Measurement of the polarization in backward-angle π−p elastic scattering at 2.93 and 3.25 GeV/c

Polarization in π^?p elastic scattering, with emphasis over the backward region, has been measured at 2.93 and 3.25 GeV/c. We observe large changes in polarization compared with existing data above and below these energies. Our data may be useful in determining the properties of resonances and in understanding baryon exchanges.     

An efficient, preconditioned, high-order solver for scattering by two-dimensional inhomogeneous media

We consider the problem of evaluating the scattering of TE polarized electromagnetic waves by two-dimensional penetrable inhomogeneities: building upon previous work [IEEE Trans. Antennas Propag. 48 (2000) 1862] we present a practical and general fast integral equation algorithm for this problem. The contributions introduced in this text include: (1) a preconditioner that significantly reduces the number of iterations required by the algorithm in the treatment of electrically large scatterers, (2) a new radial integration scheme based on Chebyshev polynomial approximation, which gives rise to increased accuracy, efficiency and stability, and (3) an efficient and stable method for the evaluation of scaled high-order Bessel functions, which extends the capabilities of the method to arbitrarily high frequencies. These enhancements give rise to an algorithm that is much more accurate and efficient than its previous counterpart, and that allows for treatment of much larger problems than permitted by the previous approach. In one test case, for example, the present algorithm results in far-field errors of 8.9×10⁻¹³ in a 2.12s calculation (on a 1.7 GHz PC) whereas the original algorithm gave rise to far-field errors of 1.1×10⁻⁸ in 88.91s on a 400 MHz PC. In another example, the present algorithm evaluates accurately the scattering by a cylinder of acoustical size κR=256, which is of the order of 20 times larger (400 times larger in square wavelengths) than the largest scatterers that could be treated by the previous approach. Yielding, at worst, third-order far field accuracy (or substantially better, for smooth scatterers) in fast computing times ( operations for an N point mesh) even for discontinuous and complex refractive index distributions (possibly containing severe geometric singularities such as corners and cusps), the proposed approach is the highest-order solver in existence for the problem under consideration.     

From nearly tilted waves to cavity phase solitons in broad area lasers with squeezed vacuum

Phase domains and phase solitons in two-level amplifying media damped by a squeezed vacuum are predicted for the first time. Two different types of pattern formation are found depending on the relative value of the cavity detuning to the squeezed parameter: the usual one in lasers via a supercritical Hopf bifurcation and a new one via pitchfork bifurcation.     

Vector-valued Hardy inequalities andB-convexity

Inequalities of the form for allf∈H ¹, where {m _k } are special subsequences of natural numbers, are investigated in the vector-valued setting. It is proved that Hardy's inequality and the generalized Hardy inequality are equivalent for vector valued Hardy spaces defined in terms ff atoms and that they actually characterizeB-convexity. It is also shown that for 1<q<∞ and 0<α<∞ the spaceX=H(1,q,γa) consisting of analytic functions on the unit disc such that satisfies the previous inequality for vector valued functions inH ¹ (X), defined as the space ofX-valued Bochner integrable functions on the torus whose negative Fourier coefficients vanish, for the case {m _k }={2^k} but not for {m _k }={k ^a } for any α ∈ N. The author has been partially supported by the Spanish DGICYT, Proyecto PB95-0291.     

Fast and eco-friendly method using atmospheric solids analysis probe mass spectrometry to characterize orange varieties

Orange fruit is one of the most popular types of fruit in the world, and its juice is the main product of its processing. This study aimed to evaluate a simple, fast, and eco-friendly methodology, atmospheric solids analysis probe mass spectrometry (ASAP-MS), to assess the chemical profile of four oranges varieties (Valencia, Folha Murcha, Pera, and Iapar). The oranges' varieties were evaluated for the physicochemical composition (extraction yield, pH, total titratable acidity, total soluble solids [TSS], °Brix), ratio (TSS/TA), and bioactive compounds (ASAP-MS analysis). The characterization of oranges resulted in great values of oranges yield according to the varieties (44.00–48.10% [w/w], adequate and characteristic acidity [0.73–1.35%], soluble solids content (10.24–13.80°Brix), pH (3.30–3.96), and ratio (7.59–19.90) level for this fruit. This powerful method showed that all analysis procedures were simple, fast, and easy because there is no need to prepare the sample and the analysis time lasted 2 min. Besides, results obtained exhibited a vast array of chemical groups. Principal component analysis (PCA) defined and distinguished the varieties of the orange. Therefore, ASAP-MS and PCA showed that they are very attractive candidates for routine analysis to monitor the varieties of the orange with its pronounced advantages, besides being contributing to the environment because it does not use any quantities of organic solvents. This methodology was applied for the first time to this type of sample.     

Formation of Silver Nanoparticles by Electron Transfer in Peptides and c-Cytochromes

The reduction of Ag⁺ ions to Ag⁰ atoms is a highly endergonic reaction step, only the aggregation to Ag_n clusters leads to an exergonic process. These elementary chemical reactions play a decisive role if Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) are generated by electron transfer (ET) reactions to Ag⁺ ions. We studied the formation of AgNPs in peptides by photoinduced ET, and in c-cytochromes by ET from their Fe²⁺/hemes. Our earlier photoinduced experiments in peptides had demonstrated that histidine prevents AgNP formation. We have now observed that AgNPs can be easily synthesized with less-efficient Ag⁺-binding amino acids, and the rate increases in the order lysine<asparagine<aspartate<serine. The ability of Fe²⁺/hemes of c-cytochromes to reduce Ag⁺ to AgNPs was studied in an enzymatic experiment and with living bacteria Geobacter sulfurreducens (Gs).     

Electrical Conductivity and Strong Luminescence in Copper Iodide Double Chains with Isonicotinato Derivatives

Direct reactions between CuI and isonicotinic acid (HIN) or the corresponding esters, ethyl isonicotinate (EtIN) or methyl isonicotinate (MeIN), give rise to the formation of the coordination polymers [CuI(L)]_n with L=EtIN ( 1 ), MeIN ( 2 ) and HIN ( 3 ). Polymers 1 – 3 show similar structures based on a CuI double chain in which ethyl‐, methyl isonicotinate or isonicotinic acid are coordinated as terminal ligands. Albeit, their supramolecular architecture differs considerably, affecting the distances and angles of the central CuI double chains and thereby their physical properties. Hence, the photoluminescence shows remarkable differences; 1 and 2 show a strong yellow emission, whereas 3 displays a weak emission; and 1 and 2 are semiconductors with moderate room temperature conductivities, whereas 3 has increased electrical conductivity up to 3×10^?3 S cm^?1. Additionally, 1 and 2 present an irreversible transition to a highly conducting phase with a conductivity almost 4 orders of magnitude higher and a quasi‐metallic behaviour. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled to a mass spectrometer and magnetic measurements point to a partial thermally induced oxidation of the carboxylate groups of the ligands with Cu^I to Cu⁰ reduction. DFT calculations have been carried out to rationalise these observations.     

Ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometric detection of glucuronides resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis: Implications to doping control analysis

Controversial results have been reported in the literature regarding the behavior of two testosterone (T) metabolites (3α-glucuronide-6β-hydroxyandrosterone and 3α-glucuronide-6β-hydroxyetiocholanolone) excreted after T administration. Due to their potential as biomarkers of T misuse, a UHPLC–MS/MS method for the direct quantification of these glucuronides was developed and validated. In addition, the main phase II metabolites of T that compose the steroid profile used for doping control purposes (glucuronides of T, epitestosterone, androsterone and etiocholanolone) were included. The method was found to be linear and with suitable LODs and LOQs for all metabolites. The average accuracies were between 86% and 120%, the RSDs for the intra- and inter-day precision were below 15% and 25% respectively. The method showed low matrix effect. Samples obtained before and after the administration of T were analyzed by both the developed UHPLC–MS/MS method and the GC–MS/MS method currently used by anti-doping laboratories. Relevant disagreements between the results obtained for 3α-glucuronide-6β-hydroxyandrosterone and 3α-glucuronide-6β-hydroxyetiocholanolone quantitation were observed. These markers seemed to be more suitable for the screening of T misuse when detected by UHPLC–MS/MS. These discrepancies were further investigated in 50 urine samples from healthy volunteers. The two methods gave highly correlated results for all metabolites that are currently included in the athlete's steroid profile confirming the reliability of the UHPLC–MS/MS method. However, the quantification of 3α-glucuronide-6β-hydroxyandrosterone and 3α-glucuronide-6β-hydroxyetiocholanolone, was only possible by using the UHPLC–MS/MS method since three interfering compounds were observed when performing the GC–MS/MS analysis with the most intense ion transitions. These results confirm the potential of the resistant glucuronides as biomarkers of T misuse. Additionally, they suggest that previously reported reference ranges for these metabolites should be reevaluated.