Adaptive optics interferometer using superspeckles for high resolution deformation measurement

Digital speckle pattern interferometry (DSPI) is a well-known technique for measuring deformations, but it is limited in range by speckle decorrelation. We developed an adaptive interferometer with increased measurement range by combining the DSPI set-up with a pupil filter that generates optical superresolution. As a result, a decrease in the transverse speckle size is observed accompanied with a substantial increase in the longitudinal speckle size. The increase in the speckle correlation length along the optical axis allows for obtaining an out-of-plane deformation measurement over a significantly extended depth. An experimental verification of this concept of superspeckles is presented with an intensity-only LCD spatial light modulator (SLM) acting as a pupil filter. Comparison of speckle correlation fringes with and without the superresolution filter confirms the proposed concept. The present work demonstrates a doubling of the measurement range when using the superresolution interferometer. A standard set-up in which the speckle length is comparably elongated by stopping down the lens has a similar loss of intensity, but its lateral resolution is only half as good.     

A set oriented definition of finite-time Lyapunov exponents and coherent sets

The problem of phase space transport, which is of interest from both the theoretical and practical point of view, has been investigated extensively using geometric and probabilistic methods. Two important tools to study this problem that have emerged in recent years are finite-time Lyapunov exponents (FTLE) and the Perron–Frobenius operator. The FTLE measures the averaged local stretching around reference trajectories. Regions with high stretching are used to identify phase space transport barriers. One probabilistic method is to consider the spectrum of the Perron–Frobenius operator of the flow to identify almost-invariant densities. These almost-invariant densities are used to identify almost invariant sets. In this paper, a set-oriented definition of the FTLE is proposed which is applicable to phase space sets of finite size and reduces to the usual definition of FTLE in the limit of infinitesimal phase space elements. This definition offers a straightforward connection between the evolution of probability densities and finite-time stretching experienced by phase space curves. This definition also addresses some concerns with the standard computation of the FTLE. For the case of autonomous and periodic vector fields we provide a simplified method to calculate the set-oriented FTLE using the Perron–Frobenius operator. Based on the new definition of the FTLE we propose a simple definition of finite-time coherent sets applicable to vector fields of general time-dependence, which are the analogues of almost-invariant sets in autonomous and time-periodic vector fields. The coherent sets we identify will necessarily be separated from one another by ridges of high FTLE, providing a link between the framework of coherent sets and that of codimension one Lagrangian coherent structures. Our identification of coherent sets is applied to three examples.     

Sinusoidal control and limit cycle analysis of the dissipative Chaplygin sleigh

Nonlinear Dynamics - In this paper, we investigate the behavior of an underactuated mixed-dynamic nonholonomic system, a Chaplygin sleigh, subjected to viscous dissipation and sinusoidal forcing....     

Semisynthesis of Biologically Active Glycoforms of the Human Cytokine Interleukin 6

Human interleukin 6 (IL‐6) is a potent cytokine with immunomodulatory properties. As the influence of N‐glycosylation on the in vivo activities of IL‐6 could not be elucidated so far, a semisynthesis of homogeneous glycoforms of IL‐6 was established by sequential native chemical ligation. The four cysteines of IL‐6 are convenient for ligations and require only the short synthetic glycopeptide 43–48. The Cys‐peptide 49–183 could be obtained recombinantly by cleavage of a SUMO tag. The fragment 1–42 was accessible by the simultaneous cleavage of two inteins, leading to the 1–42 thioester with the native N‐terminus. Ligation and refolding studies showed that the inherently labile Asp? Pro bond 139–140 was detrimental for the sequential C‐ to N‐terminal ligation. A reversed ligation sequence using glycopeptide hydrazides gave full‐length IL‐6 glycoproteins, which showed full bioactivity after efficient refolding and purification.     

Studies on diffusion of hydrogen in PWR clad material

Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry - We have measured excitation functions of 209Bi(7Li, 5n)211Rn, 209Bi(7Li, 6n)210Rn, and other reactions, with the aim of realizing a 211Rn/211At...     

Dynamics and self-propulsion of a spherical body shedding coaxial vortex rings in an ideal fluid

We describe a model for the dynamic interaction of a sphere with uniform density and a system of coaxial circular vortex rings in an ideal fluid of equal density. At regular intervals in time, a constraint is imposed that requires the velocity of the fluid relative to the sphere to have no component transverse to a particular circular contour on the sphere. In order to enforce this constraint, new vortex rings are introduced in a manner that conserves the total momentum in the system. This models the shedding of rings from a sharp physical ridge on the sphere coincident with the circular contour. If the position of the contour is fixed on the sphere, vortex shedding is a source of drag. If the position of the contour varies periodically, propulsive rings may be shed in a manner that mimics the locomotion of certain jellyfish. We present simulations representing both cases.     

Synthetic Studies on Ophiobolins1. Synthesis of 1β (H) -3,7α,11β-Trimethyl-CIS-Bicyclo [6.3.0] Undecan-4-One

In our synthetic studies towards ophiobolin F (1), we report here a stereospecific synthesis of 1β(H)-3,7α,llβ-trimethyl-cis bicyclo [6.3.0]undecan-4-one (2) with defined stereochemistry at each of the four contiguous asymmetric centres and particularly with A/B cis ring juncture as present in (1). It may be mentioned here that no synthetic studies towards developing the characteristic ring systems present in ophiobolins have been reported so far.