs decays, direct Dark Matter Detection andmore » Dark Radiation, all within reach of foreseen experiments, over a region of parameter space where the fine-tuning for the electroweak scale is 10-50%. For dark matter, both mirror neutrons and a variety of self-interacting mirror atoms are considered. Neutrino mass signals and the effects of a possible additional Z 2 breaking from the vacuum expectation values of B-L breaking fields are also discussed.« less

  12. Auditory-vocal mirroring in songbirds.

    PubMed

    Mooney, Richard

    2014-01-01

    Mirror neurons are theorized to serve as a neural substrate for spoken language in humans, but the existence and functions of auditory-vocal mirror neurons in the human brain remain largely matters of speculation. Songbirds resemble humans in their capacity for vocal learning and depend on their learned songs to facilitate courtship and individual recognition. Recent neurophysiological studies have detected putative auditory-vocal mirror neurons in a sensorimotor region of the songbird's brain that plays an important role in expressive and receptive aspects of vocal communication. This review discusses the auditory and motor-related properties of these cells, considers their potential role on song learning and communication in relation to classical studies of birdsong, and points to the circuit and developmental mechanisms that may give rise to auditory-vocal mirroring in the songbird's brain.

  13. Analysis of fenretinide and its metabolites in human plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and its application to clinical pharmacokinetics.

    PubMed

    Cho, Hwang Eui; Min, H Kang

    2017-01-05

    A simple and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed for the determination of N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (fenretinide, 4-HPR) and its metabolites, 4-oxo-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4-oxo-4-HPR) and N-(4-methoxyphenyl)retinamide (4-MPR), in human plasma. Plasma samples were prepared using protein precipitation with ethanol. Chromatographic separation of the three analytes and N-(4-ethoxyphenyl)retinamide (4-EPR), an internal standard, was achieved on a Zorbax SB-C18 column (3.5μm, 50×2.1mm) using gradient elution with the mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile (pH* 2.4) at a flow rate of 0.5mL/min. Electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry was operated in the positive ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The calibration curves obtained were linear over the concentration range of 0.2-50ng/mL with a lower limit of quantification of 0.2ng/mL. The relative standard deviation of intra-day and inter-day precision was below 7.64%, and the accuracy ranged from 94.92 to 105.43%. The extraction recoveries were found to be higher than 90.39% and no matrix effect was observed. The analytes were stable for the durations of the stability studies. The validated method was successfully applied to the analyses of the pharmacokinetic study for patients treated with 4-HPR in a clinical trial. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Mounting and Alignment of IXO Mirror Segments

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chan, Kai-Wing; Zhang, William; Evans, Tyler; McClelland, Ryan; Hong, Melinda; Mazzarella, James; Saha, Timo; Jalota, Lalit; Olsen, Lawrence; Byron, Glenn

    2010-01-01

    A suspension-mounting scheme is developed for the IXO (International X-ray Observatory) mirror segments in which the figure of the mirror segment is preserved in each stage of mounting. The mirror, first fixed on a thermally compatible strongback, is subsequently transported, aligned and transferred onto its mirror housing. In this paper, we shall outline the requirement, approaches, and recent progress of the suspension mount processes.

  15. Giant pandas failed to show mirror self-recognition.

    PubMed

    Ma, Xiaozan; Jin, Yuan; Luo, Bo; Zhang, Guiquan; Wei, Rongping; Liu, Dingzhen

    2015-05-01

    Mirror self-recognition (MSR), i.e., the ability to recognize oneself in a mirror, is considered a potential index of self-recognition and the foundation of individual development. A wealth of literature on MSR is available for social animals, such as chimpanzees, Asian elephants and dolphins, yet little is known about MSR in solitary mammalian species. We aimed to evaluate whether the giant panda can recognize itself in the mirror, and whether this capacity varies with age. Thirty-four captive giant pandas (F:M = 18:16; juveniles, sub-adults and adults) were subjected to four mirror tests: covered mirror tests, open mirror tests, water mark control tests, and mark tests. The results showed that, though adult, sub-adult and juvenile pandas exposed to mirrors spent similar amounts of time in social mirror-directed behaviors (χ(2) = 0.719, P = 0.698), none of them used the mirror to touch the mark on their head, a self-directed behavior suggesting MSR. Individuals of all age groups initially displayed attacking, threatening, foot scraping and backwards walking behaviors when exposed to their self-images in the mirror. Our data indicate that, regardless of age, the giant pandas did not recognize their self-image in the mirror, but instead considered the image to be a conspecific. Our results add to the available information on mirror self-recognition in large mammals, provide new information on a solitary species, and will be useful for enclosure design and captive animal management.

  16. Titanium Alloy Strong Back for IXO Mirror Segments

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Byron, Glenn P.; Kai-Wang, Chan

    2011-01-01

    A titanium-alloy mirror-holding fixture called a strong back allows the temporary and permanent bonding of a 50 degree D263 glass x-ray mirror (IXO here stands for International X-ray Observatory). The strong back is used to hold and position a mirror segment so that mounting tabs may be bonded to the mirror with ultra-low distortion of the optical surface. Ti-15%Mo alloy was the material of choice for the strong back and tabs because the coefficient of thermal expansion closely matches that of the D263 glass and the material is relatively easy to machine. This invention has the ability to transfer bonded mounting points from a temporary location on the strong back to a permanent location on the strong back with minimal distortion. Secondly, it converts a single mirror segment into a rigid body with an acceptable amount of distortion of the mirror, and then maneuvers that rigid body into optical alignment such that the mirror segment can be bonded into a housing simulator or mirror module. Key problems are that the mirrors are 0.4-mm thick and have a very low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Because the mirrors are so thin, they are very flexible and are easily distorted. When permanently bonding the mirror, the goal is to achieve a less than 1-micron distortion. Temperature deviations in the lab, which have been measured to be around 1 C, have caused significant distortions in the mirror segment.

  17. Laser-driven plasma photonic crystals for high-power lasers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lehmann, G.; Spatschek, K. H.

    2017-05-01

    Laser-driven plasma density gratings in underdense plasma are shown to act as photonic crystals for high power lasers. The gratings are created by counterpropagating laser beams that trap electrons, followed by ballistic ion motion. This leads to strong periodic plasma density modulations with a lifetime on the order of picoseconds. The grating structure is interpreted as a plasma photonic crystal time-dependent property, e.g., the photonic band gap width. In Maxwell-Vlasov and particle-in-cell simulations it is demonstrated that the photonic crystals may act as a frequency filter and mirror for ultra-short high-power laser pulses.

  18. SOFIA lightweight primary mirror

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Espiard, Jean; Tarreau, Michel; Bernier, Joel; Billet, Jacques; Paseri, Jacques

    1998-08-01

    Thanks to its experience in lightweighting ceramic glass mirrors by machining, R.E.O.S.C. won the contract for designing and manufacturing the primary mirror and its lateral fixations of the 2.7 m. SOFIA telescope which will be installed aboard a 747 SP Boeing aircraft to constitute the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA).

  19. Solid, 3-mirror Fabry-Perot etalon.

    PubMed

    Stephen, Mark; Fahey, Molly; Miller, Ian

    2017-04-01

    We present modeling and performance of a solid, fused silica, 3-mirror Fabry-Perot-type etalon. 3-mirror etalons have been known for decades to have superior theoretical performance but for the first time we demonstrate an etalon with sufficient quality to realize the benefits of the more complex design. 3-mirror etalons have better passband shape and higher contrast ratio enabling significantly improved wavelength separation. We show the optical cavity design and construction of the new etalon and show >95% peak transmission, improved passband shape and 20 dB better out-of-band rejection than a similar 2-mirror etalon.

  20. Kodak AMSD Mirror Development Program

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Matthews, Gary; Dahl, Roger; Barrett, David; Bottom, John; Russell, Kevin (Technical Monitor)

    2002-01-01

    The Advanced Mirror System Demonstration Program is developing minor technology for the next generation optical systems. Many of these systems will require extremely lightweight and stable optics due to the overall size of the primary mirror. These segmented, deployable systems require new technology that AMSD is developing. The on-going AMSD program is a critical enabler for Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST) which will start in 2002. The status of Kodak's AMSD mirror and future plans will be discussed with respect to the NGST program.

  1. Background-reducing X-ray multilayer mirror

    DOEpatents

    Bloch, Jeffrey J.; Roussel-Dupre', Diane; Smith, Barham W.

    1992-01-01

    Background-reducing x-ray multilayer mirror. A multiple-layer "wavetrap" deposited over the surface of a layered, synthetic-microstructure soft x-ray mirror optimized for reflectivity at chosen wavelengths is disclosed for reducing the reflectivity of undesired, longer wavelength incident radiation incident thereon. In three separate mirror designs employing an alternating molybdenum and silicon layered, mirrored structure overlaid by two layers of a molybdenum/silicon pair anti-reflection coating, reflectivities of near normal incidence 133, 171, and 186 .ANG. wavelengths have been optimized, while that at 304 .ANG. has been minimized. The optimization process involves the choice of materials, the composition of the layer/pairs as well as the number thereof, and the distance therebetween for the mirror, and the simultaneous choice of materials, the composition of the layer/pairs, and their number and distance for the "wavetrap."

  2. Short Tandem Repeat DNA Internet Database

    National Institute of Standards and Technology Data Gateway

    SRD 130 Short Tandem Repeat DNA Internet Database (Web, free access)   Short Tandem Repeat DNA Internet Database is intended to benefit research and application of short tandem repeat DNA markers for human identity testing. Facts and sequence information on each STR system, population data, commonly used multiplex STR systems, PCR primers and conditions, and a review of various technologies for analysis of STR alleles have been included.

  3. Determination of oxycodone and its major metabolites noroxycodone and oxymorphone by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in plasma and urine: application to real cases.

    PubMed

    Pantano, Flaminia; Brauneis, Stefano; Forneris, Alexandre; Pacifici, Roberta; Marinelli, Enrico; Kyriakou, Chrystalla; Pichini, Simona; Busardò, Francesco Paolo

    2017-08-28

    Oxycodone is a narcotic drug widely used to alleviate moderate and severe acute and chronic pain. Variability in analgesic efficacy could be explained by inter-subject variations in plasma concentrations of parent drug and its active metabolite, oxymorphone. To evaluate patient compliance and to set up therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) assay was developed and validated for the parent drug and its major metabolites noroxycodone and oxymorphone. Extraction of analytes from plasma and urine samples was obtained by simple liquid-liquid extraction. The chromatographic separation was achieved with a reversed phase column using a linear gradient elution with two solvents: acetic acid 1% in water and methanol. The separated analytes were detected with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operated in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode via positive electrospray ionization (ESI). Separation of analytes was obtained in less than 5 min. Linear calibration curves for all the analytes under investigation in urine and plasma samples showed determination coefficients (r2) equal or higher than 0.990. Mean absolute analytical recoveries were always above 86%. Intra- and inter-assay precision (measured as coefficient of variation, CV%) and accuracy (measured as % error) values were always better than 13%. Limit of detection at 0.06 and 0.15 ng/mL and limit of quantification at 0.2 and 0.5 ng/mL for plasma and urine samples, respectively, were adequate for the purpose of the present study. Rapid extraction, identification and quantification of oxycodone and its metabolites both in urine and plasma by UHPLC-MS/MS assay was tested for its feasibility in clinical samples and provided excellent results for rapid and effective drug testing in patients under oxycodone treatment.

  4. Pharmacokinetic properties of tandem d-peptides designed for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

    PubMed

    Leithold, Leonie H E; Jiang, Nan; Post, Julia; Niemietz, Nicole; Schartmann, Elena; Ziehm, Tamar; Kutzsche, Janine; Shah, N Jon; Breitkreutz, Jörg; Langen, Karl-Josef; Willuweit, Antje; Willbold, Dieter

    2016-06-30

    Peptides are more and more considered for the development of drug candidates. However, they frequently exhibit severe disadvantages such as instability and unfavourable pharmacokinetic properties. Many peptides are rapidly cleared from the organism and oral bioavailabilities as well as in vivo half-lives often remain low. In contrast, some peptides consisting solely of d-enantiomeric amino acid residues were shown to combine promising therapeutic properties with high proteolytic stability and enhanced pharmacokinetic parameters. Recently, we have shown that D3 and RD2 have highly advantageous pharmacokinetic properties. Especially D3 has already proven promising properties suitable for treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Here, we analyse the pharmacokinetic profiles of D3D3 and RD2D3, which are head-to-tail tandem d-peptides built of D3 and its derivative RD2. Both D3D3 and RD2D3 show proteolytic stability in mouse plasma and organ homogenates for at least 24h and in murine and human liver microsomes for 4h. Notwithstanding their high affinity to plasma proteins, both peptides are taken up into the brain following i.v. as well as i.p. administration. Although both peptides contain identical d-amino acid residues, they are arranged in a different sequence order and the peptides show differences in pharmacokinetic properties. After i.p. administration RD2D3 exhibits lower plasma clearance and higher bioavailability than D3D3. We therefore concluded that the amino acid sequence of RD2 leads to more favourable pharmacokinetic properties within the tandem peptide, which underlines the importance of particular sequence motifs, even in short peptides, for the design of further therapeutic d-peptides. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Dual-use bimorph deformable mirrors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Griffith, M. S.; Laycock, L. C.; Bagshaw, J. M.; Rowe, D.

    2005-11-01

    Adaptive Optics (AO) is a critical underpinning technology for future optical countermeasures, laser delivery, target illumination and imaging systems. It measures and compensates for optical distortion caused by transmission through the atmosphere, resulting in the ability to deploy smaller lasers and identify targets at greater ranges. AO is also well established in ground based astronomy, and is finding applications in free space optical communications and ophthalmology. One of the key components in an AO system is the wavefront modifier, which acts on the incoming or outgoing beam to counter the effects of the atmosphere. BAE SYSTEMS ATC is developing multi-element Deformable Bimorph Mirrors (DBMs) for such applications. A traditional bimorph deformable mirror uses a set of edge electrodes outside the active area in order to meet the required boundary conditions for the active aperture. This inflicts a significant penalty in terms of bandwidth, which is inversely proportional to the square of the full mirror diameter. We have devised a number of novel mounting arrangements that reduce dead space and thus provide a much improved trade-off between bandwidth and stroke. These schemes include a novel method for providing vertical displacement at the periphery of the aperture, a method for providing a continuous compliant support underneath the bimorph mirror, and a method for providing a three point support underneath the bimorph. In all three cases, there is no requirement for edge electrodes to provide the boundary conditions, resulting in devices of much higher bandwidth. The target is to broaden the use of these types of mirror beyond the current limits of either low order/low bandwidth, to address the high order, high bandwidth systems required by long range, horizontal path applications. This paper will discuss the different mirror designs, and present experimental results for the most recently assembled mirrors.

  6. Directly polished lightweight aluminum mirror

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    ter Horst, Rik; Tromp, Niels; de Haan, Menno; Navarro, Ramon; Venema, Lars; Pragt, Johan

    2017-11-01

    During the last ten years, Astron has been a major contractor for the design and manufacturing of astronomical instruments for Space- and Earth based observatories, such as VISIR, MIDI, SPIFFI, X-Shooter and MIRI. Driven by the need to reduce the weight of optically ultra-stiff structures, two promising techniques have been developed in the last years: ASTRON Extreme Lightweighting [1][2] for mechanical structures and an improved Polishing Technique for Aluminum Mirrors. Using one single material for both optical components and mechanical structure simplifies the design of a cryogenic instrument significantly, it is very beneficial during instrument test and verification, and makes the instrument insensitive to temperature changes. Aluminum has been the main material used for cryogenic optical instruments, and optical aluminum mirrors are generally diamond turned. The application of a polishable hard top coating like nickel removes excess stray light caused by the groove pattern, but limits the degree of lightweighting of the mirrors due to the bi-metal effect. By directly polishing the aluminum mirror surface, the recent developments at Astron allow for using a non-exotic material for light weighted yet accurate optical mirrors, with a lower surface roughness ( 1nm RMS), higher surface accuracy and reduced light scattering. This paper presents the techniques, obtained results and a global comparison with alternative lightweight mirror solutions. Recent discussions indicate possible extensions of the extreme light weight technology to alternative materials such as Zerodur or Silicon Carbide.

  7. Rollable Thin-Shell Nanolaminate Mirrors

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hickey, Gregory; Lih, Shyh-Shiuh; Barbee, Troy, Jr.

    2003-01-01

    A class of lightweight, deployable, thin-shell, curved mirrors with built-in precise-shape-control actuators is being developed for high-resolution scientific imaging. This technology incorporates a combination of advanced design concepts in actuation and membrane optics that, heretofore, have been considered as separate innovations. These mirrors are conceived to be stowed compactly in a launch shroud and transported aboard spacecraft, then deployed in outer space to required precise shapes at much larger dimensions (diameters of the order of meters or tens of meters). A typical shell rollable mirror structure would include: (1) a flexible single- or multiple-layer face sheet that would include an integrated reflective surface layer that would constitute the mirror; (2) structural supports in the form of stiffeners made of a shape-memory alloy (SMA); and (3) piezoelectric actuators. The actuators, together with an electronic control subsystem, would implement a concept of hierarchical distributed control, in which (1) the SMA actuators would be used for global shape control and would generate the large deformations needed for the deployment process and (2) the piezoelectric actuators would generate smaller deformations and would be used primarily to effect fine local control of the shape of the mirror.

  8. Auditory–vocal mirroring in songbirds

    PubMed Central

    Mooney, Richard

    2014-01-01

    Mirror neurons are theorized to serve as a neural substrate for spoken language in humans, but the existence and functions of auditory–vocal mirror neurons in the human brain remain largely matters of speculation. Songbirds resemble humans in their capacity for vocal learning and depend on their learned songs to facilitate courtship and individual recognition. Recent neurophysiological studies have detected putative auditory–vocal mirror neurons in a sensorimotor region of the songbird's brain that plays an important role in expressive and receptive aspects of vocal communication. This review discusses the auditory and motor-related properties of these cells, considers their potential role on song learning and communication in relation to classical studies of birdsong, and points to the circuit and developmental mechanisms that may give rise to auditory–vocal mirroring in the songbird's brain. PMID:24778375

  9. Engineers Clean Mirror with Carbon Dioxide Snow

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2015-01-22

    Just like drivers sometimes use snow to clean their car mirrors in winter, two Exelis Inc. engineers are practicing "snow cleaning'" on a test telescope mirror for the James Webb Space Telescope at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. By shooting carbon dioxide snow at the surface, engineers are able to clean large telescope mirrors without scratching them. "The snow-like crystals (carbon dioxide snow) knock contaminate particulates and molecules off the mirror," said Lee Feinberg, NASA optical telescope element manager. This technique will only be used if the James Webb Space Telescope's mirror is contaminated during integration and testing. The Webb telescope is the scientific successor to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. It will be the most powerful space telescope ever built. With a mirror seven times as large as Hubble's and infrared capability, Webb will be capturing light from 13.5 billion light years away. To do this, its mirror must be kept super clean. "Small dust particles or molecules can impact the science that can be done with the Webb," said Feinberg. "So cleanliness especially on the mirrors is critical." Webb is an international project led by NASA with its partners, the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency. Image credit: NASA/Goddard/Chris Gunn

  10. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the quantification of moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin, daptomycin, caspofungin, and isavuconazole in human plasma.

    PubMed

    Hösl, Julian; Gessner, André; El-Najjar, Nahed

    2018-05-12

    A simple and precise ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of five anti-infective agents used to treat severe infections [three antibiotics (daptomycin, moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin) and two antifungals (isavuconazole, caspofungin)] in human plasma. Sample preparation was based on protein precipitation with ice cold methanol. All five agents were analyzed with the corresponding isotopically labeled internal standards. All analytes were detected in multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) using API 4000 triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer with electrospray (ESI) source operating in positive mode. The calibration curves were linear over the selected ranges (r > 0.99). The method is precise and accurate with a total run time of 5.5 min. Accuracy of all target analytes ranged between 95.9-116.6%, measured with an imprecision of less than 10.8%. The lower limit of quantification was 1.25 mg/L for caspofungin, 0.3125 mg/L for isavuconazole, 3.125 mg/L for daptomycin, 0.075 mg/L for ciprofloxacin, and 0.1875 mg/L for moxifloxacin. The successful application of the method in patient samples proved its suitability for the medical surveillance of antimicrobial therapy in intensive care units as well as to other pharmacokinetic studies. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  11. Alpha channeling in a rotating plasma.

    PubMed

    Fetterman, Abraham J; Fisch, Nathaniel J

    2008-11-14

    The wave-particle alpha-channeling effect is generalized to include rotating plasma. Specifically, radio frequency waves can resonate with alpha particles in a mirror machine with ExB rotation to diffuse the alpha particles along constrained paths in phase space. Of major interest is that the alpha-particle energy, in addition to amplifying the rf waves, can directly enhance the rotation energy which in turn provides additional plasma confinement in centrifugal fusion reactors. An ancillary benefit is the rapid removal of alpha particles, which increases the fusion reactivity.

  12. Polarimetry with multiple mirror telescopes

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    West, S. C.

    1986-01-01

    The polarizations of multiple mirror telescopes are calculated using Mueller calculus. It is found that the Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT) produces a constant depolarization that is a function of wavelength and independent of sky position. The efficiency and crosstalk are modeled and experimentally verified. The two- and four-mirror new generation telescopes are found to produce sinusoidal depolarization for which an accurate interpretation of the incident Stokes vector requires inverse matrix calculations. Finally, the depolarization of f/1 paraboloids is calculated and found to be less than 0.1 percent at 3000 A.

  13. Ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry vs. commercial immunoassay for determination of vancomycin plasma concentration in children. Possible implications for everyday clinical practice.

    PubMed

    Barco, Sebastiano; Castagnola, Elio; Gennai, Iulian; Barbagallo, Laura; Loy, Anna; Tripodi, Gino; Cangemi, Giuliana

    2016-10-01

    Vancomycin therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is necessary for effective and safetherapy. The aim of the this paper was to develop a specific and robust ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for vancomycin quantification starting from low plasma volumes to be applied for the routine TDM in children. Samples from children receiving intravenous vancomycin were analysed using a TSQ Quantum Access MAX Triple Quadrupole system coupled with an Accela 1250 UHPLC system after a rapid protein precipitation. Gradient separation chromatography was carried out using a Hypersil GOLD aQ C18 column (50 × 2.1 mm, particle size 1.9 μm). Method performance was validated following international guidelines. UHPLC-MS/MS allowed a rapid and specific quantification of vancomycin over the range 0.1-128 μg/mL from 50 μL of plasma with high reproducibility and accuracy in the absence of matrix effect. The comparison with the commercial immunoassay performed on 138 samples demonstrated the presence of a proportional bias. The concentrations of vancomycin measured with immunoassay were found to be 4.5% (95% CI: 1.3-7.7) higher than those determined with UHPLC-MS/MS. Importantly, a clinical discordance was found in about 10% of samples analysed. This new UHPLC-MS/MS method is accurate and specific for the measurement of vancomycin starting from small (50 μL) plasma volumes. The use of UHPLC-MS/MS is recommended to prevent a misclassification of therapeutic or toxic vancomycin levels in paediatrics.

  14. A simple, rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of dienogest in human plasma and its pharmacokinetic applications under fasting.

    PubMed

    Pallapothu, Leela Mohan Kumar; Batta, Neelima; Pigili, Ravi Kumar; Yejella, Rajendra Prasad

    2015-02-01

    A simple, rapid and sensitive analytical method using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) detection with positive ion electrospray ionization was developed for the determination of dienogest in human K2 EDTA plasma using levonorgestrel d6 as an internal standard (IS). Dienogest and IS were extracted from human plasma using simple liquid-liquid extraction. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Zorbax XDB-Phenyl column (4.6 × 75 mm, 3.5 µm) under isocratic conditions using acetonitrile-5 mm ammonium acetate (70:30, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.60 mL/min. The protonated precursor to product ion transitions monitored for dienogest and IS were at m/z 312.30 → 135.30 and 319.00 → 251.30, respectively. The method was validated with a linearity range of 1.003-200.896 ng/mL having a total analysis time for each chromatograph of 3.0 min. The method has shown tremendous reproducibility with intra- and inter-day precision (coefficient of variation) <3.97 and 6.10%, respectively, and accuracy within ±4.0% of nominal values. The validated method was applied to a pharmacokinetic study in human plasma samples generated after administration of a single oral dose of 2.0 mg dienogest tablets to healthy female volunteers and was proved to be highly reliable for the analysis of clinical samples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  15. Analysis of nifedipine in human plasma and amniotic fluid by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and its application to clinical pharmacokinetics in hypertensive pregnant women.

    PubMed

    Filgueira, Gabriela Campos de Oliveira; Filgueira, Osmany Alberto Silva; Carvalho, Daniela Miarelli; Marques, Maria Paula; Moisés, Elaine Christine Dantas; Duarte, Geraldo; Lanchote, Vera Lucia; Cavalli, Ricardo Carvalho

    2015-07-01

    Nifedipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker used for the treatment of hypertension in pregnant women. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for analysis of nifedipine in human plasma and amniotic fluid. Separation of nifedipine and nitrendipine (IS) was performed using a LiChroCART(®) RP-Select B column and a mixture of water:acetonitrile:glacial acetic acid (30:70:0.5 v/v) as the mobile phase. Aliquots of 500μL of biological samples were extracted at pH 13 using dichloromethane:n-pentane (3:7 v/v). The validated method was applied to a study of the pharmacokinetics of nifedipine in human plasma and amniotic fluid samples collected up to 12h after administration of the last slow-release nifedipine (20mg/12h) dose to 12 hypertensive pregnant women. The estimated pharmacokinetic parameters of nifedipine showed a mean AUC(0-12) of 250.2ngh/mL, ClT/F of 89.2L/h, Vd/F of 600.0L and t1/2 5.1h. The mean amniotic fluid/plasma concentration ratio was 0.05. The methods proved to be highly sensitive by showing a lower quantification limit of 0.1ng/mL for both matrices. And this study reports for the first time the complete development and validation of the method to quantify nifedipine in amniotic fluid using LC-MS-MS. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Novel unimorph deformable mirror for space applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Verpoort, Sven; Rausch, Peter; Wittrock, Ulrich

    2017-11-01

    We have developed a new type of unimorph deformable mirror, designed to correct for low-order Zernike modes. The mirror has a clear optical aperture of 50 mm combined with large peak-to-valley Zernike amplitudes of up to 35 μm. Newly developed fabrication processes allow the use of prefabricated super-polished and coated glass substrates. The mirror's unique features suggest the use in several astronomical applications like the precompensation of atmospheric aberrations seen by laser beacons and the use in woofer-tweeter systems. Additionally, the design enables an efficient correction of the inevitable wavefront error imposed by the floppy structure of primary mirrors in future large space-based telescopes. We have modeled the mirror by using analytical as well as finite element models. We will present design, key features and manufacturing steps of the deformable mirror.

  17. Light-weight spherical mirrors for Cherenkov detectors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cisbani, E.; Colilli, S.; Crateri, R.; Cusanno, F.; Fratoni, R.; Frullani, S.; Garibaldi, F.; Giuliani, F.; Gricia, M.; Iodice, M.; Iommi, R.; Lucentini, M.; Mostarda, A.; Pierangeli, L.; Santavenere, F.; Urciuoli, G. M.; De Leo, R.; Lagamba, L.; Nappi, E.; Braem, A.; Vernin, P.

    2003-01-01

    Light-weight spherical mirrors have been appositely designed and built for the gas threshold Cherenkov detectors of the two Hall A spectrometers. The mirrors are made of a 1 mm thick aluminized plexiglass sheet, reinforced by a rigid backing consisting of a phenolic honeycomb sandwiched between two carbon fiber mats epoxy glued. The produced mirrors have a thickness equivalent to 0.55% of radiation length, and an optical slope error of about 5.5 mrad. These characteristics make these mirrors suitable for the implementation in Cherenkov threshold detectors. Ways to improve the mirror features are also discussed in view of their possible employment in RICH detectors.

  18. Magnetosheath-ionspheric plasma interactions in the cusp/cleft. 2: Mesoscale particle simulations

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Winglee, R. M.; Menietti, J. D.; Lin, C. S.

    1993-01-01

    Ionospheric plasma flowing out from the cusp can be an important source of plasma to the magnetosphere. One source of free energy that can drive this outflow is the injection of magnetosheath plasma into the cusp. Two-dimensional (three velocity) mesoscale particle simulations are used to investigate the particle dynamics in the cusp during southward interplanetary magnetic field. This mesoscale model self-consistently incorporates (1) global influences such as the convection of plasma across the cusp, the action of the mirror force, and the injection of the magnetosheath plasma, and (2) wave-particle interactions which produce the actual coupling between the magnetosheath and ionospheric plasmas. It is shown that, because the thermal speed of the electrons is higher than the bulk motion of the magnetosheath plasma, an upward current is formed on the equatorward edge of the injection region with return currents on either side. However, the poleward return currents are the stronger due to the convection and mirroring of many of the magnetosheath electrons. The electron distribution in this latter region evolves from upward directed streams to single-sided loss cones or possibly electron conics. The ion distribution also shows a variety of distinct features that are produced by spatial and/or temporal effects associated with varying convection patterns and wave-particle interactions. On the equatorward edge the distribution has a downflowing magnetosheath component and an upflowing cold ionospheric component due to continuous convection of ionospheric plasma into the region. In the center of the magnetosheath region, heating from the development of an ion-ion streaming instability causes the suppression of the cold ionospheric component and the formation of downward ionospheric streams. Further poleward there is velocity filtering of ions with low pitch angles, so that the magnetosheath ions develop a ring-beam distribution and the ensuing wave instabilities generate

  19. Determination of ketamine and its major metabolite, norketamine, in urine and plasma samples using microextraction by packed sorbent and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Moreno, Ivo; Barroso, Mário; Martinho, Ana; Cruz, Angelines; Gallardo, Eugenia

    2015-11-01

    Ketamine is a club drug widely abused for its hallucinogenic effects, being also used as a "date-rape" drug in recent years. We have developed an analytical method using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) for the identification and quantification of ketamine and its major metabolite in urine and plasma. No derivatization step is needed to accomplish analysis. The compounds were extracted from 0.25mL of sample using microextraction by packed sorbent on mixed mode (M1) cartridges. Calibration curves were linear in the range of 10-250ng/mL for urine and 10-500ng/mL for plasma, with determination coefficients higher than 0.99. The limit of detection (LOD) was 5ng/mL for both compounds in both specimens. Recoveries ranged from 63 to 101%, while precision and accuracy were below 14% and 15%, respectively. These low limits of detection and the quite high recoveries obtained, in very low sample amounts, allow detecting small quantities of the compounds, making this procedure suitable for those laboratories performing routine analysis in the field of forensic toxicology. Compared with existing methods, the herein described procedure is fast, since no derivatization step is required, and cost effective for the quantification of ketamine and norketamine in biological specimens by gas chromatography. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Optimization of a mirror-based neutron source using differential evolution algorithm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yurov, D. V.; Prikhodko, V. V.

    2016-12-01

    This study is dedicated to the assessment of capabilities of gas-dynamic trap (GDT) and gas-dynamic multiple-mirror trap (GDMT) as potential neutron sources for subcritical hybrids. In mathematical terms the problem of the study has been formulated as determining the global maximum of fusion gain (Q pl), the latter represented as a function of trap parameters. A differential evolution method has been applied to perform the search. Considered in all calculations has been a configuration of the neutron source with 20 m long distance between the mirrors and 100 MW heating power. It is important to mention that the numerical study has also taken into account a number of constraints on plasma characteristics so as to provide physical credibility of searched-for trap configurations. According to the results obtained the traps considered have demonstrated fusion gain up to 0.2, depending on the constraints applied. This enables them to be used either as neutron sources within subcritical reactors for minor actinides incineration or as material-testing facilities.