Construction of topological defect networks with complex scalar fields

This work deals with the construction of networks of topological defects in models described by a single complex scalar field. We take advantage of the deformation procedure recently used to describe kinklike defects in order to build networks of topological defects, which appear from complex field models with potentials that engender a finite number of isolated minima, both in the case where the minima present discrete symmetry, and in the non-symmetric case. We show that the presence of symmetry guide us to the construction of regular networks, while the non-symmetric case gives rise to irregular networks which spread throughout the complex field space. We also discuss bifurcation, a phenomenon that appear in the non-symmetric case, but is washed out by the deformation procedure used in the present work.     

A simple line shape technique for electron number density diagnostics of helium and helium-seeded plasmas

The results of an experimental study of the He I 447.1 nm line and its forbidden component at high electron number density are presented and compared with profiles calculated using computer simulation method. Michelson interferometer at 632.8 nm was used to measure plasma electron number density in the range (1–7) × 10²³ m^− 3 while electron temperatures for the same experimental conditions in the range of 25 000 K to 35 000 K were determined using several spectroscopic techniques. The agreement of experimental overall line shape with computer simulation results is within 10% of what is well within theoretical and experimental uncertainty. This favorable comparison enabled the development of a simple approximate formula for the evaluation of electron number density from the measurement of wavelength separation between peaks of allowed and forbidden lines. This technique of plasma diagnostics is not sensitive to the presence of self-absorption of strong He I allowed line. The derivation of approximate formula with estimated accuracy of 15% was followed by detailed comparison with other experimental and theoretical data.     

A stochastic model for microtubule length dynamics

In this paper, we use random walk theory to describe the length dynamics of microtubules, one of the principal components of the cytoskeleton. We present a simple two-state model (growing and shrinking) of microtubule length evolution that incorporates a variable rate of switching between the states. Using the generating function technique, we calculate the mean length of microtubule, its variance and diffusion coefficient. We also report analytical and computer simulation results for the mean number of positive monomers in microtubule, and find good qualitative agreement with experimental data.     

Quasi-diamagnetism and exchange anisotropy in Ni-Mn-In-Co Heusler alloys

The quasi-diamagnetism effect that manifests itself in the negative magnetic susceptibility observed in weak magnetic fields during cooling of samples below some critical temperature has been revealed in Ni₄₈Co₂Mn₃₅In₁₅ Heusler alloys. The effect has been attributed to a strong nonequilibrium of the system due to the presence of magnetic and structural disorders and exchange anisotropy.     

Conformational selection of glycomimetics at enzyme catalytic sites: experimental demonstration of the binding of distinct high-energy distorted conformations of C-, S-, and O-glycosides by E. Coli beta-galactosidases

We show that the conformational features of the molecular complexes of E. coli beta-galactosidase and O-glycosides may differ from those formed with closely related compounds in their chemical nature, such as C- and S-glycosyl analogues. In the particular case presented here, NMR and ab initio quantum mechanical results show that the 3D-shapes of the ligand/inhibitor within the enzyme binding site depend on the chemical nature of the compounds. In fact, they depend on the relative size of the stereoelectronic barriers for chair deformation or for rotation around Phi glycosidic linkage.     

Application of low intensity ultrasonics to cheese manufacturing processes

Ultrasound has been used to non-destructively assess the quality of many foods such as meat, fish, vegetables and dairy products. This paper addresses the applications of low intensity ultrasonics in the cheese manufacturing processes and highlights the areas where ultrasonics could be successfully implemented in the future. The decrease of ultrasonic attenuation during the renneting process can be used to determine the optimum cut time for cheese making. The ultrasonic velocity increases during maturation for those types of cheese that become harder during this manufacturing stage, thus being an indicator of the maturity degree. Moreover, ultrasonic measurements could be linked to sensory parameters. From the ultrasonic velocity measurements at two different temperatures, it is possible to assess cheese composition, thus allowing an improvement in the quality and uniformity of cheese commercialization. In addition, in pulse-echo mode it is possible to detect cracked pieces due to abnormal fermentations and also to assess the distance of the crack from the surface.