Evaluation of the performance of a soft X-ray charger for the bipolar charging of nanoparticles

The use of soft X-rays in a neutrahzer represents an alternative technique that could replace conventional radioactive sources.In this study,we evaluated the charging characteristics of a soft X-ray aerosol neutralize!".In addition,the results from the evaluation of the soft X-ray charger were compared with results obtained using a neutralizer incorporating an ²⁴¹Am radioactive source.The tandem differential mobility analyzer technique was used previously to determine the size-dependent positive,negative,and neutral charge fractions of a soft X-ray neutralizer.This technique was used to show that the neutral fractions obtained using the soft X-ray charger agreed well with the predictions of bipolar diffusion charging theory,and that the soft X-ray charger could be used as a neutralizer for a scanning mobility particle sizer system.     

BRST cohomology and highest weight vectors. I

We initiate a program to study certain recent problems in non-compact coset CFT by the BRST approach. We derive a reduction formula for the BRST cohomology by making use of a twisting by highest weight modules. As illustrations, we apply the formula to the bosonic string model and a rank one non-compact coset model [DPL]. Our formula provides a completely new approach to non-compact coset construction.Partially supported by NSF Grant DMS-8703581     

A Multiobjective Hybrid Metaheuristic Approach for GIS-based Spatial Zoning Model

This paper presents a multiobjective hybrid metaheuristic approach for an intelligent spatial zoning model in order to draw territory line for geographical or spatial zone for the purpose of space control. The model employs a Geographic Information System (GIS) and uses multiobjective combinatorial optimization techniques as its components. The proposed hybrid metaheuristic consists of the symbiosis between tabu search and scatter search method and it is used heuristically to generate non-dominated alternatives. The approach works with a set of current solution, which through manipulation of weights are optimized towards the non-dominated frontier while at the same time, seek to disperse over the frontier by a strategic oscillation concept. The general procedure and its algorithms are given as well as its implementation in the GIS environment. The computation has resulted in tremendous improvements in spatial zoning.     

Synthesis and characterization of soluble polyimides containing trifluoromethyl groups in their backbone

A series of polyimides were synthesized from 2,2‐Bis(3,4‐dicarboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane, 2,2‐bis(3‐amino‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐hexafluoropropane, and 4,4′‐oxydianiline by chemical imidization. The effects of the diamine ratios on the properties of the films were evaluated through the study of their thermal, electrical, and morphological properties. All the polymers exhibited better solubility in most of the organic solvents and hence were easily processable. Polyimides with more 2,2‐bis(3‐amino‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐hexafluoropropane exhibited better solubility and a low refractive index, which is highly desired for microelectronic applications. The dielectric constant and birefringence were strongly dependent on the fluorine content. With an increase in the fluorine substitution, both the dielectric constant and birefringence decreased. All the polymers exhibited high thermal stability (>400 °C). The absence of crystalline melting in differential scanning calorimetry and broad wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction patterns revealed the amorphous nature of the polymers, which was due to the presence of bulky CF₃ groups and hinged ether linkages of the diamine component. The residual stress values decreased with an increase in the 4,4′‐oxydianiline content, and the results were in agreement with the dielectric constant. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 4303–4312, 2004     

Backward extensions of subnormal operators

The concept of backward extension for subnormal weighted shifts is generalized to arbitrary subnormal operators. Several differences and similarities in these contexts are explored, with emphasis on the structure of the underlying measures.

     

BRST cohomology of the super-Virasoro Algebras

We study the superextension of the semi-infinite cohomology theory of the Virasoro Algebra. In particular, we examine the BRST complex with coefficients in the Fock Space of the RNS superstring. We prove a theorem of vanishing cohomology, and establish the unitary equivalence between a positive definite transversal space, a physical subspace and the zeroth cohomology group. The cohomology of a subcomplex is identified as the covariant equivalent of the well-known GSO subspace. An exceptional case to the vanishing theorem is discussed.Supported by NSF Grant DMS-8703581     

Semi-infinite homology and 2D gravity. I

In [33], we studied the constraint problem for two-dimensional quantum gravity in the conformal gauge. In this gauge, we proposed an ansatz for the gravitational sector. Using this ansatz, we established a striking connection between the matrix models and continuum 2D gravity. We also announced several results on semi-infinite homology of the Virasoro algebra with coefficients in a suitable class of positive energy modules. In this article, we will provide details of the proof of the announced results.Supported in part by the Alfred P. Sloan FoundationSupported by NSF Grant DMS-8703581     

Investigation of the Doughnut Effect in Cy3-Labeled Protein Microarrays using Scanning Near-Field Optical Microscope

We demonstrate the fluorescence mapping of protein microarrays by the technique of scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) and confocal microscopy. Micron sized spots (300 μm) of human Immunoglobulin G (hIgG) protein with and without a Cy3 dye labeling have been fabricated on glass substrates by an immobilization method which makes use of calixcrown derivatives termed Prolinker. We have also tried to probe into the well-known “doughnut effect” observed in fluorescence images of proteins using the SNOM technique. The topographic and fluorescence SNOM images revealed that the number of proteins at the boundary of the spot were more than at the center in the case of the microarray spot which showed brighter luminescence at the edge than at the center in the confocal image.     

Supercritical fluid extraction of the fluoroquinolones norfloxacin and ofloxacin from orally treated-chicken breast muscles

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of the fluoroquinolones norfloxacin and ofloxacin from chicken breast muscles was examined. A liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection was used for the determination of the fluoroquinolones. Extraction conditions of the SFE were optimized by determining the extraction parameters to achieve a sufficiently high recovery of each fluoroquinolone in fortified-muscle samples. Recovery values for the extraction of the fluoroquinolones using the SFE ranged from 70 to 87%. Chickens were treated orally with each fluoroquinolone and their muscles were extracted at set time intervals for time-course determination of the fluoroquinolones in chickens. The SFE combined with liquid chromatographic analysis showed that the concentrations of the fluoroquinolones decreased gradually with time in the chicken muscles after oral treatment, giving a concentration less than 5 ng/ml in 120 h. No further sample cleanup procedures were required after the SFE. These results suggest that SFE method is an extraction method for the determination of norfloxacin and ofloxacin in chicken muscle.