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A hybrid computational method coupling the lattice-Boltzmann (LB) method and a Langevin-dynamics (LD) method is developed to simulate nanoscale particle and polymer (NPP) suspensions in the presence of both thermal fluctuation and long-range many-body hydrodynamic interactions (HIs). Brownian motion of the NPP is explicitly captured by a stochastic forcing term in the LD method. The LD method is two-way coupled to the nonfluctuating LB fluid through a discrete LB forcing source distribution to capture the long-range HI. To ensure intrinsically linear scalability with respect to the number of particles, a Eulerian-host algorithm for short-distance particle neighbor search and interaction is developed and embedded to LB-LD framework. The validity and accuracy of the LB-LD approach are demonstrated through several sample problems. The simulation results show good agreements with theory and experiment. The LB-LD approach can be favorably incorporated into complex multiscale computational frameworks for efficiently simulating multiscale multicomponent particulate suspension systems such as complex blood suspensions.     

New technique for finding needles in haystacks: geometric approach to distinguishing between a new source and random fluctuations

We propose a new test statistic based on a score process for determining the statistical significance of a putative signal that may be a small perturbation to a noisy experimental background. We derive the reference distribution for this score test statistic; it has an elegant geometrical interpretation as well as broad applicability. We illustrate the technique in the context of a model problem from high-energy particle physics. Monte Carlo experimental results confirm that the score test results in a significantly improved rate of signal detection.     

PDMS-glass bonding using grafted polymeric adhesive - alternative process flow for compatibility with patterned biological molecules

We report a novel modification of silicone elastomer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with a polymer graft that allows interfacial bonding between an elastomer and glass substrate to be performed without exposure of the substrate to harsh treatment conditions, such as oxygen plasma. Organic molecules can thus be patterned within microfluidic channels and still remain functional post-bonding. In addition, after polymer grafting the PDMS can be stored in a desiccator for at least 40 days, and activated upon exposure to acidic buffer for bonding. The bonded devices remain fully bonded in excess of 80 psi driving pressure, with no signs of compromise to the bond integrity. Finally, we demonstrate the compatibility of our method with biological molecules using a proof-of-concept DNA sensing device, in which fluorescently-labelled DNA targets are successfully captured by a patterned probe in a device sealed using our method, while the pattern on a plasma-treated device was completely destroyed. Therefore, this method provides a much-needed alternative bonding process for incorporation of biological molecules in microfluidic devices.     

Stimuli-responsive surfaces using polyampholyte polymer brushes prepared via atom transfer radical polymerization

The synthesis of AB diblock copolymer polyampholyte polymer brushes of the type Si/SiO2//poly(acrylic acid-b-vinyl pyridine) prepared using atom transfer radical polymerization is reported. Both 2- and 4-vinyl pyridine have been used. The diblock polyampholyte polymer brushes demonstrate stimuli-responsive behavior with respect to pH, showing both polyelectrolyte and polyampholyte effects. Furthermore, we have quaternized the 4-vinyl pyridine segments to form a mixed weak/strong, or annealed/quenched, polyelectrolyte system. The quaternized polymer brush exhibits different pH-responsive behavior, with decreasing film thickness being observed with increasing pH.     

Average fraction of jet momentum carried by highP ⊥ leading hadrons

The average fraction, , of jet momentum carried by the associated charged leading hadron has been determined in the reactionp+N→h ₁+h ₂+X whereN is the target nucleon;h ₁,h ₂ are the leading particles of two jets produced at highP _⊥. An 800 GeV/c proton beam and 4 nuclear targets: Be, Al, Fe and W were used. The distributions agree with the QCD-parton model predictions for single independent protonnucleon scattering and independent fragmentation process.     

Cluster size distribution and scaling for spherical particles and red blood cells in pressure-driven flows at small Reynolds number

The clustering characteristic of purely hydrodynamically interacting particles suspended in pressure-driven flow in a circular cylinder is studied using direct numerical simulation based on the solution of the lattice-Boltzmann equation. We find a universal scaling relation for the cluster size distribution in the subcritical regime for all of the cases considered in this study. This scaling relation is independent of particle shape and concentration.     

On estimating the top quark mass from global analyses ofe + e − collision data

A study is undertaken to determine how to best extract the top quark massm _t within the Minimal Standard Model (MSM) using a global fit to a variety of processes (including wide-angle Bhabha scattering) ine ⁺ e ^– collisions near theZ which should be measured in the coming years. Experimental cuts are accommodated as an integral part of the analysis. It is advantageous to use the collinear radiation approximation and to cut data in rapidity, center-of-mass polar angle and minimum final state invariant mass squared,s. This avoids the need for the largest Monte Carlo acceptance correction to the data. Further, high precision cross section, calculations, (which include all one-loop electroweak and QED effects, certain higher-order improvements and perturbative QCD corrections as well as exponentiated soft and collinear photon radiation) then no longer require a Monte Carlo. This results in a speedup factor of at least fifty thousand (>5×10⁴) in EXPOSTAR. The data (corrected only for detector cracks, resolution and small non-collinear radiation effects) can therefore be fit quickly and directly forM _z ,m _t ,m _Higgs and _strong without recourse to unphysical intermediate quantities (weak mixing angles, running couplings, partial widths, ^*, etc.) Determination ofm _t could be as precise as ±15 GeV (and another±20 GeV fromm _Higgs) at the end of LEP running in 1991. Longitudinally polarized beams with very small polarization error could give an error onm _t smaller, by a factor 4 for the same luminosity.