An accelerated minimal gradient method with momentum for strictly convex quadratic optimization

BIT Numerical Mathematics - In this article we address the problem of minimizing a strictly convex quadratic function using a novel iterative method. The new algorithm is based on the well-known...     

Adhesive bonding of glassy polymer surfaces by an ultrathin layer of a semicrystalline polymer

To develop a greater understanding of interfacial interactions between a semicrystalline polymer and a glassy polymer, adhesion tests were performed on very thin layers of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) sandwiched between two layers of poly(tetramethyl bisphenol A polycarbonate) (TMPC). The tests were designed to provide intimate contact between the surfaces while they were heated above the melting point of the PEO and cooled back to room temperature. A contact mechanics approach, based on the Johnson, Kendall, and Roberts theory, was used to determine values of the energy release rate describing the energetic driving force for crack propagation within the interfacial region. The ability to measure crack propagation at large values of the energy release rate was limited by rupture of the silicone elastomer that was used to provide a sufficiently compliant matrix for the adhesion experiment. By cycling the tensile stress at relatively low loading levels, we were able to measure fatigue crack propagation at values of the energy release rate that did not result in failure of the elastomer. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 3809–3821, 2004     

Optical Diffractive Memories: Angular Selectivity and Diffraction Efficiency in Dichromated Gelatin

Two thousand images of resolution 512×512 pixels as a regular matrix pattern of 10×10 elements are stored, where each element is angularly multiplexed 20 times in a 25 μm thickness of dichromated gelatin emulsion without cross-talk effect. The surface area of the matrix is 1 cm². We show good concordance of the angular selectivity between the experimental result and theory. The diffraction efficiency of each 20 multiplexed images is measured and has nearly the same value. Examples of reconstructed images for multiple applications are given, for example, storage of 160,000 images on a 3′1/2 floppy disc format, which is about 100 min of black and white film. Application can be made to automobile cartography and storage of X-ray images as well as weather forecast images. Colored diffractive images are also possible and are illustrated.     

A new group of fluorescent pH-indicators for an extended pH-range

Summary The pH versus fluorescence intensity profiles of a series of new pH-indicators are reported. They are characterized by two pK_a-values in the 3.7–4.9 and 6.9–7.9 range, respectively. The strong change in fluorescence intensity with pH allows the determination of pH's over a much wider range (typically 2–9) than with one-step indicators. They are therefore considered to be of potential utility for measurement of pH over the neutral and slightly acidity range which occurs, for instance, in bioliquids such as urine.

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Eine neue Gruppe fluorescierender pH-Indicatoren für einen erweiterten pH-Bereich

Zusammenfassung Die Fluorescenzintensitätsprofile als Funktion des pH-Wertes einer Reihe von neuen pH-Indicatoren werden untersucht. Sie sind charakterisiert durch zwei pK_a-Werte im Bereich 3,7–4,9 bzw. 6,9–7,9. Die gefundene starke Änderung der Fluorescenzintensität mit dem pH-Wert erlaubt eine pH-Bestimmung über einen viel weiteren Bereich (typischerweise 2 – 9) als mit einstufigen Indicatoren. Aus diesem Grund werden sie als potentiell nützlich angesehen zur Messung von pH-Werten im neutralen und schwach sauren Bereich, wie er z.B. in biologischen Flüssigkeiten, etwa im Urin, gegeben ist.

     

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.