Chromogenic cross-linker for the characterization of protein structure by infrared multiphoton dissociation mass spectrometry

We have developed a new IR chromogenic cross-linker (IRCX) to aid in rapidly distinguishing cross-linked peptides from unmodified species in complex mixtures. By incorporating a phosphate functional group into the cross-linker, one can take advantage of its unique IR absorption properties, affording selective infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) of the cross-linked peptides. In a mock mixture of unmodified peptides and IRCX-cross-linked peptides (intramolecularly and intermolecularly cross-linked), only the peptides containing the IRCX modification were shown to dissociate upon exposure to 50 ms of 10.6-microm radiation. LC-IRMPD-MS proved to be an effective method to distinguish the cross-linked peptides in a tryptic digest of IRCX-cross-linked ubiquitin. A total of four intermolecular cross-links and two dead-end modifications were identified using IRCX and LC-IRMPD-MS. IRMPD of these cross-linked peptides resulted in secondary dissociation of all primary fragment ions containing the chromophore, producing a series of unmodified b- or y-type ions that allowed the cross-linked peptides to be sequenced without the need for collision-induced dissociation.     

SOLVENT EXTRACTION OF PAKISTAN COALS (III) EXTRACTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE EXTRACTS BY SPECTROSCOPIC TECHNIQUES

Abstract

The Makerwal coal of Pakistan gives higher extractibi1ity with Tetrahydrofuran ( THF ) as compared to Sharigh, Sor-Range and Lakhra coals. The structural characterization of Pakistan coal extracts by FT-IR spectroscopy indicates that all the extracts contained less condensed aromatic rings in comparision to their original coal.     

Investigation of 50 Hz Pulsed DC Nitrogen Plasma with Active Screen Cage by Trace Rare Gas Optical Emission Spectroscopy

Optical emission spectroscopy is used to investigate the nitrogen-hydrogen with trace rare gas (4% Ar) plasma generated by 50 Hz pulsed DC discharges. The filling pressure varies from 1 mbar to 5 mbar and the current density ranges from 1 mA·cm ⁻² to 4 mA·cm ⁻² . The hydrogen concentration in the mixture plasma varies from 0% to 80%, with the objective of identifying the optimum pressure, current density and hydrogen concentration for active species ([N] and [N ₂ ]) generation. It is observed that in an N ₂ -H ₂ gas mixture, the concentration of N atom density decreases with filling pressure and increases with current density, with other parameters of the discharge kept unchanged. The maximum concentrations of active species were found for 40% H ₂ in the mixture at 3 mbar pressure and current density of 4 mA·cm ⁻²     

Structural modeling of a typical gas turbine system

This paper presents an approach for the structural modeling and analysis of a typical gas turbine system. This approach has been applied to the systems and subsystems, which are integral parts of a typical gas turbine system. Since a gas turbine system performance is measured in terms of fluid flow energy transformations across its various assemblies and subassemblies, the performance of such subsystems affects the overall performance of the gas turbine system. An attempt has been made to correlate the associativity of such subsystems contributing to overall gas turbine system functional evaluation using graph theoretic approach. The characteristic equations at the system level as well as subsystem level have been developed on the basis of associativity of various factors affecting their performance. A permanent function has been proposed for the functional model of a gas turbine system, which further leads to selection, identification and optimal evaluation of gas turbine systems.     

A V2I communication-based pipeline model for adaptive urban traffic light scheduling

Adaptive traffic light scheduling based on realtime traffic information processing has proven effective for urban traffic congestion management. However, fine-grained information regarding individual vehicles is difficult to acquire through traditional data collection techniques and its accuracy cannot be guaranteed because of congestion and harsh environments. In this study, we first build a pipeline model based on vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, which is a salient technique in vehicular adhoc networks. This model enables the acquisition of fine-grained and accurate traffic information in real time via message exchange between vehicles and roadside units. We then propose an intelligent traffic light scheduling method (ITLM) based on a “demand assignment” principle by considering the types and turning intentions of vehicles. In the context of this principle, a signal phase with more vehicles will be assigned a longer green time. Furthermore, a green-way traffic light scheduling method (GTLM) is investigated for special vehicles (e.g., ambulances and fire engines) in emergency scenarios. Signal states will be adjusted or maintained by the traffic light control system to keep special vehicles moving along smoothly. Comparative experiments demonstrate that the ITLM reduces average wait time by 34%–78% and average stop frequency by 12%–34% in the context of traffic management. The GTLM reduces travel time by 22%–44% and 30%–55% under two types of traffic conditions and achieves optimal performance in congested scenarios.     

Monte-Carlo simulation of a stochastic differential equation

For solving higher dimensional diffusion equations with an inhomogeneous diffusion coefficient,Monte Carlo (MC) techniques are considered to be more effective than other algorithms,such as finite element method or finite difference method.The inhomogeneity of diffusion coefficient strongly limits the use of different numerical techniques.For better convergence,methods with higher orders have been kept forward to allow MC codes with large step size.The main focus of this work is to look for operators that can produce converging results for large step sizes.As a first step,our comparative analysis has been applied to a general stochastic problem.Subsequently,our formulization is applied to the problem of pitch angle scattering resulting from Coulomb collisions of charge particles in the toroidal devices.     

Electrical and optical measurements in the early hydrogen discharge of GLAST-III

This work presents the first electrical and optical measurements of the initial phase of hydrogen discharge in the upgraded spherical tokamak GLAST-III, initiated with electron cyclotron heating (ECH). Diagnostic measurements provide insights into expected and unexpected physics issues related to the initial phase of discharge. A triple Langmuir probe (TLP) has been developed to measure time series of the floating potential, plasma electron temperature and number density over the entire discharge, allowing monitoring of the two phases of the discharge: the ECH pre-ionization phase following by the plasma current formation phase. A TLP has the ability to give time-resolved measurements of the floating potential (V_float), electron temperature (T_e) and ion saturation current (I_sat∝ n_e√kT_e). The evolution of the ECH-assisted pre-ionization and subsequent plasma current phases in one shot are well envisioned by the probe. Intense fluctuations in the plasma current phase advocate for efficient equilibrium and feedback control systems. Moreover, the emergence of some strong impurity lines in the emission spectrum, even after only a few shots, suggests a crucial need for improvements in the base vacuum level. A noticeable change in the shape of the temporal profiles of the floating potential, electron temperature, ion saturation current (I_sat) and light emission has been observed with changing hydrogen fill pressure and vertical magnetic field.     

Microwave-assisted pre-ionization experiments on GLAST-Ⅲ

GLAss Spherical Tokamak(GLAST-Ⅲ) is a spherical tokamak with an insulating vacuum vessel that has a unique single-passage capability for incident microwaves.In this work,electron cyclotron resonance heating(ECRH)-assisted plasma pre-ionization in GLAST-Ⅲ is explored for three radio-frequency(RF) polarizations(the O-,X-,and M-modes) at different toroidal-field(TF) strengths and filled gas pressures.The optimum hydrogen pressure is identified for efficient plasma pre-ionization.A comparison of the plasma pre-ionizations initiated by the O-,X-,and M-modes shows prominent differences in the breakdown time,location,and wave absorption.In the case of O-mode polarization,microwave absorption occurs for a relatively shorter duration,resulting in a bell-shaped electron-temperature(T_e) temporal profile.Microwave absorption is dominant in the case of the X-mode,leading to a broader T_e temporal profile.The M-mode discharge contains features of both the X-and O-modes.Efficient plasma pre-ionization is achieved in the X-mode polarization for the intermediate TF strengths(with a central toroidal magnetic field B_0=0.075 T).Traces of the electron-number density show a similar tendency,as revealed by T_e.These results suggest that the X-mode is the best candidate for efficient plasma pre-ionization at low filled gas pressures(~10~(-2) Pa) in small tokamaks.