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Performance Characteristics (performance + characteristic)
Selected AbstractsPerformance Characteristics of Nanoporous Carbon Membranes for Protein UltrafiltrationBIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 5 2007Tapan N. Shah Nanoporous carbon membranes could be very attractive for applications of ultrafiltration in the biotechnology industry because of their greater mechanical strength and longer membrane life. The objective of this study was to obtain quantitative data on the performance characteristics of nanoporous carbon membranes formed within a stainless steel support that was first modified by deposition of silica particles within the macroporous support. The nanoporous carbon membrane effectively removed small solutes from a protein solution using diafiltration, with performance comparable to that of commercial polymeric membranes. Protein fouling was evident, although the nanoporous carbon membranes were easily regenerated; cleaning with 0.5 N NaOH at 50 °C completely restored the water permeability for multiple cycles. The nanoporous carbon membranes were also compatible with steam sterilization. Significant increases in process flux could be obtained using periodic back-pulsing, with no evidence of any structural alterations in the membrane. These results clearly demonstrate the potential benefits and opportunities for using nanoporous carbon membranes for protein ultrafiltration. [source] Electrochemical Sensor with Record Performance Characteristics.CHEMINFORM, Issue 49 2007Arkady A. Karyakin Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF. [source] Label-Free and Label Based Electrochemical Detection of Hybridization by Using Methylene Blue and Peptide Nucleic Acid Probes at Chitosan Modified Carbon Paste ElectrodesELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 24 2002Pinar Kara Abstract A chitosan modified carbon paste electrode (ChiCPE) based DNA biosensor for the recognition of calf thymus double stranded DNA (dsDNA), single stranded DNA (ssDNA) and hybridization detection between complementary DNA oligonucleotides is presented. DNA and oligonucleotides were electrostatically attached by using chitosan onto CPE. The amino groups of chitosan formed a strong complex with the phosphate backbone of DNA. The immobilized probe could selectively hybridize with the target DNA to form hybrid on the CPE surface. The detection of hybridization was observed by using the label-free and label based protocols. The oxidation signals of guanine and adenine greatly decreased when a hybrid was formed on the ChiCPE surface. The changes in the peak currents of methylene blue (MB), an electroactive label, were observed upon hybridization of probe with target. The signals of MB were investigated at dsDNA modified ChiCPE and ssDNA modified ChiCPE and the increased peak currents were observed, in respect to the order of electrodes. The hybridization of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes with the DNA target sequences at ChiCPE was also investigated. Performance characteristics of the sensor were described, along with future prospects. [source] Energy consideration for designing supercharged ram jet enginesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 2 2008Amro M. Al-QutubArticle first published online: 20 JUN 200 Abstract The present work investigates the energy considerations and performance characteristics of a newly proposed supercharged ram jet engine. Thermodynamics and fluid mechanics analyses were developed to predict specific thrust, thrust-specific fuel consumption (TSFC), overall efficiency, and thrust-to-weight ratio of the engine. Compressor pressure ratio and efficiency, combustor temperature, and pressure losses in the burner and nozzle are considered as primary variables in the engine performance analysis. Performance characteristics are calculated to illustrate the effect of each parameter independently at different flight speeds. This is done while maintaining other parameters at given typical operating values. A computer program was developed to perform the iterative calculations. Results indicate that the compressor pressure ratio and the combustion product temperature are the most critical parameters in determining the performance of the engine. At compressor pressure ratio of 1.15,1.2, the typical static thrust-to-weight ratio is at maximum. Increasing combustion product temperature increases the thrust-to-weight ratio as well as TSFC. Finally, newly developed high power-to-weight ratio IC engine makes it possible for the supercharged ram jet engine to achieve high performance, in terms of thrust-to-weight ratio and TSFC. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Performance characteristics and modelling of a micro gas turbine for their integration with thermally activated cooling technologiesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 2 2007Adrián Vidal Abstract We have developed a simple model of a micro gas turbine system operating at high ambient temperatures and characterized its performance with a view to integrating this system with thermally activated cooling technologies. To develop and validate this model, we used experimental data from the micro gas turbine test facility of the CREVER research centre. The microturbine components were modelled and the thermodynamic properties of air and combustion gases were estimated using a commercial process simulator. Important information such as net output power, microturbine fuel consumption and exhaust gas mass flow rate can be obtained with the empirical correlations we have developed in this study. This information can be useful for design exhaust gas fired absorption chillers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Performance characteristics of a magnetic Stirling cooler,INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 3 2002Feng Wu Abstract The quantum mechanics model of a magnetic Stirling cooler is established. The optimal relation between the cooling load and the coefficient of performance (COP) is obtained. The maximum cooling load and corresponding COP as well as the maximum COP and the corresponding cooling load are derived. The optimization criteria for a magnetic Stirling cooler are determined. The results obtained here will be useful for the further understanding and the selection of the optimal operating conditions for a magnetic Stirling cooler. Published in 2002 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] S100A8/A9: A Potential New Diagnostic Aid for Acute AppendicitisACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 3 2010John F. Bealer MD Abstract Objectives:, Diagnosing acute appendicitis is a daunting clinical challenge, as there is no single test that reliably distinguishes acute appendicitis from other etiologies of acute abdominal pain. In this study, the authors examined whether circulating levels of S100A8/A9 could be useful as a marker to aid in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Methods:, Plasma samples from emergency department (ED) patients with acute abdominal pain (n = 181) were tested using an immunoassay for S100A8/A9. Results:, The sensitivity and specificity for S100A8/A9 in diagnosing acute appendicitis were estimated to be 93% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 81% to 97%) and 54% (95% CI = 45% to 62%), respectively. Negative predictive value (NPV) was 96% (95% CI = 89% to 99%), and positive predictive value (PPV) was 37% (95% CI = 28% to 47%). Performance characteristics of elevated white blood cell (WBC) count were also estimated: sensitivity 63% (95% CI = 47% to 76%), specificity 67% (95% CI = 59% to 75%), NPV 86% (95% CI = 78% to 91%), and PPV 36% (95% CI = 26% to 47%). Conclusions:, This is the first report exploring the relationship between circulating S100A8/A9 and acute appendicitis and establishes proof of concept for this biomarker as a diagnostic test for acute appendicitis. Further studies are indicated to optimize the use of this biomarker, in conjunction with other established approaches. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:333,336 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine [source] Performance characteristics of cholesterol oxidase for kinetic determination of total cholesterolJOURNAL OF CLINICAL LABORATORY ANALYSIS, Issue 6 2005Pornpen Srisawasdi Abstract The enzymatic method for cholesterol determination can use either an endpoint or a kinetic method. Not much is known concerning the properties (Km and Vmax) of the commercial enzyme for the kinetic method. We measured the Km and Vmax of Brevibacterium, Streptomyces, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Cellulomonas cholesterol oxidase. Brevibacterium gave the highest Km value (230.3×10,4,M), followed by Streptomyces (2.17×10,4,M), Cellulomonas (0.84×10,4,M), and Pseudomonas (0.61×10,4,M). The Km values and the linearity obtained from Streptomyces (2.6,mmol/L), Pseudomonas (2.1,mmol/L), or Cellulomonas (2.1,mmol/L) were too low. Dichlorophenol isomers, acting as inhibitors, increased the enzyme's Km. The addition of 3,4-dichlorophenol raised the Km of Streptomyces from 2.17×10,4 to 24.89×10,4,M. The linearity was increased from 2.6 to 13.0,mmol/L. The high Km of Brevibacterium resulted in an insensitive reaction and low cholesterol linearity (7.8,mmol/L). An increase in the sample-to-reagent ratio from 1:100 to 1:10 enhanced the reaction rate and the linearity from 7.8 to 20.7,mmol/L. We suggest that Brevibacterium and Streptomyces cholesterol oxidase (with the addition of 3,4 dichlorophenol) are good sources for serum cholesterol determination by the kinetic method. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 19:247,252, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Performance characteristics according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC in the fluorimetric determination of tetracycline in the absence and in the presence of magnesiumLUMINESCENCE: THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL LUMINESCENCE, Issue 6 2007Noelia Rodríguez Abstract The fluorimetric determination of tetracycline is usually carried out in the presence of some metals that, through the formation of a complex with this antibiotic, enhance its fluorescence emission, giving more sensitive determination methods. It is well established that magnesium is one of these metals. However, it is possible that higher signals do not mean a real improvement in the quality of the analytical method. In this work, the univariate and multivariate fluorescence determination of tetracycline is performed in the presence and absence of Mg2+, comparing the quality of the analyses through some performance characteristics that, according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC define the functional qualities of analytical methods. The methods with the best performance characteristics were multivariate determinations carried out in the absence of Mg2+, both when emission or excitation spectra were taken, the decision limits (CC,) being 13.1 and 20.1 µg/L and the detection capabilities (CC,) 25.3 and 38.5 µg/L, respectively. This study points out through a case study that higher analytical signals do not necessarily mean better performance characteristics of a method of analysis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Dynamic drift-diffusion simulation of InP/InGaAs SAGCM APDPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 5 2007Y. G. Xiao Abstract In this work, based on the advanced drift and diffusion model with commercial software, the Crosslight APSYS, InP/InGaAs separate absorption, grading, charge and multiplication APDs for high bit-rate operation have been modeled. Basic physical quantities such as band diagram, optical absorption and generation are calculated. Performance characteristics such as dark- and photo-current, photoresponsivity, multiplication gain, breakdown voltage, excess noise, frequency response and bandwidth etc., are simulated. The modeling results are selectively presented, analyzed, and some results are compared with experiments. Device design optimization issues are further discussed with respect to the applicable features of the Crosslight APSYS within the framework of the drift-diffusion theory. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Robust design of communication systems: The case of expedited forwarding of voice traffic in differentiated services networksINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, Issue 10 2007Hyoup-Sang Yoon Abstract Design of experiments (DOE) is gaining acceptance in the community of telecommunication researchers, especially during the past several years. In this paper, a state-of-the-art review on the use of DOE in the field of communication networks is presented, and the need for introducing a systematic robust design methodology to network simulations or testbed experiments is identified in ensuring robust behaviours of a network against uncontrollable sources of variation. Then, the Taguchi robust design methodology is applied for optimizing the expedited forwarding (EF) of voice traffic in a differentiated services network, and its step-by-step procedures are described in detail. The experimental data are collected using the ns-2 simulator, and the SN ratio, a robustness measure, is analysed to determine an optimal design condition for each performance characteristic. The analysis results show that ,type of queue scheduling schemes' is a major control factor for ensuring robust behaviours of one-way delay and jitter while ,EF queue size' is for throughput and loss rate. Finally, a compromised optimal design condition is identified using a desirability function approach adapted to multi-characteristic robust design problems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Empirical evaluation of receiver-based TCP delay control in CDMA2000 networksINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, Issue 8 2007Oh-keun Kwon Abstract Wide-area broadband wireless technologies such as CDMA2000 often suffer from variable transfer rate and long latency. In particular, TCP window-based rate control causes excessive buffering at the base station because of the lower transfer rate of the wireless link than that of the wired backhaul link. This performance characteristic of TCP further increases the end-to-end delay, and additional resources are required at the base station. This paper presents a practical mechanism to control the end-to-end TCP delay for CDMA2000 networks (or other similar wireless technologies). The key idea is to reduce and stabilize RTT (round-trip time) by dynamically controlling the TCP advertised window size, based on a runtime measurement of the wireless channel condition at the mobile station. The proposed system has been implemented by modifying the Linux protocol stack. The experiment results, conducted on a commercial CDMA2000 1x network, show that the proposed scheme greatly reduces the TCP delay in non-congested networks, while not sacrificing the TCP throughput in congested networks. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Testing dispersion effects from general unreplicated fractional factorial designsQUALITY AND RELIABILITY ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2001P. C. Wang Abstract Continuous improvement of the quality of industrial products is an essential factor in modern-day manufacturing. The investigation of those factors that affect process mean and process dispersion (standard deviation) is an important step in such improvements. Most often, experiments are executed for such investigations. To detect mean factors, I use the usual analysis of variance on the experimental data. However, there is no unified method to identify dispersion factors. In recent years several methods have been proposed for identifying such factors with two levels. Multilevel factors, especially three-level factors, are common in industrial experiments, but we lack methods for identifying dispersion effects in multilevel factors. In this paper, I develop a method for identifying dispersion effects from general fractional factorial experiments. This method consists of two stages. The first stage involves the identification of mean factors using the performance characteristic as the response. The second stage involves the computation of a dispersion measure and the identification of dispersion factors using the dispersion measure as the response. The sequence for identifying dispersion factors is first to test the significance of the total dispersion effect of a factor, then to test the dispersion contrasts of interest, which is a method similar to the typical post hoc testing procedure in the ANOVA analysis. This familiar approach should be appealing to practitioners. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Real-Time OD Estimation Using Automatic Vehicle Identification and Traffic Count DataCOMPUTER-AIDED CIVIL AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING, Issue 1 2002Michael P. Dixon A key input to many advanced traffic management operations strategies are origin,destination (OD) matricies. In order to examine the possibility of estimating OD matricies in real-time, two constrained OD estimators, based on generalized least squares and Kalman filtering, were developed and tested. A one-at-a-time processing method was introduced to provide an efficient organized framework for incorporating observations from multiple data sources in real-time. The estimators were tested under different conditions based on the type of prior OD information available, the type of assignment available, and the type of link volume model used. The performance of the Kalman filter estimators also was compared to that of the generalized least squares estimator to provide insight regarding their performance characteristics relative to one another for given scenarios. Automatic vehicle identification (AVI) tag counts were used so that observed and estimated OD parameters could be compared. While the approach was motivated using AVI data, the methodology can be generalized to any situation where traffic counts are available and origin volumes can be estimated reliably. The primary means by which AVI data was utilized was through the incorporation of prior observed OD information as measurements, the inclusion of a deterministic link volume component that makes use of OD data extracted from the latest time interval from which all trips have been completed, and through the use of link choice proportions estimated based on link travel time data. It was found that utilizing prior observed OD data along with link counts improves estimator accuracy relative to OD estimation based exclusively on link counts. [source] Performance analysis of a semantics-enabled service registryCONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 3 2008W. Fang Abstract Service discovery is a critical task in service-oriented architectures. In this paper, we study GRIMOIRES, the semantics-enabled service registry of the OMII software distribution, from a performance perspective. We study the scalability of GRIMOIRES against the amount of information that has been published into it. The methodology we use and the data we present are helpful for researchers to understand the performance characteristics of the registry and, more generally, of semantics-enabled service discovery. Based on this experimentation, we claim that GRIMOIRES is an efficient semantics-aware service discovery engine. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Middleware benchmarking: approaches, results, experiences,CONCURRENCY AND COMPUTATION: PRACTICE & EXPERIENCE, Issue 15 2005Paul Brebner Abstract The report summarizes the results of the Workshop on Middleware Benchmarking held during OOPSLA 2003. The goal of the workshop was to help advance the current practice of gathering performance characteristics of middleware implementations through benchmarking. The participants of the workshop have focused on identifying requirements of and obstacles to middleware benchmarking and forming a position on the related issues. Selected requirements and obstacles are presented, together with guidelines to adhere to when benchmarking, open issues of current practice, and perspectives on further research. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A CRITICAL LOOK AT PAP ADEQUECY: ARE OUR CRITERIA SATISFACTORY?CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 2006D.R. Bolick Liquid based Pap (LBP) specimen adequacy is a highly documented, yet poorly understood cornerstone of our GYN cytology practice. Each day, as cytology professionals, we make adequacy assessments and seldom wonder how the criteria we use were established. Are the criteria appropriate? Are they safe? What is the scientific data that support them? Were they clinically and statistically tested or refined to achieve optimal patient care? In this presentation, we will take a fresh look at what we know about Pap specimen adequacy and challenge some of the core assumptions of our daily practice. LBP tests have a consistent, well-defined surface area for screening, facilitating the quantitative estimates of slide cellularity. This provides an unprecedented opportunity to establish reproducible adequacy standards that can be subjected to scientific scrutiny and rigorous statistical analysis. Capitalizing on this opportunity, the TBS2001 took the landmark step to define specimen adequacy quantitatively, and set the threshold for a satisfactory LBP at greater than 5,000 well visualized squamous epithelial cells. To date, few published studies have attempted to evaluate the validity or receiver operator characteristics for this threshold, define an optimal threshold for clinical utility or assess risks of detection failure in ,satisfactory' but relatively hypocellular Pap specimens. Five years of cumulative adequacy and cellularity data of prospectively collected Pap samples from the author's laboratory will be presented, which will serve as a foundation for a discussion on ,Pap failure'. A relationship between cellularity and detection of HSIL will be presented. Risk levels for Pap failure will be presented for Pap samples of different cellularities. The effect of different cellularity criterion on unsatisfactory Pap rates and Pap failure rates will be demonstrated. Results from this data set raise serious questions as to the safety of current TBS2001 adequacy guidelines and suggest that the risk of Pap failure in specimens with 5,000 to 20 000 squamous cells on the slide is significantly higher than those assumed by the current criteria. TBS2001 designated all LBP to have the same adequacy criterion. Up to this point, it has been assumed that ThinPrep, SurePath, or any other LBP would be sufficiently similar that they should have the same adequacy criteria. Data for squamous cellularity and other performance characteristics of ThinPrep and SurePath from the author's laboratory will be compared. Intriguing data involving the recently approved MonoPrep Pap Test will be reviewed. MonoPrep clinical trial data show the unexpected finding of a strong correlation between abundance of endocervical component and the detection of high-grade lesions, provoking an inquiry of a potential new role for a quantitative assessment of the transition zone component. The current science of LBP adequacy criteria is underdeveloped and does not appear to be founded on statistically valid methods. This condition calls us forward as a body of practitioners and scientists to rigorously explore, clarify and define the fundamental nature of cytology adequacy. As we forge this emerging science, we will improve diagnostic performance, guide the development of future technologies, and better serve the patients who give us their trust. Reference:, Birdsong GG: Pap smear adequacy: Is our understanding satisfactory? Diagn Cytopathol. 2001 Feb; 24(2): 79,81. [source] Seismic behaviour of self-centring braced frame buildings with reusable hysteretic damping braceEARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS, Issue 10 2007Songye Zhu Abstract This paper presents the seismic behaviour of a concentrically braced frame system with self-centring capability, in which a special type of bracing element termed reusable hysteretic damping brace (RHDB) is used. The RHDB is a passive energy dissipation device with its core energy-dissipating component made of superelastic Nitinol wires. Compared with conventional bracing in steel structures, RHDB has a few prominent performance characteristics: damage free under frequent and design basis earthquakes in earthquake prone areas; minimal residual drifts due to the self-centring capability of RHDB frame; and ability to survive several strong earthquakes without the need for repair or replacement. This paper also includes a brief discussion of the RHDB's mechanical configuration and analytical model for RHDB. The seismic performance study of RHDB frame was carried out through a non-linear time history analysis of 3-storey and 6-storey RHDB frame buildings subjected to two suites of 20 earthquake ground motions. The analysis results were compared with buckling-restrained brace (BRB) frames. This study shows that RHDB frame has a potential to outperform BRB frames by eliminating the residual drift problem. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Flow-Through Assay of Quinine Using Solid Contact Potentiometric Sensors Based on Molecularly Imprinted PolymersELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 24 2009Ayman Abstract Miniaturized potentiometric membrane sensors for quinine incorporated with molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) were synthesized and implemented. Planar PVC based polymeric membrane sensors containing quinine-methacrylic and/or acrylic acid-ethylene glycol methacrylate were dispensed into anisotropically etched wells on polyimide wafers. The determination of quinine was carried out in acidic solution at pH,6, where positively charged species predominated prevalently. The suggested miniaturized planner sensors exhibited marked selectivity, sensitivity, long-term stability and reproducibility. At their optimum conditions, the sensors displayed wide concentration ranges of 4.0×10,6,1.0×10,2mol L,1 and 1.0×10,5,1.0×10,2 mol L,1 with slopes of about 61.3,55.7,mV decade,1; respectively. Sensors exhibit detection limits of 1.2×10,6 and 8.2×10,6 mol L,1 upon the use of methacrylic and acrylic acid monomers in the imprinted polymer, respectively. Validation of the assay method according to the quality assurance standards (range, within-day repeatability, between-day variability, standard deviation, accuracy, and good performance characteristics) which could assure good reliable novel sensors for quinine estimation was justified. Application of the proposed flow-through assay method for routine determination of quinine in soft drinks was assayed and the results compared favorably with data obtained by the standard fluorimetric method. [source] Structured Nucleic Acid Probes for Electrochemical DevicesELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 19 2009Rebeca Miranda-Castro Abstract The use of nucleic acid with a specific sequence and a highly ordered secondary structure such as hairpins, quadruplexes and pseudoknots as biological recognition elements and switches in biosensors is rapidly increasing because of their improved features (e.g. selectivity) when compared with the traditional linear probes. Owing to the novelty, a critical outlook of their characteristics and a compilation of the latest advances are lacking. This article describes the potential of those nucleic acids probes whose molecular recognition ability relies on a conformational change (e.g. folding/unfolding mechanism) in electrochemical sensing. It provides an overview of the toolbox of assays using these probes for genosensors and aptasensors, highlighting its performance characteristics and the prospects and challenges for biosensor design. [source] Current-Free Deposition of Prussian Blue with Organic Polymers: Towards Improved Stability and Mass Production of the Advanced Hydrogen Peroxide TransducerELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 3-5 2009Anastasiya Abstract We report on a novel approach for open-circuit (current-free) deposition of Prussian blue. Synthesis of Prussian blue is carried out by reduction of ferric ferricyanide with organic molecules, which are known to form polymers upon oxidation. The proposed interfacial deposition is a result of the synthesis in the presence of electrode support due to preconcentration of precursors at the interface. The resulting modified electrodes displayed the dramatically improved operational stability in hydrogen peroxide continuous monitoring with no loss of either electrochemical or analytical performance characteristics compared to electrodes with electrochemically deposited Prussian blue. The shown possibility to deposit stable films with regular structure in the absence of any external voltage could open new horizons for sensor science. [source] Novel Thorium Membrane Sensors with Anionic Response Based on Trioctylphosphine Oxide and Toluate IonophoresELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 19 2008Abstract Two novel potentiometric polymeric membrane sensors for rapid and accurate determination of thorium are described. These are based on the use of trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) and thorium toluate (Th-TA) as ionophores dispersed in poly(vinyl chloride) matrix membranes plasticized with nitrophenyloctyl ether. In strong nitric acid medium, Th(IV) nitrate is converted into [Th(NO3)6]2, complex and sensed as anionic divalent ion which exclude most cationic effect. Validation of the assay methods using the quality assurance standards (linearity range, accuracy, precision, within-day variability, between-day-repeatability, lower detection limit and sensitivity) reveals excellent performance characteristics of both sensors. The sensors exhibit near-Nernstian response for 1.0×10,6,1.0×10,1 M Th over the pH range 2.5,4.5. Calibration slopes of ,32.3±0.3 and ,27.2±0.2,mV/decade, precision of ±0.5 and ±0.8% and accuracy of 98.8±0.9 and 97.9±0.7% are obtained with TOPO and Th-TA based sensors, respectively. Negligible interferences are caused by most interfering mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexa-valent elements commonly associated with thorium in naturally occurring minerals and ores. High concentrations of Cl,, F,, SO42,, and NO3, ions have no diverse effect. Complete removal of the effect of the interferents in complex matrices is achieved by retention of [Th(NO3)6]2, complex from 5,M nitric acid/methanol mixture (1,:,9,v/v) on a strong anion exchanger, washing out the cationic interferents followed by stripping off thorium anion complex and measurements. Both sensors are used for determining thorium in certified thorium ore samples (20,120,mg Th/kg) and some naturally occurring ores (200,600,mg Th/kg). The results obtained agree fairly well with the certified labeled values or the data obtained using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry [source] Lead(II) Potentiometric Sensor Based on 1,4,8,11-Tetrathiacyclotetradecane Neutral Carrier and Lipophilic AdditivesELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 11 2008Mohamed Abstract A potentiometric sensor for lead(II) ions based on the use of 1,4,8,11-tetrathiacyclotetradecane (TTCTD) as a neutral ionophore and potassium tetrakis-(p -chlorophenyl)borate as a lipophilic additive in plasticized PVC membranes is developed. The sensor exhibits linear potentiometric response towards lead(II) ions over the concentration range of 1.0×10,5,1.0×10,2,mol L,1 with a Nernstian slope of 29.9,mV decade,1 and a lower limit of detection of 2.2×10,6,mol L,1 Pb(II) ions over the pH range of 3,6.5. Sensor membrane without a lipophilic additive displays poor response. The sensor shows high selectivity for Pb(II) over a wide variety of alkali, alkaline earth and transition metal ions. The sensor shows long life span, high reproducibility, fast response and long term stability. Validation of the method by measuring the lower limit of detection, lower limit of linear range, accuracy, precision and sensitivity reveals good performance characteristics of the proposed sensor. The developed sensor is successfully applied to direct determination of lead(II) in real samples. The sensor is also used as an indicator electrode for the potentiometric titration of Pb(II) with EDTA and potassium chromate. The results obtained agree fairly well with data obtained by AAS. [source] Enantioselective determination of thyroxine enantiomers by ligand-exchange CE with UV absorbance and ICP-MS detectionELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 10 2009Jianzhen Kang Abstract A simple CE method has been developed for the separation and determination of thyroxine (T4) enantiomers in pharmaceutical formulations. The method was based on ligand-exchange mechanism using a Cu(II)/L -proline complex as chiral selector. The effects of different parameters affecting separation such as chiral selector concentration, organic additive, buffer pH and temperature were investigated. A baseline separation of the two enantiomers was obtained at a Cu(II)/L -proline ratio of 1:8 in a borate buffer (15,mmol/L, pH 9.6) containing 10%,v/v acetonitrile. Under the optimized conditions, precision linearity range and detection limits of the developed enantioselective CE method were evaluated and compared using two different detection systems: conventional UV detection at 226,nm and iodine (127I)specific detection ("chiral speciation") with ICP-MS. Both methodologies show adequate analytical performance characteristics with detection limits around 0.30,,g/mL for each enantiomer of T4. Finally, a levothroid pharmaceutical formulation sample was successfully analyzed using both developed methods CE-UV and CE-ICP-MS. [source] Miniaturized movable contactless conductivity detection cell for capillary electrophoresisELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 12-13 2003Miroslav Macka Abstract A miniaturized capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detector (mini-C4D) cell has been designed which is small enough to allow it to slide along the effective capillary length inside the capillary cassette of an Agilent capiillary electrophoresis system (CE) (or other CE brand of similar construction), including the possibility of positioning it close to the point of optical detection (4 cm), or even putting two such detector cells in one cassette. The cell was tested and the performance characteristics (noise, sensitivity, and peak width) were compared with those obtained with the previously used large C4D cell. No significant differences were observed. The mini-C4D was used in simultaneous separations of common cations and anions where its advantage over a larger C4D cell is the ability to vary the point of detection with the mini-C4D cell continuously at any point along the capillary length, so that the optimum apparent selectivity can be chosen. Other applications include providing a convenient second point of detection in addition to photometric detection, such as to measure accurately the linear velocity of a zone, or to allow placement of two mini-C4D cells in one capillary cassette simultaneously. [source] An Efficient Way to Assemble ZnS Nanobelts as Ultraviolet-Light Sensors with Enhanced Photocurrent and StabilityADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 3 2010Xiaosheng Fang Abstract Although there has been significant progress in the fabrication and performance optimization of one-dimensional nanostructure-based photodetectors, it is still a challenge to develop an effective and low-cost device with high performance characteristics, such as a high photocurrent/dark-current ratio, photocurrent stability, and fast time response. Herein an efficient and low-cost method to achieve high-performance ,visible-blind' microscale ZnS nanobelt-based ultraviolet (UV)-light sensors without using a lithography technique, by increasing the nanobelt surface areas exposed to light, is reported. The devices exhibit about 750 times enhancement of a photocurrent compared with individual nanobelt-based sensors and an ultrafast time response. The photocurrent stability and time response to UV-light do not change significantly when a channel distance is altered from 2 to 100,µm or the sensor environment changes from air to vacuum and different measurement temperatures (60 and 150,°C). The photoelectrical behaviors can be recovered well after returning the measurement conditions to air and room temperature again. The low cost and high performance of the resultant ZnS nanobelt photodetectors guarantee their highest potential for visible-blind UV-light sensors working in the UV-A band. [source] Charge Generation and Photovoltaic Operation of Solid-State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Incorporating a High Extinction Coefficient Indolene-Based SensitizerADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 11 2009Henry J. Snaith Abstract An investigation of the function of an indolene-based organic dye, termed D149, incorporated in to solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells using 2,2,,7,7,-tetrakis(N,N -di- p -methoxypheny-amine)-9,9,-spirobifluorene (spiro-OMeTAD) as the hole transport material is reported. Solar cell performance characteristics are unprecedented under low light levels, with the solar cells delivering up to 70% incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE) and over 6% power conversion efficiency, as measured under simulated air mass (AM) 1.5 sun light at 1 and 10,mW cm,2. However, a considerable nonlinearity in the photocurrent as intensities approach "full sun" conditions is observed and the devices deliver up to 4.2% power conversion efficiency under simulated sun light of 100,mW cm,2. The influence of dye-loading upon solar cell operation is investigated and the thin films are probed via photoinduced absorption (PIA) spectroscopy, time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC), and photoluminescence quantum efficiency (PLQE) measurements in order to deduce the cause for the non ideal solar cell performance. The data suggest that electron transfer from the photoexcited sensitizer into the TiO2 is only between 10 to 50% efficient and that ionization of the photo excited dye via hole transfer directly to spiro-OMeTAD dominates the charge generation process. A persistent dye bleaching signal is also observed, and assigned to a remarkably high density of electrons "trapped" within the dye phase, equivalent to 1.8,×,1017,cm,3 under full sun illumination. it is believed that this localized space charge build-up upon the sensitizer is responsible for the non-linearity of photocurrent with intensity and nonoptimum solar cell performance under full sun conditions. [source] Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest in Denver, Colorado: Epidemiology and OutcomesACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 4 2010Jason S. Haukoos MD Abstract Objectives:, The annual incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA) in the United States is approximately 6 per 10,000 population and survival remains low. Relatively little is known about the performance characteristics of a two-tiered emergency medical services (EMS) system split between fire-based basic life support (BLS) dispersed from fixed locations and hospital-based advanced life support (ALS) dispersed from nonfixed locations. The objectives of this study were to describe the incidence of OOHCA in Denver, Colorado, and to define the prevalence of survival with good neurologic function in the context of this particular EMS system. Methods:, This was a retrospective cohort study using standardized abstraction methodology. A two-tiered hospital-based EMS system for the County of Denver and 10 receiving hospitals were studied. Consecutive adult patients who experienced nontraumatic OOHCA from January 1, 2003, through December 31, 2004, were enrolled. Demographic, prehospital arrest characteristics, treatment data, and survival data using the Utstein template were collected. Good neurologic survival was defined by a Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) score of 1 or 2. Results:, During the study period, 1,985 arrests occurred. Of these, 715 (36%) had attempted resuscitation by paramedics and constitute our study sample. The median age was 65 years (interquartile range = 52,78 years), 69% were male, 41% had witnessed arrest, 25% had bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed, and 30% had ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) as their initial rhythm. Of the 715 patients, 545 (76%) were transported to a hospital, 223 (31%) had return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), 175 (25%) survived to hospital admission, 58 (8%) survived to hospital discharge, and 42 (6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4% to 8%) had a good neurologic outcome. Conclusions:, Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival in Denver, Colorado, is similar to that of other United States communities. This finding provides the basis for future epidemiologic and health services research in the out-of-hospital and ED settings in our community. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE,2010; 17:391,398 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine [source] Nonoperative imaging techniques in suspected biliary tract obstructionHPB, Issue 6 2006Frances Tse Abstract Evaluation of suspected biliary tract obstruction is a common clinical problem. Clinical data such as history, physical examination, and laboratory tests can accurately identify up to 90% of patients whose jaundice is caused by extrahepatic obstruction. However, complete assessment of extrahepatic obstruction often requires the use of various imaging modalities to confirm the presence, level, and cause of obstruction, and to aid in treatment plan. In the present summary, the literature on competing technologies including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiopancreatography (PTC), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), helical CT (hCT) and helical CT cholangiography (hCTC) with regards to diagnostic performance characteristics, technical success, safety, and cost-effectiveness is reviewed. Patients with obstructive jaundice secondary to choledocholithiasis or pancreaticobiliary malignancies are the primary focus of this review. Algorithms for the management of suspected obstructive jaundice are put forward based on current evidence. Published data suggest an increasing role for EUS and other noninvasive imaging techniques such as MRCP, and hCT following an initial transabdominal ultrasound in the assessment of patients with suspected biliary obstruction to select candidates for surgery or therapeutic ERCP. The management of patients with a suspected pancreaticobiliary condition ultimately is dependent on local expertise, availability, cost, and the multidisciplinary collaboration between radiologists, surgeons, and gastroenterologists. [source] Adaptive superposition of finite element meshes in non-linear transient solid mechanics problemsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 9 2007Z. Yue Abstract An s-adaptive finite element procedure is developed for the transient analysis of 2-D solid mechanics problems with material non-linearity due to progressive damage. The resulting adaptive method simultaneously estimates and controls both the spatial error and temporal error within user-specified tolerances. The spatial error is quantified by the Zienkiewicz,Zhu error estimator and computed via superconvergent patch recovery, while the estimation of temporal error is based on the assumption of a linearly varying third-order time derivatives of the displacement field in conjunction with direct numerical time integration. The distinguishing characteristic of the s-adaptive procedure is the use of finite element mesh superposition (s-refinement) to provide spatial adaptivity. Mesh superposition proves to be particularly advantageous in computationally demanding non-linear transient problems since it is faster, simpler and more efficient than traditional h-refinement schemes. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the performance characteristics of the s-adaptive method for quasi-static and transient problems with material non-linearity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||