Raman spectrum of triglycine selenate (G3Se), [(NH2CH2COOH)3 H2SeO4]

The Raman spectrum of a single crystal of triglycine selenate G3Se which is ferroelectric below 22° C. has been photographed using λ 2537 excitation. 42 Raman lines have been recorded of which 6 belong to the lattice spectrum, 3 are due to NH...O oscillations and the remaining 33 are due to internal oscillations of the ions of glycine and SeO4--. There is a close similarity between the spectrum of triglycine selenate and the spectrum of its isomorph, triglycine sulphate, the frequency shifts due to the SO4-- ion being replaced by the frequency shifts due to the SeO4-- ion. The existence of glycine in the zwitterion form in the structure of G3Se is substantiated by the appearance in the Raman spectrum of lines which are attributable to NH3+ groups and COO- groups. The appearance of the additional C-H line at 2982 cm.-1 in the spectrum of triglycine selenate which is absent in the spectrum of α-glycine indicates the existence of planar monoprotonated glycine also in the structure, as indicated by X-ray studies.

Precision Measurement of the X(3872) Mass in J/ψπ+π- Decays

We present an analysis of the mass of the X(3872) reconstructed via its decay to J/psi pi+ pi- using 2.4 fb^-1 of integrated luminosity from ppbar collisions at sqrt(s) = 1.96 TeV, collected with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. The possible existence of two nearby mass states is investigated. Within the limits of our experimental resolution the data are consistent with a single state, and having no evidence for two states we set upper limits on the mass difference between two hypothetical states for different assumed ratios of contributions to the observed peak. For equal contributions, the 95% confidence level upper limit on the mass difference is 3.6 MeV/c^2. Under the single-state model the X(3872) mass is measured to be 3871.61 +- 0.16 (stat) +- 0.19 (syst) MeV/c^2, which is the most precise determination to date.

Evaluation of solute-solvent interactions from solvent blue-shifts of n → π* transitions of C=O, C=S, NO2 and N=N groups: hydrogen bond energies of various donor-acceptor systems

Effects of non-polar, polar and proton-donating solvents on the n → π* transitions of C=O, C=S, NO2 and N=N groups have been investigated. The shifts of the absorption maxima in non-polar and polar solvents have been related to the electrostatic interactions between solute and solvent molecules, by employing the theory of McRAE. In solvents which can donate protons the solvent shifts are mainly determined by solute-solvent hydrogen bonding. Isobestic points have been found in the n → π* bonds of ethylenetrithio-carbonate in heptane-alcohol and heptane-chloroform solvent systems, indicating the existence of equilibria between the hydrogen bonded and the free species of the solute. Among the different proton-donating solvents studied water produces the largest blue-shifts. The blue-shifts in alcohols decrease in the order 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol and t-butanol, the blue-shift in trifluoroethanol being nearly equal to that in water. This trend is exactly opposite to that for the self-association of alcohols. It is suggested that electron-withdrawing groups not merely decrease the extent of self-association of alcohols, but also increase the ability to donate hydrogen bonds. The approximate hydrogen-bond energies for several donor-acceptor systems have been estimated. In a series of aliphatio ketones and nitro compounds studied, the blue-shifts and consequently the hydrogen bond energies decrease with the decrease in the electron-withdrawing power of the alkyl groups. It is felt that electron-withdrawing groups render the chromophores better proton acceptors, and the alcohols better donors. A linear relationship between n → π* transition frequency and the infrared frequency of ethylenetrithiocarbonate has been found. It is concluded that stabilization of the electronic ground states of solute molecules by electrostatic and/or hydrogen-bond interactions determines the solvent shifts.

Influence of Oxide Particle Network Morphology on Ion Solvation and Transport in ``Soggy Sand''Electrolytes

The role of oxide surface chemical composition and solvent on ion solvation and ion transport of ``soggy sand'' electrolytes are discussed here. A ``soggy sand'' electrolyte system comprising dispersions of hydrophilic/hydrophobic functionalized aerosil silica in lithium perchlorate methoxy polyethylene glycol solution was employed for the study. Static and dynamic rheology measurements show formation of an attractive particle network in the case of the composite with unmodified aerosil silica (i.e., with surface silanol groups) as well as composites with hydrophobic alkane groups. While particle network in the composite with hydrophilic aerosil silica (unmodified) were due to hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic aerosil silica particles were held together via van der Waals forces. The network strength in the latter case (i.e., for hydrophobic composites) were weaker compared with the composite with unmodified aerosil silica. Both unmodified silica as well as hydrophobic silica composites displayed solid-like mechanical strength. No enhancement in ionic conductivity compared to the liquid electrolyte was observed in the case of the unmodified silica. This was attributed to the existence of a very strong particle network, which led to the ``expulsion'' of all conducting entities from the interfacial region between adjacent particles. The ionic conductivity for composites with hydrophobic aerosil particles displayed ionic conductivity dependent on the size of the hydrophobic chemical moiety. No spanning attractive particle network was observed for aerosil particles with surfaces modified with stronger hydrophilic groups (than silanol). The composite resembled a sol, and no percolation in ionic conductivity was observed.

Oscillations of a three-component assembly with or without magnetic field

The plasma is taken to be composed of singly ionized molecules, free electrons and neutral molecules, each of the component being described by the hydromagnetic equations, modified to take into account the displacement current, existence of free charge in the medium, and the modified current equation without involving the scalar conductivity. The basic equations are linearized and only small amplitude waves are considered. In the absence of any external magnetic field, the transverse and longitudinal modes of oscillation separate out. In the transverse part a coupled plasma oscillation occurs which could be propagated only above a certain critical frequency and in the longitudinal part one extraordinary mode of propagation occurs having a forbidden range of frequencies. When there is an external applied magnetic field, ordinary and extraordinary waves are propagated along the direction of the magnetic field, whereas only ordinary waves are propagated transverse to the magnetic field. The critical frequencies above which these waves are propagated are evaluated and, the possible explanation of this medium like behaviour could be the implicit assumption of conductivity being not a scalar.

The Raman spectra of organic compounds -Part I. Methyl, ethyl, n-propyl and n-butyl alcohols

The Raman spectra of methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, n-propyl alcohol and n-butyl alcohol have been recorded using λ 2537 excitation. 35, 49, 45 and 51 Raman lines respectively have been identified in the spectra of these alcohols, in addition to the rotational 'wings'. In each case, a large number of additional lines have been recorded. The existence of Raman lines with frequency shifts greater than 3800 cm.-1, first reported by Bolla in the spectrum of ethyl alcohol, has been confirmed. Similar high-frequency shift Raman lines have also been recorded in the spectrum of methyl alcohol. They have been assigned as combinations. Proper assignments have been given for the prominent Raman lines appearing in the spectra of these alcohols.

A study of the slow reaction in Al-5 wt.% Ag alloy by resistivity measurements

The slow reaction in an Al-5 wt.% Ag alloy has been investigated by resistivity measurements. The "slope change" method gave an activation energy of 1.25 eV for silver diffusion during the slow reaction. The existence of an excess concentration of vacancies in equilibrium with the dislocation loops seems to be responsible for the slow reaction. The presence of silver inhibits the nucleation of dislocation loops by holding up the quenched-in vacancies in solution. There is no indication of the presence of a third stage in the low-temperature ageing process of this alloy.

Dynamics of Stick-Slip: Some Universal and Not So Universal Features

Stick-slip is usually observed in driven dissipative threshold systems. In these set of lectures, we discuss, some generic and system specific features of stickslip systems by considering a few examples wherein there has been some progress in understanding the associated dynamics. In most stick slip systems, both at low and high drive rates, the system slides smoothly, but within a window of drive rates, the motion becomes intermittent; the system alternately “sticks” till the stress builds up to a threshold value, and then “slips” when the stress is rapidly released. This intermittent motion can be traced to the existence of an unstable branch separating the two resistive branches in the force-drive-rate relation. While the two resistive branches are experimentally measurable, the unstable branch is usually not measurable and is only inferred.

A Comparison of Managers’ Perception of Short-Termism in Finland, Sweden and the U.S

Increased media exposure to layoffs and corporate quarterly financial reporting have created arguable a common perception – especially favored by the media itself – that the companies have been forced to improve their financial performance from quarter to quarter. Academically the relevant question is whether companies themselves feel that they are exposed to short-term pressure to perform even if it means that they have to compromise company’s long-term future. This paper studies this issue using results from a survey conducted among the 500 largest companies in Finland. The results show that companies in general feel moderate short-term pressure, with reasonable dispersion across firms. There seems to be a link between the degree of pressure felt, and the firm’s ownership structure, i.e. we find support for the existence of short-term versus long-term owners. We also find significant ownership related differences, in line with expectations, in how such short-term pressure is reflected in actual decision variables such as the investment criteria used.

Mechanism of glycine uptake by the silk glands of the silkworm Bombyx mori L.

The transport of glycine in vitro into the silk glands of the silkworm has been studied. Glycine accumulates inside the tissue to a concentration higher than that present outside, indicating an active transport mechanism. The kinetics of uptake show a biphasic curve and two apparent Km values for accumulation, 0.33 mM and 5.00 mM. The effect of inhibitors on the energy metabolism of glycine transport is inconclusive. Exchange studies indicate the existence of two pools inside the gland, one that is easily removed by exchange and osmotic shock, and the other which is not. The results obtained conform with the carrier model of Britten and McClure concerning the amino-acid pool in E. coli.

Natural modes of a coupled non-linear system

The natural modes of a non-linear system with two degrees of freedom are investigated. The system, which may contain either hard or soft springs, is shown to possess three modes of vibration one of which does not have any counterpart in the linear theory. The stability analysis indicates the existence of seven different modal stability patterns depending on the values of two parameters of non-linearity.

The Finnish Leadership Style in Transition - A Study of Leadership Criteria in the Insurance Business, 1997-2004 (summary section only)

The aim of the study was to explore the importance of evaluating leadership criteria in Finland at leader/subordinate levels of the insurance industry. The overall purpose of the thesis is tackled and analyzed from two different perspectives: - by examining the importance of the leadership criteria and style of Finnish insurance business leaders and their subordinates - by examining the opinions of insurance business leaders regarding leadership criteria in two culturally different countries: the US and Finland. This thesis consists of three published articles that scrutinise the focal phenomena both theoretically and empirically. The main results of the study do not lend support to the existence of a universal model of leadership criteria in the insurance business. As a matter of fact, the possible model seems to be based more on the special organizational and cultural circumstances of the country in question. The leadership criteria seem to be quite stable irrespective of the comparatively short research time period (3–5 years) and hierarchical level (subordinate/leader). Leaders have major difficulties in changing their leadership style. In fact, in order to bring about an efficient organizational change in the company you have to alternate the leader. The cultural dimensions (cooperation and monitoring) identified by Finnish subordinates were mostly in line with those of their managers, whilst emphasizing more the aspect of monitoring employees, which could be seen from their point of view as another element of managers’ optimizing/efficiency requirements. In Finnish surveys the strong emphasis on cooperation and mutual trust become apparent by both subordinates and managers. The basic problem is still how to emphasize and balance them in real life in such a way that both parties are happy to work together on a common basis. The American surveys suggests hypothetically that in a soft market period (buyer’s market) managers employ a more relationship-oriented leadership style and correspondingly adapt their leadership style to a more task-oriented approach in a hard market phase (seller’s market). In making business better Finnish insurance managers could probably concentrate more on task-oriented items such as reviewing, budgeting, monitoring and goal-orientation. The study also suggests that the social safety net of the European welfare state ideology has so far shielded the culture-specific sense of social responsibility of Finnish managers from the hazards of free competition and globalization.

The evolution of microstructure in the undercooled Zn-Sn entrained droplets

The existence of a metastable miscibility gap has been indicated from the metastable phase diagram of the Zn-Sn system calculated using regular solution and Krupkowski's models. To validate this phenomenon experimentally, the entrained droplet technique was used to achieve high undercooling and to access the metastable regions. The microstructural analysis confirms the miscibility gap and the associated monotectic reaction. Evidence is also presented for a possible massive solidification of the undercooled melt.

Behaviour of Bi-adhesive Joints

The use of relatively low modulus adhesive at the ends of overlap in a bi-adhesive bondline of a bonded joint can reduce the stress concentration significantly and, therefore, potentially lead to higher strength of the joint. This study presents the two-dimensional and three-dimensional nonlinear (geometric and material) finite element analyses of adhesively bonded single lap joints having modulus-graded bondline under monotonic loading conditions. The adhesives were modelled as an elasto-plastic multi-linear material, while the substrates were regarded as both linear elastic and bi-linear elasto-plastic material. The computational simulations have been performed to investigate the bondline behaviour by studying the stress and strain distributions both at the mid-plane as well as at the interface of the bondline. It has been observed that the static strength is higher for joints with bi-adhesive bondlines compared to those with single adhesives in bondline. Higher joint strength has also been observed for optimum bi-adhesive bondline ratio through parametric studies. Effects of load level, and bondline thickness on stress distribution in the bi-adhesive bondline have also been studied. 3D analysis results reveal the existence of complex multi-axial stress/strain state at the ends of the overlap in the bondline which cannot be observed in 2D plane strain analysis. About 1/3rd of the width of the joint from the free edge in the width direction has 3D stress state, especially in the compliant adhesive of the bondline. Magnitudes of longitudinal and lateral stress/strain components are comparable to peel stress/strain components. It has also been analytically shown that the in-plane global stiffness of the joint remains unaffected by modulus gradation of the bondline adhesive. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2010.

Optimal design of multiproduct batch chemical plant using NSGA-II

The optimal design of a multiproduct batch chemical plant is formulated as a multiobjective optimization problem, and the resulting constrained mixed-integer nonlinear program (MINLP) is solved by the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm approach (NSGA-II). By putting bounds on the objective function values, the constrained MINLP problem can be solved efficiently by NSGA-II to generate a set of feasible nondominated solutions in the range desired by the decision-maker in a single run of the algorithm. The evolution of the entire set of nondominated solutions helps the decision-maker to make a better choice of the appropriate design from among several alternatives. The large set of solutions also provides a rich source of excellent initial guesses for solution of the same problem by alternative approaches to achieve any specific target for the objective functions