Multivariate standard addition method solved by net analyte signal calculation and rank annihilation factor analysis

This article describes the use of the net analyte signal (NAS) concept and rank annihilation factor analysis (RAFA) for building two different multivariate standard addition models called “SANAS” and “SARAF.” In the former, by the definition of a new subspace, the NAS vector of the analyte of interest in an unknown sample as well as the NAS vectors of samples spiked with various amounts of the standard solutions are calculated and then their Euclidean norms are plotted against the concentration of added standard. In this way, a simple linear standard addition graph similar to that in univariate calibration is obtained, from which the concentration of the analyte in the unknown sample and the analytical figures of merit are readily calculated. In the SARAF method, the concentration of the analyte in the unknown sample is varied iteratively until the contribution of the analyte in the response data matrix is completely annihilated. The proposed methods were evaluated by analyzing simulated absorbance data as well as by the analysis of two indicators in synthetic matrices as experimental data. The resultant predicted concentrations of unknown samples showed that the SANAS and SARAF methods both produced accurate results with relative errors of prediction lower than 5% in most cases.     

Quantum chromodynamics studies at LEP2

Several studies have been made to the hadronic final states in e ⁺ e ⁻ collisions at LEP. Studies of the annihilation process at LEP2 have given rise to results on jet rate, event shape, heavy flavour production, inclusive momentum spectra, Bose-Einstein correlation and colour reconnection effects. Event shape studies have given rise to accurate determination of the strong coupling constant α _s using O (α _s ² ) with resummed leading and next-to-leading log calculation and also with power law corrections. Studies of 2-photon processes have yielded results on γγ cross-section, heavy flavour production, photon structure function and γ*γ* scattering.     

Validity of the equivalent-photon approximation for the production of massive spin-1 particles

We point out that the equivalent-photon approximation (EPA) for processes with massive spin-1 particles in the final state would have validity in a more restricted kinematic domain than for processes where it is commonly applied, viz., those with spin-1/2 or spin-0 particles in the final state. We obtain the criterion for the validity ofEPA for the two-photon production of a pair of charged, massive, point-like spin-1 particlesV ^±, each of massM and with a standard magnetic moment (κ=1). In a process in which one of the photons is real and the other virtual with four-momentumq, the condition for the validity ofEPA is |q ²|≪M ², in addition to the usual condition |q ²|≪W ²,W being theV ⁺ V ⁻ invariant mass. In a process in which both photons are virtual (with four-momentaq andq′), our condition is |q ²||q′²|W ⁴ ≪ 16M ⁸, in addition to |q ²| ≪M ², |q′²| ≪M ² and |q ²| ≪W ², |q′²| ≪W ². Even when these extra conditions permitting the use ofEPA are not fulfilled, convenient approximate expressions may still be obtained assuming merely |q ²| ≪W ² and |q′²| ≪W ². We also discuss how the extra conditions are altered when the vector bosons are incorporated in a spontaneously broken gauge theory. Examples ofW boson production in Weinberg-Salam model are considered for which the condition |q ²||q′²|W ⁴ ≪ 16M ⁸ is shown to be removed.     

Effect of CO2 exposure on free volumes in polystyrene studied by positron annihilation spectroscopy

Free‐volume properties, size and distribution, in amorphous polystyrene exposed to CO₂ gases have been measured as a function of pressure to 800 psi (5.5 MPa), of time, and of temperature using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. The free volume increases significantly and its distribution broadens as a function of pressure. The free volume relaxes as a function of time with a characteristic time of 15 h, and 5.7 h for 400, and 800 psi, respectively, after depressurizing under vacuum. A portion of free volume created by CO₂ exposure remains permanently in the polymer after CO₂ exposure. The glass transition temperature decreases significantly as a function of CO₂ pressure from the free‐volume data and is compared with the differential scanning calorimeter results. The observed free‐volume variations as a function of pressure, time, and temperature are discussed in terms of hole expansion, creation, free‐volume relaxation, plasticization, and hole filling in amorphous polymers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 388–405, 2008     

Inherent Photon Energy Recycling Effects in the Up‐Converted Delayed Luminescence Dynamics of Poly(fluorene)–PtIIoctaethyl Porphyrin Blends

We present results of steady‐state and transient photoluminescence studies of molecularly doped poly(fluorene) films. We study blends with increasing content of the triplet emitter (2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18‐octaethyl‐porphyrinato)Pt^II (PtOEP) when dispersed in the polymeric poly(fluorene) matrix of the poly[9,9‐di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐fluorenyl‐2,7‐diyl] (PF26) derivative. We carry out a unified study of the photophysical reactions that are involved in the energy transfer processes in this system by probing the three luminescence processes of a) PF26 fluorescence, b) triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA) induced up‐converted PF26 delayed fluorescence and c) PtOEP phosphorescence. With increasing PtOEP content, the process of photon energy recycling in the PF26:PtOEP system is manifested from the quenching of the TTA‐induced up‐converted PF26 delayed fluorescence and it is rationalized with the use of Forster theory of resonant energy transfer. Based on the combined results of the photophysical and the transmission electron microscopy characterization of the as‐spun PF26:PtOEP films, we determine the onset of PtOEP aggregation at 2–3 wt % PtOEP content. The analysis of the photophysical data is based on the use of modified Stern–Volmer photokinetic models that are appropriate for the solid state. A static component in the PL quenching of PF26 is revealed for PtOEP contents below 2 wt %. The modified Stern–Volmer kinetic scheme further suggests that co‐aggregation effects between PF26 and PtOEP are operative with an association constant of ground state complex formation k_bind ～15–17 M ^?1. The involvement of the ground state heterospecies in the TTA‐mediated PF26 up‐converted luminescence is discussed. The participation of an electron‐exchange step, in the excited state energy transfer pathway between PtOEP and PF26, is proposed for the activation mechanism of the PF26 up‐converted fluorescence.     

PET Imaging of Bacterial Infections with Fluorine‐18‐Labeled Maltohexaose

A positron emission tomography (PET) tracer composed of ¹⁸F‐labeled maltohexaose (MH¹⁸F) can image bacteria in vivo with a sensitivity and specificity that are orders of magnitude higher than those of fluorodeoxyglucose (¹⁸FDG). MH¹⁸F can detect early‐stage infections composed of as few as 10⁵ E. coli colony‐forming units (CFUs), and can identify drug resistance in bacteria in vivo. MH¹⁸F has the potential to improve the diagnosis of bacterial infections given its unique combination of high specificity and sensitivity for bacteria.     

Interphases in Polymer Solid-Contacts and Nanocomposites Probed by Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy

At polymer-solid contacts with thermoplastic polymers, the chain characteristics can deviate from the bulk on a length-scale of several nanometer in the so-called interphase. Such an interphase depends on the interaction between respective macromolecule and substrate, and affects the free volume in the polymer. Here, we review our experiments on the characterization of the free volume by positron lifetime spectroscopy at planar and curved interfaces. For Teflon AF on silicon, we identify a layer of increased density, corresponding to an interphase width of some 10 nm. PEP based nanocomposites with functionalized silica show no interphase, whereas for functionalized POSS an interphase is detected.     

Detection of diminished response to cold pressor test in smokers: Assessment using phase-contrast cine magnetic resonance imaging of the coronary sinus

Purpose

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the reproducibility for measuring the cold pressor test (CPT)-induced myocardial blood flow (MBF) alteration using phase-contrast (PC) cine MRI, and to determine if this approach could detect altered MBF response to CPT in smokers.

Materials and methods

After obtaining informed consent, ten healthy male non-smokers (mean age: 28 ± 5 years) and ten age-matched male smokers (smoking duration ≥ 5 years, mean age: 28 ± 3 years) were examined in this institutional review board approved study. Breath-hold PC cine MR images of the coronary sinus were obtained with a 3 T MR imager with 32 channel coils at rest and during a CPT performed after immersing one foot in ice water. MBF was calculated as coronary sinus flow divided by the left ventricular (LV) mass which was given as a total LV myocardial volume measured on cine MRI multiplied by the specific gravity (1.05 g/mL).

Results

In non-smokers, MBF was 0.86 ± 0.25 mL/min/g at rest, with a significant increase to 1.20 ± 0.36 mL/min/g seen during CPT (percentage change of MBF (?MBF (%)); 39.2% ± 14.4%, p < 0.001). Inter-study reproducibility for ?MBF (%) measurements by different MR technologist was good, as indicated by the intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.93 and reproducibility coefficient of 10.5%. There was no significant difference between smokers and non-smokers for resting MBF (0.85 ± 0.32 mL/min/g, p = 0.91). However, ?MBF (%) in smokers was significantly reduced (-4.0 ± 32.2% vs. 39.2 ± 14.4%, p = 0.011).

Conclusion

PC cine MRI can be used to reproducibly quantify MBF response to CPT and to detect impaired flow response in smokers. This MR approach may be useful for monitoring the sequential change of coronary blood flow in various potentially pathologic conditions and for investigating its relationship with cardiovascular risk.