Test of a symmetrical four-detector compton polarimeter using low temperature nuclear orientation

A symmetrical four-detector Compton polarimeter was used to measure the linear polarization of gamma-rays emitted from nuclei oriented by the hyperfine interaction at low temperature. Its polarization detection efficiency was determined in the range 0.3–1.4 MeV and compared with some other polarimeters.     

Control of a coupled map lattice model for vortex shedding in the wake of a cylinder

The flow behind a vibrating flexible cable at low Reynolds numbers can exhibit complex wake structures such as lace-like patterns, vortex dislocations and frequency cells. These structures have been observed in experiments and numerical simulations, and are predicted by a previously developed low-order coupled map lattice (CML). The discrete (in time and space) CML models consist of a series of diffusively coupled circle map oscillators along the cable span. Motivated by a desire to modify the complex wake patterns behind flexible vibrating cables we have studied the addition of control terms into the highly efficient CML models and explored the resulting dynamics. Proportional, adaptive proportional and discontinuous non-linear (DNL) control methods were used to derive the control laws. The first method employed occasional proportional feedback. The adaptive method used spatio-temporal feedback control. The DNL method used a discontinuous feedback linearization procedure, and the controller was designed for the resulting linearized system using eigenvalue assignment. These techniques were applied to a modeled vortex dislocation structure in the wake of a vibrating cable in uniform freestream flow. Parallel shedding patterns were achieved for a range of forcing frequency-forcing amplitude combinations studied to validate the control theory. The adaptive proportional and DNL methods were found to be more effective than the proportional control method due to the incorporation of a spatially varying feedback gain across the cylinder span. The DNL method was found to be the most efficient controller of the low-order CML model. The required control level across the cable span was correlated to the 1/1 lock-on behavior of the temporal circle map.     

The development of information storage materials — How microscopy can help?

The response of giant magnetoresistance (GMR) devices depends critically on the film microstructure, with parameters such as layer thickness and interfacial abruptness being crucial. This paper presents results obtained using high resolution electron microscopy (HREM), chemical mapping and atom probe microanalysis. Local variations in the magnetic properties are induced by the microstructure and also when the films are patterned to form small elements. These lead to changes in the magnetization reversal mechanism. Some results of the studies of the magnetization reversal carried out using in situ in Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (LTEM) magnetizing experiments are also included.     

Study of the reaction KL0p → KS0p in the c.m. energy range 1490–1700 MeV

Experimental results on the K_L⁰p → K_S⁰p reaction at 11 laboratory momenta between 300 and 800 MeV/c are presented. The data are used to discriminate among the various sets of phase shifts for K⁺N scattering in the I = 0 state.     

A review of recent developments in self-attenuation correction leading to a simple dual energy lump correction model for use in the quantitative gamma assay of plutonium

The application of quantitative high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry for the non-destructive assay of plutonium bearing items, such as waste drums, is complicated by self-attenuation if the plutonium is present as lumps. By definition, lumps are small compared to the bulk matrix and so are not accounted for in the gross matrix correction yet can exert a significant influence on the assay result. Compared to a calibration using dilute standards, self-attenuation results in an under-reporting of the mass of plutonium present. The availability of representative standards is unrealistic for diverse waste streams and so a means to detect and compensate for the presence of lumps is needed. An experimental approach that can in principle generate an item specific correction factor is to exploit the differential attenuation between a set of gamma-lines of known relative emission intensity. In the case of routine measurements of drummed Pu wastes the choice of lines is often limited, the most appropriate often being those at 129 keV and 414 keV from ²³⁹Pu. This paper discusses the problems and potential of exploiting this pairing in a simple dual energy approach to the long standing and challenging problem of self-attenuation.     

Optimization and validation of RP-HPLC-UV method with solid-phase extraction for determination of buparvaquone in human and rabbit plasma: application to pharmacokinetic study

A simple, sensitive and specific reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method with UV detection at 251 nm was developed for quantitation of buparvaquone (BPQ) in human and rabbit plasma. The method utilizes 250 microL of plasma and sample preparation involves protein precipitation followed by solid-phase extraction. The method was validated on a C18 column with mobile phase consisting of ammonium acetate buffer (0.02 m, pH 3.0) and acetonitrile in the ratio of 18:82 (v/v) at a flow rate of 1.1 mL/min. The calibration curves were linear (correlation coefficient>or=0.998) in the selected range. The method is specific and sensitive with limit of quantitation of 50 ng/mL for BPQ. The validated method was found to be accurate and precise in the working calibration range. Stability studies were carried out at different storage conditions and BPQ was found to be stable. Partial validation studies were carried out using rabbit plasma and intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy were within 7%. This method is simple, reliable and can be routinely used for preclinical pharmacokinetic studies for BPQ.     

Proline-rich proteins--deriving a basis for residue-based selectivity in polyphenolic binding

(1)H NMR titration experiments have been used to establish that minimal proline-based models show enhanced binding selectivity towards phenol in CDCl(3), relative to other similarly protected amino acid residues. Cooperative binding effects appear to play a role, with sarcosine models affording binding constants to phenol intermediate to those obtained from proline models and other amino acid models. The mechanism for binding, based on DFT calculations and the application of Hunter's molecular recognition toolbox model, cannot be solely attributed to hydrogen bond strength, and appears to be mediated through C-H-pi bonds and the rotational freedom of the amide substrate.