Cosmological tests of gravity

Modifications of general relativity provide an alternative explanation to dark energy for the observed acceleration of the universe. We review recent developments in modified gravity theories, focusing on higher-dimensional approaches and chameleon/f(R) theories. We classify these models in terms of the screening mechanisms that enable such theories to approach general relativity on small scales (and thus satisfy solar system constraints). We describe general features of the modified Friedman equation in such theories.The second half of this review describes experimental tests of gravity in light of the new theoretical approaches. We summarize the high precision tests of gravity on laboratory and solar system scales. We describe in some detail tests on astrophysical scales ranging from ∼ kpc (galaxy scales) to ∼ Gpc (large-scale structure). These tests rely on the growth and inter-relationship of perturbations in the metric potentials, density and velocity fields which can be measured using gravitational lensing, galaxy cluster abundances, galaxy clustering and the integrated Sachs-Wolfe effect. A robust way to interpret observations is by constraining effective parameters, such as the ratio of the two metric potentials. Currently tests of gravity on astrophysical scales are in the early stages — we summarize these tests and discuss the interesting prospects for new tests in the coming decade.     

Enforced helicity: efficient access to self-organized helical molecular strands by the imine route

The condensation of the two oligoheterocyclic aldehydes 8 and 16 with the bis-hydrazine 17 gives the bis-hydrazones 1 and 2. These molecular strands are shown to adopt helical conformations of 1.5 and 2.5 turns, respectively. The helical shape of 1 has been confirmed and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. The results indicate that the pyrimidine-hydrazone unit is a satisfatory helicity codon, so that the facile hydrazone formation provides an efficient procedure for generating helical structures. This greatly widens the scope of the methodology based on designed heterocyclic sequences for enforcing helicity in molecular strands, and opens interesting routes towards a variety of derived structures.     

Characterization of aromatic polymers (benzenoid and heterocyclic) by cross-polarization,magic-angle 13C-NMR spectroscopy

The cross-polarization, magic-angle ¹³C-NMR spectra of solid samples of poly(p-phenylene), its nitro derivative, polymerized biphenyl, poly(p-phenylene sulfide), poly(1-methyl-2,5-pyrrolylene), poly(1-phenyl-2,5-pyrrolylene), poly(2,5-thienylene), and poly(2,5-selenienylene) and the high-resolution ¹³C-NMR spectrum of poly(m-phenylene) in solution are presented and assigned. In all cases the chemical shifts are similar to those of model compounds in solution. In most instances the resonances of the nonprotonated carbon atoms in the solid polymers are more intense than those of the protonated carbons and appear to depend on the charge distribution in the molecular orbitals.     

Simulating turbulent Dean flow in Cartesian coordinates

A simplified approach to simulate turbulent flows in curved channels is proposed. A set of governing equations of motion in Cartesian coordinates is derived from the full Navier–Stokes equations in cylindrical coordinates. Terms to first order in the dimensionless curvature parameter are retained, whereas higher‐order terms are neglected. The curvature terms are implemented in a conventional Navier–Stokes code using Cartesian coordinates. Direct numerical simulations (DNS) of turbulent flow in weakly curved channels are performed. The pronounced asymmetries in the mean flow and the turbulence statistics observed in earlier DNS studies are faithfully reproduced by the present simplified Navier–Stokes model. It is particularly rewarding that also distinct pairs of counter‐rotating streamwise‐oriented vortices are embedded in the simulated flow field. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sensor Installation in Rigid Pavement

This unique approach for installing strain gages in PCC pavement sections in the Ohio SHRP Test Road was very successful. All sensors were installed during construction with no delays to the contractor, and all gages performed well in controlled vehicle tests which followed. After two and one-half years, more than 90% of the gages continue to balance electronically and function properly. Data from these sensors are expected to provide engineers with an in-depth understanding of how PCC pavements respond to traffic loads and environmental factors.     

Total synthesis of glypetelotine

A total synthesis of glypetelotine, the first sulphur-containing indole alkaloid from the leaf extracts of Glycosmis petelotii collected in the north of Vietnam, was described from indole through 6 steps. The structure of the glypetelotine was confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and MS analysis. The spectral data of synthetic compound was identical with those of natural compound.     

A new nor-sesquiterpene lactone from Ainsliaea fulvioides

A new nor-sesquiterpene lactone ainsliatone A (1) was isolated from the aerial parts of A insliaea fulvioides.Its structure was established by the basis of spectroscopic methods and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Synthesis and functionalization of meso-aryl-substituted corroles.

The Rothemund condensation reaction of pyrrole and aldehydes is an extensively used route to meso-tetraarylporphyrins, but simple modifications of the reaction conditions allow the formation of different macrocycles other than the expected porphyrin. In the presence of an excess of pyrrole, this modified Rothemund approach leads to the synthesis of meso-triary-substituted corroles. This methodology allows the preparation of a wide range of substituted corroles starting from commercially available products. Higher yields have been obtained in the case of benzaldehydes bearing electron-withdrawing substituents, while the reaction fails in the presence of 2,6-disubstituted benzaldehydes. Although if not isolated, some experimental evidences indicate that the linear 5,10,15-triphenylbilane 4 is the precursor of the final corrole ring. Reaction of 5,10,15-triphenylcorrole 2 with an excess of NBS leads to the complete bromination of the macrocycle. Spectroscopic characterization seems to indicate the formation of the porphodimethene-like structure 5, where the macrocyclic aromatic conjugation is interrupted at the 10 position. Metalation of this compound with cobalt acetate and PPh3 affords the corresponding complex. The X-ray crystal structure of triphenylphosphine [2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octabromo-5,10,15-tris(4-nitrophenyl)corrolato]- cobalt(III) 8 confirms the ability of corrole ring to retain an almost planar conformation when fully substituted at the peripheral position.