Analysis Of Precise Data Research Articles

CCD PHOTOMETRY AND EVOLUTIONARY STATUS OF THE HADS VARIABLE PT COM

Multi-color (BVIc) CCD-derived photometric data were acquired from PT Com, a pulsating variable classified as a high amplitude δ Scuti-type system. Analysis of precise time-series lightcurve data was accomplished using discrete Fourier transformation which revealed a mean fundamental mode (f0) of oscillation at 12.178364 ± 0.000083 d−1 along with at least three other partial harmonics (2f0, 3f0 and 4f0). No other statistically significant frequency shared by all bandpasses was resolved following successive pre-whitening of each residual signal. A secular analysis of the fundamental pulse period since 1999 was facilitated by the addition of 35 new times-of-maximum. The evolutionary status, age and physical nature of PT Com were investigated using the PAdova & TRieste Stellar Evolution Code for generating stellar tracks and isochrones.

Pion charge radius from pion+electron elastic scattering data

With the aim of extracting the pion charge radius, we analyse extant precise pion+electron elastic scattering data on Q2∈[0.015,0.144] GeV2 using a method based on interpolation via continued fractions augmented by statistical sampling. The scheme avoids any assumptions on the form of function used for the representation of data and subsequent extrapolation onto Q2≃0. Combining results obtained from the two available data sets, we obtain rπ=0.640(7) fm, a value 2.4σ below today's commonly quoted average. The tension may be relieved by collection and similar analysis of new precise data that densely cover a domain which reaches well below Q2=0.015 GeV2. Considering available kaon+electron elastic scattering data sets, our analysis reveals that they contain insufficient information to extract an objective result for the charged-kaon radius, rK. New data with much improved precision, low-Q2 reach and coverage are necessary before a sound result for rK can be recorded.

Precision and Characteristics Analysis of Precise Satellite Clock Bias Data of BDS

High-precision satellite clock bias (SCB) data is a critical product for satellite navigation systems to realize accurate navigation, positioning and timing. Unlike other satellite navigation systems, the precise SCB data for the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) are mainly determined by two methods, the Two-Way Time Transfer (TWTT) method and the Orbit Determination and Time Synchronization (ODTS) method. Awareness of the data variations obtained from different methods can be used to improve clock modeling performance, and be beneficial to higher-rate GNSS positioning and for predictions in real-time applications. We describe a comprehensive method to analyze the systematic and random characteristics of BDS SCB data obtained from TWTT and ODTS and discuss possible causes of observed variations. Some new conclusions are drawn: the data continuity of TWTT is highly related to satellite orbit types; affected by orbit error and other factors, the fitting residuals (RMS) of ODTS is 0.2 ns worse than that of TWTT on average, while the fitting precision of TWTT is 0.49 ns. There are up to 8ns periodic fluctuations in the mutual agreement between TWTT and ODTS data. The stability result shows a remarkable effect of flicker phase modulation (FLPM) noise can be seen in the period of 300-1000 s in TWTT data. All the BDS satellites display more complex, nonpower law behavior due to the effects of periodic clock variations.

PathoSPOT genomic epidemiology reveals under-the-radar nosocomial outbreaks

BackgroundWhole-genome sequencing (WGS) is increasingly used to map the spread of bacterial and viral pathogens in nosocomial settings. A limiting factor for more widespread adoption of WGS for hospital infection prevention practices is the availability of standardized tools for genomic epidemiology.MethodsWe developed the Pathogen Sequencing Phylogenomic Outbreak Toolkit (PathoSPOT) to automate integration of genomic and medical record data for rapid detection and tracing of nosocomial outbreaks. To demonstrate its capabilities, we applied PathoSPOT to complete genome surveillance data of 197 MRSA bacteremia cases from two hospitals during a 2-year period.ResultsPathoSPOT identified 8 clonal clusters encompassing 33 patients (16.8% of cases), none of which had been recognized by standard practices. The largest cluster corresponded to a prolonged outbreak of a hospital-associated MRSA clone among 16 adults, spanning 9 wards over a period of 21 months. Analysis of precise timeline and location data with our toolkit suggested that an initial exposure event in a single ward led to infection and long-term colonization of multiple patients, followed by transmissions to other patients during recurrent hospitalizations.ConclusionsWe demonstrate that PathoSPOT genomic surveillance enables the detection of complex transmission chains that are not readily apparent from epidemiological data and that contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality, enabling more effective intervention strategies.

CCD PHOTOMETRY AND EVOLUTIONARY STATUS OF THE PULSATING VARIABLE CSS J051053.0+071722

Multi-color (BV I_c ) CCD-derived photometric data were acquired for CSSJ051053.0+071722, a pulsating variable classified as a high amplitude δ Scuti-type system. Analysis of precise time-series lightcurve data was accomplished using discrete Fourier transformation which revealed a mean fundamental mode (f_0 ) of oscillation at 14.5097 ±0.0001 d^−1 along with two other partial harmonics (2f_0 and 4f_0 ). No other statistically significant frequency shared by all bandpasses was resolved following successive pre-whitening of each residual signal. Except for 36 new times-of-maximum light produced from the present study, no other values were found in the literature; therefore, potential secular period changes could not be evaluated. The evolutionary status, age and physical nature of CSS J051053.0+071722 were investigated using the PAdova & TRieste Stellar Evolution Code for generating stellar tracks and isochrones.

Deep Exploration of ϵ Eridani with Keck Ms-band Vortex Coronagraphy and Radial Velocities: Mass and Orbital Parameters of the Giant Exoplanet*

Abstract We present the most sensitive direct imaging and radial velocity (RV) exploration of ϵ Eridani to date. ϵ Eridani is an adolescent planetary system, reminiscent of the early solar system. It is surrounded by a prominent and complex debris disk that is likely stirred by one or several gas giant exoplanets. The discovery of the RV signature of a giant exoplanet was announced 15 yr ago, but has met with scrutiny due to possible confusion with stellar noise. We confirm the planet with a new compilation and analysis of precise RV data spanning 30 yr, and combine it with upper limits from our direct imaging search, the most sensitive ever performed. The deep images were taken in the Ms band (4.7 μm) with the vortex coronagraph recently installed in W.M. Keck Observatory’s infrared camera NIRC2, which opens a sensitive window for planet searches around nearby adolescent systems. The RV data and direct imaging upper limit maps were combined in an innovative joint Bayesian analysis, providing new constraints on the mass and orbital parameters of the elusive planet. ϵ Eridani b has a mass of M Jup and is orbiting ϵ Eridani at about 3.48 ± 0.02 au with a period of 7.37 ± 0.07 yr. The eccentricity of ϵ Eridani b’s orbit is , an order of magnitude smaller than early estimates and consistent with a circular orbit. We discuss our findings from the standpoint of planet–disk interactions and prospects for future detection and characterization with the James Webb Space Telescope.

Tides on the Moon: Theory and determination of dissipation

AbstractSolid body tides on the Moon vary by about ±0.1 m each month. In addition to changes in shape, the Moon's gravity field and orientation in space are affected by tides. The tidal expressions for an elastic sphere are compact, but dissipation introduces modifications that depend on the forcing period. Consequently, a Fourier representation of the tide‐raising potential is needed. A mathematical model for the distortion‐caused tidal potential may be used for the analysis of precise spacecraft tracking data. Since tides affect gravitational torques on the Moon from the Earth's attraction, the lunar orientation is also affected. Expressions for five periodic perturbations of orientation are presented. The rheological properties of lunar materials determine how the Moon responds to different tidal periods. New lunar laser ranging solutions for the tidal orientation terms are presented. The quality factor Q is 38 ± 4 at 1 month, 41 ± 9 at 1 year, ≥74 at 3 years, and ≥58 at 6 years. The ranging results can be matched with absorption band models that peak at ~120 days and single relaxation time models that peak at ~100 days. Combined models are possibilities. Dissipation can modify laser ranging solutions; previously reported core flattening is too uncertain to be useful. Strong lunar tidal dissipation, modeled to arise in the deep hot mantle, appears to be from a region with radius ≥535 km. Classical Maxwell‐type dissipation is too weak to detect at 3 and 6 year periods.

Genetic dissection of drought tolerance in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Key message Analysis of phenotypic data for 20 drought tolerance traits in 1–7 seasons at 1–5 locations together with genetic mapping data for two mapping populations provided 9 QTL clusters of which one present on CaLG04 has a high potential to enhance drought tolerance in chickpea improvement. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the second most important grain legume cultivated by resource poor farmers in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Drought is one of the major constraints leading up to 50 % production losses in chickpea. In order to dissect the complex nature of drought tolerance and to use genomics tools for enhancing yield of chickpea under drought conditions, two mapping populations—ICCRIL03 (ICC 4958 × ICC 1882) and ICCRIL04 (ICC 283 × ICC 8261) segregating for drought tolerance-related root traits were phenotyped for a total of 20 drought component traits in 1–7 seasons at 1–5 locations in India. Individual genetic maps comprising 241 loci and 168 loci for ICCRIL03 and ICCRIL04, respectively, and a consensus genetic map comprising 352 loci were constructed (http://cmap.icrisat.ac.in/cmap/sm/cp/varshney/). Analysis of extensive genotypic and precise phenotypic data revealed 45 robust main-effect QTLs (M-QTLs) explaining up to 58.20 % phenotypic variation and 973 epistatic QTLs (E-QTLs) explaining up to 92.19 % phenotypic variation for several target traits. Nine QTL clusters containing QTLs for several drought tolerance traits have been identified that can be targeted for molecular breeding. Among these clusters, one cluster harboring 48 % robust M-QTLs for 12 traits and explaining about 58.20 % phenotypic variation present on CaLG04 has been referred as “QTL-hotspot”. This genomic region contains seven SSR markers (ICCM0249, NCPGR127, TAA170, NCPGR21, TR11, GA24 and STMS11). Introgression of this region into elite cultivars is expected to enhance drought tolerance in chickpea.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00122-013-2230-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Nanosized objects in equilibrium supercritical fluids

Supercritical fluids (SCF) now attract a large attention of both practitioners and researchers. They open new possibilities for dry cleaning, processing of chemical and nuclear wastes, residuum oil supercritical extraction and selective extraction of useful substances from biomasses and mineral ores [1-3]. From a scientific point of view they present a new state of matter, intermediate between gases and liquids. The growing utilization of SCF in modern chemical technologies is based on the remarkable mixture of solvent power, characteristic to liquids, and transport properties, specific for gases. This mixture of features specific for liquids and gases in SCF is due to their high heterogeneity resulting from the plurality of nanosized clusters in the gas-like zone of the fluid and nanosized pores in the liquid-like zone. Supercritical fluids near their critical density possess huge density fluctuations. The well known and seen by eyes critical opalescence results from heterogeneities in fluids near the critical point with dimensions measured in microns [4]. But the visible transparency of the supercritical fluid over the critical point does not mean that the heterogeneities have disappeared. Their dimensions simply moved from the microto nanoscale [5]. Dr. K. Nishikawa and her group by X-rays scattering have discovered the peak line of the density fluctuations in SCF [6-8]. They named the peak line on the (T, P) diagram as the ridge. This line may be traced also by peaks of some other thermophysical properties, especially, the constant pressure heat capacity [9, 10]. In many works this peak line is named as the Widom line [11, 12]. This line divides the supercritical zone into two regions that “can be identified by different dynamical regimes: gas-like and liquid-like” [12]. The ridge or the Widom line looks like the extension of the saturation curve in the supercritical zone. The aim of this report is the investigation of the nanosized clusters and their characteristics near the ridge line in the gas-like SCF. The investigation is performed by the computer aided analysis of precise equilibrium thermophysical data for several pure van der Waals and polar fluids. The source of data is the NIST database [13], generalizing experimental results of many scientific groups from all over the World. The knowledge of the clusters’ characteristics may be useful for practical applications and better understanding of the supercritical fluids’ nature.

Thermal Analysis of Thermophysical Data for Equilibrium Pure Fluids

The thermal analysis of precise thermophysical data for pure fluids from electronic databases is developed to investigate the molecular interaction mechanisms and parameters and the structural features of heterogeneities in fluids. The method is based on the series expansion of thermophysical values by powers of the monomer fraction density. Unlike the virial expansion by powers of the total density, the series expansion terms in this method directly reflect properties of the corresponding cluster fractions. The internal energy had been selected among thermophysical properties as the most informative for this method. The thermal analysis of its series expansion coefficients permits to estimate the temperature dependence of the pair bond parameters, the clusters’ bond energies and equilibrium constants, the structural transitions between dominating isomers of clusters. The application of method to different pure fluids, including noble and molecular gases with van der Waals and polar molecular interactions, brings unknown clusters’ characteristics for the fluids under investigation. The thermal analysis of the ordinary and heavy Water vapors points on no trivial isotopic effects. The unpredictable growth of the pair bond energy with temperature in Alkanes points on existence in hydrocarbons of some unknown molecular interaction forces in addition to dispersion forces.

Equilibrium structure of dense gases

The computer aided analysis of precise thermophysical data for pure real gases and denser fluids is developed here to provide a vision of their equilibrium molecular structure [1, 2]. The structure of fluids means the structural features of disordered systems. It differs from the regular structures of molecules or solids [3] and reflects the structural features of the temporarily existing local molecular complexes, such as clusters and pores of different dimensions. Pure fluids are actively used in modern chemical technologies as initial and intermediate substances and final products. For further improvement of technological processes with pure fluids it is important to know better their molecular interaction mechanisms and parameters. The purity of gases and denser fluids by itself presents a great scientific value: it opens possibility to discover the details of the molecular interactions and the cluster structure by the computer aided processing of precise thermophysical data for pure substances. The distribution of intermolecular distances in fluids is not uniform. The diminishing of the fluid density from its maximal value does not mean the uniform expansion of all intermolecular distances. Some of distances stay the same as in a dense liquid, but others become noticeably enlarged. In real gases some part of molecules forms the short distance complexes, named clusters. The clusters in real gases now attract a large attention of researches [48]. The Water vapor clusters are responsible for clouds formation in upper layers of atmosphere [9]. The factors complicating determination of the molecular interaction mechanisms [1]: Densely spaced and disarranged by thermal movement bound states in clusters; The plurality of the cluster isomer configurations, growing with a number of particles in a cluster; The difference between the thermodynamically averaged energetic level of the bound state and the minimal potential energy of a cluster; Long relaxation times for tightly bound cluster isomers preventing from a fast reaching the equilibrium and thus distorting the experimental data at low temperatures. There are various approaches to molecular interaction mechanisms. The earlier models of fluids described in [10, 11], such as the famous van der Waals equation of state or the corresponding states law, have been based on the experimental data taken with not very high precision. They provided only a general picture of fluids sacrificing very important details of their molecular interactions. Now, the individual characteristics of molecular interactions in substances are being actively studied asing in the precise experimental data [12]. The constantly growing precision of thermophysical data opens new ways to penetrate deeper into details of the fluids’ structure. But this task is not very easy. It may be referred to the class of reverse mathematical problems, the results of which widely diverge at slight changes of initial data. Therefore, we should use the methods of data processing capable to limit the level of this divergence by both the regularization of the initial data and selecting the appropriate set of the molecular interaction parameters. This set should be adjusted to real features of the molecular interactions in gases instead of the purely mathematical parameterization of experimental data. An alternative approach to the molecular interactions in fluids is based on the simulations of the many particle systems behavior with different model potentials [4-9, 13]. The problem of this approach lies in rather arbitrary assumptions about the model potentials describing interactions between molecules in fluids. I.G. Kaplan [13] used more than 50 model potentials in his investigations. He came to very important conclusions for the dispersion forces temperature dependence. The optimal way to the physically correct picture of fluids may be in the mutually correlated utilization of both approaches: from the experimental data and from the model potentials. These approaches should converge in the molecular interaction parameters to be found. That may serve as the criterion of the most appropriate model potential selection. This work deals with the main thermodynamics principles extension to real gases and denser fluids and develops the methods of the molecular interaction parameters extraction from the experimental data. It is aimed at the cluster fractions’ characteristics near the saturation Dsat and even critical Dcr densities of pure gases basing on precise data from [15].

The Analysis of the Equilibrium Cluster Structure in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

The monomer fraction density based analysis of precise thermophysical data for pure fluids is developed to study the molecular structures in supercritical fluids in general and in CO2 in particular. The series expansion by powers of the monomer fraction density of the potential energy density is used to discover the cluster structure in supercritical fluids and the clusters’ bond energies in CO2. The method of clusters separation between classes of loose and dense clusters in the CO2 supercritical fluid is developed. The method of the energetically averaged number of dense clusters is developed to study the mechanism of the soft structural transition between the gas-like and liquid-like fluids in the supercritical CO2.

Quantitative Analyses of Circadian Gene Expression in Mammalian Cell Cultures

The central circadian pacemaker is located in the hypothalamus of mammals, but essentially the same oscillating system operates in peripheral tissues and even in immortalized cell lines. Using luciferase reporters that allow automated monitoring of circadian gene expression in mammalian fibroblasts, we report the collection and analysis of precise rhythmic data from these cells. We use these methods to analyze signaling pathways of peripheral tissues by studying the responses of Rat-1 fibroblasts to ten different compounds. To quantify these rhythms, which show significant variation and large non-stationarities (damping and baseline drifting), we developed a new fast Fourier transform–nonlinear least squares analysis procedure that specifically optimizes the quantification of amplitude for circadian rhythm data. This enhanced analysis method successfully distinguishes among the ten signaling compounds for their rhythm-inducing properties. We pursued detailed analyses of the responses to two of these compounds that induced the highest amplitude rhythms in fibroblasts, forskolin (an activator of adenylyl cyclase), and dexamethasone (an agonist of glucocorticoid receptors). Our quantitative analyses clearly indicate that the synchronization mechanisms by the cAMP and glucocorticoid pathways are different, implying that actions of different genes stimulated by these pathways lead to distinctive programs of circadian synchronization.

Complexation of Li+, Na+ and K+ Ions by [222], [222D], [221], [221D] Cryptands in Acetonitrile at 25 °C: Conductometric Determination of the True Thermodynamic Formation Constants

A new method is presented for the analysis of precise conductance data to obtain the true thermodynamic formation constants of macrocyclic–cation complexes. The method, based on the Lee–Wheaton theory on mixed electrolytes, takes into consideration the ion pair formation of both the uncomplexed and complexed cations and avoids the use of the simple additivity assumption of the conductances of two electrolytic species present in salt/ligand/solvent systems. The method has been applied to determine the thermodynamic complexation constants of lithium, sodium and potassium ions with the cryptands [221], [222] and their decyl derivatives [221D], [222D] in acetonitrile. The results show that the presence of an alkyl chain in the molecular structure of the cryptands decreases the macrocyclic–cation complexation constant with respect to the values obtained for the parent compounds by almost an order of magnitude. Such a finding has been explained in terms of the asymmetric position in the space of the oxyethylenic bridges of the macrocyclic ligand promoted by the presence of the linked hydrocarbon chain. The above explanation has been confirmed by the anomalous behavior of both the ion-pair association constants of complexed salts and their limiting molar conductivity.

The solubility and isotopic fractionation of gases in dilute aqueous solution. IIa. solubilities of the noble gases

A method for the analysis of precise gas solubility data is presented and applied to new determinations of the Henry constant, k2, for He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe. The values of k2 are fitted to the same sets of temperature functions which we have tried for oxygen. Our previously proposed power series in 1/T, ln(k2/P )=a0+a1/T+a2/T2 (Mark I), gives the best 3-term fit within the temperature range 0–60°C. For use over the full range to the critical temperature of water, we have discovered a new function given by (T*)2ln(k2/P )=A0(T*)2+A1(1-T*)1/3+A2(1-T*)2/3(Mark II), where T*≡T/T c1 . It fits our data from 0–60°C nearly as well as Mark I; it fits high temperature data from other sources; and at the critical temperature of water it satisfies theoretical requirements. Expansion of Mark II reveals the relationship between Mark II and Mark I and leads to a 4-term smoothing function, ln(k2/P )=a−2(T*)−2+a−1(T*)−1+a0+a1T* (Mark III), which we believe gives the best values only for the 0–60°C range. Mark III is used to calculate values for $$\Delta \bar G^\theta ,\Delta \bar H^\theta ,\Delta \bar S^\theta $$ , and $$\Delta \bar C^\theta $$ , 0–60°C, and a procedure is empolyed to estimate the errors. Agreement is excellent between these results and those obtained from precise microcalorimetric measurements made by others. With the inclusion of pressure correction terms, Mark II yields the four thermodynamic function changes for use at high temperatures. With increasing temperature, these changes suddenly turn upward toward plus infinity as T c1 is approached. Essentially direct determinations of $$\Delta \bar C^\theta $$ for argon by other workers are in excellent agreement with our results. The symmetrical activity coefficient at infinite dilution, γ 2 ° is examined and the hypothetical properties of k2 are explored below 0°C. Mark II can be expressed in the reduced form (T*)2ln(k 2 * )=A1(1-T*)1/3+A2(1-T*)2/3, where k 2 * ≋k 2/(p c1φ2c1). A2 is a very good linear fit to A1, which suggests a characteristic temperature for water at 287.3 K.

Vertical crustal movements in the vicinity of the 1931 Valentine, Texas, earthquake

Deformation possibly related to an earthquake in Texas has been revealed from analysis of precise leveling data collected by the National Geodetic Survey. Relative elevation changes deduced from first-order leveling surveys conducted between 1910 and 1957 show that at least two areas in western Texas near the epicenter of the 1931 Valentine earthquake ( M = 6.4) subsided relative to their surroundings. Apparent subsidence east of Van Horn, Texas, is attributed primarily to the combined effects of groundwater withdrawal and topography-related survey errors. In contrast, relative subsidence near Valentine, Texas, of 11.2 ± 1.0 cm extending over a distance of about 20 km does not appear to be due to either near-surface effects or leveling errors and thus may represent coseismic deformation of the Valentine earthquake. The large magnitude of the vertical movements indicated by the leveling data suggests significant dip-slip movement on the inferred earthquake fault. This is consistent with the Cenozoic structure of the region which is characterized by Basin and Range morphology. If the observed subsidence was caused by the 1931 earthquake, the leveling data suggest that the epicenter for this event lies considerably closer to Valentine than originally reported. This new location is supported by a recent relocation for the Valentine earthquake, and by local intensity reports.

Nuclear structure effect in internal conversion of the 166 kev hinderedM1 transition in139La

The internal conversion coefficients were calculated for the 165.853 keV 5/2+→7/2+ hindered transition in 57 139 La using the new computer program NICC for conversion coefficients of all atomic shells. The algorithm employed in this code is described. The analysis of precise experimental data yielded the nuclear penetration parameterλ=4.2±0.8. This value was found to be in accord with theoretical estimates and to correspond to the Nilsson deformation parameterβ=−0.056±0004 of the139La nucleus. Using the Nilsson wave functions for aboveβ the mixing ratioδ 2 = Nγ(E2)/Nγ(M1) was determined to be less than 8.10−5, which supports the assumption of a pureM1 multipolarity of this transition.

Oxygen binding in cyanmet hybrid and normal hemoglobins: applicability of sequential and two-state concerted models.

The cyanmet hybrid hemoglobins alpha(2)beta(+CN)(2) and alpha(+CN)(2)beta(2) are widely held to be similar or equivalent in structure and subunit interactions to the partially oxygen-liganded species alpha(2)(beta * O(2))(2) and (alpha * O(2))(2)beta(2), respectively. An analysis of precise data on oxygen binding to the cyanmet hybrids and normal hemoglobin shows that if this is the case, then cooperative ligand binding in hemoglobin is more properly described by some model of the sequential type than by any twostate concerted model.

Ion association and the analysis of precise conductimetric data

The physical significance of the adjustable parameters used in the analysis of precise conductivity data is considered. Results for 2:2 salts in water are analysed using simplified versions of the equations of Pitts and Fuoss-Hsia for the conductivity of the free ions. This leads to a reanalysis of recently published results for 1:1 salts in water, and a return to a conventional view concerning the extent of association of such salts.