Spectral analysis of Pk Finite Element matrices in the case of Friedrichs–Keller triangulations via Generalized Locally Toeplitz technology

In the present article, we consider a class of elliptic partial differential equations with Dirichlet boundary conditions and where the operator is div(?a( x )?·), with a continuous and positive over $\stackrel{￣}{\mathrm{\Omega }}$, Ω being an open and bounded subset of ${\mathbb{R}}^d$, d≥1. For the numerical approximation, we consider the classical ${\mathbb{P}}_k$ Finite Elements, in the case of Friedrichs–Keller triangulations, leading, as usual, to sequences of matrices of increasing size. The new results concern the spectral analysis of the resulting matrix‐sequences in the direction of the global distribution in the Weyl sense, with a concise overview on localization, clustering, extremal eigenvalues, and asymptotic conditioning. We study in detail the case of constant coefficients on Ω=(0,1)² and we give a brief account in the more involved case of variable coefficients and more general domains. Tools are drawn from the Toeplitz technology and from the rather new theory of Generalized Locally Toeplitz sequences. Numerical results are shown for a practical evidence of the theoretical findings.     

From curing kinetics to network structure: A novel approach to the modeling of the network buildup of epoxy–anhydride thermosets

The curing kinetics and network buildup during curing of epoxy–anhydride formulations using tertiary amines as initiators are reviewed in this work. A mechanism‐based kinetic and structural model has been defined, showing better prediction capabilities than previous living polymerization and simple regeneration models. The curing kinetics have been analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the gelation during curing has been determined by combined thermomechanical analysis and DSC. The effect of initiator content and epoxy equivalent weight are taken into account. The network buildup has been modeled using a stochastic network buildup model based on the random combination of primary chains generated by the kinetic model. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 61–75     

Measuring technical and environmental efficiency in a state-contingent technology

Most developed countries support farming activities through policies that are tailored to meet their specific social, economic and environmental objectives. Economic and environmental efficiency have recently become relevant targets of most of these policies, whose sound implementation can be enhanced by monitoring farm performance from a multidimensional perspective. This paper proposes farm-level technical and environmental efficiency measures that recognize the stochastic conditions in which production takes place. A state-contingent framework is used to model production uncertainty. An implementable representation of the technology is developed using data envelopment analysis. The application focuses on a sample of Catalan arable crop farms. Results suggest that technical efficiency is slightly lower in bad than in good growing conditions. Nitrogen pollution can decrease substantially more under good than bad growing conditions.     

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) mediated in vitro radiosensitization at megavoltage radiation energies

The purpose of this study was to assess SPION’s in vitro radiosensitizer effect at 6MV-energies and to calculate nanoparticle enhancement ratio (NER) of SPIONs. Citrate coated-SPION’s were synthesized. Trypan-blue, metabolic activity tests were performed. Cell cultures were irradiated at 0,2,4,6,8 Gy at 6MV-energy. Clonogenic survival assays, NER calculations were carried out. SPIONs were biocompatible. NERs were cell-line specific and dose dependent. The highest radiosensitization were seen in radiosensitive MCF-7 and MDAH-2447 cells at 2 Gy (NER:1.49 and 1.39 respectively), in relatively radioresistant MDA-MB-231 cells at 4 Gy (NER:1.20). By increasing doses radiosensitizer effect disappeared. There is possibility that by synergistic effect, SPIONs may cause dose-dependent and cell-line specific radiosensitization at 6MV.     

Raman spectroscopic study of bioactive silica based glasses

A study of the structure and bonding configuration of the bioactive glasses in the system Na₂O–CaO–P₂O₅–SiO₂ by Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy is presented. The assignment of the Raman lines, the changes in the Si–O–Si bond environment and the identification of the non-bridging silicon–oxygen groups (Si–O–NBO) for a wide range of silicate glasses are discussed. The frequency shifting and intensity variations of the Raman lines as a function of the bioactive glass composition are attributed to a decrease of the local symmetry originated by the addition of alkali and alkali earth oxides to the vitreous silica network. Correlation plots for the quantification of the Si–O–NBO groups as a function of the glass composition are also presented. These Raman analyses contribute to a better knowledge of the structural role of the network modifiers in the bioactive glasses and, as a consequence, improve the understanding of the bioactive process and the chemical routes of the CaP layer formation when exposed body fluids.     

Determination of dimethylarginine levels in rats using HILIC-MS/MS: an in vivo microdialysis study

Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most important mediators and neurotransmitters and its levels change under pathological conditions. NO production may be regulated by endogenous nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors, in particular asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). Most of the interest is focused on ADMA, since this compound is present in plasma and urine and accumulation of ADMA has been described in many disease states but little is known about cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of this compound and of its structural isomer symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA). To determine the levels of methylarginines, we here present a new hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC)-MS/MS method for the precise determination of these substances in CSF from microdialysis samples of rat prefrontal cortex (PFC). The method requires only minimal sample preparation and features isotope-labelled internal standards.     

Influence of micromixer characteristics on polydispersity index of block copolymers synthesized in continuous flow microreactors

The influence of interdigital multilamination micromixer characteristics on monomer conversions, molecular weights and especially on the polydispersity index of block copolymers synthesized continuously in two microtube reactors is investigated. The micromixers are used to mix, before copolymerization, a polymer solution with different viscosities and the second monomer. Different geometries of micromixer (number of microchannels, characteristic lengths) have been studied. It was found that polydispersity indices of the copolymers follow a linear relationship with the Reynolds number in the micromixer, represented by a form factor. Thus, beside the operating conditions (nature of the first block and comonomer flow rate), the choice of the micromixer geometry and dimension is essential to control the copolymerization in terms of molecular weights and polydispersity indices. This linear correlation allows the prediction of copolymer features. It can also be a new method to optimize existing micromixers or design other geometries so that mixing could be more efficient.     

A rapid method for detection of catalase-positive and catalase-negative bacteria based on monitoring of hydrogen peroxide evolution at a composite peroxidase biosensor

The rapid detection of catalase-positive and catalase-negative bacteria in complex culture media has been accomplished by monitoring of hydrogen peroxide consumption or generation with a graphite-Teflon-peroxidase-ferrocene composite electrode. Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pneumoniae have been used as model catalase-positive and catalase-negative bacteria, respectively. Hydrogen peroxide evolution was amperometrically measured at 0.00 V. Experimental conditions, including the working solution composition, the incubation time and the hydrogen peroxide concentration, were optimized. The reusability of the biosensor was improved by placing a nylon membrane on the bioelectrode surface to prevent fouling caused by the bacterial medium. The developed methodology allowed the detection of E. coli and S. pneumoniae at concentration levels of approximately 2x10(6) and 2x10(5) cfu/mL, in assays taking 10 and 15 min, respectively, without any pre-concentration step or pre-enrichment procedure.