Least-squares finite element methods for the Navier-Stokes equations for generalized Newtonian fluids

In this contribution we present the least-squares finite element method (LSFEM) for the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. In detail, we consider a non-Newtonian fluid flow, which is described by a power-law model, see [1]. The second-order problem is reformulated by introducing a first-order div-grad system consisting of the equilibrium condition, the incompressibility condition and the constitutive equation, which are written in residual forms, see [2]. Here, higher-order finite elements which are an important aspect regarding accuracy for the present formulation are investigated. (© 2014 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Torus Knots and the Topological Vertex

We propose a class of toric Lagrangian A-branes on the resolved conifold that is suitable to describe torus knots on S ³. The key role is played by the \({SL(2, \mathbb{Z})}\) transformation, which generates a general torus knot from the unknot. Applying the topological vertex to the proposed A-branes, we rederive the colored HOMFLY polynomials for torus knots, in agreement with the Rosso and Jones formula. We show that our A-model construction is mirror symmetric to the B-model analysis of Brini, Eynard and Mariño. Compared to the recent proposal by Aganagic and Vafa for knots on S ³, we demonstrate that the disk amplitude of the A-brane associated with any knot is sufficient to reconstruct the entire B-model spectral curve. Finally, the construction of toric Lagrangian A-branes is generalized to other local toric Calabi–Yau geometries, which paves the road to study knots in other three-manifolds such as lens spaces.     

The role of matching thickness on the wideband electromagnetic wave suppresser using single layer doped barium ferrite

The effect of Mg²⁺, Co²⁺and Ti⁴⁺ substitution on microwave absorption has been studied for BaMg_0.5Co_0.5Ti_1.0Fe₁₀O₁₉ ferrite-acrylic resin composite in frequency range from 13 to 20 GHz. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vector network analysis and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) were employed to analyze structure, electromagnetic and microwave absorption properties of prepared ferrite. The obtained results of reflectivity demonstrate that by varying matching thickness along with weight percentage of ferrite to acrylic resin, the bandwidth coupled with reflection loss values of prepared composites can be easily tuned. Based on microwave measurement on reflectivity, it is found that BaMg_0.5Co_0.5Ti_1.0Fe₁₀O₁₉ is a good candidate for wideband electromagnetic compatibility and other practical applications at high frequency.     

Functionalization of (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>, 0) CNTs (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 3–16) by uracil: DFT studies

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to investigate stabilities and properties for uracil (U)-functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs). To this aim, the optimized molecular properties were evaluated for (n, 0) models of CNTs (n = 3–16) in the original and U-functionalized forms. The results indicated that the dipole moments and energy gaps were independent of tubular diameters whereas the binding energies showed that the U-functionalization could be better achieved for n = 8–11 curvatures of (n, 0) CNTs. Further studies based on the evaluated atomic-scale properties, including quadrupole coupling constants (C _Q ), indicated that the electronic properties of atoms could detect the effects of diameters variations of (n, 0) CNTs, in which the effects were very much significant for the atoms around the U-functionalization regions. Finally, the achieved results of singular U, original CNTs, and CNT-U hybrids were compared to each other to demonstrate the stabilities and properties for the U-functionalized (n, 0) CNTs.     

A cellular uptake and cytotoxicity properties study of gallic acid-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles on Caco-2 cells

In this study, the effects of intracellular delivery of various concentrations of gallic acid (GA) as a semistable antioxidant, gallic acid-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs-GA), and cellular uptake of nanoparticles into Caco-2 cells were investigated. MSNs were synthesized and loaded with GA, then characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The cytotoxicity of MSNs and MSNs-GA at low and high concentrations were studied by means of 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test and flow cytometry. MSNs did not show significant toxicity in various concentrations (0–500 μg/ml) on Caco-2 cells. For MSNs-GA, cell viability was reduced as a function of incubation time and different concentrations of nanoparticles. The in vitro GA release from MSNs-GA exhibited the same antitumor properties as free GA on Caco-2 cells. Flow cytometry results confirmed those obtained using MTT assay. TEM and fluorescent microscopy confirmed the internalization of MSNs by Caco-2 cells through nonspecific cellular uptake. MSNs can easily internalize into Caco-2 cells without deleterious effects on cell viability. The cell viability of Caco-2 cells was affected during MSNs-GA uptake. MSNs could be designed as suitable nanocarriers for antioxidants delivery.     

Preparation and electrochemical performances of nanoporous/cracked cobalt oxide layer for supercapacitors

Nanoporous/cracked structures of cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄) electrodes were successfully fabricated by electroplating of zinc–cobalt onto previously formed TiO₂ nanotubes by anodizing of titanium, leaching of zinc in a concentrated alkaline solution and followed by drying and annealing at 400 °C. The structure and morphology of the obtained Co₃O₄ electrodes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, EDX analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the obtained Co₃O₄ electrodes were composed of the nanoporous/cracked structures with an average pore size of about 100 nm. The electrochemical capacitive behaviors of the nanoporous Co₃O₄ electrodes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge studies and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 1 M NaOH solution. The electrochemical data demonstrated that the electrodes display good capacitive behavior with a specific capacitance of 430 F g^?1 at a current density of 1.0 A g^?1 and specific capacitance retention of ca. 80 % after 10 days of being used in electrochemical experiments, indicating to be promising electroactive materials for supercapacitors. Furthermore, in comparison with electrodes prepared by simple cathodic deposition of cobalt onto TiO₂ nanotubes(without dealloying procedure), the impedance studies showed improved performances likely due to nanoporous/cracked structures of electrodes fabricated by dealloying of zinc, which provide fast ion and electron transfer routes and large reaction surface area with the ensued fast reaction kinetics.     

Synthesis and characterization of some nickel(II) Schiff bases complexes

Summary The reaction of nickel(II) salts with 2-picolyl- and 2,6-lutidyl-phenylketone benzoylhydrazone and theirp-nitro- andp-methoxy-derivatives were carried out and the compounds characterized on the basis of analytical and spectral data.     

Highly selective thiocyanate poly(vinyl chloride) membrane electrode based on a cadmium–Schiff’s base complex

A PVC membrane electrode based on a cadmium–salen (N,N′-bis-salicylidene-1,2ethylenediamine) complex as an anion carrier is described. The electrode has an anti-Hofmeister selectivity sequence with a preference for thiocyanate at pH 1.5–11.0. It has a linear response to thiocyanate from 1.0 × 10^–6 to 1.0 × 10^–1 mol L^–1 with a slope of 59.1 ± 0.2 mV per decade, and a detection limit of 7 × 10^–7 mol L^–1. This electrode has high selectivity for thiocyanate relative to many common organic and inorganic anions. The proposed sensor has a fast response time of approximately 15 s. It was applied to the determination of thiocyanate in a milk sample. Received: 1 December 2000 / Revised: 19 April 2001 / Accepted: 30 April 2001     

Facile One‐Pot Three‐Component Synthesis of Functionalized Pyridylfuran‐2‐amines

The reactive 1 : 1 zwitterionic intermediates generated in situ from the reaction between a series of isocyanides and diaroylacetylenes were trapped by pyridine carbaldehydes to yield highly functionalized 5‐pyridylfuran‐2‐amines in good yields (82–93%).