Elastic constants of sodium chlorate from 77 K to 350 K

The elastic constantsC 11,C 12 and C 44 of sodium chlorate single crystal have been evaluated using 10 MHz ultrasonic pulse echo superposition technique. The values are C 11=4.90,C 12=1.39,C 44=1.17 (× 1010 N/m 2) at 298 K and 6.15, 2.16, 1.32 (×1010 N/m 2) at 77 K. The data agree well with the values measured earlier up to 223 K. Brief mention is also made of the low temperature bonding problems in these soft crystals.

Large Low-Frequency Fluctuations in the Velocity of a Driven Vortex Lattice in a Single Crystal of 2H-NbSe2 Superconductor

The driven state of a well-ordered flux line lattice in a single crystal of 2H-NbSe2 in the time domain has revealed the presence of substantial fluctuations in velocity, with large and distinct time periods (similar to seconds). A superposition of a periodic drive in the driven vortex lattice causes distinct changes in these fluctuations. We propose that prior to the onset of the peak effect there exists a heretofore unexplored regime of coherent dynamics, with unexpected behavior in velocity fluctuations.

Structure-Based Phylogeny as a Diagnostic for Functional Characterization of Proteins with a Cupin Fold

Background: The members of cupin superfamily exhibit large variations in their sequences, functions, organization of domains, quaternary associations and the nature of bound metal ion, despite having a conserved beta-barrel structural scaffold. Here, an attempt has been made to understand structure-function relationships among the members of this diverse superfamily and identify the principles governing functional diversity. The cupin superfamily also contains proteins for which the structures are available through world-wide structural genomics initiatives but characterized as ``hypothetical''. We have explored the feasibility of obtaining clues to functions of such proteins by means of comparative analysis with cupins of known structure and function. Methodology/Principal Findings: A 3-D structure-based phylogenetic approach was undertaken. Interestingly, a dendrogram generated solely on the basis of structural dissimilarity measure at the level of domain folds was found to cluster functionally similar members. This clustering also reflects an independent evolution of the two domains in bicupins. Close examination of structural superposition of members across various functional clusters reveals structural variations in regions that not only form the active site pocket but are also involved in interaction with another domain in the same polypeptide or in the oligomer. Conclusions/Significance: Structure-based phylogeny of cupins can influence identification of functions of proteins of yet unknown function with cupin fold. This approach can be extended to other proteins with a common fold that show high evolutionary divergence. This approach is expected to have an influence on the function annotation in structural genomics initiatives.

Selective detection of single-enantiomer spectrum of chiral molecules aligned in the polypeptide liquid crystalline solvent: Transition selective one-dimensional H-1-H-1 COSY

One-dimensional (1D) proton NMR spectra of enantiomers are generally undecipherable in chiral orienting poly-gamma-benzyl-L-glutamate (PBLG)/CDCl3 solvent. This arises due to large number of couplings, in addition to superposition of spectra from both the enantiomers, severely hindering the H-1 detection. On the other hand in the present study the benefit is derived front the presence of several couplings among the entire network of interacting protons. Transition selective 1D H-1-H-1 correlation experiment (1D-COSY) which utilizes the Coupling assisted transfer of magnetization not only for unraveling the overlap but also for the selective detection of enantiopure spectrum is reported. The experiment is simple, easy to implement and provides accurate eanantiomeric excess in addition to the determination of the proton-proton couplings of an enantiomer within a short experimental time (few minutes). (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Force-free equilibria of magnetized jets

Force-free equilibrium configurations of magnetic-pressure-dominated magnetized supersonic jets confined by slowly varying external pressure are investigated analytically. For the case where internal dissipation mechanisms are active, the lowest-energy field configuration is found to be the superposition of an axisymmetric mode and a helical mode with a wavelength equal to 5 times the jet radius, and the pressure below which the nonaxisymmetric mode becomes energetically favorable is given as 2700 times the product of the 4th power of the magnetic helicity per unit length and the -6th power of the magnetic flux. A model of the total and polarized emission of such a configuration is developed and applied to the extended well-collimated astronomically resolved jet NGC 6251. The model is shown to reproduce significant features such as transverse oscillations of the ridge line, width oscillations and emission knots, the projected magnetic-field configuration, oscillations of the degree of polarization, and the distribution of the Faraday rotation measure.

Three-User Cognitive Channels with Cumulative Message Sharing: An Achievable Rate Region

In this paper, an achievable rate region for the three-user discrete memoryless interference channel with asymmetric transmitter cooperation is derived. The three-user channel facilitates different ways of message sharing between the transmitters. We introduce a manner of noncausal (genie aided) unidirectional message-sharing, which we term cumulative message sharing. We consider receivers with predetermined decoding capabilities, and define a cognitive interference channel. We then derive an achievable rate region for this channel by employing a coding scheme which is a combination of superposition and Gel'fand-Pinsker coding techniques.

Hanle-Zeeman redistribution matrix. I. Classical theory expressions in the laboratory frame

Polarized scattering in spectral lines is governed by a 4; 4 matrix that describes how the Stokes vector is scattered and redistributed in frequency and direction. Here we develop the theory for this redistribution matrix in the presence of magnetic fields of arbitrary strength and direction. This general magnetic field case is called the Hanle- Zeeman regime, since it covers both of the partially overlapping weak- and strong- field regimes in which the Hanle and Zeeman effects dominate the scattering polarization. In this general regime, the angle-frequency correlations that describe the so-called partial frequency redistribution (PRD) are intimately coupled to the polarization properties. We develop the theory for the PRD redistribution matrix in this general case and explore its detailed mathematical properties and symmetries for the case of a J = 0 -> 1 -> 0 scattering transition, which can be treated in terms of time-dependent classical oscillator theory. It is shown how the redistribution matrix can be expressed as a linear superposition of coherent and noncoherent parts, each of which contain the magnetic redistribution functions that resemble the well- known Hummer- type functions. We also show how the classical theory can be extended to treat atomic and molecular scattering transitions for any combinations of quantum numbers.

Seismic passive earth pressures in soils

Seismic passive earth pressure coefficients were computed by the method of limit equilibrium using a pseudostatic approach for seismic forces. Composite curved rupture surfaces were considered in the analysis. While earlier studies using this type of analysis were mainly for sands, seismic passive earth pressure coefficients were obtained in the present study considering the effects of cohesion, surcharge, and own weight. The minimum seismic passive force was obtained by adding the individual minimum values of these components and the validity of the principle of superposition was examined. Other parameters considered in the analysis were wall batter angle, ground surface slope, soil friction angle, wall friction angle, wall adhesion to soil cohesion ratio, and horizontal and vertical seismic accelerations. The seismic earth pressure coefficients were found to be highly sensitive to the seismic acceleration coefficients both in the horizontal and vertical directions. Results of the study are presented in the form of figures and tables. Comparisons of the proposed method with available theories in the seismic case are also presented.

Cubic and ultimate groups of complete symmetry

It is shown that the systems of definite actions described by polar and axial tensors of the second rank and their combinations during the superposition of their elements of complete symmetry with the elements of complete symmetry of the "grey" cube, result in 11 cubic crystallographical groups of complete symmetry. There are 35 ultimate groups (i.e., the groups having the axes of symmetry of infinite order) in complete symmetry of finite figures. 14 out of these groups are ultimate groups of symmetry of polar and axial tensors of the second rank and 24 are new groups. All these 24 ultimate groups are conventional groups since they cannot be presented by certain finite figures possessing the axes of symmetry {Mathematical expression}. Geometrical interpretation for some of the groups of complete symmetry is given. The connection between complete symmetry and physical properties of the crystals (electrical, magnetic and optical) is shown.

The change of complete symmetry of the crystals during the phase transitions in ferroelectrics and ferromagnetics

The extension of the superposition principle of the symmetries (P. Curie principle of symmetry) for the case of complete symmetry is given. The enumeration of all crystallographical groups of complete symmetry is presented, the number of elements having complete symmetry for each class of the crystals being indicated. The change of complete symmetry of the crystals under the phase transitions is obtained by superimposing the elements of complete symmetry of polar or axial vectors on the one hand, and the elements of complete symmetry of the crystals on the other. The tables of complete symmetry changes for the cubic, rhombic, monoclinic and triclinic crystals during the ferroelectric and ferromagnetic phase transitions are given.

Raman spectra of single crystals of adipic and sebacic acids and a study of the hydrogen bond vibrations in carboxylic acid dimers

Raman spectra of single crystals of adipic and sebacic acids have been photographed for the first time using λ 2537 excitation. The spectra have been divided into four regions: (a) internal frequencies; (b) summations and overtones; (c) external vibrations; and (d) low-frequency hydrogen bond oscillations. Tentative correlations have been given for all the internal frequencies and summations and overtones. A series of diffuse weak bands observed in the spectra of both these acids in the not, vert, similar2400–2800 cm−1 have been explained as a superposition of O---H frequencies lowered due to hydrogen bond formation over the summations and overtones of fundamentals mainly in the not, vert, similar1000–1500 cm−1 region. Rotatory type of external oscillations of the two formula units of these molecules in their unit cells have been identified at 76, 99, 118 and 165 cm−1 in adipic acid and 66, 95, 117 and 177 cm−1 in the spectrum of sebacic acid. A brief discussion of the low frequency hydrogen bond vibrations in these acids has been made. Making use of the Lippincott—Schroeder potential and assuming a highly anharmonic potential curve for the hydrogen bond, the vibrational frequencies of the bond have been theoretically evaluated. There is very good agreement between these and the experimental values. The results for adipic acid in cm−1 are: 304 (0 → 1), 270 (1 → 2), 241 (2 → 3), 222 (3 → 4) 201 (4 → 5), 183 (5 → 6). In the case of sebacic acid some of the intermediate and higher transitions are absent in the spectrum recorded by the author. From the above data for adipic acid the dissociation energy of the hydrogen bond was evaluated as 5·9 kcal/mole in fair agreement with the values derived from conventional methods.

The Path to a Porous Semiconductor Multilayer

Thin films are the basis of much of recent technological advance, ranging from coatings with mechanical or optical benefits to platforms for nanoscale electronics. In the latter, semiconductors have been the norm ever since silicon became the main construction material for a multitude of electronical components. The array of characteristics of silicon-based systems can be widened by manipulating the structure of the thin films at the nanoscale - for instance, by making them porous. The different characteristics of different films can then to some extent be combined by simple superposition. Thin films can be manufactured using many different methods. One emerging field is cluster beam deposition, where aggregates of hundreds or thousands of atoms are deposited one by one to form a layer, the characteristics of which depend on the parameters of deposition. One critical parameter is deposition energy, which dictates how porous, if at all, the layer becomes. Other parameters, such as sputtering rate and aggregation conditions, have an effect on the size and consistency of the individual clusters. Understanding nanoscale processes, which cannot be observed experimentally, is fundamental to optimizing experimental techniques and inventing new possibilities for advances at this scale. Atomistic computer simulations offer a window to the world of nanometers and nanoseconds in a way unparalleled by the most accurate of microscopes. Transmission electron microscope image simulations can then bridge this gap by providing a tangible link between the simulated and the experimental. In this thesis, the entire process of cluster beam deposition is explored using molecular dynamics and image simulations. The process begins with the formation of the clusters, which is investigated for Si/Ge in an Ar atmosphere. The structure of the clusters is optimized to bring it as close to the experimental ideal as possible. Then, clusters are deposited, one by one, onto a substrate, until a sufficiently thick layer has been produced. Finally, the concept is expanded by further deposition with different parameters, resulting in multiple superimposed layers of different porosities. This work demonstrates how the aggregation of clusters is not entirely understood within the scope of the approximations used in the simulations; yet, it is also shown how the continued deposition of clusters with a varying deposition energy can lead to a novel kind of nanostructured thin film: a multielemental porous multilayer. According to theory, these new structures have characteristics that can be tailored for a variety of applications, with precision heretofore unseen in conventional multilayer manufacture.

Wave algorithms:Optimal database search and catalysis

Grover's database search algorithm, although discovered in the context of quantum computation, can be implemented using any physical system that allows superposition of states. A physical realization of this algorithm is described using coupled simple harmonic oscillators, which can be exactly solved in both classical and quantum domains. Classical wave algorithms are far more stable against decoherence compared to their quantum counterparts. In addition to providing convenient demonstration models, they may have a role in practical situations, such as catalysis.

Information Theoretic Results for Three-User Cognitive Channels

In this paper, we introduce the three-user cognitive radio channels with asymmetric transmitter cooperation, and derive achievable rate regions under several scenarios depending on the type of cooperation and decoding capability at the receivers. Two of the most natural cooperation mechanisms for the three-user channel are considered here: cumulative message sharing (CMS) and primary-only message sharing (PMS). In addition to the message sharing mechanism, the achievable rate region is critically dependent on the decoding capability at the receivers. Here, we consider two scenarios for the decoding capability, and derive an achievable rate region for each one of them by employing a combination of superposition and Gel'fand-Pinsker coding techniques. Finally, to provide a numerical example, we consider the Gaussian channel model to plot the rate regions. In terms of achievable rates, CMS turns out to be a better scheme than PMS. However, the practical aspects of implementing such message-sharing schemes remain to be investigated.

Implications of rapid footpoint motions of photospheric flux tubes for coronal heating

Some recent observations at Pic-du-Midi (Mulleret al., 1992a) suggest that the photospheric footpoints of coronal magnetic field lines occasionally move rapidly with typical velocities of the order 3 km s–1 for about 3 or 4 min. We argue that such occasional rapid footpoint motions could have a profound impact on the heating of the quiet corona. Qualitative estimates indicate that these occasional rapid motions can account for the entire energy flux needed to heat the quiet corona. We therefore carry out a mathematical analysis to study in detail the response of a vertical thin flux tube to photospheric footpoint motions in terms of a superposition of linear kink modes for an isothermal atmosphere. We find the resulting total energy that is asymptotically injected into an isothermal atmosphere (i.e., an atmosphere without any back reflection). By using typical parameter values for fast and slow footpoint motions, we show that, even if the footpoints spend only 2.5% of the time undergoing rapid motions, still these rapid motions could be more efficient in transporting energy to the corona than the slow motions that take place most of the time.