Path integral quantisation of topological field theories

Conditions for quantum topological invariance of classically topological field theories in the path integral formulation are discussed. Both the three-dimensional Chern-Simons system and a Witten-type topological field theory are shown to satisfy these conditions.

Integral method for the calculation of incompressible two-dimensional transitional boundary layers

The method proposed here considers the mean flow in the transition zone as a linear combination of the laminar and turbulent boundary layer in proportions determined by the transitional intermittency, the component flows being calculated by approximate integral methods. The intermittency distribution adopted takes into account the possibility of subtransitions within the zone in the presence of strong pressure gradients. A new nondimensional spot formation rate, whose value depends on the pressure gradient, is utilized to estimate the extent of the transition zone. Onset location is determined by a correlation that takes into account freestream turbulence and facility-specific residual disturbances in test data. Extensive comparisons with available experimental results in strong pressure gradients show that the proposed method performs at least as well as differential models, in many cases better, and is always faster.

Path integral description of polymers using fractional Brownian walks

The statistical properties of fractional Brownian walks are used to construct a path integral representation of the conformations of polymers with different degrees of bond correlation. We specifically derive an expression for the distribution function of the chains’ end‐to‐end distance, and evaluate it by several independent methods, including direct evaluation of the discrete limit of the path integral, decomposition into normal modes, and solution of a partial differential equation. The distribution function is found to be Gaussian in the spatial coordinates of the monomer positions, as in the random walk description of the chain, but the contour variables, which specify the location of the monomer along the chain backbone, now depend on an index h, the degree of correlation of the fractional Brownian walk. The special case of h=1/2 corresponds to the random walk. In constructing the normal mode picture of the chain, we conjecture the existence of a theorem regarding the zeros of the Bessel function.

Professional non-neutrality: criticising the third party in psychotherapy

Using audio-recorded data from cognitive-constructivist psychotherapy, the article shows a particular institutional context in which successful professional action does not adhere to the pattern of affective neutrality which Parsons saw as an inherent component of medicine and psychotherapy. In our data, the professional’s non-neutrality functions as a tool for achieving institutional goals. The analysis focuses on the psychotherapist’s actions that convey a critical stance towards a third party with whom the patient has experienced problems. The data analysis revealed two practices of this kind of critique: (1) the therapist can confirm the critique that the patient has expressed or (2) return to the critique from which the patient has focused away. These actions are shown to build grounds for the therapist’s further actions that challenge the patient’s dysfunctional beliefs. The article suggests that in the case of psychotherapy, actions that as such might be seen as apparent lapses from the neutral professional role can in their specific context perform the task of the institution at hand.

A formula for the solution of general Abel integral equation

A new formula for the solution of the general Abel Integral equation is derived, and an important special case is checked with the known result.

A general procedure for modified crack closure integral in 3D problems with cracks

In linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM), Irwin's crack closure integral (CCI) is one of the signficant concepts for the estimation of strain energy release rates (SERR) G, in individual as well as mixed-mode configurations. For effective utilization of this concept in conjunction with the finite element method (FEM), Rybicki and Kanninen [Engng Fracture Mech. 9, 931 938 (1977)] have proposed simple and direct estimations of the CCI in terms of nodal forces and displacements in the elements forming the crack tip from a single finite element analysis instead of the conventional two configuration analyses. These modified CCI (MCCI) expressions are basically element dependent. A systematic derivation of these expressions using element stress and displacement distributions is required. In the present work, a general procedure is given for the derivation of MCCI expressions in 3D problems with cracks. Further, a concept of sub-area integration is proposed which facilitates evaluation of SERR at a large number of points along the crack front without refining the finite element mesh. Numerical data are presented for two standard problems, a thick centre-cracked tension specimen and a semi-elliptical surface crack in a thick slab. Estimates for the stress intensity factor based on MCCI expressions corresponding to eight-noded brick elements are obtained and compared with available results in the literature.

Modified Crack Closure Integral (MCCI) For 3-D Problems Using 20-Noded Brick Elements

The Modified Crack Closure Integral (MCCI) technique based on Irwin's crack closure integral concept is very effective for estimation of strain energy release rates G in individual as well as mixed-mode configurations in linear elastic fracture mechanics problems. In a finite element approach, MCCI can be evaluated in the post-processing stage in terms of nodal forces and displacements near the crack tip. The MCCI expressions are however, element dependent and require a systematic derivation using stress and displacement distributions in the crack tip elements. Earlier a general procedure was proposed by the present authors for the derivation of MCCI expressions for 3-dimensional (3-d) crack problems modelled with 8-noded brick elements. A concept of sub-area integration was proposed to estimate strain energy release rates at a large number of points along the crack front. In the present paper a similar procedure is adopted for the derivation of MCCI expressions for 3-d cracks modelled with 20-noded brick elements. Numerical results are presented for centre crack tension and edge crack shear specimens in thick slabs, showing a comparison between present results and those available in the literature.

Modified crack closure integral (MCCI) for 3-d problems using 20 noded brick elememnts

The Modified Crack Closure Integral (MCCI) technique based on Irwin's crack closure integral concept is very effective for estimation of strain energy release rates G in individual as well as mixed-mode configurations in linear elastic fracture mechanics problems. In a finite element approach, MCCI can be evaluated in the post-processing stage in terms of nodal forces and displacements near the crack tip. The MCCI expressions are however, element dependent and require a systematic derivation using stress and displacement distributions in the crack tip elements. Earlier a general procedure was proposed by the present authors for the derivation of MCCI expressions for 3-dimensional (3-d) crack problems modelled with 8-noded brick elements. A concept of sub-area integration was proposed to estimate strain energy release rates at a large number of points along the crack front. In the present paper a similar procedure is adopted for the derivation of MCCI expressions for 3-d cracks modelled with 20-noded brick elements. Numerical results are presented for centre crack tension and edge crack shear specimens in thick slabs, showing a comparison between present results and those available in the literature.

Integral treatment for the representation of thermodynamic properties in multicomponent systems using interaction parameters

The partial thermodynamic functions of the solvent component of a ternary system have been deduced in terms of the interaction parameters by integration of several series which emerge from the Maclaurin infinite series based on the integral property of the system and subjected to appropriate boundary conditions. The series integration shows that the resulting partial functions are suitable for interpreting the thermodynamic properties of the system and are independent of compositional paths. In the present analysis, the higher order terms of these series are found to make insignificant contributions.

Transmembrane domains participate in functions of integral membrane proteins

Integral membrane proteins have one or more transmembrane a-helical domains and carry out a variety of functions such as enzyme catalysis, transport across membranes, transducing signals as receptors of hormones and growth factors, and energy transfer in ATP synthesis. These transmembrane domains are not mere structural units anchoring the protein to the lipid bilayer but seem to-contribute in the overall activity. Recent findings in support of this are described using some typical examples-LDL receptor, growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, HMG-CoA reductase, F-0-ATPase and adrenergic receptors. The trends in research indicate that these transmembrane domains participate in a variety of ways such as a linker, a transducer or an exchanger in the overall functions of these proteins in transfer of materials, energy and signals.

Relation between integral and partial properties of ternary solutions along different composition trajectories

The relations between partial and integral properties of ternary solutions along composition trajectories suggested by Kohler, Colinet and Jacob, and along an arbitrary path are derived. The chemical potentials of the components are related to the slope of integral free energy by expressions involving the binary compositions generated by the intersections of the composition trajectory with the sides of the ternary triangle. Only along the Kohler composition trajectory it is possible to derive the integral free energy from the variation of the chemical potential of a single component with composition or vice versa. Along all other paths the differential of the integral free energy is related to two chemical potentials. The Gibbs-Duhem integration proposed by Darken for the ternary system uses the Kohler isogram. The relative merits of different limits for integration are discussed.

Solution of a hypersingular integral equation of the second kind

A straightforward analysis involving the complex function-theoretic method is employed to determine the closed-form solution of a special hypersingular integral equation of the second kind, and its known solution is recovered.