Regularization procedures of mixed finite element approximations of the stokes problem

We propose a theoretical framework for the study of regularization of the Stokes problem. This enables us to perform a general error analysis and to apply it to known schemes as well as to a new one pertaining to the use of the P1-P1 element. Finally we show that in the P1-case the theory can also be used to get convergence results for elements obtained by addition of bubble functions, without using the usual mixed finite element machinery.     

Variational extension of the mean spherical approximation to arbitrary dimensions

We generalize a variational principle for the mean spherical approximation for a system of charged hard spheres in 3D to arbitrary dimensions. We first construct a free energy variational trial function from the Debye-Hückel excess charging internal energy at a finite concentration and an entropy obtained at the zero-concentration limit by thermodynamic integration. In three dimensions the minimization of this expression with respect to the screening parameter leads to the mean spherical approximation, usually obtained by solution of the Ornstein-Zernike equation. This procedure, which interpolates naturally between the zero concentration/coupling limit and the high-concentration/ coupling limit, is extended to arbitrary dimensions. We conjecture that this result is also equivalent to the MSA as originally defined, although a technical proof of this point is left for the future. The Onsager limitT ΔS ^MSA /ΔE ^MSA → 0 for infinite concentration/coupling is satisfied for all d ≠ 2, while ford=2 this limit is 1. On leave from Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, 00681.     

Synthesis of enantiomeric-pure cyclohexenyl nucleoside building blocks for oligonucleotide synthesis

Lipases were used for the resolution of (±) (4aR, 7R, 8aS)-2-phenyl-4a,7,8,8a-tetrahydro-4H-1,3-benzodioxine. This separation was carried out on preparative scale and used for the synthesis of eight phosphoramidites of cyclohexenyl nucleosides (d- and l-series).     

Transient free‐surface flow of a viscoelastic fluid in a narrow channel

The interplay between inertia and elasticity is examined for transient free‐surface flow inside a narrow channel. The lubrication theory is extended for the flow of viscoelastic fluids of the Oldroyd‐B type (consisting of a Newtonian solvent and a polymeric solute). While the general formulation accounts for non‐linearities stemming from inertia effects in the momentum conservation equation, and the upper‐convected terms in the constitutive equation, only the front movement contributes to non‐linear coupling for a flow inside a straight channel. In this case, it is possible to implement a spectral representation in the depthwise direction for the velocity and stress. The evolution of the flow field is obtained locally, but the front movement is captured only in the mean sense. The influence of inertia, elasticity and viscosity ratio is examined for pressure‐induced flow. The front appears to progress monotonically with time. However, the velocity and stress exhibit typically a strong overshoot upon inception, accompanied by a plug‐flow behaviour in the channel core. The flow intensity eventually diminishes with time, tending asymptotically to Poiseuille conditions. For highly elastic liquids the front movement becomes oscillatory, experiencing strong deceleration periodically. A multiple‐scale solution is obtained for fluids with no inertia and small elasticity. Comparison with the exact (numerical) solution indicates a wide range of validity for the analytical result. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Directed paths with random phases

Directed Feynman paths in 1 + 1 dimensions that acquire random phases are examined numerically and analytically. This problem is relevant for the behavior of the conductance in two-dimensional amorphous insulators in the variable-range-hopping regime. Large-scale numerical simulations were performed on a model with short-range correlations. For the scaling of the transverse fluctuations ( t^ν), we obtain ν = 0.68 ± 0.025; and for the r.m.s free-energy fluctuations ( t^ω), we obtain ω = 0.335 ± 0.01. Up to 100 000 random samples were used for times as large as 2000. These results seem to exclude a recent conjecture that ν = 3/4 and ω = 1/2. Two versions of a model with long-range correlations are solved and shown to yield ν = 1/2; a physical explanation is given.     

The Small Index Property for Free Groups and Relatively Free Groups

1. Some groups with the small index property In this paper we shall use the methods of the paper [6] by Hodges,Hodkinson, Lascar and Shelah to show that the free group ofcountably infinite rank and certain relatively free groups ofcountably infinite rank have the small index property.     

A two-echelon base-stock inventory model with Poisson demand and the sequential processing of orders at the upper echelon

We consider a two-echelon inventory system with a number of non-identical, independent ‘retailers’ at the lower echelon and a single ‘supplier’ at the upper echelon. Each retailer experiences Poisson demand and operates a base stock policy with backorders. The supplier manufactures to order and holds no stock. Orders are produced, in first-come first-served sequence, with a fixed production time. The supplier therefore functions as an M/D/1 queue. We are interested in the performance characteristics (average inventory, average backorder level) at each retailer. By finding the distribution of order lead time and hence the distribution of demand during order lead time, we find the steady state inventory and backorder levels based on the assumption that order lead times are independent of demand during order lead time at a retailer. We also propose two alternative approximation procedures based on assumed forms for the order lead time distribution. Finally we provide a derivation of the steady state inventory and backorder levels which will be exact as long as there is no transportation time on orders between the supplier and retailers. A numerical comparison is made between the exact and approximate measures. We conclude by recommending an approach which is intuitive and computationally straightforward.     

Soluble models for dynamics driven by a super-diffusive noise

We explicitly discuss scalar Langevin type of equations where the deterministic part is linear, but where the integrated noise source is a non-linear diffusion process exhibiting superdiffusive behavior. We calculate transient and stationary probabilities and study the possibility of noise induced transitions from a unimodal to a bimodal probability shape. Illustrations from finance and dynamical systems are given.     

Self-inhibition or the lack of it in the pyrolyses of neopentane and n-hexane

Published data show that in its early stages (up to 3% decomposition), the pyrolysis of n-hexane in the ranges 723–823 K and 10–100 Torr is not inhibited by the olefin products, in contrast with neopentane pyrolysis which is very strongly inhibited in similar conditions. Detailed consideration of the chain mechanisms for the two pyrolyses shows that the reactivity of the chain terminating radical towards hydrogen abstraction from an allylic C? H bond in product olefin is the factor which determines whether or not observable self-inhibition occurs. Thus, n-hexane pyrolysis, whose chain decomposition is terminated by recombination and disproportionation of ethyl, is not significantly self-inhibited, whereas that of neopentane which is terminated by recombination of methyl is very strongly inhibited because methyl is 14× more reactive than ethyl. The implications for other alkanes are briefly discussed.     

Stock Control and the Undershoot of the Re-order Level

Practical stock-control systems are frequently based on a policy of reviewing the stock balance and placing an order if this has fallen to or below a set level R. In order to facilitate the calculation of the control parameters, the assumption is generally made that the stock balance is exactly R when an order is placed, whereas in practice it may have fallen below R. This paper uses a steady-state analysis to evaluate some relatively simple adjustments which may be incorporated to handle this undershoot.