RNA Ligation for Mono and Dually Labeled RNAs

Labeled RNAs are invaluable probes for investigation of RNA function and localization. However, mRNA labeling remains challenging. Here, we developed an improved method for 3′-end labeling of in vitro transcribed RNAs. We synthesized novel adenosine 3′,5′-bisphosphate analogues modified at the N6 or C2 position of adenosine with an azide-containing linker, fluorescent label, or biotin and assessed these constructs as substrates for RNA labeling directly by T4 ligase or via postenzymatic strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition (SPAAC). All analogues were substrates for T4 RNA ligase. Analogues containing bulky fluorescent labels or biotin showed better overall labeling yields than postenzymatic SPAAC. We successfully labeled uncapped RNAs, NAD-capped RNAs, and 5′-fluorescently labeled m⁷Gp₃A_m-capped mRNAs. The obtained highly homogenous dually labeled mRNA was translationally active and enabled fluorescence-based monitoring of decapping. This method will facilitate the use of various functionalized mRNA-based probes.     

Characterisation of a nitrogen ECR plasma source for the MBE growth of the dilute nitride semiconductor GaAsN

The use of a nitrogen electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma source has allowed the growth of GaAsN at GaAs substrate temperatures as high as 600 °C, unlike the case for growth using radio frequency (RF) plasma sources, for which there is significant loss of nitrogen at substrate temperatures as low as 480-520 °C. Photoluminescence (PL) intensities are significantly improved at a substrate temperature of 600 °C and are further improved slightly by using an ion trap to extract charged species from the beam. As the trap voltage is increased there is a reduction in the total nitrogen concentration, as measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), and a slight increase in the active nitrogen concentration, as measured by PL. These observations are consistent, for example, with charged and active nitrogen species together being involved in the formation of point defects, however more work is needed to clarify what may well prove to be a complex situation.     

Nonlinear vibrations and time delay control of an extensible slowly rotating beam

Nonlinear Dynamics - This paper investigates the time-varying formation tracking (TVFT) problem of multiple heterogeneous Euler–Lagrange agents (MHELAs) with predefined-time convergence...     

Equations of motion of rotating composite beam with a nonconstant rotation speed and an arbitrary preset angle

In the presented paper the equations of motion of a rotating composite Timoshenko beam are derived by utilising the Hamilton principle. The non-classical effects like material anisotropy, transverse shear and both primary and secondary cross-section warpings are taken into account in the analysis. As an extension of the other papers known to the authors a nonconstant rotating speed and an arbitrary beam’s preset (pitch) angle are considered. It is shown that the resulting general equations of motion are coupled together and form a nonlinear system of PDEs. Two cases of an open and closed box-beam cross-section made of symmetric laminate are analysed in details. It is shown that considering different pitch angles there is a strong effect in coupling of flapwise bending with chordwise bending motions due to a centrifugal force. Moreover, a consequence of terms related to nonconstant rotating speed is presented. Therefore it is shown that both the variable rotating speed and nonzero pitch angle have significant impact on systems dynamics and need to be considered in modelling of rotating beams.     

Analytical and experimental investigations of an autoparametric beam structure

This paper discusses theoretical and experimental investigations of vibrations of an autoparametric system composed of two beams with rectangular cross sections. Different flexibilities in the two orthogonal directions are the specific features of the structure. Differential equations of motion and associated boundary conditions, up to third-order approximation, are derived by application of the Hamilton principle of least action. Experimental response of the system, tuned for the 1:4 internal resonance condition, are performed for random and harmonic excitations. The most important vibration modes are extracted from a real mechanical system. It is shown that certain modes in the stiff and flexible directions of both beams may interact, and, intuitively unexpected out-of-plane motion may appear. Preliminary numerical calculations, based on the mathematical model, are also presented.     

Nonlinear dynamics of self-, parametric,and externally excited oscillator with time delay: van der Pol versus Rayleigh models

The regular and chaotic vibrations of a nonlinear structure subjected to self-, parametric, and external excitations acting simultaneously are analysed in this study. Moreover, a time delay input is added to the model to control the system response. The frequency-locking phenomenon and transition to quasi-periodic oscillations via Hopf bifurcation of the second kind (Neimark–Sacker bifurcation) are determined analytically by the multiple time scales method up to the second-order perturbation. Approximate solutions of the quasi-periodic motion are determined by a second application of the multiple time scales method for the slow flow, and then, slow–slow motion is obtained. The similarities and differences between the van der Pol and Rayleigh models are demonstrated for regular, periodic, and quasi-periodic oscillations, as well as for chaotic oscillations. The control of the structural response, and modifications of the resonance curves and bifurcation points by the time delay signal are presented for selected cases.

     

Magnetorheological damping and semi-active control of an autoparametric vibration absorber

A numerical study of an application of magnetorheological (MR) damper for semi-active control is presented in this paper. The damper is mounted in the suspension of a Duffing oscillator with an attached pendulum. The MR damper with properties modelled by a hysteretic loop, is applied in order to control of the system response. Two methods for the dynamics control in the closed-loop algorithm based on the amplitude and velocity of the pendulum and the impulse on–off activation of MR damper are proposed. These concepts allow the system maintaining on a desirable attractor or, if necessary, to change a position from one attractor to another. Additionally, the detailed bifurcation analysis of the influence of MR damping on the number of periodic solutions and their stability is shown by continuation method. The influence of MR damping on the chaotic behavior is studied, as well.