First principles calculations of magnetism, dielectric properties and spin-phonon coupling in double perovskite Bi(2)CoMnO(6)

First principles electronic structure calculations have been performed for the double perovskite Bi(2)CoMnO(6) in its non-centrosymmetric polar state using the generalized gradient approximation plus the Hubbard U approach. We find that the ferromagnetic state is more favored compared to the ferrimagnetic state with both Co and Mn in high spin states. The calculated dynamical charge tensors are anisotropic reflecting a low-symmetry structure of the compound. The magnetic structure dependent phonon frequencies indicate the presence of a weak spin-phonon coupling. Using the Berry phase method, we obtain a spontaneous ferroelectric polarization of 5.88?μC?cm(-2), which is close to the experimental value observed for a similar compound, Bi(2)NiMnO(6).     

Transient streaming potential in a finite length microchannel

Pressure-driven flow of an electrolyte solution in a microchannel with charged solid surfaces induces a streaming potential across the microchannel. Such a flow also causes rejection of ions by the microchannel, leading to different concentrations in the feed and permeate reservoirs connecting the capillary, which forms the basis of membrane based separation of electrolytes. Modeling approaches traditionally employed to assess the streaming potential development and ion rejection by capillaries often present a confusing picture of the governing electrochemical transport processes. In this paper, a transient numerical simulation of electrochemical transport process leading to the development of a streaming potential across a finite length circular cylindrical microchannel connecting two infinite reservoirs is presented. The solution based on finite element analysis shows the transient development of ionic concentrations, electric fields, and the streaming potential over the length of the microchannel. The transient analysis presented here resolves several contradictions between the two types of modeling approaches employed in assessing streaming potential development and ion rejection. The simulation results show that the streaming potential across the channel is predominantly set up at the timescale of the developing convective transport, while the equilibrium ion concentrations are developed over a considerably longer duration.     

THE PHOTODYNAMIC EFFECTS ONV–79 CHINESE HAMSTER CELLS

Abstract— Holding of acriflavine sensitizedV–79 cells in growth medium before visible light exposure decreases inactivation by visible light. The decrease depended upon the period of holding, indicating that there was release of cellular dye during this period. Exposures to visible light were done in two conditions: (a) with no dye in the medium during visible light exposure (washed) and (b) with dye in the medium during exposure (unwashed). Caffeine was found to slightly increase the sensitivity of the cells to visible light in the washed condition, whereas, in the unwashed condition no such effect was observed. Interaction studies with far UV did not reveal any correlation between photodynamic damage and UV damage. Visible light exposure of acriflavine sensitized cells was found to be mutagenic, as studied from the induction of 8-azaguanine resistant mutants. Inhibition of singlet oxygen production by sodium azide suppressed the induction of mutants. All these, taken together, have been discussed with respect to the relative importance of DNA and non-DNA damage in the photodynamic action of acriflavine.     

Wave interaction with multiple articulated floating elastic plates

Flexural gravity wave scattering by multiple articulated floating elastic plates is investigated in the three cases for water of finite depth, infinite depth and shallow water approximation under the assumptions of two-dimensional linearized theory of water waves. The elastic plates are joined through connectors, which act as articulated joints. In the case when two semi-infinite plates are connected through a single articulation, using the symmetric characteristic of the plate geometry and the expansion formulae for wave-structure interaction problem, the velocity potentials are obtained in closed forms in the case of finite and infinite water depths. On the other hand, in the case of shallow water approximation, the continuity of energy and mass flux are used to obtain a system of equations for the determination of the full velocity potentials for wave scattering by multiple articulations. Further, using the results for single articulation and assuming that the articulated joints are wide apart, the wide-spacing approximation method is used to obtain the reflection coefficient for wave scattering due to multiple articulated floating elastic plates. The effects of the stiffness of the connectors, length of the elastic plates and water depth on the propagation of flexural gravity waves are investigated by analysing the reflection coefficient.     

The Number of Accumulated Photons and the Quality of Stimulated Emission Depletion Lifetime Images

Time binning is used to increase the number of photon counts in the peak channel of stimulated emission depletion fluorescence lifetime decay curves to determine how it affects the resulting lifetime image. The fluorescence lifetime of the fluorophore, Alexa Fluor 594 phalloidin, bound to F‐actin is probed in cultured S2 cells at a spatial resolution of ~40 nm. This corresponds to a 10‐fold smaller probe volume compared to confocal imaging, and a reduced number of photons contributing to the signal. Pixel‐by‐pixel fluorescence lifetime measurements and error analysis show that an average of 40 ± 30 photon counts in the peak channel with a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 20 is enough to calculate a reliable fluorescence lifetime from a single exponential fluorescence decay. No heterogeneity in the actin cytoskeleton in different regions of the cultured cells was measured in the 40–400 nm spatial regime.     

Particle deposition onto Janus and patchy spherical collectors

An Eulerian model (convection-diffusion-migration equation) is presented to study colloid deposition behavior on Janus and patchy spherical collectors using Happel cell geometry. The model aims to capture the effect of the collector surface charge heterogeneity on the particle deposition rate. Two separate cases of surface charge distribution are presented. In the first case, the surface heterogeneity is modeled as half the collector favoring deposition and the other half hindering it (Janus collectors). For the second case, the surface heterogeneity is modeled as alternate stripes of attractive and repulsive regions on the collector (patchy collectors). The model also considers fluid flow approaching the collector at different angles in addition to the standard gravity assisted and gravity hindered flow conditions to analyze the effect of the collector orientation on the deposition. It was observed that particles tend to deposit at the edges of the favorable stripes and the extent of this preferential accumulation varies along the tangential position of the collector due to the nonuniform nature of the collector. The predicted deposition behavior is compared to the patchwise heterogeneity model. The study brings to fore how recent developments in synthesis of chemically heterogeneous particles and beads can be used for improved particle capture in porous media and for designing filter beds with enhanced life.     

Study of the vibrational spectra of SO2, H2O and D2O using the U(4) algebraic model

Using the U(4) algebraic model, in this work we report a study of the vibrational spectra of SO₂, H₂0¹⁸ and D₂O¹⁶. The inclusion of intermode couplings in algebraic models has been stated to give a deep insight into detailed spectroscopy for these bent XY₂ molecules. Improved set of algebraic parameters has been reported to provide improved RMS deviations for these molecules.