Stability and convergence of the spectral Lagrange-Galerkin method for mixed periodic/non-periodic convection-dominated diffusion problems

We present a convergence analysis of the spectral Lagrange-Galerkinmethod for mixed periodic/non-periodic convection-diffusionproblems. The scheme is unconditionally stable, independentof the diffusion coefficient, even in the case when numericalquadrature is used. The theoretical predictions are illustratedby a series of numerical experiments. For the periodic case,our results present a significant improvement on those givenby Süli & Ware (1991) SIAM J. Numer.Anal.28, 423-445).     

Bit-error-rate analysis for a 100-Gbit/s nonlinear optical loop mirror demultiplexer employing soliton control and signal pulses

On the basis of a previously derived mathematical model, the power penalty associated with a nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM) demultiplexer was calculated, with timing jitter noise, bit-to-bit cross talk, and channel cross talk taken into consideration. Simulation results show that a 3-dBm improvement in the receiver sensitivity at a bit error rate of 10(-9) can be achieved by choice of the appropriate walk-off time between the control and the signal pulses within the NOLM demultiplexer.     

Instability of the Kolmogorov flow in a soap film

We examine the instability of a soap film flow driven by a time-independent force that is spatially periodic in the direction perpendicular to the forcing (Kolmogorov flow). Linear stability analysis of an idealized model of this flow predicts a critical Reynolds number R(c) is approximately equal to the square root of 2. In our soap film experiment, we find a critical value R(c) is approximately equal to 70. This discrepancy can be ascribed to frictional effects from viscous coupling of gas to the film, which is neglected in the idealized model. The kinematic viscosity of the surrounding gas and the thickness of gas layers on each side of the soap film are varied in the experiments to better understand these frictional effects. Our observations indicate that flow in the soap film cannot be decoupled from flow in the surrounding gas.     

Water-soluble biodegradable polymers: Synthetic or natural-based raw materials?

In this paper, we review some of the significant synthesis approaches that we and others have evaluated for producing commercially viable water-soluble biodegradable polymers. The goals set for these polymers, cost/performance equivalent with current non-biodegradable polymers and complete biodegradation or a high degree of certainty that they are free from potential adverse environmental impact, are realistic but very difficult to achieve. Hence, we believe that few new polymers are emerging or are likely to emerge in the near future because of the radical directional changes needed in the synthesis and environmental testing procedures for water-soluble biodegradable polymers. We consider polymers with structures and compositions that mimic nature most likely to eventually be successful in the market place regardless of raw material origin, provided that cost/performance comparable with current commercial polymers can be achieved. Poly(aspartic acid), recently developed, may be considered as a prototype of things to come.     

Copolymerization of 4,4′‐divinyl benzoyl peroxide with methyl methacylate and grafting of butyl acrylates onto the copolymers

A peroxide monomer, 4,4′‐divinyl benzoyl peroxide (DVBPO), was synthesized. Bulk copolymerization of DVBPO with methyl methacrylate (MMA) was initiated by di(2‐ethyl hexyl)peroxy carbonate (EHP). DSC curves and the appearance of crosslinking of the product showed that DVBPO can copolymerize with MMA. The grafting copolymerization of butyl acrylate (BA) onto the copolymer was performed. The grafting efficiency (GE), determined by Soxhlet extraction, was high.     

Tests of significance using selected sample quantiles

Large sample tests of significance for the location parameter, the scale parameter, and quantiles for a location-scale family of distributions based on a few optimally chosen sample quantiles are considered.     

Effects of Testosterone Replacement on a Male Professional Singer

Testosterone has been known to play an important role in the development of the postpubertal male voice for many centuries. In fact, the prevention of pubertal development of the voice by castrating young male singers was a well-known practice, especially in Italy beginning in the sixteenth century. The “castrati” were well known for their clear, high-pitched voices. Because of the resulting small larynx and vocal folds, castrati apparently produced a distinctive resonance as well as the high pitch, which cannot be matched even by the counter tenors of today. Busy voice labs occasionally see males with sex hormone deficiencies secondary to chromosomal or gonadal problems. This is a presentation of an unusual patient who was a trained tenor singer and was found to have hypogonadism on a premarital health examination. Administration of replacement testosterone resulted in significant vocal register and voice quality changes.     

Condensation in a steady-flow thermoacoustic refrigerator

Condensation may occur in an open-flow thermoacoustic cooler with stack temperatures below the saturation temperature of the flowing gas. In the experimental device described here the flowing gas, which is also the acoustic medium, is humid air, so the device acts as a flow-through dehumidifier. The humid air stream flows through an acoustic resonator. Sound energy generated by electrodynamic drivers produces a high-amplitude standing wave inside of the resonator, which causes cooling on a thermoacoustic stack. Condensation of water occurs as the humid air passes through the stack and is cooled below its dew point, with the condensate appearing on the walls of the stack. The dry, cool air passes out of the resonator, while the condensate is wicked away from the end of the stack. Thermoacoustic heat pumping is strongly affected by the form of the condensate inside of the stack, whether condensed mostly on the stack plates, or largely in the form of droplets in the gas stream. Two simple models of the effect of the condensate are matched to a measured stack temperature profile; the results suggest that the thermoacoustic effect of droplets inside the stack is small.