Limited Formation of CO through Strong-Field Ionization and Coulomb Explosion of Formic Acid Clusters.

Femtosecond laser pulses are utilized to drive multiple ionization in gas-phase formic acid clusters (FA). Experimental measurements of the kinetic energy release (KER) of the ions through Coulomb explosion are studied using time-of-flight mass spectrometry and compared to the values recorded from molecules. Upon interacting with 200 fs linearly polarized laser pulses of 400 nm, formic acid clusters facilitate the formation of higher charge states than the formic acid dimer, reaching both C and O and also increasing the KER values to several hundred electronvolts in magnitude for such ions.

Production of Metastable CO through the Strong-Field Ionization and Coulomb Explosion of Formic Acid Dimer.

Femtosecond laser pulses are utilized to drive multiple ionization of formic acid dimers and the resulting ions are studied using time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The interaction of formic acid dimer with 200 fs linearly polarized laser pulses of 400 nm with intensities of up to 3.7 × 10 W/cm produces a metastable carbon monoxide trication.

Osteolytic mass bridging two cervical vertebrae: Unusual presentation of a vertebral body hemangioma.

Vertebral hemangioma is the most common spinal axis tumor. This rare presentation of a vertebral hemangioma extended contiguously from one cervical vertebra to another, encasing the vertebral artery, and thereby mimicking other tumors of the spine. We discuss the differential diagnosis of bridging vertebral masses.

Dealing with innovation and costs in orthopedics: a conversation with Dane Miller. Interview by Lawton R Burns.

Rob Burns talks with Dane Miller, former CEO of Biomet, about challenges posed by new technology in the orthopedic devices area. One key challenge is the rising cost and use of orthopedic devices at a time when providers are facing decreased profitability and reimbursement for orthopedic services. Another challenge is the long-term time horizon needed to gauge product success that contrasts with payers' and providers' short-term horizon.