Exceptional Resolution Research Articles

High-resolution 1H homonuclear dipolar recoupling NMR spectra of biological solids at MAS rates up to 67 kHz

Two-dimensional 1H homonuclear correlation NMR spectra of solids of biological interest have been recorded at high magnetic fields (14.1 and 18.8 T) and MAS rates up to 67 kHz, using RN n ν symmetry-based homonuclear recoupling and CRAMPS decoupling; this method affords exceptional spectral resolution and is well suited to probe 1H– 1H proximities in powdered solids.

IQoS-aware exception resolution for BPEL processes: a middleware-based framework and performance evaluation

Web Services Business Process Execution Language (WS-BPEL) is widely used nowadays for specifying and executing composite business processes. During the execution, however, of such business processes, a number of faults stemming from the nature of SOA may occur. The WS-BPEL scenario designer must therefore use the provisions offered by WS-BPEL to catch these exceptions and resolve them. The system fault handler specification, however, is an additional task for the WS scenario designer, while the presence of such handlers within the scenario necessitates extra maintenance activities. In this paper, we propose a middleware-based framework for system exception resolution, which undertakes the tasks of failure interception, discovery of alternative services and their invocation. The process of selecting the alternative services can be driven by process consumer-specified Quality of Service (QoS) policy. Moreover, the middleware arranges for bridging syntactic differences between the originally invoked services and functionally equivalent replacements to it, by employing XSLT-based transformations. The middleware is deployed and maintained independently of the WS-BPEL scenarios, thus removing the need for specifying and maintaining system fault handlers within the scenarios. We also present performance measures, establishing that the overhead imposed by the addition of the proposed middleware layer is minimal.

Étude technologique, effectuée à l’aide du microscope digital VHX-600, sur un os gravé épigravettien de l’habitat de Poiana Cireșului-Piatra Neamţ

Abstract : Technological Study, Carried Out Using a Digital VHX-600 Microscope, on an Engraved Epigravettian Bone from the Settlement of Poiana Cireșului-Piatra Neamț. The Upper Paleolithic settlement from Poiana Cireșului is situated near Piatra Neamț Town, Neamț County, at the confluence between Doamna Rivulet and Bistrița River. The recent archeological research has proved the exceptional archeological potential of this settlement. So, for instance, the multitude and variety of the artifacts made of bone situates it on the first place in Romania. Among them was found as well a bone engraved with successive incisions. Their study using a digital microscope allowed an exceptional resolution, as well as unexpected technological considerations. Future studies on other bone artifacts, carried out with similar resolutions, will facilitate pertinent analogies from a technological viewpoint.

Dual-beam, 3D photolithography provides exceptional resolution

Dual-beam, 3D photolithography provides exceptional resolution

Double beta decay searches by semiconductor detectors

This paper is focused on forthcoming or planned experimental projects and R&D activities aiming to search for 0ν double beta decay (OνDBD) of 76Ge 106Cd and 64Zn by means of semiconductor detectors. Semiconductors detectors offer both exceptional intrinsic energy resolution, and extremely high intrinsic radiopurity. These features allow, once the external background is minimized, to reach high sensitivities on the half-life (T0ν1/2) of the OνDBD process i.e. on the effective Majorana neutrino mass |mee|. After a review of the pioneering and past experiments, the main experimental features, the attainable sensitivities on T0ν1/2 and |mee|, and the foreseen experimental schedule of GERDA, MAJORANA and COBRA will be reviewed.

Bat-inspired distance measurement using phase information.

This paper shows the use of phase measurement to estimate the distance to a target. Inspiration for this work comes from the observation that bats have been shown to have exceptional resolution with regard to target detection when searching during flight. Au and Simmons [“Echolocation in dolphins and bats,” Phys. Today 45(7), 40–45 (2007)] concluded bats with a center frequency of about 80 kHz (i.e., 4-mm wavelength), and 40-kHz bandwidth can have a resolution of distance in air approaching 20 μm. For this frequency, we see that the resolution achieved by the bat is about 200 times better than λ/2 (i.e., 2 mm at this frequency), which is usually used as a guide for resolution for analog systems. Moreover, Au and Simmons show, using time-frequency analysis, that there are essentially two frequencies present at any particular time within a single bat pulse. Considering this use of two frequencies we may infer a distance. A new bat-inspired algorithm is presented. This is based on phase measurement and, when applied to underwater acoustics, shows that a resolution of 1/50 of the wavelength can be achieved in practice.

ECHO parameters of diastolic dysfunction

Most patients with cardiac disease have diastolic dysfunction which is characterized by impaired diastolic filling and/or abnormal diastolic relaxation. The trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) used routinely during open-heart surgical procedures has exceptional resolution that may permit the identification and grading of diastolic dysfunction. The goal of this study was to determine which echocardiography (ECHO) parameters can best describe diastolic dysfunction due to myocardial remodeling and fibrosis. Baseline transthoracic ECHO was performed on 3-month-old C57BL/6J female mice followed by administration of isoproterenol (2 microg/g/d) for 6 days. On day 7, transthoracic ECHO was performed to determine the change of left ventricular (LV) inflow parameters due to isoproterenol-mediated cardiac remodeling. The mid-LV region was stained with picrosirius red to quantify myocardial fibrosis and demonstrated a 5-fold increase in cardiac fibrosis (p = 0.002). LV mass was increased by 36% (p = 0.0016). Mitral valve flow Doppler peak velocities E and A were measured from a 4-chamber view. The E/A ratio did not change, but the E deceleration time, velocity time integral of the E-A complex (E-A VTI), E/E-A VTI ratio, isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), and diastolic time all significantly increased. The corresponding tissue Doppler parameter, Ea/Aa ratio, decreased by 25% (p = 0.035). The left atrial dimension and the ECHO index of left atrial pressure (E/Ea) significantly increased (p < 0.02). These data suggest that, with a long-axis and a 4-chamber view, the clinician can adequately determine diastolic function in the open-heart surgical patient.

Active data acquisition for proactive exception handling in manufacturing

Exception handling is increasingly recognized as a critical capability of today’s enterprises, especially manufacturers, since manufacturing systems have become complex to satisfy ever-changing customer requirements and support collaboration of various supply chain partners. This paper proposes a concept of proactive exception handling as an advanced approach for effective exception resolution as well as exception prevention. Especially, it proposes active data acquisition as a key element of proactive exception handling. The paper introduces a data acquisition language designed by analyzing the information requirements of active data acquisition. It presents the architecture of a system which enables active data acquisition for the language. Finally, the paper illustrates the language and system architecture using examples. The data acquisition language and system can support proactive exception handling by enabling active acquisition that provides the necessary data only when they are actually required without waiting for the data to be provided.

Novos paradigmas na avaliação por imagem dos tumores parenquimatosos renais

For a long time, imaging methods have played a secondary role in the diagnosis and therapeutic planning in cases of renal parenchymal tumors, considering that excretory urography could only detect large lesions causing bulging of the renal contour or distortion of the calyceal system, generally in symptomatic patients with advanced disease. In this scenario, the arrival of ultrasonography (US) has represented a landmark, considering that small lesion started being incidentally diagnosed (incidentalomas), resulting in a significant improvement in survival rates, since patients diagnosed with incidental tumors with < 4 cm (T1 stage) present 95% probability of ten-year survival. In the last years, the higher availability of Doppler and ultrasonographic contrast agents has contributed to increase the US applicability in the detection, therapeutic planning and post-treatment follow-up of focal renal lesions. On its turn, computed tomography (CT) with intravenous iodinated contrast enhancement has become the method of choice in the evaluation of the greatest majority of focal renal lesions, because, besides allowing a better characterization of lesions detected by US, this method also allows an accurate pretherapeutic staging of these lesions. The current technologies, with multidetector helical CT (MDCT or multislice CT) utilizing dedicated protocols with four-phase studies (precontrast, corticomedullary, nephrographic and excretory phases) have increasingly widened the CT applicability, with shorter acquisition times, higher spatial resolution and possibility of 3D and multiplanar images reconstruction. Finally, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with exceptional contrast resolution and digital subtraction capability, has brought a positive contribution to the evaluation of focal renal lesions particularly in patients presenting allergy to iodinated contrast agents, along with characterizing lesions indeterminate at CT.

Imaging meddy finestructure using multichannel seismic reflection data

This work illustrates the great potential of multichannel seismic reflection data to extract information from the finestructure of meddies with exceptional lateral resolution (10–15 m). We present seismic images of three meddies acquired in the Gulf of Cadiz (SW Iberian Peninsula), which consist of concentric reflectors forming oval shapes that sharply contrast with the background oceanic structure. The seismic images reveal the presence of different regions within the meddies that are consistent with those observed in historical temperature (T) and salinity (S) data. The core region, characterized by smooth T and S variations, is weakly reflective. The double‐diffusive upper and lower boundaries and the lateral‐interleaving outer edges, characterized by stronger T and S contrasts, display strong reflectivity bands. These new observations clearly show differences between layers developed at the upper and lower boundaries that can contribute to the knowledge of mixing processes and layering formation in oceans.

Self-heating study of bulk acoustic wave resonators under high RF power

The present work first provides an experimental technique to study self-heating of bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators under high RF power in the gigahertz range. This study is specially focused on film bulk acoustic wave resonators and solidly mounted resonators processed onto silicon wafers and designed for wireless systems. Precisely, the reflection coefficient of a one-port device is measured while up to several watts are applied and power leads to electrical drifts of impedances. In the following, we describe how absorbed power can be determined from the incident one in real time. Therefore, an infrared camera held over the radio frequency micro electromechanical system (RF-MEMS) surface with an exceptional spatial resolution reaching up to 2 microm/pixels gives accurate temperature mapping of resonators after emissivity correction. From theoretical point of view, accurate three-dimensional (3-D) structures for finite-element modeling analyses are carried out to know the best materials and architectures to use for enhancing power handling. In both experimental and theoretical investigations, comparison is made between film bulk acoustic wave resonators and solidly mounted resonators. Thus, the trend in term of material, architecture, and size of device for power application such as in transmission path of a transceiver is clearly identified.

Receptor trafficking and AFM

Adaptation of a cell behavior to the environment is possible due to the biochemical and physical information that is transmitted through molecular receptor present at the cell surface. Regulation of receptor distribution and trafficking is thus a key feature to allow cells to properly respond to extracellular signals. Many of the molecular mechanisms that support receptor trafficking occurs at a submicrometric scale and are highly dynamic. Because of its exceptional resolution and its piconewton sensitivity, atomic force microscope (AFM) is a powerful tool to study the trafficking of individual receptors in living cells under near-physiological conditions. In this review, we first describe the general principles of the AFM that allow the detection of single ligand-receptor interaction. We then turn to early studies that demonstrated the ability of AFM to detect individual receptors and map their distribution on the surface of living cell. Finally, we discuss how AFM in combination with optical imaging tools allow the simultaneous investigation of cellular biophysical properties and receptor-trafficking dynamics at the nanometer scale.

NanoCT: Visualizing of Internal 3D-Structures with Submicrometer Resolution

High-resolution Computed Tomography widely expands the spectrum of detectable internal microstructures. The new nanotom is the first 180 kV nanoCT s ystem worldwide which is tailored completely to highest-resolution applications in material scienc e, micro mechanics, electronics, geology etc. The CT results demonstrate the possibility to analyse the 3D-m icrostructure of material samples with minimal preparation and the exceptional resolution of less than 0.5 mic rons per voxel.

ILC beam energy measurement based on synchrotron radiation from a magnetic spectrometer

We propose to measure, on a bunch-to-bunch basis, the beam energy at the International Linear e + e - Collider by recording synchrotron radiation (SR) light emitted in the magnets of an energy spectrometer based on beam position monitors. Measuring the width of the horizontal SR fan permits to determine the relative beam energy with a precision better than 10 - 4 . There are two different measuring schemes possible. The first one is based on edge measurements of the direct SR fan, while the second option includes mirrors to deflect soft SR light to detectors located sufficiently off the beamline. Three possibilities for high-spatial resolution detectors are considered: a standard silicon strip detector, a novel-type Si detector and a gas amplification detector, both with exceptional position resolution. The main issue of the first scheme is the high radiation dose expected in the direct SR fan. If mirrors are used this dose is strongly reduced and allows application of any of the three detectors proposed.

Resolution of bridging oxygen signals from O 1s spectra of silicate glasses using XPS: Implications for O and Si speciation

We used an advanced charge compensation system on an X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer to yield linewidths from O 1s, Si 2p and Pb 4f spectra of 1.22, 1.35, and 1.10 eV, respectively. These linewidths (eV) are the narrowest obtained for silicate glasses, on any X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer, to date. The exceptional resolution reveals two O 1s peaks in the PbO–SiO 2 glasses studied. One clearly resolved, high binding energy O 1s peak represents the bridging oxygen signal and the second, lower energy peak represents both non-bridging oxygen and metal-bridging oxygen contributions. These data allow quantification of bridging oxygen contents without detailed deconvolution because both the peak width and intensity are determined solely by the spectral data. The intensity of the bridging oxygen signal decreases systematically with decreased SiO 2 content; however, the measured bridging oxygen abundance is greater than predicted if all Pb atoms in the glass are assumed to be associated with two non-bridging oxygen atoms (i.e., O–Pb–O units). There remains, for example, a significant quantity of bridging oxygen in the glass at the orthosilicate composition (Mol. frac.: 0.67 PbO, 0.33 SiO 2). We demonstrate that bridging oxygen, non-bridging oxygen and metal-bridging oxygen exist at this composition and at all glass compositions studied, including the 0.50 PbO, 0.50 SiO 2 glass. Equilibrium thermodynamic (speciation) calculations indicate that at least three silicate species dominate the glass: a network species (SiO 2), a ( Si O 4 4 - ) monomeric species and a trimeric ring-like species ( Si 3 O 9 2 - ). With these species, the bridging oxygen contents are accurately modeled in PbO–SiO 2 glasses over the compositional range 0.3 PbO, 0.70 SiO 2 to 0.67 PbO, 0.33 SiO 2, and there is a remarkable agreement between the modeled bridging oxygen and the measured bridging oxygen contents with this study and previous studies. However, we do not intend to imply that the SiO 2, ( Si O 4 4 - ) and ( Si 3 O 9 2 - ) are the only species present in the glass structure. In addition, this study shows that the Si 2p spectrum consists of one peak, fitted with one doublet, which shifts systematically to higher binding energy with increased SiO 2 content. We propose that this shift results from a more intense signal from the networked (more siliceous) species that are located at higher binding energy.

High-resolution evidence for dynamic transitional geomagnetic field behaviour from a Miocene reversal, McMurdo Sound, Ross Sea, Antarctica

Abstract We report a high-resolution record of a Miocene polarity transition (probably the Chron C6r-C6n transition) from glacimarine sediments in McMurdo Sound, Ross Sea, Antarctica, which is the first transition record reported from high southern latitudes. The transition is recorded in two parallel cores through a 10.7 m stratigraphic thickness. The sediments are interpreted as having been deposited in a marine environment under the influence of floating ice or seaward of a glacier terminus from which a large sediment load was delivered to the drill site. The core was recovered using rotary drilling, which precludes azimuthal orientation of the core and determination of a vector record of the field during the transition. However, constraints on transitional field behaviour are provided by the exceptional resolution of this record. Large-scale paleomagnetic inclination fluctuations in the two cores can be independently correlated with each other using magnetic susceptibility data, which suggests that the sediments are reliable recorders of geomagnetic field variations. Agreement between the two parallel transition records provides evidence for highly dynamic field behaviour, as suggested by numerous large-scale inclination changes (∼90?) throughout the transition. These large-scale changes occur across stratigraphically narrow intervals, which is consistent with the suggestion of rapid field changes during transitions. In one intact portion of the core, where there is no apparent relative core rotation between samples, declinations and inclinations are consistent with the presence of a stable cluster of virtual geomagnetic poles within the transition (although the possibility that this cluster represents a rapid depositional event cannot be precluded). These observations are consistent with those from other high-resolution records and provide a rare detailed view of transitional field behaviour compared to most sedimentary records, which are not as thick and which appear to have been smoothed by sedimentary remanence acquisition processes.

X-ray structure analysis of a metalloprotein with enhanced active-site resolution using in situ x-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy

X-ray absorption spectroscopy is exquisitely sensitive to the coordination geometry of an absorbing atom and therefore allows bond distances and angles of the surrounding atomic cluster to be measured with atomic resolution. By contrast, the accuracy and resolution of metalloprotein active sites obtainable from x-ray crystallography are often insufficient to analyze the electronic properties of the metals that are essential for their biological functions. Here, we demonstrate that the combination of both methods on the same metalloprotein single crystal yields a structural model of the protein with exceptional active-site resolution. To this end, we have collected an x-ray diffraction data set to 1.4-A resolution and Fe K-edge polarized x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra on the same cyanomet sperm whale myoglobin crystal. The XANES spectra were quantitatively analyzed by using a method based on the multiple scattering approach, which yielded Fe-heme structural parameters with +/-(0.02-0.07)-A accuracy on the atomic distances and +/-7 degrees on the Fe-CN angle. These XANES-derived parameters were subsequently used as restraints in the crystal structure refinement. By combining XANES and x-ray diffraction, we have obtained an cyanomet sperm whale myoglobin structural model with a higher precision of the bond lengths and angles at the active site than would have been possible with crystallographic analysis alone.

Evaluation of ice release coatings at cryogenic temperature for the space shuttle

Abstract The brackets that secure the liquid oxygen feed line to the external tank are known locations of frost and ice growth during the pre-launch period following fuel loading. This experimental program quantified the reduction in adhesion that resulted when ice phobic coatings were applied to test coupons that simulated the bracket surface. Double lap shear testing of coated and uncoated coupons provided robust test specimens and consistent load response patterns with exceptional resolution. Ice was grown as strong and consistently as possible for these tests and then subjected to temperature decreases comparable to those of the bracket. All tests were conducted at a constant temperature of − 112 °C (− 170 °F) and included uncoated controls with each group of samples. The program evolved in three phases. Phase 1 evaluated a wide range of coatings, and showed that Rain-X mixed with MP-55 powdered Teflon (RXM) was an outstanding coating to reduce ice adhesion to Koropon coated aluminum. Coating material retained on the ice surface following each test indicated failure in the coating and the potential for loss of effectiveness with repeated ice formation and release. Phase 2 evaluated modifications to RXM that might enhance durability while maintaining effectiveness. However, the modified mixtures did not improve coating durability or ice release. Phase 3 focused on the effects of mixing method, cure time, wiping off of excess coating, and coating resistance to weathering by water. A progressive coating loss again occurred through repeat test cycles, but performance generally improved. Results also indicated that cure times longer than 1.5 h prior to coating disturbance are needed for optimal performance. The MP-55 remaining on coupon surfaces after 3 cycles of testing and on one untested coupon from the same group was measured with XPS. The tested coupons retained slightly less MP-55 than the untested coupon, confirming the loss of coating. Contact angle analysis of these same coupons showed that the hydrophobic performance of the tested surfaces was largely preserved. Scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive spectroscopy elemental map indicated that the MP-55 was evenly dispersed throughout the coated surface, and abrasive wiping did not remove a significant portion of the Teflon. Test results suggest follow-up studies to refine the optimal coating formulation, mixing and application procedures, and understanding of reaction processes, cure time, and coating durability. Double lap shear testing and XPS analysis can quantify ice adhesion and coating profile thickness changes with cycling, and is capable of resolving these remaining issues.

Heavy-ion physics at the LHC with CMS

The CMS detector is an excellent tool for measuring high mass and low-x phenomena in heavy-ion collisions. Its exceptional acceptance and resolution combined with a fast and sophisticated trigger offer the potential for unexpected discoveries.

Protein dynamics on different timescales

Structure and dynamics determine the function of proteins. This contribution discusses two aspects of protein dynamics, the structural fluctuation and the structural relaxation connected with conformational changes. Myoglobin and haemoglobin were investigated. To cover a wide time range different experimental techniques had to be used. Moreover, measurements in a large temperature regime were used to separate contributions from different modes of motions. Phonon assisted Mössbauer effect using synchrotron radiation allowed the study of the harmonic vibrations which have characteristic times of 1fs to 0.6ps. They are present in the whole temperature range from cryogenic to room temperature. With a combination of neutron structure analysis and incoherent neutron scattering it was possible to distinguish three types of hydrogen mean square displacements which are present only above a characteristic temperature Tc: These are the backbone-like (slower than about 100ps), methyl-like (partly slower partly faster than about 100ps) and lysine-like (faster than about 100ps) displacements. The exceptional high energy resolution of Mössbauer absorption on 57Fe allowed the measurement of quasi diffusive modes of molecular segments which have characteristic times slower than 1ns and are present only above Tc. Conformational changes from the ligated to the unligated structure of myoglobin and haemoglobin were investigated by creating a metastable intermediate and observing the relaxation into the equilibrium conformation. A metastable state was obtained by X-ray irradiation. Structural relaxation was investigated as a function of time and temperature using the Mössbauer hyperfine interactions as indicator. Furthermore it was possible to measure intermediates created by photolysis of a ligand with temperature dependent X-ray structure analysis or time dependent X-ray structure analysis with the Laue technique. It was shown that the quasi diffusive structural fluctuations above Tc strongly facilitate structural relaxations.