389 research outputs found
Automated novelty detection in the WISE survey with one-class support vector machines
Wide-angle photometric surveys of previously uncharted sky areas or
wavelength regimes will always bring in unexpected sources whose existence and
properties cannot be easily predicted from earlier observations: novelties or
even anomalies. Such objects can be efficiently sought for with novelty
detection algorithms. Here we present an application of such a method, called
one-class support vector machines (OCSVM), to search for anomalous patterns
among sources preselected from the mid-infrared AllWISE catalogue covering the
whole sky. To create a model of expected data we train the algorithm on a set
of objects with spectroscopic identifications from the SDSS DR13 database,
present also in AllWISE. OCSVM detects as anomalous those sources whose
patterns - WISE photometric measurements in this case - are inconsistent with
the model. Among the detected anomalies we find artefacts, such as objects with
spurious photometry due to blending, but most importantly also real sources of
genuine astrophysical interest. Among the latter, OCSVM has identified a sample
of heavily reddened AGN/quasar candidates distributed uniformly over the sky
and in a large part absent from other WISE-based AGN catalogues. It also
allowed us to find a specific group of sources of mixed types, mostly stars and
compact galaxies. By combining the semi-supervised OCSVM algorithm with
standard classification methods it will be possible to improve the latter by
accounting for sources which are not present in the training sample but are
otherwise well-represented in the target set. Anomaly detection adds
flexibility to automated source separation procedures and helps verify the
reliability and representativeness of the training samples. It should be thus
considered as an essential step in supervised classification schemes to ensure
completeness and purity of produced catalogues.Comment: 14 pages, 15 figure
Investigation of PolymerâPlasticizer Blends as SH-SAW Sensor Coatings for Detection of Benzene in Water with High Sensitivity and Long-Term Stability
We report the first-ever direct detection of benzene in water at concentrations below 100 ppb (parts per billion) using acoustic wave (specifically, shear-horizontal surface acoustic wave, SH-SAW) sensors with plasticized polymer coatings. Two polymers and two plasticizers were studied as materials for sensor coatings. For each polymerâplasticizer combination, the influence of the mixing ratio of the blend on the sensitivity to benzene was measured and compared to commercially available polymers that were used for BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) detection in previous work. After optimizing the coating parameters, the highest sensitivity and lowest detection limit for benzene were found for a 1.25 ÎŒm thick sensor coating of 17.5%-by-weight diisooctyl azelate-polystyrene on the tested acoustic wave device. The calculated detection limit was 45 ppb, with actual sensor responses to concentrations down to 65 ppb measured directly. Among the sensor coatings that showed good sensitivity to benzene, the best long-term stability was found for a 1.0 ÎŒm thick coating of 23% diisononyl cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate-polystyrene, which was studied here because it is known to show no detectable leaching in water. The present work demonstrates that, by varying type of plasticizer, mixing ratio, and coating thickness, the mechanical and chemical properties of the coatings can be conveniently tailored to maximize analyte sorption and partial chemical selectivity for a given class of analytes as well as to minimize acoustic-wave attenuation in contact with an aqueous phase at the operating frequency of the sensor device
Comparing Laser Diffraction and Optical Microscopy for Characterizing Superabsorbent Polymer Particle Morphology, Size, and Swelling Capacity
In this study, we determined the accuracy and practicality of using optical microscopy (OM) and laser diffraction (LD) to characterize hydrogel particle morphology, size, and swelling capacity (Q). Inverse-suspension-polymerized polyacrylamide particles were used as a model system. OM and LD showed that the average particle diameter varied with the mixing speed during synthesis for the dry (10â120 lm) and hydrated (34â240 lm) particles. The LD volume and number mean diameters showed that a few large particles were responsible for the majority of the water absorption. Excess water present in the gravimetric swelling measurements led to larger Qs (8.2 6 0.37 g/g), whereas the volumetric measurements with OM and LD resulted in reduced capacities (6.5 6 3.8 and 5.7 6 3.9 g/g, respectively). Results from the individual particle swelling measurements with OM (5.2 6 0.66 g/g) statistically confirmed that the volumetric methods resulted in a reduced and more accurate measurement of the Q than the gravimetric method
UHMWPE/SBA-15 nanocomposites synthesized by in situ polymerization
Different nanocomposites have been attained by in situ polymerization based on ultra-high molecular
weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and mesoporous SBA-15, this silica being used for immobilization of the
FI catalyst bis [N-(3-tert-butylsalicylidene)-2,3,4,5,6-pentafluoroanilinato] titanium (IV) dichloride and as
filler as well. Two distinct approaches have been selected for supporting the FI catalyst on the SBA-15
prior polymerization. A study on polymerization activity of this catalyst has been performed under
homogenous conditions and upon heterogenization. A study of the effect of presence of mesoporous
particles and of the immobilization method is also carried out. Moreover, the thermal characterization,
phase transitions and mechanical response of some pristine UHMWPEs and UHMWPE/SBA-15 materials
have been carried out. Relationships with variations on molar mass, impregnation method of catalyst and
final SBA-15 content have been established
Effects of a nanoscopic filler on the structure and dynamics of a simulated polymer melt and the relationship to ultra-thin films
We perform molecular dynamics simulations of an idealized polymer melt
surrounding a nanoscopic filler particle to probe the effects of a filler on
the local melt structure and dynamics. We show that the glass transition
temperature of the melt can be shifted to either higher or lower
temperatures by appropriately tuning the interactions between polymer and
filler. A gradual change of the polymer dynamics approaching the filler surface
causes the change in the glass transition. We also find that while the bulk
structure of the polymers changes little, the polymers close to the surface
tend to be elongated and flattened, independent of the type of interaction we
study. Consequently, the dynamics appear strongly influenced by the
interactions, while the melt structure is only altered by the geometric
constraints imposed by the presence of the filler. Our findings show a strong
similarity to those obtained for ultra-thin polymer films (thickness nm) suggesting that both ultra-thin films and filled-polymer systems might
be understood in the same context
The Ultimate Fate of Supercooled Liquids
In recent years it has become widely accepted that a dynamical length scale
{\xi}_{\alpha} plays an important role in supercooled liquids near the glass
transition. We examine the implications of the interplay between the growing
{\xi}_{\alpha} and the size of the crystal nucleus, {\xi}_M, which shrinks on
cooling. We argue that at low temperatures where {\xi}_{\alpha} > {\xi}_M a new
crystallization mechanism emerges enabling rapid development of a large scale
web of sparsely connected crystallinity. Though we predict this web percolates
the system at too low a temperature to be easily seen in the laboratory, there
are noticeable residual effects near the glass transition that can account for
several previously observed unexplained phenomena of deeply supercooled liquids
including Fischer clusters, and anomalous crystal growth near T_g
FOXC2 controls adult lymphatic endothelial specialization, function, and gut lymphatic barrier preventing multiorgan failure.
The mechanisms maintaining adult lymphatic vascular specialization throughout life and their role in coordinating inter-organ communication to sustain homeostasis remain elusive. We report that inactivation of the mechanosensitive transcription factor Foxc2 in adult lymphatic endothelium leads to a stepwise intestine-to-lung systemic failure. Foxc2 loss compromised the gut epithelial barrier, promoted dysbiosis and bacterial translocation to peripheral lymph nodes, and increased circulating levels of purine metabolites and angiopoietin-2. Commensal microbiota depletion dampened systemic pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, corrected intestinal lymphatic dysfunction, and improved survival. Foxc2 loss skewed the specialization of lymphatic endothelial subsets, leading to populations with mixed, pro-fibrotic identities and to emergence of lymph node-like endothelial cells. Our study uncovers a cross-talk between lymphatic vascular function and commensal microbiota, provides single-cell atlas of lymphatic endothelial subtypes, and reveals organ-specific and systemic effects of dysfunctional lymphatics. These effects potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, or lymphedema
Importance of basophil activation testing in insect venom allergy
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is the only effective treatment for prevention of serious allergic reactions to bee and wasp stings in sensitized individuals. However, there are still many questions and controversies regarding immunotherapy, like selection of the appropriate allergen, safety and long term efficacy.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Literature review was performed to address the role of basophil activation test (BAT) in diagnosis of venom allergy.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In patients with positive skin tests or specific IgE to both honeybee and wasp venom, IgE inhibition test can identify sensitizing allergen only in around 15% and basophil activation test increases the identification rate to around one third of double positive patients. BAT is also diagnostic in majority of patients with systemic reactions after insect stings and no detectable IgE. High basophil sensitivity to allergen is associated with a risk of side effects during VIT. Persistence of high basophil sensitivity also predicts a treatment failure of VIT.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>BAT is a useful tool for better selection of allergen for immunotherapy, for identification of patients prone to side effects and patients who might be treatment failures. However, long term studies are needed to evaluate the accuracy of the test.</p
Effect of Rare Earth Ions on the Properties of Composites Composed of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer and Layered Double Hydroxides
BACKGROUND: The study on the rare earth (RE)-doped layered double hydroxides (LDHs) has received considerable attention due to their potential applications in catalysts. However, the use of RE-doped LDHs as polymer halogen-free flame retardants was seldom investigated. Furthermore, the effect of rare earth elements on the hydrophobicity of LDHs materials and the compatibility of LDHs/polymer composite has seldom been reported. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The stearate sodium surface modified Ni-containing LDHs and RE-doped Ni-containing LDHs were rapidly synthesized by a coprecipitation method coupled with the microwave hydrothermal treatment. The influences of trace amounts of rare earth ions La, Ce and Nd on the amount of water molecules, the crystallinity, the morphology, the hydrophobicity of modified Ni-containing LDHs and the adsorption of modifier in the surface of LDHs were investigated by TGA, XRD, TEM, contact angle and IR, respectively. Moreover, the effects of the rare earth ions on the interfacial compatibility, the flame retardancy and the mechanical properties of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/LDHs composites were also explored in detail. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: S-Niâ.âMgAl-La displayed more uniform dispersion and better interfacial compatibility in EVA matrix compared with other LDHs. Furthermore, the S-Niâ.âMgAl-La/EVA composite showed the best fire retardancy and mechanical properties in all composites
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