Sand ripple dynamics in the case of out-of-equilibrium aeolian regimes

From a phenomenological hydrodynamical model, we analyze the aeolian sand ripple evolution in an out-of-equilibrium aeolian regime where erosion exceeds accretion (and vice versa). We find, in particular, that the ripple structure can be destroyed in favor of a flat sand bed. In the ripple regime we report on a new class of generic dynamics described by the Benney equation. This equation reveals either order or disorder depending on whether wave dispersion is strong or weak. In both cases, the average wavelength of the pattern is fixed in time. This markedly contrasts with the regime of equilibrium aeolian regime -reached when erosion balances deposition- where ripples undergo a coarsening process at long time (i.e., the wavelength increases indefinitely with time).Received: 4 August 2003, Published online: 5 February 2004PACS: 81.05.Rm Porous materials; granular materials     

Vesicle migration and spatial organization driven by flow line curvature

Cross-streamline migration of deformable entities is essential in many problems such as industrial particulate flows, DNA sorting, and blood rheology. Using two-dimensional numerical experiments, we have discovered that vesicles suspended in a flow with curved flow lines migrate towards regions of high flowline curvature, which are regions of high shear rates. The migration velocity of a vesicle is found to be a universal function of the normal stress difference and the flow curvature. This finding quantitatively demonstrates a direct coupling between a microscopic quantity (migration) and a macroscopic one (normal stress difference). Furthermore, simulations with multiple vesicles revealed a self-organization, which corresponds to segregation, in a rim closer to the inner cylinder, resulting from a subtle interaction among vesicles. Such segregation effects could have a significant impact on the rheology of vesicle flows.     

Two new rotenoids from Boerhavia repens

Two new rotenoids, boerharotenoids A (1) and B (2), and four known compounds, boeravinone (3), 5,7,3'-trihydroxycoumaronochromone (4), boeravinone F (5), and eupalitin-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside (6), have been isolated from Boerhavia repens and their structures established by spectroscopic (1D and 2D NMR) and mass spectrometric comparison with literature values.     

Flavonoid-DNA binding studies and thermodynamic parameters

Interactional studies of new flavonoid derivatives (Fl) with chicken blood ds.DNA were investigated spectrophotometrically in DMSO-H2O (9:1 v/v) at various temperatures. Spectral parameters suggest considerable binding between the flavonoid derivatives studied and ds.DNA. The binding constant values lie in the enhanced-binding range. Thermodynamic parameters obtained from UV studies also point to strong spontaneous binding of Fl with ds.DNA. Viscometric studies complimented the UV results where a small linear increase in relative viscosity of the DNA solution was observed with added optimal flavonoid concentration. An overall mixed mode of interaction (intercalative plus groove binding) is proposed between DNA and flavonoids. Conclusively, investigated flavonoid derivatives are found to be strong DNA binders and seem to be promising drug candidates like their natural analogues.     

Microwave assisted non-aqueous sol–gel synthesis of LiNiPO4 and its copper doped analogues

A series of single phase LiNi_(1?x)Cu_xPO₄ (0 < x < 0.99) was successfully synthesized by non-aqueous sol–gel method followed by microwave (MW) annealing. The advantage of MW short span annealing is obvious from the nanometer sized particles compared to reported microparticles. XRD, IR and SEM studies were conducted to investigate the phase purity, crystal structure, lattice parameters and morphology respectively. It was found that 10 min of microwave annealing is a time and cost effective approach to produce single phase compositions at low temperature. X-ray studies confirmed the single phase formation of pure and the doped analogues which were found to be iso-structural with the parent LiNiPO₄ compound. The cell parameters with the addition of copper content were in accord with the Vegards law. Impedance studies pointed toward enhanced electrical properties of doped samples as compared to the undoped one.     

On the equilibrium equation for a generalized biological membrane energy by using a shape optimization approach

A mechanical equilibrium equation of a vesicle membrane under a generalized elastic bending energy is obtained in this paper. Moreover, the derivation of this equilibrium equation is based on some shape optimization tools. This approach is new and more concise than the tensorial tools used previously for this problem.     

Effect of mercerization and gamma irradiation on the dyeing behaviour of cotton using stilbene based direct dye

The dyeing behaviour of mercerized and gamma irradiated cotton fabric using stilbene based direct dye has been investigated. The fabric was treated with different concentrations of alkali to optimize the mercerization. The optimum mercerized cotton fabric was irradiated to absorbed doses of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 kGy using Cs-137 gamma irradiator. Dyeing was performed using irradiated and un-irradiated cotton with dye solutions. The dyeing parameters such as temperature, time of dyeing, pH of dyeing solutions and salt concentration were optimized. The colour strength values of dyed fabrics were evaluated by comparing irradiated and un-irradiated cotton in CIE Lab system using Spectra flash SF650. Methods suggested by International Standard Organization (ISO) were employed to study the effect of gamma irradiation on the colourfastness properties of dyed fabric. It was found that mercerized and irradiated cotton have not only improved the colour strength but enhanced the rating of fastness properties also.