A monopole mass filter with a hyperbolic V-shaped electrode

In this article we compare the classical monopole mass filter of von Zahn and the monopole mass filter with a hyperbolic V-shaped electrode. The experimental results and those of computer simulation for both mass spectrometers are presented. We show that the replacement of a conventional 90 degrees V-shaped electrode by an electrode with a hyperbolic profile substantially improves the peak shape of any given mass, and increases the mass resolution by a factor of 3-4 and the abundance sensitivity by a factor of 100. The potential of high analytical performance combined with electroforming techniques for electrode manufacture indicate future practical uses of such instruments. Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Simulation-based collaborative decision support for surge floods prevention in St. Petersburg

The paper aims to implement a simulation-based collaborative decision support approach for flood control management in application to St. Petersburg surge floods, which are prevented by a complex of dams with several large openings. Despite the evolution of the numerical hydrodynamic models, hardware performance and computer technologies the accurate forecasting of storm surges and decision support for gates maneuvering is still an important issue. The prospective architecture and principal solutions of Flood Warning System with the emphasis on the simulation-based approach and collaborative decision support system on the basis of e-Science platform CLAVIRE are considered.     

Justification of the Kirchhoff hypotheses and error estimation for two-dimensional models of anisotropic and inhomogeneous plates, including laminated plates

Asymptotic analysis of the problem describing deformation ofa thin cylindrical plate with clamped lateral side is performed.The problem is considered under the most general statement withthe plate being laminated and consisting of an arbitrary numberof nonhomogeneous and anisotropic (21 elastic moduli) layers.Explicit integral representations of the differential operatorswhich form the two-dimensional model of the plate are derived.In the case when the elastic moduli of each of the layers areconstant, these integral representations turn into algebraicones. The asymptotic procedure is justified with the help ofa weighted inequality of Korn's type. The error estimates obtainedgive a rigorous mathematical proof of both of Kirchhoff's hypotheses(kinematic and static) and shed light on the well-known intrinsicinconsistency of two of the hypotheses.     

Growth and structure of superconducting FeSe crystals

Superconducting crystals of iron selenide FeSe are grown and their phase and elemental compositions are studied. The structural analysis of individual FeSe_{1 ? x} crystals showed the coexistence of two phases in this compound. The resistivities and magnetic susceptibilities of the crystals are investigated.     

Regional and modular expression of morphogenetic factors in the demosponge Lubomirskia baicalensis

Some sponges [phylum Porifera], e.g. the demosponges Lubomirskia baicalensis or Axinella polypoides, show an arborescent growth form. In the freshwater sponge L. baicalensis this morphotype is seen mostly in depths below 4m while in more shallow regions it grows as a crust. The different growth forms are determined in nature very likely by water current and/or light. The branches of this species are composed of modules, arranged along the apical-basal axis. The modules are delimited by a precise architecture of the spicule bundles; longitudinal bundles originate from the apex of the earlier module, while at the basis of each module these bundles are cross-linked by traverse bundles under formation of annuli. Genes encoding putative morphogenetic factors, myotrophin and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like molecules, and one gene of an antagonist for the Wnt signaling pathway, the soluble frizzled molecule, have been identified and characterized. Their expression levels as well as those of silicatein, one major spicule-forming molecule, have been studied in the crusts and the modules. The data revealed that at the apices of each module higher level of expression of myotrophin and EGF can be detected, while the base of each module is characterized by a high steady-state expression level of soluble frizzled molecule. These results suggest that module formation in L. baicalensis is controlled by a tuned interaction of agonistic (e.g., myotrophin and EGF) as well as antagonistic morphogenetic factors (e.g., soluble frizzled molecule).     

The role of the pyrimidine ring in the main chain of polyamic acids and polyimides

A comparative study of the behavior of polypyromellitamic acids based on 2,5-bis(p-aminophenyl)pyrimidine and 4,4″-diaminoterphenyl in concentrated dimethylacetamide solutions was carried out by the light-scattering method. It was shown that mutual ordering of the scattering elements is much higher for the pyrimidine-containing polyamic acids than for benzenoid polyamic acids. The Flory-Huggins parameters of the polymer-solvent interaction thus determined indicate that the polymer-polymer interactions increase when a pyrimidine ring is introduced into the polyamic acid or polyimide. Hence, the hypothesis postulating that the amide solvent is displaced by the pyrimidine ring during the shear packing of pyrimidine-containing polymers is confirmed.