scholarly journals Nauyaca: a New Tool to Determine Planetary Masses and Orbital Elements through Transit Timing Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 162 (6) ◽  
pp. 262
Author(s):  
Eliab F. Canul ◽  
Héctor Velázquez ◽  
Yilen Gómez Maqueo Chew
Keyword(s):  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Timing Analysis ◽  
Posterior Distributions ◽  
Mass Determination ◽  
Orbital Elements ◽  
Transiting Planets ◽  
Correct Determination ◽  
Minimization Algorithms ◽  
Python Package

Abstract The transit timing variations method is currently the most successful method to determine dynamical masses and orbital elements for Earth-sized transiting planets. Precise mass determination is fundamental to restrict planetary densities and thus infer planetary compositions. In this work, we present Nauyaca, a Python package dedicated to finding planetary masses and orbital elements through the fitting of observed midtransit times from an N-body approach. The fitting strategy consists of performing a sequence of minimization algorithms (optimizers) that are used to identify high probability regions in the parameter space. These results from optimizers are used for initialization of a Markov chain Monte Carlo method, using an adaptive Parallel-Tempering algorithm. A set of runs are performed in order to obtain posterior distributions of planetary masses and orbital elements. In order to test the tool, we created a mock catalog of synthetic planetary systems with different numbers of planets where all of them transit. We calculate their midtransit times to give them as an input to Nauyaca, testing statistically its efficiency in recovering the planetary parameters from the catalog. For the recovered planets, we find typical dispersions around the real values of ∼1–14 M ⊕ for masses, between 10–110 s for periods, and between ∼0.01–0.03 for eccentricities. We also investigate the effects of the signal-to-noise ratio and number of transits on the correct determination of the planetary parameters. Finally, we suggest choices of the parameters that govern the tool for the usage with real planets, according to the complexity of the problem and computational facilities.

Determination of the Best Emulsion for the Microscopy of Crystals

1981 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 32-33
Author(s):  
David A. Grano ◽  
Kenneth H. Downing
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Frequency ◽  
Information Transfer ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Experimental Situation ◽  
Photographic Emulsion ◽  
Modulation Transfer ◽  
Signal To Noise ◽  
Frequency Space ◽  
Noise Ratio

The retrieval of high-resolution information from images of biological crystals depends, in part, on the use of the correct photographic emulsion. We have been investigating the information transfer properties of twelve emulsions with a view toward 1) characterizing the emulsions by a few, measurable quantities, and 2) identifying the “best” emulsion of those we have studied for use in any given experimental situation. Because our interests lie in the examination of crystalline specimens, we've chosen to evaluate an emulsion's signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as a function of spatial frequency and use this as our critereon for determining the best emulsion.The signal-to-noise ratio in frequency space depends on several factors. First, the signal depends on the speed of the emulsion and its modulation transfer function (MTF). By procedures outlined in, MTF's have been found for all the emulsions tested and can be fit by an analytic expression 1/(1+(S/S0)2). Figure 1 shows the experimental data and fitted curve for an emulsion with a better than average MTF. A single parameter, the spatial frequency at which the transfer falls to 50% (S0), characterizes this curve.

Computer-Assisted High-Re Solution TEM

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 162-163
Author(s):  
F.A. Ponce ◽  
H. Hikashi
Keyword(s):  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Accurate Determination ◽  
Computer Software ◽  
Video Camera ◽  
Image Contrast ◽  
Objective Lens ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Optical Parameters ◽  
Astigmatism Correction

The determination of the atomic positions from HRTEM micrographs is only possible if the optical parameters are known to a certain accuracy, and reliable through-focus series are available to match the experimental images with calculated images of possible atomic models. The main limitation in interpreting images at the atomic level is the knowledge of the optical parameters such as beam alignment, astigmatism correction and defocus value. Under ordinary conditions, the uncertainty in these values is sufficiently large to prevent the accurate determination of the atomic positions. Therefore, in order to achieve the resolution power of the microscope (under 0.2nm) it is necessary to take extraordinary measures. The use of on line computers has been proposed [e.g.: 2-5] and used with certain amount of success.We have built a system that can perform operations in the range of one frame stored and analyzed per second. A schematic diagram of the system is shown in figure 1. A JEOL 4000EX microscope equipped with an external computer interface is directly linked to a SUN-3 computer. All electrical parameters in the microscope can be changed via this interface by the use of a set of commands. The image is received from a video camera. A commercial image processor improves the signal-to-noise ratio by recursively averaging with a time constant, usually set at 0.25 sec. The computer software is based on a multi-window system and is entirely mouse-driven. All operations can be performed by clicking the mouse on the appropiate windows and buttons. This capability leads to extreme friendliness, ease of operation, and high operator speeds. Image analysis can be done in various ways. Here, we have measured the image contrast and used it to optimize certain parameters. The system is designed to have instant access to: (a) x- and y- alignment coils, (b) x- and y- astigmatism correction coils, and (c) objective lens current. The algorithm is shown in figure 2. Figure 3 shows an example taken from a thin CdTe crystal. The image contrast is displayed for changing objective lens current (defocus value). The display is calibrated in angstroms. Images are stored on the disk and are accessible by clicking the data points in the graph. Some of the frame-store images are displayed in Fig. 4.

scholarly journals Molar mass determination of lignins and characterization of their polymeric structures by multi-detector gel permeation chromatography

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evamaria C. Gaugler ◽  
Wolfgang Radke ◽  
Andrew P. Vogt ◽  
Dawn A. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Molar Mass ◽  
Lithium Bromide ◽  
Gel Permeation Chromatography ◽  
Mass Determination ◽  
Organosolv Lignin ◽  
Gel Permeation ◽  
Softwood Kraft Lignin ◽  
Polymeric Structures

AbstractMolar masses, Mark-Houwink-Sakurada (MHS) exponents, and refractive index increments (dn/dc) for three lignins were determined without derivatization by multi-detector gel permeation chromatography (GPC) in dimethylformamide (DMF) with 0.05 M lithium bromide (LiBr). The lack of effectiveness of fluorescence filters on molar mass determination by GPC-multi-angle laser light scattering (MALS) was confirmed for softwood kraft lignin (Indulin AT) and revealed for mixed hardwood organosolv lignin (Alcell) as well as soda straw/grass lignin (Protobind 1000). GPC with viscometry detection confirmed that these lignins were present as compact molecules. The MHS exponent α for Indulin AT and Alcell was in the order of 0.1. Additionally, the intrinsic viscosity of Protobind 1000 for a given molar mass was much lower than that of either Alcell or Indulin AT. This is the first report of dn/dc values for these three lignins in DMF with 0.05 M LiBr.

scholarly journals The Double Face of Ketamine—The Possibility of Its Identification in Blood and Beverages

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 813
Author(s):  
Magdalena Świądro ◽  
Paweł Stelmaszczyk ◽  
Irena Lenart ◽  
Renata Wietecha-Posłuszny
Keyword(s):  
Date Rape ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Heroin Addiction ◽  
Assisted Extraction ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Rosé Wine ◽  
Tof Ms

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a high-sensitivity methodology for identifying one of the most used drugs—ketamine. Ketamine is used medicinally to treat depression, alcoholism, and heroin addiction. Moreover, ketamine is the main ingredient used in so-called “date-rape” pills (DRP). This study presents a novel methodology for the simultaneous determination of ketamine based on the Dried Blood Spot (DBS) method, in combination with capillary electrophoresis coupled with a mass spectrometer (CE-TOF-MS). Then, 6-mm circles were punched out from DBS collected on Whatman DMPK-C paper and extracted using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The assay was linear in the range of 25–300 ng/mL. Values of limits of detection (LOD = 6.0 ng/mL) and quantification (LOQ = 19.8 ng/mL) were determined based on the signal to noise ratio. Intra-day precision at each determined concentration level was in the range of 6.1–11.1%, and inter-day between 7.9–13.1%. The obtained precision was under 15.0% (for medium and high concentrations) and lower than 20.0% (for low concentrations), which are in accordance with acceptance criteria. Therefore, the DBS/MAE/CE-TOF-MS method was successfully checked for analysis of ketamine in matrices other than blood, i.e., rose wine and orange juice. Moreover, it is possible to identify ketamine in the presence of flunitrazepam, which is the other most popular ingredient used in DRP. Based on this information, the selectivity of the proposed methodology for identifying ketamine in the presence of other components of rape pills was checked.

scholarly journals Manufacturing PLA/PCL Blends by Ultrasonic Molding Technology

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 2412
Author(s):  
Inés Ferrer ◽  
Ariadna Manresa ◽  
José Alberto Méndez ◽  
Marc Delgado-Aguilar ◽  
Maria Luisa Garcia-Romeu
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Crystallization Rate ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Small Particle Size ◽  
Polymer Mixtures ◽  
Crystallinity Degree ◽  
Correct Determination ◽  
Production Stages ◽  
Process Speed

Ultrasonic molding (USM) is a good candidate for studying the plasticization of polymer mixtures or other composite materials due to either the little amount of material needed for processing, low waste or the needed low pressure and residence time of the mold. Thus, the novelty of this research is the capability of USM technology to process PLA/PCL blends and their corresponding neat materials, encompassing all the production stages, from raw material to the final specimen. The major findings of the work revealed that the thermal properties of the blends were not affected by the USM process, although the crystallinity degree experienced variations, decreasing for PLA and increasing for PCL, which was attributed to the crystallization rate of each polymer, the high process speed, the short cooling time and the small particle size. The employed ultrasonic energy increased the molecular weight with low variations through the specimen. However, the degradation results aligned with the expected trend of these material blends. Moreover, this study also showed the effect pellet shape and dimensions have over the process parameters, as well as the effect of the blend composition. It can be concluded that USM is a technology suitable to successfully process PLA/PCL blends with the correct determination of process parameter windows.

Evaluation of methods for detection of β-lactamase production in MSSA

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Skov ◽  
David R Lonsway ◽  
Jesper Larsen ◽  
Anders Rhod Larsen ◽  
Jurgita Samulioniené ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Susceptibility Testing ◽  
Confirmatory Test ◽  
Disc Diffusion ◽  
Broth Microdilution ◽  
Confirmatory Tests ◽  
Correct Determination ◽  
Primary Test ◽  
Zone Edge ◽  
Evaluation Of Methods

Abstract Objectives Correct determination of penicillin susceptibility is pivotal for using penicillin in the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections. This study examines the performance of MIC determination, disc diffusion and a range of confirmatory tests for detection of penicillin susceptibility in S. aureus. Methods A total of 286 consecutive penicillin-susceptible S. aureus blood culture isolates as well as a challenge set of 62 MSSA isolates were investigated for the presence of the blaZ gene by PCR and subjected to penicillin-susceptibility testing using broth microdilution MIC determination, disc diffusion including reading of the zone edge, two nitrocefin tests and the cloverleaf test. Results Using PCR-based detection of blaZ as the gold standard, both broth microdilution MIC testing and disc diffusion testing resulted in a relatively low accuracy (82%–93%) with a sensitivity ranging from 49%–93%. Among the confirmatory tests, the cloverleaf test performed with 100% accuracy, while zone edge interpretation and nitrocefin-based tests increased the sensitivity of β-lactamase detection to 96%–98% and 82%–96% when using MIC determination or disc diffusion as primary test, respectively. Conclusions This investigation showed that reliable and accurate detection of β-lactamase production in S. aureus can be obtained by MIC determination or penicillin disc diffusion followed by interpretation of the zone edge as a confirmatory test for apparently penicillin-susceptible isolates. The more cumbersome cloverleaf test can also be used. Nitrocefin-based tests should not be used as the only test for confirmation of a presumptive β-lactamase-negative isolate.

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