Automated interpretation of LIBS spectra using a fuzzy logic inference engine.

Automated interpretation of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) data is necessary due to the plethora of spectra that can be acquired in a relatively short time. However, traditional chemometric and artificial neural network methods that have been employed are not always transparent to a skilled user. A fuzzy logic approach to data interpretation has now been adapted to LIBS spectral interpretation. Fuzzy logic inference rules were developed using methodology that includes data mining methods and operator expertise to differentiate between various copper-containing and stainless steel alloys as well as unknowns. Results using the fuzzy logic inference engine indicate a high degree of confidence in spectral assignment.

Direct, Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction by Laccase on Anthracene-2-methanethiol Modified Gold.

Laccase, a multicopper oxidase, catalyses the four electron reduction of oxygen to water. Upon adsorption to an electrode surface, laccase is known to reduce oxygen at overpotentials lower than the best noble metal electrocatalysts usually employed. While the electrocatalytic activity of laccase is well established on carbon electrodes, laccase does not typically adsorb to better defined noble metal surfaces in an orientation that allows for efficient electrocatalysis. In this work, we utilized anthracene-2-methanethiol (AMT) to modify the surface of Au electrodes and examined the electrocatalytic activity of adsorbed laccase. AMT facilitated the adsorption of laccase, and the onset of electrocatalytic oxygen reduction was observed as high as 1.13 V(RHE). We observed linear Tafel behavior with a 144 mV/dec slope, consistent with an outer sphere single electron transfer from the electrode to a Cu site in the enzyme as the rate determining step of the oxygen reduction mechanism.

Hematology and absence of hemoparasites in breeding common terns (Sterna hirundo) from Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

In June and July 1995, 98 breeding common terns (Sterna hirundo) were captured, weighed, and bled as a part of ongoing research on the population health and reproductive biology of this species of special concern. Packed cell volume, total and differential white blood cell counts, and blood smears were obtained. Blood smears from 75 terns were examined. No hemoparasites were found. There were some significant differences among hematologic parameters in birds from different islands, and between birds nesting earlier versus later in the season, but there were no significant differences associated with body mass, sex, or age. The absence of hemoparasites in the blood smears of these terns is noteworthy, especially because other studies of seabirds (including Charadriiformes) have revealed low prevalences of hematozoa.