Imaginary refractive-index effects on desert-aerosol extinction versus backscatter relationships at 351 nm: numerical computations and comparison with Raman lidar measurements

A numerical model is used to investigate the dependence at 351 nm of desert-aerosol extinction and backscatter coefficients on particle imaginary refractive index (mi). Three ranges (-0.005 < or = mi < or = -0.001, -0.01 < or = mi < or = -0.001, and -0.02 < or = mi < or = -0.001) are considered, showing that backscatter coefficients are reduced as /mi/ increases, whereas extinction coefficients are weakly dependent on mi. Numerical results are compared with extinction and backscatter coefficients retrieved by elastic Raman lidar measurements performed during Saharan dust storms over the Mediterranean Sea. The comparison indicates that a range of -0.01 to -0.001 can be representative of Saharan dust aerosols and that the nonsphericity of mineral particles must be considered.     

Timing modulation of a 40-MHz laser-pulse train for target ranging and identification

We have demonstrated a target ranging and identification technique based on the timing modulation of a mode-locked laser coupled with fast incoherent detection. The range-to-target and the target-depth information have been determined with a resolution of better than 25 cm at single-pulse signal-to-noise ratios below 0.1. Our modeling results suggest that laser average power requirements remain a challenge, with upwards of 100 W likely needed for extension of this technique to ranges over 10 km, but improvements in overall system throughput would allow realization of its potential.     

Quantitation of underivatized free amino acids in mammalian cell culture media using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

In this investigation, a quantitative matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) method was developed for the analysis of underivatized free amino acids in mammalian cell culture media. Calibration curves were developed for 12 amino acids over the linear range of 1-100 microM with coefficients of determination ranging from r2 = 0.9220 to r2 = 0.9973. An aerospray method was utilized for the sample deposition method, and the matrix, alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, served as the internal standard. This assay was used to analyze bioreactor samples from five time points in the process. Concentrations determined through interpolation of the calibration curves were comparable to those obtained via reversed-phase HPLC based analysis with an average percent difference of 19.71%. Repeatability and intermediate precision studies were also performed, and the relative standard deviations ranged from 0.5943 to 21.41 and 3.157 to 18.97, respectively.     

Developing an initial physical function item bank from existing sources

The objective of this article is to illustrate incremental item banking using health-related quality of life data collected from two samples of patients receiving cancer treatment. The kinds of decisions one faces in establishing an item bank for computerized adaptive testing are also illustrated. Pre-calibration procedures include: identifying common items across databases; creating a new database with data from each pool; reverse-scoring "negative" items; identifying rating scales used in items; identifying pivot points in each rating scale; pivot anchoring items at comparable rating scale categories; and identifying items in each instrument that measure the construct of interest. A series of calibrations were conducted in which a small proportion of new items were added to the common core and misfitting items were identified and deleted until an initial item bank has been developed.     

Production Estimating for Draglines

Dragline productin estimates, as derived from published tables, are compared to actual field production. Several equipment texts present dragline production estimating tables. The base data source for most of these tables are studies performed by the Power Crane and Shovel Association, PCSA. Only a small variance existed between the actual and estimated production.     

Studies on curcumin and curcuminoids XVII. Variation in the content of curcuminoids inCurcuma longa L. from Nenal during one season

Summary The content of curcuminoids inCurcuma longa L. before, during and after a normal harvesting period was investigated. The plant material was grown in the Kathmandu area. Bis-demethoxycurcumin was found to be the main constituent. No significant change in the curcuminoid content was observed during a 17-week sampling period.

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Studien über Curcumin und Curcuminoide. XVII. Veränderung des Gehaltes an Curcuminoiden inCurcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae) aus Nepal warend der Ernte

Zusammenfassung Der Gehalt an Curcuminoiden inCurcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae) wurde vor, während und nach der normalen Erntezeit untersucht. Das Pflanzenmaterial stammt aus dim Kathmandu-Tal in Nepal. Der Hauptinhaltsstoff ist Bisdemethoxycurcumin. Im Laufe von 17 Wochen konnten keine signifikante Schwankungen observiert werden.

     

Cost-Effective Allocation of Research Funds for Emerging Technologies

Developers of emerging technologies, and the agencies who fund them, need an alternative to traditional cost-based risk prediction methods to help them predict how the costs of their technologies might change under future deployment scenarios. Often the only data available for predicting risk are the limited but complex data generated by field testing emerging technologies in the prototype phase of development. This paper presents a conceptual framework for evaluating cost and performance constraints of emerging technologies; the framework can be used to prioritize the allocation of research and development funds for the development of such technologies.     

Development and evaluation of a virtual campus on Second Life: The case of SecondDMI

Video games and new communication metaphors are quickly changing today’s young people habits. Considering the actual e-learning scenarios, embedded in a fully technological enabled environment it is crucial to take advantage of this kind of capabilities to let learning process gain best results.