Dynamics of an array formed by three neutrally buoyant cylindrical cantilevers subjected to tensile follower forces

The flexural-rotational coupled motion of three identical flexible cylindrical cantilevers joined symmetrically to a central head is investigated. Effects of the tensile follower forces and inertia parameters on the natural frequencies of the system are studied. The analysis suggests two types of inplane motion: one corresponding to the oscillation of the cantilevers without any rotation of the central body, while the other involves coupled motion of the array. The former corresponds to the repeated eigenvalues which are identical to those of a single cantilever having the same axial tension parameter, P. Three sets of eigenvalues govern the out-of-plane motion: (a) the central head remaining stationary with no rolling motion of the array; (b) vertical motion of the central body without any rolling motion of the array; and (c) rigid body rolling motion without any vertical motion of the central head. There is a possibility of dynamic instability for small inertia parameters and large axial tension.     

Towards aflatoxins: a formal synthesis of aflatoxin B2

The development of a formal synthesis of aflatoxin B2 is described, which utilizes a Dötz benzannulation reaction as a key step.     

Novel Mn(III) heterochelates: synthesis,thermal, spectroscopic,and coordination aspects

This article describes the synthesis, structural features, and thermal studies of novel Mn(III) heterochelates of the type [Mn(SB _n )(L)(H₂O)]·xH₂O [H₂SB _n  = Nicotinic acid [1-(3-methyl-5-oxo-1-phenyl-4,5 dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4yl)-acylidene]-hydrazide where acyl = acetyl (H₂SB₁); benzoyl (H₂SB₂); propionyl (H₂SB₃); buteryl (H₂SB₄); phenyl acetyl (H₂SB₅); and HL = 5-Chloro-7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline (clioquinol)]. The heterochelates have been characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility measurements, cyclic voltammetric studies, (FTIR and electronic) spectra, and thermal studies. The FAB mass spectrum of [Mn(SB₁)(L)H₂O]·3H₂O has been carried out. The cyclic voltammetric studies reveal that quasi-reversible reduction process of Mn(III)/Mn(II) coupled system suggesting that the ligands readily destabilize higher oxidation states of metal ion. Kinetic parameters such as order of reaction (n) and the energy of activation (Ea) were calculated using Freeman–Carroll method. The pre-exponential factor (A), the activation entropy (S*), the activation enthalpy (H*), and the free energy of activation (G*) were calculated using Horowitz–Metzger equations.     

Al3+-modified elastic properties of copper ferrite

Ultrasonic pulse echo-overlap technique at 300 K (9 MHz) has been employed to study the elastic properties of Al³⁺-substituted CuFe₂O₄ spinel ferrite system. The longitudinal and transverse wave velocities are used to compute elastic moduli and these are corrected to the zero porosity by employing different models. Contrary to expectation, the magnitude of elastic moduli is found to decrease by 75% with only 30% of Al³⁺-substitution for Fe³⁺ in the system. The lowering of elastic stiffness is mainly due to residual stress-induced spontaneous cracking and presence of oxygen vacant sites in the material. The lower value of lattice energy for polycrystalline specimens as compared to their single crystalline counterparts have been explained in the light of an increase degree of disorientation at the grain boundary with Al³⁺-substitution.     

On the nonlinear dynamics and control of flexible orbiting manipulators

The paper studies nonlinear dynamics and control of a class of space station based mobile flexible two-link manipulators, normally referred to as the Mobile Servicing System (MSS).The governing nonlinear, nonautonomous and coupled equations of motion are described first followed by the modal discretizations procedure. A parametric response study suggests situations with unacceptable levels of deflections and accelerations for certain proposed missions, as well as station libration and payload positioning errors.An inverse control technique is proposed to achieve high tracking accuracy of the MSS in presence of maneuver induced disturbances. The control strategy is so designed as to regulate the libration of the Space Station as well as to insure joints tracking of prescribed trajectories, while limiting the effect of the structural vibration during large slewing maneuvres of the MSS. Two different control schemes, both based on the feedback linearization technique, are developed and their relative merit assessed.This investigation was supported by the Centers of Excellence Program, Grant No. IRIS/C-8, 5-55380, and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Grant No. A-2181.     

Improvement of some pharmaceutical properties of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) by para sulphonatocalix[4]resorcinarene inclusion complex

As a part of our investigations to unfold the chemistry of calixresorcinarene, we have focused on the formation of inclusion complex of a poorly soluble (43 μg ml^?1 at pH 7) drug mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) an immunosuppressive agent and an inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) inhibitor with para sulphonatocalix[4]resorcinarene (PSC4R). The complete complexation of the drug was achieved after 48 h of stirring with para sulphonatocalix[4]resorcinarene(PSC[4]R) in water and evaporation of water yield the solid complex. The interaction between para sulphonatocalix[4]resorcinarene(PSC[4]R) and MMF in solid state inclusion complexes was accomplished by aqueous phase solubility studies, Thermal Analysis, HPLC, PXRD, FT-IR, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The results of the phase solubility experiments are in good conformity to signify the formation of 2:1 PSC4R: MMF complexes. The purpose of this study was to enhance solubility and resulting in high dissolution rate and bioavailability of this essentially water insoluble drug. The results of the in vivo study shows that there is a remarkable change in the toxicity of the pure drug MMF and complex did not produce any mortality up to 2200 mg kg^?1.     

Modification of the magnetic properties of a heterometallic wheel by inclusion of a Jahn-Teller distorted Cu(II) ion

An investigation into the physical consequences of including a Jahn-Teller distorted Cu(II) ion within an antiferromagnetically coupled ring, [R(2)NH(2)][Cr(7)CuF(8)((O(2)C(t)Bu)(16))] is reported. Inelastic neutron scattering (INS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic data are simulated using a microscopic spin Hamiltonian, and show that the two Cr-Cu exchange interactions must be inequivalent. One Cr-Cu exchange is found to be antiferromagnetic and the other ferromagnetic. The geometry of the Jahn-Teller elongation is deduced from these results, and shows that a Jahn-Teller elongation axis must lie in the plane of the Cr(7)Cu wheel; the elongation is not observed by X-ray crystallography, due to positional disorder of the Cu site within the wheel. An electronic structure calculation confirms the structural distortion of the Cu site.     

Polyurethane-polyacrylamide IPNs. I. Synthesis and characterization

Hydrophobic-hydrophilic interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) of polyurethane and polyacrylamide have been synthesized. The IPNs have been characterized by IR, thermal, and mechanical studies. SEM studies indicate phase mixing of some IPNs. Solvent resistance and surface hydrophilicity as evidenced by contact angle measurements suggest that these IPNs could be used for biomedical applications.