Identification of vertebrate type steroid hormones in the shrimp Penaeus japonicus by tandem mass spectrometry and sequential product ion scanning

The identification of testosterone, pregnelonone, and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone by tandem mass spectrometry and of progesterone by sequential product ion scanning in the shrimp gonads of Penaeus japonicus is described. The identification of these substances in biological samples is usually done by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and involves several liquid chromotographic purification steps followed by derivatization. The utilization of tandem mass spectrometry in this analysis has simplified considerably the sample pretreatment and provided a very simple method of screening these substances in complex mixtures

A simple ESR identification methodology for electrolytic capacitors condition monitoring

Electrolytic capacitors are usually used in power electronic systems for smoothing, energy storage or filtering. They have the best overall performance for these objectives being a critical element in the design of these systems, in several applications, with different requirements. But, unfortunately, in most cases, they are the most life-limiting device. The expected life of electrolytic capacitors depends on their internal temperature and is determined by the ratio of the electrolyte solution evaporation used in their fabrication. The deterioration caused by this evaporation is reflected in electrical parameters, mainly the equivalent series resistance (ESR). As the volume of the electrolyte decreases, ESR increases and capacitance decreases. Additionally, the increase in ESR has a positive feedback effect since it leads the temperature to increase and this in turn leads to further evaporation of the electrolyte leading to the ESR increase and so forth. This paper presents a simple ESR identification methodology for electrolytic capacitors condition monitoring in view of preventive maintenance to signal the need of maintenance and or replacement. The identification methodology is based on a simple continuous-time model and some recursive prediction error methods, namely, Kalman filter, gradient and forgetting factor approaches. Simulation and experimental data acquired from a step down converter were used with these algorithms. The identification methodology is also suitable for different power converter topologies

Power transformers winding fault diagnosis by the on-load exciting current extended Park's vector approach

This paper presents the application of the on-load exciting current Extended Park's Vector Approach to diagnose incipient turn-to-turn winding faults in operating power transformers. Experimental and simulation test results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique, which is based on the spectral analysis of the AC component of the on-load exciting current Park's Vector modulus

Magnetic And Superconducting Properties Of Ru Sr2 Gd1.5 Ce0.5 Cu2 O10-δ Samples: Dependence On The Oxygen Content And Aging Effects

The magnetic and superconducting properties of Ru Sr2 Gd1.5 Ce0.5 Cu2 O10-δ polycrystalline samples with different oxygen-doping levels are presented. A strong suppression of the superconducting temperature (Tc), as well as a reduction in the superconducting fraction, occurs as the oxygen content is reduced by annealing the samples in oxygen-deprived atmospheres. Drastic changes in the electrical resistivity are observed above Tc, possibly associated with oxygen removal, mainly from grain boundaries. However, the magnetic ordering is relatively less affected by the changes in oxygen content of the samples. The spin-glass transition is enhanced and shifted to higher temperatures with the reduction in oxygen content. This could be correlated with an increase in the spin disorder and frustration for the oxygen-depleted samples. Also, the same oxygen-vacancy-induced disorder could explain the reduction in the fraction of the sample showing antiferromagnetic order. We also report significant changes in the measured properties of the samples as a function of time. © 2005 The American Physical Society.7113Felner, I., Asaf, U., Levi, Y., Millo, O., (1997) Phys. Rev. B, 55, p. 3374. , PRBMDO 0163-1829 10.1103/PhysRevB.55.R3374Bernhard, C., Tallon, J.L., Niedermayer, Ch., Blasius, Th., Golnik, A., Brücher, E., Kremer, R.K., Ansaldo, E.J., (1999) Phys. Rev. B, 59, p. 14099. , PRBMDO. 0163-1829. 10.1103/PhysRevB.59.14099Awana, V.P.S., Karppinen, M., Yamauchi, H., (2003) Studies of High Tc Superconductors, 46, p. 77. , edited by A. V. Narlikar (Nova Science Publishers, New YorkMatvejeff, M., Awana, V.P.S., Jang, L.-Y., Liu, R.S., Yamauchi, H., Karppinen, M., (2003) Physica C, 392-396, p. 87. , PHYCE6 0921-4534Cardoso, C.A., Araujo-Moreira, F.M., Awana, V.P.S., Kishan, H., Takayama-Muromachi, E., De Lima, O.F., (2004) Physica C, 405, p. 212. , PHYCE6 0921-4534Cardoso, C.A., Araujo-Moreira, F.M., Awana, V.P.S., Takayama-Muromachi, E., De Lima, O.F., Yamauchi, H., Karppinen, M., (2003) Phys. Rev. B, 67, p. 020407. , PRBMDO 0163-1829 10.1103/PhysRevB.67.020407Shi, L., Li, G., Fan, X.J., Feng, S.J., Li, X.-G., (2003) Physica C, 399, p. 69. , PHYCE6 0921-4534Felner, I., Asaf, U., Ritter, F., Klamut, P.W., Dabrowski, B., (2001) Physica C, 364-365, p. 368. , PHYCE6 0921-4534Felner, I., Asaf, U., Galstyan, E., (2002) Phys. Rev. B, 66, p. 024503. , PRBMDO 0163-1829 10.1103/PhysRevB.66.024503Felner, I., Asaf, U., Levi, Y., Millo, O., (2000) Physica C, 334, p. 141. , PHYCE6 0921-4534 10.1016/S0921-4534(00)00250-1Awana, V.P.S., Ansari, M.A., Gupta, A., Saxena, R.B., Kishan, H., Buddhikot, D., Malik, S.K., (2004) Phys. Rev. B, 70, p. 104520. , PRBMDO 0163-1829 10.1103/PhysRevB.70.104520Yoshizawa, H., Mitsuda, S., Aruga, H., Ito, A., (1987) Phys. Rev. Lett., 59, p. 2364. , PRLTAO 0031-9007 10.1103/PhysRevLett.59.2364Binder, K., Young, A.P., (1986) Rev. Mod. Phys., 58, p. 801. , RMPHAT 0034-6861 10.1103/RevModPhys.58.801Mydosh, J.A., (1993) Spin Glasses An Experimental Introduction, , Taylor & Francis, LondonFelner, I., Galstyan, E., Herber, R.H., Nowik, I., (2004) Phys. Rev. B, 70, p. 094504. , PRBMDO 0163-1829 10.1103/PhysRevB.70.094504Shengelaya, A., Khasanov, R., Eschenko, D.G., Felner, I., Asaf, U., Savić, I.M., Keller, H., Müller, K.A., (2004) Phys. Rev. B, 69, p. 024517. , PRBMDO. 0163-1829. 10.1103/PhysRevB.69.024517Xue, Y.Y., Cao, D.H., Lorenz, B., Chu, C.W., (2002) Phys. Rev. B, 65, p. 020511. , PRBMDO 0163-1829 10.1103/PhysRevB.65.02051

No Dynamics in the Extremal Kerr Throat

Motivated by the Kerr/CFT conjecture, we explore solutions of vacuum general relativity whose asymptotic behavior agrees with that of the extremal Kerr throat, sometimes called the Near-Horizon Extreme Kerr (NHEK) geometry. We argue that all such solutions are diffeomorphic to the NHEK geometry itself. The logic proceeds in two steps. We first argue that certain charges must vanish at all times for any solution with NHEK asymptotics. We then analyze these charges in detail for linearized solutions. Though one can choose the relevant charges to vanish at any initial time, these charges are not conserved. As a result, requiring the charges to vanish at all times is a much stronger condition. We argue that all solutions satisfying this condition are diffeomorphic to the NHEK metric.Comment: 42 pages, 3 figures. v3: minor clarifications and correction

Green manure in coffee systems in the region of Zona da Mata, Minas Gerais: characteristics and kinetics of carbon and nitrogen mineralization.

The use of green manure may contribute to reduce soil erosion and increase the soil organic matter content and N availability in coffee plantations in the Zona da Mata, State of Minas Gerais, in Southeastern Brazil. The potential of four legumes (A. pintoi, C. mucunoides, S. aterrimum and S. guianensis)to produce above-ground biomass, accumulate nutrients and mineralize N was studied in two coffee plantations of subsistence farmers under different climate conditions. The biomass production of C. mucunoides was influenced by the shade of the coffee plantation.C. mucunoides tended to mineralize more N than the other legumes due to the low polyphenol content and polyphenol/N ratio. In the first year, the crop establishment of A. pintoi in the area took longer than of the other legumes, resulting in lower biomass production and N2 fixation. In the long term, cellulose was the main factor controlling N mineralization. The biochemical characteristics, nutrient accumulation and biomass production of the legumes were greatly influenced by the altitude and position of the area relative to the sun

Isolated Cervical Dystonia:Diagnosis and Classification

This document presents a consensus on the diagnosis and classification of isolated cervical dystonia (iCD) with a review of proposed terminology. The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society Dystonia Study Group convened a panel of experts to review the main clinical and diagnostic issues related to iCD and to arrive at a consensus on diagnostic criteria and classification. These criteria are intended for use in clinical research, but also may be used to guide clinical practice. The benchmark is expert clinical observation and evaluation. The criteria aim to systematize the use of terminology as well as the diagnostic process, to make it reproducible across centers and applicable by expert and non-expert clinicians. Although motor abnormalities remain central, increasing recognition has been given to nonmotor manifestations, which are incorporated into the current criteria. Three iCD presentations are described in some detail: idiopathic (focal or segmental) iCD, genetic iCD, and acquired iCD. The relationship between iCD and isolated head tremor is also reviewed. Recognition of idiopathic iCD has two levels of certainty, definite or probable, supported by specific diagnostic criteria. Although a probable diagnosis is appropriate for clinical practice, a higher diagnostic level may be required for specific research studies. The consensus retains elements proven valuable in previous criteria and omits aspects that are no longer justified, thereby encapsulating diagnosis according to current knowledge. As understanding of iCD expands, these criteria will need continuous revision to accommodate new advances.</p

Material screening and selection for XENON100

Results of the extensive radioactivity screening campaign to identify materials for the construction of XENON100 are reported. This Dark Matter search experiment is operated underground at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS), Italy. Several ultra sensitive High Purity Germanium detectors (HPGe) have been used for gamma ray spectrometry. Mass spectrometry has been applied for a few low mass plastic samples. Detailed tables with the radioactive contaminations of all screened samples are presented, together with the implications for XENON100.Comment: 8 pages, 1 figur

Application of Park's power components to the differential protection of three-phase transformers

This paper presents a new scheme for power transformers differential protection, in which the concept of the Park's instantaneous differential powers is introduced. The proposed method is able to detect winding insulation failures and to distinguish them from magnetizing inrush current transients. Experimental and simulation results are presented and discussed