5,990 research outputs found
Beyond XSPEC: Towards Highly Configurable Analysis
We present a quantitative comparison between software features of the defacto
standard X-ray spectral analysis tool, XSPEC, and ISIS, the Interactive
Spectral Interpretation System. Our emphasis is on customized analysis, with
ISIS offered as a strong example of configurable software. While noting that
XSPEC has been of immense value to astronomers, and that its scientific core is
moderately extensible--most commonly via the inclusion of user contributed
"local models"--we identify a series of limitations with its use beyond
conventional spectral modeling. We argue that from the viewpoint of the
astronomical user, the XSPEC internal structure presents a Black Box Problem,
with many of its important features hidden from the top-level interface, thus
discouraging user customization. Drawing from examples in custom modeling,
numerical analysis, parallel computation, visualization, data management, and
automated code generation, we show how a numerically scriptable, modular, and
extensible analysis platform such as ISIS facilitates many forms of advanced
astrophysical inquiry.Comment: Accepted by PASP, for July 2008 (15 pages
The Rates of Combination of the Isolated Chains of Human Hemoglobin with Oxygen
Abstract The rates of combination of the isolated chains of human hemoglobin with oxygen have been measured by flash photolysis and stopped flow methods. The two experimental methods give similar results, and furthermore the data compare well with those obtained recently by the temperature jump relaxation method. The measured association rates are compared with the values predicted from the previously measured equilibrium and dissociation rate constants. A significant discrepancy is noted in the case of the β chains. In addition, the rates of replacement of oxygen by carbon monoxide as functions of the relative ligand concentrations have been measured, and the observed dependences are compared to those predicted from the equilibrium and kinetic constants for the individual liganding reactions
Stimulation of shrimp (Penaeus monodon) hemocytes by lipopolysaccharide-like molecules derived from Novacq™
Immune stimulation through feed additives is a promising strategy that can help to combat disease in shrimp farming and reduce the use of antibiotics and other chemotherapeutics. The present study investigated the in vitro immunostimulatory effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-like molecules isolated from the microbial based feed additive Novacq™ (N-LPS). The presence of LPS-like molecules was confirmed and quantified Novacq™ using a HEK-TLR4 reporter cell line. Primary hemocytes isolated from adult Penaeus monodon were used to measure the immunostimulatory of N-LPS compared with the control group that were treated with E. coli derived LPS (E-LPS). The N-LPS stimulated a rapid and significant induction of the phenoloxidase (PO) response in the hemocytes. The PO response increased with exposure time and LPS concentration and was significantly higher compared with an E. coli LPS (E-LPS) control. In addition, using gene expression data, we quantified the transcriptome response of the hemocytes at 15, 30 and 60 mins post stimulation. Compared with the controls, the N-LPS treated hemocytes had a significant up-regulation of genes involved in the immune system modulation and control at all time-points. Most noteworthy was the significant induction of transcripts that function as serine protease inhibitors (namely SERPINs), that regulate the overexpression of the PO system. Transcription factors from the Notch family which directly regulate the expression of many immune genes were also induced within the hemocytes. Additionally, we also saw a strong up-regulation of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) transcripts, an important neuropeptide involved in immune function. Overall, the transcriptome profile of the hemocytes suggests that the LPS component of Novacq™ is highly immunostimulatory and generates a strong PO response in vitro. The subsequent transcriptional response appears to be directed towards preventing further activation of the PO system most likely in an attempt to limit cytoxicity to the host. Our study highlights the immunostimulatory ability of Novacq™ and provides further evidence of the positive health benefits this microbial based feed additive can have in shrimp.</p
Isotope Shift Measurements of Stable and Short-Lived Lithium Isotopes for Nuclear Charge Radii Determination
Changes in the mean-square nuclear charge radii along the lithium isotopic
chain were determined using a combination of precise isotope shift measurements
and theoretical atomic structure calculations. Nuclear charge radii of light
elements are of high interest due to the appearance of the nuclear halo
phenomenon in this region of the nuclear chart. During the past years we have
developed a new laser spectroscopic approach to determine the charge radii of
lithium isotopes which combines high sensitivity, speed, and accuracy to
measure the extremely small field shift of an 8 ms lifetime isotope with
production rates on the order of only 10,000 atoms/s. The method was applied to
all bound isotopes of lithium including the two-neutron halo isotope Li-11 at
the on-line isotope separators at GSI, Darmstadt, Germany and at TRIUMF,
Vancouver, Canada. We describe the laser spectroscopic method in detail,
present updated and improved values from theory and experiment, and discuss the
results.Comment: 34 pages, 24 figures, 14 table
The place of strategic environmental assessment in the privatised electricity industry
The private sector has given relatively little attention to the emergence of strategic environmental assessment (SEA); even recently privatised utilities, where SEA might be deemed particularly appropriate, and whose activities are likely to fall within the scope of the European Union SEA Directive, have shown less interest than might be expected. However, the global trend towards the privatisation of state-owned enterprises makes the adaptation of SEA towards these industries all the more pressing. This paper addresses the place that SEA might take within the electricity sector, taking the privatised UK electricity industry as an example. Particular challenges are posed by the radical restructuring of the industry, designed to introduce competitive behaviour, making the development of comprehensive SEA processes problematic, and requiring SEA to be placed in the context of corporate environmental policy and objectives.</p
Observation of Plasma Focusing of a 28.5 GeV Positron Beam
The observation of plasma focusing of a 28.5 GeV positron beam is reported.
The plasma was formed by ionizing a nitrogen jet only 3 mm thick. Simultaneous
focusing in both transverse dimensions was observed with effective focusing
strengths of order Tesla per micron. The minimum area of the beam spot was
reduced by a factor of 2.0 +/- 0.3 by the plasma. The longitudinal beam
envelope was measured and compared with numerical calculations
Security against eavesdropping in quantum cryptography
In this article we deal with the security of the BB84 quantum cryptography
protocol over noisy channels using generalized privacy amplification. For this
we estimate the fraction of bits needed to be discarded during the privacy
amplification step. This estimate is given for two scenarios, both of which
assume the eavesdropper to access each of the signals independently and take
error correction into account. One scenario does not allow a delay of the
eavesdropper's measurement of a measurement probe until he receives additional
classical information. In this scenario we achieve a sharp bound. The other
scenario allows a measurement delay, so that the general attack of an
eavesdropper on individual signals is covered. This bound is not sharp but
allows a practical implementation of the protocol.Comment: 11 pages including 3 figures, contains new results not contained in
my Phys. Rev. A pape
Dynamical response of the Hodgkin-Huxley model in the high-input regime
The response of the Hodgkin-Huxley neuronal model subjected to stochastic
uncorrelated spike trains originating from a large number of inhibitory and
excitatory post-synaptic potentials is analyzed in detail. The model is
examined in its three fundamental dynamical regimes: silence, bistability and
repetitive firing. Its response is characterized in terms of statistical
indicators (interspike-interval distributions and their first moments) as well
as of dynamical indicators (autocorrelation functions and conditional
entropies). In the silent regime, the coexistence of two different coherence
resonances is revealed: one occurs at quite low noise and is related to the
stimulation of subthreshold oscillations around the rest state; the second one
(at intermediate noise variance) is associated with the regularization of the
sequence of spikes emitted by the neuron. Bistability in the low noise limit
can be interpreted in terms of jumping processes across barriers activated by
stochastic fluctuations. In the repetitive firing regime a maximization of
incoherence is observed at finite noise variance. Finally, the mechanisms
responsible for spike triggering in the various regimes are clearly identified.Comment: 14 pages, 24 figures in eps, submitted to Physical Review
Results on Plasma Focusing of High Energy Density Electron and Positron Beams
We present results from the SLAC E-150 experiment on plasma focusing of high
energy density electron and, for the first time, positron beams. We also
discuss measurements on plasma lens-induced synchrotron radiation, longitudinal
dynamics of plasma focusing, and laser- and beam-plasma interactions.Comment: LINAC 2000 paper No. THC13, Monterey, CA. Aug.21-25,2000, 3 pages, 2
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