How Interactions Control Molecular Transport in Channels

The motion of molecules across channels and pores is critically important for understanding mechanisms of many cellular processes. Here we investigate the mechanism of interactions in the molecular transport through nanopores by analyzing exactly solvable discrete stochastic models. According to this approach the channel transport is viewed as a set of chemical transitions between discrete states. It is shown that the strength and spatial distribution of molecule/channel interactions can strongly modify the particle current. Our analysis indicates that the most optimal transport is achieved when the binding sites are near the entrance or exit of the pore depending on the sign of interaction potential. In addition, the role of intermolecular interactions during the channel transport is studied, and it is argued that an increase in the flux can be observed for some optimal interaction strength. The mechanisms of these phenomena are discussed.     

Vortex structures with complex points singularities in two-dimensional Euler equations. New exact solutions

In this work we present a new class of exact stationary solutions for two-dimensional (2D) Euler equations. Unlike already known solutions, the new ones contain complex singularities. We consider point singularities which have a vector field index greater than 1 as complex. For example, the dipole singularity is complex because its index is equal to 2. We present in explicit form a large class of exact localized stationary solutions for 2D Euler equations with a singularity whose index is equal to 3. The solutions obtained are expressed in terms of elementary functions. These solutions represent a complex singularity point surrounded by a vortex satellite structure. We also discuss the motion equation of singularities and conditions for singularity point stationarity which provide the stationarity of the complex vortex configuration.     

Effects of metal and “magnetic wall” on the dispersion characteristic of magnetostatic waves

The dispersion relation of magnetostatic waves tangentially magnetized to saturation ferrite film, with a “magnetic wall” condition (tangential component of microwave magnetic field is equal to zero) on one of the film surface and with a metal condition on the opposite surface is analyzed. The dispersion characteristics show that unidirectional magnetostatic waves appear in this structure: they can transfer energy in one direction only and fundamentally cannot transfer energy in the opposite direction. The dispersion-free propagation of magnetostatic waves also is possible in the structure in a wide frequency interval.     

X‐Tream quality assurance in synchrotron X‐ray microbeam radiation therapy

Microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) is a novel irradiation technique for brain tumours treatment currently under development at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, France. The technique is based on the spatial fractionation of a highly brilliant synchrotron X‐ray beam into an array of microbeams using a multi‐slit collimator (MSC). After promising pre‐clinical results, veterinary trials have recently commenced requiring the need for dedicated quality assurance (QA) procedures. The quality of MRT treatment demands reproducible and precise spatial fractionation of the incoming synchrotron beam. The intensity profile of the microbeams must also be quickly and quantitatively characterized prior to each treatment for comparison with that used for input to the dose‐planning calculations. The Centre for Medical Radiation Physics (University of Wollongong, Australia) has developed an X‐ray treatment monitoring system (X‐Tream) which incorporates a high‐spatial‐resolution silicon strip detector (SSD) specifically designed for MRT. In‐air measurements of the horizontal profile of the intrinsic microbeam X‐ray field in order to determine the relative intensity of each microbeam are presented, and the alignment of the MSC is also assessed. The results show that the SSD is able to resolve individual microbeams which therefore provides invaluable QA of the horizontal field size and microbeam number and shape. They also demonstrate that the SSD used in the X‐Tream system is very sensitive to any small misalignment of the MSC. In order to allow as rapid QA as possible, a fast alignment procedure of the SSD based on X‐ray imaging with a low‐intensity low‐energy beam has been developed and is presented in this publication.     

Molecular dynamics simulation of zirconia melting

The melting point for the tetragonal and cubic phases of zirconia (ZrO₂) was computed using Z-method microcanonical molecular dynamics simulations for two different interaction models: the empirical Lewis-Catlow potential versus the relatively new reactive force field (ReaxFF) model. While both models reproduce the stability of the cubic phase over the tetragonal phase at high temperatures, ReaxFF also gives approximately the correct melting point, around 2900 K, whereas the Lewis-Catlow estimate is above 6000 K.     

Lost heat capacity and entropy in the helical magnet MnSi

The heat capacity of MnSi at B = 0 and B = 4 T was measured in the temperature range 2.5-100 K. To analyze the data, calculations of the phonon spectrum and phonon density of states in MnSi were performed. The calculated phonon frequencies were confirmed by means of inelastic neutron scattering. The analysis of the data suggests the existence of negative contributions to the heat capacity and entropy of MnSi at T > T(c) that may imply a specific ordering in the spin subsystem in the paramagnetic phase of MnSi.     

Trimetallic NiCoM catalysts (M = Mn,Fe, Cu) for methane conversion into synthesis gas

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Synthesis of cyclic norspermidine derivative of protohemin IX

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Tuning the morphology and magnetic properties of single-domain SrFe8Al4O19 particles prepared by a citrate auto-combustion method

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