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Biomedical subjects

J Myatt

Publications and source records attributed to J Myatt.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

Multibeam effects on fast-electron generation from two-plasmon-decay instability.

Experiments with multiple laser beams have been carried out in both spherical and planar geometry to study two-plasmon-decay instability, the predominant source of suprathermal electrons in direct-drive inertial confinement fusion experiments. These electrons are observed using the hard x rays generated through electron-target interactions. The experiments show for the first time that the total overlapped intensity governs the scaling of the suprathermal-electron generation regardless of the number of overlapped beams, in contrast to conventional theories that are based on the single-beam approximation.

Journal Article↗

Nonlinear propagation of a randomized laser beam through an expanding plasma.

We present simulations of the interaction of a random phase plate laser beam with an underdense, expanding plasma for conditions typical of recent LULI experiments. We use a new code that describes the paraxial propagation of the laser, accounting for the nonlinear evolution of the plasma in an isothermal fluid description with weakly collisional electrons. The transmitted light, in excellent agreement with experiment, is shown to be strongly redshifted as a result of self-phase modulation due to self-focusing.

Journal Article↗

Microbiology of the oil fly, Helaeomyia petrolei.

Helaeomyia petrolei larvae isolated from the asphalt seeps of Rancho La Brea in Los Angeles, Calif., were examined for microbial gut contents. Standard counts on Luria-Bertani, MacConkey, and blood agar plates indicated ca. 2 x 10(5) heterotrophic bacteria per larva. The culturable bacteria represented 15 to 20% of the total population as determined by acridine orange staining. The gut itself contained large amounts of the oil, had no observable ceca, and maintained a slightly acidic pH of 6.3 to 6.5. Despite the ingestion of large amounts of potentially toxic asphalt by the larvae, their guts sustained the growth of 100 to 1,000 times more bacteria than did free oil. All of the bacteria isolated were nonsporeformers and gram negative. Fourteen isolates were chosen based on representative colony morphologies and were identified by using the Enterotube II and API 20E systems and fatty acid analysis. Of the 14 isolates, 9 were identified as Providencia rettgeri and 3 were likely Acinetobacter isolates. No evidence was found that the isolates grew on or derived nutrients from the asphalt itself or that they played an essential role in insect development. Regardless, any bacteria found in the oil fly larval gut are likely to exhibit pronounced solvent tolerance and may be a future source of industrially useful, solvent-tolerant enzymes.

Animals↗

Transcervical endometrial resection syndrome.

During transcervical endometrial resection the uterine cavity is irrigated under pressure with 1.5% glycine solution. This solution may be absorbed, with consequent fluid and electrolyte shifts. Plasma sodium concentration was analysed in 21 women undergoing transcervical endometrial resection and decreased in every case. In five cases this decrease was > 10 mmol.l-1. Hyponatraemia is a potential risk with this procedure.

Adult↗

X-ray effects on pacemaker type circuits.

Queries have been raised concerning the potential hazards of X-ray irradiation on patients using the new generation of heart pacemakers based on digital circuitry. The present study was undertaken to provide some answers to these queries. The work was conducted in two parts. First, a literature search was done and, second, circuits using current "state of the art" digital technology were irradiated with X-rays. Watch circuits were chosen because of their availability and built-in facilities by which their function could be tested. Doses up to 330 rads were administered to them using energies of 46, 114, and 141 KeV. The conclusion drawn from both parts of the study was that X-rays used for diagnostic purposes were unlikely to affect the performance of this type of circuit in any way. It was accepted that for therapeutic purposes doses far in excess of this are administered and circuit malfunctions are likely to occur. To assess the probability of a digital pacemaker malfunctioning, samples of that particular type would have to be irradiated at the relevant dose.

Computers↗