How flow changes polymer depletion in a slit

A theoretical model is developed for predicting dynamic polymer depletion under the influence of fluid flow. The results are established by combining the two-fluid model and the self-consistent field theory. We consider a uniform fluid flow across a slit containing a solution with polymer chains. The two parallel and infinitely long walls are permeable to solvent only and the polymers do not adsorb to these walls. For a weak flow and a narrow slit, an analytic expression is derived to describe the steady-state polymer concentration profiles in a $ \Theta$ -solvent. In both $ \Theta$ - and good-solvents, we compute the time evolution of the concentration profiles for various flow rates characterized by the Peclet number. The model reveals the interplay of depletion, solvent condition, slit width, and the relative strength of the fluid flow.      

Motions of vortex patches

An evolution equation describing the motion of vortrex patches is established. The existence of steady solutions of this equation is proved. These solutions arem-fold symmetric regions of constant vorticity ω₀ and are uniformly rotating with angular velocity Ω in the range $$\tilde \Omega _{m - 1}< \tilde \Omega \leqslant \tilde \Omega _m (\tilde \Omega = \Omega /\omega _0 ,m \geqslant 2)$$ where \(\tilde \Omega _m = (m - 1)/2m\) . We call this class, ofm-fold symmetric rotating regionsD, the class of them-waves of Kelvin. Any may be regarded as a simply connected region which is a stationary configuration of the Euler equations in two dimensions. If then any magnification, rotation or reflection is also in with the same angular velocity Ω ofD. The angular velocity \(\Omega _m = \tilde \Omega _m \omega _0 \) corresponds only to the circle solution, which is a trivial member of every class ,m?2. The class corresponds to the rotating ellipses of Kirchoff. Other properties of the class are established.     

Active chiral fluids

Active processes in biological systems often exhibit chiral asymmetries. Examples are the chirality of cytoskeletal filaments which interact with motor proteins, the chirality of the beat of cilia and flagella as well as the helical trajectories of many biological microswimmers. Here, we derive constitutive material equations for active fluids which account for the effects of active chiral processes. We identify active contributions to the antisymmetric part of the stress as well as active angular momentum fluxes. We discuss four types of elementary chiral motors and their effects on a surrounding fluid. We show that large-scale chiral flows can result from the collective behavior of such motors even in cases where isolated motors do not create a hydrodynamic far field.      

Stuck in traffic: Patterns of powder adhesion

The adhesion of fine particles to surfaces is important for applications ranging from drug delivery to fouling of solar cells. In this letter, we show that powder adhesion can occur in unexpected patterns, concentrating particular grain types in some locations and clearing them from others, and we propose a straightforward traffic model that appears to reproduce many of the behaviors seen. The model predicts different patterns depending on inter-particle cohesion, and we find in both experiment and model that adhesion occurs in three distinct stages.      

Structure and dynamics of a polymer melt at an attractive surface

We study the structural and dynamic properties of a polymer melt in the vicinity of an adhesive solid substrate by means of Molecular Dynamics simulation at various degrees of surface adhesion. The properties of the individual polymer chains are examined as a function of the distance to the interface and found to agree favorably with theoretical predictions. Thus, the adsorbed amount at the adhesive surface is found to scale with the macromolecule length as $\Gamma \propto \sqrt N$ , regardless of the adsorption strength. For chains within the range of adsorption we analyze in detail the probability size distributions of the various building blocks: loops, tails and trains, and find that loops and tails sizes follow power laws while train lengths decay exponentially thus confirming some recent theoretical results. The chain dynamics as well as the monomer mobility are also investigated and found to depend significantly on the proximity of a given layer to the solid adhesive surface with onset of vitrification for sufficiently strong adsorption.      

Modelling the fluid mechanics of cilia and flagella in reproduction and development

Cilia and flagella are actively bending slender organelles, performing functions such as motility, feeding and embryonic symmetry breaking. We review the mechanics of viscous-dominated microscale flow, including time-reversal symmetry, drag anisotropy of slender bodies, and wall effects. We focus on the fundamental force singularity, higher-order multipoles, and the method of images, providing physical insight and forming a basis for computational approaches. Two biological problems are then considered in more detail: 1) left-right symmetry breaking flow in the node, a microscopic structure in developing vertebrate embryos, and 2) motility of microswimmers through non-Newtonian fluids. Our model of the embryonic node reveals how particle transport associated with morphogenesis is modulated by the gradual emergence of cilium posterior tilt. Our model of swimming makes use of force distributions within a body-conforming finite-element framework, allowing the solution of nonlinear inertialess Carreau flow. We find that a three-sphere model swimmer and a model sperm are similarly affected by shear-thinning; in both cases swimming due to a prescribed beat is enhanced by shear-thinning, with optimal Deborah number around 0.8. The sperm exhibits an almost perfect linear relationship between velocity and the logarithm of the ratio of zero to infinite shear viscosity, with shear-thickening hindering cell progress.      

Mesoscopic models for DNA stretching under force: New results and comparison with experiments

We investigate the dynamical behavior of simple networks, namely loops with an additional internal regulating connection. Continuous dynamics for mRNA and protein concentrations is compared to a Boolean model for gene activity. Using a generalized method and within a single framework, we study different continuous models and different types of regulatory functions, and establish conditions under which the system can display stable oscillations or stable fixed points. These conditions depend only on general features such as the degree of cooperativity of the regulating interactions and the logical structure of the interactions. There are no simple rules for deciding when Boolean and continuous dynamics agree with each other, but we identify several relevant criteria.      

Dynamics of Purcell’s three-link microswimmer with a passive elastic tail

One of the few possible mechanisms for self-propulsion at low Reynolds number is undulations of a passive elastic tail, as proposed in the classical work of Purcell (1977). This effect is studied here by investigating a variant of Purcell??s three-link swimmer model where the front joint angle is periodically actuated while the rear joint is driven by a passive torsional spring. The dynamic equations of motion are formulated and explicit expressions for the leading-order solution are derived by using perturbation expansion. The dependence of the motion on the actuation amplitude and frequency is analyzed, and optimization with respect to the swimmer??s geometry is conducted.      

Particle-quadrupole and particle-octupole coupled states in 145Sm

In the present paper we present part of the results obtained in the study of above-yrast states in ¹⁴⁵Sm using the ¹⁴²Nd(α,Xnγ) reaction. γ-γ, angular distribution, polarization, and excitation function measurements were performed. All multiplet members of the and the multiplets have been observed. The unperturbed energies for the multiplet have been estimated using the extensive information existing on one neutron transfer reactions. The results are compared with the ¹⁴³Nd case. The similarity is remarkable.     

An efficient and facile synthesis of 3-amino-5-chromenyl-butenolides from 3-formyl chromone, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylate, and primary amines

A three-component reaction of 3-formyl chromones, dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylate, and isocyanides in the presence of $\text{ POCl}_{3}$ was used as a highly efficient and practical approach for the synthesis of 3-amino-5-chromenyl-butenolides. High yields and high bond forming efficiency, and simple operations are the advantages of this method. Graphical abstract      

Temperature dependence of Raman scattering and anharmonic properties in LiNbO_3

The temperature dependence of the Raman spectrum in LiNbO \(_3\) is investigated from 100 to 700 K. The various sources of asymmetry of Raman bands and artefacts are discussed before analyzing the temperature dependence of A \(_1\) and E first-order phonon lines. The phonon frequency downshift and damping increase on heating are interpreted in terms of normal volume expansion and third- and fourth-order anharmonic potentials. Anharmonic contributions are highly anisotropic and mainly explain the temperature dependences of both frequency and damping of A \(_1\) optical vibrational modes along the ferroelectric axis. Results are consistent with Caciuc et al. (Phys Rev B 61:8806, 2000) predictions.     

Reverse buoyancy in a vibrated granular bed: Computer simulations

We have performed molecular dynamics simulations of an intruder in a vibrated granular bed including interstitial fluid effects to account for the phenomenon of reverse buoyancy. We show that our model is able to reproduce the overall behaviour observed by previous experimental works and is the first finite-elements simulation to show the sinking of intruders lighter than the granular bed. To further advance our comprehension of this phenomenon, we studied the motion of the intruders in a single vibration cycle with respect to the bottom of the granular column, finding a substantial qualitative difference for heavy and light intruders and we compare these results with experiments using fine-sized glass beads. We show that, though heavy intruders seem unaffected by the force due to the fluid, the effect on light intruders is remarkable.      

N,N,N^{\prime },N^{\prime }-Tetrabromobenzene-1,3-disulfonamide and poly(N-bromo-N-ethylbenzene-1,3-disulfonamide) as new and efficient catalysts for the synthesis of highly substituted 1,6-dihydropyrazine-2,3-dicarbonitrile derivatives

Various mono and bis-1,6-dihydropyrazine-2,3-dicarbonitrile derivatives were efficiently synthesized by reacting 2,3-diaminomaleonitrile (DAMN), isocyanides and ketones in the presence of a catalytic amount of $N,N{,}N^{\prime }{,}N^{\prime }$ -tetrabromobenzene-1,3-disulfonamide [TBBDA] and poly( $N$ -bromo- $N$ -ethylbenzene-1,3-disulfonamide) [PBBS] in EtOH/H $_{2}$ O at ambient temperature. Graphic abstract $N,N,N^{\prime },N^{\prime }$ -Tetrabromobenzene-1,3-disulfonamide and poly( $N$ -bromo- $N$ -ethylbenzene-1,3-disulfonamide) as new and efficient catalysts for the synthesis of highly substituted 1,6-dihydropyrazine-2,3-dicarbonitrile derivatives.      

Self-regulation in self-propelled nematic fluids

Monte Carlo simulation of the rupture of multiple receptor-ligand bonds between two PMN cells suspended in a Newtonian fluid is performed. In the presence of a hydrodynamic drag force acting on two PMN cells the interplay of multiple receptor-ligand bonds between these cells leads to a bimodal distribution of the bond rupture force at certain loading rates. Specifically, it is found that the interplay of multiple bonds between two PMN cells in the presence of hydrodynamic drag force acting on these cells modifies the bond energy landscape in such a way as to lead to a bimodal distribution of the bond rupture force where a low force peak switches to a high force peak as the loading rate is increased progressively, characteristics of two-state systems.      

Antineutrino science in KamLAND

The primary goal of KamLAND is a search for the oscillation of \({\bar{\nu }}_\mathrm{e}\) ’s emitted from distant power reactors. The long baseline, typically 180 km, enables KamLAND to address the oscillation solution of the “solar neutrino problem” with \({\bar{\nu }}_{e} \) ’s under laboratory conditions. KamLAND found fewer reactor \({\bar{\nu }}_{e} \) events than expected from standard assumptions about \(\overline{\nu }_e\) propagation at more than 9 \(\sigma \) confidence level (C.L.). The observed energy spectrum disagrees with the expected spectral shape at more than 5 \(\sigma \) C.L., and prefers the distortion from neutrino oscillation effects. A three-flavor oscillation analysis of the data from KamLAND and KamLAND + solar neutrino experiments with CPT invariance, yields \(\Delta m_{21}^2 \) = [ \(7.54_{-0.18}^{+0.19} \times \) 10 \(^{-5}\) eV \(^{2}\) , \(7.53_{-0.18}^{+0.19} \times \) 10 \(^{-5}\) eV \(^{2}\) ], tan \(^{2}\theta _{12}\) = [ \(0.481_{-0.080}^{+0.092} \) , \(0.437_{-0.026}^{+0.029} \) ], and sin \(^{2}\theta _{13}\) = [ \(0.010_{-0.034}^{+0.033} \) , \(0.023_{-0.015}^{+0.015} \) ]. All solutions to the solar neutrino problem except for the large mixing angle region are excluded. KamLAND also demonstrated almost two cycles of the periodic feature expected from neutrino oscillation effects. KamLAND performed the first experimental study of antineutrinos from the Earth’s interior so-called geoneutrinos (geo \({\bar{\nu }}_{e} \) ’s), and succeeded in detecting geo \({\bar{\nu }}_{e} \) ’s produced by the decays of \(^{238}\) U and \(^{232}\) Th within the Earth. Assuming a chondritic Th/U mass ratio, we obtain \(116_{-27}^{+28} {\bar{\nu }}_{e}\) events from \(^{238}\) U and \(^{232}\) Th, corresponding a geo \({\bar{\nu }}_{e}\) flux of \(3.4_{-0.8}^{+0.8}\times \) 10 \(^{6}\) cm \(^{-2}\)  s \(^{-1}\) at the KamLAND location. We evaluate various bulk silicate Earth composition models using the observed geo \({\bar{\nu }}_{e} \) rate.     

Universality of the Local Regime for the Block Band Matrices with a Finite Number of Blocks

We consider the block band matrices, i.e. the Hermitian matrices $H_N$ , $N=|\Lambda |W$ with elements $H_{jk,\alpha \beta }$ , where $j,k \in \Lambda =[1,m]^d\cap \mathbb {Z}^d$ (they parameterize the lattice sites) and $\alpha , \beta = 1,\ldots , W$ (they parameterize the orbitals on each site). The entries $H_{jk,\alpha \beta }$ are random Gaussian variables with mean zero such that $\langle H_{j_1k_1,\alpha _1\beta _1}H_{j_2k_2,\alpha _2\beta _2}\rangle =\delta _{j_1k_2}\delta _{j_2k_1} \delta _{\alpha _1\beta _2}\delta _{\beta _1\alpha _2} J_{j_1k_1},$ where $J=1/W+\alpha \Delta /W$ , $\alpha < 1/4d$ . This matrices are the special case of Wegner’s $W$ -orbital models. Assuming that the number of sites $|\Lambda |$ is finite, we prove universality of the local eigenvalue statistics of $H_N$ for the energies $|\lambda _0|< \sqrt{2}$ .     

Luminescence of pure yttria

Pulsed cathodoluminescence of samples of nominally pure yttria—commercially available powder, nanopowder prepared from it, and ceramics sintered from this nanopowder—is studied in the range 380–850 nm. The luminescence spectra at room temperature exhibit broad bands at λ ≈ 437 and 487 nm and series of narrow bands that are located in the blue (435–510 nm), orange (515–640 nm), red (645–700 nm), and infrared (785–840 nm) spectral ranges. These series are most pronounced in the spectra of commercially available powders. It is assumed that these series are emitted by bound radicals , which are a part of the surface structure of yttria crystals.     

On a symmetry topological classification of edge states in crystalline spin-Hall insulators with the time reversal invariance

Symmetry analysis reveals all types of singularities of the edge states in two-dimensional systems with a boundary (2D → 1D systems), which are invariant under time reversal. Symmetry reasons also provide the matching condition for material functions parameterizing the Hamiltonian at various points of the Brillouin zone. The unified parameterization of the Hamiltonian makes it possible to construct the mapping of trajectories closed in the quasimomentum k in the Brillouin zone into the SU(2) topological group. There are only two equivalence classes of Hamiltonians, which are given by the elements of the first fundamental group . The first type of surface states corresponds to a normal insulator and the second type corresponds to a topological spin-Hall insulator. Comparison with the classification based on the Pfaffian method is performed.     

Charge density excitations in bilayer graphene in high magnetic field

The charge-density excitations in bilayer graphene at the filling-factor ν 1 at small momenta are considered in the frame of the Hartree-Fock approximation. The presence of small asymmetry of graphene layers is included. The dependence of the magnetoplasmon energy on the bilayer ground state is shown. The energy splitting proportional to $ \sqrt H $ for the symmetric case with half-filled zero-energy levels is found both for bilayer and monolayer graphene.     

Effect of vacancies on magnetic behaviors of Cu-doped 6H-SiC

Magnetism in Cu-doped, Cu \(\rm _{Si}\) –V \(\rm _{Si}\) codoped, or Cu \(\rm _{Si}\) –V \(\rm _{C}\) codoped 6H-SiC are investigated using the first principle. The total density of states for the ferromagnetic Cu \(\rm _{Si}\) at doping concentration of 0.926 at. \(\%\) shows half-metallic behavior, which leads to the total magnetic moment of 2.84  \(\rm \mu _{B}\) per supercell. The total magnetic moment increases with increasing Cu content. The long-range ferromagnetic interaction between Cu atoms can be attributed to the C-mediated double exchange through the strong \(3d\) ? \(2p\) interaction between Cu and neighboring C ones. It is important to note that both V \(\rm _{Si}\) and V \(\rm _{C}\) play a negative role in ferromagnetic coupling between Cu ions. So, to obtain a larger magnetic moment from Cu-doped 6H–SiC, we should try to avoid the appearance of V \(\rm _{Si}\) and V \(\rm _{C}\) during the process of sample preparation. Our theoretical calculations give a valuable insight on how to get a large magnetic moment from Cu-doped 6H–SiC.