Predicting the onset of DNA supercoiling using a non-linear hemitropic elastic rod

Elastic rod models provide a means to interpret single molecule DNA experiments as well as predict DNA behavior under physiological conditions. Here we use an elastic rod model to predict the stability boundary (critical torque vs. applied tension) for single molecule DNA experiments in which the molecule is subjected to applied tension and twist. We discuss the shortcomings of the usual isotropic rod model. We then derive a consistent non-linear material law from the general representation for a hemitropic (chiral) rod. Finally, we present results of a standard bifurcation analysis predicting the stability boundary. We find results from the non-linear hemitropic rod to match the data closely.     

Thermal degradation of composites of poly(methyl methacrylate) with alkoxysilane hydrolyzates

Organic-inorganic composites of poly(methyl methacrylate) with alkoxysilane hydrolyzates form transparent films. Their thermal and oxidative thermal degradation were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis.     

Diethoxyphosphinyl acetic acid hydrazide: a uniquely versatile reagent for the preparation of fused [5,5]-, [5,6]-, and [5,7]-3-[(E)-2-(arylvinyl)]-1,2,4-triazoles

Diethoxyphosphinyl acetic acid hydrazide is a unique reagent that provides a convenient and efficient process to prepare fused [5,5]-, [5,6]-, and [5,7]-3-[(E)-2-(arylvinyl)]-1,2,4-triazoles from aldehydes and alkoxyimines. The process involves three steps without isolation of any intermediates to afford 1,2,4-triazoles in modest to excellent overall yield.     

Basins of Attraction of Periodic Oscillations in Suspension Bridges

We consider the dynamics of the lowest order transversal vibration mode of a suspension bridge, for which the hangers are treated as one-sided springs, according to the model of Lazer and McKeena [SIAM Review 58, 1990, 537]. We analyze in particular the multi-stability of periodic attractors and the basin of attraction structure in phase space and its dependence with the model parameters. The parameter values used in numerical simulations have been estimated from a number of bridges built in the United States and in the United Kingdom, thus taking into account realistic, yet sometimes simplified, structural, aerodynamical, and physical considerations.     

Calculation of impulsively started incompressible viscous flows

The paper's focus is the calculation of unsteady incompressible 2D flows past airfoils. In the framework of the primitive variable Navier–Stokes equations, the initial and boundary conditions must be assigned so as to be compatible, to assure the correct prediction of the flow evolution. This requirement, typical of all incompressible flows, viscous or inviscid, is often violated when modelling the flow past immersed bodies impulsively started from rest. Its fulfillment can however be restored by means of a procedure enforcing compatibility, consisting in a pre‐processing of the initial velocity field, here described in detail. Numerical solutions for an impulsively started multiple airfoil have been obtained using a finite element incremental projection method. The spatial discretization chosen for the velocity and pressure are of different order to satisfy the inf–sup condition and obtain a smooth pressure field. Results are provided to illustrate the effect of employing or not the compatibility procedure, and are found in good agreement with those obtained with a non‐primitive variable solver. In addition, we introduce a post‐processing procedure to evaluate an alternative pressure field which is found to be more accurate than the one resulting from the projection method. This is achieved by considering an appropriate ‘unsplit’ version of the momentum equation, where the velocity solution of the projection method is substituted. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

New developments in X-ray storage phosphors

We found a significant PSL effect in Eu²⁺-doped fluorozirconate glasses (ZBLAN) which were additionally doped with Br⁻ or Cl⁻ ions. The PSL is attributed to the characteristic emission of Eu²⁺ present in nano-crystallites of BaBr₂ or BaCl₂, which form in the glass upon annealing. The metastable hexagonal form of BaX₂ (X=Br,Cl) is always formed first before it is converted into the stable orthorhombic form. The particle size increases upon annealing and so does the PSL efficiency of the glass ceramic. However, there is a saturation of the PSL efficiency, which is for Br⁻ doping about 9% and for Cl⁻-doping about 80% of the Eu-doped BaFBr standard. The particle size was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The TEM results show a clear tendency for bigger particles for longer annealing at the expense of its number. The particle size for the most efficient phosphor is about 100 nm.     

Influence of the light illumination on thermoluminescence properties of PbWO4

The thermally stimulated properties of PbWO₄ in the temperature range 90–400 K have been investigated on undoped and terbium-doped crystals after X-ray irradiation at 90 K. Doping with terbium changes the concentration of shallow traps, which are responsible for retrapping free electrons and holes. Light illumination can change the distribution of the traps. The optically stimulated luminescence is observed. The influence of light illumination on the TSL curves and emission properties is studied. The possible mechanism of TSL phototransformation is discussed.