Regression data processing methods for parallel zero- and first-order processes applied to lactate dehydrogenase subunit determinations

Multipoint data-processing methods developed for parallel zero-order and first-order processes have been evaluated for the simultaneous determination of the heart and muscle subunits of lactate dehydrogenase. Conditions are adjusted such that pyruvate inhibition of heart and muscle subunits of the enzyme follows pseudo-first-order kinetics with apparent rate constants of k_H? 0.7 s^-1 and k_M? 1.4 s^-1 for the heart and muscle subunits, respectively. The influence of these first-order inhibition processes on the zero-order catalytic reaction is used to determine the two subunits in single- and two-component samples. Stopped-flow mixing is used and 250 data points collected during the early part of the reaction are fitted to four different mathematical models for the parallel process in order to determine initial velocity components resulting from each subunit present, and these velocity components are related to enzyme concentration. Enzymes in synthetic samples are determined in the 0–80 nmol l^-1 range with uncertainties of about 1 nmol l^-1 for single- and two-component samples prepared from purified preparations for the enzymes.     

Multivariate curve resolution applied to in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy data: An efficient tool for data processing and analysis

Large datasets containing many spectra commonly associated with in situ or operando experiments call for new data treatment strategies as conventional scan by scan data analysis methods have become a time-consuming bottleneck. Several convenient automated data processing procedures like least square fitting of reference spectra exist but are based on assumptions. Here we present the application of multivariate curve resolution (MCR) as a blind-source separation method to efficiently process a large data set of an in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiment where the sample undergoes a periodic concentration perturbation. MCR was applied to data from a reversible reduction–oxidation reaction of a rhenium promoted cobalt Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalyst. The MCR algorithm was capable of extracting in a highly automated manner the component spectra with a different kinetic evolution together with their respective concentration profiles without the use of reference spectra. The modulative nature of our experiments allows for averaging of a number of identical periods and hence an increase in the signal to noise ratio (S/N) which is efficiently exploited by MCR. The practical and added value of the approach in extracting information from large and complex datasets, typical for in situ and operando studies, is highlighted.     

Comparison of the extended kalman filter and marquardt algorithms for processing kinetic data

The extended Kalman filter and Marquardt's gradient expansion algorithm for nonlinear least squares are compared with respect to accuracy and precision of parameter extimates, computational burden, sensitivity to initial parameter estimates and ability to indicate model errors. Fits of synthetic first-order data and combined first- and zero-order data produce estimates of equivalent precision and accuracy in most cases. Similar results were obtained for both simulated and experimental data for combined zero-order/first-order processes. However, for the simulated zero-order/first-order data with small zero-order components processed over two half-lives of the first-order process, the Kalman filter overestimated the zero-order rate constant by a substantially larger amount than the Marquardt algorithm. Significant differences in computational burden and sensitivity to initial parameter estimates are demonstrated; however, neither algorithm has a significant advantage over the other for the detection of model error.     

Computation in kinetics, IV. Regression estimation of Arrhenius equation parameters from non-isothermal kinetic data

Computer method for evaluation of Arrhenius equation parameters from non-isothermal kinetic data is offered in KILET program. Changes of temperature can be linear, hyperbolic or of any smooth function which could be expressed by a polynomial of up to 4th degree. The method is demonstrated on examples of linear and hyperbolic changes for simulated and experimental data. The advantage of non-isothermal experiment over isothermal one for evaluation of kinetic solution data is stressed.

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Tackling HIV through robust diagnostics in the developing world: current status and future opportunities

Over the last thirty years, the world has seen HIV circulate the globe, affecting 33 million people to date and killing 2 million people a year. The disease has affected developed and developing countries alike, and in the U.S., remains one of the top ten leading causes of death. Many regions of the world are highly impacted by this disease, including sub-Saharan Africa, South and South-East Asia, and Eastern Europe. Fortunately, multilateral, global efforts, along with successful developments in diagnostic tools and anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) have successfully curbed the spread of HIV over the last ten years. In spite of this fact, access to HIV treatment and preventive healthcare is varying and limited in developing countries. A lack of healthcare infrastructure, financial support, and healthcare workers are some logistical factors that are responsible. HIV stigmatization, discrimination, and inadequate education pose additional social challenges that are hindering countries from advancing in HIV prevention. This review focuses on current technological tools that are used for HIV diagnosis and ongoing research that is aimed at addressing the conditions in low-resource settings. Recent developments in microfluidic applications and mobile health technologies are promising approaches to building a compact, portable, and robust device that can provide information-rich, real-time diagnoses. We also discuss the role that governments, healthcare workers, and even researchers can play in order to increase the acceptance of newly introduced devices and treatments in rural communities.     

Molecular recognition and signal processing in biosensors

The specificity of molecular recognition is reflected to a high degree by the selectivity of the respective biosensor response. Therefore, the application of highly specific enzymes offers advantages for analytical purposes. Using lactate monooxygenase in combination with lactate dehydrogenase and pyruvate kinase, sequentially acting enzyme electrodes for lactate, pyruvate, ADP and enzyme activities, e.g. lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase and aminotransferases were developed. A high sensitivity was achieved based on the cycling enzyme pairs hexokinase/pyruvate kinase for ATP and ADP, and lactate monooxygenase/malate dehydrogenase for malate and oxaloacetate, respectively. On the other hand, in a sensor for a large group of substances, the unspecific microsomal cytochrome P-450 system was applied.     

Comparison of robust regression methods based on least-median and adaptive kalman filtering approaches applied to linear calibration data

Five algorithms for data analysis are evaluated for their abilities to discriminate against outliers in small data sets (4–10 points). These methods included least-squares regression, the least absolute -deviation method, the least median of squares method, and two techniques based on an adaptive Kalman filter. For data sets consisting of 4–9 points with one outlier, the average errors in the estimation of the slope were found to be 18.9 % by least-squares, 17.7% by the least absolute deviation method, 0.5% by the least median of squares algorithm, 9.1% by an adaptive Kalman filter algorithm, and 0.9% by a zero-lag adaptive Kalman filter algorithm. Based on these results, the conclusion is that the zero-lag adaptive Kalman filter and the least median of squares approaches are best suited for the detection of outliers in small calibration data sets.     

Calibration in atomic spectrometry: A tutorial review dealing with quality criteria,weighting procedures and possible curvatures

Calibration is required to obtain analyte concentrations in atomic spectrometry. To take full benefit of it, the adequacy of the coefficient of determination r² is discussed, and its use is compared with the uncertainty due to the prediction bands of the regression. Also discussed from a tutorial point of view are the influence of the weighting procedure and of different weighting factors, and the comparison between linear and quadratic regression to cope with curvatures. They are illustrated with examples based on the use of ICP-AES with nebulization and laser ablation, and of LIBS. Use of a calibration graph over several orders of magnitude may be problematic as well as the use of a quadratic regression to cope with possible curvatures. Instrument softwares that allow reprocessing of the calibration by selecting standards around the expected analyte concentration are convenient for optimizing the calibration procedure.     

Saturated vapor pressure of individual substance. Supplement to interpretations and procedures for processing experimental polythermal data

A universal (that is, actual for any reaction) interconnection between enthalpy (∆_r H), entropy (∆_r S), and Gibbs energy (∆_r G) was applied to the analysis of the formation of saturated vapor of individual condensed (liquid and solid) substances. This allowed us to specify the conceptual and metrological sense of thermodynamic parameters available for estimation within the framework of tensimetric investigations. Proposals for the procedures of experimental data processing were made. The informativity of the approach was illustrated by the example showing the results of processing two arrays of primary data obtained using the static and the flow methods for crystal hafnium(IV) dipivaloylmethanate.     

Enthalpy Relaxation in Glasses: Regression analysis of integral DSC data

A new method of calculation of parameters of enthalpy relaxation models is proposed. Regression analysis treatment compares the experimental and calculated values of relaxation enthalpy. The experimental values of relaxation enthalpy are obtained by numerical integration of the difference between the two DSC curves. Contrary to the overall shape of the DSC curve the integral values are not affected by particular heat flow conditions during the DSC experiment. The Narayanaswamy's numerical model based on the Kohlrausch—William—Watts relaxation function was used to calculate the theoretical values of relaxation enthalpy. The application of the proposed method on the DSC experimental data of enthalpy relaxation of As₂Se₃ is shown.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The kinetic plot method applied to gradient chromatography: Theoretical framework and experimental validation

The kinetic plot method, originally developed for isocratic separations, was extended to the practically much more relevant case of gradient elution separations. A set of explicit as well as implicit data transformation expressions has been established. These expressions can readily be implemented in any calculation spread-sheet program, and allow to directly turn any experimental data set representing the relation between the separation efficiency and the flow rate measured on a single column into the kinetic performance limit curve of the tested separation medium. Since the kinetic performance limit curve is based on an extrapolation to columns with a different length, it should be realized that the curve is only valid under the assumption that the gradient time and the delay time (if any) are adapted such that the analytes are subjected to the same relative mobile phase history when the column length is changed. Both experimental and numerical data are presented to corroborate the fact that the kinetic performance limit curves that are obtained using the proposed expressions are indeed independent of the column length the experimental data were collected in. Deviations might arise if excessive viscous heating occurs in columns with a pronounced non-adiabatic thermal behaviour.     

Information content of data and variables and types of weighting in least-squares regression methods

Algorithms are given for evaluating the relative amount of useful information related to a particular parameter which is carried by individual data points and intervals of the variables. The algorithms provide an efficient means of using the information contained in a set of data. Applications to the optimization of weighting in regression methods are described. Several informational and combined informational-statistical types of weighting are studied as a means of improving the accuracy and precision of the parameters obtained by non-linear regression.     

Floc breakage in agitated suspensions: Theory and data processing strategy

Flow visualization of chemical flocs in a simple extensional flow field reveals two distinct mechanisms for their breakage: splitting into a relatively small number of daughter fragments whose sizes are comparable to the parent flocs, along with continual disintegration by erosion to produce extremely fine particles from the extremities of the parent floc along the axis of extension. In turbulent flow, these two mechanisms still occur, although the kinematics of flow are more complex. This work presents a formulation of the population balance equation that governs the floc size distribution in turbulent flow, incorporating both the splitting and erosion mechanisms discussed above. Experiments were conducted in which floc size distributions of dilute suspensions are measured by a combination of techniques, including computerized optical scanning of photographs and pulse height analysis of signals from a light blockage transducer. The experimentally determined size distributions are then fit to those computed from the population balance equation, using constrained nonlinear least squares. This yields best values of certain coefficients that appear in the governing equation, providing a strategy to obtain a data base to promote deeper theoretical analysis. The method is demonstrated by analyzing data for kaolin-Fe(OH)₃ flocs in aqueous suspensions.     

Reactions in the gas and liquid phases: Comparison of kinetic and thermodynamic data

An analysis is made of relationships to be expected between the enthalpies and entropies of reactions carried out in the gas and liquid phases, assuming ideal thermodynamic behavior of the components. The results of the analysis are compared with experimental results reported in the literature. Some discrepancies are noted. These may be the consequence of experimental error or may be due to substantial deviations from thermodynamic ideality. If the latter is commonplace, there will be difficulties in making useful predictions and correlations of thermodynamic and kinetic parameters in the liquid phase.     

Signal processing and calibration procedures for in situ diode-laser absorption spectroscopy

Gas analyzers based on tunable diode-laser spectroscopy (TDLS) provide high sensitivity, fast response and highly specific in situ measurements of several atmospheric trace gases simultaneously. Under optimum conditions even a shot noise limited performance can be obtained. For field applications outside the laboratory practical limitations are important. At ambient mixing ratios below a few parts-per-billion spectrometers become more and more sensitive towards noise, interference, drift effects and background changes associated with low level signals. It is the purpose of this review to address some of the problems which are encountered at these low levels and to describe a signal processing strategy for trace gas monitoring and a concept for in situ system calibration applicable for tunable diode-laser spectroscopy. To meet the requirement of quality assurance for field measurements and monitoring applications, procedures to check the linearity according to International Standard Organization regulations are described and some measurements of calibration functions are presented and discussed.     

Copper ion-induced activation and asymmetric benzoylation of 1,2-diols: kinetic chiral molecular recognition

New catalytic ability of copper(II) ion has been exploited for monobenzoylation of 1,2-diols. The catalyst can be readily modified by ligation to acquire higher stereoselectivity. Highly effective kinetic resolution of dl-1,2-diols was achieved. The enantiodiscrimination process was clearly shown to be controlled by the kinetics of acylation of dl-1,2-diols. The catalytic method was successfully applied to asymmetric desymmetrization of meso-hydrobenzoin.     

Electronic data processing and automation in elastomer testing

A laboratory data processing system is introduced, based on a central process computer with numerous input-output stations and subordinated functioning microcomputers. The various data-acquiring possibilities are described by giving examples of testing methods in a rubber testing department, from the pure evaluation of off-line acquired experimental data to fully automated running of tests controlled by computer. The experiences gained from the system from the view of the user and the EDP-specialists are illustrated, which may be useful at the planning stage of similar laboratory applications.     

Microprocessor-based data processing and quality control in hematology

Routine hematological determinations with Coulter Counter model S instruments benefit from electronic data processing, and appropriate quality control is essential. The system described here is based on an INTEL 8008 microprocessor provided with options for handling sample identification numbers, duplicate print-out of results on self-adhesive labels, and zero-level quality control functions which utilize both patient samples and quality-control samples. The arithmetical means of the results of ten patient samples are calculated in real time for four parameters in whole blood. The running mean values of two of these parameters (MCVand MCHC) are suitable for zero-level process control. together with signalling of extremes. Daily mean values of patiant samples and quality-control samples are also calculated to check the stability from day to day. The microprocessor-based system is adequate for these functions and is relatively simple and inexpensive.