Random Perturbation in Games of Chance

In this article, we consider a problem in games of chance. Our result shows that two losing games ( A and B , in the sense of a negative expectation) can become a winning game (in the sense of a positive expectation), when the two are played in a suitable alternating order; for example, ABBABB ....... By using a regrouping technique in Automata and the concept of Markov chain embedding, we give proof of this gambling result. A signal-to-noise ratio is also presented to explain this counterintuitive phenomenon.     

Magnetic split-flow thin fractionation of magnetically susceptible particles.

We recently built a magnetic separation system to extend the applications of split-flow thin (SPLITT) fractionation to magnetically susceptible particles. Here, we characterize the magnetic SPLITT system using magnetically susceptible particles and ion-labeled particles. The flow axis of separation channel was orientated parallel and perpendicular to gravitational forces to exclude and include, respectively, gravitational effects on separation. Both operating modes were used to test the theory experimentally, with emphasis on the parallel mode. The magnetic susceptibilities of carrier and ion-labeled particles were varied, and various ion-labeled and unlabeled particles were studied experimentally, resulting in successful separation of labeled particles, yeasts, and cells from unlabeled ones. The minimal difference in magnetic susceptibility (delta(chi)) required for complete particle separation was about 1.75 x 10(-5) [cgs], corresponding to about 10(9) labeling ions per particle in this study. The throughput was around 7.2 x 10(8) particles/h using the present setup. Magnetic SPLITT fractionation shows good potential for use in obtaining particles magnetic susceptibilities from a simple theoretical treatment.     

Mechanical properties of polymers containing fillers

The addition of fillers can significantly change the mechanical characteristics of a material. In this paper, a general, mechanistic model is established to determine the moduli, relaxation moduli, break strengths, and break strains for polymer films containing liquid and solid micro fillers. Based on rigorous continuum mechanics principles, this model considers the filler/filler interactions, incorporates the nonlinear synergistic effects of fillers, and provides accurate predictions in comparison with experimental data. The analytical model developed provides information that is not available or extremely difficult to obtain experimentally. The model can be applied to determine the filler/matrix adhesion and filler modulus using measured modulus of a filled polymer film (a filled polymer is a polymer containing fillers). It is found that the compression moduli of polymer films containing liquid fillers differ significantly from the tension moduli, especially when the volume fraction of the filler is high. The difference in compression and tension Young's moduli normalized by the tension Young's modulus is as high as 35%. The relative error in maximum pressure calculation during Hertzian contact caused by using the tension moduli is as high as 48%. The relaxation modulus of a filled polymer film is determined through inverse Laplace transforms of its composite modulus in the s‐space. For a filled polymer film containing liquid phase fillers, a closed form solution for its relaxation modulus has been obtained. It is found that the composite relaxation modulus of the filled polymer is proportional to the relaxation modulus of the matrix polymer multiplied by a factor related to the volume fraction of the liquid filler. The break strength of the filled polymer is found to be proportional to the break strength of the polymer matrix material multiplied by a power function of the modulus ratio of filled polymer to polymer matrix, R. The break strain of the filled polymer is proportional to the break strain of the polymer matrix multiplied by a power function of 1/R. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 37: 155–172, 1999     

Anti-Cancer and Medicinal Potentials of Moringa Isothiocyanate

Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera), which belongs to the Moringaceae family, is a common herb, rich in plant compounds. It has a variety of bioactive compounds that can act as antioxidants, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agents, etc., which can be obtained in different body parts of M. oleifera. Isothiocyanates (ITCs) from M. oleifera are one class of these active substances that can inhibit cancer proliferation and promote cancer cell apoptosis through multiple signaling pathways, thus curbing cancer migration and metastasis, at the same time they have little adverse effect on normal cells. There are multiple variants of ITCs in M. oleifera, but the predominant phytochemical is 4-(α-L-rhamnosyloxy)benzyl isothiocyanate, also known as moringa isothiocyanate (MIC-1). Studies have shown that MIC-1 has the possibility to be used clinically for the treatment of diabetes, neurologic diseases, obesity, ulcerative colitis, and several cancer types. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer and anti-chronic disease effects of MIC-1, current trends, and future direction of MIC-1 based treatment strategies. This review combines the relevant literature of the past 10 years, in order to provide more comprehensive information of MIC-1 and to fully exploit its potentiality in the clinical settings.     

Evaluation of an electrochemical sensor based on gold nanoparticles supported on carbon nanofibers for detection of tartrazine dye

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry - An electrochemical sensor for the detection of tartrazine (Tz), a synthetic azo dye customarily found in commercial soft drinks, is herein reported. This...