Multiply-charged negative clusters of adenosine-5′-monophosphate in the gas phase

Multiply-charged noncovalent cluster anions of adenosine-5'-monophosphate (AMP) were formed by electrospray ionization (ESI). Ions in higher charge states were observed when the ions were accumulated in an ion trap with helium buffer gas before detection. We determined the smallest size (n(a)) or appearance size as a function of charge state (q), i.e., n(a) = 4 for q = 2, n(a) = 8 for q = 3, and n(a) = 13 for q = 4. The relation between n(a) and q can be described by a charged droplet model. When the size is larger than n(a) for a given q, the fragmentation pathway of an anion cluster is dominated by loss of neutral fragments. In contrast, when the size approaches the appearance size, only charged fragments are formed.     

Experimental investigation of local properties and statistics of optical vortices in random wave fields

We present the first direct experimental evidence of the local properties of optical vortices in a random laser speckle field. We have observed the Berry anisotropy ellipse describing the anisotropic squeezing of phase lines close to vortex cores and quantitatively verified the Dennis angular momentum rule for its phase. Some statistics associated with vortices, such as density, anisotropy ellipse eccentricity, and its relation to zero crossings of real and imaginary parts of the random field, are also investigated by experiments.     

Hybrid artificial neural network segmentation of precise and accurate inversion recovery (PAIR) images from normal human brain

This paper presents a novel semi-automated segmentation and classification method based on raw signal intensities from a quantitative T1 relaxation technique with two novel approaches for the removal of partial volume effects. The segmentation used a Kohonen Self Organizing Map that eliminated inter- and intra-operator variability. A Multi-layered Backpropagation Neural Network was able to classify the test data with a predicted accuracy of 87.2% when compared to manual classification. A linear interpolation of the quantitative T1 information by region and on a pixel-by-pixel basis was used to redistribute voxels containing a partial volume of gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) or a partial volume of GM and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the principal components of GM, WM, and CSF. The method presented was validated against manual segmentation of the base images by three experienced observers. Comparing segmented outputs directly to the manual segmentation revealed a difference of less than 2% in GM and less than 6% in WM for pure tissue estimations for both the regional and pixel-by-pixel redistribution techniques. This technique produced accurate estimates of the amounts of GM and WM while providing a reliable means of redistributing partial volume effects.     

Flow estimation using an intravascular imaging catheter

Coronary flow assessment can be useful for determining the hemodynamic severity of a stenosis and to evaluate the outcome of interventional therapy. We developed a method for measuring the transverse flow through the imaging plane of an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) catheter. This possibility has raised great clinical interest since it permits simultaneous assessment of vessel geometry and function with the same device. Furthermore, it should give more accurate information than combination devices because lumen diameter and velocity are determined at the same location. Flow velocity is estimated based on decorrelation estimation from sequences of radiofrequency (RF) traces acquired at nearly the same position. Signal gating yields a local estimate of the velocity. Integrating the local velocity over the lumen gives the quantitative flow. This principle has been calibrated and tested through computer modeling, in vitro experiments using a flow phantom and in vivo experiments in a porcine animal model, and validated against a Doppler element containing guide wire (Flowire) in humans. Originally the method was developed and tested for a rotating single element device. Currently the method is being developed for an array system. The great advantage of an array over the single element approach would be that the transducer has no intrinsic motion. This intrinsic motion sets a minimal threshold in the detectable velocity components. Although the principle is the same, the method needs some adaptation through the inherent different beamforming of the transducer. In this paper various aspects of the development of IVUS flow are reviewed.     

The changing role of analysts in effective implementation of operations research and management science

The implementation of operations research findings is a major obstacle to increased use of operations research by management. A number of researchers have used a research approach called the factor paradigm. We appear to need an approach which focuses on the dynamics of implementation. A recognition of the different roles of the analyst would help improve the interplay between analyst and client system. A number of roles are discussed in the article, including the role of the expert, systemizer, sparring partner, process consultant, and communicator.     

High-performance liquid chromatography on dynamically modified silica : III. Modification of silica with long-chain and symmetrical quarternary ammonium compounds

The influence of the nature of quaternary ammonium compounds on retention in high-performance liquid chromatography on dynamically modified silica was investigated. Adsorption isotherms were determined on bare silica (LiChrosorb Si 60) for four alkyltrimethylammonium bromides and two symmetrical tetraalkylammonium bromides, each containing 15–21 carbon atoms. It was found that only the long-chain quaternary ammonium ions are adsorbed on to the silica surface in appreciable amounts and that the affinity increasing number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. The maximum amount that can be adsorbed per gram of silica is of the same order of magnitude for each of the four long-chain quaternary ammonium compounds. This amount, however, is reached at lower concentrations in the eluent the longer is the alkyl chain.The retention of five test compounds was determined over the whole concentration range investigated for each of the modiflying agents. The surfactant concentration that causes maximum retention for four of five test compounds coincides with its critical micellar concentration. The retention mechanisms and the influence of the type of the modifying agent on selectivity are discussed, and compared with published results on related experiments on chemically bonded stationary phases.     

Implementation — the bottleneck of operations research: the state of the art

With respect to the practical application of the methods and techniques of operations research, the methodology of model construction and model implementation must be considered to be the main bottleneck. During the whole OR process, from the identification of a problem to the control of an implemented model, a lot of methodological decisions must be made that affect the implementation. Therefore, for OR to give aids for decisions, the whole OR process must be considered from the point of view of implementation. In the article, the implementation problem and the implementation concept will be discussed. Recent research contributions are presented and discussed with a view to current and potential practical implications.