Suppression of chaos at slow variables by rapidly mixing fast dynamics through linear energy-preserving coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abramov, R. V.

2011-12-01

Chaotic multiscale dynamical systems are common in many areas of science, one of the examples being the interaction of the low-frequency dynamics in the atmosphere with the fast turbulent weather dynamics. One of the key questions about chaotic multiscale systems is how the fast dynamics affects chaos at the slow variables, and, therefore, impacts uncertainty and predictability of the slow dynamics. Here we demonstrate that the linear slow-fast coupling with the total energy conservation property promotes the suppression of chaos at the slow variables through the rapid mixing at the fast variables, both theoretically and through numerical simulations. A suitable mathematical framework is developed, connecting the slow dynamics on the tangent subspaces to the infinite-time linear response of the mean state to a constant external forcing at the fast variables. Additionally, it is shown that the uncoupled dynamics for the slow variables may remain chaotic while the complete multiscale system loses chaos and becomes completely predictable at the slow variables through increasing chaos and turbulence at the fast variables. This result contradicts the common sense intuition, where, naturally, one would think that coupling a slow weakly chaotic system with another much faster and much stronger chaotic system would result in general increase of chaos at the slow variables.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stefek, T.; Daugherty, W.; Estochen, E.

Compaction of lower layers in the fiberboard assembly has been observed in 9975 packages that contain elevated moisture. Lab testing has resulted in a better understanding of the relationship between the fiberboard moisture level and compaction of the lower fiberboard assembly, and the behavior of the fiberboard during transport. In laboratory tests of cane fiberboard, higher moisture content has been shown to correspond to higher total compaction, greater rate of compaction, and continued compaction over a longer period of time. In addition, laboratory tests have shown that the application of a dynamic load results in higher fiberboard compaction compared tomore » a static load. The test conditions and sample geometric/loading configurations were chosen to simulate the regulatory requirements for 9975 package input dynamic loading. Dynamic testing was conducted to acquire immediate and cumulative changes in geometric data for various moisture levels. Two sample sets have undergone a complete dynamic test regimen, one set for 27 weeks, and the second set for 47 weeks. The dynamic input, data acquisition, test effects on sample dynamic parameters, and results from this test program are summarized and compared to regulatory specifications for dynamic loading. Compaction of the bottom fiberboard layers due to the accumulation of moisture is one possible cause of an increase in the axial gap at the top of the package. The net compaction of the bottom layers will directly add to the axial gap. The moisture which caused this compaction migrated from the middle region of the fiberboard assembly (which is typically the hottest). This will cause the middle region to shrink axially, which will also contribute directly to the axial gap. Measurement of the axial gap provides a screening tool for identifying significant change in the fiberboard condition. The data in this report provide a basis to evaluate the impact of moisture and fiberboard compaction on 9975 package performance during storage at the Savannah River Site (SRS).« less

Dynamics of Mass Transfer in Wide Symbiotic Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Val-Borro, Miguel; Karovska, M.; Sasselov, D.

2010-01-01

We investigate the formation of accretion disks around the secondary in detached systems consisting of an Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) star and a compact accreting companion as a function of mass loss rate and orbital parameters. In particular, we study winds from late-type stars that are gravitationally focused by a companion in a wide binary system using hydrodynamical simulations. For a typical slow and massive wind from an evolved star there is a stream flow between the stars with accretion rates of a few percent of the mass loss from the primary. Mass transfer through a focused wind is an important mechanism for a broad range of interacting binary systems and can explain the formation of Barium stars and other chemically peculiar stars.

Slow sedimentary processes on-a-chip: experiments on porous flow effects on granular bed creep

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houssais, M.; Maldarelli, C.; Shattuck, M.; Morris, J. F.

2017-12-01

Steep soils dynamics is hard to catch. they exhibit very slow granular creep most of the time, and sometimes, mostly under or after rain, turn into a landslide, a very fast avalanche flow.The conditions of transition from soil creep to avalanching remains a lot non-understood, and Safe Factor law (empirical criteria, function of rain intensity and duration). On another side, in marine fast deposition environments, compaction drives vertical porous flow, which makes bed shear resistance change, and form over time bed size patterns (pipes, dishes) or mechanical heterogeneities.Capturing how the slow creep dynamics depends on the porous flow would allow for much more accurate landscape evolution modeling.We present here preliminary results of an experimental investigation of one the major triggering condition for soils destabilization: rain infiltration, and more generally porous flow through a tilted granular bed. In a quasi-2D microfluidics channel, a flat sediment bed made of spherical particles is prepared, in fully submerged condition. It is thereafter tilted (at slope under critical slope of avalanching) and simultaneously put under vertical weak porous flow (well under the critical flow of liquefaction regarding positive pressure gradients). The two control parameters are varied, and local particles concentration and motion are measured. Interestingly, although staying in the sub-critical creeping regime, we observe an acceleration of the bed deformation downward, as the porous flow and the bed slope are increased, until the criteria for avalanching is reached. Those results appear to present similitudes with the case of tilted dry sediment bed under controlled vibrations. Consequently it opens the discussion about a potential universal model of landslides triggering due to frequent seismological and rainstorm events.

Suppression of chaos at slow variables by rapidly mixing fast dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abramov, R.

2012-04-01

One of the key questions about chaotic multiscale systems is how the fast dynamics affects chaos at the slow variables, and, therefore, impacts uncertainty and predictability of the slow dynamics. Here we demonstrate that the linear slow-fast coupling with the total energy conservation property promotes the suppression of chaos at the slow variables through the rapid mixing at the fast variables, both theoretically and through numerical simulations. A suitable mathematical framework is developed, connecting the slow dynamics on the tangent subspaces to the infinite-time linear response of the mean state to a constant external forcing at the fast variables. Additionally, it is shown that the uncoupled dynamics for the slow variables may remain chaotic while the complete multiscale system loses chaos and becomes completely predictable at the slow variables through increasing chaos and turbulence at the fast variables. This result contradicts the common sense intuition, where, naturally, one would think that coupling a slow weakly chaotic system with another much faster and much stronger mixing system would result in general increase of chaos at the slow variables.

Laser diode stack beam shaping for efficient and compact long-range laser illuminator design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lutz, Y.; Poyet, J. M.

2014-04-01

Laser diode stacks are interesting laser sources for active imaging illuminators. They allow the accumulation of large amounts of energy in multi-pulse mode, which is best suited for long-range image recording. Even when the laser diode stacks are equipped with fast-axis collimation (FAC) and slow-axis collimation (SAC) micro-lenses, their beam parameter products BPP are not compatible with direct use in highly efficient and compact illuminators. This is particularly true when narrow divergences are required such as for long-range applications. A solution to overcome these difficulties is to enhance the poor slow-axis BPP by virtually restacking the laser diode stack. We present a beam shaping and homogenization method that is low-cost and efficient and has low alignment sensitivity. After conducting simulations, we have realized and characterized the illuminator. A compact long-range laser illuminator has been set up with a divergence of 3.5×2.6 mrad and a global efficiency of 81%. Here, a projection lens with a clear aperture of 62 mm and a focal length of 571 mm was used.

Simulation of ring polymer melts with GPU acceleration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schram, R. D.; Barkema, G. T.

2018-06-01

We implemented the elastic lattice polymer model on the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and show that the GPU is very efficient for polymer simulations of dense polymer melts. The implementation is able to perform up to 4.1 ṡ109 Monte Carlo moves per second. Compared to our standard CPU implementation, we find an effective speed-up of a factor 92. Using this GPU implementation we studied the equilibrium properties and the dynamics of non-concatenated ring polymers in a melt of such polymers, using Rouse modes. With increasing polymer length, we found a very slow transition to compactness with a growth exponent ν ≈ 1 / 3. Numerically we find that the longest internal time scale of the polymer scales as N3.1, with N the molecular weight of the ring polymer.

Compact toroid generation, lifetime, and stability studies in linear reversed-field theta pinch geometries, (TRX-1): Second annual and final report, June 1981-March 1983

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hoffman, A.L.; Slough, J.T.

1983-09-01

Four major areas have been investigated in the triggered reconnection experiment (TRX) program. These areas are flux trapping; formation (reconnection and axial dynamics); stability; and lifetime. This report describes the progress in each of these areas. Flux trapping for relatively slow field reversal rates due to the formation of a wall sheath has been accomplished and techniques have been developed for both triggered and programmed reconnection and the formation process has been optimized for maximum flux retention. Rotational n=2 instability has been controlled through the use of octopole barrier fields and long particle lifetimes have been achieved through optimization ofmore » the formation process. 46 refs., 63 figs., 4 tabs. (FI)« less

Special Provisions for Intelligent Compaction of Stabilized Soil Subgrades

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-12-30

Slowing the deterioration of highway infrastructure, reducing carbon emissions, conserving resources, repurposing industrial waste-this Exploratory Advanced Research (EAR) Program project is pursuing multiple benefits through a unique experimental ap...

Changes in microtubule stability and density in myelin-deficient shiverer mouse CNS axons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kirkpatrick, L. L.; Witt, A. S.; Payne, H. R.; Shine, H. D.; Brady, S. T.

2001-01-01

Altered axon-Schwann cell interactions in PNS myelin-deficient Trembler mice result in changed axonal transport rates, neurofilament and microtubule-associated protein phosphorylation, neurofilament density, and microtubule stability. To determine whether PNS and CNS myelination have equivalent effects on axons, neurofilaments, and microtubules in CNS, myelin-deficient shiverer axons were examined. The genetic defect in shiverer is a deletion in the myelin basic protein (MBP) gene, an essential component of CNS myelin. As a result, shiverer mice have little or no compact CNS myelin. Slow axonal transport rates in shiverer CNS axons were significantly increased, in contrast to the slowing in demyelinated PNS nerves. Even more striking were substantial changes in the composition and properties of microtubules in shiverer CNS axons. The density of axonal microtubules is increased, reflecting increased expression of tubulin in shiverer, and the stability of microtubules is drastically reduced in shiverer axons. Shiverer transgenic mice with two copies of a wild-type myelin basic protein transgene have an intermediate level of compact myelin, making it possible to determine whether the actual level of compact myelin is an important regulator of axonal microtubules. Both increased microtubule density and reduced microtubule stability were still observed in transgenic mouse nerves, indicating that signals beyond synaptogenesis and the mere presence of compact myelin are required for normal regulation of the axonal microtubule cytoskeleton.

Effects of alcohols on the stability and low-frequency local motions that control the slow changes in structural dynamics of ferrocytochrome c.

PubMed

Jain, Rishu; Sharma, Deepak; Kumar, Rajesh

2013-10-01

To determine the effects of alcohols on the low-frequency local motions that control slow changes in structural dynamics of native-like compact states of proteins, we have studied the effects of alcohols on structural fluctuation of M80-containing Ω-loop by measuring the rate of thermally driven CO dissociation from a natively folded carbonmonoxycytochrome c under varying concentrations of alcohols (methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 3°-butanol, 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol). As alcohol is increased, the rate coefficient of CO dissociation (k(diss)) first decreases in subdenaturing region and then increases on going from subdenaturing to denaturing milieu. This decrease in k(diss) is more for 2,2,2-trifluroethanol and 1-propanol and least for methanol, indicating that the first phase of motional constraint is due to the hydrophobicity of alcohols and intramolecular protein cross-linking effect of alcohols, which results in conformational entropy loss of protein. The thermal denaturation midpoint for ferrocytochrome c decreases with increase in alcohol, indicating that alcohol decrease the global stability of protein. The stabilization free energy (ΔΔG) in alcohols' solution was calculated from the slope of the Wyman-Tanford plot and water activity. The m-values obtained from the slope of ΔΔG versus alcohols plot were found to be more negative for longer and linear chain alcohols, indicating destabilization of proteins by alcohols through disturbance of hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding.

Chemical consequences of compaction within the freezing front of a crystallizing magma ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hier-Majumder, S.; Hirschmann, M. M.

2013-12-01

The thermal and compositional evolution of planetary magma oceans have profound influences on the early development and differentiation of terrestrial planets. During crystallization, rejection of elements incompatible in precipitating solids leads to petrologic and geochemical planetary differentiation, including potentially development of a compositionally stratified early mantle and evolution of thick overlying atmospheres. In cases of extremely efficient segregation of melt and crystals, solidified early mantles can be nearly devoid of key incompatible species including heat-producing (U, Th, K) and volatile (H,C,N,& noble gas) elements. A key structural component of a crystallizing magma ocean is the partially molten freezing front. The dynamics of this region influences the distribution of incompatible elements between the earliest mantle and the initial surficial reservoirs. It also can be the locus of heating owing to the dissipation of large amounts of tidal energy potentially available from the early Moon. The dynamics are influenced by the solidification rate, which is coupled to the liberation of volatiles owing to the modulating greenhouse effects in the overlying thick atmosphere. Compaction and melt retention in the freezing front of a magma ocean has received little previous attention. While the front advances during the course of crystallization, coupled conservation of mass, momentum, and energy within the front controls distribution and retention of melt within this layer. Due to compaction within this layer, melt distribution is far from uniform, and the fraction of melt trapped within this front depends on the rate of freezing of the magma ocean. During phases of rapid freezing, high amount of trapped melt within the freezing front retains a larger quantity of dissolved volatiles and the reverse is true during slow periods of crystallization. Similar effects are known from inferred trapped liquid fractions in layered mafic intrusions. Here we develop a simple 1-D model of melt retention in the freezing front of a crystallizing magma ocean, and apply it to the thermal and chemical evolution of the early Earth.

Direct slow-light excitation in photonic crystal waveguides forming ultra-compact splitters.

PubMed

Zhang, Min; Groothoff, Nathaniel; Krüger, Asger Christian; Shi, Peixing; Kristensen, Martin

2011-04-11

Based on a series of 1x2 beam splitters, novel direct excitation of slow-light from input- to output-region in photonic crystal waveguides is investigated theoretically and experimentally. The study shows that the slow-light excitation provides over 50 nm bandwidth for TE-polarized light splitting between two output ports, and co-exists together with self-imaging leading to ~20 nm extra bandwidth. The intensity of the direct excitation is qualitatively explained by the overlap integral of the magnetic fields between the ground input- and excited output-modes. The direct excitation of slow light is practically lossless compared with transmission in a W1 photonic crystal waveguides, which broadens the application-field for slow-light and further minimizes the size of a 1x2 splitter. © 2011 Optical Society of America

Complex dynamics of memristive circuits: Analytical results and universal slow relaxation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caravelli, F.; Traversa, F. L.; Di Ventra, M.

2017-02-01

Networks with memristive elements (resistors with memory) are being explored for a variety of applications ranging from unconventional computing to models of the brain. However, analytical results that highlight the role of the graph connectivity on the memory dynamics are still few, thus limiting our understanding of these important dynamical systems. In this paper, we derive an exact matrix equation of motion that takes into account all the network constraints of a purely memristive circuit, and we employ it to derive analytical results regarding its relaxation properties. We are able to describe the memory evolution in terms of orthogonal projection operators onto the subspace of fundamental loop space of the underlying circuit. This orthogonal projection explicitly reveals the coupling between the spatial and temporal sectors of the memristive circuits and compactly describes the circuit topology. For the case of disordered graphs, we are able to explain the emergence of a power-law relaxation as a superposition of exponential relaxation times with a broad range of scales using random matrices. This power law is also universal, namely independent of the topology of the underlying graph but dependent only on the density of loops. In the case of circuits subject to alternating voltage instead, we are able to obtain an approximate solution of the dynamics, which is tested against a specific network topology. These results suggest a much richer dynamics of memristive networks than previously considered.

Generalized slow roll in the unified effective field theory of inflation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motohashi, Hayato; Hu, Wayne

2017-07-01

We provide a compact and unified treatment of power spectrum observables for the effective field theory (EFT) of inflation with the complete set of operators that lead to second-order equations of motion in metric perturbations in both space and time derivatives, including Horndeski and Gleyzes-Langlois-Piazza-Vernizzi theories. We relate the EFT operators in ADM form to the four additional free functions of time in the scalar and tensor equations. Using the generalized slow-roll formalism, we show that each power spectrum can be described by an integral over a single source that is a function of its respective sound horizon. With this correspondence, existing model independent constraints on the source function can be simply reinterpreted in the more general inflationary context. By expanding these sources around an optimized freeze-out epoch, we also provide characterizations of these spectra in terms of five slow-roll hierarchies whose leading-order forms are compact and accurate as long as EFT coefficients vary only on time scales greater than an e -fold. We also clarify the relationship between the unitary gauge observables employed in the EFT and the comoving gauge observables of the postinflationary universe.

Analysis of laboratory compaction methods of roller compacted concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trtík, Tomáš; Chylík, Roman; Bílý, Petr; Fládr, Josef

2017-09-01

Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC) is an ordinary concrete poured and compacted with machines typically used for laying of asphalt road layers. One of the problems connected with this technology is preparation of representative samples in the laboratory. The aim of this work was to analyse two methods of preparation of RCC laboratory samples with bulk density as the comparative parameter. The first method used dynamic compaction by pneumatic hammer. The second method of compaction had a static character. The specimens were loaded by precisely defined force in laboratory loading machine to create the same conditions as during static rolling (in the Czech Republic, only static rolling is commonly used). Bulk densities obtained by the two compaction methods were compared with core drills extracted from real RCC structure. The results have shown that the samples produced by pneumatic hammer tend to overestimate the bulk density of the material. For both compaction methods, immediate bearing index test was performed to verify the quality of compaction. A fundamental difference between static and dynamic compaction was identified. In static compaction, initial resistance to penetration of the mandrel was higher, after exceeding certain limit the resistance was constant. This means that the samples were well compacted just on the surface. Specimens made by pneumatic hammer actively resisted throughout the test, the whole volume was uniformly compacted.

Slowing DNA Translocation in a Nanofluidic Field-Effect Transistor.

PubMed

Liu, Yifan; Yobas, Levent

2016-04-26

Here, we present an experimental demonstration of slowing DNA translocation across a nanochannel by modulating the channel surface charge through an externally applied gate bias. The experiments were performed on a nanofluidic field-effect transistor, which is a monolithic integrated platform featuring a 50 nm-diameter in-plane alumina nanocapillary whose entire length is surrounded by a gate electrode. The field-effect transistor behavior was validated on the gating of ionic conductance and protein transport. The gating of DNA translocation was subsequently studied by measuring discrete current dips associated with single λ-DNA translocation events under a source-to-drain bias of 1 V. The translocation speeds under various gate bias conditions were extracted by fitting event histograms of the measured translocation time to the first passage time distributions obtained from a simple 1D biased diffusion model. A positive gate bias was observed to slow the translocation of single λ-DNA chains markedly; the translocation speed was reduced by an order of magnitude from 18.4 mm/s obtained under a floating gate down to 1.33 mm/s under a positive gate bias of 9 V. Therefore, a dynamic and flexible regulation of the DNA translocation speed, which is vital for single-molecule sequencing, can be achieved on this device by simply tuning the gate bias. The device is realized in a conventional semiconductor microfabrication process without the requirement of advanced lithography, and can be potentially further developed into a compact electronic single-molecule sequencer.

Dynamic Stall Suppression Using Combustion-Powered Actuation (COMPACT)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matalanis, Claude G.; Bowles, Patrick O.; Jee, Solkeun; Min, Byung-Young; Kuczek, Andrzej E.; Croteau, Paul F.; Wake, Brian E.; Crittenden, Thomas; Glezer, Ari; Lorber, Peter F.

2016-01-01

Retreating blade stall is a well-known phenomenon that limits rotorcraft speed, maneuverability, and efficiency. Airfoil dynamic stall is a simpler problem, which demonstrates many of the same flow phenomena. Combustion Powered Actuation (COMPACT) is an active flow control technology, which at the outset of this work, had been shown to mitigate static and dynamic stall at low Mach numbers. The attributes of this technology suggested strong potential for success at higher Mach numbers, but such experiments had never been conducted. The work detailed in this report documents a 3-year effort focused on assessing the effectiveness of COMPACT for dynamic stall suppression at freestream conditions up to Mach 0.5. The work done has focused on implementing COMPACT on a high-lift rotorcraft airfoil: the VR-12. This selection was made in order to ensure that any measured benefits are over and above the capabilities of state-of-the-art high-lift rotorcraft airfoils. The detailed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, wind-tunnel experiments, and system-level modeling conducted have shown the following: (1) COMPACT, in its current state of development, is capable of reducing the adverse effects of deep dynamic stall at Mach numbers up to 0.4; (2) The two-dimensional (2D) CFD results trend well compared to the experiments; and (3) Implementation of the CFD results into a system-level model suggest that significant rotor-level benefits are possible.

TeO2 slow surface acoustic wave Bragg cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Shi-Kay

1991-08-01

A newly discovered slow acoustic surface wave (SAW) on a (-110) cut TeO2 surface is reported focusing on its properties studied using a PC based numerical method. It is concluded that the slow SAW is rather tolerant to crystal surface orientation errors and has unusually deep penetration of its shear component into the thickness of substrate, about 47 wavelengths for a half amplitude point. The deep shear field is considered to be beneficial for surface acoustooptic interaction with free propagating focused laser beams. Rotation of the substrate about the z-axis makes it possible to adjust a slow SAW velocity with the potential advantage of trading acoustic velocity for less acoustic attenuation. Wider-bandwidth long signal processing time Bragg cells may be feasible utilizing this trade-off. The slow SAW device is characterized by an extremely low power consumption which might be useful for compact portable or avionics signal processing equipment applications.

Active Enhancement of Slow Light Based on Plasmon-Induced Transparency with Gain Materials.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhaojian; Yang, Junbo; He, Xin; Han, Yunxin; Zhang, Jingjing; Huang, Jie; Chen, Dingbo; Xu, Siyu

2018-06-03

As a plasmonic analogue of electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT), plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) has drawn more attention due to its potential of realizing on-chip sensing, slow light and nonlinear effect enhancement. However, the performance of a plasmonic system is always limited by the metal ohmic loss. Here, we numerically report a PIT system with gain materials based on plasmonic metal-insulator-metal waveguide. The corresponding phenomenon can be theoretically analyzed by coupled mode theory (CMT). After filling gain material into a disk cavity, the system intrinsic loss can be compensated by external pump beam, and the PIT can be greatly fueled to achieve a dramatic enhancement of slow light performance. Finally, a double-channel enhanced slow light is introduced by adding a second gain disk cavity. This work paves way for a potential new high-performance slow light device, which can have significant applications for high-compact plasmonic circuits and optical communication.

Modeling Firn Compaction in Dynamic Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horlings, Annika N.; Christianson, Knut; Waddington, Edwin D.; Stevens, C. Max; Holschuh, Nicholas

2017-04-01

Firn compaction remains the largest source of uncertainty in assessments of ice-sheet mass balance from repeat altimetry measurements due to our limited understanding of the physical processes responsible for the transformation of snow into ice. In addition to the lack of a comprehensive, physically-based constitutive relationship that describes firn compaction, dynamic thinning is an important process in some regions, but is generally neglected in firn-compaction models due to their one-dimensional nature. Here, we report on preliminary results incorporating dynamic strain thinning into firn compaction models. Using a Lagrangian (material-following) reference frame, we first compact each firn element using a standard 1-D firn-compaction model without longitudinal strain. Then, we stretch each firn parcel at each time step by applying a prescribed longitudinal strain rate in the absence of further density changes; this produces additional vertical thinning. To assess variations among firn models, we compare results from eight firn densification models currently included in the UW Community Firn Model. We focus on the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream due to the high extensile strain rates (10-3 yr-1 or higher) in the ice stream's shear margins and the extensive firn-density data in this area from seismic measurements and shallow firn/ice cores. For temperatures and accumulation rates typical for northeast Greenland, our preliminary results indicate up to an 18-meter decrease in bubble close-off depth in the shear margins compared to nearby areas either inside or outside the ice stream, which compares favorably to field data. Further work includes incorporating physically-based constitutive relations and applying these improved models to other dynamic regions, such as the Amundsen Sea Embayment, where dynamic strain thinning has accelerated in recent decades.

Probing slow dynamics of consolidated granular multicomposite materials by diffuse acoustic wave spectroscopy.

PubMed

Tremblay, Nicolas; Larose, Eric; Rossetto, Vincent

2010-03-01

The stiffness of a consolidated granular medium experiences a drop immediately after a moderate mechanical solicitation. Then the stiffness rises back toward its initial value, following a logarithmic time evolution called slow dynamics. In the literature, slow dynamics has been probed by macroscopic quantities averaged over the sample volume, for instance, by the resonant frequency of vibrational eigenmodes. This article presents a different approach based on diffuse acoustic wave spectroscopy, a technique that is directly sensitive to the details of the sample structure. The parameters of the dynamics are found to depend on the damage of the medium. Results confirm that slow dynamics is, at least in part, due to tiny structural rearrangements at the microscopic scale, such as inter-grain contacts.

Static and Dynamic Compaction of CL-20 Powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooper, Marcia; Brundage, Aaron; Dudley, Evan

2009-06-01

Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) powders were compacted under quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions. A uniaxial compression apparatus quasi-statically compressed the powders to 90% theoretical maximum density with applied stresses up to 0.5 GPa. Dynamic compaction measurements using low-density pressings (62-70% theoretical maximum density) were obtained in a single-stage gas gun at impact velocities between 0.17-0.70 km/s. Experiments were conducted in a reverse ballistic arrangement in which the CL-20 ladened projectile impacted a target consisting of an aluminized window. VISAR-measured particle velocities at the explosive-window interface determined the shock Hugoniot states for pressures up to 0.9 GPa. The powder compaction behavior is found to be stiffer under dynamic loading than under quasi-static loading. Additional gas gun tests were conducted in which the low-density CL-20 pressings were confined within a target cup by the aluminized window. This arrangement enabled temporal measurement of the transmitted wave profiles in which elastic wave precursors were observed.

Slow dynamics in translation-invariant quantum lattice models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michailidis, Alexios A.; Žnidarič, Marko; Medvedyeva, Mariya; Abanin, Dmitry A.; Prosen, Tomaž; Papić, Z.

2018-03-01

Many-body quantum systems typically display fast dynamics and ballistic spreading of information. Here we address the open problem of how slow the dynamics can be after a generic breaking of integrability by local interactions. We develop a method based on degenerate perturbation theory that reveals slow dynamical regimes and delocalization processes in general translation invariant models, along with accurate estimates of their delocalization time scales. Our results shed light on the fundamental questions of the robustness of quantum integrable systems and the possibility of many-body localization without disorder. As an example, we construct a large class of one-dimensional lattice models where, despite the absence of asymptotic localization, the transient dynamics is exceptionally slow, i.e., the dynamics is indistinguishable from that of many-body localized systems for the system sizes and time scales accessible in experiments and numerical simulations.

Fast vesicle transport is required for the slow axonal transport of synapsin.

PubMed

Tang, Yong; Scott, David; Das, Utpal; Gitler, Daniel; Ganguly, Archan; Roy, Subhojit

2013-09-25

Although it is known that cytosolic/soluble proteins synthesized in cell bodies are transported at much lower overall velocities than vesicles in fast axonal transport, the fundamental basis for this slow movement is unknown. Recently, we found that cytosolic proteins in axons of mouse cultured neurons are conveyed in a manner that superficially resembles diffusion, but with a slow anterograde bias that is energy- and motor-dependent (Scott et al., 2011). Here we show that slow axonal transport of synapsin, a prototypical member of this rate class, is dependent upon fast vesicle transport. Despite the distinct overall dynamics of slow and fast transport, experimentally induced and intrinsic variations in vesicle transport have analogous effects on slow transport of synapsin as well. Dynamic cotransport of vesicles and synapsin particles is also seen in axons, consistent with a model where higher-order assemblies of synapsin are conveyed by transient and probabilistic associations with vesicles moving in fast axonal transport. We posit that such dynamic associations generate the slow overall anterogradely biased flow of the population ("dynamic-recruitment model"). Our studies uncover the underlying kinetic basis for a classic cytosolic/soluble protein moving in slow axonal transport and reveal previously unknown links between slow and fast transport, offering a clearer conceptual picture of this curious phenomenon.

Switching dynamics of TaOx-based threshold switching devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodwill, Jonathan M.; Gala, Darshil K.; Bain, James A.; Skowronski, Marek

2018-03-01

Bi-stable volatile switching devices are being used as access devices in solid-state memory arrays and as the active part of compact oscillators. Such structures exhibit two stable states of resistance and switch between them at a critical value of voltage or current. A typical resistance transient under a constant amplitude voltage pulse starts with a slow decrease followed by a rapid drop and leveling off at a low steady state value. This behavior prompted the interpretation of initial delay and fast transition as due to two different processes. Here, we show that the entire transient including incubation time, transition time, and the final resistance values in TaOx-based switching can be explained by one process, namely, Joule heating with the rapid transition due to the thermal runaway. The time, which is required for the device in the conducting state to relax back to the stable high resistance one, is also consistent with the proposed mechanism.

Oscillatory ductile compaction dynamics in a cylinder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uri, Lina; Dysthe, Dag Kristian; Feder, Jens

2006-09-01

Ductile compaction is common in many natural systems, but the temporal evolution of such systems is rarely studied. We observe surprising oscillations in the weight measured at the bottom of a self-compacting ensemble of ductile grains. The oscillations develop during the first ten hours of the experiment, and usually persist through the length of an experiment (one week). The weight oscillations are connected to the grain-wall contacts, and are directly correlated with the observed strain evolution and the dynamics of grain-wall contacts during the compaction. Here, we present the experimental results and characteristic time constants of the system, and discuss possible reasons for the measured weight oscillations.

Oscillatory ductile compaction dynamics in a cylinder.

PubMed

Uri, Lina; Dysthe, Dag Kristian; Feder, Jens

2006-09-01

Ductile compaction is common in many natural systems, but the temporal evolution of such systems is rarely studied. We observe surprising oscillations in the weight measured at the bottom of a self-compacting ensemble of ductile grains. The oscillations develop during the first ten hours of the experiment, and usually persist through the length of an experiment (one week). The weight oscillations are connected to the grain-wall contacts, and are directly correlated with the observed strain evolution and the dynamics of grain-wall contacts during the compaction. Here, we present the experimental results and characteristic time constants of the system, and discuss possible reasons for the measured weight oscillations.

Computations of Combustion-Powered Actuation for Dynamic Stall Suppression

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jee, Solkeun; Bowles, Patrick O.; Matalanis, Claude G.; Min, Byung-Young; Wake, Brian E.; Crittenden, Tom; Glezer, Ari

2016-01-01

A computational framework for the simulation of dynamic stall suppression with combustion-powered actuation (COMPACT) is validated against wind tunnel experimental results on a VR-12 airfoil. COMPACT slots are located at 10% chord from the leading edge of the airfoil and directed tangentially along the suction-side surface. Helicopter rotor-relevant flow conditions are used in the study. A computationally efficient two-dimensional approach, based on unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS), is compared in detail against the baseline and the modified airfoil with COMPACT, using aerodynamic forces, pressure profiles, and flow-field data. The two-dimensional RANS approach predicts baseline static and dynamic stall very well. Most of the differences between the computational and experimental results are within two standard deviations of the experimental data. The current framework demonstrates an ability to predict COMPACT efficacy across the experimental dataset. Enhanced aerodynamic lift on the downstroke of the pitching cycle due to COMPACT is well predicted, and the cycleaveraged lift enhancement computed is within 3% of the test data. Differences with experimental data are discussed with a focus on three-dimensional features not included in the simulations and the limited computational model for COMPACT.

Mechanical compaction directly modulates the dynamics of bile canaliculi formation.

PubMed

Wang, Yan; Toh, Yi-Chin; Li, Qiushi; Nugraha, Bramasta; Zheng, Baixue; Lu, Thong Beng; Gao, Yi; Ng, Mary Mah Lee; Yu, Hanry

2013-02-01

Homeostatic pressure-driven compaction is a ubiquitous mechanical force in multicellular organisms and is proposed to be important in the maintenance of multicellular tissue integrity and function. Previous cell-free biochemical models have demonstrated that there are cross-talks between compaction forces and tissue structural functions, such as cell-cell adhesion. However, its involvement in physiological tissue function has yet to be directly demonstrated. Here, we use the bile canaliculus (BC) as a physiological example of a multicellular functional structure in the liver, and employ a novel 3D microfluidic hepatocyte culture system to provide an unprecedented opportunity to experimentally modulate the compaction states of primary hepatocyte aggregates in a 3D physiological-mimicking environment. Mechanical compaction alters the physical attributes of the hepatocyte aggregates, including cell shape, cell packing density and cell-cell contact area, but does not impair the hepatocytes' remodeling and functional capabilities. Characterization of structural and functional polarity shows that BC formation in compact hepatocyte aggregates is accelerated to as early as 12 hours post-seeding; whereas non-compact control requires 48 hours for functional BC formation. Further dynamic immunofluorescence imaging and gene expression profiling reveal that compaction accelerated BC formation is accompanied by changes in actin cytoskeleton remodeling dynamics and transcriptional levels of hepatic nuclear factor 4α and Annexin A2. Our report not only provides a novel strategy of modeling BC formation for in vitro hepatology research, but also shows a first instance that homeostatic pressure-driven compaction force is directly coupled to the higher-order multicellular functions.

Recovery of severely compacted soils in the Mojave Desert, California, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Webb, R.H.

2002-01-01

Often as a result of large-scale military maneuvers in the past, many soils in the Mojave Desert are highly vulnerable to soil compaction, particularly when wet. Previous studies indicate that natural recovery of severely compacted desert soils is extremely slow, and some researchers have suggested that subsurface compaction may not recover. Poorly sorted soils, particularly those with a loamy sand texture, are most vulnerable to soil compaction, and these soils are the most common in alluvial fans of the Mojave Desert. Recovery of compacted soil is expected to vary as a function of precipitation amounts, wetting-and-drying cycles, freeze-thaw cycles, and bioturbation, particularly root growth. Compaction recovery, as estimated using penetration depth and bulk density, was measured at 19 sites with 32 site-time combinations, including the former World War II Army sites of Camps Ibis, Granite, Iron Mountain, Clipper, and Essex. Although compaction at these sites was caused by a wide variety of forces, ranging from human trampling to tank traffic, the data do not allow segregation of differences in recovery rates for different compaction forces. The recovery rate appears to be logarithmic, with the highest rate of change occurring in the first few decades following abandonment. Some higher-elevation sites have completely recovered from soil compaction after 70 years. Using a linear model of recovery, the full recovery time ranges from 92 to 100 years; using a logarithmic model, which asymptotically approaches full recovery, the time required for 85% recovery ranges from 105-124 years.

The mechanism of erythrocyte sedimentation. Part 2: The global collapse of settling erythrocyte network.

PubMed

Pribush, A; Meyerstein, D; Meyerstein, N

2010-01-01

Results reported in the companion paper showed that erythrocytes in quiescent blood are combined into a network followed by the formation of plasma channels within it. This study is focused on structural changes in the settling dispersed phase subsequent to the channeling and the effect of the structural organization on the sedimentation rate. It is suggested that the initial, slow stage of erythrocyte sedimentation is mainly controlled by the gravitational compactness of the collapsed network. The lifetime of RBC network and hence the duration of the slow regime of erythrocyte sedimentation decrease with an increase in the intercellular pair potential and with a decrease in Hct. The gravitational compactness of the collapsed network causes its rupture into individual fragments. The catastrophic collapse of the network transforms erythrocyte sedimentation from slow to fast regime. The size of RBC network fragment is insignificantly affected by Hct and is mainly determined by the intensity of intercellular attractive interactions. When cells were suspended in the weak aggregating medium, the Stokes radius of fragments does not differ measurably from that of individual RBCs. The proposed mechanism provides a reasonable explanation of the effects of RBC aggregation, Hct and the initial height of the blood column on the delayed erythrocyte sedimentation.

Design optimization of a compact photonic crystal microcavity based on slow light and dispersion engineering for the miniaturization of integrated mode-locked lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kemiche, Malik; Lhuillier, Jérémy; Callard, Ségolène; Monat, Christelle

2018-01-01

We exploit slow light (high ng) modes in planar photonic crystals in order to design a compact cavity, which provides an attractive path towards the miniaturization of near-infrared integrated fast pulsed lasers. By applying dispersion engineering techniques, we can design structures with a low dispersion, as needed by mode-locking operation. Our basic InP SiO2 heterostructure is robust and well suited to integrated laser applications. We show that an optimized 30 μm long cavity design yields 9 frequency-equidistant modes with a FSR of 178 GHz within a 11.5 nm bandwidth, which could potentially sustain the generation of optical pulses shorter than 700 fs. In addition, the numerically calculated quality factors of these modes are all above 10,000, making them suitable for reaching laser operation. Thanks to the use of a high group index (28), this cavity design is almost one order of magnitude shorter than standard rib-waveguide based mode-locked lasers. The use of slow light modes in planar photonic crystal based cavities thus relaxes the usual constraints that tightly link the device size and the quality (peak power, repetition rate) of the pulsed laser signal.

Factor XIII stiffens fibrin clots by causing fiber compaction.

PubMed

Kurniawan, N A; Grimbergen, J; Koopman, J; Koenderink, G H

2014-10-01

Factor XIII-induced cross-linking has long been associated with the ability of fibrin blood clots to resist mechanical deformation, but how FXIII can directly modulate clot stiffness is unknown. We hypothesized that FXIII affects the self-assembly of fibrin fibers by altering the lateral association between protofibrils. To test this hypothesis, we studied the cross-linking kinetics and the structural evolution of the fibers and clots during the formation of plasma-derived and recombinant fibrins by using light scattering, and the response of the clots to mechanical stresses by using rheology. We show that the lateral aggregation of fibrin protofibrils initially results in the formation of floppy fibril bundles, which then compact to form tight and more rigid fibers. The first stage is reflected in a fast (10 min) increase in clot stiffness, whereas the compaction phase is characterized by a slow (hours) development of clot stiffness. Inhibition of FXIII completely abrogates the slow compaction. FXIII strongly increases the linear elastic modulus of the clots, but does not affect the non-linear response at large deformations. We propose a multiscale structural model whereby FXIII-mediated cross-linking tightens the coupling between the protofibrils within a fibrin fiber, thus making the fiber stiffer and less porous. At small strains, fiber stiffening enhances clot stiffness, because the clot response is governed by the entropic elasticity of the fibers, but once the clot is sufficiently stressed, the modulus is independent of protofibril coupling, because clot stiffness is governed by individual protofibril stretching. © 2014 International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis.

Dynamic Interaction of Spindles and Gamma Activity during Cortical Slow Oscillations and Its Modulation by Subcortical Afferents

PubMed Central

Valencia, Miguel; Artieda, Julio; Bolam, J. Paul; Mena-Segovia, Juan

2013-01-01

Slow oscillations are a hallmark of slow wave sleep. They provide a temporal framework for a variety of phasic events to occur and interact during sleep, including the expression of high-frequency oscillations and the discharge of neurons across the entire brain. Evidence shows that the emergence of distinct high-frequency oscillations during slow oscillations facilitates the communication among brain regions whose activity was correlated during the preceding waking period. While the frequencies of oscillations involved in such interactions have been identified, their dynamics and the correlations between them require further investigation. Here we analyzed the structure and dynamics of these signals in anesthetized rats. We show that spindles and gamma oscillations coexist but have distinct temporal dynamics across the slow oscillation cycle. Furthermore, we observed that spindles and gamma are functionally coupled to the slow oscillations and between each other. Following the activation of ascending pathways from the brainstem by means of a carbachol injection in the pedunculopontine nucleus, we were able to modify the gain in the gamma oscillations that are independent of the spindles while the spindle amplitude was reduced. Furthermore, carbachol produced a decoupling of the gamma oscillations that are dependent on the spindles but with no effect on their amplitude. None of the changes in the high-frequency oscillations affected the onset or shape of the slow oscillations, suggesting that slow oscillations occur independently of the phasic events that coexist with them. Our results provide novel insights into the regulation, dynamics and homeostasis of cortical slow oscillations. PMID:23844020

Freeze-Thaw Cycles Effects on Soil Compaction in a Clay Loam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jabro, J.; Evans, R.; Iversen, W.

2012-04-01

Inappropriate soil management practices and heavier farm machinery and equipment have led to an increase in soil compaction in the last two decades prompting increased global concern regarding the impact of soil compaction on crop production and soil quality in modern mechanized agriculture. A 3-yr comprehensive study was established to evaluate the dynamic of freeze-thaw cycles on soil compaction in a clay loam soil. Plots of frozen soils were compared with plots where soils were prevented from freezing with electrically heated blankets commonly used on concrete. Results showed that frequent freeze-thaw cycles over the winter alleviated a majority of soil compaction at the 0 - 20 cm depth. Soil penetration resistance in compacted soils was reduced by 73 and 68% over the winter at the 0 - 10 and 10 - 20 cm depths, respectively, due to dynamic effects of freeze-thaw cycles on soil structure and particles configuration. In unfrozen compacted soils, the penetration resistance was also reduced by 50 and 60% over winter at the 0 - 10 and 10 - 20 cm depths, respectively, due to the biology of soil, microbial activity, and disruptive effects of shrink-swell cycles. These results have demonstrated of how repeated freeze-thaw cycles can alleviate soil compaction, alter soil physical quality and create optimal soil conditions required for profitable growth of agricultural crops. The results from this study will save growers considerable time, money and energy currently required to alleviate soil compaction using other methods such as sub-soiling and deep tillage. We believe that Mother Nature provides ways to reverse soil compaction and improve soil structure and aggregation through the dynamic of freeze-thaw cycles that soils in Montana and other parts of the country go through each year. We concluded that the Mother Nature is the most effective and cheapest way to alleviate soil compaction.

Slow dynamics of a protein backbone in molecular dynamics simulation revealed by time-structure based independent component analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naritomi, Yusuke; Fuchigami, Sotaro

2013-12-01

We recently proposed the method of time-structure based independent component analysis (tICA) to examine the slow dynamics involved in conformational fluctuations of a protein as estimated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation [Y. Naritomi and S. Fuchigami, J. Chem. Phys. 134, 065101 (2011)]. Our previous study focused on domain motions of the protein and examined its dynamics by using rigid-body domain analysis and tICA. However, the protein changes its conformation not only through domain motions but also by various types of motions involving its backbone and side chains. Some of these motions might occur on a slow time scale: we hypothesize that if so, we could effectively detect and characterize them using tICA. In the present study, we investigated slow dynamics of the protein backbone using MD simulation and tICA. The selected target protein was lysine-, arginine-, ornithine-binding protein (LAO), which comprises two domains and undergoes large domain motions. MD simulation of LAO in explicit water was performed for 1 μs, and the obtained trajectory of Cα atoms in the backbone was analyzed by tICA. This analysis successfully provided us with slow modes for LAO that represented either domain motions or local movements of the backbone. Further analysis elucidated the atomic details of the suggested local motions and confirmed that these motions truly occurred on the expected slow time scale.

Effect of target-fixture geometry on shock-wave compacted copper powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Wooyeol; Ahn, Dong-Hyun; Yoon, Jae Ik; Park, Lee Ju; Kim, Hyoung Seop

2018-01-01

In shock compaction with a single gas gun system, a target fixture is used to safely recover a powder compact processed by shock-wave dynamic impact. However, no standard fixture geometry exists, and its effect on the processed compact is not well studied. In this study, two types of fixture are used for the dynamic compaction of hydrogen-reduced copper powders, and the mechanical properties and microstructures are investigated using the Vickers microhardness test and electron backscatter diffraction, respectively. With the assistance of finite element method simulations, we analyze several shock parameters that are experimentally hard to control. The results of the simulations indicate that the target geometry clearly affects the characteristics of incident and reflected shock waves. The hardness distribution and the microstructure of the compacts also show their dependence on the geometry. With the results of the simulations and the experiment, it is concluded that the target geometry affects the shock wave propagation and wave interaction in the specimen.

Structural Stability of Mathematical Models of National Economy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashimov, Abdykappar A.; Sultanov, Bahyt T.; Borovskiy, Yuriy V.; Adilov, Zheksenbek M.; Ashimov, Askar A.

2011-12-01

In the paper we test robustness of particular dynamic systems in a compact regions of a plane and a weak structural stability of one dynamic system of high order in a compact region of its phase space. The test was carried out based on the fundamental theory of dynamical systems on a plane and based on the conditions for weak structural stability of high order dynamic systems. A numerical algorithm for testing the weak structural stability of high order dynamic systems has been proposed. Based on this algorithm we assess the weak structural stability of one computable general equilibrium model.

System-wide hybrid MPC-PID control of a continuous pharmaceutical tablet manufacturing process via direct compaction.

PubMed

Singh, Ravendra; Ierapetritou, Marianthi; Ramachandran, Rohit

2013-11-01

The next generation of QbD based pharmaceutical products will be manufactured through continuous processing. This will allow the integration of online/inline monitoring tools, coupled with an efficient advanced model-based feedback control systems, to achieve precise control of process variables, so that the predefined product quality can be achieved consistently. The direct compaction process considered in this study is highly interactive and involves time delays for a number of process variables due to sensor placements, process equipment dimensions, and the flow characteristics of the solid material. A simple feedback regulatory control system (e.g., PI(D)) by itself may not be sufficient to achieve the tight process control that is mandated by regulatory authorities. The process presented herein comprises of coupled dynamics involving slow and fast responses, indicating the requirement of a hybrid control scheme such as a combined MPC-PID control scheme. In this manuscript, an efficient system-wide hybrid control strategy for an integrated continuous pharmaceutical tablet manufacturing process via direct compaction has been designed. The designed control system is a hybrid scheme of MPC-PID control. An effective controller parameter tuning strategy involving an ITAE method coupled with an optimization strategy has been used for tuning of both MPC and PID parameters. The designed hybrid control system has been implemented in a first-principles model-based flowsheet that was simulated in gPROMS (Process System Enterprise). Results demonstrate enhanced performance of critical quality attributes (CQAs) under the hybrid control scheme compared to only PID or MPC control schemes, illustrating the potential of a hybrid control scheme in improving pharmaceutical manufacturing operations. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Static and Dynamic Compaction of CL-20 Powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooper, Marcia A.; Brundage, Aaron L.; Dudley, Evan C.

2009-12-01

Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20) powders were compacted under quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions. A uniaxial compression apparatus quasi-statically compressed the powders to 90% theoretical maximum density with applied stresses up to 0.4 GPa. Dynamic compaction measurements using low-density pressings approximately 64% theoretical maximum density (TMD) were obtained in a single-stage gas gun at impact velocities between 0.17-0.95 km/s. Experiments were conducted in a reverse ballistic arrangement in which the projectile contained the CL-20 powder bed and impacted a target consisting of an aluminized window. VISAR-measured particle velocities at the explosive-window interface determined the shock Hugoniot states for pressures up to 1.3 GPa. Approved for public release, SAND2009-4810C.

Impact Compaction of a Granular Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fenton, Gregg; Asay, Blaine; Todd, Steve; Grady, Dennis

2017-06-01

The dynamic behavior of granular materials has importance to a variety of engineering applications. Although, the mechanical behavior of granular materials have been studied extensively for several decades, the dynamic behavior of these materials remains poorly understood. High-quality experimental data are needed to improve our general understanding of granular material compaction physics. This paper describes how an instrumented plunger impact system can be used to measure the compaction process for granular materials at high and controlled strain rates and subsequently used for computational modelling. The experimental technique relies on a gas-gun driven plunger system to generate a compaction wave through a volume of granular material. This volume of material has been redundantly instrumented along the bed length to track the progression of the compaction wave, and the piston displacement is measured with Photon Doppler Velocimetry (PDV). Using the gathered experimental data along with the initial material tap density, a granular material equation of state can be determined.

Imaging the fate of histone Cse4 reveals de novo replacement in S phase and subsequent stable residence at centromeres

PubMed Central

Wisniewski, Jan; Hajj, Bassam; Chen, Jiji; Mizuguchi, Gaku; Xiao, Hua; Wei, Debbie; Dahan, Maxime; Wu, Carl

2014-01-01

The budding yeast centromere contains Cse4, a specialized histone H3 variant. Fluorescence pulse-chase analysis of an internally tagged Cse4 reveals that it is replaced with newly synthesized molecules in S phase, remaining stably associated with centromeres thereafter. In contrast, C-terminally-tagged Cse4 is functionally impaired, showing slow cell growth, cell lethality at elevated temperatures, and extra-centromeric nuclear accumulation. Recent studies using such strains gave conflicting findings regarding the centromeric abundance and cell cycle dynamics of Cse4. Our findings indicate that internally tagged Cse4 is a better reporter of the biology of this histone variant. Furthermore, the size of centromeric Cse4 clusters was precisely mapped with a new 3D-PALM method, revealing substantial compaction during anaphase. Cse4-specific chaperone Scm3 displays steady-state, stoichiometric co-localization with Cse4 at centromeres throughout the cell cycle, while undergoing exchange with a nuclear pool. These findings suggest that a stable Cse4 nucleosome is maintained by dynamic chaperone-in-residence Scm3. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02203.001 PMID:24844245

Spectrum of Slow and Super-Slow (Picosecond to Nanosecond) Water Dynamics around Organic and Biological Solutes.

PubMed

Ramakrishnan, Gopakumar; González-Jiménez, Mario; Lapthorn, Adrian J; Wynne, Klaas

2017-07-06

Water dynamics in the solvation shell of solutes plays a very important role in the interaction of biomolecules and in chemical reaction dynamics. However, a selective spectroscopic study of the solvation shell is difficult because of the interference of the solute dynamics. Here we report on the observation of heavily slowed down water dynamics in the solvation shell of different solutes by measuring the low-frequency spectrum of solvation water, free from the contribution of the solute. A slowdown factor of ∼50 is observed even for relatively low concentrations of the solute. We go on to show that the effect can be generalized to different solutes including proteins.

Surrogate waveform models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blackman, Jonathan; Field, Scott; Galley, Chad; Scheel, Mark; Szilagyi, Bela; Tiglio, Manuel

2015-04-01

With the advanced detector era just around the corner, there is a strong need for fast and accurate models of gravitational waveforms from compact binary coalescence. Fast surrogate models can be built out of an accurate but slow waveform model with minimal to no loss in accuracy, but may require a large number of evaluations of the underlying model. This may be prohibitively expensive if the underlying is extremely slow, for example if we wish to build a surrogate for numerical relativity. We examine alternate choices to building surrogate models which allow for a more sparse set of input waveforms. Research supported in part by NSERC.

Slow dynamics in protein fluctuations revealed by time-structure based independent component analysis: The case of domain motions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naritomi, Yusuke; Fuchigami, Sotaro

2011-02-01

Protein dynamics on a long time scale was investigated using all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and time-structure based independent component analysis (tICA). We selected the lysine-, arginine-, ornithine-binding protein (LAO) as a target protein and focused on its domain motions in the open state. A MD simulation of the LAO in explicit water was performed for 600 ns, in which slow and large-amplitude domain motions of the LAO were observed. After extracting domain motions by rigid-body domain analysis, the tICA was applied to the obtained rigid-body trajectory, yielding slow modes of the LAO's domain motions in order of decreasing time scale. The slowest mode detected by the tICA represented not a closure motion described by a largest-amplitude mode determined by the principal component analysis but a twist motion with a time scale of tens of nanoseconds. The slow dynamics of the LAO were well described by only the slowest mode and were characterized by transitions between two basins. The results show that tICA is promising for describing and analyzing slow dynamics of proteins.

Slow dynamics in protein fluctuations revealed by time-structure based independent component analysis: the case of domain motions.

PubMed

Naritomi, Yusuke; Fuchigami, Sotaro

2011-02-14

Protein dynamics on a long time scale was investigated using all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and time-structure based independent component analysis (tICA). We selected the lysine-, arginine-, ornithine-binding protein (LAO) as a target protein and focused on its domain motions in the open state. A MD simulation of the LAO in explicit water was performed for 600 ns, in which slow and large-amplitude domain motions of the LAO were observed. After extracting domain motions by rigid-body domain analysis, the tICA was applied to the obtained rigid-body trajectory, yielding slow modes of the LAO's domain motions in order of decreasing time scale. The slowest mode detected by the tICA represented not a closure motion described by a largest-amplitude mode determined by the principal component analysis but a twist motion with a time scale of tens of nanoseconds. The slow dynamics of the LAO were well described by only the slowest mode and were characterized by transitions between two basins. The results show that tICA is promising for describing and analyzing slow dynamics of proteins.

Design of voice coil motor dynamic focusing unit for a laser scanner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Moon G.; Kim, Gaeun; Lee, Chan-Woo; Lee, Soo-Hun; Jeon, Yongho

2014-04-01

Laser scanning systems have been used for material processing tasks such as welding, cutting, marking, and drilling. However, applications have been limited by the small range of motion and slow speed of the focusing unit, which carries the focusing optics. To overcome these limitations, a dynamic focusing system with a long travel range and high speed is needed. In this study, a dynamic focusing unit for a laser scanning system with a voice coil motor (VCM) mechanism is proposed to enable fast speed and a wide focusing range. The VCM has finer precision and higher speed than conventional step motors and a longer travel range than earlier lead zirconium titanate actuators. The system has a hollow configuration to provide a laser beam path. This also makes it compact and transmission-free and gives it low inertia. The VCM's magnetics are modeled using a permeance model. Its design parameters are determined by optimization using the Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno method and a sequential quadratic programming algorithm. After the VCM is designed, the dynamic focusing unit is fabricated and assembled. The permeance model is verified by a magnetic finite element method simulation tool, Maxwell 2D and 3D, and by measurement data from a gauss meter. The performance is verified experimentally. The results show a resolution of 0.2 μm and travel range of 16 mm. These are better than those of conventional focusing systems; therefore, this focusing unit can be applied to laser scanning systems for good machining capability.

Design of voice coil motor dynamic focusing unit for a laser scanner.

PubMed

Lee, Moon G; Kim, Gaeun; Lee, Chan-Woo; Lee, Soo-Hun; Jeon, Yongho

2014-04-01

Laser scanning systems have been used for material processing tasks such as welding, cutting, marking, and drilling. However, applications have been limited by the small range of motion and slow speed of the focusing unit, which carries the focusing optics. To overcome these limitations, a dynamic focusing system with a long travel range and high speed is needed. In this study, a dynamic focusing unit for a laser scanning system with a voice coil motor (VCM) mechanism is proposed to enable fast speed and a wide focusing range. The VCM has finer precision and higher speed than conventional step motors and a longer travel range than earlier lead zirconium titanate actuators. The system has a hollow configuration to provide a laser beam path. This also makes it compact and transmission-free and gives it low inertia. The VCM's magnetics are modeled using a permeance model. Its design parameters are determined by optimization using the Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno method and a sequential quadratic programming algorithm. After the VCM is designed, the dynamic focusing unit is fabricated and assembled. The permeance model is verified by a magnetic finite element method simulation tool, Maxwell 2D and 3D, and by measurement data from a gauss meter. The performance is verified experimentally. The results show a resolution of 0.2 μm and travel range of 16 mm. These are better than those of conventional focusing systems; therefore, this focusing unit can be applied to laser scanning systems for good machining capability.

Hsc70 chaperone activity is required for the cytosolic slow axonal transport of synapsin

PubMed Central

Ganguly, Archan; Han, Xuemei; Das, Utpal; Caillol, Ghislaine

2017-01-01

Soluble cytosolic proteins vital to axonal and presynaptic function are synthesized in the neuronal soma and conveyed via slow axonal transport. Our previous studies suggest that the overall slow transport of synapsin is mediated by dynamic assembly/disassembly of cargo complexes followed by short-range vectorial transit (the “dynamic recruitment” model). However, neither the composition of these complexes nor the mechanistic basis for the dynamic behavior is understood. In this study, we first examined putative cargo complexes associated with synapsin using coimmunoprecipitation and multidimensional protein identification technology mass spectrometry (MS). MS data indicate that synapsin is part of a multiprotein complex enriched in chaperones/cochaperones including Hsc70. Axonal synapsin–Hsc70 coclusters are also visualized by two-color superresolution microscopy. Inhibition of Hsc70 ATPase activity blocked the slow transport of synapsin, disrupted axonal synapsin organization, and attenuated Hsc70–synapsin associations, advocating a model where Hsc70 activity dynamically clusters cytosolic proteins into cargo complexes, allowing transport. Collectively, our study offers insight into the molecular organization of cytosolic transport complexes and identifies a novel regulator of slow transport. PMID:28559423

Inflationary dynamics with a smooth slow-roll to constant-roll era transition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Odintsov, S.D.; Oikonomou, V.K., E-mail: odintsov@ieec.uab.es, E-mail: v.k.oikonomou1979@gmail.com

In this paper we investigate the implications of having a varying second slow-roll index on the canonical scalar field inflationary dynamics. We shall be interested in cases that the second slow-roll can take small values and correspondingly large values, for limiting cases of the function that quantifies the variation of the second slow-roll index. As we demonstrate, this can naturally introduce a smooth transition between slow-roll and constant-roll eras. We discuss the theoretical implications of the mechanism we introduce and we use various illustrative examples in order to better understand the new features that the varying second slow-roll index introduces.more » In the examples we will present, the second slow-roll index has exponential dependence on the scalar field, and in one of these cases, the slow-roll era corresponds to a type of α-attractor inflation. Finally, we briefly discuss how the combination of slow-roll and constant-roll may lead to non-Gaussianities in the primordial perturbations.« less

A Fiber Optic Probe for the Detection of Cataracts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ansari, Rafat R.; Dhadwal, Harbans S.

1993-01-01

A compact fiber optic probe developed for on-orbit science experiments was used to detect the onset of cataracts, a capability that could eliminate physicians' guesswork and result in new drugs to 'dissolve' or slow down the cataract formation before surgery is necessary. The probe is based upon dynamic light scattering (DLS) principles. It has no moving parts, no apertures, and requires no optical alignment. It is flexible and easy to use. Results are presented for excised but intact human eye lenses. In a clinical setting, the device can be easily incorporated into a slit-lamp apparatus (ophthalmoscope) for complete eye diagnostics. In this set-up, the integrated fiber optic probe, the size of a pencil, delivers a low power cone of laser light into the eye of a patient and guides the light which is backscattered by the protein molecules of the lens through a receiving optical fiber to a photo detector. The non-invasive DLS measurements provide rapid determination of protein crystalline size and its size distribution in the eye lens.

A Nonequilibrium Rate Formula for Collective Motions of Complex Molecular Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanao, Tomohiro; Koon, Wang Sang; Marsden, Jerrold E.

2010-09-01

We propose a compact reaction rate formula that accounts for a non-equilibrium distribution of residence times of complex molecules, based on a detailed study of the coarse-grained phase space of a reaction coordinate. We take the structural transition dynamics of a six-atom Morse cluster between two isomers as a prototype of multi-dimensional molecular reactions. Residence time distribution of one of the isomers shows an exponential decay, while that of the other isomer deviates largely from the exponential form and has multiple peaks. Our rate formula explains such equilibrium and non-equilibrium distributions of residence times in terms of the rates of diffusions of energy and the phase of the oscillations of the reaction coordinate. Rapid diffusions of energy and the phase generally give rise to the exponential decay of residence time distribution, while slow diffusions give rise to a non-exponential decay with multiple peaks. We finally make a conjecture about a general relationship between the rates of the diffusions and the symmetry of molecular mass distributions.

Potential Application of Silica Mineral from Dieng Mountain in Agriculture Sector to Control the Release Rate of Fertilizer Elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solihin; Mursito, Anggoro Tri; Dida, Eki N.; Erlangga, Bagus D.; Widodo

2017-07-01

Silica mineral, which comes along with geothermal fluid in Dieng, is a product of erosion, decomposition and dissolution of silicon oxide based mineral, which is followed by precipitation to form silica mineral. This silica cell structure is non crystalline, and it contains 85,60 % silicon oxide, 6.49 volatile elements, and also other oxide elements. Among the direct potential application of this silica is as raw material in slow release fertilizer. Silica in compacted slow release fertilizer is able control the release rate of fertilizer elements. Two type of slow release fertilizer has been made by using silica as the matrix in these slow release fertilizer. The first type is the mixing of ordinary solid fertilizer with Dieng silica, whereas the second one is the mixing of disposal leach water with Dieng silica. The release test shows that both of these modified fertilizers have slow release fertilizer characteristic. The release rate of fertilizer elements (magnesium, potassium, ammonium, and phosphate) can be significantly reduced. The addition of kaolin in the first type of slow release fertilizer makes the release rate of fertilizer elements can be more slowed down. Meanwhile in the second type of slow release fertilizer, the release rate is determined by ratio of silica/hydrogel. The lowest release rate is achieved by sample that has highest ratio of silica/hydrogel.

Enabling Large Superalloy Parts Using Compact Coprecipitation of γ' and γ''

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Detor, Andrew J.; DiDomizio, Richard; Sharghi-Moshtaghin, Reza; Zhou, Ning; Shi, Rongpei; Wang, Yunzhi; McAllister, Donald P.; Mills, Michael J.

2018-03-01

Next-generation gas turbines will require disk materials capable of operating at 923 K (650 °C) and above to achieve efficiencies well beyond today's 62 pct benchmark. This temperature requirement marks a critical turning point in materials selection. Current turbine disk alloys, such as 706 and 718, are limited by the stability of their major strengthening phase, γ'', which coarsens rapidly beyond 923 K (650 °C) resulting in significant degradation in properties. More capable γ' strengthened superalloys, such as those used in jet engine disks, are also limited due to the sheer size of gas turbine hardware; the γ' phase overages during the slow cooling rates inherent in processing thick-section parts. In the present work, we address this fundamental gap in available superalloy materials. Through careful control of Al, Ti, and Nb levels, we show that fine (<100 nm) γ' and compact γ'/γ'' coprecipitate structures can be formed even under extremely slow cooling rates from high temperature. The presence of Ti is shown to have a dominant effect on phase formation, dictating whether γ', γ'/γ'' coprecipitates, or other less desirable acicular phases form on cooling. Sensitivity to cooling rate and aging heat treatment is also explored. A custom phase field model along with commercial precipitation kinetics software is used to better understand the phase evolution and stability of compact coprecipitates. The alloying strategies discussed here enable a new class of superalloys suitable for applications requiring large parts operating at high temperature.

Galaxy evolution. Isolated compact elliptical galaxies: stellar systems that ran away.

PubMed

Chilingarian, Igor; Zolotukhin, Ivan

2015-04-24

Compact elliptical galaxies form a rare class of stellar system (~30 presently known) characterized by high stellar densities and small sizes and often harboring metal-rich stars. They were thought to form through tidal stripping of massive progenitors, until two isolated objects were discovered where massive galaxies performing the stripping could not be identified. By mining astronomical survey data, we have now found 195 compact elliptical galaxies in all types of environment. They all share similar dynamical and stellar population properties. Dynamical analysis for nonisolated galaxies demonstrates the feasibility of their ejection from host clusters and groups by three-body encounters, which is in agreement with numerical simulations. Hence, isolated compact elliptical and isolated quiescent dwarf galaxies are tidally stripped systems that ran away from their hosts. Copyright © 2015, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Compaction dynamics of crunchy granular material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guillard, François; Golshan, Pouya; Shen, Luming; Valdès, Julio R.; Einav, Itai

2017-06-01

Compaction of brittle porous material leads to a wide variety of densification patterns. Static compaction bands occurs naturally in rocks or bones, and have important consequences in industry for the manufacturing of powder tablets or metallic foams for example. Recently, oscillatory compaction bands have been observed in brittle porous media like snow or cereals. We will discuss the great variety of densification patterns arising during the compaction of puffed rice, including erratic compaction at low velocity, one or several travelling compaction bands at medium velocity and homogeneous compaction at larger velocity. The conditions of existence of each pattern are studied thanks to a numerical spring lattice model undergoing breakage and is mapped to the phase diagram of the patterns based on dimensionless characteristic quantities. This also allows to rationalise the evolution of the compaction behaviour during a single test. Finally, the localisation of compaction bands is linked to the strain rate sensitivity of the material.

Design of extraction system in BRing at HIAF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruan, Shuang; Yang, Jiancheng; Zhang, Jinquan; Shen, Guodong; Ren, Hang; Liu, Jie; Shangguan, Jingbing; Zhang, Xiaoying; Zhang, Jingjing; Mao, Lijun; Sheng, Lina; Yin, Dayu; Wang, Geng; Wu, Bo; Yao, Liping; Tang, Meitang; Cai, Fucheng; Chen, Xiaoqiang

2018-06-01

The Booster Ring (BRing), which is the key part of HIAF (High Intensity heavy ion Accelerator Facility) complex at IMP (Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences), can provide uranium (A / q = 7) beam with a wide extraction energy range of 200-800 MeV/u. To fulfill a flexible beam extraction for multi-purpose experiments, both fast and slow extraction systems will be accommodated in the BRing. The fast extraction system is used for extracting short bunched beam horizontally in single-turn. The slow extraction system is used to provide quasi-continuous beam by the third order resonance and RF-knockout scheme. To achieve a compact structure, the two extraction systems are designed to share the same extraction channel. The general design of the fast and slow extraction systems and simulation results are discussed in this paper.

Modeling of Firn Compaction for Estimating Ice-Sheet Mass Change from Observed Ice-Sheet Elevation Change

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Li, Jun; Zwally, H. Jay

2011-01-01

Changes in ice-sheet surface elevation are caused by a combination of ice-dynamic imbalance, ablation, temporal variations in accumulation rate, firn compaction and underlying bedrock motion. Thus, deriving the rate of ice-sheet mass change from measured surface elevation change requires information on the rate of firn compaction and bedrock motion, which do not involve changes in mass, and requires an appropriate firn density to associate with elevation changes induced by recent accumulation rate variability. We use a 25 year record of surface temperature and a parameterization for accumulation change as a function of temperature to drive a firn compaction model. We apply this formulation to ICESat measurements of surface elevation change at three locations on the Greenland ice sheet in order to separate the accumulation-driven changes from the ice-dynamic/ablation-driven changes, and thus to derive the corresponding mass change. Our calculated densities for the accumulation-driven changes range from 410 to 610 kg/cu m, which along with 900 kg/cu m for the dynamic/ablation-driven changes gives average densities ranging from 680 to 790 kg/cu m. We show that using an average (or "effective") density to convert elevation change to mass change is not valid where the accumulation and the dynamic elevation changes are of opposite sign.

A partial structural and functional rescue of a retinitis pigmentosa model with compacted DNA nanoparticles.

PubMed

Cai, Xue; Nash, Zack; Conley, Shannon M; Fliesler, Steven J; Cooper, Mark J; Naash, Muna I

2009-01-01

Previously we have shown that compacted DNA nanoparticles can drive high levels of transgene expression after subretinal injection in the mouse eye. Here we delivered compacted DNA nanoparticles containing a therapeutic gene to the retinas of a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. Nanoparticles containing the wild-type retinal degeneration slow (Rds) gene were injected into the subretinal space of rds(+/-) mice on postnatal day 5. Gene expression was sustained for up to four months at levels up to four times higher than in controls injected with saline or naked DNA. The nanoparticles were taken up into virtually all photoreceptors and mediated significant structural and biochemical rescue of the disease without histological or functional evidence of toxicity. Electroretinogram recordings showed that nanoparticle-mediated gene transfer restored cone function to a near-normal level in contrast to transfer of naked plasmid DNA. Rod function was also improved. These findings demonstrate that compacted DNA nanoparticles represent a viable option for development of gene-based interventions for ocular diseases and obviate major barriers commonly encountered with non-viral based therapies.

Revealing Hidden Structural Order Controlling Both Fast and Slow Glassy Dynamics in Supercooled Liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tong, Hua; Tanaka, Hajime

2018-01-01

The dynamics of a supercooled liquid near the glass transition is characterized by two-step relaxation, fast β and slow α relaxations. Because of the apparently disordered nature of glassy structures, there have been long debates over whether the origin of drastic slowing-down of the α relaxation accompanied by heterogeneous dynamics is thermodynamic or dynamic. Furthermore, it has been elusive whether there is any deep connection between fast β and slow α modes. To settle these issues, here we introduce a set of new structural order parameters characterizing sterically favored structures with high local packing capability, and then access structure-dynamics correlation by a novel nonlocal approach. We find that the particle mobility is under control of the static order parameter field. The fast β process is controlled by the instantaneous order parameter field locally, resulting in short-time particle-scale dynamics. Then the mobility field progressively develops with time t , following the initial order parameter field from disorder to more ordered regions. As is well known, the heterogeneity in the mobility field (dynamic heterogeneity) is maximized with a characteristic length ξ4, when t reaches the relaxation time τα. We discover that this mobility pattern can be predicted solely by a spatial coarse graining of the initial order parameter field at t =0 over a length ξ without any dynamical information. Furthermore, we find a relation ξ ˜ξ4, indicating that the static length ξ grows coherently with the dynamic one ξ4 upon cooling. This further suggests an intrinsic link between τα and ξ : the growth of the static length ξ is the origin of dynamical slowing-down. These we confirm for the first time in binary glass formers both in two and three spatial dimensions. Thus, a static structure has two intrinsic characteristic lengths, particle size and ξ , which control dynamics in local and nonlocal manners, resulting in the emergence of the two key relaxation modes, fast β and slow α processes, respectively. Because the two processes share a common structural origin, we can even predict a dynamic propensity pattern at long timescale from the fast β pattern. The presence of such intrinsic structure-dynamics correlation strongly indicates a thermodynamic nature of glass transition.

Nanoscopic length scale dependence of hydrogen bonded molecular associates’ dynamics in methanol

PubMed Central

Bertrand, C. E.; Self, J. L.; Copley, J. R. D.; Faraone, A.

2017-01-01

In a recent paper [C. E. Bertrand et al., J. Chem. Phys. 145, 014502 (2016)], we have shown that the collective dynamics of methanol shows a fast relaxation process related to the standard density-fluctuation heat mode and a slow non-Fickian mode originating from the hydrogen bonded molecular associates. Here we report on the length scale dependence of this slow relaxation process. Using quasielastic neutron scattering and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that the dynamics of the slow process is affected by the structuring of the associates, which is accessible through polarized neutron diffraction experiments. Using a series of partially deuterated samples, the dynamics of the associates is investigated and is found to have a similar time scale to the lifetime of hydrogen bonding in the system. Both the structural relaxation and the dynamics of the associates are thermally activated by the breaking of hydrogen bonding. PMID:28527447

Statistical properties of fluctuating enzymes with dynamic cooperativity using a first passage time distribution formalism.

PubMed

Singh, Divya; Chaudhury, Srabanti

2017-04-14

We study the temporal fluctuations in catalytic rates for single enzyme reactions undergoing slow transitions between two active states. We use a first passage time distribution formalism to obtain the closed-form analytical expressions of the mean reaction time and the randomness parameter for reaction schemes where conformational fluctuations are present between two free enzyme conformers. Our studies confirm that the sole presence of free enzyme fluctuations yields a non Michaelis-Menten equation and can lead to dynamic cooperativity. The randomness parameter, which is a measure of the dynamic disorder in the system, converges to unity at a high substrate concentration. If slow fluctuations are present between the enzyme-substrate conformers (off-pathway mechanism), dynamic disorder is present at a high substrate concentration. Our results confirm that the dynamic disorder at a high substrate concentration is determined only by the slow fluctuations between the enzyme-substrate conformers and the randomness parameter is greater than unity. Slow conformational fluctuations between free enzymes are responsible for the emergence of dynamic cooperativity in single enzymes. Our theoretical findings are well supported by comparison with experimental data on the single enzyme beta-galactosidase.

Surface disturbances: their role in accelerating desertification

USGS Publications Warehouse

Belnap, Jayne

1995-01-01

Maintaining soil stability and normal water and nutrient cycles in desert systems is critical to avoiding desertification. These particular ecosystem processes are threatened by trampling of livestock and people, and by off-road vehicle use. Soil compaction and disruption of cryptobiotic soil surfaces (composed of cyanobacteria, lichens, and mosses) can result in decreased water availability to vascular plants through decreased water infiltration and increased albedo with possible decreased precipitation. Surface disturbance may also cause accelerated soil loss through wind and water erosion and decreased diversity and abundance of soil biota. In addition, nutrient cycles can be altered through lowered nitrogen and carbon inputs and slowed decomposition of soil organic matter, resulting in lower nutrient levels in associated vascular plants. Some cold desert systems may be especially susceptible to these disruptions due to the paucity of surface-rooting vascular plants for soil stabilization, fewer nitrogen-fixing higher plants, and lower soil temperatures, which slow nutrient cycles. Desert soils may recover slowly from surface disturbances, resulting in increased vulnerability to desertification. Recovery from compaction and decreased soil stability is estimated to take several hundred years. Re-establishment rates for soil bacterial and fungal populations are not known. The nitrogen fixation capability of soil requires at least 50 years to recover. Recovery of crusts can be hampered by large amounts of moving sediment, and re-establishment can be extremely difficult in some areas. Given the sensitivity of these resources and slow recovery times, desertification threatens million of hectares of semiarid lands in the United States.

Load and inflation pressure effects on soil compaction of forwarder tires

Treesearch

Tim McDonald; Tom Way; Bjorn Lofgren; Fernando Seixas; Mats Landstrom

1996-01-01

A standard forwarder tire (600/55-26.5) was tested to determine its range of soil compaction with various inflation pressures and dynamic loads. Past research has shown that compaction of heavier equipment can be somewhat mitigated by operating with lower inflation pressures. Results indicated a significant effect of both load and inflation pressure on bulk density,...

Dynamic passive pressure on abutments and pile caps.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-08-01

This study investigated the lateral load response of a full-scale pile cap with nine different backfill conditions, more specifically being: 1) no backfill present (baseline response), 2) densely compacted clean sand, 3) loosely compacted clean sand,...

Study on the Effect of Steel Wheel and Ground on Single Steel Vibratory Roller

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jiabo; You, Guanghui; Qiao, Jiabin; Ye, Min; Guo, Jin; Zhang, Hongyang

2018-03-01

In the compacting operation of single drum vibratory roller, the forces acting on the foundation of drum include the weight of the drum, the weight of the frame, the exciting force and so on. Based on the theoretical study of ground mechanics, this paper analyzes and calculates the forces acting on the steel wheel and the ground, and obtains the distribution of the laminar stress in the ground when the working plane vibrates. Derive the formula of dynamic compressive stress and static compressive stress in the foundation during vibration compaction. Through the compaction test of the soil trough of 20T single drum roller, the compressive stress data of the soil hydraulic field are obtained. The data of the dynamic compressive stress and the static compressive stress of each layer during the third compaction are obtained, and the theoretical research is verified.

Dynamics of poroelastic foams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forterre, Yoel; Sobac, Benjamin

2010-11-01

Soft poroelastic structures are widespread in biological tissues such as cartilaginous joints in bones, blood-filled placentae or plant organs. Here we investigate the dynamics of open elastic foams immersed in viscous fluids, as model soft poroelastic materials. The experiment consists in slowly compacting blocs of polyurethane solid foam embedded in silicon oil-tanks and studying their relaxation to equilibrium when the confining stress is suddenly released. Measurements of the local fluid pressure and foam velocity field are compared with a simple two-phase flow approach. For small initial compactions, the results show quantitative agreement with the classical diffusion theory of soil consolidation (Terzaghi, Biot). On the other hand, for large initial compactions, the dynamics exhibits long relaxation times and decompaction fronts, which are mainly controlled by the highly non-linear mechanical response of the foam. The analogy between this process and the evaporation of a polymer melt close to the glass transition will be briefly discussed.

Non-orthogonal internally contracted multi-configurational perturbation theory (NICPT): Dynamic electron correlation for large, compact active spaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kähler, Sven; Olsen, Jeppe

2017-11-01

A computational method is presented for systems that require high-level treatments of static and dynamic electron correlation but cannot be treated using conventional complete active space self-consistent field-based methods due to the required size of the active space. Our method introduces an efficient algorithm for perturbative dynamic correlation corrections for compact non-orthogonal MCSCF calculations. In the algorithm, biorthonormal expansions of orbitals and CI-wave functions are used to reduce the scaling of the performance determining step from quadratic to linear in the number of configurations. We describe a hierarchy of configuration spaces that can be chosen for the active space. Potential curves for the nitrogen molecule and the chromium dimer are compared for different configuration spaces. Already the most compact spaces yield qualitatively correct potentials that with increasing size of configuration spaces systematically approach complete active space results.

Stochastic dynamic modeling of regular and slow earthquakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aso, N.; Ando, R.; Ide, S.

2017-12-01

Both regular and slow earthquakes are slip phenomena on plate boundaries and are simulated by a (quasi-)dynamic modeling [Liu and Rice, 2005]. In these numerical simulations, spatial heterogeneity is usually considered not only for explaining real physical properties but also for evaluating the stability of the calculations or the sensitivity of the results on the condition. However, even though we discretize the model space with small grids, heterogeneity at smaller scales than the grid size is not considered in the models with deterministic governing equations. To evaluate the effect of heterogeneity at the smaller scales we need to consider stochastic interactions between slip and stress in a dynamic modeling. Tidal stress is known to trigger or affect both regular and slow earthquakes [Yabe et al., 2015; Ide et al., 2016], and such an external force with fluctuation can also be considered as a stochastic external force. A healing process of faults may also be stochastic, so we introduce stochastic friction law. In the present study, we propose a stochastic dynamic model to explain both regular and slow earthquakes. We solve mode III problem, which corresponds to the rupture propagation along the strike direction. We use BIEM (boundary integral equation method) scheme to simulate slip evolution, but we add stochastic perturbations in the governing equations, which is usually written in a deterministic manner. As the simplest type of perturbations, we adopt Gaussian deviations in the formulation of the slip-stress kernel, external force, and friction. By increasing the amplitude of perturbations of the slip-stress kernel, we reproduce complicated rupture process of regular earthquakes including unilateral and bilateral ruptures. By perturbing external force, we reproduce slow rupture propagation at a scale of km/day. The slow propagation generated by a combination of fast interaction at S-wave velocity is analogous to the kinetic theory of gasses: thermal diffusion appears much slower than the particle velocity of each molecule. The concept of stochastic triggering originates in the Brownian walk model [Ide, 2008], and the present study introduces the stochastic dynamics into dynamic simulations. The stochastic dynamic model has the potential to explain both regular and slow earthquakes more realistically.

Keck-I MOSFIRE spectroscopy of compact star-forming galaxies at z ≳ 2: high velocity dispersions in progenitors of compact quiescent galaxies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barro, Guillermo; Koo, David C.; Faber, Sandra M.

2014-11-10

We present Keck-I MOSFIRE near-infrared spectroscopy for a sample of 13 compact star-forming galaxies (SFGs) at redshift 2 ≤ z ≤ 2.5 with star formation rates of SFR ∼ 100 M {sub ☉} yr{sup –1} and masses of log(M/M {sub ☉}) ∼10.8. Their high integrated gas velocity dispersions of σ{sub int} =230{sub −30}{sup +40} km s{sup –1}, as measured from emission lines of Hα and [O III], and the resultant M {sub *}-σ{sub int} relation and M {sub *}-M {sub dyn} all match well to those of compact quiescent galaxies at z ∼ 2, as measured from stellar absorption lines.more » Since log(M {sub *}/M {sub dyn}) =–0.06 ± 0.2 dex, these compact SFGs appear to be dynamically relaxed and evolved, i.e., depleted in gas and dark matter (<13{sub −13}{sup +17}%), and present larger σ{sub int} than their non-compact SFG counterparts at the same epoch. Without infusion of external gas, depletion timescales are short, less than ∼300 Myr. This discovery adds another link to our new dynamical chain of evidence that compact SFGs at z ≳ 2 are already losing gas to become the immediate progenitors of compact quiescent galaxies by z ∼ 2.« less

Extreme gravity tests with gravitational waves from compact binary coalescences: (II) ringdown

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berti, Emanuele; Yagi, Kent; Yang, Huan; Yunes, Nicolás

2018-05-01

The LIGO/Virgo detections of binary black hole mergers marked a watershed moment in astronomy, ushering in the era of precision tests of Kerr dynamics. We review theoretical and experimental challenges that must be overcome to carry out black hole spectroscopy with present and future gravitational wave detectors. Among other topics, we discuss quasinormal mode excitation in binary mergers, astrophysical event rates, tests of black hole dynamics in modified theories of gravity, parameterized "post-Kerr" ringdown tests, exotic compact objects, and proposed data analysis methods to improve spectroscopic tests of Kerr dynamics by stacking multiple events.

Dynamic Crushing Response of Closed-cell Aluminium Foam at Variable Strain Rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islam, M. A.; Kader, M. A.; Escobedo, J. P.; Hazell, P. J.; Appleby-Thomas, G. J.; Quadir, M. Z.

2015-06-01

The impact response of aluminium foams is essential for assessing their crashworthiness and energy absorption capacity for potential applications. The dynamic compactions of closed-cell aluminium foams (CYMAT) have been tested at variable strain rates. Microstructural characterization has also been carried out. The low strain rate impact test has been carried out using drop weight experiments while the high strain compaction test has been carried out via plate impact experiments. The post impacted samples have been examined using optical and electron microscopy to observe the microstructural changes during dynamic loading. This combination of dynamic deformation during impact and post impact microstructural analysis helped to evaluate the pore collapse mechanism and impact energy absorption characteristics.

Dynamics of Galaxies in Compact Groups II.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amram, P.; Mendes de Oliveira, C.

We show partial results of a program based on Fabry-Perot Hα velocity field data of compact groups taken at the ESO and the CFH 3.6m telescopes in order to analyze the kinematics of compact group galaxies. This project has three main goals: 1. determine the evolutionary stages of the groups; 2. search for tidal dwarf galaxies and 3. determine the Tully-Fisher relation for the group galaxies. We classify the compact groups studied so far into the following subclasses : (1) merging groups, (2) strongly interacting, (3) mildly interacting, (4) kinematically undisturbed and (5) false groups/single galaxy (details are given in the companion paper Mendes de Oliveira and Amram, 2000). We present examples of velocity fields of galaxies in compact groups that are in different evolutionary stages as classified from the kinematic disturbances. Spiral-only groups have often been considered chance alignments or groups in the very early stages of dynamical evolution. However, we find that the kinematics of the member galaxies for spiral-only groups in classes (1), (2) and (3) above display peculiarities which suggest that the galaxies know of the presence of their neighbors.

Design of voice coil motor dynamic focusing unit for a laser scanner

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Moon G.; Kim, Gaeun; Lee, Chan-Woo

2014-04-15

Laser scanning systems have been used for material processing tasks such as welding, cutting, marking, and drilling. However, applications have been limited by the small range of motion and slow speed of the focusing unit, which carries the focusing optics. To overcome these limitations, a dynamic focusing system with a long travel range and high speed is needed. In this study, a dynamic focusing unit for a laser scanning system with a voice coil motor (VCM) mechanism is proposed to enable fast speed and a wide focusing range. The VCM has finer precision and higher speed than conventional step motorsmore » and a longer travel range than earlier lead zirconium titanate actuators. The system has a hollow configuration to provide a laser beam path. This also makes it compact and transmission-free and gives it low inertia. The VCM's magnetics are modeled using a permeance model. Its design parameters are determined by optimization using the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno method and a sequential quadratic programming algorithm. After the VCM is designed, the dynamic focusing unit is fabricated and assembled. The permeance model is verified by a magnetic finite element method simulation tool, Maxwell 2D and 3D, and by measurement data from a gauss meter. The performance is verified experimentally. The results show a resolution of 0.2 μm and travel range of 16 mm. These are better than those of conventional focusing systems; therefore, this focusing unit can be applied to laser scanning systems for good machining capability.« less

Dynamic Histogram Analysis To Determine Free Energies and Rates from Biased Simulations.

PubMed

Stelzl, Lukas S; Kells, Adam; Rosta, Edina; Hummer, Gerhard

2017-12-12

We present an algorithm to calculate free energies and rates from molecular simulations on biased potential energy surfaces. As input, it uses the accumulated times spent in each state or bin of a histogram and counts of transitions between them. Optimal unbiased equilibrium free energies for each of the states/bins are then obtained by maximizing the likelihood of a master equation (i.e., first-order kinetic rate model). The resulting free energies also determine the optimal rate coefficients for transitions between the states or bins on the biased potentials. Unbiased rates can be estimated, e.g., by imposing a linear free energy condition in the likelihood maximization. The resulting "dynamic histogram analysis method extended to detailed balance" (DHAMed) builds on the DHAM method. It is also closely related to the transition-based reweighting analysis method (TRAM) and the discrete TRAM (dTRAM). However, in the continuous-time formulation of DHAMed, the detailed balance constraints are more easily accounted for, resulting in compact expressions amenable to efficient numerical treatment. DHAMed produces accurate free energies in cases where the common weighted-histogram analysis method (WHAM) for umbrella sampling fails because of slow dynamics within the windows. Even in the limit of completely uncorrelated data, where WHAM is optimal in the maximum-likelihood sense, DHAMed results are nearly indistinguishable. We illustrate DHAMed with applications to ion channel conduction, RNA duplex formation, α-helix folding, and rate calculations from accelerated molecular dynamics. DHAMed can also be used to construct Markov state models from biased or replica-exchange molecular dynamics simulations. By using binless WHAM formulated as a numerical minimization problem, the bias factors for the individual states can be determined efficiently in a preprocessing step and, if needed, optimized globally afterward.

Natural extension of fast-slow decomposition for dynamical systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rubin, J. E.; Krauskopf, B.; Osinga, H. M.

2018-01-01

Modeling and parameter estimation to capture the dynamics of physical systems are often challenging because many parameters can range over orders of magnitude and are difficult to measure experimentally. Moreover, selecting a suitable model complexity requires a sufficient understanding of the model's potential use, such as highlighting essential mechanisms underlying qualitative behavior or precisely quantifying realistic dynamics. We present an approach that can guide model development and tuning to achieve desired qualitative and quantitative solution properties. It relies on the presence of disparate time scales and employs techniques of separating the dynamics of fast and slow variables, which are well known in the analysis of qualitative solution features. We build on these methods to show how it is also possible to obtain quantitative solution features by imposing designed dynamics for the slow variables in the form of specified two-dimensional paths in a bifurcation-parameter landscape.

Time scale bridging in atomistic simulation of slow dynamics: viscous relaxation and defect activation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kushima, A.; Eapen, J.; Li, Ju; Yip, S.; Zhu, T.

2011-08-01

Atomistic simulation methods are known for timescale limitations in resolving slow dynamical processes. Two well-known scenarios of slow dynamics are viscous relaxation in supercooled liquids and creep deformation in stressed solids. In both phenomena the challenge to theory and simulation is to sample the transition state pathways efficiently and follow the dynamical processes on long timescales. We present a perspective based on the biased molecular simulation methods such as metadynamics, autonomous basin climbing (ABC), strain-boost and adaptive boost simulations. Such algorithms can enable an atomic-level explanation of the temperature variation of the shear viscosity of glassy liquids, and the relaxation behavior in solids undergoing creep deformation. By discussing the dynamics of slow relaxation in two quite different areas of condensed matter science, we hope to draw attention to other complex problems where anthropological or geological-scale time behavior can be simulated at atomic resolution and understood in terms of micro-scale processes of molecular rearrangements and collective interactions. As examples of a class of phenomena that can be broadly classified as materials ageing, we point to stress corrosion cracking and cement setting as opportunities for atomistic modeling and simulations.

Dynamic model inversion techniques for breath-by-breath measurement of carbon dioxide from low bandwidth sensors.

PubMed

Sivaramakrishnan, Shyam; Rajamani, Rajesh; Johnson, Bruce D

2009-01-01

Respiratory CO(2) measurement (capnography) is an important diagnosis tool that lacks inexpensive and wearable sensors. This paper develops techniques to enable use of inexpensive but slow CO(2) sensors for breath-by-breath tracking of CO(2) concentration. This is achieved by mathematically modeling the dynamic response and using model-inversion techniques to predict input CO(2) concentration from the slow-varying output. Experiments are designed to identify model-dynamics and extract relevant model-parameters for a solidstate room monitoring CO(2) sensor. A second-order model that accounts for flow through the sensor's filter and casing is found to be accurate in describing the sensor's slow response. The resulting estimate is compared with a standard-of-care respiratory CO(2) analyzer and shown to effectively track variation in breath-by-breath CO(2) concentration. This methodology is potentially useful for measuring fast-varying inputs to any slow sensor.

The dynamics of neuronal redundancy in decision making

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daniels, Bryan; Flack, Jessica; Krakauer, David

We propose two temporal phases of collective computation in a visual motion direction discrimination task by analyzing recordings from 169 neural channels in the prefrontal cortex of macaque monkeys. Phase I is a distributed phase in which uncertainty is substantially reduced by pooling information from many cells. Phase II is a redundant phase in which numerous single cells contain all the information present at the population level in Phase I. A dynamic distributed model connects low redundancy to a slow timescale of information aggregation, and provides a common explanation for both behaviors that differs only in the degree of recurrent excitation. We attribute the slow timescale of information accumulation to critical slowing down near the transition to a memory-carrying collective state. We suggest that this dynamic of slow distributed accumulation followed by fast collective propagation is a generic feature of robust collective computing systems related to consensus formation.

Influence of Organic Amendment and Compaction on Nutrient Dynamics in a Saturated Saline-Sodic Soil from the Riparian Zone.

PubMed

Miller, J J; Bremer, E; Curtis, T

2016-07-01

Cattle grazing in wet riparian pastures may influence nutrient dynamics due to nutrient deposition in feces and urine, soil compaction, and vegetation loss. We conducted a lab incubation study with a saline-sodic riparian soil to study nutrient (N, P, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) dynamics in soil pore water using Plant Root Simulator (PRS) probes and release of nutrients into the overlying ponded water during flooding. The treatment factors were organic amendment (manure, roots, and unamended control), compaction (compacted, uncompacted), and burial time (3, 7, and 14 d). Amendment treatment had the greatest impact on nutrient dynamics, followed by burial time, whereas compaction had little impact. The findings generally supported our hypothesis that organic amendments should first increase nitrate loss, then increase Mn mobility, then Fe mobility and associated release of P, and finally increase sulfate loss. Declines in nitrate due to amendment addition were small because nitrate was at low levels in all treatments due to high denitrification potential instead of being released to soil pore water or overlying water. Addition of organic amendment strongly increased Mn and Fe concentrations in overlying water and of adsorbed Fe on PRS probes but only increased Mn on PRS probes on Day 3 due to subsequent displacement from ion exchange membranes. Transport of P to overlying water was increased by organic amendment addition but less so for manure than roots despite higher P on PRS probes. The findings showed that saline-sodic soils in riparian zones are generally a nutrient source for P and are a nutrient sink for N as measured using PRS probes after 3 to 7 d of flooding. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.

Toward structural dynamics: protein motions viewed by chemical shift modulations and direct detection of C'N multiple-quantum relaxation.

PubMed

Mori, Mirko; Kateb, Fatiha; Bodenhausen, Geoffrey; Piccioli, Mario; Abergel, Daniel

2010-03-17

Multiple quantum relaxation in proteins reveals unexpected relationships between correlated or anti-correlated conformational backbone dynamics in alpha-helices or beta-sheets. The contributions of conformational exchange to the relaxation rates of C'N coherences (i.e., double- and zero-quantum coherences involving backbone carbonyl (13)C' and neighboring amide (15)N nuclei) depend on the kinetics of slow exchange processes, as well as on the populations of the conformations and chemical shift differences of (13)C' and (15)N nuclei. The relaxation rates of C'N coherences, which reflect concerted fluctuations due to slow chemical shift modulations (CSMs), were determined by direct (13)C detection in diamagnetic and paramagnetic proteins. In well-folded proteins such as lanthanide-substituted calbindin (CaLnCb), copper,zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn SOD), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP12), slow conformational exchange occurs along the entire backbone. Our observations demonstrate that relaxation rates of C'N coherences arising from slow backbone dynamics have positive signs (characteristic of correlated fluctuations) in beta-sheets and negative signs (characteristic of anti-correlated fluctuations) in alpha-helices. This extends the prospects of structure-dynamics relationships to slow time scales that are relevant for protein function and enzymatic activity.

A contemporary view of atrioventricular nodal physiology.

PubMed

Markowitz, Steven M; Lerman, Bruce B

2018-06-16

In delaying transmission of the cardiac impulse from the atria to the ventricles, the atrioventricular (AV) node serves a critical function in augmenting ventricular filling during diastole and limiting the ventricular response during atrial tachyarrhythmias. The complex structure of the nodal region, however, also provides the substrate for reentrant rhythms. Recent discoveries have elucidated the cellular basis and anatomical determinants of slow conduction in the node. Based on analysis of gap junction proteins, distinct structural components of the AV node have been defined, including the compact node, right and left inferior nodal extensions, the lower nodal bundle, and transitional tissue. Emerging evidence supports the role of the inferior nodal extensions in mediating slow pathway conduction. The most common form of reentry involving the node, slow-fast AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), utilizes the inferior nodal extensions for anterograde slow pathway conduction; the structures responsible for retrograde fast pathway activation in the superior septum are less well defined and likely heterogeneous. Atypical forms of AVNRT arise from circuits that activate at least one of the inferior extensions in the retrograde direction.

High-Order Methods for Computational Fluid Dynamics: A Brief Review of Compact Differential Formulations on Unstructured Grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huynh, H. T.; Wang, Z. J.; Vincent, P. E.

2013-01-01

Popular high-order schemes with compact stencils for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) include Discontinuous Galerkin (DG), Spectral Difference (SD), and Spectral Volume (SV) methods. The recently proposed Flux Reconstruction (FR) approach or Correction Procedure using Reconstruction (CPR) is based on a differential formulation and provides a unifying framework for these high-order schemes. Here we present a brief review of recent developments for the FR/CPR schemes as well as some pacing items.

Dynamic J sub I-R Curve Testing of HY-130 Steel.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-10-01

Society for Testing and Materials 0C Degrees Celsius COD Crack-opening displacement CT Compact tension CVN Charpy V-notch dia Diameter in-lb/in 2 Inch...inches per second. A key curve for HY-130 plate was developed under dynamic loading conditions using subsized compact specimens and was applied to...face grooves were machined along the crack line to a total section reduction of 20% with a standard Charpy V-notch (CVN) cutter (450 included angle

Reduced Sensitivity to Slow-Rate Dynamic Auditory Information in Children with Dyslexia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Poelmans, Hanne; Luts, Heleen; Vandermosten, Maaike; Boets, Bart; Ghesquiere, Pol; Wouters, Jan

2011-01-01

The etiology of developmental dyslexia remains widely debated. An appealing theory postulates that the reading and spelling problems in individuals with dyslexia originate from reduced sensitivity to slow-rate dynamic auditory cues. This low-level auditory deficit is thought to provoke a cascade of effects, including inaccurate speech perception…

Host polymer influence on dilute polystyrene segmental dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lutz, T. R.

2005-03-01

We have utilized deuterium NMR to investigate the segmental dynamics of dilute (2%) d3-polystyrene (PS) chains in miscible polymer blends with polybutadiene, poly(vinyl ethylene), polyisoprene, poly(vinyl methylether) and poly(methyl methacrylate). In the dilute limit, we find qualitative differences depending upon whether the host polymer has dynamics that are faster or slower than that of pure PS. In blends where PS is the fast (low Tg) component, segmental dynamics are slowed upon blending and can be fit by the Lodge-McLeish model. When PS is the slow (high Tg) component, PS segmental dynamics speed up upon blending, but cannot be fit by the Lodge-McLeish model unless a temperature dependent self-concentration is employed. These results are qualitatively consistent with a recent suggestion by Kant, Kumar and Colby (Macromolecules, 2003, 10087), based upon data at higher concentrations. Furthermore, as the slow component, we find the segmental dynamics of PS has a temperature dependence similar to that of its host. This suggests viewing the high Tg component dynamics in a miscible blend as similar to a polymer in a low molecular weight solvent.

Nonlinear elasticity in resonance experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xun; Sens-Schönfelder, Christoph; Snieder, Roel

2018-04-01

Resonant bar experiments have revealed that dynamic deformation induces nonlinearity in rocks. These experiments produce resonance curves that represent the response amplitude as a function of the driving frequency. We propose a model to reproduce the resonance curves with observed features that include (a) the log-time recovery of the resonant frequency after the deformation ends (slow dynamics), (b) the asymmetry in the direction of the driving frequency, (c) the difference between resonance curves with the driving frequency that is swept upward and downward, and (d) the presence of a "cliff" segment to the left of the resonant peak under the condition of strong nonlinearity. The model is based on a feedback cycle where the effect of softening (nonlinearity) feeds back to the deformation. This model provides a unified interpretation of both the nonlinearity and slow dynamics in resonance experiments. We further show that the asymmetry of the resonance curve is caused by the softening, which is documented by the decrease of the resonant frequency during the deformation; the cliff segment of the resonance curve is linked to a bifurcation that involves a steep change of the response amplitude when the driving frequency is changed. With weak nonlinearity, the difference between the upward- and downward-sweeping curves depends on slow dynamics; a sufficiently slow frequency sweep eliminates this up-down difference. With strong nonlinearity, the up-down difference results from both the slow dynamics and bifurcation; however, the presence of the bifurcation maintains the respective part of the up-down difference, regardless of the sweep rate.

Can Structural Optimization Explain Slow Dynamics of Rocks?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, H.; Vistisen, O.; Tencate, J. A.

2009-12-01

Slow dynamics is a recovery process that describes the return to an equilibrium state after some external energy input is applied and then removed. Experimental studies on many rocks have shown that a modest acoustic energy input results in slow dynamics. The recovery process of the stiffness has consistently been found to be linear to log(time) for a wide range of geomaterials and the time constants appear to be unique to the material [TenCate JA, Shankland TJ (1996), Geophys Res Lett 23, 3019-3022]. Measurements of this nonequilibrium effect in rocks (e.g. sandstones and limestones) have been linked directly to the cement holding the individual grains together [Darling TW, TenCate JA, Brown DW, Clausen B, Vogel SC (2004), Geophys Res Lett 31, L16604], also suggesting a potential link to porosity and permeability. Noting that slow dynamics consistently returns the overall stiffness of rocks to its maximum (original) state, it is hypothesized that the original state represents the global minimum strain energy state. Consequently the slow dynamics process represents the global minimization or optimization process. Structural optimization, which has been developed for engineering design, minimises the total strain energy by rearranging the material distribution [Kim H, Querin OM, Steven GP, Xie YM (2002), Struct Multidiscip Optim 24, 441-448]. The optimization process effectively rearranges the way the material is cemented. One of the established global optimization methods is simulated annealing (SA). Derived from cooling of metal to a thermal equilibrium, SA finds an optimum solution by iteratively moving the system towards the minimum energy state with a probability of 'uphill' moves. It has been established that the global optimum can be guaranteed by applying a log(time) linear cooling schedule [Hajek B (1988, Math Ops Res, 15, 311-329]. This work presents the original study of applying SA to the maximum stiffness optimization problem. Preliminary results indicate that the maximum stiffness solutions are achieved when using log(time) linear cooling schedule. The optimization history reveals that the overall stiffness of the structure is increased linearly to log(time). The results closely resemble the slow dynamics stiffness recovery of geomaterials and support the hypothesis that the slow dynamics is an optimization process for strain energy. [Work supported by the Department of Energy through the LANL/LDRD Program].

Rheology and microstructure of filled polymer melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, Benjamin John

The states of particle dispersion in polymer nanocomposite melts are studied through rheological characterization of nanocomposite melt mechanical properties and small angle X-ray scattering measurement of the particle microstructure. The particle microstructure probed with scattering is related to bulk flow mechanics to determine the origin of slow dynamics in these complex dispersions: whether a gel or glass transition or a slowing down of dispersing phase dynamics. These studies were conducted to understand polymer mediated particle-particle interactions and potential particle-polymer phase separation. The phase behavior of the dispersion will be governed by enthalpic and entropic contributions. A variety of phases are expected: homogeneous fluid, phase separated, or non-equilibrium gel. The effects of dispersion control parameters, namely particle volume fraction, polymer molecular weight, and polymer-particle surface affinity, on the phase behavior of 44 nm silica dispersions are studied in low molecular weight polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyethylene oxide dimethylether (PEODME), and polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF). Scattering measurements of the particle second virial coefficient in PEO melts indicates repulsive particles by a value slightly greater than unity. In PEO nanocomposites, dispersion dynamics slow down witnessed by a plateau in the elastic modulus as the particle separation approaches the length scale of the polymer radius of gyration. As the polymer molecular weight is increased, the transition shifts to lower particle volume fractions. Below polymer entanglement, the slow dynamics mimics that of a colloidal glass by the appearance of two relaxation times in the viscous modulus that display power law scaling with volume fraction. Above entanglement, the slow dynamics is qualitatively different resembling the behavior of a gelled suspension yet lacking any sign of scattering from particle agglomerates. As polymer molecular weight is increased at a fixed volume fraction, two strain yielding events emerge. Further particle loading leads to the formation of a particle-polymer network and the onset of brittle mechanical behavior. The performance of PEO nanocomposites is contrasted by PEODME and PTHF nanocomposites where a change in the polymer segment-surface activity changes the slow dynamics of the nanocomposite and the microstructure of particles in the melt. Slow dynamics and the particle microstructure indicate a gelled suspension as volume fraction is raised with particles in or near contact and support the turning on of particle attractions in the melt.

Controlling slow and fast light and dynamic pulse-splitting with tunable optical gain in a whispering-gallery-mode microcavity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Asano, M.; Ikuta, R.; Imoto, N.

We report controllable manipulation of slow and fast light in a whispering-gallery-mode microtoroid resonator fabricated from Erbium (Er{sup 3+}) doped silica. We observe continuous transition of the coupling between the fiber-taper waveguide and the microresonator from undercoupling to critical coupling and then to overcoupling regimes by increasing the pump power even though the spatial distance between the resonator and the waveguide was kept fixed. This, in turn, enables switching from fast to slow light and vice versa just by increasing the optical gain. An enhancement of delay of two-fold over the passive silica resonator (no optical gain) was observed inmore » the slow light regime. Moreover, we show dynamic pulse splitting and its control in slow/fast light systems using optical gain.« less

Cortical networks dynamically emerge with the interplay of slow and fast oscillations for memory of a natural scene.

PubMed

Mizuhara, Hiroaki; Sato, Naoyuki; Yamaguchi, Yoko

2015-05-01

Neural oscillations are crucial for revealing dynamic cortical networks and for serving as a possible mechanism of inter-cortical communication, especially in association with mnemonic function. The interplay of the slow and fast oscillations might dynamically coordinate the mnemonic cortical circuits to rehearse stored items during working memory retention. We recorded simultaneous EEG-fMRI during a working memory task involving a natural scene to verify whether the cortical networks emerge with the neural oscillations for memory of the natural scene. The slow EEG power was enhanced in association with the better accuracy of working memory retention, and accompanied cortical activities in the mnemonic circuits for the natural scene. Fast oscillation showed a phase-amplitude coupling to the slow oscillation, and its power was tightly coupled with the cortical activities for representing the visual images of natural scenes. The mnemonic cortical circuit with the slow neural oscillations would rehearse the distributed natural scene representations with the fast oscillation for working memory retention. The coincidence of the natural scene representations could be obtained by the slow oscillation phase to create a coherent whole of the natural scene in the working memory. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Compact Conformations of Human Protein Disulfide Isomerase

PubMed Central

Cui, Lei; Ding, Xiang; Niu, Lili; Yang, Fuquan; Wang, Chao; Wang, Chih-chen; Lou, Jizhong

2014-01-01

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) composed of four thioredoxin-like domains a, b, b', and a', is a key enzyme catalyzing oxidative protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum. Large scale molecular dynamics simulations starting from the crystal structures of human PDI (hPDI) in the oxidized and reduced states were performed. The results indicate that hPDI adopts more compact conformations in solution than in the crystal structures, which are stabilized primarily by inter-domain interactions, including the salt bridges between domains a and b' observed for the first time. A prominent feature of the compact conformations is that the two catalytic domains a and a' can locate close enough for intra-molecular electron transfer, which was confirmed by the characterization of an intermediate with a disulfide between the two domains. Mutations, which disrupt the inter-domain interactions, lead to decreased reductase activity of hPDI. Our molecular dynamics simulations and biochemical experiments reveal the intrinsic conformational dynamics of hPDI and its biological impact. PMID:25084354

High-Speed Experiments on Combustion-Powered Actuation for Dynamic Stall Suppression

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matalanis, Claude; Bowles, Patrick; Lorber, Peter; Crittenden, Thomas; Glezer, Ari; Schaeffler, Norman; Min, Byung-Young; Jee, Solkeun; Kuczek, Andrzej; Wake, Brian

2016-01-01

This work documents high-speed wind tunnel experiments conducted on a pitching airfoil equipped with an array of combustion-powered actuators (COMPACT). The main objective of these experiments was to demonstrate the stall-suppression capability of COMPACT on a high-lift rotorcraft airfoil, the VR-12, at relevant Mach numbers. Through dynamic pressure measurements at the airfoil surface it was shown that COMPACT can positively affect the stall behavior of the VR-12 at Mach numbers up to 0.4. Static airfoil results demonstrated 25% and 50% increases in post-stall lift at Mach numbers of 0.4 and 0.3, respectively. Deep dynamic stall results showed cycle-averaged lift coefficient increases up to 11% at Mach 0.4. Furthermore, it was shown that these benefits could be achieved with relatively few pulses during down-stroke and with no need to pre-anticipate the stall event. The flow mechanisms responsible for stall suppression were investigated using particle image velocimetry.

Trust and compactness in social network groups.

PubMed

De Meo, Pasquale; Ferrara, Emilio; Rosaci, Domenico; Sarné, Giuseppe M L

2015-02-01

Understanding the dynamics behind group formation and evolution in social networks is considered an instrumental milestone to better describe how individuals gather and form communities, how they enjoy and share the platform contents, how they are driven by their preferences/tastes, and how their behaviors are influenced by peers. In this context, the notion of compactness of a social group is particularly relevant. While the literature usually refers to compactness as a measure to merely determine how much members of a group are similar among each other, we argue that the mutual trustworthiness between the members should be considered as an important factor in defining such a term. In fact, trust has profound effects on the dynamics of group formation and their evolution: individuals are more likely to join with and stay in a group if they can trust other group members. In this paper, we propose a quantitative measure of group compactness that takes into account both the similarity and the trustworthiness among users, and we present an algorithm to optimize such a measure. We provide empirical results, obtained from the real social networks EPINIONS and CIAO, that compare our notion of compactness versus the traditional notion of user similarity, clearly proving the advantages of our approach.

Simulations and Experiments of Dynamic Granular Compaction in Non-ideal Geometries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Homel, Michael; Herbold, Eric; Lind, John; Crum, Ryan; Hurley, Ryan; Akin, Minta; Pagan, Darren; LLNL Team

2017-06-01

Accurately describing the dynamic compaction of granular materials is a persistent challenge in computational mechanics. Using a synchrotron x-ray source we have obtained detailed imaging of the evolving compaction front in synthetic olivine powder impacted at 300 - 600 m / s . To facilitate imaging, a non-traditional sample geometry is used, producing multiple load paths within the sample. We demonstrate that (i) commonly used models for porous compaction may produce inaccurate results for complex loading, even if the 1 - D , uniaxial-strain compaction response is reasonable, and (ii) the experimental results can be used along with simulations to determine parameters for sophisticated constitutive models that more accurately describe the strength, softening, bulking, and poroelastic response. Effects of experimental geometry and alternative configurations are discussed. Our understanding of the material response is further enhanced using mesoscale simulations that allow us to relate the mechanisms of grain fracture, contact, and comminution to the macroscale continuum response. Numerical considerations in both continuum and mesoscale simulations are described. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344. LDRD#16-ERD-010. LLNL-ABS-725113.

Hysteresis in DNA compaction by Dps is described by an Ising model

PubMed Central

Vtyurina, Natalia N.; Dulin, David; Docter, Margreet W.; Meyer, Anne S.; Dekker, Nynke H.; Abbondanzieri, Elio A.

2016-01-01

In all organisms, DNA molecules are tightly compacted into a dynamic 3D nucleoprotein complex. In bacteria, this compaction is governed by the family of nucleoid-associated proteins (NAPs). Under conditions of stress and starvation, an NAP called Dps (DNA-binding protein from starved cells) becomes highly up-regulated and can massively reorganize the bacterial chromosome. Although static structures of Dps–DNA complexes have been documented, little is known about the dynamics of their assembly. Here, we use fluorescence microscopy and magnetic-tweezers measurements to resolve the process of DNA compaction by Dps. Real-time in vitro studies demonstrated a highly cooperative process of Dps binding characterized by an abrupt collapse of the DNA extension, even under applied tension. Surprisingly, we also discovered a reproducible hysteresis in the process of compaction and decompaction of the Dps–DNA complex. This hysteresis is extremely stable over hour-long timescales despite the rapid binding and dissociation rates of Dps. A modified Ising model is successfully applied to fit these kinetic features. We find that long-lived hysteresis arises naturally as a consequence of protein cooperativity in large complexes and provides a useful mechanism for cells to adopt unique epigenetic states. PMID:27091987

3D AMR hydrosimulations of a compact source scenario for the Galactic Centre cloud G2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ballone, A.; Schartmann, M.; Burkert, A.; Gillessen, S.; Plewa, P. M.; Genzel, R.; Pfuhl, O.; Eisenhauer, F.; Habibi, M.; Ott, T.; George, E. M.

2018-06-01

The nature of the gaseous and dusty cloud G2 in the Galactic Centre is still under debate. We present three-dimensional hydrodynamical adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) simulations of G2, modeled as an outflow from a "compact source" moving on the observed orbit. The construction of mock position-velocity (PV) diagrams enables a direct comparison with observations and allow us to conclude that the observational properties of the gaseous component of G2 could be matched by a massive (\\dot{M}_w=5× 10^{-7} M_{⊙} yr^{-1}) and slow (50 km s-1) outflow, as observed for T Tauri stars. In order for this to be true, only the material at larger (>100 AU) distances from the source must be actually emitting, otherwise G2 would appear too compact compared to the observed PV diagrams. On the other hand, the presence of a central dusty source might be able to explain the compactness of G2's dust component. In the present scenario, 5-10 years after pericentre the compact source should decouple from the previously ejected material, due to the hydrodynamic interaction of the latter with the surrounding hot and dense atmosphere. In this case, a new outflow should form, ahead of the previous one, which would be the smoking gun evidence for an outflow scenario.

Nucleation process and dynamic inversion of the Mw 6.9 Valparaíso 2017 earthquake in Central Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruiz, S.; Aden-Antoniow, F.; Baez, J. C., Sr.; Otarola, C., Sr.; Potin, B.; DelCampo, F., Sr.; Poli, P.; Flores, C.; Satriano, C.; Felipe, L., Sr.; Madariaga, R. I.

2017-12-01

The Valparaiso 2017 sequence occurred in mega-thrust Central Chile, an active zone where the last mega-earthquake occurred in 1730. An intense seismicity occurred 2 days before of the Mw 6.9 main-shock. A slow trench ward movement observed in the coastal GPS antennas accompanied the foreshock seismicity. Following the Mw 6.9 earthquake the seismicity migrated 30 Km to South-East. This sequence was well recorded by multi-parametric stations composed by GPS, Broad-Band and Strong Motion instruments. We built a seismic catalogue with 2329 events associated to Valparaiso sequence, with a magnitude completeness of Ml 2.8. We located all the seismicity considering a new 3D velocity model obtained for the Valparaiso zone, and compute the moment tensor for events with magnitude larger than Ml 3.5, and finally studied the presence of repeating earthquakes. The main-shock is studied by performing a dynamic inversion using the strong motion records and an elliptical patch approach to characterize the rupture process. During the two days nucleation stage, we observe a compact zone of repeater events. In the meantime a westward GPS movement was recorded in the coastal GPS stations. The aseismic moment estimated from GPS is larger than the foreshocks cumulative moment, suggesting the presence of a slow slip event, which potentially triggered the 6.9 mainshock. The Mw 6.9 earthquake is associated to rupture of an elliptical asperity of semi-axis of 10 km and 5 km, with a sub-shear rupture, stress drop of 11.71 MPa, yield stress of 17.21 MPa, slip weakening of 0.65 m and kappa value of 1.70. This sequence occurs close to, and with some similar characteristics that 1985 Valparaíso Mw 8.0 earthquake. The rupture of this asperity could stress more the highly locked Central Chile zone where a mega-thrust earthquake like 1730 is expected.

The relationship between two fast/slow analysis techniques for bursting oscillations

PubMed Central

Teka, Wondimu; Tabak, Joël; Bertram, Richard

2012-01-01

Bursting oscillations in excitable systems reflect multi-timescale dynamics. These oscillations have often been studied in mathematical models by splitting the equations into fast and slow subsystems. Typically, one treats the slow variables as parameters of the fast subsystem and studies the bifurcation structure of this subsystem. This has key features such as a z-curve (stationary branch) and a Hopf bifurcation that gives rise to a branch of periodic spiking solutions. In models of bursting in pituitary cells, we have recently used a different approach that focuses on the dynamics of the slow subsystem. Characteristic features of this approach are folded node singularities and a critical manifold. In this article, we investigate the relationships between the key structures of the two analysis techniques. We find that the z-curve and Hopf bifurcation of the two-fast/one-slow decomposition are closely related to the voltage nullcline and folded node singularity of the one-fast/two-slow decomposition, respectively. They become identical in the double singular limit in which voltage is infinitely fast and calcium is infinitely slow. PMID:23278052

A supermassive black hole in an ultra-compact dwarf galaxy.

PubMed

Seth, Anil C; van den Bosch, Remco; Mieske, Steffen; Baumgardt, Holger; den Brok, Mark; Strader, Jay; Neumayer, Nadine; Chilingarian, Igor; Hilker, Michael; McDermid, Richard; Spitler, Lee; Brodie, Jean; Frank, Matthias J; Walsh, Jonelle L

2014-09-18

Ultra-compact dwarf galaxies are among the densest stellar systems in the Universe. These systems have masses of up to 2 × 10(8) solar masses, but half-light radii of just 3-50 parsecs. Dynamical mass estimates show that many such dwarfs are more massive than expected from their luminosity. It remains unclear whether these high dynamical mass estimates arise because of the presence of supermassive black holes or result from a non-standard stellar initial mass function that causes the average stellar mass to be higher than expected. Here we report adaptive optics kinematic data of the ultra-compact dwarf galaxy M60-UCD1 that show a central velocity dispersion peak exceeding 100 kilometres per second and modest rotation. Dynamical modelling of these data reveals the presence of a supermassive black hole with a mass of 2.1 × 10(7) solar masses. This is 15 per cent of the object's total mass. The high black hole mass and mass fraction suggest that M60-UCD1 is the stripped nucleus of a galaxy. Our analysis also shows that M60-UCD1's stellar mass is consistent with its luminosity, implying a large population of previously unrecognized supermassive black holes in other ultra-compact dwarf galaxies.

Topological Origins of the Slow Solar Wind

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Antiochos, Spiro

2008-01-01

Although the slow solar wind has been studied for decades with both in situ and remote sensing observations, its origin is still a matter of intense debate. In the standard quasi-steady model, the slow wind is postulated to originate near coronal hole boundaries that define topologically well-behaved separatrices between open and closed field regions. In the interchange model, on the other hand, the slow wind is postulated to originate on open flux that is dynamically diffusing throughout the seemingly closed-field corona. We argue in favor of the quasi-steady scenario and propose that the slow wind is due to two effects: First, the open-closed boundary is highly complex due to the complexity of the photospheric flux distribution. Second, this boundary is continuously driven by the transport of magnetic helicity from the closed field region into the open. The implications of this model for the structure and dynamics of the corona and slow wind are discussed, and observational tests of the mode

Slow and fast dynamics model of a Malaria with Sickle-Cell genetic disease with multi-stage infections of the mosquitoes population

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dewi Siawanta, Shanti; Adi-Kusumo, Fajar; Irwan Endrayanto, Aluicius

2018-03-01

Malaria, which is caused by Plasmodium, is a common disease in tropical areas. There are three types of Plasmodium i.e. Plasmodium Vivax, Plasmodium Malariae, and Plasmodium Falciparum. The most dangerous cases of the Malaria are mainly caused by the Plasmodium Falciparum. One of the important characteristics for the Plasmodium infection is due to the immunity of erythrocyte that contains HbS (Haemoglobin Sickle-cell) genes. The individuals who has the HbS gene has better immunity against the disease. In this paper, we consider a model that shows the spread of malaria involving the interaction between the mosquitos population, the human who has HbS genes population and the human with normal gene population. We do some analytical and numerical simulation to study the basic reproduction ratio and the slow-fast dynamics of the phase-portrait. The slow dynamics in our model represents the response of the human population with HbS gene to the Malaria disease while the fast dynamics show the response of the human population with the normal gene to the disease. The slow and fast dynamics phenomena are due to the fact that the population of the individuals who have HbS gene is much smaller than the individuals who has normal genes.

Evaluation of the deformation behavior of binary systems of methacrylic acid copolymers and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose using a compaction simulator.

PubMed

Tatavarti, Aditya S; Muller, Francis X; Hoag, Stephen W

2008-02-04

Methacrylic acid copolymers have been shown to enhance release of weakly basic drugs from rate controlling polymer matrices through the mechanism of microenvironmental pH modulation. Since these matrices are typically formed through a compaction process, an understanding of the deformation behavior of these polymers in there neat form and in combination with rate controlling polymers such as HPMC is critical to their successful formulation. Binary mixes of two methacrylic acid copolymers, Eudragit L100 and L100-55 in combination with HPMC K4M were subjected to compaction studies on a compaction simulator. The deformation behavior of the powder mixes was analyzed based on pressure-porosity relationships, strain rate sensitivity (SRS), residual die wall force data and work of compaction. Methacrylic acid copolymers, L100-55 and L-100 and the hydrophilic polymer, HPMC K4M exhibited Heckel plots representative of plastic deformation although L-100 exhibited significantly greater resistance to densification as evident from the high yield pressure values ( approximately 120MPa). The yield pressures for the binary mixes were linearly related to the weight fractions of the components. All powder mixes exhibited significant speed sensitivity with SRS values ranging from 21.7% to 42.4%. The residual die-wall pressures indicated that at slow speeds (1mm/s) and at lower pressures (<150MPa), HPMC possesses significant elastic behavior. However, the good compacts formed at this punch speed indicate significant plastic deformation and bond formation which is able to predominate over the elastic recovery component. The apparent mean yield pressure values, the residual die-wall forces and the net work of compaction exhibited a linear relationship with mixture composition, thereby indicating predictability of these parameters based on the behavior of the neat materials.

A Green Solvent Induced DNA Package

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Satpathi, Sagar; Sengupta, Abhigyan; Hridya, V. M.; Gavvala, Krishna; Koninti, Raj Kumar; Roy, Bibhisan; Hazra, Partha

2015-03-01

Mechanistic details of DNA compaction is essential blue print for gene regulation in living organisms. Many in vitro studies have been implemented using several compaction agents. However, these compacting agents may have some kinds of cytotoxic effects to the cells. To minimize this aspect, several research works had been performed, but people have never focused green solvent, i.e. room temperature ionic liquid as DNA compaction agent. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first ever report where we have shown that guanidinium tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate (Gua-IL) acts as a DNA compacting agent. The compaction ability of Gua-IL has been verified by different spectroscopic techniques, like steady state emission, circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering and UV melting. Notably, we have extensively probed this compaction by Gua-IL through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and fluorescence microscopy images. We also have discussed the plausible compaction mechanism process of DNA by Gua-IL. Our results suggest that Gua-IL forms a micellar kind of self aggregation above a certain concentration (>=1 mM), which instigates this compaction process. This study divulges the specific details of DNA compaction mechanism by a new class of compaction agent, which is highly biodegradable and eco friendly in nature.

Tracer-tracer relationships and lower stratospheric dynamics: CO2 and N2O correlations during SPADE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boering, Kristie A.; Daube, Bruce C.; Wofsy, Steven C.; Loewenstein, Max; Podolske, James R.; Keim, Eric R.

1994-01-01

Simultaneous measurements of CO2 and N2O from the NASA ER-2 aircraft during SPADE deployments in November 1992, April/May 1993, and October 1993 provide new information on transport rates in the lower stratosphere. The tropospheric seasonal cycle in CO2, superimposed on the long-term trend, is observed to propagate into the statosphere. The compact correlations observed between CO2 and N2O indicate that meridional transport is sufficiently rapid to create a uniform set of relationships over the northern hemisphere up to at least 21 km even though CO2 changes significantly on a time scale of 8 to 12 weeks. the observed seasonal dependence of the correlations indicates that vertical transport above 20 km is slower in northern summer than in winter and slow throughout the year between 19 km and the tropopause. The inferred amplitude of the seasonal CO2 oscillation in the statopshere, viewed relative to N2O, places constraints on the mean latitude for air entering the statosphere.

Upcoming Methods and Specifications of Continuous Intraocular Pressure Monitoring Systems for Glaucoma

PubMed Central

Molaei, Amir; Karamzadeh, Vahid; Safi, Sare; Esfandiari, Hamed; Dargahi, Javad; Khosravi, Mohammad Azam

2018-01-01

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness and vision loss in the world. Although intraocular pressure (IOP) is no longer considered the only risk factor for glaucoma, it is still the most important one. In most cases, high IOP is secondary to trabecular meshwork dysfunction. High IOP leads to compaction of the lamina cribrosa and subsequent damage to retinal ganglion cell axons. Damage to the optic nerve head is evident on funduscopy as posterior bowing of the lamina cribrosa and increased cupping. Currently, the only documented method to slow or halt the progression of this disease is to decrease the IOP; hence, accurate IOP measurement is crucial not only for diagnosis, but also for the management. Due to the dynamic nature and fluctuation of the IOP, a single clinical measurement is not a reliable indicator of diurnal IOP; it requires 24-hour monitoring methods. Technological advances in microelectromechanical systems and microfluidics provide a promising solution for the effective measurement of IOP. This paper provides a broad overview of the upcoming technologies to be used for continuous IOP monitoring. PMID:29403593

Dynamic Light Scattering Study of Pig Vitreous Body

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsuura, Toyoaki; Idota, Naokazu; Hara, Yoshiaki; Annaka, Masahiko

The phase behaviors and dynamical properties of pig vitreous body were studied by macroscopic observation of swelling behavior and dynamic light scattering under various conditions. From the observations of the dynamics of light scattered by the pig vitreous body under physiological condition, intensity autocorrelation functions that revealed two diffusion coefficients, D fast and D slow were obtained. We developed the theory for describing the density fluctuation of the entities in the vitreous gel system with sodium hyaluronate filled in the meshes of collagen fiber network. The dynamics of collagen and sodium hyaluronate explains two relaxation modes of the fluctuation. The diffusion coefficient of collagen obtained from D fast and D slow is very close to that in aqueous solution, which suggests the vitreous body is in the swollen state. Divergent behavior in the measured total scattered light intensities and diffusion coefficients upon varying the concentration of salt (NaCl and CaCl2) was observed. Namely, a slowing down of the dynamic modes accompanied by increased “static” scattered intensities was observed. This is indicative of the occurrence of a phase transition upon salt concentration.

Water dynamics in large and small reverse micelles: From two ensembles to collective behavior

PubMed Central

Moilanen, David E.; Fenn, Emily E.; Wong, Daryl; Fayer, Michael D.

2009-01-01

The dynamics of water in Aerosol-OT reverse micelles are investigated with ultrafast infrared spectroscopy of the hydroxyl stretch. In large reverse micelles, the dynamics of water are separable into two ensembles: slow interfacial water and bulklike core water. As the reverse micelle size decreases, the slowing effect of the interface and the collective nature of water reorientation begin to slow the dynamics of the core water molecules. In the smallest reverse micelles, these effects dominate and all water molecules have the same long time reorientational dynamics. To understand and characterize the transition in the water dynamics from two ensembles to collective reorientation, polarization and frequency selective infrared pump-probe experiments are conducted on the complete range of reverse micelle sizes from a diameter of 1.6–20 nm. The crossover between two ensemble and collective reorientation occurs near a reverse micelle diameter of 4 nm. Below this size, the small number of confined water molecules and structural changes in the reverse micelle interface leads to homogeneous long time reorientation. PMID:19586114

Buffers and Oscillations in Intracellular Ca2+ Dynamics

PubMed Central

Falcke, Martin

2003-01-01

I model the behavior of intracellular Ca2+ release with high buffer concentrations. The model uses a spatially discrete array of channel clusters. The channel subunit dynamics is a stochastic representation of the DeYoung-Keizer model. The calculations show that the concentration profile of fast buffer around an open channel is more localized than that of slow buffers. Slow buffers allow for release of larger amounts of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum and hence bind more Ca2+ than fast buffers with the same dissociation constant and concentration. I find oscillation-like behavior for high slow buffer concentration and low Ca2+ content of the endoplasmic reticulum. High concentration of slow buffer leads to oscillation-like behavior by repetitive wave nucleation for high Ca2+ content of the endoplasmic reticulum. Localization of Ca2+ release by slow buffer, as used in experiments, can be reproduced by the modeling approach. PMID:12524263

Slow Cortical Dynamics and the Accumulation of Information over Long Timescales

PubMed Central

Honey, Christopher J.; Thesen, Thomas; Donner, Tobias H.; Silbert, Lauren J.; Carlson, Chad E.; Devinsky, Orrin; Doyle, Werner K.; Rubin, Nava; Heeger, David J.; Hasson, Uri

2012-01-01

SUMMARY Making sense of the world requires us to process information over multiple timescales. We sought to identify brain regions that accumulate information over short and long timescales and to characterize the distinguishing features of their dynamics. We recorded electrocorticographic (ECoG) signals from individuals watching intact and scrambled movies. Within sensory regions, fluctuations of high-frequency (64–200 Hz) power reliably tracked instantaneous low-level properties of the intact and scrambled movies. Within higher order regions, the power fluctuations were more reliable for the intact movie than the scrambled movie, indicating that these regions accumulate information over relatively long time periods (several seconds or longer). Slow (<0.1 Hz) fluctuations of high-frequency power with time courses locked to the movies were observed throughout the cortex. Slow fluctuations were relatively larger in regions that accumulated information over longer time periods, suggesting a connection between slow neuronal population dynamics and temporally extended information processing. PMID:23083743

Reproducing the scaling laws for Slow and Fast ruptures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanet, Pierre; Bhat, Harsha; Madariaga, Raúl

2017-04-01

Modelling long term behaviour of large, natural fault systems, that are geometrically complex, is a challenging problem. This is why most of the research so far has concentrated on modelling the long term response of single planar fault system. To overcome this limitation, we appeal to a novel algorithm called the Fast Multipole Method which was developed in the context of modelling gravitational N-body problems. This method allows us to decrease the computational complexity of the calculation from O(N2) to O(N log N), N being the number of discretised elements on the fault. We then adapted this method to model the long term quasi-dynamic response of two faults, with step-over like geometry, that are governed by rate and state friction laws. We assume the faults have spatially uniform rate weakening friction. The results show that when stress interaction between faults is accounted, a complex spectrum of slip (including slow-slip events, dynamic ruptures and partial ruptures) emerges naturally. The simulated slow-slip and dynamic events follow the scaling law inferred by Ide et al. 2007 i. e. M ∝ T for slow-slip events and M ∝ T2 (in 2D) for dynamic events.

Understanding the effects of decompaction maintenance on the infill state and play performance of third-generation artificial grass pitches

PubMed Central

Forrester, Stephanie E; McLaren, Nicholas J

2015-01-01

Third generation artificial grass pitches have been observed to get harder over time. The maintenance technique of rubber infill decompaction is intended to help slow, or reverse, this process. At present, little is understood about either the science of the infill compaction process or the efficacy of decompaction maintenance. The objective of this study was to measure the changes in rubber infill net bulk density, force reduction (impact absorption) and vertical ball rebound under various levels of compactive effort in controlled laboratory-based testing. The assessments were repeated after the systems had been raked to simulate the decompaction maintenance techniques. These tests defined the limits of compaction (loose to maximally compacted) in terms of the change in rubber infill net bulk density, force reduction and vertical ball rebound. Site testing was also undertaken at four third generation pitches immediately pre and post decompaction, to determine the measurable effects in the less well controlled field environment. Rubber infill net bulk density was found to increase as compactive effort increased, resulting in increased hardness. Decompacting the surface was found to approximately fully reverse these effects. In comparison, the site measurements demonstrated similar but notably smaller magnitudes of change following the decompaction process suggesting that the field state pre and post decompaction did not reach the extremes obtained in the laboratory. The findings suggest that rubber infill net bulk density is an important parameter influencing the hardness of artificial grass and that decompactions can be an effective method to reverse compaction related hardness changes. PMID:29708108

X-ray imaging of water motion during capillary imbibition: A study on how compaction bands impact fluid flow in Bentheim sandstone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pons, A.; David, C.; Fortin, J.; Stanchits, S.; MenéNdez, B.; Mengus, J. M.

2011-03-01

To investigate the effect of compaction bands (CB) on fluid flow, capillary imbibition experiments were performed on Bentheim sandstone specimens (initial porosity ˜22.7%) using an industrial X-ray scanner. We used a three-step procedure combining (1) X-ray imaging of capillary rise in intact Bentheim sandstone, (2) formation of compaction band under triaxial tests, at 185 MPa effective pressure, with acoustic emissions (AE) recording for localization of the induced damage, and (3) again X-ray imaging of capillary rise in the damaged specimens after the unloading. The experiments were performed on intact cylindrical specimens, 5 cm in diameter and 10.5 cm in length, cored in different orientations (parallel or perpendicular to the bedding). Analysis of the images obtained at different stages of the capillary imbibition shows that the presence of CB slows down the imbibition and disturbs the geometry of water flow. In addition, we show that the CB geometry derived from X-ray density maps analysis is well correlated with the AE location obtained during triaxial test. The analysis of the water front kinetics was conducted using a simple theoretical model, which allowed us to confirm that compaction bands act as a barrier for fluid flow, not fully impermeable though. We estimate a contrast of permeability of a factor of ˜3 between the host rock and the compaction bands. This estimation of the permeability inside the compaction band is consistent with estimations done in similar sandstones from field studies but differs by 1 order of magnitude from estimations from previous laboratory measurements.

Coupled diffusion in lipid bilayers upon close approach

DOE PAGES

Pronk, Sander; Lindahl, Erik; Kasson, Peter M.

2014-12-23

Biomembrane interfaces create regions of slowed water dynamics in their vicinity. When two lipid bilayers come together, this effect is further accentuated, and the associated slowdown can affect the dynamics of larger-scale processes such as membrane fusion. We have used molecular dynamics simulations to examine how lipid and water dynamics are affected as two lipid bilayers approach each other. These two interacting fluid systems, lipid and water, both slow and become coupled when the lipid membranes are separated by a thin water layer. We show in particular that the water dynamics become glassy, and diffusion of lipids in the apposedmore » leaflets becomes coupled across the water layer, while the “outer” leaflets remain unaffected. This dynamic coupling between bilayers appears mediated by lipid–water–lipid hydrogen bonding, as it occurs at bilayer separations where water–lipid hydrogen bonds become more common than water–water hydrogen bonds. We further show that such coupling occurs in simulations of vesicle–vesicle fusion prior to the fusion event itself. As a result, such altered dynamics at membrane–membrane interfaces may both stabilize the interfacial contact and slow fusion stalk formation within the interface region.« less

Dynamical, structural and chemical heterogeneities in a binary metallic glass-forming liquid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Puosi, F.; Jakse, N.; Pasturel, A.

2018-04-01

As it approaches the glass transition, particle motion in liquids becomes highly heterogeneous and regions with virtually no mobility coexist with liquid-like domains. This complex dynamic is believed to be responsible for different phenomena including non-exponential relaxation and the breakdown of the Stokes-Einstein relation. Understanding the relationships between dynamical heterogeneities and local structure in metallic liquids and glasses is a major scientific challenge. Here we use classical molecular dynamics simulations to study the atomic dynamics and microscopic structure of Cu50Zr50 alloy in the supercooling regime. Dynamical heterogeneities are identified via an isoconfigurational analysis. We demonstrate the transition from isolated to clustering low mobility with decreasing temperature. These slow clusters, whose sizes grow upon cooling, are also associated with concentration fluctuations, characterized by a Zr-enriched phase, with a composition CuZr2 . In addition, a structural analysis of slow clusters based on Voronoi tessellation evidences an increase with respect of the bulk system of the fraction of Cu atoms having a local icosahedral order. These results are in agreement with the consolidated scenario of the relevant role played by icosahedral order in the dynamic slowing-down in supercooled metal alloys.

On the nature of the symbiotic star BF Cygni

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mikolajewska, J.; Mikolajewski, M.; Kenyon, S. J.

1989-01-01

Optical and ultraviolet spectroscopy of the symbiotic binary BF Cyg obtained during 1979-1988 is discussed. This system consists of a low-mass M5 giant filling about 50 percent of its tidal volume and a hot, luminous compact object similar to the central star of a planetary nebula. The binary is embedded in an asymmetric nebula which includes a small, high-density region and an extended region of lower density. The larger nebula is formed by a slow wind ejected by the cool component and ionized by the hot star, while the more compact nebula is material expelled by the hot component in the form of a bipolar wind. The analysis indicates that disk accretion is essential to maintain the nuclear burning shell of the hot star.

Quantification of cancellous bone-compaction due to DHS Blade insertion and influence upon cut-out resistance.

PubMed

Windolf, Markus; Muths, Raphael; Braunstein, Volker; Gueorguiev, Boyko; Hänni, Markus; Schwieger, Karsten

2009-01-01

Compaction of cancellous bone is believed to prevent cut-out. This in vitro study quantified the compaction in the femoral head due to insertion of a dynamic hip screw-blade with and without predrilling and investigated the resulting implant anchorage under cyclic loading. Eight pairs of human cadaveric femoral heads were instrumented with a dynamic hip screw-blade made of Polyetheretherketon. Pairwise instrumentation was performed either with or without predrilling the specimens. CT scanning was performed before and after implantation, to measure bone-compaction. Subsequently the implant was removed and a third scan was performed to analyze the relaxation of the bone structure. Commercial implants were reinserted and the specimens were cyclically loaded until onset of cut-out occurred. The bone-implant interface was monitored by means of fluoroscopic imaging throughout the experiment. Paired t-tests were performed to identify differences regarding compaction, relaxation and cycles to failure. Bone density in the surrounding of the implant increased about 30% for the non-predrilled and 20% for the predrilled group when inserting the implant. After implant removal the predrilled specimens fully relaxed; the non-predrilled group showed about 10% plastic deformation. No differences were found regarding cycles to failure (P=0.32). Significant bone-compaction due to blade insertion was verified. Even though compaction was lower when predrilling the specimens, mainly elastic deformation was present, which is believed to primarily enhance the implant anchorage. Cyclic loading tests confirmed this thesis. The importance of the implantation technique with regard to predrilling is therefore decreased.

Slow-light, band-edge waveguides for tunable time delays.

PubMed

Povinelli, M; Johnson, Steven; Joannopoulos, J

2005-09-05

We propose the use of slow-light, band-edge waveguides for compact, integrated, tunable optical time delays. We show that slow group velocities at the photonic band edge give rise to large changes in time delay for small changes in refractive index, thereby shrinking device size. Figures of merit are introduced to quantify the sensitivity, as well as the accompanying signal degradation due to dispersion. It is shown that exact calculations of the figures of merit for a realistic, three-dimensional grating structure are well predicted by a simple quadratic-band model, simplifying device design. We present adiabatic taper designs that attain <0.1% reflection in short lengths of 10 to 20 times the grating period. We show further that cascading two gratings compensates for signal dispersion and gives rise to a constant tunable time delay across bandwidths greater than 100GHz. Given typical loss values for silicon-on-insulator waveguides, we estimate that gratings can be designed to exhibit tunable delays in the picosecond range using current fabrication technology.

Slow Slip and Earthquake Nucleation in Meter-Scale Laboratory Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mclaskey, G.

2017-12-01

The initiation of dynamic rupture is thought to be preceded by a quasistatic nucleation phase. Observations of recent earthquakes sometimes support this by illuminating slow slip and foreshocks in the vicinity of the eventual hypocenter. I describe laboratory earthquake experiments conducted on two large-scale loading machines at Cornell University that provide insight into the way earthquake nucleation varies with normal stress, healing time, and loading rate. The larger of the two machines accommodates a 3 m long granite sample, and when loaded to 7 MPa stress levels, we observe dynamic rupture events that are preceded by a measureable nucleation zone with dimensions on the order of 1 m. The smaller machine accommodates a 0.76 m sample that is roughly the same size as the nucleation zone. On this machine, small variations in nucleation properties result in measurable differences in slip events, and we generate both dynamic rupture events (> 0.1 m/s slip rates) and slow slip events ( 0.001 to 30 mm/s slip rates). Slow events occur when instability cannot fully nucleate before reaching the sample ends. Dynamic events occur after long healing times or abrupt increases in loading rate which suggests that these factors shrink the spatial and temporal extents of the nucleation zone. Arrays of slip, strain, and ground motion sensors installed on the sample allow us to quantify seismic coupling and study details of premonitory slip and afterslip. The slow slip events we observe are primarily aseismic (less than 1% of the seismic coupling of faster events) and produce swarms of very small M -6 to M -8 events. These mechanical and seismic interactions suggest that faults with transitional behavior—where creep, small earthquakes, and tremor are often observed—could become seismically coupled if loaded rapidly, either by a slow slip front or dynamic rupture of an earthquake that nucleated elsewhere.

CompactPCI/Linux Platform in FTU Slow Control System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iannone, F.; Wang, L.; Centioli, C.; Panella, M.; Mazza, G.; Vitale, V.

2004-12-01

In large fusion experiments, such as tokamak devices, there is a common trend for slow control systems. Because of complexity of the plants, the so-called `Standard Model' (SM) in slow control has been adopted on several tokamak machines. This model is based on a three-level hierarchical control: 1) High-Level Control (HLC) with a supervisory function; 2) Medium-Level Control (MLC) to interface and concentrate I/O field equipments; 3) Low-Level Control (LLC) with hard real-time I/O function, often managed by PLCs. FTU control system designed with SM concepts has underwent several stages of developments in its fifteen years duration of runs. The latest evolution was inevitable, due to the obsolescence of the MLC CPUs, based on VME-MOTOROLA 68030 with OS9 operating system. A large amount of C code was developed for that platform to route the data flow from LLC, which is constituted by 24 Westinghouse Numalogic PC-700 PLCs with about 8000 field-points, to HLC, based on a commercial Object-Oriented Real-Time database on Alpha/CompaqTru64 platform. Therefore, we have to look for cost-effective solutions and finally a CompactPCI-Intel x86 platform with Linux operating system was chosen. A software porting has been done, taking into account the differences between OS9 and Linux operating system in terms of Inter/Network Processes Communications and I/O multi-ports serial driver. This paper describes the hardware/software architecture of the new MLC system, emphasizing the reliability and the low costs of the open source solutions. Moreover, a huge amount of software packages available in open source environment will assure a less painful maintenance, and will open the way to further improvements of the system itself.

Effect of Movement Velocity During Resistance Training on Dynamic Muscular Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Davies, Timothy B; Kuang, Kenny; Orr, Rhonda; Halaki, Mark; Hackett, Daniel

2017-08-01

Movement velocity is an acute resistance-training variable that can be manipulated to potentially optimize dynamic muscular strength development. However, it is unclear whether performing faster or slower repetitions actually influences dynamic muscular strength gains. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effect of movement velocity during resistance training on dynamic muscular strength. Five electronic databases were searched using terms related to movement velocity and resistance training. Studies were deemed eligible for inclusion if they met the following criteria: randomized and non-randomized comparative studies; published in English; included healthy adults; used isotonic resistance-exercise interventions directly comparing fast or explosive training to slower movement velocity training; matched in prescribed intensity and volume; duration ≥4 weeks; and measured dynamic muscular strength changes. A total of 15 studies were identified that investigated movement velocity in accordance with the criteria outlined. Fast and moderate-slow resistance training were found to produce similar increases in dynamic muscular strength when all studies were included. However, when intensity was accounted for, there was a trend for a small effect favoring fast compared with moderate-slow training when moderate intensities, defined as 60-79% one repetition maximum, were used (effect size 0.31; p = 0.06). Strength gains between conditions were not influenced by training status and age. Overall, the results suggest that fast and moderate-slow resistance training improve dynamic muscular strength similarly in individuals within a wide range of training statuses and ages. Resistance training performed at fast movement velocities using moderate intensities showed a trend for superior muscular strength gains as compared to moderate-slow resistance training. Both training practices should be considered for novice to advanced, young and older resistance trainers targeting dynamic muscular strength.

Thermalization of entanglement.

PubMed

Zhang, Liangsheng; Kim, Hyungwon; Huse, David A

2015-06-01

We explore the dynamics of the entanglement entropy near equilibrium in highly entangled pure states of two quantum-chaotic spin chains undergoing unitary time evolution. We examine the relaxation to equilibrium from initial states with either less or more entanglement entropy than the equilibrium value, as well as the dynamics of the spontaneous fluctuations of the entanglement that occur in equilibrium. For the spin chain with a time-independent Hamiltonian and thus an extensive conserved energy, we find slow relaxation of the entanglement entropy near equilibration. Such slow relaxation is absent in a Floquet spin chain with a Hamiltonian that is periodic in time and thus has no local conservation law. Therefore, we argue that slow diffusive energy transport is responsible for the slow relaxation of the entanglement entropy in the Hamiltonian system.

Experimental vitrification of human compacted morulae and early blastocysts using fine diameter plastic micropipettes.

PubMed

Cremades, N; Sousa, M; Silva, J; Viana, P; Sousa, S; Oliveira, C; Teixeira da Silva, J; Barros, A

2004-02-01

Vitrification of human blastocysts has been successfully applied using grids, straws and cryoloops. We assessed the survival rate of human compacted morulae and early blastocysts vitrified in pipette tips with a smaller inner diameter and solution volume than the previously described open pulled straw (OPS) method. Excess day 5 human embryos (n = 63) were experimentally vitrified in vessels. Embryos were incubated at 37 degrees C with sperm preparation medium (SPM) for 1 min, SPM + 7.5% ethylene glycol (EG)/dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) for 3 min, and SPM + 16.5% EG + 16.5% DMSO + 0.67 mol/l sucrose for 25 s. They were then aspirated (0.5 microl) into a plastic micropipette tip (0.36 mm inner diameter), exposed to liquid nitrogen (LN(2)) vapour for 2 min before being placed into a pre-cooled cryotube, which was then closed and plunged into LN(2). Embryos were warmed and diluted using 0.33 mol/l and 0.2 mol/l sucrose. The survival rate for compacted morulae was 73% (22/30) and 82% (27/33) for early blastocysts. The survival rates of human compacted morulae and early blastocysts after vitrification with this simple technique are similar to those reported in the literature achieved by slow cooling and other vitrification protocols.

Multipolar universal relations between f -mode frequency and tidal deformability of compact stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, T. K.; Sham, Y.-H.; Leung, P. T.; Lin, L.-M.

2014-12-01

Though individual stellar parameters of compact stars usually demonstrate obvious dependence on the equation of state (EOS), EOS-insensitive universal formulas relating these parameters remarkably exist. In the present paper, we explore the interrelationship between two such formulas, namely the f -I relation connecting the f -mode quadrupole oscillation frequency ω2 and the moment of inertia I , and the I -Love-Q relations relating I , the quadrupole tidal deformability λ2, and the quadrupole moment Q , which have been proposed by Lau, Leung, and Lin [Astrophys. J. 714, 1234 (2010)] and Yagi and Yunes [Science 341, 365 (2013)], respectively. A relativistic universal relation between ωl and λl with the same angular momentum l =2 ,3 ,… , the so-called "diagonal f -Love relation" that holds for realistic compact stars and stiff polytropic stars, is unveiled here. An in-depth investigation in the Newtonian limit is further carried out to pinpoint its underlying physical mechanism and hence leads to a unified f -I -Love relation. We reach the conclusion that these EOS-insensitive formulas stem from a common physical origin—compact stars can be considered as quasiincompressible when they react to slow time variations introduced by f -mode oscillations, tidal forces and rotations.

Compaction Kinetics on Single DNAs: Purified Nucleosome Reconstitution Systems versus Crude Extract

PubMed Central

Wagner, Gaudeline; Bancaud, Aurélien; Quivy, Jean-Pierre; Clapier, Cédric; Almouzni, Geneviève; Viovy, Jean-Louis

2005-01-01

Kinetics of compaction on single DNA molecules are studied by fluorescence videomicroscopy in the presence of 1), Xenopus egg extracts and 2), purified nucleosome reconstitution systems using a combination of histones with either the histone chaperone Nucleosome Assembly Protein (NAP-1) or negatively charged macromolecules such as polyglutamic acid and RNA. The comparison shows that the compaction rates can differ by a factor of up to 1000 for the same amount of histones, depending on the system used and on the presence of histone tails, which can be subjected to post-translational modifications. Reactions with purified reconstitution systems follow a slow and sequential mechanism, compatible with the deposition of one (H3-H4)2 tetramer followed by two (H2A-H2B) dimers. Addition of the histone chaperone NAP-1 increases both the rate of the reaction and the packing ratio of the final product. These stimulatory effects cannot be obtained with polyglutamic acid or RNA, suggesting that yNAP-1 impact on the reaction cannot simply be explained in terms of charge screening. Faster compaction kinetics and higher packing ratios are reproducibly reached with extracts, indicating a role of additional components present in this system. Data are discussed and models proposed to account for the kinetics obtained in our single-molecule assay. PMID:16100259

Stress wave propagation and mitigation in two polymeric foams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pradel, Pierre; Malaise, Frederic; Cadilhon, Baptiste; Quessada, Jean-Hugues; de Resseguier, Thibaut; Delhomme, Catherine; Le Blanc, Gael

2017-06-01

Polymeric foams are widely used in industry for thermal insulation or shock mitigation. This paper investigates the ability of a syntactic epoxy foam and an expanded polyurethane foam to mitigate intense (several GPa) and short duration (<10-6 s) stress pulses. Plate impact and electron beam irradiation experiments have been conducted to study the dynamic mechanical responses of both foams. Interferometer Doppler Laser method is used to record the target rear surface velocity. A two-wave structure associated with the propagation of an elastic precursor followed by the compaction of the pores has been observed. The compaction stress level deduced from the velocity measurement is a good indicator of mitigation capability of the foams. Quasi-static tests and dynamic soft recovery experiments have also been performed to determine the compaction mechanisms. In the polyurethane foam, the pores are closed by elastic buckling of the matrix and damage of the structure. In the epoxy foam, the compaction is due to the crushing of glass microspheres. Two porous material models successfully represent the macroscopic response of these polymeric foams.

Fractional dynamics of globally slow transcription and its impact on deterministic genetic oscillation.

PubMed

Wei, Kun; Gao, Shilong; Zhong, Suchuan; Ma, Hong

2012-01-01

In dynamical systems theory, a system which can be described by differential equations is called a continuous dynamical system. In studies on genetic oscillation, most deterministic models at early stage are usually built on ordinary differential equations (ODE). Therefore, gene transcription which is a vital part in genetic oscillation is presupposed to be a continuous dynamical system by default. However, recent studies argued that discontinuous transcription might be more common than continuous transcription. In this paper, by appending the inserted silent interval lying between two neighboring transcriptional events to the end of the preceding event, we established that the running time for an intact transcriptional event increases and gene transcription thus shows slow dynamics. By globally replacing the original time increment for each state increment by a larger one, we introduced fractional differential equations (FDE) to describe such globally slow transcription. The impact of fractionization on genetic oscillation was then studied in two early stage models--the Goodwin oscillator and the Rössler oscillator. By constructing a "dual memory" oscillator--the fractional delay Goodwin oscillator, we suggested that four general requirements for generating genetic oscillation should be revised to be negative feedback, sufficient nonlinearity, sufficient memory and proper balancing of timescale. The numerical study of the fractional Rössler oscillator implied that the globally slow transcription tends to lower the chance of a coupled or more complex nonlinear genetic oscillatory system behaving chaotically.

Efficient analysis of stochastic gene dynamics in the non-adiabatic regime using piecewise deterministic Markov processes

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Single-cell experiments show that gene expression is stochastic and bursty, a feature that can emerge from slow switching between promoter states with different activities. In addition to slow chromatin and/or DNA looping dynamics, one source of long-lived promoter states is the slow binding and unbinding kinetics of transcription factors to promoters, i.e. the non-adiabatic binding regime. Here, we introduce a simple analytical framework, known as a piecewise deterministic Markov process (PDMP), that accurately describes the stochastic dynamics of gene expression in the non-adiabatic regime. We illustrate the utility of the PDMP on a non-trivial dynamical system by analysing the properties of a titration-based oscillator in the non-adiabatic limit. We first show how to transform the underlying chemical master equation into a PDMP where the slow transitions between promoter states are stochastic, but whose rates depend upon the faster deterministic dynamics of the transcription factors regulated by these promoters. We show that the PDMP accurately describes the observed periods of stochastic cycles in activator and repressor-based titration oscillators. We then generalize our PDMP analysis to more complicated versions of titration-based oscillators to explain how multiple binding sites lengthen the period and improve coherence. Last, we show how noise-induced oscillation previously observed in a titration-based oscillator arises from non-adiabatic and discrete binding events at the promoter site. PMID:29386401

Analysis of ramming settlement based on dissipative principle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Hao; Yu, Kaining; Chen, Changli; Li, Changrong; Wang, Xiuli

2018-03-01

The deformation of soil is a kind of dissipative structure under the action of dynamic compaction. The macroscopic performance of soil to steady state evolution is the change of ramming settlement in the process of dynamic compaction. based on the existing solution of dynamic compaction boundary problem, calculated ramming effectiveness (W) and ramming efficiency coefficient( η ). For the same soil, ramming efficiency coefficient is related to ramming factor λ = M/ρr3. By using the dissipative principle to analyze the law between ramming settlements and ramming times under different ramming energy and soil density, come to the conclusion that: Firstly, with the increase of ramming numbers, ramming settlement tends to a stable value, ramming effectiveness coefficient tends to a stable value. Secondly, under the condition of the same single ramming energy, the soil density of before ramming has effect on ramming effectiveness of previous ramming, almost no effect on ramming effectiveness of subsequent ramming. Thirdly, under the condition of the same soil density, different ramming energy correspond to different steady-state, the cumulative ramming settlement and steady-state increase with ramming energy.

Microtube strip heat exchanger

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doty, F. D.

1992-07-01

The purpose of this contract has been to explore the limits of miniaturization of heat exchangers with the goals of (1) improving the theoretical understanding of laminar heat exchangers, (2) evaluating various manufacturing difficulties, and (3) identifying major applications for the technology. A low-cost, ultra-compact heat exchanger could have an enormous impact on industry in the areas of cryocoolers and energy conversion. Compact cryocoolers based on the reverse Brayton cycle (RBC) would become practical with the availability of compact heat exchangers. Many experts believe that hardware advances in personal computer technology will rapidly slow down in four to six years unless lowcost, portable cryocoolers suitable for the desktop supercomputer can be developed. Compact refrigeration systems would permit dramatic advances in high-performance computer work stations with 'conventional' microprocessors operating at 150 K, and especially with low-cost cryocoolers below 77 K. NASA has also expressed strong interest in our MTS exchanger for space-based RBC cryocoolers for sensor cooling. We have demonstrated feasibility of higher specific conductance by a factor of five than any other work in high-temperature gas-to-gas exchangers. These laminar-flow, microtube exchangers exhibit extremely low pressure drop compared to alternative compact designs under similar conditions because of their much shorter flow length and larger total flow area for lower flow velocities. The design appears to be amenable to mass production techniques, but considerable process development remains. The reduction in materials usage and the improved heat exchanger performance promise to be of enormous significance in advanced engine designs and in cryogenics.

Evolution of worldwide stock markets, correlation structure, and correlation-based graphs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Dong-Ming; Tumminello, Michele; Zhou, Wei-Xing; Mantegna, Rosario N.

2011-08-01

We investigate the daily correlation present among market indices of stock exchanges located all over the world in the time period January 1996 to July 2009. We discover that the correlation among market indices presents both a fast and a slow dynamics. The slow dynamics reflects the development and consolidation of globalization. The fast dynamics is associated with critical events that originate in a specific country or region of the world and rapidly affect the global system. We provide evidence that the short term time scale of correlation among market indices is less than 3 trading months (about 60 trading days). The average values of the nondiagonal elements of the correlation matrix, correlation-based graphs, and the spectral properties of the largest eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the correlation matrix are carrying information about the fast and slow dynamics of the correlation of market indices. We introduce a measure of mutual information based on link co-occurrence in networks in order to detect the fast dynamics of successive changes of correlation-based graphs in a quantitative way.

Experimental Study on Vacuum Dynamic Consolidation Treatment of Soft Soil Foundation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu-lai, Ni; Xin, Wen; Xiao-bin, Zhang; Wei, Li

2017-11-01

In view of the deficiency of the saturated silt clay foundation reinforced by the dynamic consolidation method, combination the project of soft foundation treatment test area in Tangshan, the reaserch analysed indexes, included groundwater level, pore water pressure, settlement about soil layer and so on, by use of field tests and indoor geotechnical tests, The results showed that the whole reinforcement effect with vacuum dynamic compaction method to blow fill foundation is obvious, due to the result of vacuum precipitation, generally, the excess pore water pressure can be dissipated by 90% above in 2 days around and the effective compaction coefficient can reached more than 0.9,the research work in soft foundation treatment engineering provide a new method and thought to similar engineering.

A subthreshold aVLSI implementation of the Izhikevich simple neuron model.

PubMed

Rangan, Venkat; Ghosh, Abhishek; Aparin, Vladimir; Cauwenberghs, Gert

2010-01-01

We present a circuit architecture for compact analog VLSI implementation of the Izhikevich neuron model, which efficiently describes a wide variety of neuron spiking and bursting dynamics using two state variables and four adjustable parameters. Log-domain circuit design utilizing MOS transistors in subthreshold results in high energy efficiency, with less than 1pJ of energy consumed per spike. We also discuss the effects of parameter variations on the dynamics of the equations, and present simulation results that replicate several types of neural dynamics. The low power operation and compact analog VLSI realization make the architecture suitable for human-machine interface applications in neural prostheses and implantable bioelectronics, as well as large-scale neural emulation tools for computational neuroscience.

Review: Regional land subsidence accompanying groundwater extraction

USGS Publications Warehouse

Galloway, Devin L.; Burbey, Thomas J.

2011-01-01

The extraction of groundwater can generate land subsidence by causing the compaction of susceptible aquifer systems, typically unconsolidated alluvial or basin-fill aquifer systems comprising aquifers and aquitards. Various ground-based and remotely sensed methods are used to measure and map subsidence. Many areas of subsidence caused by groundwater pumping have been identified and monitored, and corrective measures to slow or halt subsidence have been devised. Two principal means are used to mitigate subsidence caused by groundwater withdrawal—reduction of groundwater withdrawal, and artificial recharge. Analysis and simulation of aquifer-system compaction follow from the basic relations between head, stress, compressibility, and groundwater flow and are addressed primarily using two approaches—one based on conventional groundwater flow theory and one based on linear poroelasticity theory. Research and development to improve the assessment and analysis of aquifer-system compaction, the accompanying subsidence and potential ground ruptures are needed in the topic areas of the hydromechanical behavior of aquitards, the role of horizontal deformation, the application of differential synthetic aperture radar interferometry, and the regional-scale simulation of coupled groundwater flow and aquifer-system deformation to support resource management and hazard mitigation measures.

A compact model for selectors based on metal doped electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lu; Song, Wenhao; Yang, J. Joshua; Li, Hai; Chen, Yiran

2018-04-01

A selector device that demonstrates high nonlinearity and low switching voltages was fabricated using HfOx as a solid electrolyte doped with Ag electrodes. The electronic conductance of the volatile conductive filaments responsible for the switching was studied under both static and dynamic conditions. A compact model is developed from this study that describes the physical processes of the formation and rupture of the Ag filament(s). A dynamic capacitance model is used to fit the transient current traces under different voltage bias, which enables the extraction of parameters associated with the various parasitic components in the device.

Characterizing slow chemical exchange in nucleic acids by carbon CEST and low spin-lock field R(1ρ) NMR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Zhao, Bo; Hansen, Alexandar L; Zhang, Qi

2014-01-08

Quantitative characterization of dynamic exchange between various conformational states provides essential insights into the molecular basis of many regulatory RNA functions. Here, we present an application of nucleic-acid-optimized carbon chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) and low spin-lock field R(1ρ) relaxation dispersion (RD) NMR experiments in characterizing slow chemical exchange in nucleic acids that is otherwise difficult if not impossible to be quantified by the ZZ-exchange NMR experiment. We demonstrated the application on a 47-nucleotide fluoride riboswitch in the ligand-free state, for which CEST and R(1ρ) RD profiles of base and sugar carbons revealed slow exchange dynamics involving a sparsely populated (p ~ 10%) and shortly lived (τ ~ 10 ms) NMR "invisible" state. The utility of CEST and low spin-lock field R(1ρ) RD experiments in studying slow exchange was further validated in characterizing an exchange as slow as ~60 s(-1).

Characterizing Slow Chemical Exchange in Nucleic Acids by Carbon CEST and Low Spin-Lock Field R1ρ NMR Spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Zhao, Bo; Hansen, Alexandar L.; Zhang, Qi

2016-01-01

Quantitative characterization of dynamic exchange between various conformational states provides essential insights into the molecular basis of many regulatory RNA functions. Here, we present an application of nucleic-acid-optimized carbon chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) and low spin-lock field R1ρ relaxation dispersion (RD) NMR experiments in characterizing slow chemical exchange in nucleic acids that is otherwise difficult if not impossible to be quantified by the ZZ-exchange NMR experiment. We demonstrated the application on a 47-nucleotide fluoride riboswitch in the ligand-free state, for which CEST and R1ρ RD profiles of base and sugar carbons revealed slow exchange dynamics involving a sparsely populated (p ~ 10%) and shortly lived (τ ~ 10 ms) NMR “invisible” state. The utility of CEST and low spin-lock field R1ρ RD experiments in studying slow exchange was further validated in characterizing an exchange as slow as ~60 s−1. PMID:24299272

GMLC Extreme Event Modeling -- Slow-Dynamics Models for Renewable Energy Resources

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Korkali, M.; Min, L.

The need for slow dynamics models of renewable resources in cascade modeling essentially arises from the challenges associated with the increased use of solar and wind electric power. Indeed, the main challenge is that the power produced by wind and sunlight is not consistent; thus, renewable energy resources tend to have variable output power on many different timescales, including the timescales that a cascade unfolds.

Functional Roles of Slow Enzyme Conformational Changes in Network Dynamics

PubMed Central

Wu, Zhanghan; Xing, Jianhua

2012-01-01

Extensive studies from different fields reveal that many macromolecules, especially enzymes, show slow transitions among different conformations. This phenomenon is named such things as dynamic disorder, heterogeneity, hysteretic or mnemonic enzymes across these different fields, and has been directly demonstrated by single molecule enzymology and NMR studies recently. We analyzed enzyme slow conformational changes in the context of regulatory networks. A single enzymatic reaction with slow conformational changes can filter upstream network noises, and can either resonantly respond to the system stimulus at certain frequencies or respond adaptively for sustained input signals of the network fluctuations. It thus can serve as a basic functional motif with properties that are normally for larger intermolecular networks in the field of systems biology. We further analyzed examples including enzymes functioning against pH fluctuations, metabolic state change of Artemia embryos, and kinetic insulation of fluctuations in metabolic networks. The study also suggests that hysteretic enzymes may be building blocks of synthetic networks with various properties such as narrow-banded filtering. The work fills the missing gap between studies on enzyme biophysics and network level dynamics, and reveals that the coupling between the two is functionally important; it also suggests that the conformational dynamics of some enzymes may be evolutionally selected. PMID:23009855

Revegetation in abandoned quarries with landfill stabilized waste and gravels: water dynamics and plant growth - a case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Cheng-liang; Feng, Jing-jing; Rong, Li-ming; Zhao, Ting-ning

2017-11-01

Large amounts of quarry wastes are produced during quarrying. Though quarry wastes are commonly used in pavement construction and concrete production, in situ utilization during ecological restoration of abandoned quarries has the advantage of simplicity. In this paper, rock fragments 2-3 cm in size were mixed with landfill stabilized waste (LSW) in different proportions (LSW : gravel, RL), which was called LGM. The water content, runoff and plant growth under natural precipitation were monitored for 2 years using a runoff plot experiment. LGM with a low fraction of LSW was compacted to different degrees to achieve an appropriate porosity; water dynamics and plant growth of compacted LGM were studied in a field experiment. The results showed the following: (1) LGM can be used during restoration in abandoned quarries as growing material for plants. (2) RL had a significant effect on the infiltration and water-holding capacity of LGM and thus influenced the retention of precipitation, water condition and plant growth. LGM with RL ranging from 8:1 to 3:7 was suitable for plant growth, and the target species grew best when RL was 5:5. (3) Compaction significantly enhanced water content of LGM with a low RL of 2:8, but leaf water content of plants was lower or unchanged in the more compacted plots. Moderate compaction was beneficial to the survival and growth of Robinia pseudoacacia L. Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco and Medicago sativa L. were not significantly affected by compaction, and they grew better under a high degree of compaction, which was disadvantageous for the uppermost layer of vegetation.

The formation of compact groups of galaxies. I: Optical properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Diaferio, Antonaldo; Geller, Margaret J.; Ramella, Massimo

1994-01-01

The small crossing time of compact groups of galaxies (t(sub cr)H(sub 0) approximately less than 0.02) makes it hard to understand why they are observable at all. Our dissipationless N-body simulations show that within a single rich collapsing group compact groups of galaxies continually form. The mean lifetime of a particular compact configuration if approximately 1 Gyr. On this time scale, members may merge and/or other galaxies in the loose group may join the compact configuration. In other words, compact configurations are continually replaced by new systems. The frequency of this process explains the observability of compact groups. Our model produces compact configurations (compact groups (CG's) with optical properties remarkably similar to Hickson's (1982) compact groups (HCG's): (1) CG's have a frequency distribution of members similar to that of HCG's; (2) CG's are approximately equals 10 times as dense as loose groups; (3) CG's have dynamical properties remarkably similar to those of HCG's; (4) most of the galaxy members of CG's are not merger remnants. The crucial aspect of the model is the relationship between CG's and the surrounding rich loose group. Our model predicts the frequency of occurrence of CG's. A preliminary analysis of 18 rich loose groups is consistent with the model prediction. We suggest further observational tests of the model.

Moisture desorption in mechanically masticated fuels: effects of particle fracturing and fuelbed compaction

Treesearch

Jesse K. Kreye; J.Morgan Varner; Eric E. Knapp

2012-01-01

Mechanical mastication is increasingly used as a wildland fuel treatment, reducing standing trees and shrubs to compacted fuelbeds of fractured woody fuels. One major shortcoming in our understanding of these fuelbeds is how particle fracturing influences moisture gain or loss, a primary determinant of fire behaviour. To better understand fuel moisture dynamics, we...

Dynamics and mechanism of UV-damaged DNA repair in indole-thymine dimer adduct: molecular origin of low repair quantum efficiency.

PubMed

Guo, Xunmin; Liu, Zheyun; Song, Qinhua; Wang, Lijuan; Zhong, Dongping

2015-02-26

Many biomimetic chemical systems for repair of UV-damaged DNA showed very low repair efficiency, and the molecular origin is still unknown. Here, we report our systematic characterization of the repair dynamics of a model compound of indole-thymine dimer adduct in three solvents with different polarity. By resolving all elementary steps including three electron-transfer processes and two bond-breaking and bond-formation dynamics with femtosecond resolution, we observed the slow electron injection in 580 ps in water, 4 ns in acetonitrile, and 1.38 ns in dioxane, the fast back electron transfer without repair in 120, 150, and 180 ps, and the slow bond splitting in 550 ps, 1.9 ns, and 4.5 ns, respectively. The dimer bond cleavage is clearly accelerated by the solvent polarity. By comparing with the biological repair machine photolyase with a slow back electron transfer (2.4 ns) and a fast bond cleavage (90 ps), the low repair efficiency in the biomimetic system is mainly determined by the fast back electron transfer and slow bond breakage. We also found that the model system exists in a dynamic heterogeneous C-clamped conformation, leading to a stretched dynamic behavior. In water, we even identified another stacked form with ultrafast cyclic electron transfer, significantly reducing the repair efficiency. Thus, the comparison of the repair efficiency in different solvents is complicated and should be cautious, and only the dynamics by resolving all elementary steps can finally determine the total repair efficiency. Finally, we use the Marcus electron-transfer theory to analyze all electron-transfer reactions and rationalize all observed electron-transfer dynamics.

Considering transient population dynamics in the conservation of slow life-history species: An application to the sandhill crane

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gerber, Brian D.; Kendall, William L.

2016-01-01

The importance of transient dynamics of structured populations is increasingly recognized in ecology, yet these implications are not largely considered in conservation practices. We investigate transient and long-term population dynamics to demonstrate the process and utility of incorporating transient dynamics into conservation research and to better understand the population management of slow life-history species; these species can be theoretically highly sensitive to short- and long-term transient effects. We are specifically interested in the effects of anthropogenic removal of individuals from populations, such as caused by harvest, poaching, translocation, or incidental take. We use the sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) as an exemplar species; it is long-lived, has low reproduction, late maturity, and multiple populations are subject to sport harvest. We found sandhill cranes to have extremely high potential, but low likelihood for transient dynamics, even when the population is being harvested. The typically low population growth rate of slow life-history species appears to buffer against many perturbations causing large transient effects. Transient dynamics will dominate population trajectories of these species when stage structures are highly biased towards the younger and non-reproducing individuals, a situation that may be rare in established populations of long-lived animals. However, short-term transient population growth can be highly sensitive to vital rates that are relatively insensitive under equilibrium, suggesting that stage structure should be known if perturbation analysis is used to identify effective conservation strategies. For populations of slow life-history species that are not prone to large perturbations to their most productive individuals, population growth may be approximated by equilibrium dynamics.

The Next Generation Virgo Cluster Survey. XII. Stellar Populations and Kinematics of Compact, Low-mass Early-type Galaxies from Gemini GMOS-IFU Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guérou, Adrien; Emsellem, Eric; McDermid, Richard M.; Côté, Patrick; Ferrarese, Laura; Blakeslee, John P.; Durrell, Patrick R.; MacArthur, Lauren A.; Peng, Eric W.; Cuillandre, Jean-Charles; Gwyn, Stephen

2015-05-01

We present Gemini Multi Object Spectrograph integral-field unit (GMOS-IFU) data of eight compact, low-mass early-type galaxies (ETGs) in the Virgo cluster. We analyze their stellar kinematics and stellar population and present two-dimensional maps of these properties covering the central 5″ × 7″ region. We find a large variety of kinematics, from nonrotating to highly rotating objects, often associated with underlying disky isophotes revealed by deep images from the Next Generation Virgo Cluster Survey. In half of our objects, we find a centrally concentrated younger and more metal-rich stellar population. We analyze the specific stellar angular momentum through the λR parameter and find six fast rotators and two slow rotators, one having a thin counterrotating disk. We compare the local galaxy density and stellar populations of our objects with those of 39 more extended low-mass Virgo ETGs from the SMAKCED survey and 260 massive (M > 1010 {{M}⊙ }) ETGs from the ATLAS3D sample. The compact low-mass ETGs in our sample are located in high-density regions, often close to a massive galaxy, and have, on average, older and more metal-rich stellar populations than less compact low-mass galaxies. We find that the stellar population parameters follow lines of constant velocity dispersion in the mass-size plane, smoothly extending the comparable trends found for massive ETGs. Our study supports a scenario where low-mass compact ETGs have experienced long-lived interactions with their environment, including ram-pressure stripping and gravitational tidal forces, that may be responsible for their compact nature.

Effect of Soft Phase on Magnetic Properties of Bulk Sm-Co/alpha-Fe Nanocomposite Magnets (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-11-01

plasma sintering , and warm compaction [4][5]–[9]. In our previous study [10], bulk Sm–Co –Fe nanocomposite magnets were fabricated by hot pressing of...no. 5, pp. 2974–2976, Jul. 2003. [8] T. Saito and H. Miyoshi, “Magnetic properties of Sm5Fe17/Fe com- posite magnets produces by spark plasma ...Fe and Fe-Co. Bulk composite magnets have been prepared using compaction techniques such as hot pressing/deforma- tion, dynamic shock compaction, spark

Haemoglobin content modulated deformation dynamics of red blood cells on a compact disc.

PubMed

Kar, Shantimoy; Ghosh, Uddipta; Maiti, Tapas Kumar; Chakraborty, Suman

2015-12-21

We investigate the deformation characteristics of red blood cells (RBCs) on a rotating compact disc platform. Our study brings out the interplay between haemoglobin content and RBC deformability in a centrifugally actuated microfluidic environment. We reveal that RBC deformations follow the similar trend of principal stress distributed throughout the radial direction, rendering an insight into the mechano-physical processes involved. This study can be used as a diagnostic marker to determine haematological disorders in diseased blood samples tested on compact disc based microfluidic platforms.

Testing of a compact 10-Gbps Lasercomm system for maritime platforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Juarez, Juan C.; Souza, Katherine T.; Nicholes, Dustin D.; Riggins, James L.; Tomey, Hala J.; Venkat, Radha A.

2017-08-01

Lasercomm technology continues to be of interest for many applications both in the commercial and defense sectors because of its potential to provide high bandwidth communications that are secure without the need for RF spectrum management. Over the last decade, terrestrial Lasercomm development has progressed from initial experiments in the lab through field demonstrations in airborne and maritime environments. While these demonstrations have shown high capability levels, the complexity, size, weight, and power of the systems has slowed transition into fielded systems. This paper presents field test results of a recently developed maritime Lasercomm terminal and modem architecture with a compact form factor for enabling robust, 10-Gbps class data transport over highly scintillated links as found in terrestrial applications such as air-to-air, air-to-surface, and surface-to-surface links.

Electromagnetic fields of slowly rotating magnetized compact stars in conformal gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turimov, Bobur; Ahmedov, Bobomurat; Abdujabbarov, Ahmadjon; Bambi, Cosimo

2018-06-01

In this paper we investigate the exterior vacuum electromagnetic fields of slow-rotating magnetized compact stars in conformal gravity. Assuming the dipolar magnetic field configuration, we obtain an analytical solution of the Maxwell equations for the magnetic and the electric fields outside a slowly rotating magnetized star in conformal gravity. Furthermore, we study the dipolar electromagnetic radiation and energy losses from a rotating magnetized star in conformal gravity. In order to get constraints on the L parameter of conformal gravity, the theoretical results for the magnetic field of a magnetized star in conformal gravity are combined with the precise observational data of radio pulsar period slowdown, and it is found that the maximum value of the parameter of conformal gravity is less than L ≲9.5 ×105 cm (L /M ≲5 ).

Analysis of compaction initiation in human embryos by using time-lapse cinematography.

PubMed

Iwata, Kyoko; Yumoto, Keitaro; Sugishima, Minako; Mizoguchi, Chizuru; Kai, Yoshiteru; Iba, Yumiko; Mio, Yasuyuki

2014-04-01

To analyze the initiation of compaction in human embryos in vitro by using time-lapse cinematography (TLC), with the goal of determining the precise timing of compaction and clarifying the morphological changes underlying the compaction process. One hundred and fifteen embryos donated by couples with no further need for embryo-transfer were used in this study. Donated embryos were thawed and processed, and then their morphological behavior during the initiation of compaction was dynamically observed via time-lapse cinematography (TLC) for 5 days. Although the initiation of compaction occurred throughout the period from the 4-cell to 16-cell stage, 99 (86.1 %) embryos initiated compaction at the 8-cell stage or later, with initiation at the 8-cell stage being most frequent (22.6 %). Of these 99 embryos, 49.5 % developed into good-quality blastocysts. In contrast, of the 16 (13.9 %) embryos that initiated compaction prior to the 8-cell stage, only 18.8 % developed into good-quality blastocysts. Embryos that initiated compaction before the 8-cell stage showed significantly higher numbers of multinucleated blastomeres, due to asynchronism in nuclear division at the third mitotic division resulting from cytokinetic failure. The initiation of compaction primarily occurs at the third mitotic division or later in human embryos. Embryos that initiate compaction before the 8-cell stage are usually associated with aberrant embryonic development (i.e., cytokinetic failure accompanied by karyokinesis).

Global dynamics of a delay differential equation with spatial non-locality in an unbounded domain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Taishan; Zou, Xingfu

In this paper, we study the global dynamics of a class of differential equations with temporal delay and spatial non-locality in an unbounded domain. Adopting the compact open topology, we describe the delicate asymptotic properties of the nonlocal delayed effect and establish some a priori estimate for nontrivial solutions which enables us to show the permanence of the equation. Combining these results with a dynamical systems approach, we determine the global dynamics of the equation under appropriate conditions. Applying the main results to the model with Ricker's birth function and Mackey-Glass's hematopoiesis function, we obtain threshold results for the global dynamics of these two models. We explain why our results on the global attractivity of the positive equilibrium in C∖{0} under the compact open topology becomes invalid in C∖{0} with respect to the usual supremum norm, and we identify a subset of C∖{0} in which the positive equilibrium remains attractive with respect to the supremum norm.

Efficient analysis of stochastic gene dynamics in the non-adiabatic regime using piecewise deterministic Markov processes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lin, Yen Ting; Buchler, Nicolas E.

Single-cell experiments show that gene expression is stochastic and bursty, a feature that can emerge from slow switching between promoter states with different activities. In addition to slow chromatin and/or DNA looping dynamics, one source of long-lived promoter states is the slow binding and unbinding kinetics of transcription factors to promoters, i.e. the non-adiabatic binding regime. Here, we introduce a simple analytical framework, known as a piecewise deterministic Markov process (PDMP), that accurately describes the stochastic dynamics of gene expression in the non-adiabatic regime. We illustrate the utility of the PDMP on a non-trivial dynamical system by analysing the propertiesmore » of a titration-based oscillator in the non-adiabatic limit. We first show how to transform the underlying chemical master equation into a PDMP where the slow transitions between promoter states are stochastic, but whose rates depend upon the faster deterministic dynamics of the transcription factors regulated by these promoters. We show that the PDMP accurately describes the observed periods of stochastic cycles in activator and repressor-based titration oscillators. We then generalize our PDMP analysis to more complicated versions of titration-based oscillators to explain how multiple binding sites lengthen the period and improve coherence. Finally, we show how noise-induced oscillation previously observed in a titration-based oscillator arises from non-adiabatic and discrete binding events at the promoter site.« less

Efficient analysis of stochastic gene dynamics in the non-adiabatic regime using piecewise deterministic Markov processes

DOE PAGES

Lin, Yen Ting; Buchler, Nicolas E.

2018-01-31

Single-cell experiments show that gene expression is stochastic and bursty, a feature that can emerge from slow switching between promoter states with different activities. In addition to slow chromatin and/or DNA looping dynamics, one source of long-lived promoter states is the slow binding and unbinding kinetics of transcription factors to promoters, i.e. the non-adiabatic binding regime. Here, we introduce a simple analytical framework, known as a piecewise deterministic Markov process (PDMP), that accurately describes the stochastic dynamics of gene expression in the non-adiabatic regime. We illustrate the utility of the PDMP on a non-trivial dynamical system by analysing the propertiesmore » of a titration-based oscillator in the non-adiabatic limit. We first show how to transform the underlying chemical master equation into a PDMP where the slow transitions between promoter states are stochastic, but whose rates depend upon the faster deterministic dynamics of the transcription factors regulated by these promoters. We show that the PDMP accurately describes the observed periods of stochastic cycles in activator and repressor-based titration oscillators. We then generalize our PDMP analysis to more complicated versions of titration-based oscillators to explain how multiple binding sites lengthen the period and improve coherence. Finally, we show how noise-induced oscillation previously observed in a titration-based oscillator arises from non-adiabatic and discrete binding events at the promoter site.« less

Time-lagged autoencoders: Deep learning of slow collective variables for molecular kinetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wehmeyer, Christoph; Noé, Frank

2018-06-01

Inspired by the success of deep learning techniques in the physical and chemical sciences, we apply a modification of an autoencoder type deep neural network to the task of dimension reduction of molecular dynamics data. We can show that our time-lagged autoencoder reliably finds low-dimensional embeddings for high-dimensional feature spaces which capture the slow dynamics of the underlying stochastic processes—beyond the capabilities of linear dimension reduction techniques.

Dynamics analysis of the fast-slow hydro-turbine governing system with different time-scale coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hao; Chen, Diyi; Wu, Changzhi; Wang, Xiangyu

2018-01-01

Multi-time scales modeling of hydro-turbine governing system is crucial in precise modeling of hydropower plant and provides support for the stability analysis of the system. Considering the inertia and response time of the hydraulic servo system, the hydro-turbine governing system is transformed into the fast-slow hydro-turbine governing system. The effects of the time-scale on the dynamical behavior of the system are analyzed and the fast-slow dynamical behaviors of the system are investigated with different time-scale. Furthermore, the theoretical analysis of the stable regions is presented. The influences of the time-scale on the stable region are analyzed by simulation. The simulation results prove the correctness of the theoretical analysis. More importantly, the methods and results of this paper provide a perspective to multi-time scales modeling of hydro-turbine governing system and contribute to the optimization analysis and control of the system.

Slow Dynamics Model of Compressed Air Energy Storage and Battery Storage Technologies for Automatic Generation Control

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Krishnan, Venkat; Das, Trishna

Increasing variable generation penetration and the consequent increase in short-term variability makes energy storage technologies look attractive, especially in the ancillary market for providing frequency regulation services. This paper presents slow dynamics model for compressed air energy storage and battery storage technologies that can be used in automatic generation control studies to assess the system frequency response and quantify the benefits from storage technologies in providing regulation service. The paper also represents the slow dynamics model of the power system integrated with storage technologies in a complete state space form. The storage technologies have been integrated to the IEEE 24more » bus system with single area, and a comparative study of various solution strategies including transmission enhancement and combustion turbine have been performed in terms of generation cycling and frequency response performance metrics.« less

Probing the cytochrome c' folding landscape.

PubMed

Pletneva, Ekaterina V; Zhao, Ziqing; Kimura, Tetsunari; Petrova, Krastina V; Gray, Harry B; Winkler, Jay R

2007-11-01

The folding kinetics of R. palustris cytochrome c' (cyt c') have been monitored by heme absorption and native Trp72 fluorescence at pH 5. The Trp72 fluorescence burst signal suggests early compaction of the polypeptide ensemble. Analysis of heme transient absorption spectra reveals deviations from two-state behavior, including a prominent slow phase that is accelerated by the prolyl isomerase cyclophilin. A nonnative proline configuration (Pro21) likely interferes with the formation of the helical bundle surrounding the heme.

Compact, Portable Pulsed-Power

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-08-31

adding this fast pulse to a slow, 30kV pulse which is below the threshold for significant corona emission. This scheme is presently being explored with...the smaller stressed electrode area. Further results from these systems were reported at the 2006 Power Modulator Conference in Washington, D.C...BLT and the medium-BLT is similar. The mini BLT electrodes are made of 3 mm thick molybdenum disks with a 3 mm central hole, capped on a hollow OFHC 1

Interaction between Liénard and Ikeda dynamics in a nonlinear electro-optical oscillator with delayed bandpass feedback.

PubMed

Marquez, Bicky A; Larger, Laurent; Brunner, Daniel; Chembo, Yanne K; Jacquot, Maxime

2016-12-01

We report on experimental and theoretical analysis of the complex dynamics generated by a nonlinear time-delayed electro-optic bandpass oscillator. We investigate the interaction between the slow- and fast-scale dynamics of autonomous oscillations in the breather regime. We analyze in detail the coupling between the fast-scale behavior associated to a characteristic low-pass Ikeda behavior and the slow-scale dynamics associated to a Liénard limit-cycle. Finally, we show that when projected onto a two-dimensional phase space, the attractors corresponding to periodic and chaotic breathers display a spiral-like pattern, which strongly depends on the shape of the nonlinear function.

Slow Earthquakes and The Mechanics of Slow Frictional Stick-Slip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marone, Chris; Scuderi, Marco; Leeman, John; Saffer, Demian; Collettini, Cristiano; Johnson, Paul

2015-04-01

Slow earthquakes represent one mode of the spectrum of fault slip behaviors ranging from steady aseismic slip to normal earthquakes. Like normal earthquakes, slow earthquakes can occur repetitively, such that a fault fails in a form of stick-slip failure defined by interseismic strain accumulation and slow, quasidynamic slip. The mechanics of frictional stick-slip and seismogenic faulting appear to apply to slow earthquakes, however, the mechanisms that limit dynamic slip velocity, rupture propagation speed, and the scaling between moment and duration of slow earthquakes are poorly understood. Here, we describe laboratory experiments that explore the mechanics of repetitive, slow frictional stick-slip failure. We document the role of loading stiffness and friction constitutive behavior in dictating the properties of repetitive, frictional stick-slip. Our results show that a spectrum of dynamic and quasidynamic slip velocities can occur in stick-slip events depending on the relation between loading stiffness k and the rheologic critical stiffness kc given, in the context of rate and state friction, by the ratio of the friction rate parameter (b-a) divided by the critical friction distance Dc. Slow slip is favored by conditions for which k is ~ equal to kc, whereas normal, fast stick slip occurs when k/kc < 1. We explore the role of elastic coupling and spatially extended slip propagation by comparing slow slip results for shear in a layer driven by forcing blocks of varying stiffness. We evaluate our data in the framework of rate and state friction laws and focus on the frictional mechanics of slow stick-slip failure with special attention paid to the connections between quasidynamic failure and mechanisms of the brittle-ductile transition in fault rocks.

Kinetics of Contact Formation and End-to-End Distance Distributions of Swollen Disordered Peptides

PubMed Central

Soranno, Andrea; Longhi, Renato; Bellini, Tommaso; Buscaglia, Marco

2009-01-01

Unstructured polypeptide chains are subject to various degrees of swelling or compaction depending on the combination of solvent condition and amino acid sequence. Highly denatured proteins generally behave like random-coils with excluded volume repulsion, whereas in aqueous buffer more compact conformations have been observed for the low-populated unfolded state of globular proteins as well as for naturally disordered sequences. To quantitatively account for the different mechanisms inducing the swelling of polypeptides, we have examined three 14-residues peptides in aqueous buffer and in denaturant solutions, including the well characterized AGQ repeat as a reference and two variants, in which we have successively introduced charged side chains and removed the glycines. Quenching of the triplet state of tryptophan by close contact with cysteine has been used in conjunction with Förster resonance energy transfer to study the equilibrium and kinetic properties of the peptide chains. The experiments enable accessing end-to-end root mean-square distance, probability of end-to-end contact formation and intrachain diffusion coefficient. The data can be coherently interpreted on the basis of a simple chain model with backbone angles obtained from a library of coil segments of proteins and hard sphere repulsion at each Cα position. In buffered water, we find that introducing charges in a glycine-rich sequence induces a mild chain swelling and a significant speed-up of the intrachain dynamics, whereas the removal of the glycines results in almost a two-fold increase of the chain volume and a drastic slowing down. In denaturants we observe a pronounced swelling of all the chains, with significant differences between the effect of urea and guanidinium chloride. PMID:19217868

Melt segregation from silicic crystal mushes: a critical appraisal of possible mechanisms and their microstructural record

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holness, Marian B.

2018-06-01

One of the outstanding problems in understanding the behavior of intermediate-to-silicic magmatic systems is the mechanism(s) by which large volumes of crystal-poor rhyolite can be extracted from crystal-rich mushy storage zones in the mid-deep crust. The mechanisms commonly invoked are hindered settling, micro-settling, and compaction. The concept of micro-settling involves extraction of grains from a crystal framework during Ostwald ripening and has been shown to be non-viable in the metallic systems for which it was originally proposed. Micro-settling is also likely to be insignificant in silicic mushes, because ripening rates are slow for quartz and plagioclase, contact areas between grains in a crystal mush are likely to be large, and abundant low-angle grain boundaries promote grain coalescence rather than ripening. Published calculations of melt segregation rates by hindered settling (Stokes settling in a crystal-rich system) neglect all but fluid dynamical interactions between particles. Because tabular silicate minerals are likely to form open, mechanically coherent, frameworks at porosities as high as 75%, settling of single crystals is only likely in very melt-rich systems. Gravitationally-driven viscous compaction requires deformation of crystals by either dissolution-reprecipitation or dislocation creep. There is, as yet, no reported microstructural evidence of extensive, syn-magmatic, internally-generated, viscous deformation in fully solidified silicic plutonic rocks. If subsequent directed searches do not reveal clear evidence for internally-generated buoyancy-driven melt segregation processes, it is likely that other factors, such as rejuvenation by magma replenishment, gas filter-pressing, or externally-imposed stress during regional deformation, are required to segregate large volumes of crystal-poor rhyolitic liquids from crustal mushy zones.

Transcriptomic difference in bovine blastocysts following vitrification and slow freezing at morula stage

PubMed Central

Gupta, Alisha; Singh, Jaswant; Dufort, Isabelle; Robert, Claude; Dias, Fernanda Caminha Faustino

2017-01-01

Cryopreservation is known for its marked deleterious effects on embryonic health. Bovine compact morulae were vitrified or slow-frozen, and post-warm morulae were cultured to the expanded blastocyst stage. Blastocysts developed from vitrified and slow-frozen morulae were subjected to microarray analysis and compared with blastocysts developed from unfrozen control morulae for differential gene expression. Morula to blastocyst conversion rate was higher (P < 0.05) in control (72%) and vitrified (77%) than in slow-frozen (34%) morulae. Total 20 genes were upregulated and 44 genes were downregulated in blastocysts developed from vitrified morulae (fold change ≥ ± 2, P < 0.05) in comparison with blastocysts developed from control morulae. In blastocysts developed from slow-frozen morulae, 102 genes were upregulated and 63 genes were downregulated (fold change ≥ ± 1.5, P < 0.05). Blastocysts developed from vitrified morulae exhibited significant changes in gene expression mainly involving embryo implantation (PTGS2, CALB1), lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species generation (HSD3B1, AKR1B1, APOA1) and cell differentiation (KRT19, CLDN23). However, blastocysts developed from slow-frozen morulae showed changes in the expression of genes related to cell signaling (SPP1), cell structure and differentiation (DCLK2, JAM2 and VIM), and lipid metabolism (PLA2R1 and SMPD3). In silico comparison between blastocysts developed form vitrified and slow-frozen morulae revealed similar changes in gene expression as between blastocysts developed from vitrified and control morulae. In conclusion, blastocysts developed form vitrified morulae demonstrated better post-warming survival than blastocysts developed from slow-frozen morulae but their gene expression related to lipid metabolism, steroidogenesis, cell differentiation and placentation changed significantly (≥ 2 fold). Slow freezing method killed more morulae than vitrification but those which survived up to blastocyst stage did not express ≥ 2 fold change in their gene expression as compared with blastocysts from control morulae. PMID:29095916

Emergence of a stellar cusp by a dark matter cusp in a low-mass compact ultrafaint dwarf galaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inoue, Shigeki

2017-06-01

Recent observations have been discovering new ultrafaint dwarf galaxies as small as ˜20 pc in half-light radius and ˜3 km s-1 in line-of-sight velocity dispersion. In these galaxies, dynamical friction on a star against dark matter can be significant and alter their stellar density distribution. The effect can strongly depend on a central density profile of dark matter, I.e. cusp or core. In this study, I perform computations using a classical and a modern analytic formula and N-body simulations to study how dynamical friction changes a stellar density profile and how different it is between a cuspy and a cored dark matter halo. This study shows that, if a dark matter halo has a cusp, dynamical friction can cause shrivelling instability that results in emergence of a stellar cusp in the central region ≲2 pc. On the other hand, if it has a constant-density core, dynamical friction is significantly weaker and does not generate a stellar cusp even if the galaxy has the same line-of-sight velocity dispersion. In such a compact and low-mass galaxy, since the shrivelling instability by dynamical friction is inevitable if it has a dark matter cusp, absence of a stellar cusp implies that the galaxy has a dark matter core. I expect that this could be used to diagnose a dark matter density profile in these compact ultrafaint dwarf galaxies.

Proline 54 trans-cis isomerization is responsible for the kinetic partitioning at the last-step photocycle of photoactive yellow protein

PubMed Central

Lee, Byoung-Chul; Hoff, Wouter D.

2008-01-01

Photoactive yellow protein (PYP), a blue-light photoreceptor for Ectothiorhodospira halophila, has provided a unique system for studying protein folding that is coupled with a photocycle. Upon receptor activation by blue light, PYP proceeds through a photocycle that includes a partially folded signaling state. The last-step photocycle is a thermal recovery reaction from the signaling state to the native state. Bi-exponential kinetics had been observed for the last-step photocycle; however, the slow phase of the bi-exponential kinetics has not been extensively studied. Here we analyzed both fast and slow phases of the last-step photocycle in PYP. From the analysis of the denaturant dependence of the fast and slow phases, we found that the last-step photocycle proceeds through parallel channels of the folding pathway. The burial of the solvent-accessible area was responsible for the transition state of the fast phase, while structural rearrangement from the compact state to the native state was responsible for the transition state of the slow phase. The photocycle of PYP was linked to the thermodynamic cycle that includes both unfolding and refolding of the fast- and slow-phase intermediates. In order to test the hypothesis of proline-limited folding for the slow phase, we constructed two proline mutants: P54A and P68A. We found that only a single phase of the last-step photocycle was observed in P54A. This suggests that there is a low energy barrier between trans to cis conformation in P54 in the light-induced state of PYP, and the resulting cis conformation of P54 generates a slow-phase kinetic trap during the photocycle-coupled folding pathway of PYP. PMID:18794212

THE PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS: Neutrino Oscillation Induced by Chiral Phase Transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mu, Cheng-Fu; Sun, Gao-Feng; Zhuang, Peng-Fei

2009-03-01

Electric charge neutrality provides a relationship between chiral dynamics and neutrino propagation in compact stars. Due to the sudden drop of the electron density at thefirst-order chiral phase transition, the oscillation for low energy neutrinos is significant and can be regarded as a signature of chiral symmetry restoration in the core of compact stars.

Simulation of nanopowder compaction in terms of granular dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boltachev, G. Sh.; Volkov, N. B.

2011-07-01

The uniaxial compaction of nanopowders is simulated using the granular dynamics in the 2D geometry. The initial arrangement of particles is represented by (i) a layer of particles executing Brownian motion (isotropic structures) and (ii) particles falling in the gravity field (anisotropic structures). The influence of size effects and the size of a model cell on the properties of the structures are studied. The compaction of the model cell is simulated with regard to Hertz elastic forces between particles, Cattaneo-Mindlin-Deresiewicz shear friction forces, and van der Waals-Hamaker dispersion forces of attraction. Computation is performed for monodisperse powders with particle sizes ranging from 10 to 400 nm and for "cohesionless" powder, in which attractive forces are absent. It is shown that taking into account dispersion forces makes it possible to simulate the size effect in the nanopowder compaction: the compressibility of the nanopowder drops as the particles get finer. The mean coordination number and the axial and lateral pressures in the powder systems are found, and the effect of the density and isotropy of the initial structure on the compressibility is analyzed. The applicability of well-known Rumpf's formula for the size effect is discussed.

Long-term history and immediate preceding state affect EEG slow wave characteristics at NREM sleep onset in C57BL/6 mice.

PubMed

Cui, N; Mckillop, L E; Fisher, S P; Oliver, P L; Vyazovskiy, V V

2014-01-01

The dynamics of cortical activity across the 24-h day and at vigilance state transitions is regulated by an interaction between global subcortical neuromodulatory influences and local shifts in network synchrony and excitability. To address the role of long-term and immediate preceding history in local and global cortical dynamics, we investigated cortical EEG recorded from both frontal and occipital regions during an undisturbed 24-h recording in mice. As expected, at the beginning of the light period, under physiologically increased sleep pressure, EEG slow waves were more frequent and had higher amplitude and slopes, compared to the rest of the light period. Within discrete NREM sleep episodes, the incidence, amplitude and slopes of individual slow waves increased progressively after episode onset in both derivations by approximately 10-30%. Interestingly, at the beginning of NREM sleep episodes slow waves in the frontal and occipital derivations frequently occurred in isolation, as quantified by longer latencies between consecutive slow waves in the two regions. Notably, slow waves during the initial period of NREM sleep following REM sleep episodes were significantly less frequent, lower in amplitude and exhibited shallower slopes, compared to those that occurred in NREM episodes after prolonged waking. Moreover, the latencies between consecutive frontal and occipital NREM slow waves were substantially longer when they occurred directly after REM sleep compared to following consolidated wakefulness. Overall these data reveal a complex picture, where both time of day and preceding state contribute to the characteristics and dynamics of slow waves within NREM sleep. These findings suggest that NREM sleep initiates in a more "local" fashion when it occurs following REM sleep episodes as opposed to sustained waking bouts. While the mechanisms and functional significance of such a re-setting of brain state after individual REM sleep episodes remains to be investigated, we suggest that it may be an essential feature of physiological sleep regulation.

Evidence for a dynamical ground state in the frustrated pyrohafnate Tb2Hf2O7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anand, V. K.; Opherden, L.; Xu, J.; Adroja, D. T.; Hillier, A. D.; Biswas, P. K.; Herrmannsdörfer, T.; Uhlarz, M.; Hornung, J.; Wosnitza, J.; Canévet, E.; Lake, B.

2018-03-01

We report the physical properties of Tb2Hf2O7 based on ac magnetic susceptibility χac(T ) , dc magnetic susceptibility χ (T ) , isothermal magnetization M (H ) , and heat capacity Cp(T ) measurements combined with muon spin relaxation (μ SR ) and neutron powder diffraction measurements. No evidence for long-range magnetic order is found down to 0.1 K. However, χac(T ) data present a frequency-dependent broad peak (near 0.9 K at 16 Hz) indicating slow spin dynamics. The slow spin dynamics is further evidenced from the μ SR data (characterized by a stretched exponential behavior) which show persistent spin fluctuations down to 0.3 K. The neutron powder diffraction data collected at 0.1 K show a broad peak of magnetic origin (diffuse scattering) but no magnetic Bragg peaks. The analysis of the diffuse scattering data reveals a dominant antiferromagnetic interaction in agreement with the negative Weiss temperature. The absence of long-range magnetic order and the presence of slow spin dynamics and persistent spin fluctuations together reflect a dynamical ground state in Tb2Hf2O7 .

Memory-induced nonlinear dynamics of excitation in cardiac diseases.

PubMed

Landaw, Julian; Qu, Zhilin

2018-04-01

Excitable cells, such as cardiac myocytes, exhibit short-term memory, i.e., the state of the cell depends on its history of excitation. Memory can originate from slow recovery of membrane ion channels or from accumulation of intracellular ion concentrations, such as calcium ion or sodium ion concentration accumulation. Here we examine the effects of memory on excitation dynamics in cardiac myocytes under two diseased conditions, early repolarization and reduced repolarization reserve, each with memory from two different sources: slow recovery of a potassium ion channel and slow accumulation of the intracellular calcium ion concentration. We first carry out computer simulations of action potential models described by differential equations to demonstrate complex excitation dynamics, such as chaos. We then develop iterated map models that incorporate memory, which accurately capture the complex excitation dynamics and bifurcations of the action potential models. Finally, we carry out theoretical analyses of the iterated map models to reveal the underlying mechanisms of memory-induced nonlinear dynamics. Our study demonstrates that the memory effect can be unmasked or greatly exacerbated under certain diseased conditions, which promotes complex excitation dynamics, such as chaos. The iterated map models reveal that memory converts a monotonic iterated map function into a nonmonotonic one to promote the bifurcations leading to high periodicity and chaos.

Memory-induced nonlinear dynamics of excitation in cardiac diseases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Landaw, Julian; Qu, Zhilin

2018-04-01

Excitable cells, such as cardiac myocytes, exhibit short-term memory, i.e., the state of the cell depends on its history of excitation. Memory can originate from slow recovery of membrane ion channels or from accumulation of intracellular ion concentrations, such as calcium ion or sodium ion concentration accumulation. Here we examine the effects of memory on excitation dynamics in cardiac myocytes under two diseased conditions, early repolarization and reduced repolarization reserve, each with memory from two different sources: slow recovery of a potassium ion channel and slow accumulation of the intracellular calcium ion concentration. We first carry out computer simulations of action potential models described by differential equations to demonstrate complex excitation dynamics, such as chaos. We then develop iterated map models that incorporate memory, which accurately capture the complex excitation dynamics and bifurcations of the action potential models. Finally, we carry out theoretical analyses of the iterated map models to reveal the underlying mechanisms of memory-induced nonlinear dynamics. Our study demonstrates that the memory effect can be unmasked or greatly exacerbated under certain diseased conditions, which promotes complex excitation dynamics, such as chaos. The iterated map models reveal that memory converts a monotonic iterated map function into a nonmonotonic one to promote the bifurcations leading to high periodicity and chaos.

Three-dimensional simulations of nanopowder compaction processes by granular dynamics method.

PubMed

Boltachev, G Sh; Lukyashin, K E; Shitov, V A; Volkov, N B

2013-07-01

In order to describe and to study the processes of cold compaction within the discrete element method a three-dimensional model of nanosized powder is developed. The elastic forces of repulsion, the tangential forces of "friction" (Cattaneo-Mindlin), and the dispersion forces of attraction (van der Waals-Hamaker), as well as the formation and destruction of hard bonds between the individual particles are taken into account. The monosized powders with the size of particles in the range 10-40 nm are simulated. The simulation results are compared to the experimental data of the alumina nanopowders compaction. It is shown that the model allows us to reproduce experimental data reliably and, in particular, describes the size effect in the compaction processes. A number of different external loading conditions is used in order to perform the theoretical and experimental researches. The uniaxial compaction (the closed-die compaction), the biaxial (radial) compaction, and the isotropic compaction (the cold isostatic pressing) are studied. The real and computed results are in a good agreement with each other. They reveal a weak sensitivity of the oxide nanopowders to the loading condition (compaction geometry). The application of the continuum theory of the plastically hardening porous body, which is usually used for the description of powders, is discussed.

Three-dimensional simulations of nanopowder compaction processes by granular dynamics method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boltachev, G. Sh.; Lukyashin, K. E.; Shitov, V. A.; Volkov, N. B.

2013-07-01

In order to describe and to study the processes of cold compaction within the discrete element method a three-dimensional model of nanosized powder is developed. The elastic forces of repulsion, the tangential forces of “friction” (Cattaneo-Mindlin), and the dispersion forces of attraction (van der Waals-Hamaker), as well as the formation and destruction of hard bonds between the individual particles are taken into account. The monosized powders with the size of particles in the range 10-40 nm are simulated. The simulation results are compared to the experimental data of the alumina nanopowders compaction. It is shown that the model allows us to reproduce experimental data reliably and, in particular, describes the size effect in the compaction processes. A number of different external loading conditions is used in order to perform the theoretical and experimental researches. The uniaxial compaction (the closed-die compaction), the biaxial (radial) compaction, and the isotropic compaction (the cold isostatic pressing) are studied. The real and computed results are in a good agreement with each other. They reveal a weak sensitivity of the oxide nanopowders to the loading condition (compaction geometry). The application of the continuum theory of the plastically hardening porous body, which is usually used for the description of powders, is discussed.

Impact compaction of a granular material

DOE PAGES

Fenton, Gregg; Asay, Blaine; Dalton, Devon

2015-05-19

The dynamic behavior of granular materials has importance to a variety of engineering applications. Structural seismic coupling, planetary science, and earth penetration mechanics, are just a few of the application areas. Although the mechanical behavior of granular materials of various types have been studied extensively for several decades, the dynamic behavior of such materials remains poorly understood. High-quality experimental data are needed to improve our general understanding of granular material compaction physics. This study will describe how an instrumented plunger impact system can be used to measure pressure-density relationships for model materials at high and controlled strain rates and subsequentlymore » used for computational modeling.« less

Time-resolved atomic inner-shell spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drescher, M.; Hentschel, M.; Kienberger, R.; Uiberacker, M.; Yakovlev, V.; Scrinzi, A.; Westerwalbesloh, Th.; Kleineberg, U.; Heinzmann, U.; Krausz, F.

2002-10-01

The characteristic time constants of the relaxation dynamics of core-excited atoms have hitherto been inferred from the linewidths of electronic transitions measured by continuous-wave extreme ultraviolet or X-ray spectroscopy. Here we demonstrate that a laser-based sampling system, consisting of a few-femtosecond visible light pulse and a synchronized sub-femtosecond soft X-ray pulse, allows us to trace these dynamics directly in the time domain with attosecond resolution. We have measured a lifetime of 7.9-0.9^{+1.0fs of M-shell vacancies of krypton in such a pump-probe experiment.}

Combining Remote and In Situ Observations with MHD models to Understand the Formation of the Slow Solar Wind

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viall, N. M.; Kepko, L.; Antiochos, S. K.; Lepri, S. T.; Vourlidas, A.; Linker, J.

2017-12-01

Connecting the structure and variability in the solar corona to the Heliosphere and solar wind is one of the main goals of Heliophysics and space weather research. The instrumentation and viewpoints of the Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter missions will provide an unprecedented opportunity to combine remote sensing with in situ data to determine how the corona drives the Heliosphere, especially as it relates to the origin of the slow solar wind. We present analysis of STEREO coronagraph and heliospheric imager observations and of in situ ACE and Wind measurements that reveal an important connection between the dynamics of the corona and of the solar wind. We show observations of quasi-periodic release of plasma into the slow solar wind occurring throughout the corona - including regions away from the helmet streamer and heliospheric current sheet - and demonstrate that these observations place severe constraints on the origin of the slow solar wind. We build a comprehensive picture of the dynamic evolution by combining remote imaging data, in situ composition and magnetic connectivity information, and MHD models of the solar wind. Our results have critical implications for the magnetic topology involved in slow solar wind formation and magnetic reconnection dynamics. Crucially, this analysis pushes the limits of current instrument resolution and sensitivity, showing the enormous potential science to be accomplished with the Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter missions.

Experimental study of PLLA/INH slow release implant fabricated by three dimensional printing technique and drug release characteristics in vitro.

PubMed

Wu, Gui; Wu, Weigang; Zheng, Qixin; Li, Jingfeng; Zhou, Jianbo; Hu, Zhilei

2014-07-19

Local slow release implant provided long term and stable drug release in the lesion. The objective of this study was to fabricate biodegradable slow release INH/PLLA tablet via 3 dimensional printing technique (3DP) and to compare the drug release characteristics of three different structured tablets in vitro. Three different drug delivery systems (columnar-shaped tablet (CST), doughnut-shaped tablet (DST) and multilayer doughnut-shaped tablet (MDST)) were manufactured by the three dimensional printing machine and isoniazid was loaded into the implant. Dynamic soaking method was used to study the drug release characteristics of the three implants. MTT cytotoxicity test and direct contact test were utilized to study the biocompatibility of the implant. The microstructures of the implants' surfaces were observed with electron microscope. The PLLA powder in the tablet could be excellently combined through 3DP without disintegration. Electron microscope observations showed that INH distributed evenly on the surface of the tablet in a "nest-shaped" way, while the surface of the barrier layer in the multilayer doughnut shaped tablet was compact and did not contain INH. The concentration of INH in all of the three tablets were still higher than the effective bacteriostasis concentration (Isoniazid: 0.025 ~ 0.05 μg/ml) after 30 day's release in vitro. All of the tablets showed initial burst release of the INH in the early period. Drug concentration of MDST became stable and had little fluctuation starting from the 6th day of the release. Drug concentration of DST and CST decreased gradually and the rate of decrease in concentration was faster in DST than CST. MTT cytotoxicity test and direct contact test indicated that the INH-PLLA tablet had low cytotoxicity and favorable biocompatibility. Three dimensional printing technique was a reliable technique to fabricate complicated implants. Drug release pattern in MDST was the most stable among the three implants. It was an ideal drug delivery system for the antibiotics. Biocompatibility tests demonstrated that the INH-PLLA implant did not have cytotoxicity. The multilayer donut-shaped tablet provided a new constant slow release method after an initial burst for the topical application of the antibiotic.

Experimental study of PLLA/INH slow release implant fabricated by three dimensional printing technique and drug release characteristics in vitro

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Local slow release implant provided long term and stable drug release in the lesion. The objective of this study was to fabricate biodegradable slow release INH/PLLA tablet via 3 dimensional printing technique (3DP) and to compare the drug release characteristics of three different structured tablets in vitro. Methods Three different drug delivery systems (columnar-shaped tablet (CST), doughnut-shaped tablet (DST) and multilayer doughnut-shaped tablet (MDST)) were manufactured by the three dimensional printing machine and isoniazid was loaded into the implant. Dynamic soaking method was used to study the drug release characteristics of the three implants. MTT cytotoxicity test and direct contact test were utilized to study the biocompatibility of the implant. The microstructures of the implants’ surfaces were observed with electron microscope. Results The PLLA powder in the tablet could be excellently combined through 3DP without disintegration. Electron microscope observations showed that INH distributed evenly on the surface of the tablet in a “nest-shaped” way, while the surface of the barrier layer in the multilayer doughnut shaped tablet was compact and did not contain INH. The concentration of INH in all of the three tablets were still higher than the effective bacteriostasis concentration (Isoniazid: 0.025 ~ 0.05 μg/ml) after 30 day’s release in vitro. All of the tablets showed initial burst release of the INH in the early period. Drug concentration of MDST became stable and had little fluctuation starting from the 6th day of the release. Drug concentration of DST and CST decreased gradually and the rate of decrease in concentration was faster in DST than CST. MTT cytotoxicity test and direct contact test indicated that the INH-PLLA tablet had low cytotoxicity and favorable biocompatibility. Conclusions Three dimensional printing technique was a reliable technique to fabricate complicated implants. Drug release pattern in MDST was the most stable among the three implants. It was an ideal drug delivery system for the antibiotics. Biocompatibility tests demonstrated that the INH-PLLA implant did not have cytotoxicity. The multilayer donut-shaped tablet provided a new constant slow release method after an initial burst for the topical application of the antibiotic. PMID:25038793

Slow-roll corrections in multi-field inflation: a separate universes approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karčiauskas, Mindaugas; Kohri, Kazunori; Mori, Taro; White, Jonathan

2018-05-01

In view of cosmological parameters being measured to ever higher precision, theoretical predictions must also be computed to an equally high level of precision. In this work we investigate the impact on such predictions of relaxing some of the simplifying assumptions often used in these computations. In particular, we investigate the importance of slow-roll corrections in the computation of multi-field inflation observables, such as the amplitude of the scalar spectrum Pζ, its spectral tilt ns, the tensor-to-scalar ratio r and the non-Gaussianity parameter fNL. To this end we use the separate universes approach and δ N formalism, which allows us to consider slow-roll corrections to the non-Gaussianity of the primordial curvature perturbation as well as corrections to its two-point statistics. In the context of the δ N expansion, we divide slow-roll corrections into two categories: those associated with calculating the correlation functions of the field perturbations on the initial flat hypersurface and those associated with determining the derivatives of the e-folding number with respect to the field values on the initial flat hypersurface. Using the results of Nakamura & Stewart '96, corrections of the first kind can be written in a compact form. Corrections of the second kind arise from using different levels of slow-roll approximation in solving for the super-horizon evolution, which in turn corresponds to using different levels of slow-roll approximation in the background equations of motion. We consider four different levels of approximation and apply the results to a few example models. The various approximations are also compared to exact numerical solutions.

Pore Fluid Pressure Development in Compacting Fault Gouge in Theory, Experiments, and Nature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faulkner, D. R.; Sanchez-Roa, C.; Boulton, C.; den Hartog, S. A. M.

2018-01-01

The strength of fault zones is strongly dependent on pore fluid pressures within them. Moreover, transient changes in pore fluid pressure can lead to a variety of slip behavior from creep to unstable slip manifested as earthquakes or slow slip events. The frictional properties of low-permeability fault gouge in nature and experiment can be affected by pore fluid pressure development through compaction within the gouge layer, even when the boundaries are drained. Here the conditions under which significant pore fluid pressures develop are analyzed analytically, numerically, and experimentally. Friction experiments on low-permeability fault gouge at different sliding velocities show progressive weakening as slip rate is increased, indicating that faster experiments are incapable of draining the pore fluid pressure produced by compaction. Experiments are used to constrain the evolution of the permeability and pore volume needed for numerical modeling of pore fluid pressure build up. The numerical results are in good agreement with the experiments, indicating that the principal physical processes have been considered. The model is used to analyze the effect of pore fluid pressure transients on the determination of the frictional properties, illustrating that intrinsic velocity-strengthening behavior can appear velocity weakening if pore fluid pressure is not given sufficient time to equilibrate. The results illustrate that care must be taken when measuring experimentally the frictional characteristics of low-permeability fault gouge. The contribution of compaction-induced pore fluid pressurization leading to weakening of natural faults is considered. Cyclic pressurization of pore fluid within fault gouge during successive earthquakes on larger faults may reset porosity and hence the capacity for compaction weakening.

Tunable nonequilibrium dynamics of field quenches in spin ice

PubMed Central

Mostame, Sarah; Castelnovo, Claudio; Moessner, Roderich; Sondhi, Shivaji L.

2014-01-01

We present nonequilibrium physics in spin ice as a unique setting that combines kinematic constraints, emergent topological defects, and magnetic long-range Coulomb interactions. In spin ice, magnetic frustration leads to highly degenerate yet locally constrained ground states. Together, they form a highly unusual magnetic state—a “Coulomb phase”—whose excitations are point-like defects—magnetic monopoles—in the absence of which effectively no dynamics is possible. Hence, when they are sparse at low temperature, dynamics becomes very sluggish. When quenching the system from a monopole-rich to a monopole-poor state, a wealth of dynamical phenomena occur, the exposition of which is the subject of this article. Most notably, we find reaction diffusion behavior, slow dynamics owing to kinematic constraints, as well as a regime corresponding to the deposition of interacting dimers on a honeycomb lattice. We also identify potential avenues for detecting the magnetic monopoles in a regime of slow-moving monopoles. The interest in this model system is further enhanced by its large degree of tunability and the ease of probing it in experiment: With varying magnetic fields at different temperatures, geometric properties—including even the effective dimensionality of the system—can be varied. By monitoring magnetization, spin correlations or zero-field NMR, the dynamical properties of the system can be extracted in considerable detail. This establishes spin ice as a laboratory of choice for the study of tunable, slow dynamics. PMID:24379372

Delayed pull-in transitions in overdamped MEMS devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomez, Michael; Moulton, Derek E.; Vella, Dominic

2018-01-01

We consider the dynamics of overdamped MEMS devices undergoing the pull-in instability. Numerous previous experiments and numerical simulations have shown a significant increase in the pull-in time under DC voltages close to the pull-in voltage. Here the transient dynamics slow down as the device passes through a meta-stable or bottleneck phase, but this slowing down is not well understood quantitatively. Using a lumped parallel-plate model, we perform a detailed analysis of the pull-in dynamics in this regime. We show that the bottleneck phenomenon is a type of critical slowing down arising from the pull-in transition. This allows us to show that the pull-in time obeys an inverse square-root scaling law as the transition is approached; moreover we determine an analytical expression for this pull-in time. We then compare our prediction to a wide range of pull-in time data reported in the literature, showing that the observed slowing down is well captured by our scaling law, which appears to be generic for overdamped pull-in under DC loads. This realization provides a useful design rule with which to tune dynamic response in applications, including state-of-the-art accelerometers and pressure sensors that use pull-in time as a sensing mechanism. We also propose a method to estimate the pull-in voltage based only on data of the pull-in times.

Revealing transient strain in geodetic data with Gaussian process regression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hines, T. T.; Hetland, E. A.

2018-03-01

Transient strain derived from global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data can be used to detect and understand geophysical processes such as slow slip events and post-seismic deformation. Here we propose using Gaussian process regression (GPR) as a tool for estimating transient strain from GNSS data. GPR is a non-parametric, Bayesian method for interpolating scattered data. In our approach, we assume a stochastic prior model for transient displacements. The prior describes how much we expect transient displacements to covary spatially and temporally. A posterior estimate of transient strain is obtained by differentiating the posterior transient displacements, which are formed by conditioning the prior with the GNSS data. As a demonstration, we use GPR to detect transient strain resulting from slow slip events in the Pacific Northwest. Maximum likelihood methods are used to constrain a prior model for transient displacements in this region. The temporal covariance of our prior model is described by a compact Wendland covariance function, which significantly reduces the computational burden that can be associated with GPR. Our results reveal the spatial and temporal evolution of strain from slow slip events. We verify that the transient strain estimated with GPR is in fact geophysical signal by comparing it to the seismic tremor that is associated with Pacific Northwest slow slip events.

Interacting Turing-Hopf Instabilities Drive Symmetry-Breaking Transitions in a Mean-Field Model of the Cortex: A Mechanism for the Slow Oscillation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steyn-Ross, Moira L.; Steyn-Ross, D. A.; Sleigh, J. W.

2013-04-01

Electrical recordings of brain activity during the transition from wake to anesthetic coma show temporal and spectral alterations that are correlated with gross changes in the underlying brain state. Entry into anesthetic unconsciousness is signposted by the emergence of large, slow oscillations of electrical activity (≲1Hz) similar to the slow waves observed in natural sleep. Here we present a two-dimensional mean-field model of the cortex in which slow spatiotemporal oscillations arise spontaneously through a Turing (spatial) symmetry-breaking bifurcation that is modulated by a Hopf (temporal) instability. In our model, populations of neurons are densely interlinked by chemical synapses, and by interneuronal gap junctions represented as an inhibitory diffusive coupling. To demonstrate cortical behavior over a wide range of distinct brain states, we explore model dynamics in the vicinity of a general-anesthetic-induced transition from “wake” to “coma.” In this region, the system is poised at a codimension-2 point where competing Turing and Hopf instabilities coexist. We model anesthesia as a moderate reduction in inhibitory diffusion, paired with an increase in inhibitory postsynaptic response, producing a coma state that is characterized by emergent low-frequency oscillations whose dynamics is chaotic in time and space. The effect of long-range axonal white-matter connectivity is probed with the inclusion of a single idealized point-to-point connection. We find that the additional excitation from the long-range connection can provoke seizurelike bursts of cortical activity when inhibitory diffusion is weak, but has little impact on an active cortex. Our proposed dynamic mechanism for the origin of anesthetic slow waves complements—and contrasts with—conventional explanations that require cyclic modulation of ion-channel conductances. We postulate that a similar bifurcation mechanism might underpin the slow waves of natural sleep and comment on the possible consequences of chaotic dynamics for memory processing and learning.

Non-slow-roll dynamics in α-attractors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kumar, K. Sravan; Marto, J.; Moniz, P. Vargas

2016-04-01

In this paper we consider the α−attractor model and study inflation under a non-slow-roll dynamics. More precisely, we follow the approach recently proposed by Gong and Sasaki [1] by means of assuming N=N(φ). Within this framework we obtain a family of functions describing the local shape of the potential during inflation. We study a specific model and find an inflationary scenario predicting an attractor at n{sub s}≈0.967 and r≈5.5×10{sup −4}. We further show that considering a non-slow-roll dynamics, the α−attractor model can be broaden to a wider class of models that remain compatible with value of r<0.1. We further exploremore » the model parameter space with respect to large and small field inflation and conclude that the inflaton dynamics is connected to the  α−  parameter, which is also related to the Kähler manifold curvature in the supergravity (SUGRA) embedding of this model. We also comment on the stabilization of the inflaton's trajectory.« less

Slow molecular dynamics of water in a lyotropic complex fluid studied by deuterium conventional and spin-lattice relaxometry NMR.

PubMed

Rodríguez, C R; Pusiol, D J; Figueiredo Neto, A M; Seitter, R-O

2002-03-01

A nuclear magnetic resonance study of protons and deuterons in the mesomorphic phases of the micellar lyotropic mixture potassium laurate/1-decanol/heavy water is reported. The slow dynamical behavior of water molecules has been investigated with deuterons spin-lattice relaxation dispersion in the Larmor frequency range 10(3)

Nanoplasma Formation by High Intensity Hard X-rays

PubMed Central

Tachibana, T.; Jurek, Z.; Fukuzawa, H.; Motomura, K.; Nagaya, K.; Wada, S.; Johnsson, P.; Siano, M.; Mondal, S.; Ito, Y.; Kimura, M.; Sakai, T.; Matsunami, K.; Hayashita, H.; Kajikawa, J.; Liu, X.-J.; Robert, E.; Miron, C.; Feifel, R.; Marangos, J. P.; Tono, K.; Inubushi, Y.; Yabashi, M.; Son, S.-K.; Ziaja, B.; Yao, M.; Santra, R.; Ueda, K.

2015-01-01

Using electron spectroscopy, we have investigated nanoplasma formation from noble gas clusters exposed to high-intensity hard-x-ray pulses at ~5 keV. Our experiment was carried out at the SPring-8 Angstrom Compact free electron LAser (SACLA) facility in Japan. Dedicated theoretical simulations were performed with the molecular dynamics tool XMDYN. We found that in this unprecedented wavelength regime nanoplasma formation is a highly indirect process. In the argon clusters investigated, nanoplasma is mainly formed through secondary electron cascading initiated by slow Auger electrons. Energy is distributed within the sample entirely through Auger processes and secondary electron cascading following photoabsorption, as in the hard x-ray regime there is no direct energy transfer from the field to the plasma. This plasma formation mechanism is specific to the hard-x-ray regime and may, thus, also be important for XFEL-based molecular imaging studies. In xenon clusters, photo- and Auger electrons contribute more significantly to the nanoplasma formation. Good agreement between experiment and simulations validates our modelling approach. This has wide-ranging implications for our ability to quantitatively predict the behavior of complex molecular systems irradiated by high-intensity hard x-rays. PMID:26077863

Gravitational collapse of colloidal gels: Origins of the tipping point

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Padmanabhan, Poornima; Zia, Roseanna

2016-11-01

Reversible colloidal gels are soft viscoelastic solids in which durable but reversible bonds permit on-demand transition from solidlike to liquidlike behavior; these O(kT) bonds also lead to ongoing coarsening and age stiffening, making their rheology inherently time dependent. To wit, such gels may remain stable for an extended time, but then suddenly collapse, sedimenting to the bottom of the container (or creaming to the top) and eliminating any intended functionality of the material. Although this phenomenon has been studied extensively in the experimental literature, the microscopic mechanism underlying the collapse is not well understood. Effects of gel age, interparticle attraction strength, and wall effects all have been shown to affect collapse behavior, but the microstructural transformations underlying the 'tipping point' remain murky. To study this behavior, we conduct large-scale dynamic simulation to model the structural and rheological evolution of colloidal gels subjected to various gravitational stresses, examining the detailed micromechanics in three temporal regimes: slow sedimentation prior to collapse; the tipping point leading to the onset of rapid collapse; and the subsequent compaction of the material as it approaches its final bed height. Acknowledgment for funding and support from the Office of Naval Research; the National Science Foundation; and NSF XSEDE.

The time dependence of rock healing as a universal relaxation process, a tutorial

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snieder, Roel; Sens-Schönfelder, Christoph; Wu, Renjie

2017-01-01

The material properties of earth materials often change after the material has been perturbed (slow dynamics). For example, the seismic velocity of subsurface materials changes after earthquakes, and granular materials compact after being shaken. Such relaxation processes are associated by observables that change logarithmically with time. Since the logarithm diverges for short and long times, the relaxation can, strictly speaking, not have a log-time dependence. We present a self-contained description of a relaxation function that consists of a superposition of decaying exponentials that has log-time behaviour for intermediate times, but converges to zero for long times, and is finite for t = 0. The relaxation function depends on two parameters, the minimum and maximum relaxation time. These parameters can, in principle, be extracted from the observed relaxation. As an example, we present a crude model of a fracture that is closing under an external stress. Although the fracture model violates some of the assumptions on which the relaxation function is based, it follows the relaxation function well. We provide qualitative arguments that the relaxation process, just like the Gutenberg-Richter law, is applicable to a wide range of systems and has universal properties.

Novel linear piezoelectric motor for precision position stage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chao; Shi, Yunlai; Zhang, Jun; Wang, Junshan

2016-03-01

Conventional servomotor and stepping motor face challenges in nanometer positioning stages due to the complex structure, motion transformation mechanism, and slow dynamic response, especially directly driven by linear motor. A new butterfly-shaped linear piezoelectric motor for linear motion is presented. A two-degree precision position stage driven by the proposed linear ultrasonic motor possesses a simple and compact configuration, which makes the system obtain shorter driving chain. Firstly, the working principle of the linear ultrasonic motor is analyzed. The oscillation orbits of two driving feet on the stator are produced successively by using the anti-symmetric and symmetric vibration modes of the piezoelectric composite structure, and the slider pressed on the driving feet can be propelled twice in only one vibration cycle. Then with the derivation of the dynamic equation of the piezoelectric actuator and transient response model, start-upstart-up and settling state characteristics of the proposed linear actuator is investigated theoretically and experimentally, and is applicable to evaluate step resolution of the precision platform driven by the actuator. Moreover the structure of the two-degree position stage system is described and a special precision displacement measurement system is built. Finally, the characteristics of the two-degree position stage are studied. In the closed-loop condition the positioning accuracy of plus or minus <0.5 μm is experimentally obtained for the stage propelled by the piezoelectric motor. A precision position stage based the proposed butterfly-shaped linear piezoelectric is theoretically and experimentally investigated.

Microscopic approach to string gas cosmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evnin, Oleg

2014-03-01

In this contribution to the proceedings of the Conference on Modern Physics of Compact Stars and Relativistic Gravity in Yerevan, Armenia (September 18-21, 2013), I review recent work attempting to give a fundamental definition to string evolution in a dynamical, fully compact universe, and present a sketch of how the resulting formalism can be used for addressing questions of phenomenological significance in the field of string gas cosmology.

Ultimate dynamics of the Kirschner-Panetta model: Tumor eradication and related problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Starkov, Konstantin E.; Krishchenko, Alexander P.

2017-10-01

In this paper we consider the ultimate dynamics of the Kirschner-Panetta model which was created for studying the immune response to tumors under special types of immunotherapy. New ultimate upper bounds for compact invariant sets of this model are given, as well as sufficient conditions for the existence of a positively invariant polytope. We establish three types of conditions for the nonexistence of compact invariant sets in the domain of the tumor-cell population. Our main results are two types of conditions for global tumor elimination depending on the ratio between the proliferation rate of the immune cells and their mortality rate. These conditions are described in terms of simple algebraic inequalities imposed on model parameters and treatment parameters. Our theoretical studies of ultimate dynamics are complemented by numerical simulation results.

Slow-roll approximation in loop quantum cosmology

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Luc, Joanna; Mielczarek, Jakub, E-mail: joanna.luc@uj.edu.pl, E-mail: jakub.mielczarek@uj.edu.pl

The slow-roll approximation is an analytical approach to study dynamical properties of the inflationary universe. In this article, systematic construction of the slow-roll expansion for effective loop quantum cosmology is presented. The analysis is performed up to the fourth order in both slow-roll parameters and the parameter controlling the strength of deviation from the classical case. The expansion is performed for three types of the slow-roll parameters: Hubble slow-roll parameters, Hubble flow parameters and potential slow-roll parameters. An accuracy of the approximation is verified by comparison with the numerical phase space trajectories for the case with a massive potential term.more » The results obtained in this article may be helpful in the search for the subtle quantum gravitational effects with use of the cosmological data.« less

Microscopic Theory for the Role of Attractive Forces in the Dynamics of Supercooled Liquids.

PubMed

Dell, Zachary E; Schweizer, Kenneth S

2015-11-13

We formulate a microscopic, no adjustable parameter, theory of activated relaxation in supercooled liquids directly in terms of the repulsive and attractive forces within the framework of pair correlations. Under isochoric conditions, attractive forces can nonperturbatively modify slow dynamics, but at high enough density their influence vanishes. Under isobaric conditions, attractive forces play a minor role. High temperature apparent Arrhenius behavior and density-temperature scaling are predicted. Our results are consistent with recent isochoric simulations and isobaric experiments on a deeply supercooled molecular liquid. The approach can be generalized to treat colloidal gelation and glass melting, and other soft matter slow dynamics problems.

Applications of compact accelerator-driven neutron sources: An updated assessment from the perspective of materials research in Italy

DOE PAGES

Andreani, C.; Anderson, I. S.; Carpenter, J. M.; ...

2014-12-24

In 2005 the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna published a report [1] on ‘Development Opportunities of Small and Medium Scale Accelerator Driven Neutron Sources’ which summarized the prospect of smaller sources in supporting the large spallation neutron sources for materials characterization and instrumentation, a theme advocated by Bauer, Clausen, Mank, and Mulhauser in previous publications [2-4]. In 2010 the Union for Compact Accelerator-driven Neutron Sources (UCANS) was established [5], galvanizing cross-disciplinary collaborations on new source and neutronics development and expanded applications based on both slow-neutron scattering and other neutron-matter interactions of neutron energies ranging from 10⁻⁶ to 10²more » MeV [6]. Here, we first cover the recent development of ongoing and prospective projects of compact accelerator-driven neutron sources (CANS) but concentrate on prospective accelerators currently proposed in Italy. Two active R&D topics, irradiation effects on electronics and cultural heritage studies, are chosen to illustrate the impact of state-of-the-art CANS on these programs with respect to the characteristics and complementarity of the accelerator and neutronics systems as well as instrumentation development.« less

Proposal of a novel compact P-band magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator with inclined vanes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaoping; Dang, Fangchao; Li, Yangmei; Jin, Zhenxing

2015-06-01

In this paper, we present a novel compact P-band magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator (MILO) with specially inclined slow-wave-structure (SWS) vanes to decrease its total dimension and weight. The dispersion characteristics of the inclined SWS are investigated in detail and made comparisons with that of the traditional straight SWS. The results show that the inclined SWS is more advantageous in operating on a steady frequency in a wide voltage range and has a better asymmetric mode segregation and a relatively large band-gap between the TM00 and TM01 modes which are in favor of avoiding the asymmetric and transverse mode competition. Besides, the transverse dimension of the proposed novel inclined SWS with the same operation frequency is decreased by about 50%, and correspondingly the device volume shrinks remarkably to its 0.35 times. In particle-in-cell simulation, the electron bunching spokes are obviously formed in the inclined SWS, and a P-band high-power microwave with a power of 5.8 GW, frequency of 645 MHz, and efficiency of 17.2% is generated by the proposed device, which indicates the feasibility of the compact design with the inclined vanes at the P-band.

SOLAR SYSTEM MOONS AS ANALOGS FOR COMPACT EXOPLANETARY SYSTEMS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kane, Stephen R.; Hinkel, Natalie R.; Raymond, Sean N., E-mail: skane@ipac.caltech.edu

2013-11-01

The field of exoplanetary science has experienced a recent surge of new systems that is largely due to the precision photometry provided by the Kepler mission. The latest discoveries have included compact planetary systems in which the orbits of the planets all lie relatively close to the host star, which presents interesting challenges in terms of formation and dynamical evolution. The compact exoplanetary systems are analogous to the moons orbiting the giant planets in our solar system, in terms of their relative sizes and semimajor axes. We present a study that quantifies the scaled sizes and separations of the solarmore » system moons with respect to their hosts. We perform a similar study for a large sample of confirmed Kepler planets in multi-planet systems. We show that a comparison between the two samples leads to a similar correlation between their scaled sizes and separation distributions. The different gradients of the correlations may be indicative of differences in the formation and/or long-term dynamics of moon and planetary systems.« less

Dynamic Behavior of Engineered Lattice Materials

PubMed Central

Hawreliak, J. A.; Lind, J.; Maddox, B.; Barham, M.; Messner, M.; Barton, N.; Jensen, B. J.; Kumar, M.

2016-01-01

Additive manufacturing (AM) is enabling the fabrication of materials with engineered lattice structures at the micron scale. These mesoscopic structures fall between the length scale associated with the organization of atoms and the scale at which macroscopic structures are constructed. Dynamic compression experiments were performed to study the emergence of behavior owing to the lattice periodicity in AM materials on length scales that approach a single unit cell. For the lattice structures, both bend and stretch dominated, elastic deflection of the structure was observed ahead of the compaction of the lattice, while no elastic deformation was observed to precede the compaction in a stochastic, random structure. The material showed lattice characteristics in the elastic response of the material, while the compaction was consistent with a model for compression of porous media. The experimental observations made on arrays of 4 × 4 × 6 lattice unit cells show excellent agreement with elastic wave velocity calculations for an infinite periodic lattice, as determined by Bloch wave analysis, and finite element simulations. PMID:27321697

Conformal field theory as microscopic dynamics of incompressible Euler and Navier-Stokes equations.

PubMed

Fouxon, Itzhak; Oz, Yaron

2008-12-31

We consider the hydrodynamics of relativistic conformal field theories at finite temperature. We show that the limit of slow motions of the ideal hydrodynamics leads to the nonrelativistic incompressible Euler equation. For viscous hydrodynamics we show that the limit of slow motions leads to the nonrelativistic incompressible Navier-Stokes equation. We explain the physical reasons for the reduction and discuss the implications. We propose that conformal field theories provide a fundamental microscopic viewpoint of the equations and the dynamics governed by them.

Stochastic partial differential fluid equations as a diffusive limit of deterministic Lagrangian multi-time dynamics.

PubMed

Cotter, C J; Gottwald, G A; Holm, D D

2017-09-01

In Holm (Holm 2015 Proc. R. Soc. A 471 , 20140963. (doi:10.1098/rspa.2014.0963)), stochastic fluid equations were derived by employing a variational principle with an assumed stochastic Lagrangian particle dynamics. Here we show that the same stochastic Lagrangian dynamics naturally arises in a multi-scale decomposition of the deterministic Lagrangian flow map into a slow large-scale mean and a rapidly fluctuating small-scale map. We employ homogenization theory to derive effective slow stochastic particle dynamics for the resolved mean part, thereby obtaining stochastic fluid partial equations in the Eulerian formulation. To justify the application of rigorous homogenization theory, we assume mildly chaotic fast small-scale dynamics, as well as a centring condition. The latter requires that the mean of the fluctuating deviations is small, when pulled back to the mean flow.

Dynamics of ultra-thin polystyrene with and without a (artificial) dead layer studied by resonance enhanced dynamic light scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vianna, S. D. B.; Lin, F. Y.; Plum, M. A.; Duran, H.; Steffen, W.

2017-05-01

Using non-invasive, marker-free resonance enhanced dynamic light scattering, the dynamics of capillary waves on ultrathin polystyrene films' coupling to the viscoelastic and mechanical properties have been studied. The dynamics of ultrathin polymer films is still debated. In particular the question of what influence either the solid substrate and/or the fluid-gas interface has on the dynamics and the mechanical properties of films of glass forming liquids as polymers is in the focus of the present research. As a consequence, e.g., viscosity close to interfaces and thus the average viscosity of very thin films are prone to change. This study is focused on atactic, non-entangled polystyrene thin films on the gold surface. A slow dynamic mode was observed with Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann temperature dependence, slowing down with decreasing film thickness. We tentatively attribute this relaxation mode to overdamped capillary waves because of its temperature dependence and the dispersion with a wave vector which was found. No signs of a more mobile layer at the air/polymer interface or of a "dead layer" at the solid/polymer interface were found. Therefore we investigated the influence of an artificially created dead layer on the capillary wave dynamics by introducing covalently bound polystyrene polymer brushes as anchors. The dynamics was slowed down to a degree more than expected from theoretical work on the increase of density close to the solid liquid interface—instead of a "dead layer" of 2 nm, the interaction seems to extend more than 10 nm into the polymer.

Influence of particle size distribution on nanopowder cold compaction processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boltachev, G.; Volkov, N.; Lukyashin, K.; Markov, V.; Chingina, E.

2017-06-01

Nanopowder uniform and uniaxial cold compaction processes are simulated by 2D granular dynamics method. The interaction of particles in addition to wide-known contact laws involves the dispersion forces of attraction and possibility of interparticle solid bridges formation, which have a large importance for nanopowders. Different model systems are investigated: monosized systems with particle diameter of 10, 20 and 30 nm; bidisperse systems with different content of small (diameter is 10 nm) and large (30 nm) particles; polydisperse systems corresponding to the log-normal size distribution law with different width. Non-monotone dependence of compact density on powder content is revealed in bidisperse systems. The deviations of compact density in polydisperse systems from the density of corresponding monosized system are found to be minor, less than 1 per cent.

A population of compact elliptical galaxies detected with the Virtual Observatory.

PubMed

Chilingarian, Igor; Cayatte, Véronique; Revaz, Yves; Dodonov, Serguei; Durand, Daniel; Durret, Florence; Micol, Alberto; Slezak, Eric

2009-12-04

Compact elliptical galaxies are characterized by small sizes and high stellar densities. They are thought to form through tidal stripping of massive progenitors. However, only a handful of them were known, preventing us from understanding the role played by this mechanism in galaxy evolution. We present a population of 21 compact elliptical galaxies gathered with the Virtual Observatory. Follow-up spectroscopy and data mining, using high-resolution images and large databases, show that all the galaxies exhibit old metal-rich stellar populations different from those of dwarf elliptical galaxies of similar masses but similar to those of more massive early-type galaxies, supporting the tidal stripping scenario. Their internal properties are reproduced by numerical simulations, which result in compact, dynamically hot remnants resembling the galaxies in our sample.

Condensins exert force on chromatin-nuclear envelope tethers to mediate nucleoplasmic reticulum formation in Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Bozler, Julianna; Nguyen, Huy Q; Rogers, Gregory C; Bosco, Giovanni

2014-12-30

Although the nuclear envelope is known primarily for its role as a boundary between the nucleus and cytoplasm in eukaryotes, it plays a vital and dynamic role in many cellular processes. Studies of nuclear structure have revealed tissue-specific changes in nuclear envelope architecture, suggesting that its three-dimensional structure contributes to its functionality. Despite the importance of the nuclear envelope, the factors that regulate and maintain nuclear envelope shape remain largely unexplored. The nuclear envelope makes extensive and dynamic interactions with the underlying chromatin. Given this inexorable link between chromatin and the nuclear envelope, it is possible that local and global chromatin organization reciprocally impact nuclear envelope form and function. In this study, we use Drosophila salivary glands to show that the three-dimensional structure of the nuclear envelope can be altered with condensin II-mediated chromatin condensation. Both naturally occurring and engineered chromatin-envelope interactions are sufficient to allow chromatin compaction forces to drive distortions of the nuclear envelope. Weakening of the nuclear lamina further enhanced envelope remodeling, suggesting that envelope structure is capable of counterbalancing chromatin compaction forces. Our experiments reveal that the nucleoplasmic reticulum is born of the nuclear envelope and remains dynamic in that they can be reabsorbed into the nuclear envelope. We propose a model where inner nuclear envelope-chromatin tethers allow interphase chromosome movements to change nuclear envelope morphology. Therefore, interphase chromatin compaction may be a normal mechanism that reorganizes nuclear architecture, while under pathological conditions, such as laminopathies, compaction forces may contribute to defects in nuclear morphology. Copyright © 2015 Bozler et al.

Condensins Exert Force on Chromatin-Nuclear Envelope Tethers to Mediate Nucleoplasmic Reticulum Formation in Drosophila melanogaster

PubMed Central

Bozler, Julianna; Nguyen, Huy Q.; Rogers, Gregory C.; Bosco, Giovanni

2014-01-01

Although the nuclear envelope is known primarily for its role as a boundary between the nucleus and cytoplasm in eukaryotes, it plays a vital and dynamic role in many cellular processes. Studies of nuclear structure have revealed tissue-specific changes in nuclear envelope architecture, suggesting that its three-dimensional structure contributes to its functionality. Despite the importance of the nuclear envelope, the factors that regulate and maintain nuclear envelope shape remain largely unexplored. The nuclear envelope makes extensive and dynamic interactions with the underlying chromatin. Given this inexorable link between chromatin and the nuclear envelope, it is possible that local and global chromatin organization reciprocally impact nuclear envelope form and function. In this study, we use Drosophila salivary glands to show that the three-dimensional structure of the nuclear envelope can be altered with condensin II-mediated chromatin condensation. Both naturally occurring and engineered chromatin-envelope interactions are sufficient to allow chromatin compaction forces to drive distortions of the nuclear envelope. Weakening of the nuclear lamina further enhanced envelope remodeling, suggesting that envelope structure is capable of counterbalancing chromatin compaction forces. Our experiments reveal that the nucleoplasmic reticulum is born of the nuclear envelope and remains dynamic in that they can be reabsorbed into the nuclear envelope. We propose a model where inner nuclear envelope-chromatin tethers allow interphase chromosome movements to change nuclear envelope morphology. Therefore, interphase chromatin compaction may be a normal mechanism that reorganizes nuclear architecture, while under pathological conditions, such as laminopathies, compaction forces may contribute to defects in nuclear morphology. PMID:25552604

Sintering of polydisperse viscous droplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wadsworth, Fabian B.; Vasseur, Jérémie; Llewellin, Edward W.; Dingwell, Donald B.

2017-03-01

Sintering—or coalescence—of compacts of viscous droplets is driven by the interfacial tension between the droplets and the interstitial gas phase. The process, which occurs in a range of industrial and natural settings, such as the manufacture of ceramics and the welding of volcanic ash, causes the compact to densify, to become stronger, and to become less permeable. We investigate the role of droplet polydispersivity in sintering dynamics by conducting experiments in which populations of glass spheres with different size distributions are heated to temperatures above the glass transition interval. We quantify the progress of sintering by tracking changes in porosity with time. The sintering dynamics is modeled by treating the system as a random distribution of interstitial gas bubbles shrinking under the action of interfacial tension only. We identify the scaling between the polydispersivity of the initial droplets and the dynamics of bulk densification. The framework that we develop allows the sintering dynamics of arbitrary polydisperse populations of droplets to be predicted if the initial droplet (or particle) size distribution is known.

Dynamical Stability and Evolution of Kepler’s compact inner multi-planet systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pu, Bonan

2017-06-01

NASA’s Kepler mission has revealed a population of highly compact inner multi-planet systems. These systems, typically consisting of 4-6 super-Earths, feature tight orbital spacing between planets as well as low orbital inclinations (~2 deg. ) and eccentricities (~2%). This stands in contrast to Kepler’s singles population, which appears to feature higher orbital obliquities and eccentricities, as well as a lower transit timing variation fraction indicative of lower true planet multiplicities.In this talk, I will present some previous and ongoing research aimed at understanding the dynamical evolution of these Kepler systems. First, I will present numerical N-body investigations on the long-term stability of multi-planet systems, the results of which suggest that Kepler’s systems are near the edge of stability. Next, I will discuss some current research on the dynamics of planetary close encounters and collisions, and their implications for the ultimate fate of dynamically unstable multi-planet systems. Finally, I will highlight some recent results on the dynamical stability and evolution of inner multi-planet systems when they are accompanied by external giant planet and/or stellar companions.

Hierarchical Biomolecular Dynamics: Picosecond Hydrogen Bonding Regulates Microsecond Conformational Transitions.

PubMed

Buchenberg, Sebastian; Schaudinnus, Norbert; Stock, Gerhard

2015-03-10

Biomolecules exhibit structural dynamics on a number of time scales, including picosecond (ps) motions of a few atoms, nanosecond (ns) local conformational transitions, and microsecond (μs) global conformational rearrangements. Despite this substantial separation of time scales, fast and slow degrees of freedom appear to be coupled in a nonlinear manner; for example, there is theoretical and experimental evidence that fast structural fluctuations are required for slow functional motion to happen. To elucidate a microscopic mechanism of this multiscale behavior, Aib peptide is adopted as a simple model system. Combining extensive molecular dynamics simulations with principal component analysis techniques, a hierarchy of (at least) three tiers of the molecule's free energy landscape is discovered. They correspond to chiral left- to right-handed transitions of the entire peptide that happen on a μs time scale, conformational transitions of individual residues that take about 1 ns, and the opening and closing of structure-stabilizing hydrogen bonds that occur within tens of ps and are triggered by sub-ps structural fluctuations. Providing a simple mechanism of hierarchical dynamics, fast hydrogen bond dynamics is found to be a prerequisite for the ns local conformational transitions, which in turn are a prerequisite for the slow global conformational rearrangement of the peptide. As a consequence of the hierarchical coupling, the various processes exhibit a similar temperature behavior which may be interpreted as a dynamic transition.

Dynamic modelling and adaptive robust tracking control of a space robot with two-link flexible manipulators under unknown disturbances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xinxin; Ge, Shuzhi Sam; He, Wei

2018-04-01

In this paper, both the closed-form dynamics and adaptive robust tracking control of a space robot with two-link flexible manipulators under unknown disturbances are developed. The dynamic model of the system is described with assumed modes approach and Lagrangian method. The flexible manipulators are represented as Euler-Bernoulli beams. Based on singular perturbation technique, the displacements/joint angles and flexible modes are modelled as slow and fast variables, respectively. A sliding mode control is designed for trajectories tracking of the slow subsystem under unknown but bounded disturbances, and an adaptive sliding mode control is derived for slow subsystem under unknown slowly time-varying disturbances. An optimal linear quadratic regulator method is proposed for the fast subsystem to damp out the vibrations of the flexible manipulators. Theoretical analysis validates the stability of the proposed composite controller. Numerical simulation results demonstrate the performance of the closed-loop flexible space robot system.

Adaptive dynamics on an environmental gradient that changes over a geological time-scale.

PubMed

Fortelius, Mikael; Geritz, Stefan; Gyllenberg, Mats; Toivonen, Jaakko

2015-07-07

The standard adaptive dynamics framework assumes two timescales, i.e. fast population dynamics and slow evolutionary dynamics. We further assume a third timescale, which is even slower than the evolutionary timescale. We call this the geological timescale and we assume that slow climatic change occurs within this timescale. We study the evolution of our model population over this very slow geological timescale with bifurcation plots of the standard adaptive dynamics framework. The bifurcation parameter being varied describes the abiotic environment that changes over the geological timescale. We construct evolutionary trees over the geological timescale and observe both gradual phenotypic evolution and punctuated branching events. We concur with the established notion that branching of a monomorphic population on an environmental gradient only happens when the gradient is not too shallow and not too steep. However, we show that evolution within the habitat can produce polymorphic populations that inhabit steep gradients. What is necessary is that the environmental gradient at some point in time is such that the initial branching of the monomorphic population can occur. We also find that phenotypes adapted to environments in the middle of the existing environmental range are more likely to branch than phenotypes adapted to extreme environments. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modeling of two-phase porous flow with damage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Z.; Bercovici, D.

2009-12-01

Two-phase dynamics has been broadly studied in Earth Science in a convective system. We investigate the basic physics of compaction with damage theory and present preliminary results of both steady state and time-dependent transport when melt migrates through porous medium. In our simple 1-D model, damage would play an important role when we consider the ascent of melt-rich mixture at constant velocity. Melt segregation becomes more difficult so that porosity is larger than that in simple compaction in the steady-state compaction profile. Scaling analysis for compaction equation is performed to predict the behavior of melt segregation with damage. The time-dependent of the compacting system is investigated by looking at solitary wave solutions to the two-phase model. We assume that the additional melt is injected to the fracture material through a single pulse with determined shape and velocity. The existence of damage allows the pulse to keep moving further than that in simple compaction. Therefore more melt could be injected to the two-phase mixture and future application such as carbon dioxide injection is proposed.

Stochastic population dynamics in populations of western terrestrial garter snakes with divergent life histories

USGS Publications Warehouse

Miller, David A.; Clark, W.R.; Arnold, S.J.; Bronikowski, A.M.

2011-01-01

Comparative evaluations of population dynamics in species with temporal and spatial variation in life-history traits are rare because they require long-term demographic time series from multiple populations. We present such an analysis using demographic data collected during the interval 1978-1996 for six populations of western terrestrial garter snakes (Thamnophis elegans) from two evolutionarily divergent ecotypes. Three replicate populations from a slow-living ecotype, found in mountain meadows of northeastern California, were characterized by individuals that develop slowly, mature late, reproduce infrequently with small reproductive effort, and live longer than individuals of three populations of a fast-living ecotype found at lakeshore locales. We constructed matrix population models for each of the populations based on 8-13 years of data per population and analyzed both deterministic dynamics based on mean annual vital rates and stochastic dynamics incorporating annual variation in vital rates. (1) Contributions of highly variable vital rates to fitness (??s) were buffered against the negative effects of stochastic variation, and this relationship was consistent with differences between the meadow (M-slow) and lakeshore (L-fast) ecotypes. (2) Annual variation in the proportion of gravid females had the greatest negative effect among all vital rates on ?? s. The magnitude of variation in the proportion of gravid females and its effect on ??s was greater in M-slow than L-fast populations. (3) Variation in the proportion of gravid females, in turn, depended on annual variation in prey availability, and its effect on ??s was 4- 23 times greater in M-slow than L-fast populations. In addition to differences in stochastic dynamics between ecotypes, we also found higher mean mortality rates across all age classes in the L-fast populations. Our results suggest that both deterministic and stochastic selective forces have affected the evolution of divergent life-history traits in the two ecotypes, which, in turn, affect population dynamics. M-slow populations have evolved life-history traits that buffer fitness against direct effects of variation in reproduction and that spread lifetime reproduction across a greater number of reproductive bouts. These results highlight the importance of long-term demographic and environmental monitoring and of incorporating temporal dynamics into empirical studies of life-history evolution. ?? 2011 by the Ecological Society of America.

Stochastic population dynamics in populations of western terrestrial garter snakes with divergent life histories.

PubMed

Miller, David A; Clark, William R; Arnold, Stevan J; Bronikowski, Anne M

2011-08-01

Comparative evaluations of population dynamics in species with temporal and spatial variation in life-history traits are rare because they require long-term demographic time series from multiple populations. We present such an analysis using demographic data collected during the interval 1978-1996 for six populations of western terrestrial garter snakes (Thamnophis elegans) from two evolutionarily divergent ecotypes. Three replicate populations from a slow-living ecotype, found in mountain meadows of northeastern California, were characterized by individuals that develop slowly, mature late, reproduce infrequently with small reproductive effort, and live longer than individuals of three populations of a fast-living ecotype found at lakeshore locales. We constructed matrix population models for each of the populations based on 8-13 years of data per population and analyzed both deterministic dynamics based on mean annual vital rates and stochastic dynamics incorporating annual variation in vital rates. (1) Contributions of highly variable vital rates to fitness (lambda(s)) were buffered against the negative effects of stochastic variation, and this relationship was consistent with differences between the meadow (M-slow) and lakeshore (L-fast) ecotypes. (2) Annual variation in the proportion of gravid females had the greatest negative effect among all vital rates on lambda(s). The magnitude of variation in the proportion of gravid females and its effect on lambda(s) was greater in M-slow than L-fast populations. (3) Variation in the proportion of gravid females, in turn, depended on annual variation in prey availability, and its effect on lambda(s) was 4 23 times greater in M-slow than L-fast populations. In addition to differences in stochastic dynamics between ecotypes, we also found higher mean mortality rates across all age classes in the L-fast populations. Our results suggest that both deterministic and stochastic selective forces have affected the evolution of divergent life-history traits in the two ecotypes, which, in turn, affect population dynamics. M-slow populations have evolved life-history traits that buffer fitness against direct effects of variation in reproduction and that spread lifetime reproduction across a greater number of reproductive bouts. These results highlight the importance of long-term demographic and environmental monitoring and of incorporating temporal dynamics into empirical studies of life-history evolution.

CONSTRAINTS ON MACHO DARK MATTER FROM COMPACT STELLAR SYSTEMS IN ULTRA-FAINT DWARF GALAXIES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brandt, Timothy D.

2016-06-20

I show that a recently discovered star cluster near the center of the ultra-faint dwarf galaxy Eridanus II provides strong constraints on massive compact halo objects (MACHOs) of ≳5 M {sub ⊙} as the main component of dark matter. MACHO dark matter will dynamically heat the cluster, driving it to larger sizes and higher velocity dispersions until it dissolves into its host galaxy. The stars in compact ultra-faint dwarf galaxies themselves will be subject to the same dynamical heating; the survival of at least 10 such galaxies places independent limits on MACHO dark matter of masses ≳10 M {sub ⊙}.more » Both Eri II’s cluster and the compact ultra-faint dwarfs are characterized by stellar masses of just a few thousand M {sub ⊙} and half-light radii of 13 pc (for the cluster) and ∼30 pc (for the ultra-faint dwarfs). These systems close the ∼20–100 M {sub ⊙} window of allowed MACHO dark matter and combine with existing constraints from microlensing, wide binaries, and disk kinematics to rule out dark matter composed entirely of MACHOs from ∼10{sup −7} M {sub ⊙} up to arbitrarily high masses.« less

Accurate hybrid stochastic simulation of a system of coupled chemical or biochemical reactions.

PubMed

Salis, Howard; Kaznessis, Yiannis

2005-02-01

The dynamical solution of a well-mixed, nonlinear stochastic chemical kinetic system, described by the Master equation, may be exactly computed using the stochastic simulation algorithm. However, because the computational cost scales with the number of reaction occurrences, systems with one or more "fast" reactions become costly to simulate. This paper describes a hybrid stochastic method that partitions the system into subsets of fast and slow reactions, approximates the fast reactions as a continuous Markov process, using a chemical Langevin equation, and accurately describes the slow dynamics using the integral form of the "Next Reaction" variant of the stochastic simulation algorithm. The key innovation of this method is its mechanism of efficiently monitoring the occurrences of slow, discrete events while simultaneously simulating the dynamics of a continuous, stochastic or deterministic process. In addition, by introducing an approximation in which multiple slow reactions may occur within a time step of the numerical integration of the chemical Langevin equation, the hybrid stochastic method performs much faster with only a marginal decrease in accuracy. Multiple examples, including a biological pulse generator and a large-scale system benchmark, are simulated using the exact and proposed hybrid methods as well as, for comparison, a previous hybrid stochastic method. Probability distributions of the solutions are compared and the weak errors of the first two moments are computed. In general, these hybrid methods may be applied to the simulation of the dynamics of a system described by stochastic differential, ordinary differential, and Master equations.

Gyration-radius dynamics in structural transitions of atomic clusters.

PubMed

Yanao, Tomohiro; Koon, Wang S; Marsden, Jerrold E; Kevrekidis, Ioannis G

2007-03-28

This paper is concerned with the structural transition dynamics of the six-atom Morse cluster with zero total angular momentum, which serves as an illustrative example of the general reaction dynamics of isolated polyatomic molecules. It develops a methodology that highlights the interplay between the effects of the potential energy topography and those of the intrinsic geometry of the molecular internal space. The method focuses on the dynamics of three coarse variables, the molecular gyration radii. By using the framework of geometric mechanics and hyperspherical coordinates, the internal motions of a molecule are described in terms of these three gyration radii and hyperangular modes. The gyration radii serve as slow collective variables, while the remaining hyperangular modes serve as rapidly oscillating "bath" modes. Internal equations of motion reveal that the gyration radii are subject to two different kinds of forces: One is the ordinary force that originates from the potential energy function of the system, while the other is an internal centrifugal force. The latter originates from the dynamical coupling of the gyration radii with the hyperangular modes. The effects of these two forces often counteract each other: The potential force generally works to keep the internal mass distribution of the system compact and symmetric, while the internal centrifugal force works to inflate and elongate it. Averaged fields of these two forces are calculated numerically along a reaction path for the structural transition of the molecule in the three-dimensional space of gyration radii. By integrating the sum of these two force fields along the reaction path, an effective energy curve is deduced, which quantifies the gross work necessary for the system to change its mass distribution along the reaction path. This effective energy curve elucidates the energy-dependent switching of the structural preference between symmetric and asymmetric conformations. The present methodology should be of wide use for the systematic reduction of dimensionality as well as for the identification of kinematic barriers associated with the rearrangement of mass distribution in a variety of molecular reaction dynamics in vacuum.

Gyration-radius dynamics in structural transitions of atomic clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanao, Tomohiro; Koon, Wang S.; Marsden, Jerrold E.; Kevrekidis, Ioannis G.

2007-03-01

This paper is concerned with the structural transition dynamics of the six-atom Morse cluster with zero total angular momentum, which serves as an illustrative example of the general reaction dynamics of isolated polyatomic molecules. It develops a methodology that highlights the interplay between the effects of the potential energy topography and those of the intrinsic geometry of the molecular internal space. The method focuses on the dynamics of three coarse variables, the molecular gyration radii. By using the framework of geometric mechanics and hyperspherical coordinates, the internal motions of a molecule are described in terms of these three gyration radii and hyperangular modes. The gyration radii serve as slow collective variables, while the remaining hyperangular modes serve as rapidly oscillating "bath" modes. Internal equations of motion reveal that the gyration radii are subject to two different kinds of forces: One is the ordinary force that originates from the potential energy function of the system, while the other is an internal centrifugal force. The latter originates from the dynamical coupling of the gyration radii with the hyperangular modes. The effects of these two forces often counteract each other: The potential force generally works to keep the internal mass distribution of the system compact and symmetric, while the internal centrifugal force works to inflate and elongate it. Averaged fields of these two forces are calculated numerically along a reaction path for the structural transition of the molecule in the three-dimensional space of gyration radii. By integrating the sum of these two force fields along the reaction path, an effective energy curve is deduced, which quantifies the gross work necessary for the system to change its mass distribution along the reaction path. This effective energy curve elucidates the energy-dependent switching of the structural preference between symmetric and asymmetric conformations. The present methodology should be of wide use for the systematic reduction of dimensionality as well as for the identification of kinematic barriers associated with the rearrangement of mass distribution in a variety of molecular reaction dynamics in vacuum.

Design, construction and measurements of an alpha magnet as a solution for compact bunch compressor for the electron beam from Thermionic RF Gun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajabi, A.; Jazini, J.; Fathi, M.; Sharifian, M.; Shokri, B.

2018-03-01

The beam produced by a thermionic RF gun has wide energy spread that makes it unsuitable for direct usage in photon sources. Here in the present work, we optimize the extracted beam from a thermionic RF gun by a compact economical bunch compressor. A compact magnetic bunch compressor (Alpha magnet) is designed and constructed. A comparison between simulation results and experimental measurements shows acceptable conformity. The beam dynamics simulation results show a reduction of the energy spread as well as a compression of length less than 1 ps with 2.3 mm-mrad emittance.

Observations on infiltration of silicon carbide compacts with an aluminium alloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Asthana, R.; Rohatgi, P. K.

1992-01-01

The melt infiltration of ceramic particulates permits an opportunity to observe such fundamental materials phenomena as nucleation, dynamic wetting and growth in constrained environments. Experimental observations are presented on the infiltration behavior and matrix microstructures that form when porous compacts of platelet-shaped single crystals of alpha- (hexagonal) silicon carbide are infiltrated with a liquid 2014 Al alloy. The infiltration process involved counter gravity infiltration of suitably tamped and preheated compacts of silicon carbide platelets under an external pressure in a special pressure chamber for a set period, then by solidification of the infiltrant metal in the interstices of the bed at atmospheric pressure.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mamontov, Eugene; Zolnierczuk, Piotr A.; Ohl, Michael E.

Using neutron spin-echo and backscattering spectroscopy, we have found that at low temperatures water molecules in an aqueous solution engage in center-of-mass dynamics that are different from both the main structural relaxations and the well-known localized motions in the transient cages of the nearest neighbor molecules. While the latter localized motions are known to take place on the picosecond time scale and Angstrom length scale, the slower motions that we have observed are found on the nanosecond time scale and nanometer length scale. They are associated with the slow secondary relaxations, or excess wing dynamics, in glass-forming liquids. Our approach,more » therefore, can be applied to probe the characteristic length scale of the dynamic entities associated with slow dynamics in glass-forming liquids, which presently cannot be studied by other experimental techniques.« less

Atomic-scale Modeling of the Structure and Dynamics of Dislocations in Complex Alloys at High Temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daw, Murray S.; Mills, Michael J.

2003-01-01

We report on the progress made during the first year of the project. Most of the progress at this point has been on the theoretical and computational side. Here are the highlights: (1) A new code, tailored for high-end desktop computing, now combines modern Accelerated Dynamics (AD) with the well-tested Embedded Atom Method (EAM); (2) The new Accelerated Dynamics allows the study of relatively slow, thermally-activated processes, such as diffusion, which are much too slow for traditional Molecular Dynamics; (3) We have benchmarked the new AD code on a rather simple and well-known process: vacancy diffusion in copper; and (4) We have begun application of the AD code to the diffusion of vacancies in ordered intermetallics.

Dynamics of Phenanthrenequinone on Carbon Nano-Onion Surfaces Probed by Quasielastic Neutron Scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anjos, Daniela M; Mamontov, Eugene; Brown, Gilbert M

We used quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) to study the dynamics of phenanthrenequinone (PQ) on the surface of onion-like carbon (OLC), or so called carbon onions, as a function of surface coverage and temperature. For both the high- and low-coverage samples, we observed two diffusion processes; a faster process and nearly an order of magnitude slower process. On the high-coverage surface, the slow diffusion process is of long-range translational character, whereas the fast diffusion process is spatially localized on the length scale of ~ 4.7 . On the low-coverage surface, both diffusion processes are spatially localized; on the same length scalemore » of ~ 4.7 for the fast diffusion and a somewhat larger length scale for the slow diffusion. Arrhenius temperature dependence is observed except for the long-range diffusion on the high-coverage surface. We attribute the fast diffusion process to the generic localized in-cage dynamics of PQ molecules, and the slow diffusion process to the long-range translational dynamics of PQ molecules, which, depending on the coverage, may be either spatially restricted, or long-range. On the low-coverage surface, uniform surface coverage is not attained, and the PQ molecules experience the effect of spatial constraints on their long-range translational dynamics. Unexpectedly, the dynamics of PQ molecules on OLC as a function of temperature and surface coverage bears qualitative resemblance to the dynamics of water molecules on oxide surfaces, including practically temperature-independent residence times for the low-coverage surface. The dynamics features that we observed may be universal across different classes of surface adsorbates.« less

Prediction of flow dynamics using point processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirata, Yoshito; Stemler, Thomas; Eroglu, Deniz; Marwan, Norbert

2018-01-01

Describing a time series parsimoniously is the first step to study the underlying dynamics. For a time-discrete system, a generating partition provides a compact description such that a time series and a symbolic sequence are one-to-one. But, for a time-continuous system, such a compact description does not have a solid basis. Here, we propose to describe a time-continuous time series using a local cross section and the times when the orbit crosses the local cross section. We show that if such a series of crossing times and some past observations are given, we can predict the system's dynamics with fine accuracy. This reconstructability neither depends strongly on the size nor the placement of the local cross section if we have a sufficiently long database. We demonstrate the proposed method using the Lorenz model as well as the actual measurement of wind speed.

Slow [Na+]i dynamics impacts arrhythmogenesis and spiral wave reentry in cardiac myocyte ionic model.

PubMed

Krogh-Madsen, Trine; Christini, David J

2017-09-01

Accumulation of intracellular Na + is gaining recognition as an important regulator of cardiac myocyte electrophysiology. The intracellular Na + concentration can be an important determinant of the cardiac action potential duration, can modulate the tissue-level conduction of excitation waves, and can alter vulnerability to arrhythmias. Mathematical models of cardiac electrophysiology often incorporate a dynamic intracellular Na + concentration, which changes much more slowly than the remaining variables. We investigated the dependence of several arrhythmogenesis-related factors on [Na + ] i in a mathematical model of the human atrial action potential. In cell simulations, we found that [Na + ] i accumulation stabilizes the action potential duration to variations in several conductances and that the slow dynamics of [Na + ] i impacts bifurcations to pro-arrhythmic afterdepolarizations, causing intermittency between different rhythms. In long-lasting tissue simulations of spiral wave reentry, [Na + ] i becomes spatially heterogeneous with a decreased area around the spiral wave rotation center. This heterogeneous region forms a functional anchor, resulting in diminished meandering of the spiral wave. Our findings suggest that slow, physiological, rate-dependent variations in [Na + ] i may play complex roles in cellular and tissue-level cardiac dynamics.

Slow [Na+]i dynamics impacts arrhythmogenesis and spiral wave reentry in cardiac myocyte ionic model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krogh-Madsen, Trine; Christini, David J.

2017-09-01

Accumulation of intracellular Na+ is gaining recognition as an important regulator of cardiac myocyte electrophysiology. The intracellular Na+ concentration can be an important determinant of the cardiac action potential duration, can modulate the tissue-level conduction of excitation waves, and can alter vulnerability to arrhythmias. Mathematical models of cardiac electrophysiology often incorporate a dynamic intracellular Na+ concentration, which changes much more slowly than the remaining variables. We investigated the dependence of several arrhythmogenesis-related factors on [Na+]i in a mathematical model of the human atrial action potential. In cell simulations, we found that [Na+]i accumulation stabilizes the action potential duration to variations in several conductances and that the slow dynamics of [Na+]i impacts bifurcations to pro-arrhythmic afterdepolarizations, causing intermittency between different rhythms. In long-lasting tissue simulations of spiral wave reentry, [Na+]i becomes spatially heterogeneous with a decreased area around the spiral wave rotation center. This heterogeneous region forms a functional anchor, resulting in diminished meandering of the spiral wave. Our findings suggest that slow, physiological, rate-dependent variations in [Na+]i may play complex roles in cellular and tissue-level cardiac dynamics.

Specific cation interactions as the cause of slow dynamics and hysteresis in dye and perovskite solar cells: a small-perturbation study.

PubMed

Contreras, Lidia; Idígoras, Jesús; Todinova, Anna; Salado, Manuel; Kazim, Samrana; Ahmad, Shahzada; Anta, Juan A

2016-11-16

Hysteresis is one of the most remarkable features of perovskite solar cells; however, it is also present in other kinds of devices such as dye-sensitized solar cells. Hysteresis is due to underlying slow dynamic processes that interfere with the process of charge separation which depends critically on the selective contacts used. In this work we focus on the low-frequency (0.1-10 Hz) dynamics using impedance and intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy and found that both perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and "viscous electrolyte containing" dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) can be described on the same fundamental grounds. By comparing different electrolyte compositions in DSSCs and both methylammonium and formamidinium-based PSCs, we find a connection between the polar nature of the cations and the low-frequency component of these solar cells. There is evidence that in both cases ion transport and specific chemical interactions with the TiO 2 surface give rise to the slow dynamics and the hysteresis. This is mainly inferred from the slope of the capacitance vs. applied voltage which shows accumulation behavior for the formulations with higher dipole moments only.

On the Role of Interchange Reconnection in the Generation of the Slow Solar Wind

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edmondson, J. K.

2012-11-01

The heating of the solar corona and therefore the generation of the solar wind, remain an active area of solar and heliophysics research. Several decades of in situ solar wind plasma observations have revealed a rich bimodal solar wind structure, well correlated with coronal magnetic field activity. Therefore, the reconnection processes associated with the large-scale dynamics of the corona likely play a major role in the generation of the slow solar wind flow regime. In order to elucidate the relationship between reconnection-driven coronal magnetic field structure and dynamics and the generation of the slow solar wind, this paper reviews the observations and phenomenology of the solar wind and coronal magnetic field structure. The geometry and topology of nested flux systems, and the (interchange) reconnection process, in the context of coronal physics is then explained. Once these foundations are laid out, the paper summarizes several fully dynamic, 3D MHD calculations of the global coronal system. Finally, the results of these calculations justify a number of important implications and conclusions on the role of reconnection in the structural dynamics of the coronal magnetic field and the generation of the solar wind.

Symmetry breaking, mixing, instability, and low-frequency variability in a minimal Lorenz-like system.

PubMed

Lucarini, Valerio; Fraedrich, Klaus

2009-08-01

Starting from the classical Saltzman two-dimensional convection equations, we derive via a severe spectral truncation a minimal 10 ODE system which includes the thermal effect of viscous dissipation. Neglecting this process leads to a dynamical system which includes a decoupled generalized Lorenz system. The consideration of this process breaks an important symmetry and couples the dynamics of fast and slow variables, with the ensuing modifications to the structural properties of the attractor and of the spectral features. When the relevant nondimensional number (Eckert number Ec) is different from zero, an additional time scale of O(Ec(-1)) is introduced in the system, as shown with standard multiscale analysis and made clear by several numerical evidences. Moreover, the system is ergodic and hyperbolic, the slow variables feature long-term memory with 1/f(3/2) power spectra, and the fast variables feature amplitude modulation. Increasing the strength of the thermal-viscous feedback has a stabilizing effect, as both the metric entropy and the Kaplan-Yorke attractor dimension decrease monotonically with Ec. The analyzed system features very rich dynamics: it overcomes some of the limitations of the Lorenz system and might have prototypical value in relevant processes in complex systems dynamics, such as the interaction between slow and fast variables, the presence of long-term memory, and the associated extreme value statistics. This analysis shows how neglecting the coupling of slow and fast variables only on the basis of scale analysis can be catastrophic. In fact, this leads to spurious invariances that affect essential dynamical properties (ergodicity, hyperbolicity) and that cause the model losing ability in describing intrinsically multiscale processes.

Origin of diverse time scales in the protein hydration layer solvation dynamics: A simulation study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mondal, Sayantan; Mukherjee, Saumyak; Bagchi, Biman

2017-10-01

In order to inquire the microscopic origin of observed multiple time scales in solvation dynamics, we carry out several computer experiments. We perform atomistic molecular dynamics simulations on three protein-water systems, namely, lysozyme, myoglobin, and sweet protein monellin. In these experiments, we mutate the charges of the neighbouring amino acid side chains of certain natural probes (tryptophan) and also freeze the side chain motions. In order to distinguish between different contributions, we decompose the total solvation energy response in terms of various components present in the system. This allows us to capture the interplay among different self- and cross-energy correlation terms. Freezing the protein motions removes the slowest component that results from side chain fluctuations, but a part of slowness remains. This leads to the conclusion that the slow component approximately in the 20-80 ps range arises from slow water molecules present in the hydration layer. While the more than 100 ps component has multiple origins, namely, adjacent charges in amino acid side chains, hydrogen bonded water molecules and a dynamically coupled motion between side chain and water. In addition, the charges enforce a structural ordering of nearby water molecules and helps to form a local long-lived hydrogen bonded network. Further separation of the spatial and temporal responses in solvation dynamics reveals different roles of hydration and bulk water. We find that the hydration layer water molecules are largely responsible for the slow component, whereas the initial ultrafast decay arises predominantly (approximately 80%) due to the bulk. This agrees with earlier theoretical observations. We also attempt to rationalise our results with the help of a molecular hydrodynamic theory that was developed using classical time dependent density functional theory in a semi-quantitative manner.

Anomalous Dynamics of Water Confined in Protein-Protein and Protein-DNA Interfaces.

PubMed

Chong, Song-Ho; Ham, Sihyun

2016-10-06

Confined water often exhibits anomalous properties not observable in the bulk phase. Although water in hydrophobic confinement has been the focus of intense investigation, the behavior of water confined between hydrophilic surfaces, which are more frequently found in biological systems, has not been fully explored. Here, we investigate using molecular dynamics simulations dynamical properties of the water confined in hydrophilic protein-protein and protein-DNA interfaces. We find that the interfacial water exhibits glassy slow relaxations even at 300 K. In particular, the rotational dynamics show a logarithmic decay that was observed in glass-forming liquids at deeply supercooled states. We argue that such slow water dynamics are indeed induced by the hydrophilic binding surfaces, which is in opposition to the picture that the hydration water slaves protein motions. Our results will significantly impact the view on the role of water in biomolecular interactions.

Stochastic partial differential fluid equations as a diffusive limit of deterministic Lagrangian multi-time dynamics

PubMed Central

Cotter, C. J.

2017-01-01

In Holm (Holm 2015 Proc. R. Soc. A 471, 20140963. (doi:10.1098/rspa.2014.0963)), stochastic fluid equations were derived by employing a variational principle with an assumed stochastic Lagrangian particle dynamics. Here we show that the same stochastic Lagrangian dynamics naturally arises in a multi-scale decomposition of the deterministic Lagrangian flow map into a slow large-scale mean and a rapidly fluctuating small-scale map. We employ homogenization theory to derive effective slow stochastic particle dynamics for the resolved mean part, thereby obtaining stochastic fluid partial equations in the Eulerian formulation. To justify the application of rigorous homogenization theory, we assume mildly chaotic fast small-scale dynamics, as well as a centring condition. The latter requires that the mean of the fluctuating deviations is small, when pulled back to the mean flow. PMID:28989316

Global Intracellular Slow-Wave Dynamics of the Thalamocortical System

PubMed Central

Sheroziya, Maxim

2014-01-01

It is widely accepted that corticothalamic neurons recruit the thalamus in slow oscillation, but global slow-wave thalamocortical dynamics have never been experimentally shown. We analyzed intracellular activities of neurons either from different cortical areas or from a variety of specific and nonspecific thalamic nuclei in relation to the phase of global EEG signal in ketamine-xylazine anesthetized mice. We found that, on average, slow-wave active states started off within frontal cortical areas as well as higher-order and intralaminar thalamus (posterior and parafascicular nuclei) simultaneously. Then, the leading edge of active states propagated in the anteroposterior/lateral direction over the cortex at ∼40 mm/s. The latest structure we recorded within the slow-wave cycle was the anterior thalamus, which followed active states of the retrosplenial cortex. Active states from different cortical areas tended to terminate simultaneously. Sensory thalamic ventral posterior medial and lateral geniculate nuclei followed cortical active states with major inhibitory and weak tonic-like “modulator” EPSPs. In these nuclei, sharp-rising, large-amplitude EPSPs (“drivers”) were not modulated by cortical slow waves, suggesting their origin in ascending pathways. The thalamic active states in other investigated nuclei were composed of depolarization: some revealing “driver”- and “modulator”-like EPSPs, others showing “modulator”-like EPSPs only. We conclude that sensory thalamic nuclei follow the propagating cortical waves, whereas neurons from higher-order thalamic nuclei display “hub dynamics” and thus may contribute to the generation of cortical slow waves. PMID:24966387

Design and evaluation of a DAMQ multiprocessor network with self-compacting buffers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, J.; O`Krafka, B.W.O.; Vassiliadis, S.

1994-12-31

This paper describes a new approach to implement Dynamically Allocated Multi-Queue (DAMQ) switching elements using a technique called ``self-compacting buffers``. This technique is efficient in that the amount of hardware required to manage the buffers is relatively small; it offers high performance since it is an implementation of a DAMQ. The first part of this paper describes the self-compacting buffer architecture in detail, and compares it against a competing DAMQ switch design. The second part presents extensive simulation results comparing the performance of a self compacting buffer switch against an ideal switch including several examples of k-ary n-cubes and deltamore » networks. In addition, simulation results show how the performance of an entire network can be quickly and accurately approximated by simulating just a single switching element.« less

PT -symmetric slowing down of decoherence

DOE PAGES

Gardas, Bartlomiej; Deffner, Sebastian; Saxena, Avadh Behari

2016-10-27

Here, we invesmore » tigate PT -symmetric quantum systems ultraweakly coupled to an environment. We find that such open systems evolve under PT -symmetric, purely dephasing and unital dynamics. The dynamical map describing the evolution is then determined explicitly using a quantum canonical transformation. Furthermore, we provide an explanation of why PT -symmetric dephasing-type interactions lead to a critical slowing down of decoherence. This effect is further exemplified with an experimentally relevant system, a PT -symmetric qubit easily realizable, e.g., in optical or microcavity experiments.« less

PT -symmetric slowing down of decoherence

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gardas, Bartlomiej; Deffner, Sebastian; Saxena, Avadh Behari

Here, we invesmore » tigate PT -symmetric quantum systems ultraweakly coupled to an environment. We find that such open systems evolve under PT -symmetric, purely dephasing and unital dynamics. The dynamical map describing the evolution is then determined explicitly using a quantum canonical transformation. Furthermore, we provide an explanation of why PT -symmetric dephasing-type interactions lead to a critical slowing down of decoherence. This effect is further exemplified with an experimentally relevant system, a PT -symmetric qubit easily realizable, e.g., in optical or microcavity experiments.« less

To determine the slow shearing rate for consolidation drained shear box tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jamalludin, Damanhuri; Ahmad, Azura; Nordin, Mohd Mustaqim Mohd; Hashim, Mohamad Zain; Ibrahim, Anas; Ahmad, Fauziah

2017-08-01

Slope failures always occur in Malaysia especially during the rainy seasons. They cause damage to properties and fatalities. In this study, a total of 24 one dimensional consolidation tests were carried out on soil samples taken from 16 slope failures in Penang Island and in Baling, Kedah. The slope failures in Penang Island are within the granitic residual soil while in Baling, Kedah they are situated within the sedimentary residual soil. Most of the disturbed soil samples were taken at 100mm depth from the existing soil surface while some soil samples were also taken at 400, 700 and 1000mm depths from the existing soil surface. They were immediately placed in 2 layers of plastic bag to prevent moisture loss. Field bulk density tests were also carried out at all the locations where soil samples were taken. The field bulk density results were later used to re-compact the soil samples for the consolidation tests. The objective of the research is to determine the slow shearing rate to be used in consolidated drained shear box for residual soils taken from slope failures so that the effective shear strength parameters can be determined. One dimensional consolidation tests were used to determine the slow shearing rate. The slow shearing rate found in this study to be used in the consolidated drained shear box tests especially for Northern Malaysian residual soils was 0.286mm/minute.

A viscoplastic shear-zone model for episodic slow slip events in oceanic subduction zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, A.; Meng, L.

2016-12-01

Episodic slow slip events occur widely along oceanic subduction zones at the brittle-ductile transition depths ( 20-50 km). Although efforts have been devoted to unravel their mechanical origins, it remains unclear about the physical controls on the wide range of their recurrence intervals and slip durations. In this study we present a simple mechanical model that attempts to account for the observed temporal evolution of slow slip events. In our model we assume that slow slip events occur in a viscoplastic shear zone (i.e., Bingham material), which has an upper static and a lower dynamic plastic yield strength. We further assume that the hanging wall deformation is approximated as an elastic spring. We envision the shear zone to be initially locked during forward/landward motion but is subsequently unlocked when the elastic and gravity-induced stress exceeds the static yield strength of the shear zone. This leads to backward/trenchward motion damped by viscous shear-zone deformation. As the elastic spring progressively loosens, the hanging wall velocity evolves with time and the viscous shear stress eventually reaches the dynamic yield strength. This is followed by the termination of the trenchward motion when the elastic stress is balanced by the dynamic yield strength of the shear zone and the gravity. In order to account for the zig-saw slip-history pattern of typical repeated slow slip events, we assume that the shear zone progressively strengthens after each slow slip cycle, possibly caused by dilatancy as commonly assumed or by progressive fault healing through solution-transport mechanisms. We quantify our conceptual model by obtaining simple analytical solutions. Our model results suggest that the duration of the landward motion increases with the down-dip length and the static yield strength of the shear zone, but decreases with the ambient loading velocity and the elastic modulus of the hanging wall. The duration of the backward/trenchward motion depends on the thickness, viscosity, and dynamic yield strength of the shear zone. Our model predicts a linear increase in slip with time during the landward motion and an exponential decrease in slip magnitude during the trenchward motion.

I-Love-Q relations: from compact stars to black holes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yagi, Kent; Yunes, Nicolás

2016-05-01

The relations between most observables associated with a compact star, such as the mass and radius of a neutron star or a quark star, typically depend strongly on their unknown internal structure. The recently discovered I-Love-Q relations (between the moment of inertia, the tidal deformability and the quadrupole moment) are however approximately insensitive to this structure. These relations become exact for stationary black holes (BHs) in General Relativity as shown by the no-hair theorems, mainly because BHs are vacuum solutions with event horizons. In this paper, we take the first steps toward studying how the approximate I-Love-Q relations become exact in the limit as compact stars become BHs. To do so, we consider a toy model for compact stars, i.e. incompressible stars with anisotropic pressure, which allows us to model an equilibrium sequence of stars with ever increasing compactness that approaches the BH limit arbitrarily closely. We numerically construct such a sequence in the slow-rotation and in the small-tide approximations by extending the Hartle-Thorne formalism, and then extract the I-Love-Q trio from the asymptotic behavior of the metric tensor at spatial infinity. We find that the I-Love-Q relations approach the BH limit in a nontrivial way, with the quadrupole moment and the tidal deformability changing sign as the compactness and the amount of anisotropy are increased. Through a generalization of Maclaurin spheroids to anisotropic stars, we show that the multipole moments also change sign in the Newtonian limit as the amount of anisotropy is increased because the star becomes prolate. We also prove analytically that the stellar moment of inertia reaches the BH limit as the compactness reaches a critical BH value in the strongly anisotropic limit. Modeling the BH limit through a sequence of anisotropic stars, however, can fail when considering other theories of gravity. We calculate the scalar dipole charge and the moment of inertia in a particular parity-violating modified theory and find that these quantities do not tend to their BH counterparts as the anisotropic stellar sequence approaches the BH limit.

Bit-systolic arithmetic arrays using dynamic differential gallium arsenide circuits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beagles, Grant; Winters, Kel; Eldin, A. G.

1992-01-01

A new family of gallium arsenide circuits for fine grained bit-systolic arithmetic arrays is introduced. This scheme combines features of two recent techniques of dynamic gallium arsenide FET logic and differential dynamic single-clock CMOS logic. The resulting circuits are fast and compact, with tightly constrained series FET propagation paths, low fanout, no dc power dissipation, and depletion FET implementation without level shifting diodes.

Bounded tracking for nonminimum phase nonlinear systems with fast zero dynamics

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1996-12-01

A PostScript file. In this paper, tracking control laws for nonminimum phase nonlinear systems with both fast and slow, possibly unstable, zero dynamics are derived. The fast zero dynamics arise from a perturbation of a nominal system. These fast zer...

The Optical Green Valley Versus Mid-infrared Canyon in Compact Groups

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, Lisa May; Butterfield, Natalie; Johnson, Kelsey; Zucker, Catherine; Gallagher, Sarah; Konstantopoulos, Iraklis; Zabludoff, Ann; Hornschemeier, Ann E.; Tzanavaris, Panayiotis; Charlton, Jane C.

2013-01-01

Compact groups of galaxies provide conditions similar to those experienced by galaxies in the earlier universe. Recent work on compact groups has led to the discovery of a dearth of mid-infrared transition galaxies (MIRTGs) in Infrared Array Camera (3.6-8.0 micrometers) color space as well as at intermediate specific star formation rates. However, we find that in compact groups these MIRTGs have already transitioned to the optical ([g-r]) red sequence. We investigate the optical color-magnitude diagram (CMD) of 99 compact groups containing 348 galaxies and compare the optical CMD with mid-infrared (mid-IR) color space for compact group galaxies. Utilizing redshifts available from Sloan Digital Sky Survey, we identified new galaxy members for four groups. By combining optical and mid-IR data, we obtain information on both the dust and the stellar populations in compact group galaxies. We also compare with more isolated galaxies and galaxies in the Coma Cluster, which reveals that, similar to clusters, compact groups are dominated by optically red galaxies. While we find that compact group transition galaxies lie on the optical red sequence, LVL (Local Volume Legacy) + (plus) SINGS (Spitzer Infrared Nearby Galaxies Survey) mid-IR (infrared) transition galaxies span the range of optical colors. The dearth of mid-IR transition galaxies in compact groups may be due to a lack of moderately star-forming low mass galaxies; the relative lack of these galaxies could be due to their relatively small gravitational potential wells. This makes them more susceptible to this dynamic environment, thus causing them to more easily lose gas or be accreted by larger members.

A Typology of Communication Dynamics in Families Living a Slow-Motion Technological Disaster

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Orom, Heather; Cline, Rebecca J. W.; Hernandez, Tanis; Berry-Bobovski, Lisa; Schwartz, Ann G.; Ruckdeschel, John C.

2012-01-01

With increasing numbers of communities harmed by exposures to toxic substances, greater understanding of the psychosocial consequences of these technological disasters is needed. One community living the consequences of a slow-motion technological disaster is Libby, Montana, where, for nearly 70 years, amphibole asbestos-contaminated vermiculite…

Thermodynamics of Gases: Combustion Processes, Analysed in Slow Motion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vollmer, Michael; Mollmann, Klaus-Peter

2013-01-01

We present a number of simple demonstration experiments recorded with high-speed cameras in the fields of gas dynamics and thermal physics. The experiments feature relatively slow combustion processes of pure hydrogen as well as fast reactions involving oxy-hydrogen in a stoichiometric mixture. (Contains 4 figures.)

BEAM DYNAMICS STUDIES FOR A COMPACT CARBON ION LINAC FOR THERAPY

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Plastun, A.; Mustapha, B.; Nassiri, A.

2016-05-01

Feasibility of an Advanced Compact Carbon Ion Linac (ACCIL) for hadron therapy is being studied at Argonne National Laboratory in collaboration with RadiaBeam Technologies. The 45-meter long linac is designed to deliver 109 carbon ions per second with variable energy from 45 MeV/u to 450 MeV/u. S-band structure provides the acceleration in this range. The carbon beam energy can be adjusted from pulse to pulse, making 3D tumor scanning straightforward and fast. Front end accelerating structures such as RFQ, DTL and coupled DTL are designed to operate at lower frequencies. The design of the linac was accompanied with extensive end-to-endmore » beam dynamics studies which are presented in this paper.« less

The dynamic ejecta of compact object mergers and eccentric collisions.

PubMed

Rosswog, Stephan

2013-06-13

Compact object mergers eject neutron-rich matter in a number of ways: by the dynamical ejection mediated by gravitational torques, as neutrino-driven winds, and probably also a good fraction of the resulting accretion disc finally becomes unbound by a combination of viscous and nuclear processes. If compact binary mergers indeed produce gamma-ray bursts, there should also be an interaction region where an ultra-relativistic outflow interacts with the neutrino-driven wind and produces moderately relativistic ejecta. Each type of ejecta has different physical properties, and therefore plays a different role for nucleosynthesis and for the electromagnetic (EM) transients that go along with compact object encounters. Here, we focus on the dynamic ejecta and present results for over 30 hydrodynamical simulations of both gravitational wave-driven mergers and parabolic encounters as they may occur in globular clusters. We find that mergers eject approximately 1 per cent of a Solar mass of extremely neutron-rich material. The exact amount, as well as the ejection velocity, depends on the involved masses with asymmetric systems ejecting more material at higher velocities. This material undergoes a robust r-process and both ejecta amount and abundance pattern are consistent with neutron star mergers being a major source of the 'heavy' (A>130) r-process isotopes. Parabolic collisions, especially those between neutron stars and black holes, eject substantially larger amounts of mass, and therefore cannot occur frequently without overproducing gala- ctic r-process matter. We also discuss the EM transients that are powered by radioactive decays within the ejecta ('macronovae'), and the radio flares that emerge when the ejecta dissipate their large kinetic energies in the ambient medium.

Dynamical theory of dense groups of galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mamon, Gary A.

1990-01-01

It is well known that galaxies associate in groups and clusters. Perhaps 40% of all galaxies are found in groups of 4 to 20 galaxies (e.g., Tully 1987). Although most groups appear to be so loose that the galaxy interactions within them ought to be insignificant, the apparently densest groups, known as compact groups appear so dense when seen in projection onto the plane of the sky that their members often overlap. These groups thus appear as dense as the cores of rich clusters. The most popular catalog of compact groups, compiled by Hickson (1982), includes isolation among its selection critera. Therefore, in comparison with the cores of rich clusters, Hickson's compact groups (HCGs) appear to be the densest isolated regions in the Universe (in galaxies per unit volume), and thus provide in principle a clean laboratory for studying the competition of very strong gravitational interactions. The $64,000 question here is then: Are compact groups really bound systems as dense as they appear? If dense groups indeed exist, then one expects that each of the dynamical processes leading to the interaction of their member galaxies should be greatly enhanced. This leads us to the questions: How stable are dense groups? How do they form? And the related question, fascinating to any theorist: What dynamical processes predominate in dense groups of galaxies? If HCGs are not bound dense systems, but instead 1D change alignments (Mamon 1986, 1987; Walke & Mamon 1989) or 3D transient cores (Rose 1979) within larger looser systems of galaxies, then the relevant question is: How frequent are chance configurations within loose groups? Here, the author answers these last four questions after comparing in some detail the methods used and the results obtained in the different studies of dense groups.

Cytology of DNA Replication Reveals Dynamic Plasticity of Large-Scale Chromatin Fibers.

PubMed

Deng, Xiang; Zhironkina, Oxana A; Cherepanynets, Varvara D; Strelkova, Olga S; Kireev, Igor I; Belmont, Andrew S

2016-09-26

In higher eukaryotic interphase nuclei, the 100- to >1,000-fold linear compaction of chromatin is difficult to reconcile with its function as a template for transcription, replication, and repair. It is challenging to imagine how DNA and RNA polymerases with their associated molecular machinery would move along the DNA template without transient decondensation of observed large-scale chromatin "chromonema" fibers [1]. Transcription or "replication factory" models [2], in which polymerases remain fixed while DNA is reeled through, are similarly difficult to conceptualize without transient decondensation of these chromonema fibers. Here, we show how a dynamic plasticity of chromatin folding within large-scale chromatin fibers allows DNA replication to take place without significant changes in the global large-scale chromatin compaction or shape of these large-scale chromatin fibers. Time-lapse imaging of lac-operator-tagged chromosome regions shows no major change in the overall compaction of these chromosome regions during their DNA replication. Improved pulse-chase labeling of endogenous interphase chromosomes yields a model in which the global compaction and shape of large-Mbp chromatin domains remains largely invariant during DNA replication, with DNA within these domains undergoing significant movements and redistribution as they move into and then out of adjacent replication foci. In contrast to hierarchical folding models, this dynamic plasticity of large-scale chromatin organization explains how localized changes in DNA topology allow DNA replication to take place without an accompanying global unfolding of large-scale chromatin fibers while suggesting a possible mechanism for maintaining epigenetic programming of large-scale chromatin domains throughout DNA replication. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antarctic Firn Compaction Rates from Repeat-Track Airborne Radar Data: I. Methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Medley, B.; Ligtenberg, S. R. M.; Joughin, I.; Van Den Broeke, M. R.; Gogineni, S.; Nowicki, S.

2015-01-01

While measurements of ice-sheet surface elevation change are increasingly used to assess mass change, the processes that control the elevation fluctuations not related to ice-flow dynamics (e.g. firn compaction and accumulation) remain difficult to measure. Here we use radar data from the Thwaites Glacier (West Antarctica) catchment to measure the rate of thickness change between horizons of constant age over different time intervals: 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2009-11. The average compaction rate to approximately 25m depth is 0.33ma(exp -1), with largest compaction rates near the surface. Our measurements indicate that the accumulation rate controls much of the spatio-temporal variations in the compaction rate while the role of temperature is unclear due to a lack of measurements. Based on a semi-empirical, steady-state densification model, we find that surveying older firn horizons minimizes the potential bias resulting from the variable depth of the constant age horizon. Our results suggest that the spatiotemporal variations in the firn compaction rate are an important consideration when converting surface elevation change to ice mass change. Compaction rates varied by up to 0.12ma(exp -1) over distances less than 6km and were on average greater than 20% larger during the 2010-11 interval than during 2009-10.

Dynamics of the slowing segmentation clock reveal alternating two-segment periodicity

PubMed Central

Shih, Nathan P.; François, Paul; Delaune, Emilie A.; Amacher, Sharon L.

2015-01-01

The formation of reiterated somites along the vertebrate body axis is controlled by the segmentation clock, a molecular oscillator expressed within presomitic mesoderm (PSM) cells. Although PSM cells oscillate autonomously, they coordinate with neighboring cells to generate a sweeping wave of cyclic gene expression through the PSM that has a periodicity equal to that of somite formation. The velocity of each wave slows as it moves anteriorly through the PSM, although the dynamics of clock slowing have not been well characterized. Here, we investigate segmentation clock dynamics in the anterior PSM in developing zebrafish embryos using an in vivo clock reporter, her1:her1-venus. The her1:her1-venus reporter has single-cell resolution, allowing us to follow segmentation clock oscillations in individual cells in real-time. By retrospectively tracking oscillations of future somite boundary cells, we find that clock reporter signal increases in anterior PSM cells and that the periodicity of reporter oscillations slows to about ∼1.5 times the periodicity in posterior PSM cells. This gradual slowing of the clock in the anterior PSM creates peaks of clock expression that are separated at a two-segment periodicity both spatially and temporally, a phenomenon we observe in single cells and in tissue-wide analyses. These results differ from previous predictions that clock oscillations stop or are stabilized in the anterior PSM. Instead, PSM cells oscillate until they incorporate into somites. Our findings suggest that the segmentation clock may signal somite formation using a phase gradient with a two-somite periodicity. PMID:25968314

The interrelationship between disease severity, dynamic stability, and falls in cerebellar ataxia.

PubMed

Schniepp, Roman; Schlick, Cornelia; Pradhan, Cauchy; Dieterich, Marianne; Brandt, Thomas; Jahn, Klaus; Wuehr, Max

2016-07-01

Cerebellar ataxia (CA) results in discoordination of body movements (ataxia), a gait disorder, and falls. All three aspects appear to be obviously interrelated; however, experimental evidence is sparse. This study systematically correlated the clinical rating of the severity of ataxia with dynamic stability measures and the fall frequency in patients with CA. Clinical severity of CA in patients with sporadic (n = 34) and hereditary (n = 24) forms was assessed with the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). Gait performance was examined during slow, preferred, and maximally fast walking speeds. Spatiotemporal variability parameters in the fore-aft and medio-lateral directions were analyzed. The fall frequency was assessed using a standardized interview about fall events within the last 6 months. Fore-aft gait variability showed significant speed-dependent characteristics with highest magnitudes during slow and fast walking. The SARA score correlated positively with fore-aft gait variability, most prominently during fast walking. The fall frequency was significantly associated to fore-aft gait variability during slow walking. Severity of ataxia, dynamic stability, and the occurrence of falls were interrelated in a speed-dependent manner: (a) Severity of ataxia symptoms was closely related to instability during fast walking. (b) Fall frequency was associated with instability during slow walking. These findings suggest the presence of a speed-dependent, twofold cerebellar locomotor control. Assessment of gait performance during non-preferred, slow and fast walking speeds provides novel insights into the pathophysiology of cerebellar locomotor control and may become a useful approach in the clinical evaluation of patients with CA.

Microscopic mechanism of protein cryopreservation in an aqueous solution with trehalose

PubMed Central

Corradini, Dario; Strekalova, Elena G.; Stanley, H. Eugene; Gallo, Paola

2013-01-01

In order to investigate the cryoprotective mechanism of trehalose on proteins, we use molecular dynamics computer simulations to study the microscopic dynamics of water upon cooling in an aqueous solution of lysozyme and trehalose. We find that the presence of trehalose causes global retardation of the dynamics of water. Comparing aqueous solutions of lysozyme with/without trehalose, we observe that the dynamics of water in the hydration layers close to the protein is dramatically slower when trehalose is present in the system. We also analyze the structure of water and trehalose around the lysozyme and find that the trehalose molecules form a cage surrounding the protein that contains very slow water molecules. We conclude that the transient cage of trehalose molecules that entraps and slows the water molecules prevents the crystallisation of protein hydration water upon cooling. PMID:23390573

Microscopic mechanism of protein cryopreservation in an aqueous solution with trehalose.

PubMed

Corradini, Dario; Strekalova, Elena G; Stanley, H Eugene; Gallo, Paola

2013-01-01

In order to investigate the cryoprotective mechanism of trehalose on proteins, we use molecular dynamics computer simulations to study the microscopic dynamics of water upon cooling in an aqueous solution of lysozyme and trehalose. We find that the presence of trehalose causes global retardation of the dynamics of water. Comparing aqueous solutions of lysozyme with/without trehalose, we observe that the dynamics of water in the hydration layers close to the protein is dramatically slower when trehalose is present in the system. We also analyze the structure of water and trehalose around the lysozyme and find that the trehalose molecules form a cage surrounding the protein that contains very slow water molecules. We conclude that the transient cage of trehalose molecules that entraps and slows the water molecules prevents the crystallisation of protein hydration water upon cooling.

An electrostatic glass actuator for ultrahigh vacuum: A rotating light trap for continuous beams of laser-cooled atoms.

PubMed

Füzesi, F; Jornod, A; Thomann, P; Plimmer, M D; Dudle, G; Moser, R; Sache, L; Bleuler, H

2007-10-01

This article describes the design, characterization, and performance of an electrostatic glass actuator adapted to an ultrahigh vacuum environment (10(-8) mbar). The three-phase rotary motor is used to drive a turbine that acts as a velocity-selective light trap for a slow continuous beam of laser-cooled atoms. This simple, compact, and nonmagnetic device should find applications in the realm of time and frequency metrology, as well as in other areas of atomic, molecular physics and elsewhere.

Bias correction in Global Mean Temperature comparisons between Global Climate Models and implications for the deterministic and stochastic dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chapman, Sandra; Stainforth, David; Watkins, Nicholas

2017-04-01

Global mean temperature (GMT) provides a simple means of benchmarking a broad ensemble of global climate models (GCMs) against past observed GMT which in turn provide headline assessments of the consequences of possible future forcing scenarios. The slow variations of past changes in GMT seen in different GCMs track each other [1] and the observed GMT reasonably closely. However, the different GCMs tend to generate GMT time-series which have absolute values that are offset with respect to each other [2]. Subtracting these offsets is an integral part of comparisons between ensembles of GCMs and observed past GMT. We will discuss how this constrains how the GCMs are related to each other. The GMT of a given GCM is a macroscopic reduced variable that tracks a subset of the full information contained in the time evolving solution of that GCM. If the GMT slow timescale dynamics of different GCMs is to a good approximation the same, subject to a linear translation, then the phenomenology captured by this dynamics is essentially linear; any feedback is to leading order linear in GMT. It then follows that a linear energy balance evolution equation for GMT is sufficient to reproduce the slow timescale GMT dynamics, provided that the appropriate effective heat capacity and feedback parameters are known. As a consequence, the GCM's GMT timeseries may underestimate the impact of, and uncertainty in, the outcomes of future forcing scenarios. The offset subtraction procedure identifies a slow time-scale dynamics in model generated GMT. Fluctuations on much faster timescales do not typically track each other from one GCM to another, with the exception of major forcing events such as volcanic eruptions. This suggests that the GMT time-series can be decomposed into a slow and fast timescale which naturally leads to stochastic reduced energy balance models for GMT. [1] IPCC Chapter 9 P743 and fig 9.8,IPCC TS.1 [2] see e.g. [Mauritsen et al., Tuning the Climate of a Global Model, Journal of Advances in Modelling Earth Systems, 2012] 4, IPCC SPM.6

Transistor analogs of emergent iono-neuronal dynamics.

PubMed

Rachmuth, Guy; Poon, Chi-Sang

2008-06-01

Neuromorphic analog metal-oxide-silicon (MOS) transistor circuits promise compact, low-power, and high-speed emulations of iono-neuronal dynamics orders-of-magnitude faster than digital simulation. However, their inherently limited input voltage dynamic range vs power consumption and silicon die area tradeoffs makes them highly sensitive to transistor mismatch due to fabrication inaccuracy, device noise, and other nonidealities. This limitation precludes robust analog very-large-scale-integration (aVLSI) circuits implementation of emergent iono-neuronal dynamics computations beyond simple spiking with limited ion channel dynamics. Here we present versatile neuromorphic analog building-block circuits that afford near-maximum voltage dynamic range operating within the low-power MOS transistor weak-inversion regime which is ideal for aVLSI implementation or implantable biomimetic device applications. The fabricated microchip allowed robust realization of dynamic iono-neuronal computations such as coincidence detection of presynaptic spikes or pre- and postsynaptic activities. As a critical performance benchmark, the high-speed and highly interactive iono-neuronal simulation capability on-chip enabled our prompt discovery of a minimal model of chaotic pacemaker bursting, an emergent iono-neuronal behavior of fundamental biological significance which has hitherto defied experimental testing or computational exploration via conventional digital or analog simulations. These compact and power-efficient transistor analogs of emergent iono-neuronal dynamics open new avenues for next-generation neuromorphic, neuroprosthetic, and brain-machine interface applications.

Effect of temperature on compact layer of Pt electrode in PEMFCs by first-principles molecular dynamics calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Yang; Chen, Changfeng; Yu, Haobo; Lu, Guiwu

2017-01-01

Formation of the double-layer electric field and capacitance of the water-metal interface is of significant interest in physicochemical processes. In this study, we perform first- principles molecular dynamics simulations on the water/Pt(111) interface to investigate the temperature dependence of the compact layer electric field and capacitance based on the calculated charge densities. On the Pt (111) surface, water molecules form ice-like structures that exhibit more disorder along the height direction with increasing temperature. The Osbnd H bonds of more water molecules point toward the Pt surface to form Ptsbnd H covalent bonds with increasing temperature, which weaken the corresponding Osbnd H bonds. In addition, our calculated capacitance at 300 K is 15.2 mF/cm2, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. As the temperature increases from 10 to 450 K, the field strength and capacitance of the compact layer on Pt (111) first increase and then decrease slightly, which is significant for understanding the water/Pt interface from atomic level.

A new compact structure for a high intensity low-energy heavy-ion accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhi-Jun; He, Yuan; A. Kolomiets, A.; Liu, Shu-Hui; Du, Xiao-Nan; Jia, Huan; Li, Chao; Wang, Wang-Sheng; Chen, Xi-Meng

2013-12-01

A new compact accelerating structure named Hybrid RFQ is proposed to accelerate a high-intensity low-energy heavy ion beam in HISCL (High Intensive heavy ion SuperConducting Linear accelerator), which is an injector of HIAF (Heavy Ion Advanced Research Facility). It is combined by an alternative series of acceleration gaps and RFQ sections. The proposed structure has a high accelerating ability compared with a conventional RFQ and is more compact than traditional DTLs. A Hybrid RFQ is designed to accelerate 238U34+ from 0.38 MeV/u to 1.33 MeV/u. The operation frequency is described to be 81.25 MHz at CW (continuous wave) mode. The design beam current is 1.0 mA. The results of beam dynamics and RF simulation of the Hybrid RFQ show that the structure has a good performance at the energy range for ion acceleration. The emittance growth is less than 5% in both directions and the RF power is less than 150 kW. In this paper, the results of beam dynamics and RF simulation of the Hybrid RFQ are presented.

Criticality assessment of LLRWDF closure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sarrack, A.G.; Weber, J.H.; Woody, N.D.

1992-10-06

During the operation of the Low Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility (LLRWDF), large amounts (greater than 100 kg) of enriched uranium (EU) were buried. This EU came primarily from the closing and decontamination of the Naval Fuels Facility in the time period from 1987--1989. Waste Management Operations (WMO) procedures were used to keep the EU boxes separated to prevent possible criticality during normal operation. Closure of the LLRWDF is currently being planned, and waste stabilization by Dynamic Compaction (DC) is proposed. Dynamic compaction will crush the containers in the LLRWDF and result in changes in their geometry. Research of themore » LLRWDF operations and record keeping practices have shown that the EU contents of trenches are known, but details of the arrangement of the contents cannot be proven. Reviews of the trench contents, combined with analysis of potential critical configurations, revealed that some portions of the LLRWDF can be expected to be free of criticality concerns while other sections have credible probabilities for the assembly of a critical mass, even in the uncompacted configuration. This will have an impact on the closure options and which trenches can be compacted.« less

Spontaneous and electrically modulated spatiotemporal dynamics of the neocortical slow oscillation and associated local fast activity.

PubMed

Greenberg, Anastasia; Dickson, Clayton T

2013-12-01

The neocortical slow oscillation (SO; ~1Hz) of non-REM sleep and anesthesia reflects synchronized network activity composed of alternating active and silent (ON/OFF) phases at the local network and cellular level. The SO itself shows self-organized spatiotemporal dynamics as it appears to originate at unique foci on each cycle and then propagates across the cortical surface. During sleep, this rhythm is relevant for neuroplastic processes mediating memory consolidation especially since its enhancement by slow, rhythmic electrical fields improves subsequent recall. However, the neurobiological mechanism by which spontaneous or enhanced SO activity might operate on memory traces is unknown. Here we show a series of original results, using cycle to cycle tracking across multiple neocortical sites in urethane anesthetized rats: The spontaneous spatiotemporal dynamics of the SO are complex, showing interfering propagation patterns in the anterior-to-posterior plane. These patterns compete for expression and tend to alternate following phase resets that take place during the silent OFF phase of the SO. Applying sinusoidal electrical field stimulation to the anterior pole of the cerebral cortex progressively entrained local field, gamma, and multi-unit activity at all sites, while disrupting the coordination of endogenous SO activity. Field stimulation also biased propagation in the anterior-to-posterior direction and more notably, enhanced the long-range gamma synchrony between cortical regions. These results are the first to show that changes to slow wave dynamics cause enhancements in high frequency cortico-cortical communication and provide mechanistic clues into how the SO is relevant for sleep-dependent memory consolidation. © 2013.

Extreme gravity tests with gravitational waves from compact binary coalescences: (I) inspiral-merger

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berti, Emanuele; Yagi, Kent; Yunes, Nicolás

2018-04-01

The observation of the inspiral and merger of compact binaries by the LIGO/Virgo collaboration ushered in a new era in the study of strong-field gravity. We review current and future tests of strong gravity and of the Kerr paradigm with gravitational-wave interferometers, both within a theory-agnostic framework (the parametrized post-Einsteinian formalism) and in the context of specific modified theories of gravity (scalar-tensor, Einstein-dilaton-Gauss-Bonnet, dynamical Chern-Simons, Lorentz-violating, and extra dimensional theories). In this contribution we focus on (i) the information carried by the inspiral radiation, and (ii) recent progress in numerical simulations of compact binary mergers in modified gravity.

An equation-free probabilistic steady-state approximation: dynamic application to the stochastic simulation of biochemical reaction networks.

PubMed

Salis, Howard; Kaznessis, Yiannis N

2005-12-01

Stochastic chemical kinetics more accurately describes the dynamics of "small" chemical systems, such as biological cells. Many real systems contain dynamical stiffness, which causes the exact stochastic simulation algorithm or other kinetic Monte Carlo methods to spend the majority of their time executing frequently occurring reaction events. Previous methods have successfully applied a type of probabilistic steady-state approximation by deriving an evolution equation, such as the chemical master equation, for the relaxed fast dynamics and using the solution of that equation to determine the slow dynamics. However, because the solution of the chemical master equation is limited to small, carefully selected, or linear reaction networks, an alternate equation-free method would be highly useful. We present a probabilistic steady-state approximation that separates the time scales of an arbitrary reaction network, detects the convergence of a marginal distribution to a quasi-steady-state, directly samples the underlying distribution, and uses those samples to accurately predict the state of the system, including the effects of the slow dynamics, at future times. The numerical method produces an accurate solution of both the fast and slow reaction dynamics while, for stiff systems, reducing the computational time by orders of magnitude. The developed theory makes no approximations on the shape or form of the underlying steady-state distribution and only assumes that it is ergodic. We demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the method using multiple interesting examples, including a highly nonlinear protein-protein interaction network. The developed theory may be applied to any type of kinetic Monte Carlo simulation to more efficiently simulate dynamically stiff systems, including existing exact, approximate, or hybrid stochastic simulation techniques.

A modified social force model for crowd dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassan, Ummi Nurmasyitah; Zainuddin, Zarita; Abu-Sulyman, Ibtesam M.

2017-08-01

The Social Force Model (SFM) is one of the most successful models in microscopic pedestrian studies that is used to study the movement of pedestrians. Many modifications have been done to improvise the SFM by earlier researchers such as the incorporation of a constant respect factor into the self-stopping mechanism. Before the new mechanism is introduced, the researchers found out that a pedestrian will immediately come to a halt if other pedestrians are near to him, which seems to be an unrealistic behavior. Therefore, researchers introduce a self-slowing mechanism to gradually stop a pedestrian when he is approaching other pedestrians. Subsequently, the dynamic respect factor is introduced into the self-slowing mechanism based on the density of the pedestrians to make the model even more realistic. In real life situations, the respect factor of the pedestrians should be dynamic values instead of a constant value. However, when we reproduce the simulation of the dynamic respect factor, we found that the movement of the pedestrians are unrealistic because the pedestrians are lacking perception of the pedestrians in front of him. In this paper, we adopted both dynamic respect factor and dynamic angular parameter, called modified dynamic respect factor, which is dependent on the density of the pedestrians. Simulations are performed in a normal unidirectional walkway to compare the simulated pedestrians' movements produced by both models. The results obtained showed that the modified dynamic respect factor produces more realistic movement of the pedestrians which conform to the real situation. Moreover, we also found that the simulations endow the pedestrian with a self-slowing mechanism and a perception of other pedestrians in front of him.

Slowing down of 100 keV antiprotons in Al foils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nordlund, K.

2018-03-01

Using energy degrading foils to slow down antiprotons is of interest for producing antihydrogen atoms. I consider here the slowing down of 100 keV antiprotons, that will be produced in the ELENA storage ring under construction at CERN, to energies below 10 keV. At these low energies, they are suitable for efficient antihydrogen production. I simulate the antihydrogen motion and slowing down in Al foils using a recently developed molecular dynamics approach. The results show that the optimal Al foil thickness for slowing down the antiprotons to below 5 keV is 910 nm, and to below 10 keV is 840 nm. Also the lateral spreading of the transmitted antiprotons is reported and the uncertainties discussed.

New hydrologic model of fluid migration in deep porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dmitrievsky, A.; Balanyuk, I.

2009-04-01

The authors present a new hydrological model of mantle processes that effect on formation of oil-and-gas bearing basins, fault tectonics and thermal convection. Any fluid migration is initially induced by lateral stresses in the crust and lithosphere which result from global geodynamic processes related to the mantle convection. The global processes are further transformed into regional movements in weakness zones. Model of porous media in deep fractured zones and idea of self-oscillation processes in mantle layers and fractured zones of the crust at different depths was used as the basis for developed concept. The content of these notions resides in the fact that there are conditions of dynamic balance in mantle layers originating as a result of combination and alternate actions of compaction and dilatance mechanisms. These mechanisms can be manifested in different combinations and under different conditions as well as can be complemented by other processes influencing on regime of fluid migration. They can act under condition of passive margin, ocean rift and ocean subduction zones as well as in consolidated platform and sheet. Self-oscillation regime, sub vertical direction of fluid flows, anomalously high layer pressure, and high level of anomalies of various geophysical fields are common for them. A certain class of fluid dynamic models describing consolidation of sedimentary basins, free oscillation processes slow and quick (at the final stage) fluid dynamic processes of the evolution of a sedimentary basin in subduction zones is considered for the first time. The last model of quick fluid dynamic processes reflects the process of formation of hydrocarbon deposits in the zones of collision of lithosphere plates. The results of numerical simulation and diagrams reflecting consecutive stages of the gas-fluid dynamic front propagation are assessed of the Pri-Caspian depression as the example. Calculations with this model will simultaneously be carried out for the sedimentary basins of Timan-Pechora region, Barents Sea, Volga-Ural area, etc. Hydrologic model of deep porous media and the idea of self-oscillation processes in fractured layers of the crust at different depths were used as the basis for developed concept. The content of these notions resides in the fact that there are conditions of dynamic balance in fractured layers originating as a result of combination and alternate actions of compaction and dilatance mechanisms. These mechanisms can be manifested in different combinations and under different conditions as well as can be complemented by other processes influencing on regime of fluid migration. They can act under condition of passive margin, rift and subduction zones as well as in consolidated platform and sheet. Self-oscillation regime, sub vertical direction of fluid flows, anomalously high layer pressure, and high level of anomalies of various geophysical fields are common for them. Specific manifestations of these mechanisms can vary in dependence on geological settings and geodynamic situations. In particular, periods of self-oscillations and depths of fractured layers can be various. Orientation of layers can be not only horizontal, but vertical as well, that is, self-oscillations can occur not only in deep porous media, but in faults and impaired fractured zones as well. Predominating vertical fluid migration can be accompanied by horizontal migration along crust waveguide. A set of fluid dynamic models is considered. Mathematical modeling of geodynamic and fluid dynamic processes in these zones seems very promising. Combined consideration of geodynamic and fluid dynamic aspects in a model of lithosphere plates collision enables to understand the influence of P-T conditions and shear deformations on the mechanism of hydrocarbon generation and to look after their migration and to explain these processes, but also to predict some features essential for the search and exploration of hydrocarbon fields in these regions and their classification. In terms of compaction models, multiphase filtration in a piezo-conduction mode and models of deep porous media major stages of fluid evolution under the conditions of developing passive margins and in the zones of collision of plates are described. In particular, compaction models of one of the stages of fluid mode evolution within a sedimentary basin and fluid migration from the convergence zones toward the upper layers are considered. In the final part of work, computation of fluid transfer of hydrocarbons in a pulse mode described by the equation of piezo-conductivity is presented for a mature oil-bearing sedimentary basin over individual sections for short periods of a few hundreds of years. These calculations were executed on the basis of a new mathematical method TEKON and computer programs for quantitative analysis of fluid migration and formation of hydrocarbon deposits with account taken for actual geometrical and lithological properties of the layers. On the basis of the specified numerical calculations the scales, form, and routes of fluid movement were disclosed, as well as the formation of zones of anomalously high rock pressure and non-traditional hydrocarbon deposits.

Proposal of a novel compact P-band magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator with inclined vanes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Xiaoping, E-mail: zhangxiaoping@nudt.edu.cn; Dang, Fangchao; Li, Yangmei

2015-06-15

In this paper, we present a novel compact P-band magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator (MILO) with specially inclined slow-wave-structure (SWS) vanes to decrease its total dimension and weight. The dispersion characteristics of the inclined SWS are investigated in detail and made comparisons with that of the traditional straight SWS. The results show that the inclined SWS is more advantageous in operating on a steady frequency in a wide voltage range and has a better asymmetric mode segregation and a relatively large band-gap between the TM{sub 00} and TM{sub 01} modes which are in favor of avoiding the asymmetric and transversemore » mode competition. Besides, the transverse dimension of the proposed novel inclined SWS with the same operation frequency is decreased by about 50%, and correspondingly the device volume shrinks remarkably to its 0.35 times. In particle-in-cell simulation, the electron bunching spokes are obviously formed in the inclined SWS, and a P-band high-power microwave with a power of 5.8 GW, frequency of 645 MHz, and efficiency of 17.2% is generated by the proposed device, which indicates the feasibility of the compact design with the inclined vanes at the P-band.« less

Robust control of combustion instabilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Boe-Shong

Several interactive dynamical subsystems, each of which has its own time-scale and physical significance, are decomposed to build a feedback-controlled combustion- fluid robust dynamics. On the fast-time scale, the phenomenon of combustion instability is corresponding to the internal feedback of two subsystems: acoustic dynamics and flame dynamics, which are parametrically dependent on the slow-time-scale mean-flow dynamics controlled for global performance by a mean-flow controller. This dissertation constructs such a control system, through modeling, analysis and synthesis, to deal with model uncertainties, environmental noises and time- varying mean-flow operation. Conservation law is decomposed as fast-time acoustic dynamics and slow-time mean-flow dynamics, served for synthesizing LPV (linear parameter varying)- L2-gain robust control law, in which a robust observer is embedded for estimating and controlling the internal status, while achieving trade- offs among robustness, performances and operation. The robust controller is formulated as two LPV-type Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs), whose numerical solver is developed by finite-element method. Some important issues related to physical understanding and engineering application are discussed in simulated results of the control system.

Noise Propagation and Uncertainty Quantification in Hybrid Multiphysics Models: Initiation and Reaction Propagation in Energetic Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-23

general model for heterogeneous granular media under compaction and (ii) the lack of a reliable multiscale discrete -to-continuum framework for...dynamics. These include a continuum- discrete model of heat dissipation/diffusion and a continuum- discrete model of compaction of a granular material with...the lack of a general model for het- erogeneous granular media under compac- tion and (ii) the lack of a reliable multi- scale discrete -to-continuum

Lightweight Phase-Change Material For Solar Power

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stark, Philip

1993-01-01

Lightweight panels containing phase-change materials developed for use as heat-storage elements of compact, lightweight, advanced solar dynamic power system. During high insolation, heat stored in panels via latent heat of fusion of phase-change material; during low insolation, heat withdrawn from panels. Storage elements consist mainly of porous carbon-fiber structures imbued with germanium. Developed for use aboard space station in orbit around Earth, also adapted to lightweight, compact, portable solar-power systems for use on Earth.

Slowing down of ring polymer diffusion caused by inter-ring threading.

PubMed

Lee, Eunsang; Kim, Soree; Jung, YounJoon

2015-06-01

Diffusion of long ring polymers in a melt is much slower than the reorganization of their internal structures. While direct evidence for entanglements has not been observed in the long ring polymers unlike linear polymer melts, threading between the rings is suspected to be the main reason for slowing down of ring polymer diffusion. It is, however, difficult to define the threading configuration between two rings because the rings have no chain end. In this work, evidence for threading dynamics of ring polymers is presented by using molecular dynamics simulation and applying a novel analysis method. The simulation results are analyzed in terms of the statistics of persistence and exchange times that have proved useful in studying heterogeneous dynamics of glassy systems. It is found that the threading time of ring polymer melts increases more rapidly with the degree of polymerization than that of linear polymer melts. This indicates that threaded ring polymers cannot diffuse until an unthreading event occurs, which results in the slowing down of ring polymer diffusion. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Three dimensional, non-linear, finite element analysis of compactable soil interaction with a hyperelastic wheel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiroux, Robert Charles

The objective of this research was to produce a three dimensional, non-linear, dynamic simulation of the interaction between a hyperelastic wheel rolling over compactable soil. The finite element models developed to produce the simulation utilized the ABAQUS/Explicit computer code. Within the simulation two separate bodies were modeled, the hyperelastic wheel and a compactable soil-bed. Interaction between the bodies was achieved by allowing them to come in contact but not to penetrate the contact surface. The simulation included dynamic loading of a hyperelastic, rubber tire in contact with compactable soil with an applied constant angular velocity or torque, including a tow load, applied to the wheel hub. The constraints on the wheel model produced a straight and curved path. In addition the simulation included a shear limit between the tire and soil allowing for the introduction of slip. Soil properties were simulated using the Drucker-Prager, Cap Plasticity model available within the ABAQUS/Explicit program. Numerical results obtained from the three dimensional model were compared with related experimental data and showed good correlation for similar conditions. Numerical and experimental data compared well for both stress and wheel rut formation depth under a weight of 5.8 kN and a constant angular velocity applied to the wheel hub. The simulation results provided a demonstration of the benefit of three-dimensional simulation in comparison to previous two-dimensional, plane strain simulations.

Dynamic loading and release in Johnson Space Center Lunar regolith simulant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plesko, C. S.; Jensen, B. J.; Wescott, B. L.; Skinner McKee, T. E.

2011-10-01

The behavior of regolith under dynamic loading is important for the study of planetary evolution, impact cratering, and other topics. Here we present the initial results of explosively driven flier plate experiments and numerical models of compaction and release in samples of the JSC-1A Lunar regolith simulant.

Temperature effect on mechanical and tribological characterization of Mg-SiC nanocomposite fabricated by high rate compaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majzoobi, G. H.; Rahmani, K.; Atrian, A.

2018-01-01

In this paper, dynamic compaction is employed to produce Mg-SiC nanocomposite samples using a mechanical drop hammer. Different volume fractions of SiC nano reinforcement and magnesium (Mg) micron-size powder as the matrix are mechanically milled and consolidated at different temperatures. It is found that with the increase of temperature the sintering requirements is satisfied and higher quality samples are fabricated. The density, hardness, compressive strength and the wear resistance of the compacted specimens are characterized in this work. It was found that by increasing the content of nano reinforcement, the relative density of the compacted samples decreases, whereas, the micro-hardness and the strength of the samples enhance. Furthermore, higher densification temperatures lead to density increase and hardness reduction. Additionally, it is found that the wear rate of the nanocomposite is increased remarkably by increasing the SiC nano reinforcement.

The role of phosphorylation in dentin phosphoprotein peptide absorption to hydroxyapatite surfaces: a molecular dynamics study

PubMed Central

Villarreal-Ramirez, Eduardo; Garduño-Juarez, Ramon; Gericke, Arne; Boskey, Adele

2015-01-01

Dentin phosphoprotein (DPP) is a protein expressed mainly in dentin and to a lesser extent in bone. DPP has a disordered structure, rich in glutamic acid, aspartic acid and phosphorylated serine/threonine residues. It has a high capacity for binding to calcium ions and to hydroxyapatite (HA) crystal surfaces. We used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations as a method for virtually screening interactions between DPP motifs and HA. The goal was to determine which motifs are absorbed to HA surfaces. For these simulations, we considered five peptides from the human DPP sequence. All-atom MD simulations were performed using GROMACS, the peptides were oriented parallel to the {100} HA crystal surface, the distance between the HA and the peptide was 3 nm. The system was simulated for 20 ns. Preliminary results show that for the unphosphorylated peptides, the acidic amino acids present an electrostatic attraction where their side chains are oriented towards HA. This attraction, however, is slow to facilitate bulk transport to the crystal surface. On the other hand, the phosphorylated (PP) peptides are rapidly absorbed on the surface of the HA with their centers of mass closer to the HA surface. More importantly, the root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) indicates that the average structures of the phosphorylated peptides are very inflexible and elongate, while that of the unphosphorylated peptides are flexible. Radius of gyration (Rg) analysis showed the compactness of un-phosphorylated peptides is lower than phosphorylated peptides. Phosphorylation of the DPP peptides is necessary for binding to HA surfaces. PMID:25158198

Force-Balance Dynamic Display

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ferris, Alice T.; White, William C.

1988-01-01

Balance dynamic display unit (BDDU) is compact system conditioning six dynamic analog signals so they are monitored simultaneously in real time on single-trace oscilloscope. Typical BDDU oscilloscope display in scan mode shows each channel occupying one-sixth of total trace. System features two display modes usable with conventional, single-channel oscilloscope: multiplexed six-channel "bar-graph" format and single-channel display. Two-stage visual and audible limit alarm provided for each channel.

Dynamics in a Water Interfacial Boundary Layer Investigated with IR Polarization-Selective Pump-Probe Experiments.

PubMed

Yuan, Rongfeng; Yan, Chang; Nishida, Jun; Fayer, Michael D

2017-05-04

The dynamics of water molecules near the surfactant interface in large Aerosol-OT reverse micelles (RMs) (w 0 = 16-25) was investigated with IR polarization-selective pump-probe experiments using the SeCN - anion as a vibrational probe. Linear absorption spectra of RMs (w 0 = 25-2) can be decomposed into the weighted sum of the SeCN - spectra in bulk water and the spectrum of the SeCN - anion interacting with the interfacial sulfonate head groups (w 0 = 1). The spectra of the large RMs, w 0 ≥ 16, are overwhelmingly dominated by the bulk water component. Anisotropy decays (orientational relaxation) of the anion for w 0 ≥ 16 displayed bulk water relaxation (1.4 and 4.5 ps) plus an additional slow decay with a time constant of ∼13 ps. The amplitude of the slow decay was too large to be associated with SeCN - in contact with the interface on the basis of the linear spectrum decomposition. The results indicate that the observed slow components arise from SeCN - in a water boundary layer, in which water molecules are perturbed by the interface but are not directly associated with it. This layer is the transition between water in direct contact with the interface and bulk water in the large RM cores. In the boundary layer, the water dynamics is slow compared to that in bulk water.

Effect of ball milling and dynamic compaction on magnetic properties of Al2O3/Co(P) composite particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denisova, E. A.; Kuzovnikova, L. A.; Iskhakov, R. S.; Bukaemskiy, A. A.; Eremin, E. V.; Nemtsev, I. V.

2014-05-01

The evolution of the magnetic properties of composite Al2O3/Co(P) particles during ball milling and dynamic compaction is investigated. To prepare starting composite particles, the Al2O3 granules were coated with a Co95P5 shell by electroless plating. The magnetic and structural properties of the composite particles are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and the use of the Physical Property Measurement System. The use of composite core-shell particles as starting powder for mechanoactivation allows to decrease treatment duration to 1 h and to produce a more homogeneous bulk sample than in the case of the mixture of Co and Al2O3 powders. The magnetic properties of the milled composite particles are correlated with changes in the microstructure. Reduction in grain size of Co during milling leads to an increase of the volume fraction of superparamagnetic particles and to a decrease of the saturation magnetization. The local magnetic anisotropy field depends on the amount of hcp-Co phase in sample. The anisotropy field value decreases from 8.4 kOe to 3.8 kOe with an increase in milling duration up to 75 min. The regimes of dynamic compaction were selected so that the magnetic characteristics—saturation magnetization and coercive field—remained unchanged.

Molecular simulations reveal that the long range fluctuations of human DPP III change upon ligand binding.

PubMed

Tomić, A; Berynskyy, M; Wade, R C; Tomić, S

2015-11-01

The experimentally determined structures of human dipeptidyl peptidase III (DPP III) for the wild-type protein and for the complex of its E451A mutant with the peptide substrate, tynorphin, differ significantly in their overall shape. The two domains of the enzyme are separated by a wide cleft in the structure of the ligand-free enzyme, while in the ligand-bound mutant they are very close to each other, and the protein structure is extremely compact. Here, we applied a range of molecular dynamics simulation techniques to investigate the DPP III conformational landscape and the influence of ligand binding on the protein structure and dynamics. We used conventional, accelerated and steered methods to simulate DPP III and its complexes with tynorphin and with the preferred, synthetic, substrate Arg-Arg-2-naphthylamide. We found that DPP III can adopt a number of different forms in solution. The compact forms are more stable, but the open and partially closed states, spanning a wide range of conformations, can more effectively recognize the substrate which preferentially binds to the five-stranded β-core of the lower DPP III domain. The simulations indicated the existence of a dynamic equilibrium between open and semi-closed states and revealed two ways that the protein can close, leading to two distinct compact structures. The way in which the protein closes depends on the presence of the ligand.

Towards developing a compact model for magnetization switching in straintronics magnetic random access memory devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barangi, Mahmood; Erementchouk, Mikhail; Mazumder, Pinaki

2016-08-01

Strain-mediated magnetization switching in a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) by exploiting a combination of piezoelectricity and magnetostriction has been proposed as an energy efficient alternative to spin transfer torque (STT) and field induced magnetization switching methods in MTJ-based magnetic random access memories (MRAM). Theoretical studies have shown the inherent advantages of strain-assisted switching, and the dynamic response of the magnetization has been modeled using the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation. However, an attempt to use LLG for simulating dynamics of individual elements in large-scale simulations of multi-megabyte straintronics MRAM leads to extremely time-consuming calculations. Hence, a compact analytical solution, predicting the flipping delay of the magnetization vector in the nanomagnet under stress, combined with a liberal approximation of the LLG dynamics in the straintronics MTJ, can lead to a simplified model of the device suited for fast large-scale simulations of multi-megabyte straintronics MRAMs. In this work, a tensor-based approach is developed to study the dynamic behavior of the stressed nanomagnet. First, using the developed method, the effect of stress on the switching behavior of the magnetization is investigated to realize the margins between the underdamped and overdamped regimes. The latter helps the designer realize the oscillatory behavior of the magnetization when settling along the minor axis, and the dependency of oscillations on the stress level and the damping factor. Next, a theoretical model to predict the flipping delay of the magnetization vector is developed and tested against LLG-based numerical simulations to confirm the accuracy of findings. Lastly, the obtained delay is incorporated into the approximate solutions of the LLG dynamics, in order to create a compact model to liberally and quickly simulate the magnetization dynamics of the MTJ under stress. Using the developed delay equation, the efficiency of the straintronics switching over the STT method is highlighted by analytically investigating the energy-delay trade-off of both methodologies.

Towards developing a compact model for magnetization switching in straintronics magnetic random access memory devices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barangi, Mahmood, E-mail: barangi@umich.edu; Erementchouk, Mikhail; Mazumder, Pinaki

Strain-mediated magnetization switching in a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) by exploiting a combination of piezoelectricity and magnetostriction has been proposed as an energy efficient alternative to spin transfer torque (STT) and field induced magnetization switching methods in MTJ-based magnetic random access memories (MRAM). Theoretical studies have shown the inherent advantages of strain-assisted switching, and the dynamic response of the magnetization has been modeled using the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation. However, an attempt to use LLG for simulating dynamics of individual elements in large-scale simulations of multi-megabyte straintronics MRAM leads to extremely time-consuming calculations. Hence, a compact analytical solution, predicting the flippingmore » delay of the magnetization vector in the nanomagnet under stress, combined with a liberal approximation of the LLG dynamics in the straintronics MTJ, can lead to a simplified model of the device suited for fast large-scale simulations of multi-megabyte straintronics MRAMs. In this work, a tensor-based approach is developed to study the dynamic behavior of the stressed nanomagnet. First, using the developed method, the effect of stress on the switching behavior of the magnetization is investigated to realize the margins between the underdamped and overdamped regimes. The latter helps the designer realize the oscillatory behavior of the magnetization when settling along the minor axis, and the dependency of oscillations on the stress level and the damping factor. Next, a theoretical model to predict the flipping delay of the magnetization vector is developed and tested against LLG-based numerical simulations to confirm the accuracy of findings. Lastly, the obtained delay is incorporated into the approximate solutions of the LLG dynamics, in order to create a compact model to liberally and quickly simulate the magnetization dynamics of the MTJ under stress. Using the developed delay equation, the efficiency of the straintronics switching over the STT method is highlighted by analytically investigating the energy-delay trade-off of both methodologies.« less

A Compact, High-Flux Cold Atom Beam Source

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kellogg, James R.; Kohel, James M.; Thompson, Robert J.; Aveline, David C.; Yu, Nan; Schlippert, Dennis

2012-01-01

The performance of cold atom experiments relying on three-dimensional magneto-optical trap techniques can be greatly enhanced by employing a highflux cold atom beam to obtain high atom loading rates while maintaining low background pressures in the UHV MOT (ultra-high vacuum magneto-optical trap) regions. Several techniques exist for generating slow beams of cold atoms. However, one of the technically simplest approaches is a two-dimensional (2D) MOT. Such an atom source typically employs at least two orthogonal trapping beams, plus an additional longitudinal "push" beam to yield maximum atomic flux. A 2D atom source was created with angled trapping collimators that not only traps atoms in two orthogonal directions, but also provides a longitudinal pushing component that eliminates the need for an additional push beam. This development reduces the overall package size, which in turn, makes the 2D trap simpler, and requires less total optical power. The atom source is more compact than a previously published effort, and has greater than an order of magnitude improved loading performance.

A compact proton spectrometer for measurement of the absolute DD proton spectrum from which yield and ρR are determined in thin-shell inertial-confinement-fusion implosions.

PubMed

Rosenberg, M J; Zylstra, A B; Frenje, J A; Rinderknecht, H G; Johnson, M Gatu; Waugh, C J; Séguin, F H; Sio, H; Sinenian, N; Li, C K; Petrasso, R D; Glebov, V Yu; Hohenberger, M; Stoeckl, C; Sangster, T C; Yeamans, C B; LePape, S; Mackinnon, A J; Bionta, R M; Talison, B; Casey, D T; Landen, O L; Moran, M J; Zacharias, R A; Kilkenny, J D; Nikroo, A

2014-10-01

A compact, step range filter proton spectrometer has been developed for the measurement of the absolute DD proton spectrum, from which yield and areal density (ρR) are inferred for deuterium-filled thin-shell inertial confinement fusion implosions. This spectrometer, which is based on tantalum step-range filters, is sensitive to protons in the energy range 1-9 MeV and can be used to measure proton spectra at mean energies of ∼1-3 MeV. It has been developed and implemented using a linear accelerator and applied to experiments at the OMEGA laser facility and the National Ignition Facility (NIF). Modeling of the proton slowing in the filters is necessary to construct the spectrum, and the yield and energy uncertainties are ±<10% in yield and ±120 keV, respectively. This spectrometer can be used for in situ calibration of DD-neutron yield diagnostics at the NIF.

Compact Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor for Fieldwork Environmental Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boyd, Margrethe; Drake, Madison; Stipe, Kristian; Serban, Monica; Turner, Ivana; Thomas, Aaron; Macaluso, David

2017-04-01

The ability to accurately and reliably detect biomolecular targets is important in innumerable applications, including the identification of food-borne parasites, viral pathogens in human tissue, and environmental pollutants. While detection methods do exist, they are typically slow, expensive, and restricted to laboratory use. The method of surface plasmon resonance based biosensing offers a unique opportunity to characterize molecular targets while avoiding these constraints. By incorporating a plasmon-supporting gold film within a prism/laser optical system, it is possible to reliably detect and quantify the presence of specific biomolecules of interest in real time. This detection is accomplished by observing shifts in plasmon formation energies corresponding to optical absorption due to changes in index of refraction near the gold-prism interface caused by the binding of target molecules. A compact, inexpensive, battery-powered surface plasmon resonance biosensor based on this method is being developed at the University of Montana to detect waterborne pollutants in field-based environmental research.

A compact proton spectrometer for measurement of the absolute DD proton spectrum from which yield and pR are determined in thin-shell inertial-confinement-fusion implosions

DOE PAGES

Rosenberg, M. J.; Zylstra, A. B.; Frenje, J. A.; ...

2014-10-10

A compact, step range filter proton spectrometer has been developed for the measurement of the absolute DD proton spectrum, from which yield and areal density (ρR) are inferred for deuterium-filled thin-shell inertial confinement fusion implosions. This spectrometer, which is based on tantalum step-range filters, is sensitive to protons in the energy range 1-9 MeV and can be used to measure proton spectra at mean energies of ~1-3 MeV. It has been developed and implemented using a linear accelerator and applied to experiments at the OMEGA laser facility and the National Ignition Facility (NIF). Modeling of the proton slowing in themore » filters is necessary to construct the spectrum, and the yield and energy uncertainties are ±<10% in yield and ±120 keV, respectively. This spectrometer can be used for in situ calibration of DD-neutron yield diagnostics at the NIF« less

A compact proton spectrometer for measurement of the absolute DD proton spectrum from which yield and ρR are determined in thin-shell inertial-confinement-fusion implosions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rosenberg, M. J., E-mail: mrosenbe@mit.edu; Zylstra, A. B.; Frenje, J. A.

2014-10-01

A compact, step range filter proton spectrometer has been developed for the measurement of the absolute DD proton spectrum, from which yield and areal density (ρR) are inferred for deuterium-filled thin-shell inertial confinement fusion implosions. This spectrometer, which is based on tantalum step-range filters, is sensitive to protons in the energy range 1-9 MeV and can be used to measure proton spectra at mean energies of ~1-3 MeV. It has been developed and implemented using a linear accelerator and applied to experiments at the OMEGA laser facility and the National Ignition Facility (NIF). Modeling of the proton slowing in themore » filters is necessary to construct the spectrum, and the yield and energy uncertainties are ±<10% in yield and ±120 keV, respectively. This spectrometer can be used for in situ calibration of DD-neutron yield diagnostics at the NIF.« less

Ordered DNA-Surfactant Hybrid Nanospheres Triggered by Magnetic Cationic Surfactants for Photon- and Magneto-Manipulated Drug Delivery and Release.

PubMed

Xu, Lu; Wang, Yitong; Wei, Guangcheng; Feng, Lei; Dong, Shuli; Hao, Jingcheng

2015-12-14

Here we construct for the first time ordered surfactant-DNA hybrid nanospheres of double-strand (ds) DNA and cationic surfactants with magnetic counterion, [FeCl3Br](-). The specificity of the magnetic cationic surfactants that can compact DNA at high concentrations makes it possible for building ordered nanospheres through aggregation, fusion, and coagulation. Cationic surfactants with conventional Br(-) cannot produce spheres under the same condition because they lose the DNA compaction ability. When a light-responsive magnetic cationic surfactant is used to produce nanospheres, a dual-controllable drug-delivery platform can be built simply by the applications of external magnetic force and alternative UV and visible light. These nanospheres obtain high drug absorption efficiency, slow release property, and good biocompatibility. There is potential for effective magnetic-field-based targeted drug delivery, followed by photocontrollable drug release. We deduce that our results might be of great interest for making new functional nucleic-acid-based nanomachines and be envisioned to find applications in nanotechnology and biochemistry.

Fast higher-order MR image reconstruction using singular-vector separation.

PubMed

Wilm, Bertram J; Barmet, Christoph; Pruessmann, Klaas P

2012-07-01

Medical resonance imaging (MRI) conventionally relies on spatially linear gradient fields for image encoding. However, in practice various sources of nonlinear fields can perturb the encoding process and give rise to artifacts unless they are suitably addressed at the reconstruction level. Accounting for field perturbations that are neither linear in space nor constant over time, i.e., dynamic higher-order fields, is particularly challenging. It was previously shown to be feasible with conjugate-gradient iteration. However, so far this approach has been relatively slow due to the need to carry out explicit matrix-vector multiplications in each cycle. In this work, it is proposed to accelerate higher-order reconstruction by expanding the encoding matrix such that fast Fourier transform can be employed for more efficient matrix-vector computation. The underlying principle is to represent the perturbing terms as sums of separable functions of space and time. Compact representations with this property are found by singular-vector analysis of the perturbing matrix. Guidelines for balancing the accuracy and speed of the resulting algorithm are derived by error propagation analysis. The proposed technique is demonstrated for the case of higher-order field perturbations due to eddy currents caused by diffusion weighting. In this example, image reconstruction was accelerated by two orders of magnitude.

Changes in Chromatin Compaction During the Cell Cycle Revealed by Micrometer-Scale Measurement of Molecular Flow in the Nucleus

PubMed Central

Hinde, Elizabeth; Cardarelli, Francesco; Digman, Michelle A.; Gratton, Enrico

2012-01-01

We present a quantitative fluctuation-based assay to measure the degree of local chromatin compaction and investigate how chromatin density regulates the diffusive path adopted by an inert protein in dividing cells. The assay uses CHO-K1 cells coexpressing untagged enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and histone H2B tagged mCherry. We measure at the single-cell level the EGFP localization and molecular flow patterns characteristic of each stage of chromatin compaction from mitosis through interphase by means of pair-correlation analysis. We find that the naturally occurring changes in chromatin organization impart a regulation on the spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of EGFP within the nucleus. Combined with the analysis of Ca2+ intracellular homeostasis during cell division, EGFP flow regulation can be interpreted as the result of controlled changes in chromatin compaction. For the first time, to our knowledge, we were able to probe chromatin compaction on the micrometer scale, where the regulation of molecular diffusion may become relevant for many cellular processes. PMID:22325293

Mesoscale simulations of shock compaction of a granular ceramic: effects of mesostructure and mixed-cell strength treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Derrick, J. G.; LaJeunesse, J. W.; Davison, T. M.; Borg, J. P.; Collins, G. S.

2018-04-01

The shock response of granular materials is important in a variety of contexts but the precise dynamics of grains during compaction is poorly understood. Here we use 2D mesoscale numerical simulations of the shock compaction of granular tungsten carbide to investigate the effect of internal structure within the particle bed and ‘stiction’ between grains on the shock response. An increase in the average number of contacts with other particles, per particle, tends to shift the Hugoniot to higher shock velocities, lower particle velocities and lower densities. This shift is sensitive to inter-particle shear resistance. Eulerian shock physics codes approximate friction between, and interlocking of, grains with their treatment of mixed cell strength (stiction) and here we show that this has a significant effect on the shock response. When studying the compaction of particle beds it is not common to quantify the pre-compaction internal structure, yet our results suggest that such differences should be taken into account, either by using identical beds or by averaging results over multiple experiments.

A RECONNECTION-DRIVEN MODEL OF THE HARD X-RAY LOOP-TOP SOURCE FROM FLARE 2004 FEBRUARY 26

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Longcope, Dana; Qiu, Jiong; Brewer, Jasmine

A compact X-class flare on 2004 February 26 showed a concentrated source of hard X-rays at the tops of the flare’s loops. This was analyzed in previous work and interpreted as plasma heated and compressed by slow magnetosonic shocks (SMSs) generated during post-reconnection retraction of the flux. That work used analytic expressions from a thin flux tube (TFT) model, which neglected many potentially important factors such as thermal conduction and chromospheric evaporation. Here we use a numerical solution of the TFT equations to produce a more comprehensive and accurate model of the same flare, including those effects previously omitted. Thesemore » simulations corroborate the prior hypothesis that slow-mode shocks persist well after the retraction has ended, thus producing a compact, loop-top source instead of an elongated jet, as steady reconnection models predict. Thermal conduction leads to densities higher than analytic estimates had predicted, and evaporation enhances the density still higher, but at lower temperatures. X-ray light curves and spectra are synthesized by convolving the results from a single TFT simulation with the rate at which flux is reconnected, as measured through motion of flare ribbons, for example. These agree well with light curves observed by RHESSI and GOES and spectra from RHESSI . An image created from a superposition of TFT model runs resembles one produced from RHESSI observations. This suggests that the HXR loop-top source, at least the one observed in this flare, could be the result of SMSs produced in fast reconnection models like Petschek’s.« less

Compact structure and non-Gaussian dynamics of ring polymer melts.

PubMed

Brás, Ana R; Goossen, Sebastian; Krutyeva, Margarita; Radulescu, Aurel; Farago, Bela; Allgaier, Jürgen; Pyckhout-Hintzen, Wim; Wischnewski, Andreas; Richter, Dieter

2014-05-28

We present a neutron scattering analysis of the structure and dynamics of PEO polymer rings with a molecular weight 2.5 times higher than the entanglement mass. The melt structure was found to be more compact than a Gaussian model would suggest. With increasing time the center of mass (c.o.m.) diffusion undergoes a transition from sub-diffusive to diffusive behavior. The transition time agrees well with the decorrelation time predicted by a mode coupling approach. As a novel feature well pronounced non-Gaussian behavior of the c.o.m. diffusion was found that shows surprising analogies to the cage effect known from glassy systems. Finally, the longest wavelength Rouse modes are suppressed possibly as a consequence of an onset of lattice animal features as hypothesized in theoretical approaches.

VLA neutral hydrogen imaging of compact groups

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, B. A.; Mcmahon, P. M.; Vangorkom, J. H.

1990-01-01

Images of the neutral hydrogen (H I) in the direction of the compact groups of galaxies, HCG 31, HCG 44, and HCG 79 are presented. The authors find in HCG 31 and HCG 79, emission contained within a cloud much larger than the galaxies as well as the entire group. The H I emission associated with HCG 44 is located within the individual galaxies but shows definite signs of tidal interactions. The authors imaged the distribution and kinematics of neutral hydrogen at the two extremes of group sizes represented in Hickson's sample. HCG 44 is at the upper limit while HCG 18, HCG 31, and HCG 79 are at the lower end. Although the number of groups that have been imaged is still very small, there may be a pattern emerging which describes the H I morphology of compact groups. The true nature of compact groups has been the subject of considerable debate and controversy. The most recent observational and theoretical evidence strongly suggests that compact groups are physically dense, dynamical systems that are in the process of merging into a single object (Williams and Rood 1987, Hickson and Rood 1988, Barnes 1989). The neutral hydrogen deficiency observed by Williams and Rood (1987) is consistent with a model in which frequent galactic collisions and interactions have heated some of the gas during the short lifetime of the group. The H I disks which are normally more extended than the luminous ones are expected to be more sensitive to collisions and to trace the galaxy's response to recent interactions. Very Large Array observations can provide in most cases the spatial resolution needed to confirm the dynamical interactions in these systems.

Fast but fleeting: adaptive motor learning processes associated with aging and cognitive decline.

PubMed

Trewartha, Kevin M; Garcia, Angeles; Wolpert, Daniel M; Flanagan, J Randall

2014-10-01

Motor learning has been shown to depend on multiple interacting learning processes. For example, learning to adapt when moving grasped objects with novel dynamics involves a fast process that adapts and decays quickly-and that has been linked to explicit memory-and a slower process that adapts and decays more gradually. Each process is characterized by a learning rate that controls how strongly motor memory is updated based on experienced errors and a retention factor determining the movement-to-movement decay in motor memory. Here we examined whether fast and slow motor learning processes involved in learning novel dynamics differ between younger and older adults. In addition, we investigated how age-related decline in explicit memory performance influences learning and retention parameters. Although the groups adapted equally well, they did so with markedly different underlying processes. Whereas the groups had similar fast processes, they had different slow processes. Specifically, the older adults exhibited decreased retention in their slow process compared with younger adults. Within the older group, who exhibited considerable variation in explicit memory performance, we found that poor explicit memory was associated with reduced retention in the fast process, as well as the slow process. These findings suggest that explicit memory resources are a determining factor in impairments in the both the fast and slow processes for motor learning but that aging effects on the slow process are independent of explicit memory declines. Copyright © 2014 the authors 0270-6474/14/3413411-11$15.00/0.

Functional assessment of four types of disintegrants and their effect on the spironolactone release properties.

PubMed

Rojas, John; Guisao, Santiago; Ruge, Vanesa

2012-12-01

Spironolactone is a drug derived from sterols that exhibits an incomplete oral absorption due to its low water solubility and slow dissolution rate. In this study, formulations of spironolactone with four disintegrants named as croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, sodium starch glycolate and microcrystalline cellulose II (MCCII) were conducted. The effect of those disintegrants on the tensile strength, disintegration time and dissolution rate of spironolactone-based compacts was evaluated using a factorial design with three categorical factors (filler, lubricant, and disintegrant). The swelling values, water uptake and water sorption studies of these disintegrants all suggested that MCCII compacts disintegrate by a wicking mechanism similar to that of crospovidone, whereas a swelling mechanism was dominant for sodium starch glycolate and croscarmellose sodium. The disintegration time of MCCII and sodium starch glycolate remained unchanged with magnesium stearate. However, this lubricant delayed the disintegration time of crospovidone and croscarmellose sodium. MCCII presented the fastest disintegration time independent of the medium and lubricant employed. The water sorption ratio and swelling values determined sodium starch glycolate followed by croscarmellose sodium as the largest swelling materials, whereas crospovidone and MCCII where the least swelling disintegrants. The swelling property of sodium starch glycolate and croscarmellose sodium was strongly affected by the medium pH. The disintegration time of spironolactone compacts was faster when starch was used as a filler due to the formation of soft compacts. In this case, the type of filler employed rather than the disintegrant had a major effect on the disintegration and dissolution times of spironolactone.

Spontaneous Scalarization of Black Holes and Compact Stars from a Gauss-Bonnet Coupling.

PubMed

Silva, Hector O; Sakstein, Jeremy; Gualtieri, Leonardo; Sotiriou, Thomas P; Berti, Emanuele

2018-03-30

We identify a class of scalar-tensor theories with coupling between the scalar and the Gauss-Bonnet invariant that exhibit spontaneous scalarization for both black holes and compact stars. In particular, these theories formally admit all of the stationary solutions of general relativity, but these are not dynamically preferred if certain conditions are satisfied. Remarkably, black holes exhibit scalarization if their mass lies within one of many narrow bands. We find evidence that scalarization can occur in neutron stars as well.

A snapshot attractor view of the advection of inertial particles in the presence of history force

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guseva, Ksenia; Daitche, Anton; Tél, Tamás

2017-06-01

We analyse the effect of the Basset history force on the sedimentation or rising of inertial particles in a two-dimensional convection flow. We find that the concept of snapshot attractors is useful to understand the extraordinary slow convergence due to long-term memory: an ensemble of particles converges exponentially fast towards a snapshot attractor, and this attractor undergoes a slow drift for long times. We demonstrate for the case of a periodic attractor that the drift of the snapshot attractor can be well characterized both in the space of the fluid and in the velocity space. For the case of quasiperiodic and chaotic dynamics we propose the use of the average settling velocity of the ensemble as a distinctive measure to characterize the snapshot attractor and the time scale separation corresponding to the convergence towards the snapshot attractor and its own slow dynamics.

Slow domain reconfiguration causes power-law kinetics in a two-state enzyme.

PubMed

Grossman-Haham, Iris; Rosenblum, Gabriel; Namani, Trishool; Hofmann, Hagen

2018-01-16

Protein dynamics are typically captured well by rate equations that predict exponential decays for two-state reactions. Here, we describe a remarkable exception. The electron-transfer enzyme quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase (QSOX), a natural fusion of two functionally distinct domains, switches between open- and closed-domain arrangements with apparent power-law kinetics. Using single-molecule FRET experiments on time scales from nanoseconds to milliseconds, we show that the unusual open-close kinetics results from slow sampling of an ensemble of disordered domain orientations. While substrate accelerates the kinetics, thus suggesting a substrate-induced switch to an alternative free energy landscape of the enzyme, the power-law behavior is also preserved upon electron load. Our results show that the slow sampling of open conformers is caused by a variety of interdomain interactions that imply a rugged free energy landscape, thus providing a generic mechanism for dynamic disorder in multidomain enzymes.

The Structure and Dynamics of the Corona - Heliosphere Connection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Antiochos, Spiro K.; Linker, Jon A.; Lionello, Roberto; Mikic, Zoran; Titov, Viacheslav; Zurbuchen, Thomas H.

2011-01-01

Determining the source at the Sun of the slow solar wind is one of the major unsolved problems in solar and heliospheric physics. First, we review the existing theories for the slow wind and argue that they have difficulty accounting for both the observed composition of the wind and its large angular extent. A new theory in which the slow wind originates from the continuous opening and closing of narrow open field corridors, the S-Web model, is described. Support for the S-Web model is derived from MHD solutions for the quasisteady corona and wind during the time of the August 1, 2008 eclipse. Additionally, we perform fully dynamic numerical simulations of the corona and heliosphere in order to test the S-Web model as well as the interchange model proposed by Fisk and co-workers. We discuss the implications of our simulations for the competing theories and for understanding the corona - heliosphere connection, in general.

The Structure and Dynamics of the Corona - Heliosphere Connection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Antiochos, Spiro K.; Linker, Jon A.; Lionello, Roberto; Mikic, Zoran; Titov, Viacheslav; Zurbuchen, Thomas H.

2010-01-01

Determining the source at the Sun of the slow solar wind is one of the major unsolved problems in solar and heliospheric physics. First, we review the existing theories for the slow wind and argue that they have difficulty accounting for both the observed composition of the wind and its large angular extent. A new theory in which the slow wind originates from the continuous opening and closing of narrow open field corridors, the S-Web model, is described. Support for the S-Web model is derived from MHD solutions for the quasisteady corona and wind during the time of the August 1, 2008 eclipse. Additionally, we perform fully dynamic numerical simulations of the corona and heliosphere in order to test the S-Web model as well as the interchange model proposed by Fisk and co-workers. We discuss the implications of our simulations for the competing theories and for understanding the corona - heliosphere connection, in general.

Linearized traveling wave amplifier with hard limiter characteristics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kosmahl, H. G. (Inventor)

1986-01-01

A dynamic velocity taper is provided for a traveling wave tube with increased linearity to avoid intermodulation of signals being amplified. In a traveling wave tube, the slow wave structure is a helix including a sever. A dynamic velocity taper is provided by gradually reducing the spacing between the repeating elements of the slow wave structure which are the windings of the helix. The reduction which takes place coincides with the ouput point of helix. The spacing between the repeating elements of the slow wave structure is ideally at an exponential rate because the curve increases the point of maximum efficiency and power, at an exponential rate. A coupled cavity traveling wave tube having cavities is shown. The space between apertured discs is gradually reduced from 0.1% to 5% at an exponential rate. Output power (or efficiency) versus input power for a commercial tube is shown.

Constructive methods of invariant manifolds for kinetic problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorban, Alexander N.; Karlin, Iliya V.; Zinovyev, Andrei Yu.

2004-06-01

The concept of the slow invariant manifold is recognized as the central idea underpinning a transition from micro to macro and model reduction in kinetic theories. We present the Constructive Methods of Invariant Manifolds for model reduction in physical and chemical kinetics, developed during last two decades. The physical problem of reduced description is studied in the most general form as a problem of constructing the slow invariant manifold. The invariance conditions are formulated as the differential equation for a manifold immersed in the phase space ( the invariance equation). The equation of motion for immersed manifolds is obtained ( the film extension of the dynamics). Invariant manifolds are fixed points for this equation, and slow invariant manifolds are Lyapunov stable fixed points, thus slowness is presented as stability. A collection of methods to derive analytically and to compute numerically the slow invariant manifolds is presented. Among them, iteration methods based on incomplete linearization, relaxation method and the method of invariant grids are developed. The systematic use of thermodynamics structures and of the quasi-chemical representation allow to construct approximations which are in concordance with physical restrictions. The following examples of applications are presented: nonperturbative deviation of physically consistent hydrodynamics from the Boltzmann equation and from the reversible dynamics, for Knudsen numbers Kn∼1; construction of the moment equations for nonequilibrium media and their dynamical correction (instead of extension of list of variables) to gain more accuracy in description of highly nonequilibrium flows; determination of molecules dimension (as diameters of equivalent hard spheres) from experimental viscosity data; model reduction in chemical kinetics; derivation and numerical implementation of constitutive equations for polymeric fluids; the limits of macroscopic description for polymer molecules, etc.

Where are compact groups in the local Universe?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Díaz-Giménez, Eugenia; Zandivarez, Ariel

2015-06-01

Aims: The purpose of this work is to perform a statistical analysis of the location of compact groups in the Universe from observational and semi-analytical points of view. Methods: We used the velocity-filtered compact group sample extracted from the Two Micron All Sky Survey for our analysis. We also used a new sample of galaxy groups identified in the 2M++ galaxy redshift catalogue as tracers of the large-scale structure. We defined a procedure to search in redshift space for compact groups that can be considered embedded in other overdense systems and applied this criterion to several possible combinations of different compact and galaxy group subsamples. We also performed similar analyses for simulated compact and galaxy groups identified in a 2M++ mock galaxy catalogue constructed from the Millennium Run Simulation I plus a semi-analytical model of galaxy formation. Results: We observed that only ~27% of the compact groups can be considered to be embedded in larger overdense systems, that is, most of the compact groups are more likely to be isolated systems. The embedded compact groups show statistically smaller sizes and brighter surface brightnesses than non-embedded systems. No evidence was found that embedded compact groups are more likely to inhabit galaxy groups with a given virial mass or with a particular dynamical state. We found very similar results when the analysis was performed using mock compact and galaxy groups. Based on the semi-analytical studies, we predict that 70% of the embedded compact groups probably are 3D physically dense systems. Finally, real space information allowed us to reveal the bimodal behaviour of the distribution of 3D minimum distances between compact and galaxy groups. Conclusions: The location of compact groups should be carefully taken into account when comparing properties of galaxies in environments that are a priori different. Appendices are available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.orgFull Tables B.1 and B.2 are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (ftp://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/578/A61

The Number Density of Quiescent Compact Galaxies at Intermediate Redshift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Damjanov, Ivana; Hwang, Ho Seong; Geller, Margaret J.; Chilingarian, Igor

2014-09-01

Massive compact systems at 0.2 < z < 0.6 are the missing link between the predominantly compact population of massive quiescent galaxies at high redshift and their analogs and relics in the local volume. The evolution in number density of these extreme objects over cosmic time is the crucial constraining factor for the models of massive galaxy assembly. We select a large sample of ~200 intermediate-redshift massive compacts from the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) spectroscopy by identifying point-like Sloan Digital Sky Survey photometric sources with spectroscopic signatures of evolved redshifted galaxies. A subset of our targets have publicly available high-resolution ground-based images that we use to augment the dynamical and stellar population properties of these systems by their structural parameters. We confirm that all BOSS compact candidates are as compact as their high-redshift massive counterparts and less than half the size of similarly massive systems at z ~ 0. We use the completeness-corrected numbers of BOSS compacts to compute lower limits on their number densities in narrow redshift bins spanning the range of our sample. The abundance of extremely dense quiescent galaxies at 0.2 < z < 0.6 is in excellent agreement with the number densities of these systems at high redshift. Our lower limits support the models of massive galaxy assembly through a series of minor mergers over the redshift range 0 < z < 2.

Comparative Dynamics of Retrograde Actin Flow and Focal Adhesions: Formation of Nascent Adhesions Triggers Transition from Fast to Slow Flow

PubMed Central

Alexandrova, Antonina Y.; Arnold, Katya; Schaub, Sébastien; Vasiliev, Jury M.; Meister, Jean-Jacques; Bershadsky, Alexander D.; Verkhovsky, Alexander B.

2008-01-01

Dynamic actin network at the leading edge of the cell is linked to the extracellular matrix through focal adhesions (FAs), and at the same time it undergoes retrograde flow with different dynamics in two distinct zones: the lamellipodium (peripheral zone of fast flow), and the lamellum (zone of slow flow located between the lamellipodium and the cell body). Cell migration involves expansion of both the lamellipodium and the lamellum, as well as formation of new FAs, but it is largely unknown how the position of the boundary between the two flow zones is defined, and how FAs and actin flow mutually influence each other. We investigated dynamic relationship between focal adhesions and the boundary between the two flow zones in spreading cells. Nascent FAs first appeared in the lamellipodium. Within seconds after the formation of new FAs, the rate of actin flow decreased locally, and the lamellipodium/lamellum boundary advanced towards the new FAs. Blocking fast actin flow with cytochalasin D resulted in rapid dissolution of nascent FAs. In the absence of FAs (spreading on poly-L-lysine-coated surfaces) retrograde flow was uniform and the velocity transition was not observed. We conclude that formation of FAs depends on actin dynamics, and in its turn, affects the dynamics of actin flow by triggering transition from fast to slow flow. Extension of the cell edge thus proceeds through a cycle of lamellipodium protrusion, formation of new FAs, advance of the lamellum, and protrusion of the lamellipodium from the new base. PMID:18800171

Thalamic reticular nucleus induces fast and local modulation of arousal state

PubMed Central

Lewis, Laura D; Voigts, Jakob; Flores, Francisco J; Schmitt, L Ian; Wilson, Matthew A

2015-01-01

During low arousal states such as drowsiness and sleep, cortical neurons exhibit rhythmic slow wave activity associated with periods of neuronal silence. Slow waves are locally regulated, and local slow wave dynamics are important for memory, cognition, and behaviour. While several brainstem structures for controlling global sleep states have now been well characterized, a mechanism underlying fast and local modulation of cortical slow waves has not been identified. Here, using optogenetics and whole cortex electrophysiology, we show that local tonic activation of thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) rapidly induces slow wave activity in a spatially restricted region of cortex. These slow waves resemble those seen in sleep, as cortical units undergo periods of silence phase-locked to the slow wave. Furthermore, animals exhibit behavioural changes consistent with a decrease in arousal state during TRN stimulation. We conclude that TRN can induce rapid modulation of local cortical state. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.08760.001 PMID:26460547

Optimized scalable network switch

DOEpatents

Blumrich, Matthias A [Ridgefield, CT; Chen, Dong [Croton On Hudson, NY; Coteus, Paul W [Yorktown Heights, NY; Gara, Alan G [Mount Kisco, NY; Giampapa, Mark E [Irvington, NY; Heidelberger, Philip [Cortlandt Manor, NY; Steinmacher-Burow, Burkhard D [Mount Kisco, NY; Takken, Todd E [Mount Kisco, NY; Vranas, Pavlos M [Bedford Hills, NY

2007-12-04

In a massively parallel computing system having a plurality of nodes configured in m multi-dimensions, each node including a computing device, a method for routing packets towards their destination nodes is provided which includes generating at least one of a 2m plurality of compact bit vectors containing information derived from downstream nodes. A multilevel arbitration process in which downstream information stored in the compact vectors, such as link status information and fullness of downstream buffers, is used to determine a preferred direction and virtual channel for packet transmission. Preferred direction ranges are encoded and virtual channels are selected by examining the plurality of compact bit vectors. This dynamic routing method eliminates the necessity of routing tables, thus enhancing scalability of the switch.

Design study of an ultra-compact superconducting cyclotron for isotope production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smirnov, V.; Vorozhtsov, S.; Vincent, J.

2014-11-01

A 12.5 MeV, 25 μA, proton compact superconducting cyclotron for medical isotope production has been designed and is currently in fabrication. The machine is initially aimed at producing 13N ammonia for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) cardiology applications. With an ultra-compact size and cost-effective price point, this system will offer clinicians unprecedented access to the preferred radiopharmaceutical isotope for cardiac PET imaging. A systems approach that carefully balanced the subsystem requirements coupled to precise beam dynamics calculations was followed. The system is designed to irradiate a liquid target internal to the cyclotron and to minimize the need for radiation shielding. The main parameters of the cyclotron, its design, and principal steps of the development work are presented here.

Optimized scalable network switch

DOEpatents

Blumrich, Matthias A.; Chen, Dong; Coteus, Paul W.

2010-02-23

In a massively parallel computing system having a plurality of nodes configured in m multi-dimensions, each node including a computing device, a method for routing packets towards their destination nodes is provided which includes generating at least one of a 2m plurality of compact bit vectors containing information derived from downstream nodes. A multilevel arbitration process in which downstream information stored in the compact vectors, such as link status information and fullness of downstream buffers, is used to determine a preferred direction and virtual channel for packet transmission. Preferred direction ranges are encoded and virtual channels are selected by examining the plurality of compact bit vectors. This dynamic routing method eliminates the necessity of routing tables, thus enhancing scalability of the switch.

Silica-based, compact and variable-optical-attenuator integrated coherent receiver with stable optoelectronic coupling system.

PubMed

Tsunashima, Satoshi; Nakajima, Fumito; Nasu, Yusuke; Kasahara, Ryoichi; Nakanishi, Yasuhiko; Saida, Takashi; Yamada, Takashi; Sano, Kimikazu; Hashimoto, Toshikazu; Fukuyama, Hiroyuki; Nosaka, Hideaki; Murata, Koichi

2012-11-19

We demonstrate a compact and variable-optical-attenuator (VOA) integrated coherent receiver with a silica-based planar lightwave circuit (PLC). To realize the compact receiver, we integrate a VOA in a single PLC chip with polarization beam splitters and optical 90-degree hybrids, and employ a stable optoelectronic coupling system consisting of micro lens arrays and photodiode (PD) subcarriers with high-speed right-angled signal lines. We integrate a VOA and a coherent receiver in a 27x40x6 mm package, and successfully demodulate a 128-Gbit/s polarization division multiplexed (PDM) quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) signal with a VOA-assisted wide dynamic range of more than 30 dB.

Laser or charged-particle-beam fusion reactor with direct electric generation by magnetic flux compression

DOEpatents

Lasche, G.P.

1983-09-29

The invention is a laser or particle-beam-driven fusion reactor system which takes maximum advantage of both the very short pulsed nature of the energy release of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) and the very small volumes within which the thermonuclear burn takes place. The pulsed nature of ICF permits dynamic direct energy conversion schemes such as magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generation and magnetic flux compression; the small volumes permit very compact blanket geometries. By fully exploiting these characteristics of ICF, it is possible to design a fusion reactor with exceptionally high power density, high net electric efficiency, and low neutron-induced radioactivity. The invention includes a compact blanket design and method and apparatus for obtaining energy utilizing the compact blanket.

Long-Distance Rescue and Slow Extinction Dynamics Govern Multiscale Metapopulations.

PubMed

Huth, Géraldine; Haegeman, Bart; Pitard, Estelle; Munoz, François

2015-10-01

Rare long-distance dispersal is known to be critical for species dynamics, but how the interplay between short- and long-distance colonization influences regional persistence in a fragmented habitat remains poorly understood. We propose a metapopulation model that combines local colonization within habitat islands and long-distance colonization between islands. We study how regional occupancy dynamics are affected by the multiscale colonization process. We find that the island size distribution (ISD) is a key driver of the long-term occupancy dynamics. When the ISD is heterogeneous-that is, when the size of islands is variable-we show that extinction dynamics become very slow. We demonstrate that this behavior is unrelated to the well-known extinction debt near the critical extinction threshold. Hence, this finding questions the equivalence between extinction debt and critical transitions in the context of metapopulation collapse. Furthermore, we show that long-distance colonization can rescue small islands from extinction and sustain a steady regional occupancy. These results provide novel theoretical and practical insights into extinction dynamics and persistence in fragmented habitats and are thus relevant for the design of conservation strategies.

Spectral Dynamics of Resting State fMRI Within the Ventral Tegmental Area and Dorsal Raphe Nuclei in Medication-Free Major Depressive Disorder in Young Adults.

PubMed

Wohlschläger, Afra; Karne, Harish; Jordan, Denis; Lowe, Mark J; Jones, Stephen E; Anand, Amit

2018-01-01

Background: Dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) are major brainstem monamine nuclei consisting of serotonin and dopamine neurons respectively. Animal studies show that firing patterns in both nuclei are altered when animals exhibit depression like behaviors. Functional MRI studies in humans have shown reduced VTA activation and DRN connectivity in depression. This study for the first time aims at investigating the functional integrity of local neuronal firing concurrently in both the VTA and DRN in vivo in humans using spectral analysis of resting state low frequency fluctuation fMRI. Method: A total of 97 medication-free subjects-67 medication-free young patients (ages 18-30) with major depressive disorder and 30 closely matched healthy controls were included in the study to detect aberrant dynamics in DRN and VTA. For the investigation of altered localized dynamics we conducted power spectral analysis and above this spectral cross correlation between the two groups. Complementary to this, spectral dependence of permutation entropy, an information theoretical measure, was compared between groups. Results: Patients displayed significant spectral slowing in VTA vs. controls ( p = 0.035, corrected). In DRN, spectral slowing was less pronounced, but the amount of slowing significantly correlated with 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating scores of depression severity ( p = 0.038). Signal complexity as assessed via permutation entropy showed spectral alterations inline with the results on spectral slowing. Conclusion: Our results indicate that altered functional dynamics of VTA and DRN in depression can be detected from regional fMRI signal. On this basis, impact of antidepressant treatment and treatment response can be assessed using these markers in future studies.

Slow slip and the transition from fast to slow fronts in the rupture of frictional interfaces

PubMed Central

Trømborg, Jørgen Kjoshagen; Sveinsson, Henrik Andersen; Scheibert, Julien; Thøgersen, Kjetil; Amundsen, David Skålid; Malthe-Sørenssen, Anders

2014-01-01

The failure of the population of microjunctions forming the frictional interface between two solids is central to fields ranging from biomechanics to seismology. This failure is mediated by the propagation along the interface of various types of rupture fronts, covering a wide range of velocities. Among them are the so-called slow fronts, which are recently discovered fronts much slower than the materials’ sound speeds. Despite intense modeling activity, the mechanisms underlying slow fronts remain elusive. Here, we introduce a multiscale model capable of reproducing both the transition from fast to slow fronts in a single rupture event and the short-time slip dynamics observed in recent experiments. We identify slow slip immediately following the arrest of a fast front as a phenomenon sufficient for the front to propagate further at a much slower pace. Whether slow fronts are actually observed is controlled both by the interfacial stresses and by the width of the local distribution of forces among microjunctions. Our results show that slow fronts are qualitatively different from faster fronts. Because the transition from fast to slow fronts is potentially as generic as slow slip, we anticipate that it might occur in the wide range of systems in which slow slip has been reported, including seismic faults. PMID:24889640

Inelastic behaviour of collagen networks in cell-matrix interactions and mechanosensation.

PubMed

Mohammadi, Hamid; Arora, Pamma D; Simmons, Craig A; Janmey, Paul A; McCulloch, Christopher A

2015-01-06

The mechanical properties of extracellular matrix proteins strongly influence cell-induced tension in the matrix, which in turn influences cell function. Despite progress on the impact of elastic behaviour of matrix proteins on cell-matrix interactions, little is known about the influence of inelastic behaviour, especially at the large and slow deformations that characterize cell-induced matrix remodelling. We found that collagen matrices exhibit deformation rate-dependent behaviour, which leads to a transition from pronounced elastic behaviour at fast deformations to substantially inelastic behaviour at slow deformations (1 μm min(-1), similar to cell-mediated deformation). With slow deformations, the inelastic behaviour of floating gels was sensitive to collagen concentration, whereas attached gels exhibited similar inelastic behaviour independent of collagen concentration. The presence of an underlying rigid support had a similar effect on cell-matrix interactions: cell-induced deformation and remodelling were similar on 1 or 3 mg ml(-1) attached collagen gels while deformations were two- to fourfold smaller in floating gels of high compared with low collagen concentration. In cross-linked collagen matrices, which did not exhibit inelastic behaviour, cells did not respond to the presence of the underlying rigid foundation. These data indicate that at the slow rates of collagen compaction generated by fibroblasts, the inelastic responses of collagen gels, which are influenced by collagen concentration and the presence of an underlying rigid foundation, are important determinants of cell-matrix interactions and mechanosensation. © 2014 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

Inelastic behaviour of collagen networks in cell–matrix interactions and mechanosensation

PubMed Central

Mohammadi, Hamid; Arora, Pamma D.; Simmons, Craig A.; Janmey, Paul A.; McCulloch, Christopher A.

2015-01-01

The mechanical properties of extracellular matrix proteins strongly influence cell-induced tension in the matrix, which in turn influences cell function. Despite progress on the impact of elastic behaviour of matrix proteins on cell–matrix interactions, little is known about the influence of inelastic behaviour, especially at the large and slow deformations that characterize cell-induced matrix remodelling. We found that collagen matrices exhibit deformation rate-dependent behaviour, which leads to a transition from pronounced elastic behaviour at fast deformations to substantially inelastic behaviour at slow deformations (1 μm min−1, similar to cell-mediated deformation). With slow deformations, the inelastic behaviour of floating gels was sensitive to collagen concentration, whereas attached gels exhibited similar inelastic behaviour independent of collagen concentration. The presence of an underlying rigid support had a similar effect on cell–matrix interactions: cell-induced deformation and remodelling were similar on 1 or 3 mg ml−1 attached collagen gels while deformations were two- to fourfold smaller in floating gels of high compared with low collagen concentration. In cross-linked collagen matrices, which did not exhibit inelastic behaviour, cells did not respond to the presence of the underlying rigid foundation. These data indicate that at the slow rates of collagen compaction generated by fibroblasts, the inelastic responses of collagen gels, which are influenced by collagen concentration and the presence of an underlying rigid foundation, are important determinants of cell–matrix interactions and mechanosensation. PMID:25392399

Quasi-elastic neutron scattering studies of the slow dynamics of supercooled and glassy aspirin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yang; Tyagi, Madhusudan; Mamontov, Eugene; Chen, Sow-Hsin

2012-02-01

Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is not only a wonderful drug, but also a good glass former. Therefore, it serves as an important molecular system to study the near-arrest and arrested phenomena. In this paper, a high-resolution quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) technique is used to investigate the slow dynamics of supercooled liquid and glassy aspirin from 410 down to 350 K. The measured QENS spectra can be analyzed with a stretched exponential model. We find that (i) the stretched exponent β(Q) is independent of the wavevector transfer Q in the measured Q range and (ii) the structural relaxation time τ(Q) follows a power-law dependence on Q. Consequently, the Q-independent structural relaxation time τ0 can be extracted for each temperature to characterize the slow dynamics of aspirin. The temperature dependence of τ0 can be fitted with the mode-coupling power law, the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann equation and a universal equation for fragile glass forming liquids recently proposed by Tokuyama in the measured temperature range. The calculated dynamic response function χT(Q, t) using the experimentally determined self-intermediate scattering function of the hydrogen atoms of aspirin shows direct evidence of the enhanced dynamic fluctuations as the aspirin is increasingly supercooled, in agreement with the fixed-time mean squared displacement langx2rang and the non-Gaussian parameter α2 extracted from the elastic scattering.

Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering Studies of the Slow Dynamics of Supercooled and Glassy Aspirin

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Yang; Tyagi, M.; Mamontov, Eugene

Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is not only a wonderful drug, but also a good glass former. Therefore, it serves as an important molecular system to study the near-arrest and arrested phenomena. In this paper, a high-resolution quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) technique is used to investigate the slow dynamics of supercooled liquid and glassy aspirin from 410 K down to 350 K. The measured QENS spectra can be analyzed with a stretched exponential model. We find that (i) the stretched exponent (Q) is independent of the wave vector transfer Q in the measured Q-range, and (ii) the structuralmore » relaxation time (Q) follows a power law dependence on Q. Consequently, the Q-independent structural relaxation time 0 can be extracted for each temperature to characterize the slow dynamics of aspirin. The temperature dependence of 0 can be fitted with the mode coupling power law, the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann equation and a universal equation for fragile glass forming liquids recently proposed by M. Tokuyama in the measured temperature range. The calculated dynamic response function T(Q,t) using the experimentally determined self-intermediate scattering function of the hydrogen atoms of aspirin shows a direct evidence of the enhanced dynamic fluctuations as the aspirin is increasingly supercooled, in agreement with the fixed-time mean squared displacement x2 and non-Gaussian parameter 2 extracted from the elastic scattering.« less

Saddle Slow Manifolds and Canard Orbits in [Formula: see text] and Application to the Full Hodgkin-Huxley Model.

PubMed

Hasan, Cris R; Krauskopf, Bernd; Osinga, Hinke M

2018-04-19

Many physiological phenomena have the property that some variables evolve much faster than others. For example, neuron models typically involve observable differences in time scales. The Hodgkin-Huxley model is well known for explaining the ionic mechanism that generates the action potential in the squid giant axon. Rubin and Wechselberger (Biol. Cybern. 97:5-32, 2007) nondimensionalized this model and obtained a singularly perturbed system with two fast, two slow variables, and an explicit time-scale ratio ε. The dynamics of this system are complex and feature periodic orbits with a series of action potentials separated by small-amplitude oscillations (SAOs); also referred to as mixed-mode oscillations (MMOs). The slow dynamics of this system are organized by two-dimensional locally invariant manifolds called slow manifolds which can be either attracting or of saddle type.In this paper, we introduce a general approach for computing two-dimensional saddle slow manifolds and their stable and unstable fast manifolds. We also develop a technique for detecting and continuing associated canard orbits, which arise from the interaction between attracting and saddle slow manifolds, and provide a mechanism for the organization of SAOs in [Formula: see text]. We first test our approach with an extended four-dimensional normal form of a folded node. Our results demonstrate that our computations give reliable approximations of slow manifolds and canard orbits of this model. Our computational approach is then utilized to investigate the role of saddle slow manifolds and associated canard orbits of the full Hodgkin-Huxley model in organizing MMOs and determining the firing rates of action potentials. For ε sufficiently large, canard orbits are arranged in pairs of twin canard orbits with the same number of SAOs. We illustrate how twin canard orbits partition the attracting slow manifold into a number of ribbons that play the role of sectors of rotations. The upshot is that we are able to unravel the geometry of slow manifolds and associated canard orbits without the need to reduce the model.

Spatio-temporal error growth in the multi-scale Lorenz'96 model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herrera, S.; Fernández, J.; Rodríguez, M. A.; Gutiérrez, J. M.

2010-07-01

The influence of multiple spatio-temporal scales on the error growth and predictability of atmospheric flows is analyzed throughout the paper. To this aim, we consider the two-scale Lorenz'96 model and study the interplay of the slow and fast variables on the error growth dynamics. It is shown that when the coupling between slow and fast variables is weak the slow variables dominate the evolution of fluctuations whereas in the case of strong coupling the fast variables impose a non-trivial complex error growth pattern on the slow variables with two different regimes, before and after saturation of fast variables. This complex behavior is analyzed using the recently introduced Mean-Variance Logarithmic (MVL) diagram.

The measurement of Protein Synthesis for Assessing Proteostasis in Studies of Slowed Aging

PubMed Central

Miller, Benjamin F.; Drake, Joshua C.; Naylor, Bradley; Price, John C.; Hamilton, Karyn L.

2014-01-01

Slowing the aging process can reduce the risk for multiple chronic diseases simultaneously. It is increasingly recognized that maintaining protein homeostasis (or proteostasis) is important for slowing the aging process. Since proteostasis is a dynamic process, monitoring it is not a simple task and requires use of appropriate methods. This review will introduce methods to assess protein and DNA synthesis using deuterium oxide (D2O), and how protein and DNA synthesis outcomes provide insight into proteostatic mechanisms. Finally, we provide a discussion on how these assessments of protein and DNA synthesis are “mechanistic” investigations and provide an appropriate framework for the further development of slowed aging treatments. PMID:25283966

Blue ellipticals in compact groups

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zepf, Stephen E.; Whitmore, Bradley C.

1990-01-01

By studying galaxies in compact groups, the authors examine the hypothesis that mergers of spiral galaxies make elliptical galaxies. The authors combine dynamical models of the merger-rich compact group environment with stellar evolution models and predict that roughly 15 percent of compact group ellipticals should be 0.15 mag bluer in B - R color than normal ellipticals. The published colors of these galaxies suggest the existence of this predicted blue population, but a normal distribution with large random errors can not be ruled out based on these data alone. However, the authors have new ultraviolet blue visual data which confirm the blue color of the two ellipticals with blue B - R colors for which they have their own colors. This confirmation of a population of blue ellipticals indicates that interactions are occurring in compact groups, but a blue color in one index alone does not require that these ellipticals are recent products of the merger of two spirals. The authors demonstrate how optical spectroscopy in the blue may distinguish between a true spiral + spiral merger and the swallowing of a gas-rich system by an already formed elliptical. The authors also show that the sum of the luminosity of the galaxies in each group is consistent with the hypothesis that the final stage in the evolution of compact group is an elliptical galaxy.

A new stylolite classification scheme to estimate compaction and local permeability variations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koehn, D.; Rood, M. P.; Beaudoin, N.; Chung, P.; Bons, P. D.; Gomez-Rivas, E.

2016-12-01

We modeled the geometrical roughening of bedding-parallel, mainly layer-dominated stylolites in order to understand their structural evolution, to present an advanced classification of stylolite shapes and to relate this classification to chemical compaction and permeability variations at stylolites. Stylolites are rough dissolution seams that develop in sedimentary basins during chemical compaction. In the Zechstein 2 carbonate units, an important lean gas reservoir in the southern Permian Zechstein basin in Germany, stylolites influence local fluid flow, mineral replacement reactions and hence the permeability of the reservoir. Our simulations demonstrate that layer-dominated stylolites can grow in three distinct stages: an initial slow nucleation phase, a fast layer-pinning phase and a final freezing phase if the layer is completely dissolved during growth. Dissolution of the pinning layer and thus destruction of the stylolite's compaction tracking capabilities is a function of the background noise in the rock and the dissolution rate of the layer itself. Low background noise needs a slower dissolving layer for pinning to be successful but produces flatter teeth than higher background noise. We present an advanced classification based on our simulations and separate stylolites into four classes: (1) rectangular layer type, (2) seismogram pinning type, (3) suture/sharp peak type and (4) simple wave-like type. Rectangular layer type stylolites are the most appropriate for chemical compaction estimates because they grow linearly and record most of the actual compaction (up to 40 mm in the Zechstein example). Seismogram pinning type stylolites also provide good tracking capabilities, with the largest teeth tracking most of the compaction. Suture/sharp peak type stylolites grow in a non-linear fashion and thus do not record most of the actual compaction. However, when a non-linear growth law is used, the compaction estimates are similar to those making use of the rectangular layer type stylolites. Simple wave-like stylolites are not useful for compaction estimates, since their growth is highly non-linear with a very low growth exponent. In the case where sealing material is collected at the tooth during dissolution, stylolites can act as barriers for local fluid flow as they intensify sealing capabilities of pinning layers. However, the development of teeth and spikes offsets and thus destroys continuous stylolite seams so that the permeability across the stylolite becomes very heterogeneous and they are no continuous barriers. This behavior is best shown in rectangular layer and seismogram pinning type stylolites that develop efficient fluid barriers at teeth tips but destroy sealing capabilities of layers by offsetting them at the flank, leading to a permeability anisotropy along 2-D stylolite planes. Suture/sharp peak stylolites can create fluid barriers if they collect enough sealing material. However, if the collecting material does not seal or if spikes offset the sealing material the stylolite leaks. We propose that our classification can be used to realistically estimate chemical compaction in reservoirs and gives an indication on how heterogeneous the permeability of stylolites can be.

Tunable Fano resonance in MDM stub waveguide coupled with a U-shaped cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Xingchun; Tian, Jinping; Yang, Rongcao

2018-04-01

A new compact metal-dielectric-metal waveguide system consisting of a stub coupled with a U-cavity is proposed to produce sharp and asymmetric Fano resonance. The transmission properties of the proposed structure are numerically studied by the finite element method and verified by the coupled mode theory. Simulation results reveal that the spectral profile can be easily tuned by adjusting the geometric parameters of the structure. One of the potential application of the proposed structure as a highly efficient plasmonic refractive index nanosensor was investigated with its sensitivity of more than 1000 nm/RIU and a figure of merit of up to 5500. Another application is integrated slow-light device whose group index can be greater than 6. In addition, multiple Fano resonances will occur in the broadband transmission spectrum by adding another U-cavity or (and) stub. The characteristics of the proposed structure are very promising for the highly performance filters, on-chip nanosensors, and slow-light devices.

Understanding rapid evolution in predator‐prey interactions using the theory of fast‐slow dynamical systems.

PubMed

Cortez, Michael H; Ellner, Stephen P

2010-11-01

The accumulation of evidence that ecologically important traits often evolve at the same time and rate as ecological dynamics (e.g., changes in species' abundances or spatial distributions) has outpaced theory describing the interplay between ecological and evolutionary processes with comparable timescales. The disparity between experiment and theory is partially due to the high dimensionality of models that include both evolutionary and ecological dynamics. Here we show how the theory of fast-slow dynamical systems can be used to reduce model dimension, and we use that body of theory to study a general predator-prey system exhibiting fast evolution in either the predator or the prey. Our approach yields graphical methods with predictive power about when new and unique dynamics (e.g., completely out-of-phase oscillations and cryptic dynamics) can arise in ecological systems exhibiting fast evolution. In addition, we derive analytical expressions for determining when such behavior arises and how evolution affects qualitative properties of the ecological dynamics. Finally, while the theory requires a separation of timescales between the ecological and evolutionary processes, our approach yields insight into systems where the rates of those processes are comparable and thus is a step toward creating a general ecoevolutionary theory.

Non-Markovian continuous-time quantum walks on lattices with dynamical noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benedetti, Claudia; Buscemi, Fabrizio; Bordone, Paolo; Paris, Matteo G. A.

2016-04-01

We address the dynamics of continuous-time quantum walks on one-dimensional disordered lattices inducing dynamical noise in the system. Noise is described as time-dependent fluctuations of the tunneling amplitudes between adjacent sites, and attention is focused on non-Gaussian telegraph noise, going beyond the usual assumption of fast Gaussian noise. We observe the emergence of two different dynamical behaviors for the walker, corresponding to two opposite noise regimes: slow noise (i.e., strong coupling with the environment) confines the walker into few lattice nodes, while fast noise (weak coupling) induces a transition between quantum and classical diffusion over the lattice. A phase transition between the two dynamical regimes may be observed by tuning the ratio between the autocorrelation time of the noise and the coupling between the walker and the external environment generating the noise. We also address the non-Markovianity of the quantum map by assessing its memory effects, as well as evaluating the information backflow to the system. Our results suggest that the non-Markovian character of the evolution is linked to the dynamical behavior in the slow noise regime, and that fast noise induces a Markovian dynamics for the walker.

Warning signals for eruptive events in spreading fires

PubMed Central

Fox, Jerome M.; Whitesides, George M.

2015-01-01

Spreading fires are noisy (and potentially chaotic) systems in which transitions in dynamics are notoriously difficult to predict. As flames move through spatially heterogeneous environments, sudden shifts in temperature, wind, or topography can generate combustion instabilities, or trigger self-stabilizing feedback loops, that dramatically amplify the intensities and rates with which fires propagate. Such transitions are rarely captured by predictive models of fire behavior and, thus, complicate efforts in fire suppression. This paper describes a simple, remarkably instructive physical model for examining the eruption of small flames into intense, rapidly moving flames stabilized by feedback between wind and fire (i.e., “wind–fire coupling”—a mechanism of feedback particularly relevant to forest fires), and it presents evidence that characteristic patterns in the dynamics of spreading flames indicate when such transitions are likely to occur. In this model system, flames propagate along strips of nitrocellulose with one of two possible modes of propagation: a slow, structured mode, and a fast, unstructured mode sustained by wind–fire coupling. Experimental examination of patterns in dynamics that emerge near bifurcation points suggests that symptoms of critical slowing down (i.e., the slowed recovery of the system from perturbations as it approaches tipping points) warn of impending transitions to the unstructured mode. Findings suggest that slowing responses of spreading flames to sudden changes in environment (e.g., wind, terrain, temperature) may anticipate the onset of intense, feedback-stabilized modes of propagation (e.g., “blowup fires” in forests). PMID:25675491

Warning signals for eruptive events in spreading fires.

PubMed

Fox, Jerome M; Whitesides, George M

2015-02-24

Spreading fires are noisy (and potentially chaotic) systems in which transitions in dynamics are notoriously difficult to predict. As flames move through spatially heterogeneous environments, sudden shifts in temperature, wind, or topography can generate combustion instabilities, or trigger self-stabilizing feedback loops, that dramatically amplify the intensities and rates with which fires propagate. Such transitions are rarely captured by predictive models of fire behavior and, thus, complicate efforts in fire suppression. This paper describes a simple, remarkably instructive physical model for examining the eruption of small flames into intense, rapidly moving flames stabilized by feedback between wind and fire (i.e., "wind-fire coupling"-a mechanism of feedback particularly relevant to forest fires), and it presents evidence that characteristic patterns in the dynamics of spreading flames indicate when such transitions are likely to occur. In this model system, flames propagate along strips of nitrocellulose with one of two possible modes of propagation: a slow, structured mode, and a fast, unstructured mode sustained by wind-fire coupling. Experimental examination of patterns in dynamics that emerge near bifurcation points suggests that symptoms of critical slowing down (i.e., the slowed recovery of the system from perturbations as it approaches tipping points) warn of impending transitions to the unstructured mode. Findings suggest that slowing responses of spreading flames to sudden changes in environment (e.g., wind, terrain, temperature) may anticipate the onset of intense, feedback-stabilized modes of propagation (e.g., "blowup fires" in forests).

Warning signals for eruptive events in spreading fires

DOE PAGES

Fox, Jerome M.; Whitesides, George M.

2015-02-09

Spreading fires are noisy (and potentially chaotic) systems in which transitions in dynamics are notoriously difficult to predict. As flames move through spatially heterogeneous environments, sudden shifts in temperature, wind, or topography can generate combustion instabilities, or trigger self-stabilizing feedback loops, that dramatically amplify the intensities and rates with which fires propagate. Such transitions are rarely captured by predictive models of fire behavior and, thus, complicate efforts in fire suppression. This study describes a simple, remarkably instructive physical model for examining the eruption of small flames into intense, rapidly moving flames stabilized by feedback between wind and fire (i.e., “wind–firemore » coupling”—a mechanism of feedback particularly relevant to forest fires), and it presents evidence that characteristic patterns in the dynamics of spreading flames indicate when such transitions are likely to occur. Here, in this model system, flames propagate along strips of nitrocellulose with one of two possible modes of propagation: a slow, structured mode, and a fast, unstructured mode sustained by wind–fire coupling. Experimental examination of patterns in dynamics that emerge near bifurcation points suggests that symptoms of critical slowing down (i.e., the slowed recovery of the system from perturbations as it approaches tipping points) warn of impending transitions to the unstructured mode. Lastly, findings suggest that slowing responses of spreading flames to sudden changes in environment (e.g., wind, terrain, temperature) may anticipate the onset of intense, feedback-stabilized modes of propagation (e.g., “blowup fires” in forests).« less

Warning signals for eruptive events in spreading fires

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fox, Jerome M.; Whitesides, George M.

Spreading fires are noisy (and potentially chaotic) systems in which transitions in dynamics are notoriously difficult to predict. As flames move through spatially heterogeneous environments, sudden shifts in temperature, wind, or topography can generate combustion instabilities, or trigger self-stabilizing feedback loops, that dramatically amplify the intensities and rates with which fires propagate. Such transitions are rarely captured by predictive models of fire behavior and, thus, complicate efforts in fire suppression. This study describes a simple, remarkably instructive physical model for examining the eruption of small flames into intense, rapidly moving flames stabilized by feedback between wind and fire (i.e., “wind–firemore » coupling”—a mechanism of feedback particularly relevant to forest fires), and it presents evidence that characteristic patterns in the dynamics of spreading flames indicate when such transitions are likely to occur. Here, in this model system, flames propagate along strips of nitrocellulose with one of two possible modes of propagation: a slow, structured mode, and a fast, unstructured mode sustained by wind–fire coupling. Experimental examination of patterns in dynamics that emerge near bifurcation points suggests that symptoms of critical slowing down (i.e., the slowed recovery of the system from perturbations as it approaches tipping points) warn of impending transitions to the unstructured mode. Lastly, findings suggest that slowing responses of spreading flames to sudden changes in environment (e.g., wind, terrain, temperature) may anticipate the onset of intense, feedback-stabilized modes of propagation (e.g., “blowup fires” in forests).« less

The characteristics of dose at mass interface on lung cancer Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wulansari, I. H.; Wibowo, W. E.; Pawiro, S. A.

2017-05-01

In lung cancer cases, there exists a difficulty for the Treatment Planning System (TPS) to predict the dose at or near the mass interface. This error prediction might influence the minimum or maximum dose received by lung cancer. In addition to target motion, the target dose prediction error also contributes in the combined error during the course of treatment. The objective of this work was to verify dose plan calculated by adaptive convolution algorithm in Pinnacle3 at the mass interface against a set of measurement. The measurement was performed using Gafchromic EBT 3 film in static and dynamic CIRS phantom with amplitudes of 5 mm, 10 mm, and 20 mm in superior-inferior motion direction. Static and dynamic phantom were scanned with fast CT and slow CT before planned. The results showed that adaptive convolution algorithm mostly predicted mass interface dose lower than the measured dose in a range of -0,63% to 8,37% for static phantom in fast CT scanning and -0,27% to 15,9% for static phantom in slow CT scanning. In dynamic phantom, this algorithm was predicted mass interface dose higher than measured dose up to -89% for fast CT and varied from -17% until 37% for slow CT. This interface of dose differences caused the dose mass decreased in fast CT, except for 10 mm motion amplitude, and increased in slow CT for the greater amplitude of motion.

The DARPA compact superconducting x-ray lithography source features. [Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Heese, R.; Kalsi, S.; Leung, E.

1991-01-01

Under DARPA sponsorship, a compact Superconducting X-ray Lithography Source (SXLS) is being designed and built by the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) with industry participation from Grumman Corporation and General Dynamics. This source is optimized for lithography work for sub-micron high density computer chips, and is about the size of a billiard table (1.5 m {times} 4.0 m). The machine has a racetrack configuration with two 180{degree} bending magnets being designed and built by General Dynamics under a subcontract with Grumman Corporation. The machine will have 18 photon ports which would deliver light peaked at a wave length of 10 Angstroms.more » Grumman is commercializing the SXLS device and plans to book orders for delivery of industrialized SXLS (ISXLS) versions in 1995. This paper will describe the major features of this device. The commercial machine will be equipped with a fully automated user-friendly control systems, major features of which are already working on a compact warm dipole ring at BNL. This ring has normal dipole magnets with dimensions identical to the SXLS device, and has been successfully commissioned. 4 figs., 1 tab.« less

Dynamics of a linear system coupled to a chain of light nonlinear oscillators analyzed through a continuous approximation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Charlemagne, S.; Ture Savadkoohi, A.; Lamarque, C.-H.

2018-07-01

The continuous approximation is used in this work to describe the dynamics of a nonlinear chain of light oscillators coupled to a linear main system. A general methodology is applied to an example where the chain has local nonlinear restoring forces. The slow invariant manifold is detected at fast time scale. At slow time scale, equilibrium and singular points are sought around this manifold in order to predict periodic regimes and strongly modulated responses of the system. Analytical predictions are in good accordance with numerical results and represent a potent tool for designing nonlinear chains for passive control purposes.

Critical slowing down in driven-dissipative Bose-Hubbard lattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vicentini, Filippo; Minganti, Fabrizio; Rota, Riccardo; Orso, Giuliano; Ciuti, Cristiano

2018-01-01

We explore theoretically the dynamical properties of a first-order dissipative phase transition in coherently driven Bose-Hubbard systems, describing, e.g., lattices of coupled nonlinear optical cavities. Via stochastic trajectory calculations based on the truncated Wigner approximation, we investigate the dynamical behavior as a function of system size for one-dimensional (1D) and 2D square lattices in the regime where mean-field theory predicts nonlinear bistability. We show that a critical slowing down emerges for increasing number of sites in 2D square lattices, while it is absent in 1D arrays. We characterize the peculiar properties of the collective phases in the critical region.

Slow crack growth in sintered silicon nitride

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khandelwal, P. K.; Chang, J.; Heitman, P. W.

1986-01-01

The strength and crack growth characteristics of a sintered silicon nitride were studied at 1000 C. Fractographic analysis of material failing in dynamic fatigue revealed the presence of slow crack growth (SCG) at stressing rates below 6 ksi/min. This material can sustain a 40-ksi flexural stress at 1000 C for 400 h or more but is susceptible to both SCG and creep deformation at higher stress levels. The crack velocity exponent (N) determined both from dynamic and static fatigue experiments lies in a range from 13 to 22. The subcritical crack growth and creep behavior at 1000 C is primarily controlled by the deformation of an intergranular glassy phase.

Spectral Gap Estimates in Mean Field Spin Glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ben Arous, Gérard; Jagannath, Aukosh

2018-05-01

We show that mixing for local, reversible dynamics of mean field spin glasses is exponentially slow in the low temperature regime. We introduce a notion of free energy barriers for the overlap, and prove that their existence imply that the spectral gap is exponentially small, and thus that mixing is exponentially slow. We then exhibit sufficient conditions on the equilibrium Gibbs measure which guarantee the existence of these barriers, using the notion of replicon eigenvalue and 2D Guerra Talagrand bounds. We show how these sufficient conditions cover large classes of Ising spin models for reversible nearest-neighbor dynamics and spherical models for Langevin dynamics. Finally, in the case of Ising spins, Panchenko's recent rigorous calculation (Panchenko in Ann Probab 46(2):865-896, 2018) of the free energy for a system of "two real replica" enables us to prove a quenched LDP for the overlap distribution, which gives us a wider criterion for slow mixing directly related to the Franz-Parisi-Virasoro approach (Franz et al. in J Phys I 2(10):1869-1880, 1992; Kurchan et al. J Phys I 3(8):1819-1838, 1993). This condition holds in a wider range of temperatures.

Slow-Down in Diffusion in Crowded Protein Solutions Correlates with Transient Cluster Formation.

PubMed

Nawrocki, Grzegorz; Wang, Po-Hung; Yu, Isseki; Sugita, Yuji; Feig, Michael

2017-12-14

For a long time, the effect of a crowded cellular environment on protein dynamics has been largely ignored. Recent experiments indicate that proteins diffuse more slowly in a living cell than in a diluted solution, and further studies suggest that the diffusion depends on the local surroundings. Here, detailed insight into how diffusion depends on protein-protein contacts is presented based on extensive all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of concentrated villin headpiece solutions. After force field adjustments in the form of increased protein-water interactions to reproduce experimental data, translational and rotational diffusion was analyzed in detail. Although internal protein dynamics remained largely unaltered, rotational diffusion was found to slow down more significantly than translational diffusion as the protein concentration increased. The decrease in diffusion is interpreted in terms of a transient formation of protein clusters. These clusters persist on sub-microsecond time scales and follow distributions that increasingly shift toward larger cluster size with increasing protein concentrations. Weighting diffusion coefficients estimated for different clusters extracted from the simulations with the distribution of clusters largely reproduces the overall observed diffusion rates, suggesting that transient cluster formation is a primary cause for a slow-down in diffusion upon crowding with other proteins.

Griffiths effects of the susceptible-infected-susceptible epidemic model on random power-law networks.

PubMed

Cota, Wesley; Ferreira, Silvio C; Ódor, Géza

2016-03-01

We provide numerical evidence for slow dynamics of the susceptible-infected-susceptible model evolving on finite-size random networks with power-law degree distributions. Extensive simulations were done by averaging the activity density over many realizations of networks. We investigated the effects of outliers in both highly fluctuating (natural cutoff) and nonfluctuating (hard cutoff) most connected vertices. Logarithmic and power-law decays in time were found for natural and hard cutoffs, respectively. This happens in extended regions of the control parameter space λ(1)<λ<λ(2), suggesting Griffiths effects, induced by the topological inhomogeneities. Optimal fluctuation theory considering sample-to-sample fluctuations of the pseudothresholds is presented to explain the observed slow dynamics. A quasistationary analysis shows that response functions remain bounded at λ(2). We argue these to be signals of a smeared transition. However, in the thermodynamic limit the Griffiths effects loose their relevancy and have a conventional critical point at λ(c)=0. Since many real networks are composed by heterogeneous and weakly connected modules, the slow dynamics found in our analysis of independent and finite networks can play an important role for the deeper understanding of such systems.

Dynamic bifurcation and strange nonchaos in a two-frequency parametrically driven nonlinear oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Premraj, D.; Suresh, K.; Palanivel, J.; Thamilmaran, K.

2017-09-01

A periodically forced series LCR circuit with Chua's diode as a nonlinear element exhibits slow passage through Hopf bifurcation. This slow passage leads to a delay in the Hopf bifurcation. The delay in this bifurcation is a unique quantity and it can be predicted using various numerical analysis. We find that when an additional periodic force is added to the system, the delay in bifurcation becomes chaotic which leads to an unpredictability in bifurcation delay. Further, we study the bifurcation of the periodic delay to chaotic delay in the slow passage effect through strange nonchaotic delay. We also report the occurrence of strange nonchaotic dynamics while varying the parameter of the additional force included in the system. We observe that the system exhibits a hitherto unknown dynamical transition to a strange nonchaotic attractor. With the help of Lyapunov exponent, we explain the new transition to strange nonchaotic attractor and its mechanism is studied by making use of rational approximation theory. The birth of SNA has also been confirmed numerically, using Poincaré maps, phase sensitivity exponent, the distribution of finite-time Lyapunov exponents and singular continuous spectrum analysis.

Expansion Under Climate Change: The Genetic Consequences.

PubMed

Garnier, Jimmy; Lewis, Mark A

2016-11-01

Range expansion and range shifts are crucial population responses to climate change. Genetic consequences are not well understood but are clearly coupled to ecological dynamics that, in turn, are driven by shifting climate conditions. We model a population with a deterministic reaction-diffusion model coupled to a heterogeneous environment that develops in time due to climate change. We decompose the resulting travelling wave solution into neutral genetic components to analyse the spatio-temporal dynamics of its genetic structure. Our analysis shows that range expansions and range shifts under slow climate change preserve genetic diversity. This is because slow climate change creates range boundaries that promote spatial mixing of genetic components. Mathematically, the mixing leads to so-called pushed travelling wave solutions. This mixing phenomenon is not seen in spatially homogeneous environments, where range expansion reduces genetic diversity through gene surfing arising from pulled travelling wave solutions. However, the preservation of diversity is diminished when climate change occurs too quickly. Using diversity indices, we show that fast expansions and range shifts erode genetic diversity more than slow range expansions and range shifts. Our study provides analytical insight into the dynamics of travelling wave solutions in heterogeneous environments.

The slow ionized wind and rotating disklike system that are associated with the high-mass young stellar object G345.4938+01.4677

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guzmán, Andrés E.; Garay, Guido; Bronfman, Leonardo

2014-12-01

We report the detection, made using ALMA, of the 92 GHz continuum and hydrogen recombination lines (HRLs) H40α, H42α, and H50β emission toward the ionized wind associated with the high-mass young stellar object G345.4938+01.4677. This is the luminous central dominating source located in the massive and dense molecular clump associated with IRAS 16562–3959. The HRLs exhibit Voigt profiles, which is a strong signature of Stark broadening. We successfully reproduce the observed continuum and HRLs simultaneously using a simple model of a slow ionized wind in local thermodynamic equilibrium, with no need for a high-velocity component. The Lorentzian line wings implymore » electron densities of 5 × 10{sup 7} cm{sup –3} on average. In addition, we detect SO and SO{sub 2} emission arising from a compact (∼3000 AU) molecular core associated with the central young star. The molecular core exhibits a velocity gradient that is perpendicular to the jet-axis, which we interpret as evidence of rotation. The set of observations toward G345.4938+01.4677 are consistent with it being a young high-mass star associated with a slow photo-ionized wind.« less

Characterization of re-grown floc size and structure: effect of mixing conditions during floc growth, breakage and re-growth process.

PubMed

Nan, Jun; Wang, Zhenbei; Yao, Meng; Yang, Yueming; Zhang, Xiaofei

2016-12-01

The impact of mixing speed in three stages-before breakage, during breakage, and after breakage-on re-grown floc properties was investigated by using a non-intrusive optical sampling and digital image analysis technique, respectively. And then, on the basis of different influence extent of mixing speed during each stage on size and structure of re-grown flocs, coagulation performance with varying mixing speed was analyzed. The results indicated that the broken flocs could not re-grow to the size before breakage in all cases. Furthermore, increasing mixing intensity contributed to the re-formation of smaller flocs with higher degree of compactness. For slow mixing before breakage, an increase in mixing speed had less influence on re-grown floc properties due to the same breakage strength during breakage, resulting in inconspicuous variation of coagulation efficiency. For rapid mixing during breakage, larger mixing speed markedly decreased the coagulation efficiency. This could be attributed that mixing speed during breakage generated greater influence on re-grown floc size. However, as slow mixing after breakage was elevated, the coagulation efficiency presented significant rise, indicating that slow mixing after breakage had more influence on re-grown floc structure upon re-structuring and re-arrangement mechanism.

Formation of Heliospheric Arcs of Slow Solar Wind

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Higginson, A. K.; Antiochos, S. K.; Devore, C. R.; Wyper, P. F.; Zurbuchen, T. H.

2017-01-01

A major challenge in solar and heliospheric physics is understanding the origin and nature of the so-called slow solar wind. The Sun's atmosphere is divided into magnetically open regions, known as coronal holes, where the plasma streams out freely and fills the solar system, and closed regions, where the plasma is confined to coronal loops. The boundary between these regions extends outward as the heliospheric current sheet (HCS). Measurements of plasma composition strongly imply that much of the slow wind consists of plasma from the closed corona that escapes onto open field lines, presumably by field-line opening or by interchange reconnection. Both of these processes are expected to release closed-field plasma into the solar wind within and immediately adjacent to the HCS. Mysteriously, however, slow wind with closed-field plasma composition is often observed in situ far from the HCS. We use high-resolution, three-dimensional, magnetohydrodynamic simulations to calculate the dynamics of a coronal hole with a geometry that includes a narrow corridor flanked by closed field and is driven by supergranule-like flows at the coronal-hole boundary. These dynamics produce giant arcs of closed-field plasma that originate at the open-closed boundary in the corona, but extend far from the HCS and span tens of degrees in latitude and longitude at Earth. We conclude that such structures can account for the long-puzzling slow-wind observations.

Formation of Heliospheric Arcs of Slow Solar Wind

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Higginson, A. K.; Zurbuchen, T. H.; Antiochos, S. K.

A major challenge in solar and heliospheric physics is understanding the origin and nature of the so-called slow solar wind. The Sun’s atmosphere is divided into magnetically open regions, known as coronal holes, where the plasma streams out freely and fills the solar system, and closed regions, where the plasma is confined to coronal loops. The boundary between these regions extends outward as the heliospheric current sheet (HCS). Measurements of plasma composition strongly imply that much of the slow wind consists of plasma from the closed corona that escapes onto open field lines, presumably by field-line opening or by interchangemore » reconnection. Both of these processes are expected to release closed-field plasma into the solar wind within and immediately adjacent to the HCS. Mysteriously, however, slow wind with closed-field plasma composition is often observed in situ far from the HCS. We use high-resolution, three-dimensional, magnetohydrodynamic simulations to calculate the dynamics of a coronal hole with a geometry that includes a narrow corridor flanked by closed field and is driven by supergranule-like flows at the coronal-hole boundary. These dynamics produce giant arcs of closed-field plasma that originate at the open-closed boundary in the corona, but extend far from the HCS and span tens of degrees in latitude and longitude at Earth. We conclude that such structures can account for the long-puzzling slow-wind observations.« less

Shorter duration of non-rapid eye movement sleep slow waves in EphA4 knockout mice.

PubMed

Freyburger, Marlène; Poirier, Gaétan; Carrier, Julie; Mongrain, Valérie

2017-10-01

Slow waves occurring during non-rapid eye movement sleep have been associated with neurobehavioural performance and memory. In addition, the duration of previous wakefulness and sleep impacts characteristics of these slow waves. However, molecular mechanisms regulating the dynamics of slow-wave characteristics remain poorly understood. The EphA4 receptor regulates glutamatergic transmission and synaptic plasticity, which have both been linked to sleep slow waves. To investigate if EphA4 regulates slow-wave characteristics during non-rapid eye movement sleep, we compared individual parameters of slow waves between EphA4 knockout mice and wild-type littermates under baseline conditions and after a 6-h sleep deprivation. We observed that, compared with wild-type mice, knockout mice display a shorter duration of positive and negative phases of slow waves under baseline conditions and after sleep deprivation. However, the mutation did not change slow-wave density, amplitude and slope, and did not affect the sleep deprivation-dependent changes in slow-wave characteristics, suggesting that EphA4 is not involved in the response to elevated sleep pressure. Our present findings suggest a role for EphA4 in shaping cortical oscillations during sleep that is independent from sleep need. © 2017 European Sleep Research Society.

Dynamics of Coronal Hole Boundaries

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Higginson, A. K.; Zurbuchen, T. H.; Antiochos, S. K.

Remote and in situ observations strongly imply that the slow solar wind consists of plasma from the hot, closed-field corona that is released onto open magnetic field lines. The Separatrix Web theory for the slow wind proposes that photospheric motions at the scale of supergranules are responsible for generating dynamics at coronal-hole boundaries, which result in the closed plasma release. We use three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations to determine the effect of photospheric flows on the open and closed magnetic flux of a model corona with a dipole magnetic field and an isothermal solar wind. A rotational surface motion is used tomore » approximate photospheric supergranular driving and is applied at the boundary between the coronal hole and helmet streamer. The resulting dynamics consist primarily of prolific and efficient interchange reconnection between open and closed flux. The magnetic flux near the coronal-hole boundary experiences multiple interchange events, with some flux interchanging over 50 times in one day. Additionally, we find that the interchange reconnection occurs all along the coronal-hole boundary and even produces a lasting change in magnetic-field connectivity in regions that were not driven by the applied motions. Our results show that these dynamics should be ubiquitous in the Sun and heliosphere. We discuss the implications of our simulations for understanding the observed properties of the slow solar wind, with particular focus on the global-scale consequences of interchange reconnection.« less

Contributions of adaptation currents to dynamic spike threshold on slow timescales: Biophysical insights from conductance-based models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Guosheng; Wang, Jiang; Wei, Xile; Deng, Bin; Li, Huiyan; Che, Yanqiu

2017-06-01

Spike-frequency adaptation (SFA) mediated by various adaptation currents, such as voltage-gated K+ current (IM), Ca2+-gated K+ current (IAHP), or Na+-activated K+ current (IKNa), exists in many types of neurons, which has been shown to effectively shape their information transmission properties on slow timescales. Here we use conductance-based models to investigate how the activation of three adaptation currents regulates the threshold voltage for action potential (AP) initiation during the course of SFA. It is observed that the spike threshold gets depolarized and the rate of membrane depolarization (dV/dt) preceding AP is reduced as adaptation currents reduce firing rate. It is indicated that the presence of inhibitory adaptation currents enables the neuron to generate a dynamic threshold inversely correlated with preceding dV/dt on slower timescales than fast dynamics of AP generation. By analyzing the interactions of ionic currents at subthreshold potentials, we find that the activation of adaptation currents increase the outward level of net membrane current prior to AP initiation, which antagonizes inward Na+ to result in a depolarized threshold and lower dV/dt from one AP to the next. Our simulations demonstrate that the threshold dynamics on slow timescales is a secondary effect caused by the activation of adaptation currents. These findings have provided a biophysical interpretation of the relationship between adaptation currents and spike threshold.

Modulation of pyridinium cationic lipid-DNA complex properties by pyridinium gemini surfactants and its impact on lipoplex transfection properties

PubMed Central

Sharma, Vishnu Dutt; Lees, Julia; Hoffman, Nicholas E.; Brailoiu, Eugen; Madesh, Muniswamy; Wunder, Stephanie L.; Ilies, Marc A.

2014-01-01

The study presents the effects of blending a cationic gemini surfactant into cationic lipid bilayers and its impact towards plasmid DNA compaction and delivery process. Using nanoDSC, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential and electrophoretic mobility measurements, together with transfection (2D- and 3D-) and viability assays, we identified the main physicochemical parameters of the lipid bilayers, liposomes and lipoplexes that are affected by the gemini surfactant addition. We also correlated the cationic bilayer composition with the dynamics of the DNA compaction process, and with transfection efficiency, cytotoxicity and internalization mechanism of the resultant nucleic acid complexes. We found that blending of gemini surfactant into the cationic bilayers fluidized the supramolecular assemblies, reduced the amount of positive charge required to fully compact the plasmid DNA and, in certain cases, changed the internalization mechanism of the lipoplexes. Transfection efficiency of select ternary lipoplexes derived from cationic gemini surfactants and lipids was several times superior to transfection efficiency of corresponding binary lipoplexes, also surpassing standard transfection systems. The overall impact of gemini surfactants into the formation and dynamic of cationic bilayers was found to depend heavily on the presence of co-lipids, their nature and amount present into lipoplexes. The study confirmed the possibility of combining the specific properties of pyridinium gemini surfactants and cationic lipids synergistically for obtaining efficient synthetic transfection systems with negligible cytotoxicity useful for therapeutic gene delivery. PMID:24377350

Critical Slowing Down Governs the Transition to Neuron Spiking

PubMed Central

Meisel, Christian; Klaus, Andreas; Kuehn, Christian; Plenz, Dietmar

2015-01-01

Many complex systems have been found to exhibit critical transitions, or so-called tipping points, which are sudden changes to a qualitatively different system state. These changes can profoundly impact the functioning of a system ranging from controlled state switching to a catastrophic break-down; signals that predict critical transitions are therefore highly desirable. To this end, research efforts have focused on utilizing qualitative changes in markers related to a system’s tendency to recover more slowly from a perturbation the closer it gets to the transition—a phenomenon called critical slowing down. The recently studied scaling of critical slowing down offers a refined path to understand critical transitions: to identify the transition mechanism and improve transition prediction using scaling laws. Here, we outline and apply this strategy for the first time in a real-world system by studying the transition to spiking in neurons of the mammalian cortex. The dynamical system approach has identified two robust mechanisms for the transition from subthreshold activity to spiking, saddle-node and Hopf bifurcation. Although theory provides precise predictions on signatures of critical slowing down near the bifurcation to spiking, quantitative experimental evidence has been lacking. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from pyramidal neurons and fast-spiking interneurons, we show that 1) the transition to spiking dynamically corresponds to a critical transition exhibiting slowing down, 2) the scaling laws suggest a saddle-node bifurcation governing slowing down, and 3) these precise scaling laws can be used to predict the bifurcation point from a limited window of observation. To our knowledge this is the first report of scaling laws of critical slowing down in an experiment. They present a missing link for a broad class of neuroscience modeling and suggest improved estimation of tipping points by incorporating scaling laws of critical slowing down as a strategy applicable to other complex systems. PMID:25706912

Generic torus canards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vo, Theodore

2017-10-01

Torus canards are special solutions of fast/slow systems that alternate between attracting and repelling manifolds of limit cycles of the fast subsystem. A relatively new dynamic phenomenon, torus canards have been found in neural applications to mediate the transition from tonic spiking to bursting via amplitude-modulated spiking. In R3, torus canards are degenerate: they require one-parameter families of 2-fast/1-slow systems in order to be observed and even then, they only occur on exponentially thin parameter intervals. The addition of a second slow variable unfolds the torus canard phenomenon, making it generic and robust. That is, torus canards in fast/slow systems with (at least) two slow variables occur on open parameter sets. So far, generic torus canards have only been studied numerically, and their behaviour has been inferred based on averaging and canard theory. This approach, however, has not been rigorously justified since the averaging method breaks down near a fold of periodics, which is exactly where torus canards originate. In this work, we combine techniques from Floquet theory, averaging theory, and geometric singular perturbation theory to show that the average of a torus canard is a folded singularity canard. In so doing, we devise an analytic scheme for the identification and topological classification of torus canards in fast/slow systems with two fast variables and k slow variables, for any positive integer k. We demonstrate the predictive power of our results in a model for intracellular calcium dynamics, where we explain the mechanisms underlying a novel class of elliptic bursting rhythms, called amplitude-modulated bursting, by constructing the torus canard analogues of mixed-mode oscillations. We also make explicit the connection between our results here with prior studies of torus canards and torus canard explosion in R3, and discuss how our methods can be extended to fast/slow systems of arbitrary (finite) dimension.

Generation of skeletal mechanism by means of projected entropy participation indices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paolucci, Samuel; Valorani, Mauro; Ciottoli, Pietro Paolo; Galassi, Riccardo Malpica

2017-11-01

When the dynamics of reactive systems develop very-slow and very-fast time scales separated by a range of active time scales, with gaps in the fast/active and slow/active time scales, then it is possible to achieve multi-scale adaptive model reduction along-with the integration of the ODEs using the G-Scheme. The scheme assumes that the dynamics is decomposed into active, slow, fast, and invariant subspaces. We derive expressions that establish a direct link between time scales and entropy production by using estimates provided by the G-Scheme. To calculate the contribution to entropy production, we resort to a standard model of a constant pressure, adiabatic, batch reactor, where the mixture temperature of the reactants is initially set above the auto-ignition temperature. Numerical experiments show that the contribution to entropy production of the fast subspace is of the same magnitude as the error threshold chosen for the identification of the decomposition of the tangent space, and the contribution of the slow subspace is generally much smaller than that of the active subspace. The information on entropy production associated with reactions within each subspace is used to define an entropy participation index that is subsequently utilized for model reduction.

Strange matter in compact stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klähn, Thomas; Blaschke, David B.

2018-02-01

We discuss possible scenarios for the existence of strange matter in compact stars. The appearance of hyperons leads to a hyperon puzzle in ab-initio approaches based on effective baryon-baryon potentials but is not a severe problem in relativistic mean field models. In general, the puzzle can be resolved in a natural way if hadronic matter gets stiffened at supersaturation densities, an effect based on the quark Pauli quenching between hadrons. We explain the conflict between the necessity to implement dynamical chiral symmetry breaking into a model description and the conditions for the appearance of absolutely stable strange quark matter that require both, approximately masslessness of quarks and a mechanism of confinement. The role of strangeness in compact stars (hadronic or quark matter realizations) remains unsettled. It is not excluded that strangeness plays no role in compact stars at all. To answer the question whether the case of absolutely stable strange quark matter can be excluded on theoretical grounds requires an understanding of dense matter that we have not yet reached.

A class of compact dwarf galaxies from disruptive processes in galaxy clusters.

PubMed

Drinkwater, M J; Gregg, M D; Hilker, M; Bekki, K; Couch, W J; Ferguson, H C; Jones, J B; Phillipps, S

2003-05-29

Dwarf galaxies have attracted increased attention in recent years, because of their susceptibility to galaxy transformation processes within rich galaxy clusters. Direct evidence for these processes, however, has been difficult to obtain, with a small number of diffuse light trails and intra-cluster stars being the only signs of galaxy disruption. Furthermore, our current knowledge of dwarf galaxy populations may be very incomplete, because traditional galaxy surveys are insensitive to extremely diffuse or compact galaxies. Aware of these concerns, we recently undertook an all-object survey of the Fornax galaxy cluster. This revealed a new population of compact members, overlooked in previous conventional surveys. Here we demonstrate that these 'ultra-compact' dwarf galaxies are structurally and dynamically distinct from both globular star clusters and known types of dwarf galaxy, and thus represent a new class of dwarf galaxy. Our data are consistent with the interpretation that these are the remnant nuclei of disrupted dwarf galaxies, making them an easily observed tracer of galaxy disruption.

The temporal structure of behaviour and sleep homeostasis.

PubMed

Vyazovskiy, Vladyslav V; Tobler, Irene

2012-01-01

The amount and architecture of vigilance states are governed by two distinct processes, which occur at different time scales. The first, a slow one, is related to a wake/sleep dependent homeostatic Process S, which occurs on a time scale of hours, and is reflected in the dynamics of NREM sleep EEG slow-wave activity. The second, a fast one, is manifested in a regular alternation of two sleep states--NREM and REM sleep, which occur, in rodents, on a time scale of ~5-10 minutes. Neither the mechanisms underlying the time constants of these two processes--the slow one and the fast one, nor their functional significance are understood. Notably, both processes are primarily apparent during sleep, while their potential manifestation during wakefulness is obscured by ongoing behaviour. Here, we find, in mice provided with running wheels, that the two sleep processes become clearly apparent also during waking at the level of behavior and brain activity. Specifically, the slow process was manifested in the total duration of waking periods starting from dark onset, while the fast process was apparent in a regular occurrence of running bouts during the waking periods. The dynamics of both processes were stable within individual animals, but showed large interindividual variability. Importantly, the two processes were not independent: the periodic structure of waking behaviour (fast process) appeared to be a strong predictor of the capacity to sustain continuous wakefulness (slow process). The data indicate that the temporal organization of vigilance states on both the fast and the slow time scales may arise from a common neurophysiologic mechanism.

Dynamics of the exponential integrate-and-fire model with slow currents and adaptation.

PubMed

Barranca, Victor J; Johnson, Daniel C; Moyher, Jennifer L; Sauppe, Joshua P; Shkarayev, Maxim S; Kovačič, Gregor; Cai, David

2014-08-01

In order to properly capture spike-frequency adaptation with a simplified point-neuron model, we study approximations of Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) models including slow currents by exponential integrate-and-fire (EIF) models that incorporate the same types of currents. We optimize the parameters of the EIF models under the external drive consisting of AMPA-type conductance pulses using the current-voltage curves and the van Rossum metric to best capture the subthreshold membrane potential, firing rate, and jump size of the slow current at the neuron's spike times. Our numerical simulations demonstrate that, in addition to these quantities, the approximate EIF-type models faithfully reproduce bifurcation properties of the HH neurons with slow currents, which include spike-frequency adaptation, phase-response curves, critical exponents at the transition between a finite and infinite number of spikes with increasing constant external drive, and bifurcation diagrams of interspike intervals in time-periodically forced models. Dynamics of networks of HH neurons with slow currents can also be approximated by corresponding EIF-type networks, with the approximation being at least statistically accurate over a broad range of Poisson rates of the external drive. For the form of external drive resembling realistic, AMPA-like synaptic conductance response to incoming action potentials, the EIF model affords great savings of computation time as compared with the corresponding HH-type model. Our work shows that the EIF model with additional slow currents is well suited for use in large-scale, point-neuron models in which spike-frequency adaptation is important.

Rebased Global Mean Temperature comparisons between Global Climate Models and observed Global Mean Temperature: constraints and implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chapman, S. C.; Stainforth, D. A.; Watkins, N. W.

2017-12-01

One of the benchmarks of global climate models (GCMs) is that their slow, decadal or longer timescale variations in past changes in Global Mean Temperature (GMT) track each other [1] and the observed GMT reasonably closely. However, the different GCMs tend to generate GMT time-series which have absolute values that are offset with respect to each other by as much as 3 degrees [2]. Subtracting these offsets, or rebasing, is an integral part of comparisons between observed past GMT and the GMT anomalies generated by ensembles of GCMs. We will formalize how rebasing introduces constraints in how the GCMs are related to each other. The GMT of a given GCM is a macroscopic reduced variable that tracks a subset of the full information contained in the time evolving solution of that GCM. If the GMT slow timescale dynamics of different GCMs is to a good approximation the same subject to a linear translation, then the phenomenology captured by this dynamics is essentially linear. Feedbacks in the different models when expressed through GMT are then to leading order linear. It then follows that a linear energy balance evolution equation for GMT is sufficient to reproduce the slow timescale GMT dynamics, given the appropriate effective heat capacity and feedback parameters. As a consequence, the GMT timeseries future projections generated by the GCMs may underestimate the impact of, and uncertainty in, the outcomes of future forcing scenarios. The offset subtraction procedure identifies a slow time-scale dynamics in model generated GMT. Fluctuations on much faster timescales do not typically track each other from one GCM to another, with the exception of major forcing events such as volcanic eruptions. This suggests that the GMT time-series can be decomposed into a slow and fast timescale which naturally leads to stochastic reduced energy balance models for GMT. [1] IPCC Chapter 9 P743 and fig 9.8, IPCC TS.1 [2] see e.g. [Mauritsen et al., Tuning the Climate of a Global Model, Journal of Advances in Modelling Earth Systems, 2012]4, IPCC SPM.6

The Development of a Compact Refrigeration System using Metal Hydrides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bae, Sang-Chul; Ogawa, Masahito; Katsuta, Masafumi

The MH refrigeration systems are regarded as important and compact ones for solving energy and environmental issues. Our purposes are to develop the compact refrigeration system for the vending machine and the show case using MH, and to attain a refrigeration temperature of 243K by using a heat source of 403∼423K. The kinetics of MH hydriding and dehydriding reactions is of importance relative to their practical use as a refrigerator system. The kinetics of the reaction between hydrogen and MHHigh (Ti0.18Zr0.84Cr1.0FeO.7Mn0.3CuO.057)has been followed in this paper. A relatively rapid absorption of hydrogen takes place for values of relative composition to about 0.3∼0.4. It is evident that a hydrogen diffusion plays a minor role during this stage, as that part of the metal not covered by hydride is always in contact with hydrogen. The direct chemical reaction between the hydrogen and the exposed metal surface is therefore postulated as the rate-controlling process. The rate of the reaction then decreases, and for values of relative composition above about 0.8, the reaction becomes slow. After the metal particles have been completely covered by a hydride layer, the transport of materials through the layer by diffusion becomes rate controlling process

TGF-β-independent CTGF induction regulates cell adhesion mediated drug resistance by increasing collagen I in HCC.

PubMed

Song, Yeonhwa; Kim, Jin-Sun; Choi, Eun Kyung; Kim, Joon; Kim, Kang Mo; Seo, Haeng Ran

2017-03-28

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is resistant to conventional chemotherapeutic agents and remains an unmet medical need. Here, we demonstrate a mechanism of cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance using a variety of HCC spheroid models to overcome environment-mediated drug resistance in HCC. We classified spheroids into two groups, tightly compacted and loosely compacted aggregates, based on investigation of dynamics of spheroid formation. Our results show that compactness of HCC spheroids correlated with fibroblast-like characteristics, collagen 1A1 (COL1A1) content, and capacity for chemoresistance. We also showed that ablation of COL1A1 attenuated not only the capacity for compact-spheroid formation, but also chemoresistance. Generally, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) acts downstream of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and promotes collagen I fiber deposition in the tumor microenvironment. Importantly, we found that TGF-β-independent CTGF is upregulated and regulates cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance by inducing COL1A1 in tightly compacted HCC spheroids. Furthermore, losartan, which inhibits collagen I synthesis, impaired the compactness of spheroids via disruption of cell-cell contacts and increased the efficacy of anticancer therapeutics in HCC cell line- and HCC patient-derived tumor spheroids. These results strongly suggest functional roles for CTGF-induced collagen I expression in formation of compact spheroids and in evading anticancer therapies in HCC, and suggest that losartan, administered in combination with conventional chemotherapy, might be an effective treatment for liver cancer.

Overpressure generation by load transfer following shale framework weakening due to smectite diagenesis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lahann, R.W.; Swarbrick, R.E.

2011-01-01

Basin model studies which have addressed the importance of smectite conversion to illite as a source of overpressure in the Gulf of Mexico have principally relied on a single-shale compaction model and treated the smectite reaction as only a fluid-source term. Recent fluid pressure interpretation and shale petrology studies indicate that conversion of bound water to mobile water, dissolution of load-bearing grains, and increased preferred orientation change the compaction properties of the shale. This results in substantial changes in effective stress and fluid pressure. The resulting fluid pressure can be 1500-3000psi higher than pressures interpreted from models based on shallow compaction trends. Shale diagenesis changes the mineralogy, volume, and orientation of the load-bearing grains in the shale as well as the volume of bound water. This process creates a weaker (more compactable) grain framework. When these changes occur without fluid export from the shale, some of the stress is transferred from the grains onto the fluid. Observed relationships between shale density and calculated effective stress in Gulf of Mexico shelf wells confirm these changes in shale properties with depth. Further, the density-effective stress changes cannot be explained by fluid-expansion or fluid-source processes or by prediagenesis compaction, but are consistent with a dynamic diagenetic modification of the shale mineralogy, texture, and compaction properties during burial. These findings support the incorporation of diagenetic modification of compaction properties as part of the fluid pressure interpretation process. ?? 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Design and evaluation of a miniature laser speckle imaging device to assess gingival health

PubMed Central

Regan, Caitlin; White, Sean M.; Yang, Bruce Y.; Takesh, Thair; Ho, Jessica; Wink, Cherie; Wilder-Smith, Petra; Choi, Bernard

2016-01-01

Abstract. Current methods used to assess gingivitis are qualitative and subjective. We hypothesized that gingival perfusion measurements could provide a quantitative metric of disease severity. We constructed a compact laser speckle imaging (LSI) system that could be mounted in custom-made oral molds. Rigid fixation of the LSI system in the oral cavity enabled measurement of blood flow in the gingiva. In vitro validation performed in controlled flow phantoms demonstrated that the compact LSI system had comparable accuracy and linearity compared to a conventional bench-top LSI setup. In vivo validation demonstrated that the compact LSI system was capable of measuring expected blood flow dynamics during a standard postocclusive reactive hyperemia and that the compact LSI system could be used to measure gingival blood flow repeatedly without significant variation in measured blood flow values (p<0.05). Finally, compact LSI system measurements were collected from the interdental papilla of nine subjects and compared to a clinical assessment of gingival bleeding on probing. A statistically significant correlation (ρ=0.53; p<0.005) was found between these variables, indicating that quantitative gingival perfusion measurements performed using our system may aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of periodontal disease. PMID:27787545

Design and evaluation of a miniature laser speckle imaging device to assess gingival health

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Regan, Caitlin; White, Sean M.; Yang, Bruce Y.; Takesh, Thair; Ho, Jessica; Wink, Cherie; Wilder-Smith, Petra; Choi, Bernard

2016-10-01

Current methods used to assess gingivitis are qualitative and subjective. We hypothesized that gingival perfusion measurements could provide a quantitative metric of disease severity. We constructed a compact laser speckle imaging (LSI) system that could be mounted in custom-made oral molds. Rigid fixation of the LSI system in the oral cavity enabled measurement of blood flow in the gingiva. In vitro validation performed in controlled flow phantoms demonstrated that the compact LSI system had comparable accuracy and linearity compared to a conventional bench-top LSI setup. In vivo validation demonstrated that the compact LSI system was capable of measuring expected blood flow dynamics during a standard postocclusive reactive hyperemia and that the compact LSI system could be used to measure gingival blood flow repeatedly without significant variation in measured blood flow values (p<0.05). Finally, compact LSI system measurements were collected from the interdental papilla of nine subjects and compared to a clinical assessment of gingival bleeding on probing. A statistically significant correlation (ρ=0.53 p<0.005) was found between these variables, indicating that quantitative gingival perfusion measurements performed using our system may aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of periodontal disease.

Compact continuum brain model for human electroencephalogram

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, J. W.; Shin, H.-B.; Robinson, P. A.

2007-12-01

A low-dimensional, compact brain model has recently been developed based on physiologically based mean-field continuum formulation of electric activity of the brain. The essential feature of the new compact model is a second order time-delayed differential equation that has physiologically plausible terms, such as rapid corticocortical feedback and delayed feedback via extracortical pathways. Due to its compact form, the model facilitates insight into complex brain dynamics via standard linear and nonlinear techniques. The model successfully reproduces many features of previous models and experiments. For example, experimentally observed typical rhythms of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals are reproduced in a physiologically plausible parameter region. In the nonlinear regime, onsets of seizures, which often develop into limit cycles, are illustrated by modulating model parameters. It is also shown that a hysteresis can occur when the system has multiple attractors. As a further illustration of this approach, power spectra of the model are fitted to those of sleep EEGs of two subjects (one with apnea, the other with narcolepsy). The model parameters obtained from the fittings show good matches with previous literature. Our results suggest that the compact model can provide a theoretical basis for analyzing complex EEG signals.

A compact design for the Josephson mixer: The lumped element circuit

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pillet, J.-D.; Collège de France, 11 place Marcelin Berthelot, 75005 Paris; Flurin, E.

2015-06-01

We present a compact and efficient design in terms of gain, bandwidth, and dynamical range for the Josephson mixer, the superconducting circuit performing three-wave mixing at microwave frequencies. In an all lumped-element based circuit with galvanically coupled ports, we demonstrate nondegenerate amplification for microwave signals over a bandwidth up to 50 MHz for a power gain of 20 dB. The quantum efficiency of the mixer is shown to be about 70%, and its saturation power reaches −112 dBm.

A numerical study of the 2- and 3-dimensional unsteady Navier-Stokes equations in velocity-vorticity variables using compact difference schemes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gatski, T. B.; Grosch, C. E.

1984-01-01

A compact finite-difference approximation to the unsteady Navier-Stokes equations in velocity-vorticity variables is used to numerically simulate a number of flows. These include two-dimensional laminar flow of a vortex evolving over a flat plate with an embedded cavity, the unsteady flow over an elliptic cylinder, and aspects of the transient dynamics of the flow over a rearward facing step. The methodology required to extend the two-dimensional formulation to three-dimensions is presented.

A Compact 600 GHz Electronically Tunable Vector Measurement System for Submillimeter Wave Imaging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dengler, Robert J.; Maiwald, Frank; Siegel, Peter H.

2006-01-01

A compact submillimeter wave transmission / reflection measurement system has been demonstrated at 560-635 GHz, with electronic tuning over the entire band. Maximum dynamic range measured at a single frequency is 90 dB (60 dB typical), and phase noise is less than +/- 2(deg). By using a frequency steerable lens at the source output and mixer input, the frequency agility of the system can be used to scan the source and receive beams, resulting in near real-time imaging capability using only a single pixel.

Evaluation of vibration limits and mitigation techniques for urban construction : [summary].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-10-01

Construction activities such as pile driving and : dynamic compaction of loose soils induce ground : and structure vibrations. Their effects may annoy : local populations, disturb sensitive equipment, or : reduce structures serviceability and dura...

Simulation of FRET dyes allows quantitative comparison against experimental data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reinartz, Ines; Sinner, Claude; Nettels, Daniel; Stucki-Buchli, Brigitte; Stockmar, Florian; Panek, Pawel T.; Jacob, Christoph R.; Nienhaus, Gerd Ulrich; Schuler, Benjamin; Schug, Alexander

2018-03-01

Fully understanding biomolecular function requires detailed insight into the systems' structural dynamics. Powerful experimental techniques such as single molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) provide access to such dynamic information yet have to be carefully interpreted. Molecular simulations can complement these experiments but typically face limits in accessing slow time scales and large or unstructured systems. Here, we introduce a coarse-grained simulation technique that tackles these challenges. While requiring only few parameters, we maintain full protein flexibility and include all heavy atoms of proteins, linkers, and dyes. We are able to sufficiently reduce computational demands to simulate large or heterogeneous structural dynamics and ensembles on slow time scales found in, e.g., protein folding. The simulations allow for calculating FRET efficiencies which quantitatively agree with experimentally determined values. By providing atomically resolved trajectories, this work supports the planning and microscopic interpretation of experiments. Overall, these results highlight how simulations and experiments can complement each other leading to new insights into biomolecular dynamics and function.

Working memory dynamics bias the generation of beliefs: the influence of data presentation rate on hypothesis generation.

PubMed

Lange, Nicholas D; Thomas, Rick P; Buttaccio, Daniel R; Illingworth, David A; Davelaar, Eddy J

2013-02-01

Although temporal dynamics are inherent aspects of diagnostic tasks, few studies have investigated how various aspects of time course influence hypothesis generation. An experiment is reported that demonstrates that working memory dynamics operating during serial data acquisition bias hypothesis generation. The presentation rate (and order) of a sequence of serially presented symptoms was manipulated to be either fast (180 ms per symptom) or slow (1,500 ms per symptom) in a simulated medical diagnosis task. When the presentation rate was slow, participants chose the disease hypothesis consistent with the symptoms appearing later in the sequence. When the presentation rate was fast, however, participants chose the disease hypothesis consistent with the symptoms appearing earlier in the sequence, therefore representing a novel primacy effect. We predicted and account for this effect through competitive working memory dynamics governing information acquisition and the contribution of maintained information to the retrieval of hypotheses from long-term memory.

Determination of Protein Surface Hydration by Systematic Charge Mutations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jin; Jia, Menghui; Qin, Yangzhong; Wang, Dihao; Pan, Haifeng; Wang, Lijuan; Xu, Jianhua; Zhong, Dongping; Dongping Zhong Collaboration; Jianhua Xu Collaboration

Protein surface hydration is critical to its structural stability, flexibility, dynamics and function. Recent observations of surface solvation on picosecond time scales have evoked debate on the origin of such relatively slow motions, from hydration water or protein charged sidechains, especially with molecular dynamics simulations. Here, we used a unique nuclease with a single tryptophan as a local probe and systematically mutated neighboring three charged residues to differentiate the contributions from hydration water and charged sidechains. By mutations of alternative one and two and all three charged residues, we observed slight increases in the total tryptophan Stokes shifts with less neighboring charged residue(s) and found insensitivity of charged sidechains to the relaxation patterns. The dynamics is correlated with hydration water relaxation with the slowest time in a dense charged environment and the fastest time at a hydrophobic site. On such picosecond time scales, the protein surface motion is restricted. The total Stokes shifts are dominantly from hydration water relaxation and the slow dynamics is from water-driven relaxation, coupled with local protein fluctuations.

Ultrafast structural dynamics of boron nitride nanotubes studied using transmitted electrons.

PubMed

Li, Zhongwen; Sun, Shuaishuai; Li, Zi-An; Zhang, Ming; Cao, Gaolong; Tian, Huanfang; Yang, Huaixin; Li, Jianqi

2017-09-14

We investigate the ultrafast structural dynamics of multi-walled boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) upon femtosecond optical excitation using ultrafast electron diffraction in a transmission electron microscope. Analysis of the time-resolved (100) and (002) diffraction profiles reveals highly anisotropic lattice dynamics of BNNTs, which can be attributed to the distinct nature of the chemical bonds in the tubular structure. Moreover, the changes in (002) diffraction positions and intensities suggest that the lattice response of BNNTs to the femtosecond laser excitation involves a fast and a slow lattice dynamic process. The fast process with a time constant of about 8 picoseconds can be understood to be a result of electron-phonon coupling, while the slow process with a time constant of about 100 to 300 picoseconds depending on pump laser fluence is tentatively associated with an Auger recombination effect. In addition, we discuss the power-law relationship of a three-photon absorption process in the BNNT nanoscale system.

Reflections on the nature of non-linear responses of the climate to forcing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ditlevsen, Peter

2017-04-01

On centennial to multi-millennial time scales the paleoclimatic record shows that climate responds in a very non-linear way to the external forcing. Perhaps most puzzling is the change in glacial period duration at the Middle Pleistocene Transition. From a dynamical systems perspective, this could be a change in frequency locking between the orbital forcing and the climatic response or it could be a non-linear resonance phenomenon. In both cases the climate system shows a non-trivial oscillatory behaviour. From the records it seems that this behaviour can be described by an effective dynamics on a low-dimensional slow manifold. These different possible dynamical behaviours will be discussed. References: Arianna Marchionne, Peter Ditlevsen, and Sebastian Wieczorek, "Three types of nonlinear resonances", arXiv:1605.00858 Peter Ashwin and Peter Ditlevsen, "The middle Pleistocene transition as a generic bifurcation on a slow manifold", Climate Dynamics, 45, 2683, 2015. Peter D. Ditlevsen, "The bifurcation structure and noise assisted transitions in the Pleistocene glacial cycles", Paleoceanography, 24, PA3204, 2009

Reactive transport under stress: Permeability evolution in deformable porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roded, R.; Paredes, X.; Holtzman, R.

2018-07-01

We study reactive transport in a stressed porous media, where dissolution of the solid matrix causes two simultaneous, competing effects: pore enlargement due to chemical deformation, and pore compaction due to mechanical weakening. We use a novel, mechanistic pore-scale model to simulate flooding of a sample under fixed confining stress. Our simulations show that increasing the stress inhibits the permeability enhancement, increasing the injected volume required to reach a certain permeability, in agreement with recent experiments. We explain this behavior by stress concentration downstream, in the less dissolved (hence stiffer) outlet region. As this region is also less conductive, even its small compaction has a strong bottleneck effect that curbs the permeability. Our results also elucidate that the impact of stress depends on the dissolution regime. Under wormholing conditions (slow injection, i.e. high Damkohler number, Da), the development of a sharp dissolution front and high porosity contrast accentuates the bottleneck effect. This reduces transport heterogeneity, promoting wormhole competition. Once the outlet starts eroding, the extreme focusing of transport and hence dissolution-characteristic of wormholing-becomes dominant, diminishing the bottleneck effect and hence the impact of stress at breakthrough. In contrast, at high flow rates (low Da), incomplete reaction upstream allows some of the reactant to traverse the sample, causing a more uniform dissolution. The continuous dissolution and its partial counteraction by compaction at the outlet provides a steady, gradual increase in the effect of stress. Consequently, the impact of stress is more pronounced at high Da during early stages (low permeability), and at low Da close breakthrough. Our work promotes understanding of the interplay between dissolution and compaction and its effect on the hydromechanical property evolution, with important implications for processes ranging from diagenesis and weathering of rocks, to well stimulation and carbon sequestration.

Fractal cometary dust - a window into the early Solar system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mannel, T.; Bentley, M. S.; Schmied, R.; Jeszenszky, H.; Levasseur-Regourd, A. C.; Romstedt, J.; Torkar, K.

2016-11-01

The properties of dust in the protoplanetary disc are key to understanding the formation of planets in our Solar system. Many models of dust growth predict the development of fractal structures which evolve into non-fractal, porous dust pebbles representing the main component for planetesimal accretion. In order to understand comets and their origins, the Rosetta orbiter followed comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko for over two years and carried a dedicated instrument suite for dust analysis. One of these instruments, the MIDAS (Micro-Imaging Dust Analysis System) atomic force microscope, recorded the 3D topography of micro- to nanometre-sized dust. All particles analysed to date have been found to be hierarchical agglomerates. Most show compact packing; however, one is extremely porous. This paper contains a structural description of a compact aggregate and the outstanding porous one. Both particles are tens of micrometres in size and show rather narrow subunit size distributions with noticeably similar mean values of 1.48^{+0.13}_{-0.59} μm for the porous particle and 1.36^{+0.15}_{-0.59} μm for the compact. The porous particle allows a fractal analysis, where a density-density correlation function yields a fractal dimension of Df = 1.70 ± 0.1. GIADA, another dust analysis instrument on board Rosetta, confirms the existence of a dust population with a similar fractal dimension. The fractal particles are interpreted as pristine agglomerates built in the protoplanetary disc and preserved in the comet. The similar subunits of both fractal and compact dust indicate a common origin which is, given the properties of the fractal, dominated by slow agglomeration of equally sized aggregates known as cluster-cluster agglomeration.

The Evolution of the Globular Cluster System in a Triaxial Galaxy: Can a Galactic Nucleus Form by Globular Cluster Capture?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capuzzo-Dolcetta, Roberto

1993-10-01

Among the possible phenomena inducing evolution of the globular cluster system in an elliptical galaxy, dynamical friction due to field stars and tidal disruption caused by a central nucleus is of crucial importance. The aim of this paper is the study of the evolution of the globular cluster system in a triaxial galaxy in the presence of these phenomena. In particular, the possibility is examined that some galactic nuclei have been formed by frictionally decayed globular clusters moving in a triaxial potential. We find that the initial rapid growth of the nucleus, due mainly to massive clusters on box orbits falling in a short time scale into the galactic center, is later slowed by tidal disruption induced by the nucleus itself on less massive clusters in the way described by Ostriker, Binney, and Saha. The efficiency of dynamical friction is such to carry to the center of the galaxy enough globular cluster mass available to form a compact nucleus, but the actual modes and results of cluster-cluster encounters in the central potential well are complicated phenomena which remains to be investigated. The mass of the resulting nucleus is determined by the mutual feedback of the described processes, together with the initial spatial, velocity, and mass distributions of the globular cluster family. The effect on the system mass function is studied, showing the development of a low- and high-mass turnover even with an initially flat mass function. Moreover, in this paper is discussed the possibility that the globular cluster fall to the galactic center has been a cause of primordial violent galactic activity. An application of the model to M31 is presented.

Recent advances in symmetric and network dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golubitsky, Martin; Stewart, Ian

2015-09-01

We summarize some of the main results discovered over the past three decades concerning symmetric dynamical systems and networks of dynamical systems, with a focus on pattern formation. In both of these contexts, extra constraints on the dynamical system are imposed, and the generic phenomena can change. The main areas discussed are time-periodic states, mode interactions, and non-compact symmetry groups such as the Euclidean group. We consider both dynamics and bifurcations. We summarize applications of these ideas to pattern formation in a variety of physical and biological systems, and explain how the methods were motivated by transferring to new contexts René Thom's general viewpoint, one version of which became known as "catastrophe theory." We emphasize the role of symmetry-breaking in the creation of patterns. Topics include equivariant Hopf bifurcation, which gives conditions for a periodic state to bifurcate from an equilibrium, and the H/K theorem, which classifies the pairs of setwise and pointwise symmetries of periodic states in equivariant dynamics. We discuss mode interactions, which organize multiple bifurcations into a single degenerate bifurcation, and systems with non-compact symmetry groups, where new technical issues arise. We transfer many of the ideas to the context of networks of coupled dynamical systems, and interpret synchrony and phase relations in network dynamics as a type of pattern, in which space is discretized into finitely many nodes, while time remains continuous. We also describe a variety of applications including animal locomotion, Couette-Taylor flow, flames, the Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction, binocular rivalry, and a nonlinear filter based on anomalous growth rates for the amplitude of periodic oscillations in a feed-forward network.

Ultra-Slow Dielectric Relaxation Process in Polyols

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yomogida, Yoshiki; Minoguchi, Ayumi; Nozaki, Ryusuke

2004-04-01

Dielectric relaxation processes with relaxation times larger than that for the structural α process are reported for glycerol, xylitol, sorbitol and their mixtures for the first time. Appearance of this ultra-slow process depends on cooling rate. More rapid cooling gives larger dielectric relaxation strength. However, relaxation time is not affected by cooling rate and shows non-Arrhenius temperature dependence with correlation to the α process. It can be considered that non-equilibrium dynamic structure causes the ultra-slow process. Scale of such structure would be much larger than that of the region for the cooperative molecular orientations for the α process.

Engineering dynamical control of cell fate switching using synthetic phospho-regulons

PubMed Central

Gordley, Russell M.; Williams, Reid E.; Bashor, Caleb J.; Toettcher, Jared E.; Yan, Shude; Lim, Wendell A.

2016-01-01

Many cells can sense and respond to time-varying stimuli, selectively triggering changes in cell fate only in response to inputs of a particular duration or frequency. A common motif in dynamically controlled cells is a dual-timescale regulatory network: although long-term fate decisions are ultimately controlled by a slow-timescale switch (e.g., gene expression), input signals are first processed by a fast-timescale signaling layer, which is hypothesized to filter what dynamic information is efficiently relayed downstream. Directly testing the design principles of how dual-timescale circuits control dynamic sensing, however, has been challenging, because most synthetic biology methods have focused solely on rewiring transcriptional circuits, which operate at a single slow timescale. Here, we report the development of a modular approach for flexibly engineering phosphorylation circuits using designed phospho-regulon motifs. By then linking rapid phospho-feedback with slower downstream transcription-based bistable switches, we can construct synthetic dual-timescale circuits in yeast in which the triggering dynamics and the end-state properties of the ON state can be selectively tuned. These phospho-regulon tools thus open up the possibility to engineer cells with customized dynamical control. PMID:27821768

Three-dimensional organization of otolith-ocular reflexes in rhesus monkeys. I. Linear acceleration responses during off-vertical axis rotation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Angelaki, D. E.; Hess, B. J.

1996-01-01

1. The dynamic properties of otolith-ocular reflexes elicited by sinusoidal linear acceleration along the three cardinal head axes were studied during off-vertical axis rotations in rhesus monkeys. As the head rotates in space at constant velocity about an off-vertical axis, otolith-ocular reflexes are elicited in response to the sinusoidally varying linear acceleration (gravity) components along the interaural, nasooccipital, or vertical head axis. Because the frequency of these sinusoidal stimuli is proportional to the velocity of rotation, rotation at low and moderately fast speeds allows the study of the mid-and low-frequency dynamics of these otolith-ocular reflexes. 2. Animals were rotated in complete darkness in the yaw, pitch, and roll planes at velocities ranging between 7.4 and 184 degrees/s. Accordingly, otolith-ocular reflexes (manifested as sinusoidal modulations in eye position and/or slow-phase eye velocity) were quantitatively studied for stimulus frequencies ranging between 0.02 and 0.51 Hz. During yaw and roll rotation, torsional, vertical, and horizontal slow-phase eye velocity was sinusoidally modulated as a function of head position. The amplitudes of these responses were symmetric for rotations in opposite directions. In contrast, mainly vertical slow-phase eye velocity was modulated during pitch rotation. This modulation was asymmetric for rotations in opposite direction. 3. Each of these response components in a given rotation plane could be associated with an otolith-ocular response vector whose sensitivity, temporal phase, and spatial orientation were estimated on the basis of the amplitude and phase of sinusoidal modulations during both directions of rotation. Based on this analysis, which was performed either for slow-phase eye velocity alone or for total eye excursion (including both slow and fast eye movements), two distinct response patterns were observed: 1) response vectors with pronounced dynamics and spatial/temporal properties that could be characterized as the low-frequency range of "translational" otolith-ocular reflexes; and 2) response vectors associated with an eye position modulation in phase with head position ("tilt" otolith-ocular reflexes). 4. The responses associated with two otolith-ocular vectors with pronounced dynamics consisted of horizontal eye movements evoked as a function of gravity along the interaural axis and vertical eye movements elicited as a function of gravity along the vertical head axis. Both responses were characterized by a slow-phase eye velocity sensitivity that increased three- to five-fold and large phase changes of approximately 100-180 degrees between 0.02 and 0.51 Hz. These dynamic properties could suggest nontraditional temporal processing in utriculoocular and sacculoocular pathways, possibly involving spatiotemporal otolith-ocular interactions. 5. The two otolith-ocular vectors associated with eye position responses in phase with head position (tilt otolith-ocular reflexes) consisted of torsional eye movements in response to gravity along the interaural axis, and vertical eye movements in response to gravity along the nasooccipital head axis. These otolith-ocular responses did not result from an otolithic effect on slow eye movements alone. Particularly at high frequencies (i.e., high speed rotations), saccades were responsible for most of the modulation of torsional and vertical eye position, which was relatively large (on average +/- 8-10 degrees/g) and remained independent of frequency. Such reflex dynamics can be simulated by a direct coupling of primary otolith afferent inputs to the oculomotor plant. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED).

Cerebellar ataxia: abnormal control of interaction torques across multiple joints.

PubMed

Bastian, A J; Martin, T A; Keating, J G; Thach, W T

1996-07-01

1. We studied seven subjects with cerebellar lesions and seven control subjects as they made reaching movements in the sagittal plane to a target directly in front of them. Reaches were made under three different conditions: 1) "slow-accurate," 2) "fast-accurate," and 3) "fast as possible." All subjects were videotaped moving in a sagittal plane with markers on the index finger, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Marker positions were digitized and then used to calculate joint angles. For each of the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints, inverse dynamics equations based on a three-segment limb model were used to estimate the net torque (sum of components) and each of the component torques. The component torques consisted of the torque due to gravity, the dynamic interaction torques induced passively by the movement of the adjacent joint, and the torque produced by the muscles and passive tissue elements (sometimes called "residual" torque). 2. A kinematic analysis of the movement trajectory and the change in joint angles showed that the reaches of subjects with cerebellar lesions were abnormal compared with reaches of control subjects. In both the slow-accurate and fast-accurate conditions the cerebellar subjects made abnormally curved wrist paths; the curvature was greater in the slow-accurate condition. During the slow-accurate condition, cerebellar subjects showed target undershoot and tended to move one joint at a time (decomposition). During the fast-accurate reaches, the cerebellar subjects showed target overshoot. Additionally, in the fast-accurate condition, cerebellar subjects moved the joints at abnormal rates relative to one another, but the movements were less decomposed. Only three subjects were tested in the fast as possible condition; this condition was analyzed only to determine maximal reaching speeds of subjects with cerebellar lesions. Cerebellar subjects moved more slowly than controls in all three conditions. 3. A kinetic analysis of torques generated at each joint during the slow-accurate reaches and the fast-accurate reaches revealed that subjects with cerebellar lesions produced very different torque profiles compared with control subjects. In the slow-accurate condition, the cerebellar subjects produced abnormal elbow muscle torques that prevented the normal elbow extension early in the reach. In the fast-accurate condition, the cerebellar subjects produced inappropriate levels of shoulder muscle torque and also produced elbow muscle torques that did not very appropriately with the dynamic interaction torques that occurred at the elbow. Lack of appropriate muscle torque resulted in excessive contributions of the dynamic interaction torque during the fast-accurate reaches. 4. The inability to produce muscle torques that predict, accommodate, and compensate for the dynamic interaction torques appears to be an important cause of the classic kinematic deficits shown by cerebellar subjects during attempted reaching. These kinematic deficits include incoordination of the shoulder and the elbow joints, a curved trajectory, and overshoot. In the fast-accurate condition, cerebellar subjects often made inappropriate muscle torques relative to the dynamic interaction torques. Because of this, interaction torques often determined the pattern of incoordination of the elbow and shoulder that produced the curved trajectory and target overshoot. In the slow-accurate condition, we reason that the cerebellar subjects may use a decomposition strategy so as to simplify the movement and not have to control both joints simultaneously. From these results, we suggest that a major role of the cerebellum is in generating muscle torques at a joint that will predict the interaction torques being generated by other moving joints and compensate for them as they occur.

Dynamics of low- and high-Z metal ions emitted during nanosecond laser-produced plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elsied, Ahmed M.; Diwakar, Prasoon K.; Polek, Mathew; Hassanein, Ahmed

2016-11-01

Dynamics of metal ions during laser-produced plasmas was studied. A 1064 nm, Nd: YAG laser pulse was used to ablate pure Al, Fe, Co, Mo, and Sn samples. Ion flux and velocity were measured using Faraday cup ion collector. Time-of-flight measurements showed decreasing ion flux and ion velocity with increasing atomic weight, and heavy metal ion flux profile exhibited multiple peaks that was not observed in lighter metals. Slow peak was found to follow shifted Maxwell Boltzmann distribution, while the fast peak was found to follow Gaussian distribution. Ion flux angular distribution that was carried out on Mo and Al using fixed laser intensity 2.5 × 1010 W/cm2 revealed that the slow ion flux peaks at small angles, that is, close to normal to the target ˜0° independent of target's atomic weight, and fast ion flux for Mo peaks at large angles ˜40° measured from the target normal, while it completely absents for Al. This difference in spatial and temporal distribution reveals that the emission mechanism of the fast and slow ions is different. From the slow ion flux angular distribution, the measured plume expansion ratio (plume forward peaking) was 1.90 and 2.10 for Al and Mo, respectively. Moreover, the effect of incident laser intensity on the ion flux emission as well as the emitted ion velocity were investigated using laser intensities varying from 2.5 × 1010 W/cm2 to 1.0 × 1011 W/cm2. Linear increase of fast ion flux and velocity, and quadratic increase of slow ion flux and velocity were observed. For further understanding of plume dynamics, laser optical emission spectroscopy was used to characterize Sn plasma by measuring the temporal and spatial evolution of plasma electron density Ne and electron temperature Te. At 3.5 mm away from the target, plasma density showed slow decrease with time, however electron temperature was observed to decrease dramatically. The maximum plasma density and temperature occurred at 0.5 mm away from target and were measured to be 8.0 × 1017 cm-3 and 1.3 eV, respectively.

Structural control of the upper plate on the down-dip segmentation of subduction dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Q.; Barbot, S.; Karato, S. I.; Shibazaki, B.; Matsuzawa, T.; Tapponnier, P.

2017-12-01

The geodetic and seismic discoveries of slow earthquakes in subduction zones have provided the observational evidence for the existence of the transition between megathrust earthquakes and the creeping behaviors. However, the mechanics behind slow earthquakes, and the period differential motion between the subducting slab and the overlying plate below the seismogenic zone, remain controversial. In Nankai subduction zone, the very-low-frequency earthquakes (VLFE), megathrust earthquakes, long-term slow earthquakes (duration of months or years) and the episodic tremor and slip zone (ETS) are located within the accretionary prism, the continental upper crust, the continental lower crust and the upmost mantle of the overriding plate, respectively. We use the rate-and-state friction law to simulate the periodic occurrence of VLFEs, megathrust earthquakes and the tremors in the ETS zone because of relatively high rock strength within these depth ranges. However, it is not feasible to use frictional instabilities to explain the long-term slow earthquakes in the lower crust where the ductile rock physics plays a significant role in the large-scale deformation. Here, our numerical simulations show that slow earthquakes at the depth of the lower crust may be the results of plastic instabilities in a finite volume of ductile material accompanying by the grain-size evolution. As the thickness of the fault zone increases with depth, deformation becomes distributed and the dynamic equilibrium of grain size, as a competition between thermally activated grain growth and damage-related grain size reduction, results in cycles of strain acceleration and strain deficit. In addition, we took into account the elevated pore pressure in the accretinary prism which is associated with small stress drop and low-frequency content of VLFEs and may contribute to the occurrence of tsunamigenic earthquakes. Hence, in our numerical simulations for the plate boundary system in Nankai, the down-sip segmentation of the subduction dynamic is attributed to the upper plate structure that vary with depth. The high pore pressure, grain-size evolution and alternation of the rock physics may explain the existence and the periodicity of different slow earthquakes from shallow to deep regions in the subduction zone.

The S-Web Model for the Sources of the Slow Solar Wind

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Antiochos, Spiro K.; Karpen, Judith T.; DeVore, C. Richard

2012-01-01

Models for the origin of the slow solar wind must account for two seemingly contradictory observations: The slow wind has the composition of the closed-field corona, implying that it originates from the continuous opening and closing of flux at the boundary between open and closed field. On the other hand, the slow wind has large angular width, up to 60 degrees, suggesting that its source extends far from the open-closed boundary. We describe a model that can explain both observations. The key idea is that the source of the slow wind at the Sun is a network of narrow (possibly singular) open-field corridors that map to a web of separatrices (the S-Web) and quasi-separatrix layers in the heliosphere. We discuss the dynamics of the S-Web model and its implications for present observations and for the upcoming observations from Solar Orbiter and Solar Probe Plus.

High-Temperature Slow Crack Growth of Silicon Carbide Determined by Constant-Stress-Rate and Constant-Stress Testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Sung H.; Salem, J. A.; Nemeth, N. N.

1998-01-01

High-temperature slow-crack-growth behaviour of hot-pressed silicon carbide was determined using both constant-stress-rate ("dynamic fatigue") and constant-stress ("static fatigue") testing in flexure at 1300 C in air. Slow crack growth was found to be a governing mechanism associated with failure of the material. Four estimation methods such as the individual data, the Weibull median, the arithmetic mean and the median deviation methods were used to determine the slow crack growth parameters. The four estimation methods were in good agreement for the constant-stress-rate testing with a small variation in the slow-crack-growth parameter, n, ranging from 28 to 36. By contrast, the variation in n between the four estimation methods was significant in the constant-stress testing with a somewhat wide range of n= 16 to 32.

Boussinesq approximation of the Cahn-Hilliard-Navier-Stokes equations.

PubMed

Vorobev, Anatoliy

2010-11-01

We use the Cahn-Hilliard approach to model the slow dissolution dynamics of binary mixtures. An important peculiarity of the Cahn-Hilliard-Navier-Stokes equations is the necessity to use the full continuity equation even for a binary mixture of two incompressible liquids due to dependence of mixture density on concentration. The quasicompressibility of the governing equations brings a short time-scale (quasiacoustic) process that may not affect the slow dynamics but may significantly complicate the numerical treatment. Using the multiple-scale method we separate the physical processes occurring on different time scales and, ultimately, derive the equations with the filtered-out quasiacoustics. The derived equations represent the Boussinesq approximation of the Cahn-Hilliard-Navier-Stokes equations. This approximation can be further employed as a universal theoretical model for an analysis of slow thermodynamic and hydrodynamic evolution of the multiphase systems with strongly evolving and diffusing interfacial boundaries, i.e., for the processes involving dissolution/nucleation, evaporation/condensation, solidification/melting, polymerization, etc.

Coupling of Fast and Slow Modes in the Reaction Pathway of the Minimal Hammerhead Ribozyme Cleavage

PubMed Central

Radhakrishnan, Ravi

2007-01-01

By employing classical molecular dynamics, correlation analysis of coupling between slow and fast dynamical modes, and free energy (umbrella) sampling using classical as well as mixed quantum mechanics molecular mechanics force fields, we uncover a possible pathway for phosphoryl transfer in the self-cleaving reaction of the minimal hammerhead ribozyme. The significance of this pathway is that it initiates from the minimal hammerhead crystal structure and describes the reaction landscape as a conformational rearrangement followed by a covalent transformation. The delineated mechanism is catalyzed by two metal (Mg2+) ions, proceeds via an in-line-attack by CYT 17 O2′ on the scissile phosphorous (ADE 1.1 P), and is therefore consistent with the experimentally observed inversion configuration. According to the delineated mechanism, the coupling between slow modes involving the hammerhead backbone with fast modes in the cleavage site appears to be crucial for setting up the in-line nucleophilic attack. PMID:17545240

Slow Dynamics and Strength Recovery in Unconsolidated Granular Earth Materials: A Mechanistic Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lieou, Charles K. C.; Daub, Eric G.; Ecke, Robert E.; Johnson, Paul A.

2017-10-01

Rock materials often display long-time relaxation, commonly termed aging or "slow dynamics," after the cessation of acoustic perturbations. In this paper, we focus on unconsolidated rock materials and propose to explain such nonlinear relaxation through the shear-transformation-zone theory of granular media, adapted for small stresses and strains. The theory attributes the observed relaxation to the slow, irreversible change of positions of constituent grains and posits that the aging process can be described in three stages: fast recovery before some characteristic time associated with the subset of local plastic events or grain rearrangements with a short time scale, log linear recovery of the elastic modulus at intermediate times, and gradual turnover to equilibrium steady state behavior at long times. We demonstrate good agreement with experiments on aging in granular materials such as simulated fault gouge after an external disturbance. These results may provide insights into observed modulus recovery after strong shaking in the near surface region of earthquake zones.

Uncertain dynamical systems: A differential game approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gutman, S.

1976-01-01

A class of dynamical systems in a conflict situation is formulated and discussed, and the formulation is applied to the study of an important class of systems in the presence of uncertainty. The uncertainty is deterministic and the only assumption is that its value belongs to a known compact set. Asymptotic stability is fully discussed with application to variable structure and model reference control systems.

Uncertainty in Damage Detection, Dynamic Propagation and Just-in-Time Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-03

estimated parameter uncertainty in dynamic data sets; high order compact finite difference schemes for Helmholtz equations with discontinuous wave numbers...delay differential equations with a Gamma distributed delay. We found that with the same population size the histogram plots for the solution to the...schemes for Helmholtz equations with discontinuous wave numbers across interfaces. • We carried out numerical sensitivity analysis with respect to

Molecular dynamics investigation of dynamical heterogeneity and local structure in the supercooled liquid and glass states of Al

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Maozhi; Wang, Cai-Zhuang; Mendelev, Mikhail I.; Ho, Kai-Ming

2008-05-01

Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to study the structure and dynamical heterogeneity in the liquid and glass states of Al using a frequently employed embedded atom potential. While the pair correlation function of the glass and liquid states displays only minor differences, the icosahedral short-range order (ISRO) and the dynamics of the two states are very different. The ISRO is much stronger in the glass than in the liquid. It is also found that both the most mobile and the most immobile atoms in the glass state tend to form clusters, and the clusters formed by the immobile atoms are more compact. In order to investigate the local environment of each atom in the liquid and glass states, a local density is defined to characterize the local atomic packing. There is a strong correlation between the local packing density and the mobility of the atoms. These results indicate that dynamical heterogeneity in glasses is directly correlated to the local structure. We also analyze the diffusion mechanisms of atoms in the liquid and glass states. It is found that for the mobile atoms in the glass state, initially they are confined in the cages formed by their nearest neighbors and vibrating. On the time scale of β relaxation, the mobile atoms try to break up the cage confinement and hop into new cages. In the supercooled liquid states, however, atoms continuously diffuse. Furthermore, it is found that on the time scale of β relaxation, some of the mobile atoms in the glass state cooperatively hop, which is facilitated by the stringlike cluster structures. On the longer time scale, it is found that a certain fraction of atoms can simultaneously hop, although they are not nearest neighbors. Further analysis shows that these hopping atoms form big and more compact clusters than the characterized most mobile atoms. The cooperative rearrangement of these big compact clusters might facilitate the simultaneous hopping of atoms in the glass states on the long time scale.

Physically detached 'compact groups'

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hernquist, Lars; Katz, Neal; Weinberg, David H.

1995-01-01

A small fraction of galaxies appear to reside in dense compact groups, whose inferred crossing times are much shorter than a Hubble time. These short crossing times have led to considerable disagreement among researchers attempting to deduce the dynamical state of these systems. In this paper, we suggest that many of the observed groups are not physically bound but are chance projections of galaxies well separated along the line of sight. Unlike earlier similar proposals, ours does not require that the galaxies in the compact group be members of a more diffuse, but physically bound entity. The probability of physically separated galaxies projecting into an apparent compact group is nonnegligible if most galaxies are distributed in thin filaments. We illustrate this general point with a specific example: a simulation of a cold dark matter universe, in which hydrodynamic effects are included to identify galaxies. The simulated galaxy distribution is filamentary and end-on views of these filaments produce apparent galaxy associations that have sizes and velocity dispersions similar to those of observed compact groups. The frequency of such projections is sufficient, in principle, to explain the observed space density of groups in the Hickson catalog. We discuss the implications of our proposal for the formation and evolution of groups and elliptical galaxies. The proposal can be tested by using redshift-independent distance estimators to measure the line-of-sight spatial extent of nearby compact groups.

Shock-induced compaction of nanoparticle layers into nanostructured coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayer, Alexander E.; Ebel, Andrei A.

2017-10-01

A new process of shock wave consolidation of nanoparticles into a nanocrystalline coating is theoretically considered. In the proposed scheme, the nanoparticle layers, which are attached to the substrate surface by adhesion, are compacted by plane ultra-short shock waves coming from the substrate. The initial adhesion is self-arisen at any contact between the nanoparticles without a pre-compression. The absence of the nanoparticle ejections due to the shock wave action is connected with the strong adhesive forces, which allow nanoparticles to be attached to each other and to substrate while they are being compacted; this should be valid for small enough nanoparticles. Severe plastic deformation of the nanoparticles and the increased temperature due to collapse of voids between them facilitate their compaction into the monolithic nanocrystalline layer. We consider the examples of Cu and Ni nanoparticles on Al substrate using molecular dynamic simulations. We show the efficiency of the action of multiple shock waves with the duration in the range 2-20 ps and the amplitude in the range 4-12 GPa for sequential layerwise compaction of nanoparticles. A series of shock waves can be created by a repetitive powerful pulsed laser irradiation of the opposite surface of the substrate. The method offers the challenge for the formation of nanostructured coatings of various compositions. The thickness of the compacted nanocrystalline coating can be locally varied and controlled by the number of acting pulses.

[Cardiopulmonary dynamics during a maximal exertion test in Mexican endurance athletes].

PubMed

Padilla, J; Martínez, E; Olvera, G; Ojeda Cruz, P; Caudillo Pérez, D

2000-01-01

To search for cardiopulmonary (CP) kinetic and dynamic differences between Mexican resistance athletes (RES = 10) and non athletes (NON = 19). From the expired volume (Ve), measured by an open circuit spirometry, we calculated both VO2 and VCO2 during stress test while the volunteer pedalled seated on an electronic cycloergometer that started at 50 W.2 min-1 followed by increments of 25 W.2 min-1 each, until VO2máx was reached. The exercise transient time course (min) response (VO2, VCO2, Ve and heart rate, HR; and also O2 pulse, PulO2) was transformed to seconds and modelled by computer using linear regression technique by the interactive minimum squares method, and the mean response time (MRT) was used as an overall kinetic CP parameter. The transient MRTs for VO2, VCO2 and Ve were slow in RES compared to NON. While the transient CP dynamics in NON lasted MRT_VO2 < (MRT_PulO2, MRT_FC) < MRT_VCO2 < MRT_Ve; the RES: both MRT_PulO2 and MRT_HR shifted to the right ((MRT_VO2, MRT_VCO2) < (MRT_PulO2, MRT_FC) < MRT_Ve). The relationships between the best sport profit mean velocity and both the MRT_VO2, MRT_VCO2 and MRT_PulO2 (GEK = gas exchange kinetics) showed fast_RES and slow_GEK, and slow_RES and fast_GEK. The transient CP kinetics was slow in RES compared NON. It is possible to distinguish cardiopulmonary kinetic differences among resistance athletes holding different sport profiles.

New broadband square-law detector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reid, M. S.; Gardner, R. A.; Stelzried, C. T.

1975-01-01

Compact device has wide dynamic range, accurate square-law response, good thermal stability, high-level dc output with immunity to ground-loop problems, ability to insert known time constants for radiometric applications, and fast response times compatible with computer systems.

Dynamically hot galaxies. I - Structural properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bender, Ralf; Burstein, David; Faber, S. M.

1992-01-01

Results are reported from an analysis of the structural properties of dynamically hot galaxies which combines central velocity dispersion, effective surface brightness, and effective radius into a new 3-space (k), in which the axes are parameters that are physically meaningful. Hot galaxies are found to divide into groups in k-space that closely parallel conventional morphological classifications, namely, luminous ellipticals, compacts, bulges, bright dwarfs, and dwarf spheroidals. A major sequence is defined by luminous ellipticals, bulges, and most compacts, which together constitute a smooth continuum in k-space. Several properties vary smoothly with mass along this continuum, including bulge-to-disk ratio, radio properties, rotation, degree of velocity anisotropy, and 'unrelaxed'. A second major sequence is comprised of dwarf ellipticals and dwarf spheroidals. It is suggested that mass loss is a major factor in hot dwarf galaxies, but the dwarf sequence cannot be simply a mass-loss sequence, as it has the wrong direction in k-space.

Compact stochastic models for multidimensional quasiballistic thermal transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vermeersch, Bjorn

2016-11-01

The Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) has proven indispensable in elucidating quasiballistic heat dynamics. The experimental observations of nondiffusive thermal transients, however, are interpreted almost exclusively through purely diffusive formalisms that merely extract "effective" Fourier conductivities. Here, we build upon stochastic transport theory to provide a characterisation framework that blends the rich physics contained within the BTE solutions with the convenience of conventional analyses. The multidimensional phonon dynamics are described in terms of an isotropic Poissonian flight process with a rigorous Fourier-Laplace single pulse response P (ξ → ,s )=1 /[s +ψ(∥ ξ → ∥ )] . The spatial propagator ψ(∥ ξ → ∥ ) , unlike commonly reconstructed mean free path spectra κΣ(Λ) , serves as a genuine thermal blueprint of the medium that can be identified in a compact form directly from the raw measurement signals. Practical illustrations for transient thermal grating and time domain thermoreflectance experiments on respectively GaAs and InGaAs are provided.

Melt infiltration of silicon carbide compacts. I - Study of infiltration dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Asthana, Rajiv; Rohatgi, Pradeep K.

1992-01-01

Countergravity, pressure-assisted infiltration with a 2014 Al alloy of suitably tamped porous compacts of platelet shaped single crystals of alpha (hexagonal) silicon carbide was used to measure particulate wettability and infiltration kinetics under dynamic conditions relevant to pressure casting of composites. A threshold pressure P(th) for ingression of the infiltrant was identified based on the experimental penetration length versus pressure profiles for a range of experimental variables which included infiltration pressure, infiltration time, SiC size and SiC surface chemistry. The results showed that P(th) decreased whereas the penetration length increased with increasing SiC size and infiltration time. Cu-coated SiC led to lower P(th) and larger penetration lengths compared to uncoated SiC under identical conditions. These observations have been discussed in the light of theoretical models of infiltration and the kinetics of wetting.

A study of metal-ceramic wettability in SiC-Al using dynamic melt infiltration of SiC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Asthana, R.; Rohatgi, P. K.

1993-01-01

Pressure-assisted infiltration with a 2014 Al alloy of plain and Cu-coated single crystal platelets of alpha silicon carbide was used to study particulate wettability under dynamic conditions relevant to pressure casting of metal-matrix composites. The total penetration length of infiltrant metal in porous compacts was measured at the conclusion of solidification as a function of pressure, infiltration time, and SiC size for both plain and Cu-coated SiC. The experimental data were analyzed to obtain a threshold pressure for the effect of melt intrusion through SiC compacts. The threshold pressure was taken either directly as a measure of wettability or converted to an effective wetting angle using the Young-Laplace capillary equation. Cu coating resulted in partial but beneficial improvements in wettability as a result of its dissolution in the melt, compared to uncoated SiC.

Dynamic modeling of sludge compaction and consolidation processes in wastewater secondary settling tanks.

PubMed

Abusam, A; Keesman, K J

2009-01-01

The double exponential settling model is the widely accepted model for wastewater secondary settling tanks. However, this model does not estimate accurately solids concentrations in the settler underflow stream, mainly because sludge compression and consolidation processes are not considered. In activated sludge systems, accurate estimation of the solids in the underflow stream will facilitate the calibration process and can lead to correct estimates of particularly kinetic parameters related to biomass growth. Using principles of compaction and consolidation, as in soil mechanics, a dynamic model of the sludge consolidation processes taking place in the secondary settling tanks is developed and incorporated to the commonly used double exponential settling model. The modified double exponential model is calibrated and validated using data obtained from a full-scale wastewater treatment plant. Good agreement between predicted and measured data confirmed the validity of the modified model.

Transition to Chaos in Random Neuronal Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadmon, Jonathan; Sompolinsky, Haim

2015-10-01

Firing patterns in the central nervous system often exhibit strong temporal irregularity and considerable heterogeneity in time-averaged response properties. Previous studies suggested that these properties are the outcome of the intrinsic chaotic dynamics of the neural circuits. Indeed, simplified rate-based neuronal networks with synaptic connections drawn from Gaussian distribution and sigmoidal nonlinearity are known to exhibit chaotic dynamics when the synaptic gain (i.e., connection variance) is sufficiently large. In the limit of an infinitely large network, there is a sharp transition from a fixed point to chaos, as the synaptic gain reaches a critical value. Near the onset, chaotic fluctuations are slow, analogous to the ubiquitous, slow irregular fluctuations observed in the firing rates of many cortical circuits. However, the existence of a transition from a fixed point to chaos in neuronal circuit models with more realistic architectures and firing dynamics has not been established. In this work, we investigate rate-based dynamics of neuronal circuits composed of several subpopulations with randomly diluted connections. Nonzero connections are either positive for excitatory neurons or negative for inhibitory ones, while single neuron output is strictly positive with output rates rising as a power law above threshold, in line with known constraints in many biological systems. Using dynamic mean field theory, we find the phase diagram depicting the regimes of stable fixed-point, unstable-dynamic, and chaotic-rate fluctuations. We focus on the latter and characterize the properties of systems near this transition. We show that dilute excitatory-inhibitory architectures exhibit the same onset to chaos as the single population with Gaussian connectivity. In these architectures, the large mean excitatory and inhibitory inputs dynamically balance each other, amplifying the effect of the residual fluctuations. Importantly, the existence of a transition to chaos and its critical properties depend on the shape of the single-neuron nonlinear input-output transfer function, near firing threshold. In particular, for nonlinear transfer functions with a sharp rise near threshold, the transition to chaos disappears in the limit of a large network; instead, the system exhibits chaotic fluctuations even for small synaptic gain. Finally, we investigate transition to chaos in network models with spiking dynamics. We show that when synaptic time constants are slow relative to the mean inverse firing rates, the network undergoes a transition from fast spiking fluctuations with constant rates to a state where the firing rates exhibit chaotic fluctuations, similar to the transition predicted by rate-based dynamics. Systems with finite synaptic time constants and firing rates exhibit a smooth transition from a regime dominated by stationary firing rates to a regime of slow rate fluctuations. This smooth crossover obeys scaling properties, similar to crossover phenomena in statistical mechanics. The theoretical results are supported by computer simulations of several neuronal architectures and dynamics. Consequences for cortical circuit dynamics are discussed. These results advance our understanding of the properties of intrinsic dynamics in realistic neuronal networks and their functional consequences.

Treatment of waste printed wire boards in electronic waste for safe disposal.

PubMed

Niu, Xiaojun; Li, Yadong

2007-07-16

The printed wire boards (PWBs) in electronic waste (E-waste) have been found to contain large amounts of toxic substances. Studies have concluded that the waste PWBs are hazardous wastes because they fails the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test with high level of lead (Pb) leaching out. In this study, two treatment methods - high-pressure compaction and cement solidification - were explored for rendering the PWBs into non-hazardous forms so that they may be safely disposed or used. The high-pressure compaction method could turn the PWBs into high-density compacts with significant volume reduction, but the impact resistance of the compacts was too low to keep them intact in the environment for a long run. In contrast, the cement solidification could turn the PWBs into strong monoliths with high impact resistance and relatively high compressive strength. The leaching of the toxic heavy metal Pb from the solidified samples was evaluated by both a dynamic leaching test and the TCLP test. The dynamic leaching results revealed that Pb could be effectively confined in the solidified products under very harsh environmental conditions. The TCLP test results showed that the leaching level of Pb was far below the regulatory level of 5mg/L, suggesting that the solidified PWBs are no longer hazardous. It was concluded that the cement solidification is an effective way to render the waste PWBs into environmentally benign forms so that they can be disposed of as ordinary solid wastes or beneficially used in the place of concrete in some applications.

A compact, multichannel, and low noise arbitrary waveform generator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Govorkov, S.; Ivanov, B. I.; Novosibirsk State Technical University, K.Marx-Ave. 20, Novosibirsk 630092

2014-05-15

A new type of high functionality, fast, compact, and easy programmable arbitrary waveform generator for low noise physical measurements is presented. The generator provides 7 fast differential waveform channels with a maximum bandwidth up to 200 MHz frequency. There are 6 fast pulse generators on the generator board with 78 ps time resolution in both duration and delay, 3 of them with amplitude control. The arbitrary waveform generator is additionally equipped with two auxiliary slow 16 bit analog-to-digital converters and four 16 bit digital-to-analog converters for low frequency applications. Electromagnetic shields are introduced to the power supply, digital, and analogmore » compartments and with a proper filter design perform more than 110 dB digital noise isolation to the output signals. All the output channels of the board have 50 Ω SubMiniature version A termination. The generator board is suitable for use as a part of a high sensitive physical equipment, e.g., fast read out and manipulation of nuclear magnetic resonance or superconducting quantum systems and any other application, which requires electromagnetic interference free fast pulse and arbitrary waveform generation.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xiao, Ya; Cultural Relics and Archaeology Institute of Hunan, Changsha 410083; Fu, Xuan

Urgent restoration of the Wugang Ming dynasty city wall brings about the need for a study of the formulation and properties of mortars. In the present paper, mortar samples from the Wugang Ming dynasty city wall were characterized in a combination of sheet polarized light optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer, thermogravimetric/differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy. Results show that mortars are mainly built up from inorganic calcium carbonate based organic–inorganic hybrid material with a small amount of sticky rice, which plays a crucial role inmore » forming dense and compact microstructure of mortars and effectively hindering penetration of water and air into mortars. Analysis of decayed products shows that the detrimental soluble salts originates from ambient environment. - Highlights: • Mortars used in the Wugang city wall are a calcium carbonate-sticky rice hybrid bonding material. • Carbonation processing is extremely slow due to dense and compact microstructure of mortars. • Decying of mortars results from the appearance of soluble salt from ambient environment.« less

Novel, compact, and simple ND:YVO4 laser with 12 W of CW optical output power and good beam quality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimer, H.; Langer, B.; Wittrock, U.; Heine, F.; Hildebrandt, U.; Seel, S.; Lange, R.

2017-11-01

We present first, promising experiments with a novel, compact and simple Nd:YVO4 slab laser with 12 W of 1.06 μm optical output power and a beam quality factor M2 2.5. The laser is made of a diffusion-bonded YVO4/Nd:YVO4 composite crystal that exhibits two unique features. First, it ensures a one-dimensional heat removal from the laser crystal, which leads to a temperature profile without detrimental influence on the laser beam. Thus, the induced thermo-optical aberrations to the laser field are low, allowing power scaling with good beam quality. Second, the composite crystal itself acts as a waveguide for the 809 nm pump-light that is supplied from a diode laser bar. Pump-light shaping optics, e.g. fast- or slow-axis collimators can be omitted, reducing the complexity of the system. Pump-light redundancy can be easily achieved. Eventually, the investigated slab laser might be suitable for distortion-free high gain amplification of weak optical signals.

Deterred drug abuse using superabsorbent polymers.

PubMed

Mastropietro, David J; Muppalaneni, Srinath; Omidian, Hossein

2016-11-01

This study aimed to determine whether selected superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) could be used as a suitable alternative to thwart extraction, filtration, and syringeability attempts for abuse. Many abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs) rely on high molecular weight polymers such as poly(ethylene oxide) to provide crush and extraction resistance. However, these polymers suffer from slow dissolution kinetics, and are susceptible to a variety of abuse conditions. Several commercially available SAPs were evaluated for swelling behavior in extraction solvents, and tableting properties. Post-compaction abuse properties were evaluated by recoverable volume and syringeability after solvent extraction. Drug release and percent drug extraction were conducted using tramadol HCl as a model drug. Certain SAPs had the ability to rapidly imbibe solvent and effectively stop extraction processes in a variety of solvents, including water and water/alcohol mixtures. Tablets containing SAP and drug showed no effect on drug release in vitro. SAPs possess adequate properties for tableting, and maintain their high and fast swelling properties after compaction. The fast and extensive interactions of SAPs with aqueous medium are a major advantage over non-crosslinked high molecular weight viscosifying agents such as poly(ethylene oxide).

Near Wall Dynamics in Colloidal Suspensions Studied by Evansescent Wave Dynamic Light Scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lang, Peter R.

2011-03-01

The dynamics of dispersed colloidal particles is slowed down, and becomes anisotropic in the ultimate vicinity of a flat wall due to the wall drag effect. Although theoretically predicted in the early 20th century, experimental verification of this effect for Brownian particles became possible only in the late 80s. Since then a variety of experimental investigations on near wall Brownian dynamics by evanescent wave dynamic light scattering (EWDLS) has been published. In this contribution the method of EWDLS will be briefly introduced, experiments at low and high colloid concentration for hard-sphere suspensions, and the theoretical prediction for measured initial slopes of correlation functions will be discussed. On increasing the particle concentration the influence of the wall drag effect is found to diminishes gradually, until it becomes negligible at volume fractions above ϕ 0.35. The effect that a wall exerts on the orientational dynamics was investigated for different kinds of colloids. Experiments, simulations and a virial expansion theory show that rotational dynamics is slowed down as well. However, the effect is prominent in EWDLS only if the particles' short axis is of the order of the evanescent wave penetration depth. The author acknowledges financial support from the EU through FP7, project Nanodirect (Grant 395 No. NMP4-SL-2008-213948).

Slow synaptic dynamics in a network: From exponential to power-law forgetting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luck, J. M.; Mehta, A.

2014-09-01

We investigate a mean-field model of interacting synapses on a directed neural network. Our interest lies in the slow adaptive dynamics of synapses, which are driven by the fast dynamics of the neurons they connect. Cooperation is modeled from the usual Hebbian perspective, while competition is modeled by an original polarity-driven rule. The emergence of a critical manifold culminating in a tricritical point is crucially dependent on the presence of synaptic competition. This leads to a universal 1/t power-law relaxation of the mean synaptic strength along the critical manifold and an equally universal 1/√t relaxation at the tricritical point, to be contrasted with the exponential relaxation that is otherwise generic. In turn, this leads to the natural emergence of long- and short-term memory from different parts of parameter space in a synaptic network, which is the most original and important result of our present investigations.

Communication: Slow relaxation, spatial mobility gradients, and vitrification in confined films.

PubMed

Mirigian, Stephen; Schweizer, Kenneth S

2014-10-28

Two decades of experimental research indicate that spatial confinement of glass-forming molecular and polymeric liquids results in major changes of their slow dynamics beginning at large confinement distances. A fundamental understanding remains elusive given the generic complexity of activated relaxation in supercooled liquids and the major complications of geometric confinement, interfacial effects, and spatial inhomogeneity. We construct a predictive, quantitative, force-level theory of relaxation in free-standing films for the central question of the nature of the spatial mobility gradient. The key new idea is that vapor interfaces speed up barrier hopping in two distinct, but coupled, ways by reducing near surface local caging constraints and spatially long range collective elastic distortion. Effective vitrification temperatures, dynamic length scales, and mobile layer thicknesses naturally follow. Our results provide a unified basis for central observations of dynamic and pseudo-thermodynamic measurements.

Dynamics near the threshold for blowup in the one-dimensional focusing nonlinear Klein-Gordon equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bizoń, Piotr; Chmaj, Tadeusz; Szpak, Nikodem

2011-10-01

We study dynamics near the threshold for blowup in the focusing nonlinear Klein-Gordon equation utt - uxx + u - |u|2αu = 0 on the line. Using mixed numerical and analytical methods we find that solutions starting from even initial data, fine-tuned to the threshold, are trapped by the static solution S for intermediate times. The details of trapping are shown to depend on the power α, namely, we observe fast convergence to S for α > 1, slow convergence for α = 1, and very slow (if any) convergence for 0 < α < 1. Our findings are complementary with respect to the recent rigorous analysis of the same problem (for α > 2) by Krieger, Nakanishi, and Schlag ["Global dynamics above from the ground state energy for the one-dimensional NLKG equation," preprint arXiv:1011.1776 [math.AP

Episodic memory deficits slow down the dynamics of cognitive procedural learning in normal ageing

PubMed Central

Beaunieux, Hélène; Hubert, Valérie; Pitel, Anne Lise; Desgranges, Béatrice; Eustache, Francis

2009-01-01

Cognitive procedural learning is characterized by three phases, each involving distinct processes. Considering the implication of the episodic memory in the first cognitive stage, the impairment of this memory system might be responsible for a slowing down of the cognitive procedural learning dynamics in the course of aging. Performances of massed cognitive procedural learning were evaluated in older and younger participants using the Tower of Toronto task. Nonverbal intelligence and psychomotor abilities were used to analyze procedural dynamics, while episodic memory and working memory were assessed to measure their respective contributions to learning strategies. This experiment showed that older participants did not spontaneously invoke episodic memory and presented a slowdown in the cognitive procedural learning associated with a late involvement of working memory. These findings suggest that the slowdown in the cognitive procedural learning may be linked with the implementation of different learning strategies less involving episodic memory in older subjects. PMID:18654928

Dynamic anomalies in a supercooled liquid: a molecular dynamics study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahnström, Göran

1991-07-01

Molecular-dynamics simulations have been carried out on a two-component Lennard-Jones system, quenched into supercooled and amorphous states. Careful attention is paid to proper equilibration of the system in the supercooled liquid regime and long production runs are performed in order to reveal slow structural relaxation processes. The results for the time-dependence of the self-part of the density autocorrelation function Fqs(t) show two different slow relaxation processes, where the slowest (α relaxation) can be represented by a stretched exponential, A exp[- (t/τrel)ß]. In frequency domain this gives rise to a quasi-elastic peak and it is found that its area, the nonergodicity parameter fqs, shows an anomalous decrease when increasing the temperature towards a critical value Tc. This happens in the supercooled liquid regime and it is one of the basic predictions of the recent mode-coupling theory for the liquid-glass transition problem.

Glass formation of a DMSO-water mixture probed with a photosynthetic pigment.

PubMed

Huerta-Viga, Adriana; Nguyen, Linh-Lan; Amirjalayer, Saeed; Sim, Jamie H N; Zhang, Zhengyang; Tan, Howe-Siang

2018-06-19

Despite their extensive industrial usage, glass-forming liquids are not fully understood, and methods to investigate their dynamical heterogeneity are sought after. Here we show how the appearance of a second component in the visible absorption spectrum of a photosynthetic pigment upon cooling can be used to probe the glass transition of a dimethylsulfoxide-water mixture. The changes in the relative ratio of the two components with respect to temperature follow a sigmoid curve, and we show that the second component arises due to protonation of the pigment at low temperatures. Furthermore, from visible transient absorption spectra we show that, unlike the first component, the dynamics of the second component slows down significantly at lower temperatures, suggesting that there are two distinct environments with fast and slow fluctuations. Our results therefore enable a new method to characterize the dynamical heterogeneity of glass-forming liquids.

Communication: slow relaxation, spatial mobility gradients, and vitrification in confined films

DOE PAGES

Mirigian, Stephen; Schweizer, Kenneth S.

2014-10-31

Two decades of experimental research indicate that spatial confinement of glass-forming molecular and polymeric liquids results in major changes of their slow dynamics beginning at large confinement distances. A fundamental understanding remains elusive given the generic complexity of activated relaxation in supercooled liquids and the major complications of geometric confinement, interfacial effects, and spatial inhomogeneity. For this research, we construct a predictive, quantitative, force-level theory of relaxation in free-standing films for the central question of the nature of the spatial mobility gradient. The key new idea is that vapor interfaces speed up barrier hopping in two distinct, but coupled, waysmore » by reducing near surface local caging constraints and spatially long range collective elastic distortion. Effective vitrification temperatures, dynamic length scales, and mobile layer thicknesses naturally follow. In conclusion, our results provide a unified basis for central observations of dynamic and pseudo-thermodynamic measurements.« less

Weighted Distance Functions Improve Analysis of High-Dimensional Data: Application to Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

PubMed

Blöchliger, Nicolas; Caflisch, Amedeo; Vitalis, Andreas

2015-11-10

Data mining techniques depend strongly on how the data are represented and how distance between samples is measured. High-dimensional data often contain a large number of irrelevant dimensions (features) for a given query. These features act as noise and obfuscate relevant information. Unsupervised approaches to mine such data require distance measures that can account for feature relevance. Molecular dynamics simulations produce high-dimensional data sets describing molecules observed in time. Here, we propose to globally or locally weight simulation features based on effective rates. This emphasizes, in a data-driven manner, slow degrees of freedom that often report on the metastable states sampled by the molecular system. We couple this idea to several unsupervised learning protocols. Our approach unmasks slow side chain dynamics within the native state of a miniprotein and reveals additional metastable conformations of a protein. The approach can be combined with most algorithms for clustering or dimensionality reduction.

Nonlinear dynamical systems effects of homeopathic remedies on multiscale entropy and correlation dimension of slow wave sleep EEG in young adults with histories of coffee-induced insomnia.

PubMed

Bell, Iris R; Howerter, Amy; Jackson, Nicholas; Aickin, Mikel; Bootzin, Richard R; Brooks, Audrey J

2012-07-01

Investigators of homeopathy have proposed that nonlinear dynamical systems (NDS) and complex systems science offer conceptual and analytic tools for evaluating homeopathic remedy effects. Previous animal studies demonstrate that homeopathic medicines alter delta electroencephalographic (EEG) slow wave sleep. The present study extended findings of remedy-related sleep stage alterations in human subjects by testing the feasibility of using two different NDS analytic approaches to assess remedy effects on human slow wave sleep EEG. Subjects (N=54) were young adult male and female college students with a history of coffee-related insomnia who participated in a larger 4-week study of the polysomnographic effects of homeopathic medicines on home-based all-night sleep recordings. Subjects took one bedtime dose of a homeopathic remedy (Coffea cruda or Nux vomica 30c). We computed multiscale entropy (MSE) and the correlation dimension (Mekler-D2) for stages 3 and 4 slow wave sleep EEG sampled in artifact-free 2-min segments during the first two rapid-eye-movement (REM) cycles for remedy and post-remedy nights, controlling for placebo and post-placebo night effects. MSE results indicate significant, remedy-specific directional effects, especially later in the night (REM cycle 2) (CC: remedy night increases and post-remedy night decreases in MSE at multiple sites for both stages 3 and 4 in both REM cycles; NV: remedy night decreases and post-remedy night increases, mainly in stage 3 REM cycle 2 MSE). D2 analyses yielded more sporadic and inconsistent findings. Homeopathic medicines Coffea cruda and Nux vomica in 30c potencies alter short-term nonlinear dynamic parameters of slow wave sleep EEG in healthy young adults. MSE may provide a more sensitive NDS analytic method than D2 for evaluating homeopathic remedy effects on human sleep EEG patterns. Copyright © 2012 The Faculty of Homeopathy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nonlinear Dynamical Systems Effects of Homeopathic Remedies on Multiscale Entropy and Correlation Dimension of Slow Wave Sleep EEG in Young Adults with Histories of Coffee-Induced Insomnia

PubMed Central

Bell, Iris R.; Howerter, Amy; Jackson, Nicholas; Aickin, Mikel; Bootzin, Richard R.; Brooks, Audrey J.

2012-01-01

Background Investigators of homeopathy have proposed that nonlinear dynamical systems (NDS) and complex systems science offer conceptual and analytic tools for evaluating homeopathic remedy effects. Previous animal studies demonstrate that homeopathic medicines alter delta electroencephalographic (EEG) slow wave sleep. The present study extended findings of remedy-related sleep stage alterations in human subjects by testing the feasibility of using two different NDS analytic approaches to assess remedy effects on human slow wave sleep EEG. Methods Subjects (N=54) were young adult male and female college students with a history of coffee-related insomnia who participated in a larger 4-week study of the polysomnographic effects of homeopathic medicines on home-based all-night sleep recordings. Subjects took one bedtime dose of a homeopathic remedy (Coffea cruda or Nux vomica 30c). We computed multiscale entropy (MSE) and the correlation dimension (Mekler-D2) for stage 3 and 4 slow wave sleep EEG sampled in artifact-free 2-minute segments during the first two rapid-eye-movement (REM) cycles for remedy and post-remedy nights, controlling for placebo and post-placebo night effects. Results MSE results indicate significant, remedy-specific directional effects, especially later in the night (REM cycle 2) (CC: remedy night increases and post-remedy night decreases in MSE at multiple sites for both stages 3 and 4 in both REM cycles; NV: remedy night decreases and post-remedy night increases, mainly in stage 3 REM cycle 2 MSE). D2 analyses yielded more sporadic and inconsistent findings. Conclusions Homeopathic medicines Coffea cruda and Nux vomica in 30c potencies alter short-term nonlinear dynamic parameters of slow wave sleep EEG in healthy young adults. MSE may provide a more sensitive NDS analytic method than D2 for evaluating homeopathic remedy effects on human sleep EEG patterns. PMID:22818237

Solvation dynamics of tryptophan in water-dimethyl sulfoxide binary mixture: in search of molecular origin of composition dependent multiple anomalies.

PubMed

Roy, Susmita; Bagchi, Biman

2013-07-21

Experimental and simulation studies have uncovered at least two anomalous concentration regimes in water-dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) binary mixture whose precise origin has remained a subject of debate. In order to facilitate time domain experimental investigation of the dynamics of such binary mixtures, we explore strength or extent of influence of these anomalies in dipolar solvation dynamics by carrying out long molecular dynamics simulations over a wide range of DMSO concentration. The solvation time correlation function so calculated indeed displays strong composition dependent anomalies, reflected in pronounced non-exponential kinetics and non-monotonous composition dependence of the average solvation time constant. In particular, we find remarkable slow-down in the solvation dynamics around 10%-20% and 35%-50% mole percentage. We investigate microscopic origin of these two anomalies. The population distribution analyses of different structural morphology elucidate that these two slowing down are reflections of intriguing structural transformations in water-DMSO mixture. The structural transformations themselves can be explained in terms of a change in the relative coordination number of DMSO and water molecules, from 1DMSO:2H2O to 1H2O:1DMSO and 1H2O:2DMSO complex formation. Thus, while the emergence of first slow down (at 15% DMSO mole percentage) is due to the percolation among DMSO molecules supported by the water molecules (whose percolating network remains largely unaffected), the 2nd anomaly (centered on 40%-50%) is due to the formation of the network structure where the unit of 1DMSO:1H2O and 2DMSO:1H2O dominates to give rise to rich dynamical features. Through an analysis of partial solvation dynamics an interesting negative cross-correlation between water and DMSO is observed that makes an important contribution to relaxation at intermediate to longer times.

Least-rattling feedback from strong time-scale separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chvykov, Pavel; England, Jeremy

2018-03-01

In most interacting many-body systems associated with some "emergent phenomena," we can identify subgroups of degrees of freedom that relax on dramatically different time scales. Time-scale separation of this kind is particularly helpful in nonequilibrium systems where only the fast variables are subjected to external driving; in such a case, it may be shown through elimination of fast variables that the slow coordinates effectively experience a thermal bath of spatially varying temperature. In this paper, we investigate how such a temperature landscape arises according to how the slow variables affect the character of the driven quasisteady state reached by the fast variables. Brownian motion in the presence of spatial temperature gradients is known to lead to the accumulation of probability density in low-temperature regions. Here, we focus on the implications of attraction to low effective temperature for the long-term evolution of slow variables. After quantitatively deriving the temperature landscape for a general class of overdamped systems using a path-integral technique, we then illustrate in a simple dynamical system how the attraction to low effective temperature has a fine-tuning effect on the slow variable, selecting configurations that bring about exceptionally low force fluctuation in the fast-variable steady state. We furthermore demonstrate that a particularly strong effect of this kind can take place when the slow variable is tuned to bring about orderly, integrable motion in the fast dynamics that avoids thermalizing energy absorbed from the drive. We thus point to a potentially general feedback mechanism in multi-time-scale active systems, that leads to the exploration of slow variable space, as if in search of fine tuning for a "least-rattling" response in the fast coordinates.

Slow and deep respiration suppresses steady-state sympathetic nerve activity in patients with chronic heart failure: from modeling to clinical application.

PubMed

Harada, Daisuke; Asanoi, Hidetsugu; Takagawa, Junya; Ishise, Hisanari; Ueno, Hiroshi; Oda, Yoshitaka; Goso, Yukiko; Joho, Shuji; Inoue, Hiroshi

2014-10-15

Influences of slow and deep respiration on steady-state sympathetic nerve activity remain controversial in humans and could vary depending on disease conditions and basal sympathetic nerve activity. To elucidate the respiratory modulation of steady-state sympathetic nerve activity, we modeled the dynamic nature of the relationship between lung inflation and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in 11 heart failure patients with exaggerated sympathetic outflow at rest. An autoregressive exogenous input model was utilized to simulate entire responses of MSNA to variable respiratory patterns. In another 18 patients, we determined the influence of increasing tidal volume and slowing respiratory frequency on MSNA; 10 patients underwent a 15-min device-guided slow respiration and the remaining 8 had no respiratory modification. The model predicted that a 1-liter, step increase of lung volume decreased MSNA dynamically; its nadir (-33 ± 22%) occurred at 2.4 s; and steady-state decrease (-15 ± 5%), at 6 s. Actually, in patients with the device-guided slow and deep respiration, respiratory frequency effectively fell from 16.4 ± 3.9 to 6.7 ± 2.8/min (P < 0.0001) with a concomitant increase in tidal volume from 499 ± 206 to 1,177 ± 497 ml (P < 0.001). Consequently, steady-state MSNA was decreased by 31% (P < 0.005). In patients without respiratory modulation, there were no significant changes in respiratory frequency, tidal volume, and steady-state MSNA. Thus slow and deep respiration suppresses steady-state sympathetic nerve activity in patients with high levels of resting sympathetic tone as in heart failure. Copyright © 2014 the American Physiological Society.

Quantifying internal friction in unfolded and intrinsically disordered proteins with single-molecule spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Soranno, Andrea; Buchli, Brigitte; Nettels, Daniel; Cheng, Ryan R.; Müller-Späth, Sonja; Pfeil, Shawn H.; Hoffmann, Armin; Lipman, Everett A.; Makarov, Dmitrii E.; Schuler, Benjamin

2012-01-01

Internal friction, which reflects the “roughness” of the energy landscape, plays an important role for proteins by modulating the dynamics of their folding and other conformational changes. However, the experimental quantification of internal friction and its contribution to folding dynamics has remained challenging. Here we use the combination of single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer, nanosecond fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, and microfluidic mixing to determine the reconfiguration times of unfolded proteins and investigate the mechanisms of internal friction contributing to their dynamics. Using concepts from polymer dynamics, we determine internal friction with three complementary, largely independent, and consistent approaches as an additive contribution to the reconfiguration time of the unfolded state. We find that the magnitude of internal friction correlates with the compactness of the unfolded protein: its contribution dominates the reconfiguration time of approximately 100 ns of the compact unfolded state of a small cold shock protein under native conditions, but decreases for more expanded chains, and approaches zero both at high denaturant concentrations and in intrinsically disordered proteins that are expanded due to intramolecular charge repulsion. Our results suggest that internal friction in the unfolded state will be particularly relevant for the kinetics of proteins that fold in the microsecond range or faster. The low internal friction in expanded intrinsically disordered proteins may have implications for the dynamics of their interactions with cellular binding partners. PMID:22492978

Quantifying internal friction in unfolded and intrinsically disordered proteins with single-molecule spectroscopy.

PubMed

Soranno, Andrea; Buchli, Brigitte; Nettels, Daniel; Cheng, Ryan R; Müller-Späth, Sonja; Pfeil, Shawn H; Hoffmann, Armin; Lipman, Everett A; Makarov, Dmitrii E; Schuler, Benjamin

2012-10-30

Internal friction, which reflects the "roughness" of the energy landscape, plays an important role for proteins by modulating the dynamics of their folding and other conformational changes. However, the experimental quantification of internal friction and its contribution to folding dynamics has remained challenging. Here we use the combination of single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer, nanosecond fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, and microfluidic mixing to determine the reconfiguration times of unfolded proteins and investigate the mechanisms of internal friction contributing to their dynamics. Using concepts from polymer dynamics, we determine internal friction with three complementary, largely independent, and consistent approaches as an additive contribution to the reconfiguration time of the unfolded state. We find that the magnitude of internal friction correlates with the compactness of the unfolded protein: its contribution dominates the reconfiguration time of approximately 100 ns of the compact unfolded state of a small cold shock protein under native conditions, but decreases for more expanded chains, and approaches zero both at high denaturant concentrations and in intrinsically disordered proteins that are expanded due to intramolecular charge repulsion. Our results suggest that internal friction in the unfolded state will be particularly relevant for the kinetics of proteins that fold in the microsecond range or faster. The low internal friction in expanded intrinsically disordered proteins may have implications for the dynamics of their interactions with cellular binding partners.

Relative astrometry of compact flaring structures in Sgr A* with polarimetric very long baseline interferometry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johnson, Michael D.; Doeleman, Sheperd S.; Fish, Vincent L.

2014-10-20

We demonstrate that polarimetric interferometry can be used to extract precise spatial information about compact polarized flares of Sgr A*. We show that, for a faint dynamical component, a single interferometric baseline suffices to determine both its polarization and projected displacement from the quiescent intensity centroid. A second baseline enables two-dimensional reconstruction of the displacement, and additional baselines can self-calibrate using the flare, enhancing synthesis imaging of the quiescent emission. We apply this technique to simulated 1.3 mm wavelength observations of a 'hot spot' embedded in a radiatively inefficient accretion disk around Sgr A*. Our results indicate that, even withmore » current sensitivities, polarimetric interferometry with the Event Horizon Telescope can achieve ∼5 μas relative astrometry of compact flaring structures near Sgr A* on timescales of minutes.« less

Characterization of the hydrogen-bond network of water around sucrose and trehalose: Microwave and terahertz spectroscopic study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shiraga, Keiichiro; Adachi, Aya; Nakamura, Masahito; Tajima, Takuro; Ajito, Katsuhiro; Ogawa, Yuichi

2017-03-01

Modification of the water hydrogen bond network imposed by disaccharides is known to serve as a bioprotective agent in living organisms, though its comprehensive understanding is still yet to be reached. In this study, aiming to characterize the dynamical slowing down and destructuring effect of disaccharides, we performed broadband dielectric spectroscopy, ranging from 0.5 GHz to 12 THz, of sucrose and trehalose aqueous solutions. The destructuring effect was examined in two ways (the hydrogen bond fragmentation and disordering) and our result showed that both sucrose and trehalose exhibit an obvious destructuring effect with a similar strength, by fragmenting hydrogen bonds and distorting the tetrahedral-like structure of water. This observation strongly supports a chaotropic (structure-breaking) aspect of disaccharides on the water structure. At the same time, hydration water was found to exhibit slower dynamics and a greater reorientational cooperativity than bulk water because of the strengthened hydrogen bonds. These results lead to the conclusion that strong disaccharide-water hydrogen bonds structurally incompatible with native water-water bonds lead to the rigid but destructured hydrogen bond network around disaccharides. Another important finding in this study is that the greater dynamical slowing down of trehalose was found compared with that of sucrose, at variance with the destructuring effect where no solute dependent difference was observed. This discovery suggests that the exceptionally greater bioprotective impact especially of trehalose among disaccharides is mainly associated with the dynamical slowing down (rather than the destructuring effect).

Soil organic carbon dynamics as related to land use history in the northwestern Great Plains

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tan, Z.; Liu, S.; Johnston, C.A.; Loveland, Thomas R.; Tieszen, L.L.; Liu, J.; Kurtz, R.

2005-01-01

Strategies for mitigating the global greenhouse effect must account for soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics at both spatial and temporal scales, which is usually challenging owing to limitations in data and approach. This study was conducted to characterize the SOC dynamics associated with land use change history in the northwestern Great Plains ecoregion. A sampling framework (40 sample blocks of 10 × 10 km2 randomly located in the ecoregion) and the General Ensemble Biogeochemical Modeling System (GEMS) were used to quantify the spatial and temporal variability in the SOC stock from 1972 to 2001. Results indicate that C source and sink areas coexisted within the ecoregion, and the SOC stock in the upper 20-cm depth increased by 3.93 Mg ha−1 over the 29 years. About 17.5% of the area was evaluated as a C source at 122 kg C ha−1 yr−1. The spatial variability of SOC stock was attributed to the dynamics of both slow and passive fractions, while the temporal variation depended on the slow fraction only. The SOC change at the block scale was positively related to either grassland proportion or negatively related to cropland proportion. We concluded that the slow C pool determined whether soils behaved as sources or sinks of atmospheric CO2, but the strength depended on antecedent SOC contents, land cover type, and land use change history in the ecoregion.

Time scales of relaxation dynamics during transient conditions in two-phase flow: RELAXATION DYNAMICS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schlüter, Steffen; Berg, Steffen; Li, Tianyi

2017-06-01

The relaxation dynamics toward a hydrostatic equilibrium after a change in phase saturation in porous media is governed by fluid reconfiguration at the pore scale. Little is known whether a hydrostatic equilibrium in which all interfaces come to rest is ever reached and which microscopic processes govern the time scales of relaxation. Here we apply fast synchrotron-based X-ray tomography (X-ray CT) to measure the slow relaxation dynamics of fluid interfaces in a glass bead pack after fast drainage of the sample. The relaxation of interfaces triggers internal redistribution of fluids, reduces the surface energy stored in the fluid interfaces, andmore » relaxes the contact angle toward the equilibrium value while the fluid topology remains unchanged. The equilibration of capillary pressures occurs in two stages: (i) a quick relaxation within seconds in which most of the pressure drop that built up during drainage is dissipated, a process that is to fast to be captured with fast X-ray CT, and (ii) a slow relaxation with characteristic time scales of 1–4 h which manifests itself as a spontaneous imbibition process that is well described by the Washburn equation for capillary rise in porous media. The slow relaxation implies that a hydrostatic equilibrium is hardly ever attained in practice when conducting two-phase experiments in which a flux boundary condition is changed from flow to no-flow. Implications for experiments with pressure boundary conditions are discussed.« less

Slow crack growth versus creep cavity coalescence: Competing failure mechanisms during high-temperature deformation of advanced ceramics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jenkins, M.G.; Kohles, S.S.; Stevens, T.L.

1996-12-31

Duality of failure mechanisms (slow crack growth from pre-existing defects versus cumulative creep damage) is examined in a silicon nitride advanced ceramic recently tested at elevated-temperatures. Static (constant stress over time), dynamic (monotonically-increasing stress over time), and cyclic (fluctuating stress over time) fatigue behaviors were evaluated in tension in ambient air at temperatures of 1150, 1260, and 1370{degrees}C for a hot-isostatically pressed monolithic {beta}-silicon nitride. At 1150{degrees}C, all three types of fatigue results showed the similar failure mechanism of slow crack growth (SCG). At 1260 and 1370{degrees}C the failure mechanism was more complex. Failure under static fatigue was dominated bymore » the accumulation of creep damage via diffusion-controlled cavities. In dynamic fatigue, failure occurred by SCG at high stress rates (>10{sup {minus}2}MPa/s) and by creep damage at low stress rates ({le}10{sup {minus}2} MPa/s). For cyclic fatigue, such rate effects influenced the stress rupture results in which times to failure were greater for dynamic and cyclic fatigue than for static fatigue. Elucidation of failure mechanisms is necessary for accurate prediction of long-term survivability and reliability of structural ceramics.« less

A new tool that links landscale connectivity and source-sink dynamics to population viability

EPA Science Inventory

The importance of connectivity and source-sink dynamics to conservation planning is widely appreciated. But the use of these concepts in practical applications such as the identification of critical habitat has been slowed because few models are designed to identify demographic s...

Evaporation rate-based selection of supramolecular chirality.

PubMed

Hattori, Shingo; Vandendriessche, Stefaan; Koeckelberghs, Guy; Verbiest, Thierry; Ishii, Kazuyuki

2017-03-09

We demonstrate the evaporation rate-based selection of supramolecular chirality for the first time. P-type aggregates prepared by fast evaporation, and M-type aggregates prepared by slow evaporation are kinetic and thermodynamic products under dynamic reaction conditions, respectively. These findings provide a novel solution reaction chemistry under the dynamic reaction conditions.

New Generation of Superconducting Solenoids for Heavy-Ion Linac Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ostroumov, P. N.; Kim, S. H.; Lessner, E. S.; Shepard, K. W.; Laxdal, R. E.

2002-01-01

The beam dynamics of superconducting (SC) heavy-ion linacs operating in the velocity range below 0.4c require a compact accelerating-focusing lattice. The use of SC solenoids together with SC RF resonators within a common cryostat can solve the real-estate problem. The solenoids must have low fringe fields to avoid magnetic-flux capture in the SC RF resonators. Also, incorporating dipole steering coils together with the SC solenoids in one magnet assembly can increase the compactness of the linac lattice. R&D work has been carried out to determine the feasibility of combining the three elements of high solenoid field, low fringe field, and integral dipole field, into one compact package. A 9-Tesla magnet has been initially designed and will be prototyped, with the goal of eventually developing 14-Tesla solenoids of similar design. The most important design issues are: (1) to minimize stray field in the RF cavity region using SC bucking coils and (2) to achieve adequate mechanical stability of the transverse dipole windings in the presence of forces produced by the solenoid/bucking coil assembly. The assembly, including terminals, switches, and protection circuit, are designed to fit inside a 25-cm diameter helium reservoir. The results of the preliminary design of the solenoid, including numerical simulations of the beam dynamics, are reported.

Distinguishing the rates of gene activation from phenotypic variations.

PubMed

Chen, Ye; Lv, Cheng; Li, Fangting; Li, Tiejun

2015-06-18

Stochastic genetic switching driven by intrinsic noise is an important process in gene expression. When the rates of gene activation/inactivation are relatively slow, fast, or medium compared with the synthesis/degradation rates of mRNAs and proteins, the variability of protein and mRNA levels may exhibit very different dynamical patterns. It is desirable to provide a systematic approach to identify their key dynamical features in different regimes, aiming at distinguishing which regime a considered gene regulatory network is in from their phenotypic variations. We studied a gene expression model with positive feedbacks when genetic switching rates vary over a wide range. With the goal of providing a method to distinguish the regime of the switching rates, we first focus on understanding the essential dynamics of gene expression system in different cases. In the regime of slow switching rates, we found that the effective dynamics can be reduced to independent evolutions on two separate layers corresponding to gene activation and inactivation states, and the transitions between two layers are rare events, after which the system goes mainly along deterministic ODE trajectories on a particular layer to reach new steady states. The energy landscape in this regime can be well approximated by using Gaussian mixture model. In the regime of intermediate switching rates, we analyzed the mean switching time to investigate the stability of the system in different parameter ranges. We also discussed the case of fast switching rates from the viewpoint of transition state theory. Based on the obtained results, we made a proposal to distinguish these three regimes in a simulation experiment. We identified the intermediate regime from the fact that the strength of cellular memory is lower than the other two cases, and the fast and slow regimes can be distinguished by their different perturbation-response behavior with respect to the switching rates perturbations. We proposed a simulation experiment to distinguish the slow, intermediate and fast regimes, which is the main point of our paper. In order to achieve this goal, we systematically studied the essential dynamics of gene expression system when the switching rates are in different regimes. Our theoretical understanding provides new insights on the gene expression experiments.

Neutron star mergers as a probe of modifications of general relativity with finite-range scalar forces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sagunski, Laura; Zhang, Jun; Johnson, Matthew C.; Lehner, Luis; Sakellariadou, Mairi; Liebling, Steven L.; Palenzuela, Carlos; Neilsen, David

2018-03-01

Observations of gravitational radiation from compact binary systems provide an unprecedented opportunity to test general relativity in the strong field dynamical regime. In this paper, we investigate how future observations of gravitational radiation from binary neutron star mergers might provide constraints on finite-range forces from a universally coupled massive scalar field. Such scalar degrees of freedom (d.o.f.) are a characteristic feature of many extensions of general relativity. For concreteness, we work in the context of metric f (R ) gravity, which is equivalent to general relativity and a universally coupled scalar field with a nonlinear potential whose form is fixed by the choice of f (R ). In theories where neutron stars (or other compact objects) obtain a significant scalar charge, the resulting attractive finite-range scalar force has implications for both the inspiral and merger phases of binary systems. We first present an analysis of the inspiral dynamics in Newtonian limit, and forecast the constraints on the mass of the scalar and charge of the compact objects for the Advanced LIGO gravitational wave observatory. We then perform a comparative study of binary neutron star mergers in general relativity with those of a one-parameter model of f (R ) gravity using fully relativistic hydrodynamical simulations. These simulations elucidate the effects of the scalar on the merger and postmerger dynamics. We comment on the utility of the full waveform (inspiral, merger, postmerger) to probe different regions of parameter space for both the particular model of f (R ) gravity studied here and for finite-range scalar forces more generally.

Development and application of compact and on-chip electron linear accelerators for dynamic tracking cancer therapy and DNA damage/repair analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uesaka, M.; Demachi, K.; Fujiwara, T.; Dobashi, K.; Fujisawa, H.; Chhatkuli, R. B.; Tsuda, A.; Tanaka, S.; Matsumura, Y.; Otsuki, S.; Kusano, J.; Yamamoto, M.; Nakamura, N.; Tanabe, E.; Koyama, K.; Yoshida, M.; Fujimori, R.; Yasui, A.

2015-06-01

We are developing compact electron linear accelerators (hereafter linac) with high RF (Radio Frequency) frequency (9.3 GHz, wavelength 32.3 mm) of X-band and applying to medicine and non-destructive testing. Especially, potable 950 keV and 3.95 MeV linac X-ray sources have been developed for on-site transmission testing at several industrial plants and civil infrastructures including bridges. 6 MeV linac have been made for pinpoint X-ray dynamic tracking cancer therapy. The length of the accelerating tube is ∼600 mm. The electron beam size at the X-ray target is less than 1 mm and X-ray spot size at the cancer is less than 3 mm. Several hardware and software are under construction for dynamic tracking therapy for moving lung cancer. Moreover, as an ultimate compact linac, we are designing and manufacturing a laser dielectric linac of ∼1 MeV with Yr fiber laser (283 THz, wavelength 1.06 pm). Since the wavelength is 1.06 μm, the length of one accelerating strcture is tens pm and the electron beam size is in sub-micro meter. Since the sizes of cell and nuclear are about 10 and 1 μm, respectively, we plan to use this “On-chip” linac for radiation-induced DNA damage/repair analysis. We are thinking a system where DNA in a nucleus of cell is hit by ∼1 μm electron or X-ray beam and observe its repair by proteins and enzymes in live cells in-situ.

Field Test of Slow Moving Traffic Alerting System on Freeways in Las Vegas, Nevada : Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Dynamic Message Signs on the Freeways in Las Vegas, Nevada.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-10-17

It has been perceived that the travelers do not respond to the incident messages on the dynamic message signs in the Las Vegas area in Nevada. The objective of the study is to evaluate whether dynamic message signs (DMS) in the Las Vegas freeway syst...

Complex forest dynamics indicate potential for slowing carbon accumulation in the southeastern United States

Treesearch

John W. Coulston; David N. Wear; James M. Vose

2015-01-01

Over the past century forest regrowth in Europe and North America expanded forest carbon (C) sinks and offset C emissions but future C accumulation is uncertain. Policy makers need insights into forest C dynamics as they anticipate emissions futures and goals. We used land use and forest inventory data to estimate how forest C dynamics have changed in the southeastern...

Rapid roll inflation with conformal coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kofman, Lev; Mukohyama, Shinji

2008-02-01

Usual inflation is realized with a slow rolling scalar field minimally coupled to gravity. In contrast, we consider dynamics of a scalar with a flat effective potential, conformally coupled to gravity. Surprisingly, it contains an attractor inflationary solution with the rapidly rolling inflaton field. We discuss models with the conformal inflaton with a flat potential (including hybrid inflation). There is no generation of cosmological fluctuations from the conformally coupled inflaton. We consider realizations of modulated (inhomogeneous reheating) or curvaton cosmological fluctuations in these models. We also implement these unusual features for the popular string-theoretic warped inflationary scenario, based on the interacting D3-D¯3 branes. The original warped brane inflation suffers a large inflaton mass due to conformal coupling to 4-dimensional gravity. Instead of considering this as a problem and trying to cure it with extra engineering, we show that warped inflation with the conformally coupled, rapidly rolling inflaton is yet possible with N=37 efoldings, which requires low-energy scales 1 100 TeV of inflation. Coincidentally, the same warping numerology can be responsible for the hierarchy. It is shown that the scalars associated with angular isometries of the warped geometry of compact manifold (e.g. S3 of Klebanov-Strassler (KS) geometry) have solutions identical to conformally coupled modes and also cannot be responsible for cosmological fluctuations. We discuss other possibilities.

Branching instability in expanding bacterial colonies.

PubMed

Giverso, Chiara; Verani, Marco; Ciarletta, Pasquale

2015-03-06

Self-organization in developing living organisms relies on the capability of cells to duplicate and perform a collective motion inside the surrounding environment. Chemical and mechanical interactions coordinate such a cooperative behaviour, driving the dynamical evolution of the macroscopic system. In this work, we perform an analytical and computational analysis to study pattern formation during the spreading of an initially circular bacterial colony on a Petri dish. The continuous mathematical model addresses the growth and the chemotactic migration of the living monolayer, together with the diffusion and consumption of nutrients in the agar. The governing equations contain four dimensionless parameters, accounting for the interplay among the chemotactic response, the bacteria-substrate interaction and the experimental geometry. The spreading colony is found to be always linearly unstable to perturbations of the interface, whereas branching instability arises in finite-element numerical simulations. The typical length scales of such fingers, which align in the radial direction and later undergo further branching, are controlled by the size parameters of the problem, whereas the emergence of branching is favoured if the diffusion is dominant on the chemotaxis. The model is able to predict the experimental morphologies, confirming that compact (resp. branched) patterns arise for fast (resp. slow) expanding colonies. Such results, while providing new insights into pattern selection in bacterial colonies, may finally have important applications for designing controlled patterns. © 2015 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

Intravital imaging of CTLs killing islet cells in diabetic mice

PubMed Central

Coppieters, Ken; Amirian, Natalie; von Herrath, Matthias

2011-01-01

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is caused by autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing β cells in the pancreatic islets, which are essentially mini-organs embedded in exocrine tissue. CTLs are considered to have a predominant role in the autoimmune destruction underlying T1D. Visualization of CTL-mediated killing of β cells would provide new insight into the pathogenesis of T1D, but has been technically challenging to achieve. Here, we report our use of intravital 2-photon imaging in mice to visualize the dynamic behavior of a virally expanded, diabetogenic CTL population in the pancreas at cellular resolution. Following vascular arrest and extravasation, CTLs adopted a random motility pattern throughout the compact exocrine tissue and displayed unimpeded yet nonlinear migration between anatomically nearby islets. Upon antigen encounter within islets, a confined motility pattern was acquired that allowed the CTLs to scan the target cell surface. A minority of infiltrating CTLs subsequently arrested at the β cell junction, while duration of stable CTL–target cell contact was on the order of hours. Slow-rate killing occurred in the sustained local presence of substantial numbers of effector cells. Collectively, these data portray the kinetics of CTL homing to and between antigenic target sites as a stochastic process at the sub-organ level and argue against a dominant influence of chemotactic gradients. PMID:22133877

In-situ investigation of relations between slow slip events, repeaters and earthquake nucleation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marty, S. B.; Schubnel, A.; Gardonio, B.; Bhat, H. S.; Fukuyama, E.

2017-12-01

Recent observations have shown that, in subduction zones, imperceptible slip, known as "slow slip events", could trigger powerful earthquakes and could be link to the onset of swarms of repeaters. In the aim of investigating the relation between repeaters, slow slip events and earthquake nucleation, we have conducted stick-slip experiments on saw-cut Indian Gabbro under upper crustal stress conditions (up to 180 MPa confining pressure). During the past decades, the reproduction of micro-earthquakes in the laboratory enabled a better understanding and to better constrain physical parameters that are the origin of the seismic source. Using a new set of calibrated piezoelectric acoustic emission sensors and high frequency dynamic strain gages, we are now able to measure a large number of physical parameters during stick-slip motion, such as the rupture velocity, the slip velocity, the dynamic stress drop and the absolute magnitudes and sizes of foreshock acoustic emissions. Preliminary observations systemically show quasi-static slip accelerations, onset of repeaters as well as an increase in the acoustic emission rate before failure. In the next future, we will further investigate the links between slow slip events, repeaters, stress build-up and earthquakes, using our high-frequency acoustic and strain recordings and applying template matching analysis.

Mixed-mode oscillations in a three-store calcium dynamics model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Peng; Liu, Xijun; Yu, Pei

2017-11-01

Calcium ions are important in cell process, which control cell functions. Many models on calcium oscillation have been proposed. Most of existing literature analyzed calcium oscillations using numerical methods, and found rich dynamical behaviours. In this paper, we explore a further study on an established three-store model, which contains endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria and calcium binding proteins. We conduct bifurcation analysis to identify two Hopf bifurcations, and apply normal form theory to study their stability and show that one of them is supercritical while the other is subcritical. Further, we transform the model into a slow-fast system, and then apply the geometrical singular perturbation theory to investigate the mechanism of generating slow-fast motions. The study reveals that the mechanism of generating the slow-fast oscillating behaviour in the three-store calcium model for certain parameter values is due to the relative fast change in the free calcium in cytosol, and relative slow changes in the free calcium in mitochondria and in the bounded Ca2+ binding sites on the cytosolic proteins. A further parametric study may provide some useful information for controlling harmful effect, by adjusting the amount of calcium in a human body. Numerical simulations are present to demonstrate the correct analytical predictions.

Slow and fast visual motion channels have independent binocular-rivalry stages.

PubMed Central

van de Grind, W. A.; van Hof, P.; van der Smagt, M. J.; Verstraten, F. A.

2001-01-01

We have previously reported a transparent motion after-effect indicating that the human visual system comprises separate slow and fast motion channels. Here, we report that the presentation of a fast motion in one eye and a slow motion in the other eye does not result in binocular rivalry but in a clear percept of transparent motion. We call this new visual phenomenon 'dichoptic motion transparency' (DMT). So far only the DMT phenomenon and the two motion after-effects (the 'classical' motion after-effect, seen after motion adaptation on a static test pattern, and the dynamic motion after-effect, seen on a dynamic-noise test pattern) appear to isolate the channels completely. The speed ranges of the slow and fast channels overlap strongly and are observer dependent. A model is presented that links after-effect durations of an observer to the probability of rivalry or DMT as a function of dichoptic velocity combinations. Model results support the assumption of two highly independent channels showing only within-channel rivalry, and no rivalry or after-effect interactions between the channels. The finding of two independent motion vision channels, each with a separate rivalry stage and a private line to conscious perception, might be helpful in visualizing or analysing pathways to consciousness. PMID:11270442

Dielectric relaxation of guest molecules in a clathrate structure of syndiotactic polystyrene.

PubMed

Urakawa, Osamu; Kaneko, Fumitoshi; Kobayashi, Hideo

2012-12-13

Structure and dynamics of semicrystalline polymer films composed of syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) and 2-butanone were examined through X-ray diffraction, polarized FTIR, and dielectric relaxation measurements. The X-ray and FTIR measurements revealed its crystal structure to be δ-clathrate containing 2-butanone molecules inside. The carbonyl group of 2-butanone in the crystal was found to orient preferentially parallel to the ac plane of the crystal through the polarized ATR FTIR measurements. Dielectric measurements were also conducted on these film samples to see only the relaxation dynamics of 2-butanone thanks to the high dielectric intensity of 2-butanone compared to sPS. Two relaxation modes denoted by slow and fast modes appeared. The former was assigned to the motion of 2-butanone molecules entrapped in the cavities of the crystalline (δ-form) and the latter to those in the amorphous region. We focused on the slow mode in order to elucidate the specific dynamics of the guest molecule confined in the crystalline region. The relaxation time of the slow mode was about 4 orders of magnitude longer than that of liquid 2-butanone. This suggests that the dynamics of guest molecules is highly restricted due to the high barrier to conformational and/or orientational change of the guest molecule in the cavity of δ-crystal. Furthermore, the dielectric intensity Δε of the slow mode was much smaller than the one calculated from that of bulk liquid 2-butanone and the guest concentration in the crystalline region (the intensity was only 10% of the estimated value from the bulk liquid data). This result also indicates that the free rotational motion of 2-butanone molecules is restricted inside the crystal. This will be consistently related to the weak uniplanar orientation of the carbonyl group of 2-butanone parallel to the ac plane revealed by the X-ray and polarized ATR FTIR measurements.

Carbon-Nanotube-Based Chemical Gas Sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaul, Arunpama B.

2010-01-01

Conventional thermal conductivity gauges (e.g. Pirani gauges) lend themselves to applications such as leak detectors, or in gas chromatographs for identifying various gas species. However, these conventional gauges are physically large, operate at high power, and have a slow response time. A single-walled carbon-nanotube (SWNT)-based chemical sensing gauge relies on differences in thermal conductance of the respective gases surrounding the CNT as it is voltage-biased, as a means for chemical identification. Such a sensor provides benefits of significantly reduced size and compactness, fast response time, low-power operation, and inexpensive manufacturing since it can be batch-fabricated using Si integrated-circuit (IC) process technology.

Resonance transparency with low-loss in toroidal planar metamaterial

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiang, Tianyu; Lei, Tao; Hu, Sen; Chen, Jiao; Huang, Xiaojun; Yang, Helin

2018-03-01

A compact planar construction composed of asymmetric split ring resonators was designed with a low-loss, high Q-factor resonance transparency at microwave frequency. The singularity property of the proposed metamaterial owing to the enhanced toroidal dipole T is demonstrated via numerical and experimental methods. The transmission peak can reach up to 0.91 and the loss is perfectly repressed, which can be testified by radiated power, H-field distributions, and the imaginary parts of effective permittivity and permeability. The designed planar metamaterial may have numerous potential applications at microwave, terahertz, and optical frequency, e.g., for ultrasensitive sensing, slow-light devices, lasing spacers, even invisible information transfer.

Dynamic Decision Making under Uncertainty and Partial Information

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-11-14

integral under the natural filtration generated by the Brownian motions . This compact expression potentially enables us to design sub- optimal penalties...bounds on bermudan option price under jump diffusion processes. Quantitative Finance , 2013. Under review, available at http://arxiv.org/abs/1305.4321... Finance , 19:53 – 71, 2009. [3] D.P. Bertsekas. Dynamic Programming and Optimal Control. Athena Scientific, 4th edition, 2012. [4] D.B. Brown and J.E

Singularity perturbed zero dynamics of nonlinear systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Isidori, A.; Sastry, S. S.; Kokotovic, P. V.; Byrnes, C. I.

1992-01-01

Stability properties of zero dynamics are among the crucial input-output properties of both linear and nonlinear systems. Unstable, or 'nonminimum phase', zero dynamics are a major obstacle to input-output linearization and high-gain designs. An analysis of the effects of regular perturbations in system equations on zero dynamics shows that whenever a perturbation decreases the system's relative degree, it manifests itself as a singular perturbation of zero dynamics. Conditions are given under which the zero dynamics evolve in two timescales characteristic of a standard singular perturbation form that allows a separate analysis of slow and fast parts of the zero dynamics.

V-V compact group of galaxies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bahcall, N.

1984-01-01

A search for X-ray emission from five compact groups of galaxies with the Einstein Observatory revealed detections from three groups. Soft, extended X-ray emission was observed in Stephan's Quintet which is most likely caused by hot intracluster gas. This provides evidence for dynamical interaction among the group galaxies. X-ray emission from the group Arp 330 may also originate in hot intracluster gas. Stephan's Quintet and Arp 330 have the largest velocity dispersions among the groups studied suggesting a correlation between high velocity and the release (or properties) of hot gas. X-ray emission from Arp 318 may originate in its member galaxies.

Compact surface plasmon resonance biosensor utilizing an injection-molded prism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, How-Foo; Chen, Chih-Han; Chang, Yun-Hsiang; Chuang, Hsin-Yuan

2016-05-01

Targeting at a low cost and accessible diagnostic device in clinical practice, a compact surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor with a large dynamic range in high sensitivity is designed to satisfy commercial needs in food safety, environmental bio-pollution monitoring, and fast clinical diagnosis. The core component integrates an optical coupler, a sample-loading plate, and angle-tuning reflectors is injection-molded as a free-from prism made of plastic optics. This design makes a matching-oil-free operation during operation. The disposability of this low-cost component ensures testing or diagnosis without cross contamination in bio-samples.

Born again universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graham, Peter W.; Kaplan, David E.; Rajendran, Surjeet

2018-02-01

We present a class of nonsingular, bouncing cosmologies that evade singularity theorems through the use of vorticity in compact extra dimensions. The vorticity combats the focusing of geodesics during the contracting phase. The construction requires fluids that violate the null energy condition (NEC) in the compact dimensions, where they can be provided by known stable NEC violating sources such as Casimir energy. The four dimensional effective theory contains an NEC violating fluid of Kaluza-Klein excitations of the higher dimensional metric. These spacetime metrics could potentially allow dynamical relaxation to solve the cosmological constant problem. These ideas can also be used to support traversable Lorentzian wormholes.

Ultrafast electron diffraction optimized for studying structural dynamics in thin films and monolayers

PubMed Central

Badali, D. S.; Gengler, R. Y. N.; Miller, R. J. D.

2016-01-01

A compact electron source specifically designed for time-resolved diffraction studies of free-standing thin films and monolayers is presented here. The sensitivity to thin samples is achieved by extending the established technique of ultrafast electron diffraction to the “medium” energy regime (1–10 kV). An extremely compact design, in combination with low bunch charges, allows for high quality diffraction in a lensless geometry. The measured and simulated characteristics of the experimental system reveal sub-picosecond temporal resolution, while demonstrating the ability to produce high quality diffraction patterns from atomically thin samples. PMID:27226978

Compact Storage Ring for an X-Ray Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ovchinnikova, L.; Shvedunov, V.; Ivanov, K.

2017-12-01

We propose a new design of a compact storage ring for a source of X-ray radiation on the basis of reverse Thomson scattering of laser radiation by electrons with the energy of 35-50 MeV, which has small number of optical elements and a significant clear space for the placement of a beam injection-extraction system and a RF cavity. The original laser cavity layout has been considered. The ring dynamic aperture after correction of chromaticity and a second-order dispersion function is sufficient for the injection and stable circulation of an electron bunch in the ring.

On Magnetic Dynamos in Thin Accretion Disks around Compact and Young Stars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stepinski, T. F.

1993-01-01

A variety of geometrically thin accretion disks commonly associated with such astronomical objects as X-ray binaries, cataclysmic variables, and protostars are likely to be seats of MHD dynamo actions. Thin disk geometry and the particular physical environment make accretion disk dynamos different from stellar, planetary, or even galactic dynamos. We discuss those particular features of disk dynamos with emphasis on the difference between protoplanetary disk dynamos and those associated with compact stars. We then describe normal mode solutions for thin disk dynamos and discuss implications for the dynamical behavior of dynamo-magnetized accretion disks.

Point and Compact Hα Sources in the Interior of M33

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moody, J. Ward; Hintz, Eric G.; Joner, Michael D.; Roming, Peter W. A.; Hintz, Maureen L.

2017-12-01

A variety of interesting objects such as Wolf-Rayet stars, tight OB associations, planetary nebulae, X-ray binaries, etc., can be discovered as point or compact sources in Hα surveys. How these objects distribute through a galaxy sheds light on the galaxy star formation rate and history, mass distribution, and dynamics. The nearby galaxy M33 is an excellent place to study the distribution of Hα-bright point sources in a flocculant spiral galaxy. We have reprocessed an archived WIYN continuum-subtracted Hα image of the inner 6.‧5 × 6.‧5 of M33 and, employing both eye and machine searches, have tabulated sources with a flux greater than approximately 10-15 erg cm-2s-1. We have effectively recovered previously mapped H II regions and have identified 152 unresolved point sources and 122 marginally resolved compact sources, of which 39 have not been previously identified in any archive. An additional 99 Hα sources were found to have sufficient archival flux values to generate a Spectral Energy Distribution. Using the SED, flux values, Hα flux value, and compactness, we classified 67 of these sources.

Design and Analysis of a Compact Precision Positioning Platform Integrating Strain Gauges and the Piezoactuator

PubMed Central

Huang, Hu; Zhao, Hongwei; Yang, Zhaojun; Fan, Zunqiang; Wan, Shunguang; Shi, Chengli; Ma, Zhichao

2012-01-01

Miniaturization precision positioning platforms are needed for in situ nanomechanical test applications. This paper proposes a compact precision positioning platform integrating strain gauges and the piezoactuator. Effects of geometric parameters of two parallel plates on Von Mises stress distribution as well as static and dynamic characteristics of the platform were studied by the finite element method. Results of the calibration experiment indicate that the strain gauge sensor has good linearity and its sensitivity is about 0.0468 mV/μm. A closed-loop control system was established to solve the problem of nonlinearity of the platform. Experimental results demonstrate that for the displacement control process, both the displacement increasing portion and the decreasing portion have good linearity, verifying that the control system is available. The developed platform has a compact structure but can realize displacement measurement with the embedded strain gauges, which is useful for the closed-loop control and structure miniaturization of piezo devices. It has potential applications in nanoindentation and nanoscratch tests, especially in the field of in situ nanomechanical testing which requires compact structures. PMID:23012566

Enhanced photoresponsivity in graphene-silicon slow-light photonic crystal waveguides

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhou, Hao, E-mail: zhoufirst@scu.edu.cn, E-mail: tg2342@columbia.edu, E-mail: cheewei.wong@ucla.edu; Optical Nanostructures Laboratory, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027; Gu, Tingyi, E-mail: zhoufirst@scu.edu.cn, E-mail: tg2342@columbia.edu, E-mail: cheewei.wong@ucla.edu

2016-03-14

We demonstrate the enhanced fast photoresponsivity in graphene hybrid structures by combining the ultrafast dynamics of graphene with improved light-matter interactions in slow-light photonic crystal waveguides. With a 200 μm interaction length, a 0.8 mA/W photoresponsivity is achieved in a graphene-silicon Schottky-like photodetector, with an operating bandwidth in excess of 5 GHz and wavelength range at least from 1480 nm to 1580 nm. Fourfold enhancement of the photocurrent is observed in the slow light region, compared to the wavelength far from the photonic crystal bandedge, for a chip-scale broadband fast photodetector.

How much land for your sand: effects of vegetation and compaction on crevasse splay formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nienhuis, J.; Tornqvist, T. E.; Esposito, C. R.

2016-12-01

Crevasse splays, failed avulsions that make up a significant portion of fluvio-deltaic overbank architecture in the Mississippi River Delta, are a natural analog for sediment diversions that are being planned to rebuild or sustain coastal wetlands. Here we use Delft3D to study the rates and mechanisms of crevasse splay growth. Because crevasse splays often form in peat-rich and vegetated environments, we have modified Delft3D to include simple formulations for the dynamic interaction between morphodynamics, vegetation, and soil compaction. Detailed stratigraphic data from prehistoric splays in the Mississippi River Delta provide useful constraints on long-term compaction rates, sedimentology, and splay volumes. We find that compaction and the absence of vegetation increase the lifespan of crevasse splays, sometimes from 900 to 4000 flood days (days during which the crevasse is geomorphically active, equivalent to model days in our simulations). Additionally, we find that in a few tested scenarios vegetation primarily acts to increase channel depths and flush out fine-grained sediment towards the flood-basin, decreasing the bulk mud capture efficiency of the splay. One model experiment with moderate vegetation heights and low susceptibility for soil compaction was a particularly "efficient" sediment diversion: every 1 m3 of imported sediment resulted in 2.55 m2 of new land.

Mitotic chromosome compaction via active loop extrusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goloborodko, Anton; Imakaev, Maxim; Marko, John; Mirny, Leonid; MIT-Northwestern Team

During cell division, two copies of each chromosome are segregated from each other and compacted more than hundred-fold into the canonical X-shaped structures. According to earlier microscopic observations and the recent Hi-C study, chromosomes are compacted into arrays of consecutive loops of ~100 kilobases. Mechanisms that lead to formation of such loop arrays are largely unknown. Here we propose that, during cell division, chromosomes can be compacted by enzymes that extrude loops on chromatin fibers. First, we use computer simulations and analytical modeling to show that a system of loop-extruding enzymes on a chromatin fiber self-organizes into an array of consecutive dynamic loops. Second, we model the process of loop extrusion in 3D and show that, coupled with the topo II strand-passing activity, it leads to robust compaction and segregation of sister chromatids. This mechanism of chromosomal condensation and segregation does not require additional proteins or specific DNA markup and is robust against variations in the number and properties of such loop extruding enzymes. Work at NU was supported by the NSF through Grants DMR-1206868 and MCB-1022117, and by the NIH through Grants GM105847 and CA193419. Work at MIT was supported by the NIH through Grants GM114190 R01HG003143.

Internal friction controls the speed of protein folding from a compact configuration.

PubMed

Pabit, Suzette A; Roder, Heinrich; Hagen, Stephen J

2004-10-05

Several studies have found millisecond protein folding reactions to be controlled by the viscosity of the solvent: Reducing the viscosity allows folding to accelerate. In the limit of very low solvent viscosity, however, one expects a different behavior. Internal interactions, occurring within the solvent-excluded interior of a compact molecule, should impose a solvent-independent upper limit to folding speed once the bulk diffusional motions become sufficiently rapid. Why has this not been observed? We have studied the effect of solvent viscosity on the folding of cytochrome c from a highly compact, late-stage intermediate configuration. Although the folding rate accelerates as the viscosity declines, it tends toward a finite limiting value approximately 10(5) s(-1) as the viscosity tends toward zero. This limiting rate is independent of the cosolutes used to adjust solvent friction. Therefore, interactions within the interior of a compact denatured polypeptide can limit the folding rate, but the limiting time scale is very fast. It is only observable when the solvent-controlled stages of folding are exceedingly rapid or else absent. Interestingly, we find a very strong temperature dependence in these "internal friction"-controlled dynamics, indicating a large energy scale for the interactions that govern reconfiguration within compact, near-native states of a protein.

Trapped atom number in millimeter-scale magneto-optical traps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoth, Gregory W.; Donley, Elizabeth A.; Kitching, John

2012-06-01

For compact cold-atom instruments, it is desirable to trap a large number of atoms in a small volume to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio. In MOTs with beam diameters of a centimeter or larger, the slowing force is roughly constant versus velocity and the trapped atom number scales as d^4. For millimeter-scale MOTs formed from pyramidal reflectors, a d^6 dependence has been observed [Pollack et al., Opt. Express 17, 14109 (2009)]. A d^6 scaling is expected for small MOTs, where the slowing force is proportional to the atom velocity. For a 1 mm diameter MOT, a d^6 scaling results in 10 atoms, and the difference between a d^4 and a d^6 dependence corresponds to a factor of 1000 in atom number and a factor of 30 in the signal-to-noise ratio. We have observed >10^4 atoms in 1 mm diameter MOTs, consistent with a d^4 dependence. We are currently performing measurements for sub-mm MOTs to determine where the d^4 to d^6 crossover occurs in our system. We are also exploring MOTs based on linear polarization, which can potentially produce stronger slowing forces due to stimulated emission [Emile et al., Europhys. Lett. 20, 687 (1992)]. It may be possible to trap more atoms in small volumes with this method, since high intensities can be easily achieved.

Signatures of Slow Solar Wind Streams from Active Regions in the Inner Corona

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slemzin, V.; Harra, L.; Urnov, A.; Kuzin, S.; Goryaev, F.; Berghmans, D.

2013-08-01

The identification of solar-wind sources is an important question in solar physics. The existing solar-wind models ( e.g., the Wang-Sheeley-Arge model) provide the approximate locations of the solar wind sources based on magnetic field extrapolations. It has been suggested recently that plasma outflows observed at the edges of active regions may be a source of the slow solar wind. To explore this we analyze an isolated active region (AR) adjacent to small coronal hole (CH) in July/August 2009. On 1 August, Hinode/EUV Imaging Spectrometer observations showed two compact outflow regions in the corona. Coronal rays were observed above the active-region coronal hole (ARCH) region on the eastern limb on 31 July by STEREO-A/EUVI and at the western limb on 7 August by CORONAS- Photon/TESIS telescopes. In both cases the coronal rays were co-aligned with open magnetic-field lines given by the potential field source surface model, which expanded into the streamer. The solar-wind parameters measured by STEREO-B, ACE, Wind, and STEREO-A confirmed the identification of the ARCH as a source region of the slow solar wind. The results of the study support the suggestion that coronal rays can represent signatures of outflows from ARs propagating in the inner corona along open field lines into the heliosphere.

An adaptable dual species effusive source and Zeeman slower design demonstrated with Rb and Li

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bowden, William, E-mail: william.bowden@physics.ox.ac.uk; Gunton, Will; Semczuk, Mariusz

2016-04-15

We present a dual-species effusive source and Zeeman slower designed to produce slow atomic beams of two elements with a large mass difference and with very different oven temperature requirements. We demonstrate this design for the case of {sup 6}Li and {sup 85}Rb and achieve magneto-optical trap (MOT) loading rates equivalent to that reported in prior work on dual species (Rb+Li) Zeeman slowers operating at the same oven temperatures. Key design choices, including thermally separating the effusive sources and using a segmented coil design to enable computer control of the magnetic field profile, ensure that the apparatus can be easilymore » modified to slow other atomic species. By performing the final slowing using the quadrupole magnetic field of the MOT, we are able to shorten our Zeeman slower length making for a more compact system without compromising performance. We outline the construction and analyze the emission properties of our effusive sources. We also verify the performance of the source and slower, and we observe sequential loading rates of 12 × 10{sup 8} atoms/s for a Rb oven temperature of 140 °C and 1.1 × 10{sup 8} atoms/s for a Li reservoir at 460 °C, corresponding to reservoir lifetimes for continuous operation of 10 and 4 years, respectively.« less

Dipteran insect flight dynamics. Part 1 Longitudinal motion about hover.

PubMed

Faruque, Imraan; Sean Humbert, J

2010-05-21

This paper presents a reduced-order model of longitudinal hovering flight dynamics for dipteran insects. The quasi-steady wing aerodynamics model is extended by including perturbation states from equilibrium and paired with rigid body equations of motion to create a nonlinear simulation of a Drosophila-like insect. Frequency-based system identification tools are used to identify the transfer functions from biologically inspired control inputs to rigid body states. Stability derivatives and a state space linear system describing the dynamics are also identified. The vehicle control requirements are quantified with respect to traditional human pilot handling qualities specification. The heave dynamics are found to be decoupled from the pitch/fore/aft dynamics. The haltere-on system revealed a stabilized system with a slow (heave) and fast subsidence mode, and a stable oscillatory mode. The haltere-off (bare airframe) system revealed a slow (heave) and fast subsidence mode and an unstable oscillatory mode, a modal structure in agreement with CFD studies. The analysis indicates that passive aerodynamic mechanisms contribute to stability, which may help explain how insects are able to achieve stable locomotion on a very small computational budget. Copyright (c) 2010. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Coupling Protein Dynamics with Proton Transport in Human Carbonic Anhydrase II

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

The role of protein dynamics in enzyme catalysis is one of the most highly debated topics in enzymology. The main controversy centers around what may be defined as functionally significant conformational fluctuations and how, if at all, these fluctuations couple to enzyme catalyzed events. To shed light on this debate, the conformational dynamics along the transition path surmounting the highest free energy barrier have been herein investigated for the rate limiting proton transport event in human carbonic anhydrase (HCA) II. Special attention has been placed on whether the motion of an excess proton is correlated with fluctuations in the surrounding protein and solvent matrix, which may be rare on the picosecond and subpicosecond time scales of molecular motions. It is found that several active site residues, which do not directly participate in the proton transport event, have a significant impact on the dynamics of the excess proton. These secondary participants are shown to strongly influence the active site environment, resulting in the creation of water clusters that are conducive to fast, moderately slow, or slow proton transport events. The identification and characterization of these secondary participants illuminates the role of protein dynamics in the catalytic efficiency of HCA II. PMID:27063577

Separation of Dynamics in the Free Energy Landscape

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ekimoto, Toru; Odagaki, Takashi; Yoshimori, Akira

2008-02-01

The dynamics of a representative point in a model free energy landscape (FEL) is analyzed by the Langevin equation with the FEL as the driving potential. From the detailed analysis of the generalized susceptibility, fast, slow and Johari-Goldstein (JG) processes are shown to be well described by the FEL. Namely, the fast process is determined by the stochastic motion confined in a basin of the FEL and the relaxation time is related to the curvature of the FEL at the bottom of the basin. The jump motion among basins gives rise to the slow relaxation whose relaxation time is determined by the distribution of the barriers in the FEL and the JG process is produced by weak modulation of the FEL.

Investigation of Kibble-Zurek Quench Dynamics in a Spin-1 Ferromagnetic BEC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anquez, Martin; Robbins, Bryce; Hoang, Thai; Yang, Xiaoyun; Land, Benjamin; Hamley, Christopher; Chapman, Michael

2014-05-01

We study the temporal evolution of spin populations in small spin-1 87Rb condensates following a slow quench. A ferromagnetic spin-1 BEC exhibits a second-order gapless (quantum) phase transition due to a competition between the magnetic and collisional spin interaction energies. The dynamics of slow quenches through the critical point are predicted to exhibit universal power-law scaling as a function of quench speed. In spatially extended condensates, these excitations are revealed as spatial spin domains. In small condensates, the excitations are manifest in the temporal evolution of the spin populations, illustrating a Kibble-Zurek type scaling. We will present the results of our investigation and compare them to full quantum simulations of the system.

Cumulate Mantle Dynamics Response to Magma Ocean Cooling Rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boukare, C.-E.; Parmentier, E. M.; Parman, S. W.

2018-05-01

We investigate the issue of the cumulate compaction during magma ocean solidification. We show that the cooling rate of the magma ocean affects the amount and distribution of retained melt in the cumulate layers and the timing of cumulate overturn.

Robust and efficient anomaly detection using heterogeneous representations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Xing; Hu, Shiqiang; Xie, Jinhua; Zheng, Shiyou

2015-05-01

Various approaches have been proposed for video anomaly detection. Yet these approaches typically suffer from one or more limitations: they often characterize the pattern using its internal information, but ignore its external relationship which is important for local anomaly detection. Moreover, the high-dimensionality and the lack of robustness of pattern representation may lead to problems, including overfitting, increased computational cost and memory requirements, and high false alarm rate. We propose a video anomaly detection framework which relies on a heterogeneous representation to account for both the pattern's internal information and external relationship. The internal information is characterized by slow features learned by slow feature analysis from low-level representations, and the external relationship is characterized by the spatial contextual distances. The heterogeneous representation is compact, robust, efficient, and discriminative for anomaly detection. Moreover, both the pattern's internal information and external relationship can be taken into account in the proposed framework. Extensive experiments demonstrate the robustness and efficiency of our approach by comparison with the state-of-the-art approaches on the widely used benchmark datasets.

Porosity localizing instability in a compacting porous layer in a pure shear flow and the evolution of porosity band wavelength

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butler, S. L.

2010-09-01

A porosity localizing instability occurs in compacting porous media that are subjected to shear if the viscosity of the solid matrix decreases with porosity ( Stevenson, 1989). This instability may have significant consequences for melt transport in regions of partial melt in the mantle and may significantly modify the effective viscosity of the asthenosphere ( Kohlstedt and Holtzman, 2009). Most analyses of this instability have been carried out assuming an imposed simple shear flow (e.g., Spiegelman, 2003; Katz et al., 2006; Butler, 2009). Pure shear can be realized in laboratory experiments and studying the instability in a pure shear flow allows us to test the generality of some of the results derived for simple shear and the flow pattern for pure shear more easily separates the effects of deformation from rotation. Pure shear flows may approximate flows near the tops of mantle plumes near earth's surface and in magma chambers. In this study, we present linear theory and nonlinear numerical model results for a porosity and strain-rate weakening compacting porous layer subjected to pure shear and we investigate the effects of buoyancy-induced oscillations. The linear theory and numerical model will be shown to be in excellent agreement. We will show that melt bands grow at the same angles to the direction of maximum compression as in simple shear and that buoyancy-induced oscillations do not significantly inhibit the porosity localizing instability. In a pure shear flow, bands parallel to the direction of maximum compression increase exponentially in wavelength with time. However, buoyancy-induced oscillations are shown to inhibit this increase in wavelength. In a simple shear flow, bands increase in wavelength when they are in the orientation for growth of the porosity localizing instability. Because the amplitude spectrum is always dominated by bands in this orientation, band wavelengths increase with time throughout simple shear simulations until the wavelength becomes similar to one compaction length. Once the wavelength becomes similar to one compaction length, the growth of the amplitude of the band slows and shorter wavelength bands that are increasing in amplitude at a greater rate take over. This may provide a mechanism to explain the experimental observation that band spacing is controlled by the compaction length ( Kohlstedt and Holtzman, 2009).

Attractor Dynamics and Semantic Neighborhood Density: Processing Is Slowed by Near Neighbors and Speeded by Distant Neighbors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mirman, Daniel; Magnuson, James S.

2008-01-01

The authors investigated semantic neighborhood density effects on visual word processing to examine the dynamics of activation and competition among semantic representations. Experiment 1 validated feature-based semantic representations as a basis for computing semantic neighborhood density and suggested that near and distant neighbors have…

Dynamics of Water Associated with Lithium Ions Distributed in Polyethylene Oxide

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Zhe; Ohl, Michael; Diallo, Souleymane O.; ...

2015-11-03

We studied the dynamics of water in polyethylene oxide (PEO)/LiCl solution with quasielastic neutron scattering experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Two different time scales of water diffusion representing interfacial water and bulk water dynamics have been identified. Furthermore, the measured diffusion coefficient of interfacial water remained 5–10 times smaller than that of bulk water, but both were slowed by approximately 50% in the presence of Li +. Detailed analysis of MD trajectories suggests that Li + is favorably found at the surface of the hydration layer, and the probability to find the caged Li + configuration formed by themore » PEO is lower than for the noncaged Li +-PEO configuration. In both configurations, however, the slowing down of water molecules is driven by reorienting water molecules and creating water-Li + hydration complexes. Moreover, performing the MD simulation with different ions (Na + and K +) revealed that smaller ionic radius of the ions is a key factor in disrupting the formation of PEO cages by allowing spaces for water molecules to come in between the ion and PEO.« less

Fluoropolymer Microstructure and Dynamics: Influence of Molecular Orientation Induced by Uniaxial Drawing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miranda, Daniel; Yin, Chaoqing; Runt, James

Fluorinated semi-crystalline polymer films are attractive for dielectric film applications due to their chemical inertness, heat resistance, and high thermal stability. In the present investigation we explore the influence of orientation induced by uniaxial drawing on the crystalline microstructure and relaxation processes of poly(ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE), in order to ascertain how morphological control can benefit polymer dielectric design. When drawn below or near the Tg, the crystallinity of the drawn films is unchanged, and oriented amorphous structures and crystalline microfibrils form at high draw ratios. This orientation slows segmental relaxation, reflected by an increase in the dynamic Tg, and also delays the transition to the high temperature crystalline form of ETFE. When drawing above the Tg, the films undergo strain-induced crystallization at high draw ratios. For these films an increase in the dynamic Tg is also observed, in addition to a second segmental relaxation process, appearing as a shoulder on the primary process. We propose that this represents a contribution from a rigid amorphous fraction, having slowed chain dynamics. Supported by Office of Naval Research.

Dynamics of Water Associated with Lithium Ions Distributed in Polyethylene Oxide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhe; Ohl, Michael; Diallo, Souleymane O.; Jalarvo, Niina H.; Hong, Kunlun; Han, Youngkyu; Smith, Gregory S.; Do, Changwoo

2015-11-01

The dynamics of water in polyethylene oxide (PEO)/LiCl solution has been studied with quasielastic neutron scattering experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Two different time scales of water diffusion representing interfacial water and bulk water dynamics have been identified. The measured diffusion coefficient of interfacial water remained 5-10 times smaller than that of bulk water, but both were slowed by approximately 50% in the presence of Li+ . Detailed analysis of MD trajectories suggests that Li+ is favorably found at the surface of the hydration layer, and the probability to find the caged Li+ configuration formed by the PEO is lower than for the noncaged Li+-PEO configuration. In both configurations, however, the slowing down of water molecules is driven by reorienting water molecules and creating water-Li+ hydration complexes. Performing the MD simulation with different ions (Na+ and K+ ) revealed that smaller ionic radius of the ions is a key factor in disrupting the formation of PEO cages by allowing spaces for water molecules to come in between the ion and PEO.

Dynamics of Water Associated with Lithium Ions Distributed in Polyethylene Oxide.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhe; Ohl, Michael; Diallo, Souleymane O; Jalarvo, Niina H; Hong, Kunlun; Han, Youngkyu; Smith, Gregory S; Do, Changwoo

2015-11-06

The dynamics of water in polyethylene oxide (PEO)/LiCl solution has been studied with quasielastic neutron scattering experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Two different time scales of water diffusion representing interfacial water and bulk water dynamics have been identified. The measured diffusion coefficient of interfacial water remained 5-10 times smaller than that of bulk water, but both were slowed by approximately 50% in the presence of Li(+). Detailed analysis of MD trajectories suggests that Li(+) is favorably found at the surface of the hydration layer, and the probability to find the caged Li(+) configuration formed by the PEO is lower than for the noncaged Li(+)-PEO configuration. In both configurations, however, the slowing down of water molecules is driven by reorienting water molecules and creating water-Li(+) hydration complexes. Performing the MD simulation with different ions (Na(+) and K(+)) revealed that smaller ionic radius of the ions is a key factor in disrupting the formation of PEO cages by allowing spaces for water molecules to come in between the ion and PEO.

Slow relaxation dynamics of clogs in a vibrated granular silo.

PubMed

Guerrero, B V; Pugnaloni, L A; Lozano, C; Zuriguel, I; Garcimartín, A

2018-04-01

We experimentally explore the vibration-induced unclogging of arches halting the flow in a two-dimensional silo. The endurance of arches is determined by carrying out a survival analysis of their breaking times. By analyzing the dynamics of two morphological variables, we demonstrate that arches evolve toward less regular structures and it seems that there may exist a certain degree of irregularity that the arch reaches before collapsing. Moreover, we put forward that σ (the standard deviation of all angles between consecutive beads) describes faithfully the morphological evolution of the arch. Focusing on long-lasting arches, we study σ calculating its two-time autocorrelation function and its mean-squared displacement. In particular, the apparent logarithmic increase of the correlation and the decrease of the mean-squared displacement of σ when the waiting time is increased reveal a slowing down of the dynamics. This behavior is a clear hallmark of aging phenomena and confirms the lack of ergodicity in the unclogging dynamics. Our findings provide new insights on how an arch tends to destabilize and how the probability that it breaks with a long sustained vibration decreases with time.

Slow relaxation dynamics of clogs in a vibrated granular silo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guerrero, B. V.; Pugnaloni, L. A.; Lozano, C.; Zuriguel, I.; Garcimartín, A.

2018-04-01

We experimentally explore the vibration-induced unclogging of arches halting the flow in a two-dimensional silo. The endurance of arches is determined by carrying out a survival analysis of their breaking times. By analyzing the dynamics of two morphological variables, we demonstrate that arches evolve toward less regular structures and it seems that there may exist a certain degree of irregularity that the arch reaches before collapsing. Moreover, we put forward that σ (the standard deviation of all angles between consecutive beads) describes faithfully the morphological evolution of the arch. Focusing on long-lasting arches, we study σ calculating its two-time autocorrelation function and its mean-squared displacement. In particular, the apparent logarithmic increase of the correlation and the decrease of the mean-squared displacement of σ when the waiting time is increased reveal a slowing down of the dynamics. This behavior is a clear hallmark of aging phenomena and confirms the lack of ergodicity in the unclogging dynamics. Our findings provide new insights on how an arch tends to destabilize and how the probability that it breaks with a long sustained vibration decreases with time.

Hybrid learning in signalling games

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrett, Jeffrey A.; Cochran, Calvin T.; Huttegger, Simon; Fujiwara, Naoki

2017-09-01

Lewis-Skyrms signalling games have been studied under a variety of low-rationality learning dynamics. Reinforcement dynamics are stable but slow and prone to evolving suboptimal signalling conventions. A low-inertia trial-and-error dynamical like win-stay/lose-randomise is fast and reliable at finding perfect signalling conventions but unstable in the context of noise or agent error. Here we consider a low-rationality hybrid of reinforcement and win-stay/lose-randomise learning that exhibits the virtues of both. This hybrid dynamics is reliable, stable and exceptionally fast.

Heterogeneous chain dynamics and aggregate lifetimes in precise acid-containing polyethylenes: Experiments and simulations

DOE PAGES

Middleton, L. Robert; Tarver, Jacob D.; Cordaro, Joseph; ...

2016-11-10

Melt state dynamics for a series of strictly linear polyethylenes with precisely spaced associating functional groups were investigated. The periodic pendant acrylic acid groups form hydrogen-bonded acid aggregates within the polyethylene (PE) matrix. The dynamics of these nanoscale heterogeneous morphologies were investigated from picosecond to nanosecond timescales by both quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) measurements and fully atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Two dynamic processes were observed. The faster dynamic processes which occur at the picosecond timescales are compositionally insensitive and indicative of spatially restricted local motions. The slower dynamic processes are highly composition dependent and indicate the structural relaxation ofmore » the polymer backbone. Higher acid contents, or shorter PE spacers between pendant acid groups, slow the structural relaxation timescale and increase the stretching parameter (β) of the structural relaxation. Additionally, the dynamics of specific hydrogen atom positions along the backbone correlate structural heterogeneity imposed by the associating acid groups with a mobility gradient along the polymer backbone. At time intervals (<2 ns), the mean-squared displacements for the four methylene groups closest to the acid groups are up to 10 times smaller than those of methylene groups further from the acid groups. At longer timescales acid aggregates rearrange and the chain dynamics of the slow, near-aggregate regions and the faster bridge regions converge, implying a characteristic timescale for the passage of chains between aggregates. As a result, the characterization of the nanoscale chain dynamics in these associating polymer systems both provides validation of simulation force fields and provides understanding of heterogeneous chain dynamics in associating polymers.« less

Pathwise upper semi-continuity of random pullback attractors along the time axis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Hongyong; Kloeden, Peter E.; Wu, Fuke

2018-07-01

The pullback attractor of a non-autonomous random dynamical system is a time-indexed family of random sets, typically having the form {At(ṡ) } t ∈ R with each At(ṡ) a random set. This paper is concerned with the nature of such time-dependence. It is shown that the upper semi-continuity of the mapping t ↦At(ω) for each ω fixed has an equivalence relationship with the uniform compactness of the local union ∪s∈IAs(ω) , where I ⊂ R is compact. Applied to a semi-linear degenerate parabolic equation with additive noise and a wave equation with multiplicative noise we show that, in order to prove the above locally uniform compactness and upper semi-continuity, no additional conditions are required, in which sense the two properties appear to be general properties satisfied by a large number of real models.

Quark Phase Transition in Compact Objects and Multimessenger Astronomy: Neutrino Signals, Supernovae and Gamma-Ray Bursts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sokolov, V. V.; Vlasyuk, V. V.; Petkov, V. B.

2016-06-01

The International Workshop on Quark Phase Transition in Compact Objects and Multimessenger Astronomy: Neutrino Signals, Supernovae and Gamma-Ray Bursts (October, 7-14, 2015) was dedicated to Quantum ChromoDynamics (QCD) Phase Transitions and observational signals of these transitions related to formation of compact astrophysical objects. The aim of this workshop was to bring together researchers working on the problems of behavior of matter under critical conditions achievable in such astrophysical objects as "strange" or "hybrid" stars and in laboratories at heavy-ion collisions to discuss fundamental issues and recent developments. Topics included both observations (radio, optical and X-ray astronomy, gamma ray bursts, gravitational waves, neutrino detection, heavy-ion collisions, etc.) and theory (supernova simulations, proto-neutron and neutron stars, equation of state of dense matter, neutron star cooling, unstable modes, nucleosynthesis, explosive transitions, quark-gluon plasma).

Cosmology on a cosmic ring

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Niedermann, Florian; Schneider, Robert, E-mail: florian.niedermann@physik.lmu.de, E-mail: robert.bob.schneider@physik.uni-muenchen.de

We derive the modified Friedmann equations for a generalization of the Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati (DGP) model in which the brane has one additional compact dimension. The main new feature is the emission of gravitational waves into the bulk. We study two classes of solutions: first, if the compact dimension is stabilized, the waves vanish and one exactly recovers DGP cosmology. However, a stabilization by means of physical matter is not possible for a tension-dominated brane, thus implying a late time modification of 4D cosmology different from DGP. Second, for a freely expanding compact direction, we find exact attractor solutions with zero 4Dmore » Hubble parameter despite the presence of a 4D cosmological constant. The model hence constitutes an explicit example of dynamical degravitation at the full nonlinear level. Without stabilization, however, there is no 4D regime and the model is ruled out observationally, as we demonstrate explicitly by comparing to supernova data.« less

Design and testing of focusing magnets for a compact electron linac

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Qushan; Qin, Bin; Liu, Kaifeng; Liu, Xu; Fu, Qiang; Tan, Ping; Hu, Tongning; Pei, Yuanji

2015-10-01

Solenoid field errors have great influence on electron beam qualities. In this paper, design and testing of high precision solenoids for a compact electron linac is presented. We proposed an efficient and practical method to solve the peak field of the solenoid for relativistic electron beams based on the reduced envelope equation. Beam dynamics involving space charge force were performed to predict the focusing effects. Detailed optimization methods were introduced to achieve an ultra-compact configuration as well as high accuracy, with the help of the POISSON and OPERA packages. Efforts were attempted to restrain system errors in the off-line testing, which showed the short lens and the main solenoid produced a peak field of 0.13 T and 0.21 T respectively. Data analysis involving central and off axes was carried out and demonstrated that the testing results fitted well with the design.

Compact atom interferometer using single laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiow, Sheng-wey; Yu, Nan

2018-06-01

A typical atom interferometer requires vastly different laser frequencies at different stages of operation, e.g., near resonant light for laser cooling and far detuned light for atom optics, such that multiple lasers are typically employed. The number of laser units constrains the achievable minimum size and power in practical devices for resource critical environments such as space. We demonstrate a compact atom interferometer accelerometer operated by a single diode laser. This is achieved by dynamically changing the laser output frequency in GHz range while maintaining spectroscopic reference to an atomic transition via a sideband generated by phase modulation. At the same time, a beam path sharing configuration is also demonstrated for a compact sensor head design, in which atom interferometer beams share the same path as that of the cooling beam. This beam path sharing also significantly simplifies three-axis atomic accelerometry in microgravity using single sensor head.

Attractors of relaxation discrete-time systems with chaotic dynamics on a fast time scale.

PubMed

Maslennikov, Oleg V; Nekorkin, Vladimir I

2016-07-01

In this work, a new type of relaxation systems is considered. Their prominent feature is that they comprise two distinct epochs, one is slow regular motion and another is fast chaotic motion. Unlike traditionally studied slow-fast systems that have smooth manifolds of slow motions in the phase space and fast trajectories between them, in this new type one observes, apart the same geometric objects, areas of transient chaos. Alternating periods of slow regular motions and fast chaotic ones as well as transitions between them result in a specific chaotic attractor with chaos on a fast time scale. We formulate basic properties of such attractors in the framework of discrete-time systems and consider several examples. Finally, we provide an important application of such systems, the neuronal electrical activity in the form of chaotic spike-burst oscillations.