1,444 research outputs found
Integration of biological data resources using image object keying.
This paper proposes a novel concept of ‘image object keying'. The work builds on earlier research in this area and shows how the 3D structure of a protein can be retrieved interactively from a gel electrophoresis protein spot. It uses intelligent image matching operations like the Hough Transform and Edge Detection techniques. Unique aspects are that searches may be initiated from multiple biological resources but with the results being integrated into a single page. A significant outcome of this work is that it enables researchers to search the database without the need to write and complex script
From local laboratory data to public domain database in search of indirect association of diseases: AJAX based gene data search engine.
This paper presents an extensible schema for capturing laboratory gene variance data with its meta-data properties in a semi-structured environment. This paper also focuses on the issues of creating a local and task specific component database which is a subset of global data resources. An XML based genetic disorder component database schema is developed with adequate flexibilities to facilitate searching of gene mutation data. A web based search engine is developed that allows researchers to query a set of gene parameters obtained from local XML schema and subsequently allow them to automatically establish a link with the public domain gene databases. The application applies AJAX (Asynchronous Javascript and XML), a cutting-edge web technology, to carry out the gene data searching function
Surface plasmon lifetime in metal nanoshells
The lifetime of localized surface plasmon plays an important role in many
aspects of plasmonics and its applications. In small metal nanostructures, the
dominant mechanism restricting plasmon lifetime is size-dependent Landau
damping. We performed quantum-mechanical calculations of Landau damping for the
bright surface plasmon mode in a metal nanoshell. In contrast to the
conventional model based on the electron surface scattering, we found that the
damping rate decreases as the nanoshell thickness is reduced. The origin of
this behavior is traced to the spatial distribution of plasmon local field
inside the metal shell. We also found that, due to interference of electron
scattering amplitudes from nanoshell's two metal surfaces, the damping rate
exhibits pronounced quantum beats with changing shell thickness.Comment: 9 pages, 4 Figure
Tunable far-infrared laser spectroscopy of deuterated isotopomers of Ar–H2O
Several far-infrared vibration-rotation-tunneling transitions have been measured in deuterated isotopomers of Ar–H2O for the first time. These experimental results will enable the generation of improved intermolecular potential energy surfaces for the Ar–H2O system when combined with existing microwave, far-infrared, and infrared data
The Relationship between Cost Analysis and Program Management
Cost analysis if often viewed as applying basic principles and cost methodologies to determine total system cost. These finished estimates then flow into a decision making process and the cost estimator leaves the stage. Reality shows that the cost estimator is actually one of the main contributors to the decision making process. Our introduction to this special issue explores the areas where cost estimating plays a major role in program management in areas beyond the normal program estimate. We have included articles that show the key role estimators can play in source selection strategies and evaluation; cost of delay analysis for management decisions, earned value management methods to predict program costs; decision criteria to rank competing projects that complement traditional cost-based methods; and a new methodology for determining research and development budget profiles
Causality and Comparative Advantage: Vietnam’s Role in the Post-ICA International Coffee Market
Although Vietnam comprised a miniscule portion of the international coffee market during the 1900s, its coffee production skyrocketed after the collapse of the ICA and surpassed Colombian production levels. This unmatched increase attributed the drastic decline in world coffee prices to the oversupply of coffee from Vietnam. Following the methods of Dodaro (1993), a Granger causality analysis between Vietnamese coffee exports and ICO composite price produced neither forward nor reverse causality between these two variables. Using the methodology of Carlin, Glyn, and Van Reenen (2001), labor productivity comparisons aimed to explain the shift of coffee export volume from Colombia to Vietnam. Results demonstrated Colombia’s consistently higher labor productivity, thus the disparity in realized comparative advantage does not explain the shift in production. Although Vietnam’s success in coffee production accompanied the Colombian coffee sector’s demise, a direct link between the two economies does not appear to exist. Vietnam’s success likely arose simply from the culmination of relevant government policies, trade agreements, and the collapse of the ICA
On the circularly polarized optical emission from AE Aquarii
The reported nightly mean value of the circular polarization of optical
emission observed from the close binary system AE Aqr is 0.06% (+-) 0.01%. We
discuss a possibility that the observed polarized radiation is emitted mainly
by the white dwarf or its vicinity. We demonstrate that this hypothesis is
rather unlikely since the contribution of the white dwarf to the optical
radiation of the system is too small. This indicates that the polarimetric data
on AE Aqr cannot be used for the evaluation of the surface magnetic field
strength of the white dwarf in this system.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in Astron. & Astrophy
Laser performance of perylenebis (dicarboximide) dyes with long secondary alkyl chains
The laser performance and related photophysical properties of two very soluble perylene dyes with long chain secondary alkyl groups were investigated in cyclohexane solution. With a dye laser as pump source a tuning range of 555–580 nm was obtained at an optimum concentration of 3×10–4 M. The quantum efficiencies (=0.29 and 0.21) were better than 1/2 that of rhodamine 6G. No photodegradation was observed over an excitation period of several hours
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