Large deviations for the Boussinesq equations under random influences

A Boussinesq model for the Bénard convection under random influences is considered as a system of stochastic partial differential equations. This is a coupled system of stochastic Navier–Stokes equations and the transport equation for temperature. Large deviations are proved, using a weak convergence approach based on a variational representation of functionals of infinite-dimensional Brownian motion.     

Determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in fish tissues by matrix solid-phase dispersion and gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry: Case study on European eel (Anguilla anguilla) from Mediterranean coastal lagoons

This paper describes the development and validation of an analytical methodology to determine 28 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in European eel (Anguilla anguilla) tissues using matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) and gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QQQ-MS/MS). A total of 28 PBDEs were targeted, including tri- to deca-brominated congeners.The robustness and effectiveness of the proposed sample preparation procedure was demonstrated in lipid-rich eel tissues. The use of batch MSPD with activated silica gel and H₂SO₄-impregnated silica gel, followed by H₂SO₄ digestion and multilayer cartridge clean-up allowed for complete lipid removal and eliminated matrix effects during GC-QQQ-MS/MS analysis. The average PBDE recoveries from eel muscle samples spiked with PBDEs at two levels were in the range 56.2-119.0%. Precision was satisfactory since relative standard deviations were lower than 19.6%, regardless of spike level, and method quantification limits ranged between 1 and 170 pg g⁻¹ (wet weight).The method demonstrated its successful application for the analysis of eel samples from two coastal lagoons located on the western French Mediterranean coast. All samples tested positive, but for tri- to hexa-brominated congeners only and total PBDE levels observed in this study were in the range 0.08-1.80 ng g⁻¹ wet weight.     

Novel mixed-valent Co(II)₂Co(III)₄Ln(III)₄ aggregates with ligands derived from tris-(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris)

Isostructural Co(II)?Co(III)?Ln(III)? (Ln = Y (1), Gd (2) and Dy (3)) coordination clusters formed using the ligand Tris are the first examples of 3d-4f complexes involving this ligand and show weak ferromagnetic coupling between the Co(II) ions and slow relaxation (SMM) behaviour for 3.     

Realization of single-mode telluride rib waveguides for mid-IR applications between 10 and 20 μm

The feasibility of all-telluride integrated optics devices based on waveguides presenting a single-mode behavior in the spectral range (10-20 μm) is demonstrated. These waveguides are constituted of a several micrometer thick Te(82)Ge(18) film deposited onto a Te(75)Ge(15)Ga(10) bulk glass substrate by thermal coevaporation and further etched by reactive ion etching under the CHF(3)/O(2)/Ar atmosphere. The obtained structures were proven to behave as channel waveguides with a good single-mode transmission over the whole spectral range. These results allowed validating our technological solution for the fabrication of integrated optics modal filters for spatial interferometry.     

Macromodeling of high-speed interconnects by positive interpolation of vertical segments

In this paper a novel macromodeling scheme is presented to model the per unit of length (p.u.l.) parameters of uniform transmission lines. In particular, it is focused on single on-chip interconnects, because their p.u.l. parameters are influenced by the presence of semiconductor (s) and as such exhibit a strong frequency-dependency, making the modeling process harder. Starting from a set of very accurate tabulated data samples, obtained by two-dimensional electromagnetic modeling, rational models for the four p.u.l. parameters are constructed. The novelty of the approach lies in the fact that the rational models are positive by construction and that a controllable accuracy is obtained. These models can then further be used to construct multivariate models, e.g., for variability analysis. Here, the novel scheme is applied to an on-chip inverted embedded microstrip line, of which the signal integrity behavior is assessed in both the frequency and the time domain, demonstrating the applicability of the macromodels.     

Profiling protein-surface interactions of multicomponent suspensions via flow cytometry

This study presents the use of flow cytometry as a high-throughput quantifiable technique to study multicomponent adsorption interactions between proteins and surfaces. Flow cytometry offers the advantage of high-throughput analysis of multiple parameters on a very small sampling scale. This enables flow cytometry to distinguish between individual adsorbent particles and adsorbate components within a suspension. As a proof of concept study, the adsorption of three proteins--bovine serum albumin (BSA), bovine immunoglobulin gamma (IgG) and fibrinogen--onto five surface-modified organosilica microsphere surfaces was used as a model multicomponent system for analysis. By uniquely labeling each protein and solid support type with spectrally distinguishable fluorescent dyes, the adsorption process could be "multiplexed" allowing for simultaneous screening of multiple adsorbate (protein) and adsorbent (particle surface) interactions. Protein adsorption experiments quantified by flow cytometry were found to be comparable to single-component adsorption studies by solution depletion. Quantitative distribution of the simultaneous competitive adsorption of BSA and IgG indicated that, at concentrations below surface saturation, both proteins adsorbed onto the surface. However, at concentrations greater than surface saturation, BSA preferentially adsorbed. Multiplexed particle suspensions of optically encoded particles were modified to produce a positively and negatively charged surface, a grafted 3400 MW poly(ethylene glycol) layer, or a physisorbed BSA or IgG layer. It was observed that adsorption was rapid and irreversible on all of the surfaces, and preadsorbed protein layers were the most effective in preventing further protein adsorption.