Four-Parameter white blood cell differential counting based on light scattering measurements

Measurement of the depolarized orthogonal light scattering in flow cytometry enables one to discriminate human eosinephilic granulocytes from neutrophilic granulocytes. We use this method to perform a four-parameter differential white blood cell analysis. \ud A simple flow cytometer was built equipped with a 5-mW helium neon laser that measures simultaneously four light scattering parameters. Lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes were identified by simultaneously measuring the light scattering intensity at angles between 1.0° and 2.6° and angles between 3.0° and 11.0°. Eosinophilic granulocytes were distinguished from neutrophilic granulocytes by simultaneous measurement of the orthogonal and depolarized orthogonal light scattering. \ud Comparison of a white blood cell differentiation of 45 donors obtained by the Technicon H-6000 and our instrument revealed good correlations. The correlation coefficients (r2) found were: 0.99 for lymphocytes, 0.76 for monocytes, 0.99 for neutrophilic granulocytes, and 0.98 for eosinophilic granulocytes. The results demonstrate that reliable white blood cell differentiation of the four most clinically relevant leukocytes can be obtained by measurement of light scattering properties of unstained leukocytes

Relativistic general-order coupled-cluster method for high-precision calculations: Application to Al+ atomic clock

We report the implementation of a general-order relativistic coupled-cluster method for performing high-precision calculations of atomic and molecular properties. As a first application, the static dipole polarizabilities of the ground and first excited states of Al+ have been determined to precisely estimate the uncertainty associated with the BBR shift of its clock frequency measurement. The obtained relative BBR shift is -3.66+-0.44 for the 3s^2 ^1S_0^0 --> 3s3p ^3P_0^0 transition in Al+ in contrast to the value obtained in the latest clock frequency measurement, -9+-3 [Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 070802 (2010)]. The method developed in the present work can be employed to study a variety of subtle effects such as fundamental symmetry violations in atoms.Comment: 4 pages, 3 tables, submitte

A Comparison of Near-Infrared Photometry and Spectra for Y Dwarfs with a New Generation of Cool Cloudy Models

We present YJHK photometry, or a subset, for the six Y dwarfs discovered in WISE data by Cushing et al.. The data were obtained using NIRI on the Gemini North telescope. We also present a far-red spectrum obtained using GMOS-North for WISEPC J205628.90+145953.3. We compare the data to Morley et al. (2012) models, which include cloud decks of sulfide and chloride condensates. We find that the models with these previously neglected clouds can reproduce the energy distributions of T9 to Y0 dwarfs quite well, other than near 5um where the models are too bright. This is thought to be because the models do not include departures from chemical equilibrium caused by vertical mixing, which would enhance the abundance of CO, decreasing the flux at 5um. Vertical mixing also decreases the abundance of NH_3, which would otherwise have strong absorption features at 1.03um and 1.52um that are not seen in the Y0 WISEPC J205628.90+145953.3. We find that the five Y0 to Y0.5 dwarfs have 300 < T_eff K < 450, 4.0 < log g < 4.5 and f_sed ~ 3. These temperatures and gravities imply a mass range of 5 - 15 M_Jupiter and ages around 5 Gyr. We suggest that WISEP J182831.08+265037.8 is a binary system, as this better explains its luminosity and color. We find that the data can be made consistent with observed trends, and generally consistent with the models, if the system is composed of a T_eff = 325 K and log g ~ 4.0 secondary, corresponding to masses of 10 and 7 M_Jupiter and an age around 2 Gyr. If our deconvolution is correct, then the T_eff = 300 K cloud-free model fluxes at K and W2 are too faint by 0.5 - 1.0 magnitudes. We will address this discrepancy in our next generation of models, which will incorporate water clouds and mixing.Comment: 39 pages, 10 Figures, 8 Tables. Accepted by ApJ. This revision replaces Figures 9 and 10 with B & W versions, corrects figure captions for color online only, corrects references. Text is unchanged. Tables 3, 4 and 8 are available at http://www.gemini.edu/staff/sleggett, other model data are available at http://www.ucolick.org/~cmorley/cmorley/Data.htm

Multi-line Adaptive Perimetry (MAP): A New Procedure for Quantifying Visual Field Integrity for Rapid Assessment of Macular Diseases.

PurposeIn order to monitor visual defects associated with macular degeneration (MD), we present a new psychophysical assessment called multiline adaptive perimetry (MAP) that measures visual field integrity by simultaneously estimating regions associated with perceptual distortions (metamorphopsia) and visual sensitivity loss (scotoma).MethodsWe first ran simulations of MAP with a computerized model of a human observer to determine optimal test design characteristics. In experiment 1, predictions of the model were assessed by simulating metamorphopsia with an eye-tracking device with 20 healthy vision participants. In experiment 2, eight patients (16 eyes) with macular disease completed two MAP assessments separated by about 12 weeks, while a subset (10 eyes) also completed repeated Macular Integrity Assessment (MAIA) microperimetry and Amsler grid exams.ResultsResults revealed strong repeatability of MAP and high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity (0.89, 0.81, and 0.90, respectively) in classifying patient eyes with severe visual impairment. We also found a significant relationship in terms of the spatial patterns of performance across visual field loci derived from MAP and MAIA microperimetry. However, there was a lack of correspondence between MAP and subjective Amsler grid reports in isolating perceptually distorted regions.ConclusionsThese results highlight the validity and efficacy of MAP in producing quantitative maps of visual field disturbances, including simultaneous mapping of metamorphopsia and sensitivity impairment.Translational relevanceFuture work will be needed to assess applicability of this examination for potential early detection of MD symptoms and/or portable assessment on a home device or computer

High temperature condensate clouds in super-hot Jupiter atmospheres

Deciphering the role of clouds is central to our understanding of exoplanet atmospheres, as they have a direct impact on the temperature and pressure structure, and observational properties of the planet. Super-hot Jupiters occupy a temperature regime similar to low mass M-dwarfs, where minimal cloud condensation is expected. However, observations of exoplanets such as WASP-12b (Teq ~ 2500 K) result in a transmission spectrum indicative of a cloudy atmosphere. We re-examine the temperature and pressure space occupied by these super-hot Jupiter atmospheres, to explore the role of the initial Al- and Ti-bearing condensates as the main source of cloud material. Due to the high temperatures a majority of the more common refractory material is not depleted into deeper layers and would remain in the vapor phase. The lack of depletion into deeper layers means that these materials with relatively low cloud masses can become significant absorbers in the upper atmosphere. We provide condensation curves for the initial Al- and Ti-bearing condensates that may be used to provide quantitative estimates of the effect of metallicity on cloud masses, as planets with metal-rich hosts potentially form more opaque clouds because more mass is available for condensation. Increased metallicity also pushes the point of condensation to hotter, deeper layers in the planetary atmosphere further increasing the density of the cloud. We suggest that planets around metal-rich hosts are more likely to have thick refractory clouds, and discuss the implication on the observed spectra of WASP-12b.Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS, 10 pages, 1 table, 5 figure

Measurement of the rate of water flow in plants.

A non-destructive thermo-electric method is described for the measurement of water flow in the stems of plants such as wheat and potatoes. The 2 temp. sensors are 10 or 20 mm apart. The miniature sensing is made by evaporation techniques. The sensor is suitable for laboratory as well as for field work. Flow rate in the stem can be monitored for several wk at relatively low cost. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission