Performance modeling of ultraviolet Raman lidar systems for daytime profiling of atmospheric water vapor

We describe preliminary results from a comprehensive computer model developed to guide optimization of a Raman lidar system for measuring daytime profiles of atmospheric water vapor, emphasizing an ultraviolet, solar-blind approach

Giant Relaxation Oscillations in a Very Strongly Hysteretic SQUID ring-Tank Circuit System

In this paper we show that the radio frequency (rf) dynamical characteristics of a very strongly hysteretic SQUID ring, coupled to an rf tank circuit resonator, display relaxation oscillations. We demonstrate that the the overall form of these characteristics, together with the relaxation oscillations, can be modelled accurately by solving the quasi-classical non-linear equations of motion for the system. We suggest that in these very strongly hysteretic regimes SQUID ring-resonator systems may find application in novel logic and memory devices.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures. Uploaded as implementing a policy of arXiving old paper

Pinch Resonances in a Radio Frequency Driven SQUID Ring-Resonator System

In this paper we present experimental data on the frequency domain response of a SQUID ring (a Josephson weak link enclosed by a thick superconducting ring) coupled to a radio frequency (rf) tank circuit resonator. We show that with the ring weakly hysteretic the resonance lineshape of this coupled system can display opposed fold bifurcations that appear to touch (pinch off). We demonstrate that for appropriate circuit parameters these pinch off lineshapes exist as solutions of the non-linear equations of motion for the system.Comment: 9 pages, 8 figures, Uploaded as implementing a policy of arXiving old paper

Pollutant dispersion in a developing valley cold-air pool

Pollutants are trapped and accumulate within cold-air pools, thereby affecting air quality. A numerical model is used to quantify the role of cold-air-pooling processes in the dispersion of air pollution in a developing cold-air pool within an alpine valley under decoupled stable conditions. Results indicate that the negatively buoyant downslope flows transport and mix pollutants into the valley to depths that depend on the temperature deficit of the flow and the ambient temperature structure inside the valley. Along the slopes, pollutants are generally entrained above the cold-air pool and detrained within the cold-air pool, largely above the ground-based inversion layer. The ability of the cold-air pool to dilute pollutants is quantified. The analysis shows that the downslope flows fill the valley with air from above, which is then largely trapped within the cold-air pool, and that dilution depends on where the pollutants are emitted with respect to the positions of the top of the ground-based inversion layer and cold-air pool, and on the slope wind speeds. Over the lower part of the slopes, the cold-air-pool-averaged concentrations are proportional to the slope wind speeds where the pollutants are emitted, and diminish as the cold-air pool deepens. Pollutants emitted within the ground-based inversion layer are largely trapped there. Pollutants emitted farther up the slopes detrain within the cold-air pool above the ground-based inversion layer, although some fraction, increasing with distance from the top of the slopes, penetrates into the ground-based inversion layer.Peer reviewe

State Responses to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: An Analysis from Indiana and Missouri

This Article, authored by lawyers from the Indiana Department of Revenue and Missouri Department of Revenue, is intended to address, and hopefully add clarity to, the complexities of state taxation under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA”). After a brief historical and general overview of the TCJA, this Article focuses on seven distinct topics within the TCJA from a state perspective. These topics are: (1) Business Assets Expensing; (2) the TCJA’s treatment of 529 Accounts; (3) the 30% Business Interest Limitation; (4) the Transition Tax (also referred to as “Deemed Repatriation”); (5) GILTI, or Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income; (6) the elimination of the Personal and Dependency Exemption Deductions; and (7) the Qualified Business Income Deduction. For each topic, this Article gives an overview of the associated TCJA provisions, addresses some responses of the states to these provisions, and provides opportunity for discussion of possible or actual responses by Indiana and/or Missouri

Energy Down Conversion between Classical Electromagnetic Fields via a Quantum Mechanical SQUID Ring

We consider the interaction of a quantum mechanical SQUID ring with a classical resonator (a parallel $LC$ tank circuit). In our model we assume that the evolution of the ring maintains its quantum mechanical nature, even though the circuit to which it is coupled is treated classically. We show that when the SQUID ring is driven by a classical monochromatic microwave source, energy can be transferred between this input and the tank circuit, even when the frequency ratio between them is very large. Essentially, these calculations deal with the coupling between a single macroscopic quantum object (the SQUID ring) and a classical circuit measurement device where due account is taken of the non-perturbative behaviour of the ring and the concomitant non-linear interaction of the ring with this device.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figure

A Fully Quantum Mechanical Model of a SQUID Ring Coupled to an Electromagnetic Field

A quantum system comprising of a monochromatic electromagnetic field coupled to a SQUID ring with sinusoidal non-linearity, is studied. A magnetostatic flux $\Phi_{x}$ is also threading the SQUID ring, and is used to control the coupling between the two systems. It is shown that for special values of $\Phi_{x}$ the system is strongly coupled. The time evolution of the system is studied. It is shown that exchange of energy takes place between the two modes and that the system becomes entangled. A second quasi-classical model that treats the electromagnetic field classically is also studied. A comparison between the fully quantum mechanical model with the electromagnetic field initially in a coherent state and the quasi-classical model, is made.Comment: 7 pages, 9 figures. Uploaded as implementing a policy of arXiving old paper

Leptin-induced endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation of peripheral arteries in lean and obese rats: role of nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide.

Published onlineJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tAdipose tissue hormone leptin induces endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation mediated by nitric oxide (NO) and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHF). Previously it has been demonstrated that in short-term obesity the NO-dependent and the EDHF-dependent components of vascular effect of leptin are impaired and up-regulated, respectively. Herein we examined the mechanism of the EDHF-dependent vasodilatory effect of leptin and tested the hypothesis that alterations of acute vascular effects of leptin in obesity are accounted for by chronic hyperleptinemia. The study was performed in 5 groups of rats: (1) control, (2) treated with exogenous leptin for 1 week to induce hyperleptinemia, (3) obese, fed highly-palatable diet for 4 weeks, (4) obese treated with pegylated superactive rat leptin receptor antagonist (PEG-SRLA) for 1 week, (5) fed standard chow and treated with PEG-SRLA. Acute effect of leptin on isometric tension of mesenteric artery segments was measured ex vivo. Leptin relaxed phenylephrine-preconstricted vascular segments in NO- and EDHF-dependent manner. The NO-dependent component was impaired and the EDHF-dependent component was increased in the leptin-treated and obese groups and in the latter group both these effects were abolished by PEG-SRLA. The EDHF-dependent vasodilatory effect of leptin was blocked by either the inhibitor of cystathionine γ-lyase, propargylglycine, or a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) scavenger, bismuth (III) subsalicylate. The results indicate that NO deficiency is compensated by the up-regulation of EDHF in obese rats and both effects are accounted for by chronic hyperleptinemia. The EDHF-dependent component of leptin-induced vasorelaxation is mediated, at least partially, by H2S.The study was supported by the EU Project “The equipment of innovative laboratories doing research on new medicines used in the therapy of civilization and neoplastic diseases” within the Operational Program Development of Eastern Poland 2007 - 2013, Priority Axis I Modern Economy, Operations I.3 Innovation Promotion. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript

Consumer acceptance of patient-performed mobile teledermoscopy for the early detection of melanoma

Background Mobile teledermoscopy allows consumers to send images of skin lesions to a teledermatologist for remote diagnosis. Currently, technology acceptance of mobile teledermoscopy by people at high risk of melanoma is unknown. Objectives We aimed to determine the acceptance of mobile teledermoscopy by consumers based on perceived usefulness, ease of use, compatibility, attitude/intention, subjective norms, facilitators and trust before use. Consumer satisfaction was explored after use