Orbital correlation effects: The independent pair-potential approximation with application to the ground state and first ionized state of boron hydride

A new method is proposed for calculating correlation effects in atomic and molecular systems. The basis of the method is the formulation of a set of partial configuration expansions which yield directly variational orbital correlation corrections which are appropriately summed in order to obtain an estimate of the total correlation energy. This method is applied to the ground state of boron hydride and its cation at the equilibrium distance of BH. The results of the method are compared in detail with independent electron pair results and second order CI results. It is further shown that multiple substitutions are approximately accounted for in this method and the extent to which they are included is compared with other approximations. Finally, three methods of increasing accuracy, aimed at reducing the necessary computational effort, are given for determining the vertical ionization potential. The most economical method yields an IP of 9.70 eV or 0.03 eV less than the experimental IP. Completion of the basis is estimated to improve this value to 9.77 eV.     

Analysis of critical points on the potential energy surface

A simple classification scheme is proposed for critical points, based only on rankr and signatures of the (n,n)-matrixG of harmonic force constants. The determination ofr ands, e.g. by the well-known factorizationG=L ^T gL (L: triangular matrix,g: diagonal matrix), has several theoretical as well as practical (computational) advantages over the inspection of eigenvalues ofG, so far used in quantum chemistry. The eigenvalues are sufficient butnot necessary for a classification whereas rank and signature are the only necessary and sufficient prerequisites for solving the task. For the purpose of presenting a working example, by calculating only a 2×2 torque constant matrix, it is shown that the coplanar ethylbenzene is unstable in the CNDO/2 picture.     

Comparative analysis of affine scaling algorithms based on simplifying assumptions

We analyze several affine potential reduction algorithms for linear programming based on simplifying assumptions. We show that, under a strong probabilistic assumption regarding the distribution of the data in an iteration, the decrease in the primal potential function will be with high probability, compared to the guaranteed(1). ( 2n is a parameter in the potential function andn is the number of variables.) Under the same assumption, we further show that the objective reduction rate of Dikin's affine scaling algorithm is with high probability, compared to no guaranteed convergence rate.Research supported in part by NSF Grant DDM-8922636.     

Formation of the surface charge on silica in mixed solvents

At sufficiently high concentrations of methanol and of alkali salts in aqueous silica dispersions, the negative -potentials of the particles are decreased. This effect is more pronounced with lithium than with other alkali cations, and it is independent on the anion. The NMR spectra indicate lithium adsorption on silica from mixed solvents, but not in the absence of alcohol.Supported by a contract with the XMX Corporation, Burlington, Massachusetts, USA     

Convergence rates of a global optimization algorithm

Second order conditions for the (pseudo-) convexity of a function restricted to an affine subspace are obtained by extending those already known for functions on ⁿ . These results are then used to analyse the (pseudo-) convexity of potential functions of the type introduced by Karmarkar.This research was completed while the first author was on sabbatical leave at the Département d'Informatiques et de Recherche Opérationelle, Université de Montréal, and supported by NSERC (grant Q015807). This research was also supported by NSERC (grants A8312 and A5408) and la Coopération franco-québécoise (project 20-02-13).     

Partial molal volumes of ions in organic solvents from ultrasonic vibration potential and density measurements. III. Dimethylsulfoxide

The partial molal volumes of Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺, Cl^–, Br^–, I^–, and NO ₃ ^- in DMSO at 25°C have been determined from ultrasonic vibration potential data and density data for solutions of uni-univalent electrolytes. Hepler's semiemprirical equation has been used to split ionic partial molal volumes into geometric and electrostrictive contributions. The results obtained in this work confirm the conclusion of our previous studies, namely, that the contribution of electrostriction is essentially determined by the properties of that layer of atoms, 0.3 to 0.4 nm thick, in contact with the ion and by the degree of steric hindrance of the poles of the dipole of the solvent molecule. On the other hand, the geometric contribution depends on the size of the solvent molecule and also on the arrangement of the solvent molecules about the ions. It is shown that the geometric contribution to the partial molal volume of ions is largely increased when ions cannot come close enough to the poles of the solvent-molecule dipole, owing to steric hindrance.     

On the surface modification of microchannels for microcapillary electrophoresis chips

This paper presents systematic investigation of the microchannel surface properties in microCE chips. Three popular materials for microCE chips, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), quartz, and glass, are used. The zeta potentials of these microchannels are calculated by measuring the EOF velocity to evaluate the surface properties after surface modification. The hydrophobic PDMS is usually plasma-treated for microCE applications. In this study, a new method using a high-throughput atmospheric plasma generator is adopted to treat the PDMS surface under atmospheric conditions. In this approach, the cost and time for surface treatment can be significantly reduced compared with the conventional vacuum plasma generator method. Experimental results indicate that new functional groups could be formed on the PDMS surface after treatment, resulting in a change in the surface property. The time-dependent surface property of the plasma-treated PDMS is then measured in terms of the zeta potential. Results show that the surface property will reach a stable condition after 1 h of plasma treatment. For glass CE chips, two new methods for changing the microchannel surface properties are developed. Instead of using complicated and time-consuming chemical silanization procedures for CE channel surface modification, two simple and reliable methods utilizing organic-based spin-on-glass and water-soluble acrylic resin are reported. The proposed method provides a fast batch process for controlling the surface properties of glass-based CE channels. The proposed methods are evaluated using PhiX-174 DNA maker separation. The experimental data show that the surface property is modified and separation efficiency greatly improved. In addition, the long-term stability of both coatings is verified in this study. The methods proposed in this study show potential as an excellent solution for glass-based microCE chip surface modification.     

Quantum Information Entropies on Hyperbolic Single Potential Wells

In this work, we study the quantum information entropies for two different types of hyperbolic single potential wells. We first study the behaviors of the moving particle subject to two different hyperbolic potential wells through focusing on their wave functions. The shapes of these hyperbolic potentials are similar, but we notice that their momentum entropy densities change along with the width of each potential and the magnitude of position entropy density decreases when the momentum entropy magnitude increases. On the other hand, we illustrate the behaviors of their position and momentum entropy densities. Finally, we show the variation of position and momentum entropies Sx and Sp with the change of the potential well depth u and verify that their sum still satisfies the BBM inequality relation.     

基于有限元模拟的超声应力系数标定及分析*

应力系数的标定作为超声应力检测最为关键的环节,直接决定应力检测结果的准确性。传统的应力系数试验标定对于被测物的表面粗糙度、耦合剂厚度、声匹配块与被测物接触力等因素十分敏感,但缺少基本参照值。基于COMSOL建立多物理场耦合的超声应力检测模型,施加不同的拉伸载荷,计算临界折射纵波到达时间与不同应力值之间的关系,模拟标定45#钢的超声应力系数为13.7MPa/ns。单轴水平拉伸试验标定的45#钢应力系数为16.5MPa/ns。结果表明,通过两种方法标定的应力系数较为接近,试验标定的应力系数偏大,这是由于有限元方法能够消除试验过程中各种不确定因素对声时精确测量所造成的影响,能够更加纯粹的反映材料的声弹性效应,因此具有作为基础数据的参考价值。有限元方法作为传统试验方法的补充,可以减小试验标定数据的离散性,提高超声应力检测结果的可信度。     

Unveiling the Hidden Therapeutic Potential of Carnosine,a Molecule with a Multimodal Mechanism of Action: A Position Paper

Carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine) is a naturally occurring endogenous dipeptide and an over-the-counter food supplement with a well-demonstrated multimodal mechanism of action that includes the detoxification of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, the down-regulation of the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, the inhibition of aberrant protein formation, and the modulation of cells in the peripheral (macrophages) and brain (microglia) immune systems. Since its discovery more than 100 years ago, a plethora of in vivo preclinical studies have been carried out; however, there is still substantial heterogeneity regarding the route of administration, the dosage, the duration of the treatment, and the animal model selected, underlining the urgent need for “coordinated/aligned” preclinical studies laying the foundations for well-defined future clinical trials. The main aim of the present position paper is to critically and concisely consider these key points and open a discussion on the possible “alignment” for future studies, with the goal of validating the full therapeutic potential of this intriguing molecule.