Torsion homology of arithmetic lattices and K_2 of imaginary fields

Let \(X = G/K\) be a symmetric space of noncompact type. A result of Gelander provides exponential upper bounds in terms of the volume for the torsion homology of the noncompact arithmetic locally symmetric spaces \(\Gamma \backslash X\) . We show that under suitable assumptions on \(X\) this result can be extended to the case of nonuniform arithmetic lattices \(\Gamma \subset G\) that may contain torsion. Using recent work of Calegari and Venkatesh we deduce from this upper bounds (in terms of the discriminant) for \(K_2\) of the ring of integers of totally imaginary number fields \(F\) . More generally, we obtain such bounds for rings of \(S\) -integers in  \(F\) .     

Measurement of specific radioactivity in proteins separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

We report a method to quantify the specific radioactivity of proteins that have been separated by 2-DE. Gels are stained with SyproRuby, and protein spots are excised. The SyproRuby dye is extracted from each spot using DMSO, and the fluorescence is quantified automatically using a plate reader. The extracted gel piece is then dissolved in hydrogen peroxide and radioactivity is quantified by liquid scintillation counting. Gentle agitation with DMSO for 24 h was found to extract all the SyproRuby dye from gel fragments. The fluorescence of the extract was linearly related to the amount of BSA loaded onto a series of 1-D gels. When rat muscle samples were run on 2-DE gels, the fluorescence extracted from 54 protein spots showed a good correlation (r = 0.79, p < 0.001) with the corresponding spot intensity measured by conventional scanning and image analysis. DMSO extraction was found not to affect the amount of radioactive protein left in the gel. When a series of BSA solutions of known specific radioactivity were run on 2-DE gels, the specific radioactivity measured by the new method showed a good correlation (r = 0.98, p < 0.01, n = 5) with the specific radioactivity measured directly before loading. Reproducibility of the method was measured in a series of 2-DE gels containing proteins from the livers of rats and mice that had been injected with [35S]methionine. Variability tended to increase when the amount of radioactivity in the protein spot was low, but for samples containing at least 10 dpm above background the CV was around 30%, which is comparable to that obtained when measuring protein expression by conventional image analysis of SyproRuby-stained 2-DE gels. Similar results were obtained whether spots were excised manually or using a spot excision robot. This method offers a high-throughput, cost-effective and reliable method of quantifying the specific radioactivity of proteins from metabolic labelling experiments carried out in vivo, so long as sufficient quantities of radioactive tracer are used.     

Recent developments in the use of isotope ratio mass spectrometry in sports drug testing

According to the annual report of the World Anti-Doping Agency, steroids are the most frequently detected class of doping agents. Detecting the misuse of endogenously occurring steroids, i.e. steroids such as testosterone that are produced naturally by humans, is one of the most challenging issues in doping control analysis. The established thresholds for urinary concentrations or concentration ratios such as the testosterone/epitestosterone quotient are sometimes inconclusive owing to the large biological variation in these parameters.     

Structural analysis of PTCDA monolayers on epitaxial graphene with ultra-high vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy and high-resolution X-ray reflectivity

Epitaxial graphene, grown by thermal decomposition of the SiC (0001) surface, is a promising material for future applications due to its unique and superlative electronic properties. However, the innate chemical passivity of graphene presents challenges for integration with other materials for device applications. Here, we present structural characterization of epitaxial graphene functionalized by the organic semiconductor perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA). A combination of ultra-high vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and high-resolution X-ray reflectivity (XRR) is used to extract lateral and vertical structures of 0, 1, and 2 monolayer (ML) PTCDA on epitaxial graphene. Both Fienup-based phase-retrieval algorithms and model-based least-squares analyses of the XRR data are used to extract an electron density profile that is interpreted in terms of a stacking sequence of molecular layers with specific interlayer spacings. Features in the STM and XRR analysis indicate long-range molecular ordering and weak π–π* interactions binding PTCDA molecules to the graphene surface. The high degree of both lateral and vertical ordering of the self-assembled film demonstrates PTCDA functionalization as a viable route for templating graphene for the growth and deposition of additional materials required for next-generation electronics and sensors.     

Vessel contrast at three Tesla in time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography of the intracranial and carotid arteries

The effects of the increased field strength of 3T on blood vessel contrast in three-dimensional time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography (MRA) of the intracranial and carotid arteries was evaluated. Bloch equation simulations based on measured longitudinal relaxation times suggested superior blood-to-background contrast might be expected at 3T over 1.5T when using typical 3D TOF MRA parameters. A 15-volunteer study found that 3T was preferable over 1.5T for visualising distal intracranial vessels and the carotid arteries, by providing superior background suppression and excellent fat suppression. The combination of improved background suppression and improved signal-to-noise at 3T, enabled high resolution intracranial 3D TOF MRA with voxel volumes as small as 0.14 mm(3) to be acquired.     

Minimal-energy splines: I. Plane curves with angle constraints

This is the first in a series of papers on minimal-energy splines. The paper is devoted to plane minimal-energy splines with angle constraints. We first consider minimal-energy spline segments, then general minimal-energy spline curves. We formulate problems for minimal-energy spline segments and curves, prove the existence of solutions, justify the Lagrange multiplier rules, and obtain some nice properties (e.g., the infinite smoothness). Finally, we report our computational experience on minimal-energy splines.