Locally uniformly rotund points in convex-transitive Banach spaces

Almost transitive superreflexive Banach spaces have been considered in [C. Finet, Uniform convexity properties of norms on superreflexive Banach spaces, Israel J. Math. 53 (1986) 81–92], where it is shown that they are uniformly convex and uniformly smooth. We characterize such spaces as those convex transitive Banach spaces satisfying conditions much weaker than that of uniform convexity (for example, that of having a weakly locally uniformly rotund point). We note that, in general, the property of convex transitivity for a Banach space is weaker than that of almost transitivity.     

The fixed point property in -triples and preduals of -triples

We prove that for every member X in the class of real or complex JB^*-triples or preduals of JBW^*-triples, the following assertions are equivalent:

(1) X has the fixed point property.

(2) X has the super fixed point property.

(3) X has normal structure.

(4) X has uniform normal structure.

(5) The Banach space of X is reflexive.

As a consequence, a real or complex C^*-algebra or the predual of a real or complex W^*-algebra having the fixed point property must be finite-dimensional.

Strictly nontame primitive elements of the free metabelian Lie algebra of rank 3

We prove that the free metabelian Lie algebra M ₃ of rank 3 over an arbitrary field K admits strictly nontame primitive elements.     

The classification problem for von Neumann factors

We prove that it is not possible to classify separable von Neumann factors of types II₁, II_∞ or IIIλ, 0?λ?1, up to isomorphism by a Borel measurable assignment of “countable structures” as invariants. In particular the isomorphism relation of type II₁ factors is not smooth. We also prove that the isomorphism relation for von Neumann II₁ factors is analytic, but is not Borel.     

Improved scatter search for the global optimization of computationally expensive dynamic models

A new algorithm for global optimization of costly nonlinear continuous problems is presented in this paper. The algorithm is based on the scatter search metaheuristic, which has recently proved to be efficient for solving combinatorial and nonlinear optimization problems. A kriging-based prediction method has been coupled to the main optimization routine in order to discard the evaluation of solutions that are not likely to provide high quality function values. This makes the algorithm suitable for the optimization of computationally costly problems, as is illustrated in its application to two benchmark problems and its comparison with other algorithms.     

Damping Behaviour of Vibrating Shape Memory Alloy Rods Investigated by a Novel Constitutive Model

Hysteretic behaviour of shape memory alloys (SMAs) is highly important for design and applicability of these materials in active structural elements like rods. Especially the damping performance of SMAs depend strongly on their hysteretic characteristics. Experimental investigations show the influences of stress on the hysteretic cycle. The current study shows some computational results of a constitutive model which is capable to investigate the effect of an external applied stress field on the hysteretic cycle according to a recently developed method on the basis of statistical mechanics method. (© 2011 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Distinct dynamic behaviors of water molecules in hydrated pores

Water molecules confined inside narrow pores are of great importance in understanding the structure, stability, and function of water channels. Here we report that besides the H-bonding water that structures the pore, the permanent presence of a significant, fast-moving fraction of incompletely H-bonded water molecules inside the pore should control the free entry and exit of water. This is achieved by means of complementary DSC and solid-state NMR studies. We also present compelling evidence from X-ray diffraction data that the cluster formed by six water molecules in the most stable cage-like structure is sufficiently hydrophobic to be stably adsorbed in a nonpolar environment.     

Self-assembly of peptide porphyrin complexes: toward the development of smart biomaterials

The anionic porphyrin, meso-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphine, is found to tightly bind to an engineered 14-residue peptide, resulting in induced alpha-helix formation when mixed in aqueous solutions. The small porphyrin-peptide dissociation constant (2 muM) observed is related to the energetics of peptide helix formation coupled with electrostatic interactions between the anionic porphyrin and cationic residues in the coiled peptide. Analytical ultracentrifugation measurements indicate the porphyrin-peptide complexes dimerize, probably into a coiled coil, and weakly associate to form even higher order structures.     

Coaxial multi-electrode cell ('O-trap') for high-sensitivity detection at a multiple frequency in Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry: main design and modeling results

Separation of the functions of ion excitation and detection between different cell compartments allows for implementation of excitation and detection techniques unattainable in a single compartment of the conventional ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) cell. In particular, multi-electrode detection at a multiple of the main cyclotron frequency can be utilized without the loss of sensitivity and other negative effects. The new O-trap designed exclusively for ion detection adds an additional, internal coaxial cylinder around which ions with excited cyclotron orbits rotate. Comparison of simulated performance characteristics of the new O-trap with those of the same-size conventional cylindrical cell shows that the O-trap can provide higher sensitivity and ion capacity. Multiplexing of the O-traps can further increase the analysis speed. Future efforts will be aimed at building and testing experimentally the coaxial O-trap, including optimization of the method of ion transfer between the compartments of the cell.     

Evaluation of ultra performance liquid chromatography. Part I. Possibilities and limitations

A practical evaluation of the possibilities and limitations of ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) is presented. Acquity BEH columns packed with 1.7 microm particles are evaluated by means of van Deemter and Knox plots. The columns are characterised by high optimal velocities (3.7 mm/s) and low plate heights (4.4 microm). Minimum plate heights of 2d(p) were, however, not reached and reasons are presented and discussed. Furthermore, the use of 1.7 microm particles at 1000 bar is compared, from a theoretical viewpoint, to conventional LC (3.5 and 5 microm particles at 400 bar) in terms of analysis speed and practical maximum efficiency. Experimental data are used to construct kinetic- or "Poppe-plots", which facilitate investigation of the effect of pressure and particle size on speed and efficiency. It is found that UPLC conditions hold advantages in terms of speed of analysis, for required theoretical plate counts up to approximately 80,000.