A new space–time discretization for the Swift–Hohenberg equation that strictly respects the Lyapunov functional

The Swift–Hohenberg equation is a central nonlinear model in modern physics. Originally derived to describe the onset and evolution of roll patterns in Rayleigh–Bénard convection, it has also been applied to study a variety of complex fluids and biological materials, including neural tissues. The Swift–Hohenberg equation may be derived from a Lyapunov functional using a variational argument. Here, we introduce a new fully-discrete algorithm for the Swift–Hohenberg equation which inherits the nonlinear stability property of the continuum equation irrespectively of the time step. We present several numerical examples that support our theoretical results and illustrate the efficiency, accuracy and stability of our new algorithm. We also compare our method to other existing schemes, showing that is feasible alternative to the available methods.     

Determination of metal-ligand stoichiometries for inorganic complexes using total reflection X-ray fluorescence

The methods usually used to determine the ratio metal-ligand in inorganic complexes require a set of solutions with different concentrations for both the ligand and metal. We propose a new method using the total reflection X-ray fluorescence technique, in which the ratio between metal and ligand is determined precisely, easily, and quickly. Experimental results provide evidence that for different chemical complexes, the ligand-metal ratio determined by this technique deviates at most from stoichiometric values by 6%. The technique is restricted usually to elements with Z above 14, and its detection limit is on the order of 10(-8) g/g.     

Solution-assisted assembly of organic semiconducting single crystals on surfaces with patterned wettability

Two efficient approaches to assembling organic semiconducting single crystals are described. The methods rely on solvent wetting and dewetting on substrates with patterned wettability to selectively direct the deposition or removal of organic crystals. Substrates were functionalized with different self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) to achieve the desired wettabilities. The assembly of different organic crystals over centimeter-squared areas on Au, SiO2, and flexible plastic substrates was demonstrated. By designing line features on the substrate, the alignment of crystals, such as CuPc needles, was also achieved. As a demonstration of the potential application of this assembly approach, arrays of single-crystal organic field-effect transistors were fabricated by patterning organic single crystals directly onto and between transistor source and drain electrodes.     

Explicit algebraic Reynolds stress model (EARSM) for compressible shear flows

We develop an explicit algebraic Reynolds stress model (EARSM) for high-speed compressible shear flows and validate the model with direct numerical simulation (DNS) data of homogeneous shear flow and experimental data of high-speed mixing-layers. Starting from a pressure–strain correlation model that incorporates compressibility effects, the weak-equilibrium assumption is invoked to derive the EARSM closure expression. The resulting closure is fully explicit and physically realizable and is a function of mean flow strain rate, rotation rate, turbulent kinetic energy, dissipation rate, and gradient Mach number. Homogeneous shear flow calculations show that the model captures the asymptotic behavior of DNS quite well. Linear EARSM calculations of a plane supersonic mixing-layer are performed, and comparison with experimental data shows good agreement. Salient results are agreement of streamwise velocity similarity profiles, mixing-layer spreading rates, and capturing the Langley curve trend.     

Wind field deduced from marine SAR images

Summary A recently improved model capable of extracting the wind field from SAR imagery without the aid of ?sea truth? is applied to ERS-1 SAR data for the Mediterranean Sea. The model is based on the properties of the relationship between the first two moments of the probabilistic distribution function of SAR signals as well as on spectral analysis of the SAR signal itself.     

Thermal Stability of Sol-Gel Hydrotalcites

Sol-Gel Hydrotalcites were synthesized using magnesium ethoxide and variable aluminum sources: aluminum acetilacetonate, aluminum chloride, aluminum nitrate and aluminum sulfate; in all cases, the gelation was done at pH 10. X-ray diffraction studies show that the crystallinity depends on the aluminum precursor used. The crystallinity was found in the order aluminum acetylcetonate>aluminum chloride>aluminum nitrate>aluminum sulfate. The precursor determines the sintering behavior as well.     

Split injection: A simple introduction of subnanoliter sample volumes for chip electrophoresis

The ability to accurately inject small volumes of sample into microfluidic channels is of great importance in electrophoretic separations. While electrokinetic injection of nanoliter scale volumes is commonly utilized in microchip capillary electrophoresis (MCE), mobility and matrix bias makes quantitation difficult. Herein, we describe a new injection method based on the simple patterning of the crossing of channels that does not require sophisticated instrumentation. The sample volume injected into the separation channel is dependent on the ratio of the widths of the crossing channels. This injection method is capable of introducing, into a separation channel, multiple plugs of sample on a large scale. This injection technique is tested for zone electrophoresis in native and surface modified poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) chips.     

Physical properties of small water clusters in low and moderate electric fields

Likely candidates for the lowest minima of water clusters (H(2)O)(N) for N ≤ 20 interacting with a uniform electric field strength in the range E ≤ 0.6 V/? have been identified using basin-hopping global optimization. Two water-water model potentials were considered, namely TIP4P and the polarizable Dang-Chang potential. The two models produce some consistent results but also exhibit significant differences. The cluster internal energy and dipole moment indicate two varieties of topological transition in the structure of the global minimum as the field strength is increased. The first takes place at low field strengths (0.1 V/? 10) usually forming helical structures.     

A facile method to tune zeolite L crystals with low aspect ratio

We demonstrate an alternative route to tune the morphology of zeolite L crystals using C(2)H(5)OH as the co-solvent in the synthesis gel. A low aspect ratio (0.2 to 0.4) of zeolite L crystals was obtained at lower synthesis temperature (150 °C) and shorter synthesis duration (3 days).