Enhanced single-stage laser-driven electron acceleration by self-controlled ionization injection.

We report on overall enhancement of a single-stage laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA) using the ionization injection in a mixture of 0.3% nitrogen gas in 99.7% helium gas. Upon the interaction of 30-TW, 30-fs laser pulses with a gas jet of the above gas mixture, >300 MeV electron beams were generated at a helium plasma densities of 3.3-8.5 × 10(18) cm(-3). Compared with the uncontrolled electron self-injection in pure helium gas jet, the ionization injection process due to the presence of ultra-low nitrogen concentrations appears to be self-controlled; it has led to the generation of electron beams with higher energies, higher charge, lower density threshold for trapping, and a narrower energy spread without dark current (low energy electrons) or multiple bunches. It is foreseen that further optimization of such a scheme is expected to bring the electron beam energy-spread down to 1%, making them suitable for driving ultra-compact free-electron lasers.

Competitive adsorption of CO2, N2, and CH4 in coal-derived asphaltenes, a computational study.

Greenhouse gases are major contributors to global warming, and their concentration is increasing due to the widespread use of fossil fuels. Coal bed methane (CBM) offers a potential solution to this issue. However, the gas adsorption mechanisms of CBM, particularly in the context of coal-derived asphaltenes, are not fully understood. This study provides a comprehensive theoretical investigation of the competitive adsorption of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), methane (CH 4 ), and nitrogen (N 2 ) in the processes of CO 2 - and N 2 -enhanced coalbed methane recovery, with a focus on coal-derived asphaltenes functionalized with CH 4 , NH, O, and S groups. Using the Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation method and performing Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, we studied the adsorption process. To investigate the electronic effects and nature of the interactions, we performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The adsorption energy values and non-covalent interactions (NCI) for the adsorption of gases signify the physical adsorption (van der Waals interaction), with CO 2 exhibiting the highest (absolute) adsorption energy. The Monte Carlo results indicated that elevated temperatures led to a reduction in adsorption capacity. Coal-derived asphaltenes demonstrated greater selectivity for CO 2 compared to CH 4 and N 2 in competitive adsorption, especially at elevated temperatures. Our findings highlight the significant potential of our asphaltene model, not only in mitigating CO 2 greenhouse gas emissions but also in recovering CH 4 , which is a valuable resource.

Multi-millijoule terahertz emission from laser-wakefield-accelerated electrons.

High-power terahertz radiation was observed to be emitted from a gas jet irradiated by 100-terawatt-class laser pulses in the laser-wakefield acceleration of electrons. The emitted terahertz radiation was characterized in terms of its spectrum, polarization, and energy dependence on the accompanying electron bunch energy and charge under various gas target conditions. With a nitrogen target, more than 4 mJ of energy was produced at <10 THz with a laser-to-terahertz conversion efficiency of ~0.15%. Such strong terahertz radiation is hypothesized to be produced from plasma electrons accelerated by the ponderomotive force of the laser and the plasma wakefields on the time scale of the laser pulse duration and plasma period. This model is examined with analytic calculations and particle-in-cell simulations to better understand the generation mechanism of high-energy terahertz radiation in laser-wakefield acceleration.

Cataract Grading in Pure Senile Cataracts: Pentacam versus LOCS III.

Purpose: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of Pentacam Cataract Grading Scale (PCGS) versus the Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS III) in scaling pure age-related cataract. Methods: Between April 2016 and May 2017, eyes of 281 patients were evaluated for grading of lens opacity. We used LOCS III and PCGS. Patients with pure age-related cataract with no previous history of eye surgery, eye trauma, or chronic systemic disease between 50 and 95 years of age were included. The examination of the patients was done, using slit lamp and LOCS III grading chart. The second examination was done a week later, using Oculus Pentacam. Next, we graded them using a PNS grading score. Spearman's rank correlation and a Bland-Altman Plot were implemented for analysis using MedCalc 14. 8.1. P < O.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Three hundred eyes were examined. Of them, 189 patients were male, and patients between 70 to 80 years old were the most common group. The correlation between grades of two methods was 0.47 (P < 0.001). Results of the Bland-Altman plot showed a moderate alignment between the two methods. Conclusion: The association between LOCSIII and PCGS is not so favorable, however, it is an economical and effective method to assess lens opacities is LOCSIII. PCGS can be used in early diagnosis. For a definitive diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic intervention, an ophthalmological examination is needed.

Optical synchronization technique for all-optical Compton scattering.

In all-optical Compton scattering driven by a multi-petawatt laser, it is critical to have accurate spatiotemporal synchronization between the ultrarelativistic electron bunch and the ultrahigh-intensity laser beam. Such a synchronization was realized by using two complementary optical setups. The first setup, used for the initial synchronization, recorded the spatial interferogram between the two femtosecond lasers used for a GeV electron beam production and an ultrahigh scattering laser beam. The second one, consisting of spatial and spectral interferometers, measured the time delay between the two laser beams in the range of 0-200 fs in real time. These monitoring systems played an essential role in conducting Compton scattering experiments.

Pulmonary Function Testing in Cement Transport Workers at Incheh Borun Border, Northeast of Iran.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate respiratory problems via pulmonary function testing in cement transport workers at Incheh Borun border in northeast of Iran in 2016. METHODS: The study was conducted on 358 male workers. All subjects were evaluated for respiratory symptoms via pulmonary function testing and completion of the American Thoracic Society questionnaire. RESULTS: Mean age of workers was 34.8±12.87 yr (age range 16-79 yr). Mean duration of employment was 6.1±4.36 yr. Most workers (75.4%) were illiterate or had elementary education. In addition, 56 (15.6%) subjects were smokers. Only three individuals (0.3%) had obstructive pattern. There was a significant relationship between age of workers and frequency of respiratory problems (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: It is necessary to educate the workers about the health and safety regulations and use of personal protective equipment in workplace. In addition, periodic evaluation of respiratory function could help protect workers from developing occupational diseases.

Enhanced electron yield from laser-driven wakefield acceleration in high-Z gas jets.

An investigation of the electron beam yield (charge) form helium, nitrogen, and neon gas jet plasmas in a typical laser-plasma wakefield acceleration experiment is carried out. The charge measurement is made by imaging the electron beam intensity profile on a fluorescent screen into a charge coupled device which was cross-calibrated with an integrated current transformer. The dependence of electron beam charge on the laser and plasma conditions for the aforementioned gases are studied. We found that laser-driven wakefield acceleration in low Z-gas jet targets usually generates high-quality and well-collimated electron beams with modest yields at the level of 10-100 pC. On the other hand, filamentary electron beams which are observed from high-Z gases at higher densities reached much higher yields. Evidences for cluster formation were clearly observed in the nitrogen gas jet target, where we received the highest electron beam charge of ∼1.7 nC. Those intense electron beams will be beneficial for the applications on the generation of bright X-rays, gamma rays radiations, and energetic positrons via the bremsstrahlung or inverse-scattering processes.

In vitro antileishmanial activity of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Eucalyptus camaldulensis against Leishmania major.

Pentavalent antimony compounds are expensive, toxic and drug resistance is prevalent, whereas the plant extract derivatives are safe. In the present study, the effect of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Eucalyptus camaldulensis on the promastigotes of Leishmania major was evaluated. The methanolic and aqueous extracts of E. camaldulensis leaves were prepared. The compounds were dried and powdered. Serial dilutions of the extracts and control drugs in phosphate buffer solution were prepared. The stationary phase promastigotes of L. major were incubated to the methanolic and aqueous extractions in vitro. Tartar emetic was used as the positive control drug. After 72 h of incubation the activity of the extracts was measured, using MTT method. The IC50 values (50 % inhibitory concentration) were 586.2 ± 47.6 and 1,108.6 ± 51.9 µg/ml for methanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively, whereas it was 32.5 ± 6.8 µg/ml for tartar emetic. The results indicated that the methanolic extract was more effective than aqueous extract, although there was no significant difference. The extracts were less effective as compared to the control drug. Further investigation is required to evaluate these extracts on clinical stage in macrophage-amastigote model.

Adsorption of an azo dye in an aqueous solution using hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB).

This paper reports an investigation into the effect of a number of operating factors on the removal of Acid Blue 92 (AB92) from an aqueous solution using hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) as an adsorbent. The optimum values of adsorbent dose and pH were found to be 35mgL(-1) and 6, respectively. Temperature showed a significant effect, with maximum dye removal being observed at 45°C. Stirring the solution during the treatment process resulted in significant removal improvement. The Langmuir adsorption model was used to quantify the amount of AB92 adsorbed on the surface of HTPB. FT-IR spectrometry results for HTPB, AB92, and HTPB-AB92 verified the efficiency of the treatment. Further, the adsorbent was characterized using SEM and H NMR techniques.