Quantum and Classical Statistical Mechanics of the Integrable Models in 1 + 1 Dimensions

In a short but remarkable paper Yang and Yang [1] showed that the free energy of a model system consisting of N bosons on a line with repulsive δ-function interactions was given by a set of coupled integral equations. The Yangs’ chosen model is in fact the repulsive version of the quantum Nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) model. We have shown that with appropriate extensions and different dispersion relations and phase shifts similar formulae apply to ‘all’ of the integrable models quantum or classical. These models include the sine-Gordon (s-G) and sinh-Gordon (sinh-G) models, the two NLS models (attractive and repulsive), the Landau-Lifshitz (L-L’) model which includes all four previous models,…

Characterizing Low-Permeable Granitic Rock from Micrometer to Centimeter Scale: X-ray Microcomputed Tomography, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and 14C-PMMA Method

AbstractFirst results of combining X-ray microcomputer tomography (µCT), confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) and 14C-polymethylmethacrylate (14C-PMMA) impregnation techniques in the study of granitic rock samples are reported. Combining results of µCT and CLSM with those of the 14C-PMMA technique, the mineral-specific porosity and morphology of the open pore space, as well as its connectivity, could be analyzed from a micrometer up to a decimeter scale.Three different types of granite were studied. In two cases part of the micro-fissure and pore apertures were found to be in a micrometer scale, but in one case all grain-boundary openings were below the detection limit. Micrometer-scal…

Lattice-Boltzmann and finite difference simulations for the permeability of three-dimensional porous media

Numerical micropermeametry is performed on three dimensional porous samples having a linear size of approximately 3 mm and a resolution of 7.5 $\mu$m. One of the samples is a microtomographic image of Fontainebleau sandstone. Two of the samples are stochastic reconstructions with the same porosity, specific surface area, and two-point correlation function as the Fontainebleau sample. The fourth sample is a physical model which mimics the processes of sedimentation, compaction and diagenesis of Fontainebleau sandstone. The permeabilities of these samples are determined by numerically solving at low Reynolds numbers the appropriate Stokes equations in the pore spaces of the samples. The physi…

Exact Solution of Quantum Optical Models by Algebraic Bethe Ansatz Methods

From long standing interests in solitons and integrable systems, e.g. SIT (1968– 74)1,2, “optical solitons” CQ04 (1977)3, we solve exactly, by algebraic Bettie ansatz (= quantum inverse) methods4, models of importance to quantum optics including the quantum Maxwell-Bloch envelope equations for plane-wave quantum self-induced transparency (SIT) in one space variable (x) and one time (t)2; and in the one tinte (t)5 a family of models surrounding and extending the Tavis-Cummings model6 of N 2-level atoms coupled to one cavity mode for ideal cavity (Q = ∞) QED. Additional Kerr type nonlinearities or Stark shifted levels can he incorporated into the Hamiltonian H of one of the most general model…

Phased laser diode array permits selective excitation of ultrasonic guided waves in coated bone-mimicking tubes

This paper validates simulation predictions, which state that specific modes could be enhanced in quantitative ultrasonic bone testing. Tunable selection of ultrasonic guided wave excitation is useful in non-destructive testing since it permits the mediation of energy into diagnostically useful modes while reducing the energy mediated into disturbing contributions. For instance, it is often challenging to distinguish and extract the useful modes from ultrasound signals measured in bone covered by a soft tissue. We show that a laser diode array can selectively excite ultrasound in bone mimicking phantoms. A fiber-coupled diode array (4 elements) illuminated two solid tubes (2-3mm wall thickn…

Computational Modeling of Protein Dynamics in Eukaryotic Cells

Proteins have important functions inside the cell, traveling diffusively or being actively transported to various cellular sites where their activity is needed. Protein motion in the cellular environment is therefore an important topic to understand. However, the cell provides a very complex environment for that motion, which poses problems especially for any modeling effort designed to interpret experimentally observed features. So as to gain a realistic picture of protein dynamics inside the cell, we have recently introduced advanced numerical methods for describing that dynamics [1]. The starting point is an accurate numerical duplicate of the cell determined by LSCM, which can be used a…

Compression forces of haptics of freely rotating posterior chamber intraocular lenses.

Abstract Purpose: To measure the compressive forces of the haptics of 28 intraocular lens (IOL) models for different modes of compression and compare the results of two types of measurements. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Central Hospital of Central Finland, Jyvaskyla, Finland. Methods: The haptics of 28 types of IOLs were compressed to a diameter of 9.0 mm between curved anvils. The compression forces in the plane of compression (i.e., in the plane of the optics) were measured at 0.5 mm intervals. During compression, the optics and the haptics were free to rotate with respect to the anvils. The results were compared with those of earlier measurements in which the optics were held f…

The effect of microscale pore structure on matrix diffusion—a site-specific study on tonalite

Abstract The matrix diffusion of non-sorbing tracers was studied in rocks from the Syyry area, Central Finland (SY1). The effect of alteration and weathering on rock matrix porosity and on the available pore space, which affects diffusivity, are discussed. The main rock type in the crystalline bedrock of Syyry is a slightly foliated, gray tonalite with mica gneiss inclusions as well as minor, more mafic inclusions. The total porosity and the spatial porosity distribution and microstructure of the rocks were investigated using infiltration of carbon- 14-methylmethacrylate, electron microscopy and Hg-porosimetry. The laboratory-scale diffusion experiments were performed using (1) the out-leac…

KPZ equation with realistic short-range-correlated noise

We study a realistic simulation model for the propagation of slow-combustion fronts in paper. In the simulations the deterministic part of the dynamics is that of the KPZ equation. The stochastic part, including in particular the short-range noise correlations, is taken from images of the structure of real paper samples. The parameters of the simulations are determined by using an inverse method applied to the experimental front data and by comparing the simulated and the experimental effective-noise distributions. Our model predicts well the shape of the spatial and temporal correlation functions, including the location of the crossovers from short-range (SR) to long-range (LR) behavior. T…

Effect of latex on surface structure and wetting of pigment coatings

Abstract The amount and type of latex binder has a significant effect on both the structure and chemical properties of pigment coatings, which affects critical surface properties, e.g., gloss, ink setting rate via liquid absorption, and spreading properties. Increased knowledge is required for improved optimization in practical applications of pigment coating layers. To this end, the effect of binder amount for two different styrene–butadiene latices in kaolin pigment coatings on a base paper was studied, by measuring the surface topography, surface chemistry, and liquid absorption of these coatings. The topography was thoroughly analyzed from nanometer to millimeter length scales by atomic…

Crack dynamics and crack surfaces in elastic beam lattices

The dynamics of propagating cracks is analyzed in elastic two-dimensional lattices of beams. At early times, inertia effects and static stress enhancement combine so that the crack-tip velocity is found to behave as t1/7. At late times a minimal crack-tip model reproduces the numerical simulation results. With no disorder and for fast loading, a “mirror-mist-mirror” crack-surface pattern emerges. Introduction of disorder leads, however, to the formation of the “mirror-mist-hackle”–type interface typical in many experimental situations. Peer reviewed

Spreading dynamics of three-dimensional droplets by the lattice-Boltzmann method

Abstract We have simulated spreading of small droplets on smooth and rough solid surfaces using the three-dimensional lattice-Boltzmann method. We present results for the influence of the initial distance and shape of the drop from the surface on scaling of droplet radius R as a function of time. For relatively flat initial drop shapes our observations are consistent with Tanner's law R ∼ t q , where q =1/10. For increasingly spherical initial shapes, the exponent q increases rapidly being above one half for spherical droplets initially just above the surface. As expected, surface roughness slows down spreading, decreases the final drop radius, and results in irregular droplet shape due to …

Scaling Behavior in Non-Hookean Compression of Thin-Walled Structures

The mechanics and stability of thin-walled structures is a challenging and important branch in structural mechanics. Under vertical compression the deformation of a thin-walled box differs from that of, e.g., a cylindrical shell. It is demonstrated here that compression of a box can be described by a set of generic scaling laws representing three successive regimes: a linear, wrinkled, and collapsed regime. The linear Hookean regime represents the normal behavior before any instability sets in, while the following wrinkled regime is shown to be analogous to compression of thin-film blisters. The compression force reaches its maximum at the onset of the final collapsed regime that has all th…

Protein diffusion in mammalian cell cytoplasm.

We introduce a new method for mesoscopic modeling of protein diffusion in an entire cell. This method is based on the construction of a three-dimensional digital model cell from confocal microscopy data. The model cell is segmented into the cytoplasm, nucleus, plasma membrane, and nuclear envelope, in which environment protein motion is modeled by fully numerical mesoscopic methods. Finer cellular structures that cannot be resolved with the imaging technique, which significantly affect protein motion, are accounted for in this method by assigning an effective, position-dependent porosity to the cell. This porosity can also be determined by confocal microscopy using the equilibrium distribut…

Effects of a low-frequency sound wave therapy programme on functional capacity, blood circulation and bone metabolism in frail old men and women

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a low-frequency sound wave therapy programme on functional capacity, blood circulation and bone metabolism of the frail elderly. Design: Single-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Setting: Two senior service centres. Subjects: Forty-nine volunteers (14 males and 35 females) aged 62—93 years with up to 12 diagnosed diseases were allocated in either the intervention group (n = 30) or control group (n = 19). Intervention: The intervention group underwent sound wave therapy, 3—5 times a week for 30 minutes per session over a period of 6 months. The control group received no intervention. Main measurements: Blood pressure, functional capacity, mobility, bo…

Correlation functions for a strongly coupled boson system and plane partitions.

A quantum phase model is introduced as a limit for very strong interactions of a strongly correlated q -boson hopping model. The exact solution of the phase model is reviewed, and solutions are also provided for two correlation functions of the model. Explicit expressions, including both amplitude and scaling exponent, are derived for these correlation functions in the low temperature limit. The amplitudes were found to be related to the number of plane partitions contained in boxes of finite size.

Fracture Processes Observed with A Cryogenic Detector

In the early stages of running of the CRESST dark matter search using sapphire detectors at very low temperature, an unexpectedly high rate of signal pulses appeared. Their origin was finally traced to fracture events in the sapphire due to the very tight clamping of the detectors. During extensive runs the energy and time of each event was recorded, providing large data sets for such phenomena. We believe this is the first time the energy release in fracture has been directly and accurately measured on a microscopic event-by-event basis. The energy threshold corresponds to the breaking of only a few hundred covalent bonds, a sensitivity some orders of magnitude greater than that of previou…

Deterministic folding in stiff elastic membranes.

Crumpled membranes have been found to be characterized by complex patterns of spatially seemingly random facets separated by narrow ridges of high elastic energy. We demonstrate by numerical simulations that compression of stiff elastic membranes with small randomness in their initial configurations leads to either random ridge configurations (high entropy) or nearly deterministic folds (low elastic energy). For folding with symmetric ridge configurations to appear in part of the crumpling processes, the crumpling rate must be slow enough. Folding stops when the thickness of the folded structure becomes important, and crumpling continues thereafter as a random process.

Association between low-frequency ultrasound and hip fractures - comparison with DXA-based BMD

Background New methods for diagnosing osteoporosis and evaluating fracture risk are being developed. We aim to study the association between low-frequency (LF) axial transmission ultrasound and hip fracture risk in a population-based sample of older women. Methods The study population consisted of 490 community-dwelling women (78–82 years). Ultrasound velocity (VLF) at mid-tibia was measured in 2006 using a low-frequency scanning axial transmission device. Bone mineral density (BMD) at proximal femur measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used as the reference method. The fracture history of the participants was collected from December 1997 until the end of 2010. Lifestyl…

X-ray microtomography and laser ablation in the analysis of ink distribution in coated paper

A novel method was developed for studying the ink-paper interface and the structural variations of a deposited layer of ink. Combining high-resolution x-ray tomography with laser ablation, the depth profile of ink (toner), i.e., its varying thickness, could be determined in a paper substrate. X-ray tomography was used to produce the 3D structure of paper with about 1 μm spatial resolution. Laser ablation combined with optical imaging was used to produce the 3D structure of the printed layer of ink on top of that paper with about 70 nm depth resolution. Ablation depth was calibrated with an optical profilometer. It can be concluded that a toner layer on a light-weight-coated paper substrate …

On the physico-chemical evolution of low-pH and CEM I cement pastes interacting with Callovo-Oxfordian pore water under its in situ CO2 partial pressure

International audience; Abstract Within the framework of geological repositories for radioactive waste, structural concretes must be adapted to the underground chemical conditions. CEM I cement-based materials are characterised by high pH that may produce an alkaline plume in the near-field of the repository. In order to avoid this problem, low-pH cements have been designed. This study compares the physico-chemical behaviour of a low-pH material with a CEM I cement paste, both being subjected to leaching by an aqueous solution. An original experimental setup was designed to reproduce the underground conditions using a specific CO2 regulation device. Under these conditions, the low-pH materi…

A unique microstructure of the fiber networks deposited from foam-fiber suspensions

Abstract Fiber networks can be formed using aqueous foam as the suspending medium. The mean bubble size of the foam affects the resulting pore-size distribution of the fiber network. The foam–fiber interactions cause in particular an increase in the proportion of large micropores of the network, in comparison with the fiber networks that result from traditional water forming at a similar material density. Experiments were carried out for two different types of cellulose fiber, and characterization of the resulting pore structure was based on X-ray microtomography of the resulting fiber networks. The unique pore structure obtained with foam forming was reflected in various macroscopic proper…

Assessment of the cortical bone thickness using ultrasonic guided waves: Modelling and in vitro study

Determination of cortical bone thickness is warranted, e.g., for assessing the level of endosteal resorption in osteoporosis or other bone pathologies. We have shown previously that the velocity of the fundamental antisymmetric (or flexural) guided wave, measured for bone phantoms and bones in vitro, correlates with the cortical thickness significantly better than those by other axial ultrasound methods. In addition, we have introduced an inversion scheme based on guided wave theory, group velocity filtering and 2-D fast Fourier transform, for determination of cortical thickness from the measured velocity of guided waves. In this study, the method was validated for tubular structures by usi…

Obstructing propagation of interfering modes improves detection of guided waves in coated bone models

Interference due to wave propagation in soft tissue that covers the bone is a major challenge to in vivo assessment of the fundamental flexural guided wave (FFGW) in bone. To improve signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) we propose to obstruct the propagation of interfering modes by locally deforming the coating by external mechanical compression. This approach was modeled by 2D finite-element transient domain (FEMTD) simulations in a fluid-coated (7 mm) solid plate (3 mm). The fluid layer mimics the soft tissue that covers the bone. A single emitter or a 6-element phased array excited ultrasound pulses at 50 kHz on the surface of the coating, and a receiver array was placed on the surface, 20…

Porous structure of fibre networks formed by a foaming process: a comparative study of different characterization techniques

Recent developments in making fibre materials using the foam-forming technology have raised a need to characterize the porous structure at low material density. In order to find an effective choice among all structure-characterization methods, both two-dimensional and three-dimensional techniques were used to explore the porous structure of foam-formed samples made with two different types of cellulose fibre. These techniques included X-ray microtomography, scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, direct surface imaging using a CCD camera and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The mean pore radius for a varying type of fibre and for varying foam properties was described similarly by all …

Modeling the impact of soft tissue on axial transmission measurements of ultrasonic guided waves in human radius

Recent in vitro and simulation studies have shown that guided waves measured at low ultrasound frequencies (f=200 kHz) can characterize both material properties and geometry of the cortical bone wall. In particular, a method for an accurate cortical thickness estimation from ultrasound velocity data has been presented. The clinical application remains, however, a challenge as the impact of a layer of soft tissue on top of the bone is not yet well established, and this layer is expected to affect the dispersion and relative intensities of guided modes. The present study is focused on the theoretical modeling of the impact of an overlying soft tissue. A semianalytical method and finite-differ…

Determination of the porosity, permeability and diffusivity of rock in the excavation-disturbed zone around full-scale deposition holes using the -PMMA and He-gas methods

Abstract Three experimental holes the size of deposition holes in a KBS-3 type repository (depth 7.5 m and diameter 1.5 m) were bored in hard granitic rock in the Research Tunnel at Olkiluoto to study, among other things, the properties of the rock in the excavation-disturbed zone. In the analysis described in this report, the porosities, effective diffusivities and permeabilities of disturbed and intact rock were determined by using two novel methods: the 14 C -polymethylmethacrylate method and the He-gas method. In addition, the structure of the rock in the excavation-disturbed zone was assessed using both scanning electron and optical microscopy.

Statistical Mechanics of the Sine-Gordon Equation

We give two fundamental methods for evaluation of classical free energies of all the integrable models admitting soliton solutions; the sine-Gordon equation is one example. Periodic boundary conditions impose integral equations for allowed phonon and soliton momenta. From these, generalized Bethe-Ansatz and functional-integration methods using action-angle variables follow. Results for free energies coincide, and coincide with those that we find by transfer-integral methods. Extension to the quantum case, and quantum Bethe Ansatz, on the lines to be reported elsewhere for the sinh-Gordon equation, is indicated.

Guided ultrasonic waves in long bones: modelling, experiment and in vivo application.

Existing ultrasound devices for assessing the human tibia are based on detecting the first arriving signal, corresponding to a wave propagating at, or close to, the bulk longitudinal velocity in bone. However, human long bones are effectively irregular hollow tubes and should theoretically support the propagation of more complex guided modes similar to Lamb waves in plates. Guided waves are attractive because they propagate throughout the bone thickness and can potentially yield more information on bone material properties and architecture. In this study, Lamb wave theory and numerical simulations of wave propagation were used to gain insights into the expected behaviour of guided waves in …

Structure function as a tool in AE and Dst time series analysis

A new method to analyse the structure function (SF) has been constructed and used in the analysis of the AE time series for the years 1978-85 and Dst time series for 1957-84. It is shown that this SF analysis makes a clear distinction between affine and periodicity dominated time series, and it displays the essential periodicities of the series in a range relevant to its characteristic time scale. The AE time series is found to be affine such that the scaling exponent changes at a time scale of 113 (±9) minutes. On the other hand, in the SF function analysis, the Dst data are dominated by the 24-hour and 27-day periods. The 27-day period is modulated by the annual variation.

Estimation of structural and geometrical properties of cortical bone by computerized tomography in 78-year-old women

The structural and geometrical properties of the tibia shaft were investigated at two sections by means of computerized tomography (CT) in 78-year-old women with high (n = 19) and low (n = 17) calcaneal bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm3) previously measured by 125I-photon absorption. The high BMD group had a 20-21% higher tibial BMD and 9-12% higher bone cross-sectional area than was observed in the low BMD group. The distribution of bone mass indicated that the low BMD group had lost bone mainly from the endosteal surface, especially in the anterior part of the tibia. However, both groups had a similar basic pattern of mass distribution at the measured sections. The high BMD group had highe…

Wettability and compositional analysis of hydroxyapatite films modified by low and high energy ion irradiation

Abstract Hydroxyapatite-like thin films on silicon substrate were deposited using atomic layer deposition and were subjected to irradiation with Ar ions accelerated through 0.6–1.2 kV as well as 2 MeV 16 O + ions. After low energy Ar irradiation a significant reduction in contact angle was observed. However, the Ca/P atomic ratio remained unchanged. No reduction in contact angle was seen for high energy 16 O + irradiation. Atomic force microscopy showed the enhancement of floral-like pattern after low energy Ar bombardment while high energy oxygen irradiation lead to raised islands on as-deposited films.

Correlation dimension and affinity of AE data and bicolored noise

This paper is concerned with the general question of the dynamics of the magnetosphere. In general, to solve the dynamics of the magnetosphere one has to solve magnetohydrodynamic equations with some appropriate set of boundary conditions. This results in a very complex solution, which gives indications of being chaotic. The question of the chaotic nature of the magnetospheric dynamics has been addressed by various authors by looking at the correlation dimension of the auroral electrojet index. There has been disagreement on the outcome of such experiments, so the authors report on a detailed analysis of the auroral electrojet index time series. They find a correlation dimension of 3.4. For…

84 Enhanced Characterization of the Thickness and Bone Mineral Density of the Radius and Tibia by Low-Frequency Guided-Wave Ultrasound

Objective improvement of the visual quality of ion microscope images

The need to operate with low ion beam fluences implies the images obtained using ion microscope (IM) are often grainy and have poor visual quality compared to what can be obtained using e.g. confocal microscopy. This results from the Poissonian distribution of counts in pixels. Here we report work on some different approaches for objectively improving the visual quality of IM images. In this work we present (i) dramatic improvement in the visual image quality of off-axis and direct-scanning transmission ion microscopy (STIM) images by suppression of zero-pixels; (ii) denoising of PIXE images using wavelet filtering and (iii) use of the feature preserving characteristics of wavelet filtering…

Assessment of the tibia using ultrasonic guided waves in pubertal girls

The purpose of this study was to compare low frequency ultrasonic guided wave measurements with established ultrasound and bone density measurements in terms of their ability to characterize the tibia in pubertal girls. Subjects were 12-14-year-old girls ( n=106) who were participating in a calcium and vitamin D intervention study. A prototype low frequency pulse transmission device consisting of a uniaxial scanning mechanism and low frequency transducers orientated perpendicularly to the limb was used to measure two ultrasound velocities in the tibia. The first velocity, V1, was that of the first arriving signal, similar to that measured by existing commercial tibial ultrasound devices. Th…

Permeability and effective porosity of porous media

The concept of permeability of porous media is discussed, and a modification of Kozeny’s permeability equation to include the effect of effective porosity is introduced. An analytical expression for the specific surface area of a system constructed of randomly placed identical obstacles with unrestricted overlap is derived, and a lattice-gas cellular automaton method is then used to simulate the dependence on porosity of permeability, tortuosity, and effective porosity for a flow of Newtonian uncompressible fluid in this two-dimensional porous substance. The simulated permeabilities can well be explained by the concept of effective porosity, and the exact form of the specific surface area. …

Quantum and Classical Statistical Mechanics of the Non-Linear Schrödinger, Sinh-Gordon and Sine-Gordon Equations

We are going to describe our work on the quantum and classical statistical mechanics of some exactly integrable non-linear one dimensional systems. The simplest is the non-linear Schrodinger equation (NLS) $$i{\psi _t} = - {\psi _{XX}} + 2c{\psi ^ + }\psi \psi $$ (1) where c, the coupling constant, is positive. The others are the sine- and sinh-Gordon equations (sG and shG) $${\phi _{xx}} - {\phi _{tt}} = {m^2}\sin \phi $$ (1.2) $${\phi _{xx}} - {\phi _{tt}} = {m^2}\sinh \phi $$ (1.3)

Comparison of implementations of the lattice-Boltzmann method

AbstractSimplicity of coding is usually an appealing feature of the lattice-Boltzmann method (LBM). Conventional implementations of LBM are often based on the two-lattice or the two-step algorithm, which however suffer from high memory consumption and poor computational performance, respectively. The aim of this work was to identify implementations of LBM that would achieve high computational performance with low memory consumption. Effects of memory addressing schemes were investigated in particular. Data layouts for velocity distribution values were also considered, and they were found to be related to computational performance. A novel bundle data layout was therefore introduced. Address…

Similarity Solutions and Collapse in the Attractive Gross-Pitaevskii Equation

We analyse a generalised Gross-Pitaevskii equation involving a paraboloidal trap potential in $D$ space dimensions and generalised to a nonlinearity of order $2n+1$. For {\em attractive} coupling constants collapse of the particle density occurs for $Dn\ge 2$ and typically to a $\delta$-function centered at the origin of the trap. By introducing a new dynamical variable for the spherically symmetric solutions we show that all such solutions are self-similar close to the center of the trap. Exact self-similar solutions occur if, and only if, $Dn=2$, and for this case of $Dn=2$ we exhibit an exact but rather special D=1 analytical self-similar solution collapsing to a $\delta$-function which …

Simulation Software for Flow of Fluid with Suspended Point Particles in Complex Domains: Application to Matrix Diffusion

Matrix diffusion is a phenomenon in which tracer particles convected along a flow channel can diffuse into porous walls of the channel, and it causes a delay and broadening of the breakthrough curve of a tracer pulse. Analytical and numerical methods exist for modeling matrix diffusion, but there are still some features of this phenomenon, which are difficult to address using traditional approaches. To this end we propose to use the lattice-Boltzmann method with point-like tracer particles. These particles move in a continuous space, are advected by the flow, and there is a stochastic force causing them to diffuse. This approach can be extended to include particle-particle and particle-wall…

Solution for the fragment-size distribution in a crack-branching model of fragmentation

It is well established that rapidly propagating cracks in brittle material are unstable such that they generate side branches. It is also known that cracks are attracted by free surfaces, which means that they attract each other. This information is used here to formulate a generic model of fragmentation in which the small-size part of the fragment-size distribution results from merged crack branches in the damage zones along the paths of the propagating cracks. This model is solved under rather general assumptions for the fragment-size distribution. The model leads to a generic distribution S(-gamma) exp(-S/S(0)) for fragment sizes S, where gamma = 2d-1/d with d the Euclidean dimension, an…

Exact solution of generalized Tavis - Cummings models in quantum optics

Quantum inverse methods are developed for the exact solution of models which describe N two-level atoms interacting with one mode of the quantized electromagnetic field containing an arbitrary number of excitations M. Either a Kerr-type nonlinearity or a Stark-shift term can be included in the model, and it is shown that these two cases can be mapped from one to the other. The method of solution provides a general framework within which many related problems can similarly be solved. Explicit formulae are given for the Rabi splitting of the models for some N and M, on- and off-resonance. It is also shown that the solution of the pure Tavis - Cummings model can be reduced to solving a homogen…

Termini of calving glaciers as self-organized critical systems

Calving margins are highly sensitive to changes in climate and glacier terminus geometry. Numerical modelling suggests that calving glacier termini are self-organized critical systems that are fluctuating between states of advance and retreat. Over the next century, one of the largest contributions to sea level rise will come from ice sheets and glaciers calving ice into the ocean1. Factors controlling the rapid and nonlinear variations in calving fluxes are poorly understood, and therefore difficult to include in prognostic climate-forced land-ice models. Here we analyse globally distributed calving data sets from Svalbard, Alaska (USA), Greenland and Antarctica in combination with simulat…

A prospect for computing in porous materials research: Very large fluid flow simulations

Abstract Properties of porous materials, abundant both in nature and industry, have broad influences on societies via, e.g. oil recovery, erosion, and propagation of pollutants. The internal structure of many porous materials involves multiple scales which hinders research on the relation between structure and transport properties: typically laboratory experiments cannot distinguish contributions from individual scales while computer simulations cannot capture multiple scales due to limited capabilities. Thus the question arises how large domain sizes can in fact be simulated with modern computers. This question is here addressed using a realistic test case; it is demonstrated that current …

Curvelet-based method for orientation estimation of particles from optical images

A method based on the curvelet transform is introduced to estimate the orientation distribution from two-dimensional images of small anisotropic particles. Orientation of fibers in paper is considered as a particular application of the method. Theoretical aspects of the suitability of this method are discussed and its efficiency is demonstrated with simulated and real images of fibrous systems. Comparison is made with two traditionally used methods of orientation analysis, and the new curvelet-based method is shown to perform better than these tradi- tional methods. peerReviewed

Validation of matrix diffusion modeling

Abstract Crystalline rock has been chosen as the host medium for repository of highly radioactive spent nuclear fuel in Finland. Radionuclide transport takes place along water-carrying fractures, and matrix diffusion has been indicated as an important retarding mechanism that affects the transport of mobile fission and activation products. The model introduced here for matrix diffusion contains a flow channel facing a porous matrix with stagnant water into which tracer molecules advected in the channel can diffuse. In addition, the possibility of a finite depth of the matrix and an initial tracer distribution (‘contamination’) in the matrix are included in the model. In order to validate th…

Physical rock matrix characterization: Structural and mineralogical heterogeneities in granite

AbstractEvaluation of the transport and retardation properties of rock matrices that serve as host rock for nuclear waste repositories necessitates their thorough pore-space characterization. Relevant properties to be quantified include the diffusion depth and volume adjacent to water conducting features. The bulk values of these quantities are not sufficient due to the heterogeneity of mineral structure on the scale of the expected transport/interaction distances. In this work the 3D pore structure of altered granite samples with porosities of 5 to 15%, taken next to water conducting fractures at 180 200 m depth in Sievi, Finland, was studied. Characterization of diffusion pathways and por…

Comment on “Scaling behavior in explosive fragmentation”

We discuss the data analysis and the conclusions based upon the analysis given in the paper by Diehl et al. Following the suggestion in the Comment on our previous work by Astrom, Linna, and Timonen [Phys. Rev. E 65,048101 (2002)], we performed extensive molecular-dynamics simulations to confirm that our numerical results for the mass distribution of fragments after the "explosion" of thermalized samples are consistent with the scaling form n(m)∼m - ( α + 1 ) f(m/M 0 ), where ∫(m/M 0 ) is a cutoff function, M 0 is a cutoff parameter, and the exponent a is close to zero.

New advances in the 3D characterization of mineral coating layers on paper

Summary The surface characteristics of a large set of commercial lightweight coated paper grades are explored. The quantification of the 3D structure is revealed by atomic force microscopy, laser profilometry and X-ray microtomography. This comprehensive study demonstrates the suitability of different and modern methods for assessing critical coating layer properties, thus identifying the right tools for specific structural analyses. Based on the assessment of the top and bottom surfaces of 25 commercial lightweight coated samples, three main conclusions can be drawn: (1) the facet orientation polar angle is a function of roughness, (2) skewness did not describe the surface details affectin…

Nonlinearity and Disorder in the Statistical Mechanics of Integrable Systems

Attention is drawn to a theory of the statistical mechanics (SM) of the integrable models in 1+1 dimension — a theory of ‘soliton statistical mechanics’ classical and quantum [1–17]. This SM provides a generic example of integrable nonlinearity interacting with disorder. In the generic classical examples, such as the classical SM of the sine-Gordon model, phonons provide disorder in which sit coherent structures — the kink-like solitons. But these solitons are dressed by the disorder, in equilibrium, while the breather-like solitons break up to form the disordered structures which are the phonons in thermal equilibrium. On the other hand quantum solitons, dressed by both the vacuum and fini…

Breather contributions to the dynamical form factors of the Sine-Gordon systems CsNiF3 and (CH3)4NMnCl3 (TMMC)

Abstract Sine-Gordon breather contributions to S(q, ω) for CsNiF3 explain almost all of the available experimental data if, but only if, there is a restriction on the largest breather sizes. Quantum features may play a significant role in any comparison with experimental data. The classical results extend to TMMC.

A coupled-map model for the magnetotail current sheet

A magnetic field model of the magnetotail current sheet in the form of a coupled-map lattice (CML) is presented. It is a continuously driven and based on the MHD diffusion equation. Solar wind vBs data (solar wind speed multiplied by the southward component of IMF) are used for driving the model, and it is shown to exhibit perturbations (avalanches) with power-law scalings in their distributions of duration and size. Such distributions may indicate self-organized critical (SOC) behavior. Furthermore, it is shown that the power spectra of the model outputs are of bicolor power-law form with different slopes for high and low frequencies. The model parameters determine the frequency of the bre…

Exponential and power-law mass distributions in brittle fragmentation

Generic arguments, a minimal numerical model, and fragmentation experiments with gypsum disk are used to investigate the fragment-size distribution that results from dynamic brittle fragmentation. Fragmentation is initiated by random nucleation of cracks due to material inhomogeneities, and its dynamics are pictured as a process of propagating cracks that are unstable against side-branch formation. The initial cracks and side branches both merge mutually to form fragments. The side branches have a finite penetration depth as a result of inherent damping. Generic arguments imply that close to the minimum strain (or impact energy) required for fragmentation, the number of fragments of size $s…

Effects of diet-induced obesity and voluntary wheel running on the axial and peripheral skeleton microstructure in mice

A discrete-element model for viscoelastic deformation and fracture of glacial ice

a b s t r a c t A discrete-element model was developed to study the behavior of viscoelastic materials that are allowed to fracture. Applicable to many materials, the main objective of this analysis was to develop a model specifically for ice dynamics. A realistic model of glacial ice must include elasticity, brittle fracture and slow viscous deformations. Here the model is described in detail and tested with several benchmark simulations. The model was used to simulate various ice-specific applications with resulting flow rates that were compatible with Glen's law, and produced under fragmentation fragment-size distributions that agreed with the known analytical and experimental results.

Numerical model for the shear rheology of two-dimensional wet foams with deformable bubbles

Shearing of two-dimensional wet foam is simulated using an introduced numerical model, and results are compared to those of experiments. This model features realistically deformable bubbles, which distinguishes it from previously used models for wet foam. The internal bubble dynamics and their contact interactions are also separated in the model, making it possible to investigate the effects of the related microscale properties of the model on the macroscale phenomena. Validity of model assumptions was proved here by agreement between the simulated and measured Herschel-Bulkley rheology, and shear-induced relaxation times. This model also suggests a relationship between the shear stress and…

Solitons ofq-deformed quantum lattices and the quantum soliton

We use the classical N-soliton solution of a q-deformed lattice, the Maxwell-Bloch (MB) lattice, which we reported recently (Rybin A V, Varzugin G G, Timonen J and Bullough R K Year 2001 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 34 157) in order, ultimately, to fully comprehend the `quantum soliton'. This object may be the source of a new information technology (Abram I 1999 Quantum solitons Phys. World 21-4). We suggested in Rybin et al 2001 that a natural quantum mechanical matrix element of the q-deformed quantum MB lattice becomes in a suitable limit the classical 1-soliton solution of the classical q-deformed MB lattice explicitly derived by a variant of the Darboux-Backlund method. The classical q-defor…

Unconstrained periodic boundary conditions for solid state elasticity

We introduce a method to implement dynamics on an elastic lattice without imposing constraints via boundary or loading conditions. Using this method we are able to examine fracture processes in two-dimensional systems previously inaccessible for reliable computer simulations. We show the validity of the method by benchmarking and report a few preliminary results.

The effect of plasticity in crumpling of thin sheets

Bridging the gap between theoretical and experimental work to understand the effect of plasticity on the crumpling of thin sheets into a small volume has proved difficult. A realistic numerical model now makes a distinction between elastic and elasto-plastic behaviour. Crumpling a thin sheet of material into a small volume requires energy for creating a network of deformations such as vertices and ridges1,2. Scaling properties of a single elastic vertex3,4,5 or ridge have been analysed theoretically6,7,8, and crumpling of a sheet by numerical simulations1,9,10. Real materials are however elasto-plastic11,12,13,14,15 and large local strains induce irreversible plastic deformations. Hence, a …

Contact formation in random networks of elongated objects

The effect of steric hindrance is an important aspect of granular packings as it gives rise to, e.g., limitations on the densities of ordered and disordered packings, both of which are essentially defined by the geometry of the constituents. Here we focus on random packing of rods via deposition and their distributions of contact number and segment length. Such statistical properties are relevant for mechanical properties of the structures, but the (quite large) steric effects on them have not been addressed in previous studies. We therefore develop a theory that describes the statistical properties of rod packings, while taking into account that the deposited rods cannot overlap and thus i…

Herpes simplex virus 1 induces egress channels through marginalized host chromatin

AbstractLytic infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) induces profound modification of the cell nucleus including formation of a viral replication compartment and chromatin marginalization into the nuclear periphery. We used three-dimensional soft X-ray tomography, combined with cryogenic fluorescence, confocal and electron microscopy, to analyse the transformation of peripheral chromatin during HSV-1 infection. Our data showed an increased presence of low-density gaps in the marginalized chromatin at late infection. Advanced data analysis indicated the formation of virus-nucleocapsid-sized (or wider) channels extending through the compacted chromatin of the host. Importantly, co…

Universal Dynamic Fragmentation inDDimensions

A generic model is introduced for brittle fragmentation in $D$ dimensions, and this model is shown to lead to a fragment-size distribution with two distinct components. In the small fragment-size limit a scale-invariant size distribution results from a crack branching-merging process. At larger sizes the distribution becomes exponential as a result of a Poisson process, which introduces a large-scale cutoff. Numerical simulations are used to demonstrate the validity of the distribution for $D=2$. Data from laboratory-scale experiments and large-scale quarry blastings of granitic gneiss confirm its validity for $D=3$. In the experiments the nonzero grain size of rock causes deviation from th…

Internal Structure and Dynamics of the Decamer D(ATGCAGTCAG) 2 In Li + -H 2 O Solution: A molecular Dynamics Simulation Study

Molecular dynamics simulation of the decamer d(ATGCAGTCAG) 2 in aqueous solution, electroneutralized by Li + ions has been carried out. Emphasis is on the verification of the equilibrium conditions and the related structural and dynamical properties. Applicability of the kinetic part of Boltzmann's H function as a measure of thermodynamic equilibrium is tested. Overall structural stability has been confirmed by different RMSDs. Conformational and helicoidal parameters have been analyzed statistically and dynamically. Dynamical analysis reveals the existence of dynamical sub-states, which typically appear as abrupt changes from a mean level to another in the value of parameter. In statistica…

Bedrock Characterisation of Four Candidate Repository Sites in Finland As Determined by He-Gas Methods

AbstractAt the end of the year 2000, one of four sites will be chosen as the final repository site in Finland. Therefore accurate and comprehensive statistics of the bedrock characteristics such as porosity [% ] and effective diffusion coefficient [m2/s ] of these sites are of importance. Altogether 115 rock samples from the four sites were measured by different He-gas methods to achieve this goal.The results obtained indicate that the average bedrock properties at these sites are quite similar. Variations among individual samples and different rock types within one repository site were larger than variations among the averaged values of the four sites. Some indication of increased microfra…

q-deformed solitons and quantum solitons of the Maxwell-Bloch lattice

We report for the first time exact solutions of a completely integrable nonlinear lattice system for which the dynamical variables satisfy a q-deformed Lie algebra - the Lie-Poisson algebra su_q(2). The system considered is a q-deformed lattice for which in continuum limit the equations of motion become the envelope Maxwell-Bloch (or SIT) equations describing the resonant interaction of light with a nonlinear dielectric. Thus the N-soliton solutions we here report are the natural q-deformations, necessary for a lattice, of the well-known multi-soliton and breather solutions of self-induced transparency (SIT). The method we use to find these solutions is a generalization of the Darboux-Backl…

Depletion of carbon nanotube depositions and tube realignment in the spreading of sessile drops

Abstract We studied spreading of drops of water and dilute alcohol on multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT) depositions. These deposits consisted of individual arc-discharge synthesized MWNTs and irregular amorphous carbon nanoparticles on hydrophilically rendered silicon substrates. The mobile circular contact line of a spreading drop created an annular shape on the deposit, where some of the MWNTs and the amorphous nanoparticles in particular were largely depleted. The effect was strongly dependent on the hydrophilicity of the substrate. Most of the MWNTs were not only left within the annuli, but were also apparently reoriented by their interaction with the passing contact line. Our results im…

Crack bifurcations in a strained lattice

Dynamic crack propagation in a strained, granular, and brittle material is investigated by modeling the material as a lattice network of elastic beams. By tuning the strain and the ratio of axial to bending stiffness of the beams, a crack propagates either straight, or it branches, or it bifurcates. The crack tip velocity is calculated approximately for cracks that propagate straight. In a bifurcated crack the number of broken beams follows a scaling law. The shape of the branches is found to be the same as in recent experiments.

Collapse in the symmetric Gross–Pitaevskii equation

A generic mechanism of collapse in the Gross–Pitaevskii equation with attractive interparticle interactions is gained by reformulating this equation as Newton's equation of motion for a system of particles with a constraint. 'Quantum pressure' effects give rise to formation of a potential barrier around the emerging singularity, which prevents a fraction of the particles from falling into the singularity. For reasonable initial widths of the condensate, the fraction of collapsing particles for spherically symmetric traps is found to be consistently about 0.7.

Photo-acoustic phase-delayed excitation of guided waves in coated bone phantoms

Photo-acoustic skeletal quantitative ultrasound enables assessment of the fundamental flexural guided wave (FFGW) propagating in bone. This mode, consistent with the F(1,1) tube mode can now be measured through a coating of soft tissue. Interference due to ultrasound propagation in the soft tissue surrounding the bone is reduced by using phase-delayed ultrasound excitation. Photo-acoustic phase-delayed excitation was done on five axisymmetric bone phantoms (1-5 mm wall thickness), coated by a 5 mm thick soft-tissue mimicking layer. A fiber head comprising a linear array of four optical fibers (400 μm diameter), illuminated by pulsed laser diodes (905 nm wavelength) generated ultrasound. Thi…

Statistical Mechanics of the sine-Gorden Field: Part II

From the work of the Part I we are now in a position to address ourselves to the main problem posed in these lectures — the evaluation of Z, (1.11), for the s-G field after canonical transformation to the action-angle variables (4.27).

Detection of local specular gloss and surface roughness from black prints

A combination of optical and tomographic imaging techniques for inspection of local surface roughness and specular gloss of black prints and coated paper are introduced. A diffractive optical-element-based glossmeter (DOG) and a low-coherence interferometer (LCI) were used to obtain local information about the print in terms of topographic and gloss maps. X-ray microcomputed tomography (μCT) was used to obtain 3D local structural information of the coated paper. Gloss and topographic maps were used to determine statistical gloss and roughness parameters. These parameters were useful when analysing the surface condition of prints and coated paper. We found an orientation-dependent gloss slop…

Tortuous flow in porous media

The concept of tortuosity of fluid flow in porous media is discussed. A lattice-gas cellular automaton method is applied to solve the flow of a Newtonian uncompressible fluid in a two-dimensional porous substance constructed by randomly placed rectangles of equal size and with unrestricted overlap. A clear correlation between the average tortuosity of the flow paths and the porosity of the substance has been found. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.

Monitoring bone growth using quantitative ultrasound in comparison with DXA and pQCT.

Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is a safe, inexpensive, and nonradiation method for bone density assessment. QUS correlates with, and predicts fragility fractures comparable to, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. However, its validity in monitoring bone growth in children is not well understood. Two hundred and fifty-eight 10-13 yr pubertal girls and 9 37-43 yr adults without diseases or history of medications known to affect bone metabolism were included in the 2-yr prospective study. Calcaneal broadband ultrasound attenuation (cBUA) was assessed using QUS-2 (Quidel, Santa Clara, CA), speed of sound of tibial shaft (tSOS) using …

Dynamic fragmentation of a two-dimensional brittle material with quenched disorder

Fragmentation of a two-dimensional brittle material caused by a rapid impact has been analyzed. Computer simulations together with simple arguments are used to obtain a qualitative understanding of crack formation, which is then used to derive an exponential fragment size distribution valid in the large fragment size limit. In the limit of small fragments this distribution is solved numerically, and it is found to obey a scaling law with the exponent {minus}1.5. These results suggest that two different mechanisms are operative in the fragmentation process: branching of propagating cracks determines the small fragment size limit, and merging of the nucleated cracks determines the large size …

Quantum and classical integrability: new approaches in statistical mechanics

Abstract The present status of the statistical mechanics (SM), quantum and classical, of integrable models is reviewed by reporting new results for their partition functions Z obtained for anyon type models in one space and one time (1 + 1) dimensions. The methods of functional integration developed already are extended further. Bose-Fermi equivalence and anyon descriptions are natural parts of the quantum theory and the anyon phase is quantised. The classical integrability is exploited throughout and both classical and quantum integrability theory are reviewed this way, and related to underlying algebraic structures - notably the Hopf algebras (“quantum groups”). A new “ q -boson” lattice …

Soliton Statistical Mechanics: Statistical Mechanics of the Quantum and Classical Integrable Models

It is shown how the Bethe Ansatz (BA) analysis for the quantum statistical mechanics of the Nonlinear Schrodinger Model generalises to the other quantum integrable models and to the classical statistical mechanics of the classical integrable models. The bose-fermi equivalence of these models plays a fundamental role even at classical level. Two methods for calculating the quantum or classical free energies are developed: one generalises the BA method the other uses functional integral methods. The familiar classical action-angle variables of the integrable models developed for the real line R are used throughout, but the crucial importance of periodic boundary conditions is recognized and t…

Superparamagnetism in Ising Clusters

Recent experiments on small ferromagnetic clusters have inspired introduction of a number of seemingly quite different theoretical models. We shall argue that all these models show superparamagnetic behaviour above the blocking temperature but below the Curie temperature. In particular, we shall show that Ising clusters display superparamagnetism and introduce a simple correction to the usual tank behaviour of magnetisation which has to be included for very small clusters. We also discuss the dependence of magnetisation on coordination number.

Assessment of the fundamental flexural guided wave in cortical bone by an ultrasonic axial-transmission array transducer

Abstract The fundamental flexural guided wave (FFGW), as modeled, for example, by the A0 Lamb mode, is a clinically useful indicator of cortical bone thickness. In the work described in this article, we tested so-called multiridge-based analysis, based on the crazy climber algorithm and short-time Fourier transform, for assessment of the FFGW component recorded by a clinical array transducer featuring a limited number of elements. Methods included numerical finite-element simulations and experiments in bone phantoms and human radius specimens ( n  = 41). The proposed approach enabled extraction of the FFGW component and determination of its group velocity. This group velocity was in good ag…

The role of connectivity in the properties of sedimented materials

Effective-medium theories for both random packings of elastic discs and mats of randomly sedimented elastic fibers can be constructed such that the effective material stiffness depends on the stiffness and geometry of the constituents of the material, and the number density of contacts. It is demonstrated that the number density of contacts together with the geometry of the constituents also determine the porosity of these materials. The simplicity and similar structure of the effective-medium estimates for the properties of these two qualitatively different materials indicate that the number density of contacts may play a similar role in an appropriate effective-medium description of a lar…

Elastic waves in random-fibre networks

The propagation of the first displacement maximum of a semi-infinite wavetrain in a two-dimensional random-fibre network is analysed. Model calculations and numerical simulations are used for demonstrating that two qualitatively different wavefront velocities appear in the network. A transient wave, which travels fast and whose amplitude decreases exponentially, dominates the short-time behaviour when the bending stiffness of the fibres is small and the driving frequency is high. This mode can be described by a one-dimensional model. The transient-wave mode propagates even if the bending stiffness of the fibres vanishes, in which case the normal sound velocity is zero. The usual, and slower…

Spin-1 Heisenberg chain and the one-dimensional fermion gas.

The composite-spin representation of the spin-1 Heisenberg chain is used to transform it through the Jordan-Wigner transformation to the one-dimensional fermion gas. To properly include the xy couplings between spins, we also consider the bosonized version of the fermion model. Phase diagrams deduced from the two versions of the fermion model are compared against numerical results for finite Heisenberg chains. One of the symmetries of the spin model is lost in the fermionization, and this leads to a topologically incorrect phase diagram in at least one part of the parameter space. There are clear indications of significant coupling of spin and charge degrees of freedom in the fermion model …

Characterization of the Altered Zone Around a Fracture in Palmottu Natural Analogue

AbstractA drill core sample penetrating at a natural fracture has been analysed by helium gas techniques and by α-autoradiography. Porosity and diffusivity profiles away from the fracture have been determined and compared with structural profiles. Model calculations are used to determine the effects of sample size on the measured porosities and diffusivities.

Impalement transitions in droplets impacting microstructured superhydrophobic surfaces

Liquid droplets impacting a superhydrophobic surface decorated with micro-scale posts often bounce off the surface. However, by decreasing the impact velocity droplets may land on the surface in a fakir state, and by increasing it posts may impale droplets that are then stuck on the surface. We use a two-phase lattice-Boltzmann model to simulate droplet impact on superhydrophobic surfaces, and show that it may result in a fakir state also for reasonable high impact velocities. This happens more easily if the surface is made more hydrophobic or the post height is increased, thereby making the impaled state energetically less favourable.

Strain hardening in liquid-particle suspensions

The behavior of a liquid-particle suspension induced to sheared motion was analyzed by numerical simulations. When the velocity (strain) of the suspension began to increase, its viscosity first stayed almost constant, but increased then rapidly to a clearly higher level. This increase in viscosity is shown to be related to formation of clusters of suspended particles. Clusters are shown to increase the viscosity by enhanced momentum transfer though clustered particles. This is the mechanism behind the strain-hardening phenomenon observed in small-strain experiments on liquid-particle suspensions.

Adsorption on a stepped substrate.

Characteristic time scale of auroral electrojet data

The structure function of the AE time series shows that the AE time series is self-affine such that the scaling exponent changes at the time scale of approximately 113 (±9) minutes. Autocorrelation function is shown to have scaling properties similar to those of the structure function. From this result it can be deduced that the time scale at which the scaling properties of the AE data change should equal the typical autocorrelation time of these data. We find the typical autocorrelation time of the AE data is 118 (±9) minutes. The characteristic time scale of the AE data appears as a spectral break in their power spectrum at a period of about twice the autocorrelation time.

Integrability Conditions: Recent Results in the Theory of Integrable Models

This paper reports various results achieved recently in the theory of integrable models. These are summarised in the Fig.1! At the Chester meeting [1] two of the authors were concerned [1] with the local Riemann-Hilbert problem (double-lined box in the centre of Fig.1), its limit as a non-local Riemann-Hilbert problem used to solve classical integrable models in 2+1 dimensions (two space and one time dimensions) [2,3], and the connection of this Riemann-Hilbert problem with Ueno’s [4] Riemann-Hilbert problem associated with the representation of the algebra gl(∞) in terms of Z⊗Z matrices (Z the integers) and the solution of the K-P equations in 2+1. We were also concerned [1] with the const…

Twisting graphene nanoribbons into carbon nanotubes

Although carbon nanotubes consist of honeycomb carbon, they have never been fabricated from graphene directly. Here, it is shown by quantum molecular-dynamics simulations and classical continuum-elasticity modeling, that graphene nanoribbons can, indeed, be transformed into carbon nanotubes by means of twisting. The chiralities of the tubes thus fabricated can be not only predicted but also externally controlled. This twisting route is an opportunity for nanofabrication, and is easily generalizable to ribbons made of other planar nanomaterials.

Chromatin organization regulates viral egress dynamics.

Various types of DNA viruses are known to elicit the formation of a large nuclear viral replication compartment and marginalization of the cell chromatin. We used three-dimensional soft x-ray tomography, confocal and electron microscopy, combined with numerical modelling of capsid diffusion to analyse the molecular organization of chromatin in herpes simplex virus 1 infection and its effect on the transport of progeny viral capsids to the nuclear envelope. Our data showed that the formation of the viral replication compartment at late infection resulted in the enrichment of heterochromatin in the nuclear periphery accompanied by the compaction of chromatin. Random walk modelling of herpes s…

Coded excitation speeds up the detection of the fundamental flexural guided wave in coated tubes

The fundamental flexural guided wave (FFGW) permits ultrasonic assessment of the wall thickness of solid waveguides, such as tubes or, e.g., long cortical bones. Recently, an optical non-contact method was proposed for ultrasound excitation and detection with the aim of facilitating the FFGW reception by suppressing the interfering modes from the soft coating. This technique suffers from low SNR and requires iterative physical scanning across the source-receiver distance for 2D-FFT analysis. This means that SNR improvement achieved by temporal averaging becomes time-consuming (several minutes) which reduces the applicability of the technique, especially in time-critical applications such as…

Using microtomography, image analysis and flow simulations to characterize soil surface seals

Raindrops that impact on soil surface affect the pore structure and form compact soil surface seals. Damaged pore structure reduces water infiltration which can lead to increased soil erosion. We introduce here methods to characterize the properties of surface seals in a detailed manner. These methods include rainfall simulations, x-ray microtomography, image analysis and pore-scale flow simulations. Methods were tested using clay soil samples, and the results indicate that the sealing process changes several properties of the pore structure.

Tube transport of water vapor with condensation and desorption

Attenuation and delay of active tracers in tube transport is an important current problem, but its full explanation is still lacking. To this end a model is introduced, where part of a tracer undergoes condensation and evaporation, treated as a diffusion-type process, in addition to Taylor dispersion. Condensation of water was verified by high-speed imaging, and the model solution fitted the breakthrough curves of laboratory measurements with pulses of water vapor of varying relative humidity. The model provides a transfer function whose performance was verified against field measurements. peerReviewed

Comparison of three ultrasonic axial transmission methods for bone assessment.

Abstract This study compared three approaches to bone assessment using ultrasonic axial transmission. In 41 fresh human radii, velocity of the first arriving signal was measured with a commercial device (Sunlight Omnisense ™ ) operating at 1.25 MHz, a prototype based on 1-MHz bidirectional axial transmission and a low-frequency (200 kHz) prototype, also measuring the velocity of a slower wave. Cortical and trabecular bone mineral density, cortical thickness and cross-sectional area were determined by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Significant but modest correlation between velocities reflects differences in the nature of the propagating waves and methodological differences. Of…

Hydrodynamical forces acting on particles in a two-dimensional flow near a solid wall

The hydrodynamical forces acting on a single particle and on a random rigid array of particles suspended in a two-dimensional shear flow of Newtonian fluid near a rigid wall were studied numerically in the flow regime where the relevant Reynolds numbers are of the order of unity. The simulations were done with conventional finite volume method for single-particle cases and with lattice-Boltzmann method for many-particle cases. A set of comparison cases was solved with both methods in order to check the accuracy of the lattice-Boltzmann method. For the single-particle case analytic formulae for the longitudinal drag force and for the transverse lift force were found. A modification to Darcy'…

Imaging connected porosity of crystalline rock by contrast agent-aided X-ray microtomography and scanning electron microscopy

We set out to study connected porosity of crystalline rock using X-ray microtomography and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) with caesium chloride as a contrast agent. Caesium is an important radionuclide regarding the final deposition of nuclear waste and also forms dense phases that can be readily distinguished by X-ray microtomography and SEM-EDS. Six samples from two sites, Olkiluoto (Finland) and Grimsel (Switzerland), where transport properties of crystalline rock are being studied in situ, were investigated using X-ray microtomography and SEM-EDS. The samples were imaged with X-ray microtomography, immersed in a saturated caesium chlorid…

Publisher’s Note: Strain hardening in liquid-particle suspensions [Phys. Rev. E72, 061402 (2005)]

Coupling of lattice-Boltzmann solvers with suspended particles using the MPI intercommunication framework

Abstract The MPI intercommunication framework was used for coupling of two lattice-Boltzmann solvers with suspended particles, which model advection and diffusion respectively of these particles in a carrier fluid. Simulation domain was divided into two parts, one with advection and diffusion, and the other with diffusion only (no macroscopic flow). Particles were exchanged between these domains at their common boundary by a direct process to process communication. By analysing weak and strong scaling, it was shown that the linear scaling characteristics of the lattice-Boltzmann solvers were not compromised by their coupling.

Singularity formation in the Gross-Pitaevskii equation and collapse in Bose-Einstein condensates

We study the mechanisms of collapse of the condensate wave function in the Gross-Pitaevskii theory with attractive interparticle interaction. We reformulate the Gross-Pitaevskii equation as Newton's equations for a flux of particles, and introduce the collapsing fraction of particles. We assume that this collapsing fraction is expelled from the condensate due to dissipation. Using this hypothesis we analyze the dependence of the collapse behavior on the initial conditions. We find that, for a properly chosen negative scattering length, the remnant fraction of atoms becomes larger when the initial aspect ratio of the condensate is increased.

Properties of small antiferromagnetic Ising clusters

Magnetic properties of small antiferromagnetic clusters have been studied by using the Ising model with nearest-neighbour interactions. The number of atoms in the clusters varied between 6 and 30. Several cluster geometries were analysed in detail with the result that there is no generic phase diagram. In an external magnetic field magnetisation can increase with increasing temperature in a considerable temperature range. Magnetisation was found to strongly depend on both the overall geometry of the cluster and on the symmetry of the underlaying lattice structure.

The su(1,1) Tavis-Cummings model

A generic su(1,1) Tavis-Cummings model is solved both by the quantum inverse method and within a conventional quantum-mechanical approach. Examples of corresponding quantum dynamics including squeezing properties of the su(1,1) Perelomov coherent states for the multiatom case are given.

Curvelet-based method for orientation estimation of particles

A method based on the curvelet transform is introduced for estimating from two-dimensional images the orientation distribution of small anisotropic particles. Orientation of fibers in paper is considered as a particular application of the method. Theoretical aspects of the suitability of this method are discussed and its efficiency is demonstrated with simulated and real images of fibrous systems. Comparison is made with two traditionally used methods of orientation analysis, and the new curvelet-based method is shown to perform clearly better than these traditional methods.

Effect of a columnar defect on the shape of slow-combustion fronts

We report experimental results for the behavior of slow-combustion fronts in the presence of a columnar defect with excess or reduced driving, and compare them with those of mean-field theory. We also compare them with simulation results for an analogous problem of driven flow of particles with hard-core repulsion (ASEP) and a single defect bond with a different hopping probability. The difference in the shape of the front profiles for excess vs. reduced driving in the defect, clearly demonstrates the existence of a KPZ-type of nonlinear term in the effective evolution equation for the slow-combustion fronts. We also find that slow-combustion fronts display a faceted form for large enough e…

Pore and mineral structure of rock using nano-tomographic imaging

ABSTRACTIn order to better understand the micrometer-scale structure of rock and its transport properties which arise from it, seven monomineral samples from two sites (Olkiluoto and Sievi, Finland) were studied with micro- and nanotomography and scanning electron microscopy. From the veined gneiss of Olkiluoto we studied biotite, potassium feldspar, plagioclase (composition of oligoclase) and cordierite, and from Sievi tonalite biotite and two grains of plagioclase (albite). These minerals were the main minerals of these samples. Samples were carefully separated and selected using heavy liquid separation and stereomicroscopy, their three dimensional structure was imaged using X-ray tomogra…

Photo-acoustic excitation and optical detection of fundamental flexural guided wave in coated bone phantoms.

Abstract Photo-acoustic (PA) imaging was combined with skeletal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) for assessment of human long bones. This approach permitted low-frequency excitation and detection of ultrasound so as to efficiently receive the thickness-sensitive fundamental flexural guided wave (FFGW) through a coating of soft tissue. The method was tested on seven axisymmetric bone phantoms, whose 1- to 5-mm wall thickness and 16-mm diameter mimicked those of the human radius. Phantoms were made of a composite material and coated with a 2.5- to 7.5-mm layer of soft material that mimicked soft tissue. Ultrasound was excited with a pulsed Nd:YAG laser at 1064-nm wavelength and received on the s…

Development of a Gas Method for Migration Studies in Fractured and Porous Media.

ABSTRACTA gas method for fast measurements of diffusion properties of porous materials has been developed. Diffusion coefficients in the gas phase are typically four orders of magnitude larger than those in the liquid phase. For samples whose structures do not change much upon drying it is possible to estimate the diffpision properties of the liquid phase when the properties of the gas phase are known. Advantages of the gas method are quick and easy measurements and therefore they can be used to optimize the liquid-phase measurements which may last months or years. For materials with good correlation between the gas and liquid-phase diffusion, the number of liquid phase measurements can be …

DISORDERING MECHANISMS OF THE Cu(110) SURFACE

We review recent theoretical work on the various disordering mechanisms of the Cu(110) surface. In these studies the properties of the surface, from the onset of enhanced anharmonicity in surface vibrations up to bulk melting point T M , have been studied using molecular dynamics and lattice-gas Monte Carlo methods with many-body interactions derived from the effective medium theory. Well after the onset of enhanced out-of-plane surface vibrations, clustering of surface defects is found to induce a roughening transition at T≈0.81T M , and surface premelting is found to occur at T≈0.97T M . These results suggest, that these transitions can both appear at Cu(110). The general picture of diso…

X-ray microtomography and laser ablation in the analysis of ink distribution in coated paper

A novel method was developed for studying the ink-paper interface and the structural variations of a deposited layer of ink. Combining high-resolution x-ray tomography with laser ablation, the depth profile of ink (toner), i.e., its varying thickness, could be determined in a paper substrate. X-ray tomography was used to produce the 3D structure of paper with about 1 lm spatial resolution. Laser ablation combined with optical imaging was used to produce the 3D structure of the printed layer of ink on top of that paper with about 70 nm depth resolution. Ablation depth was calibrated with an optical profilometer. It can be concluded that a toner layer on a light-weight-coated paper substrate …

The number of contacts in random fibre networks

There is a wide range of materials that can be considered as nonwoven random networks of fibres. Such materials include glass-fibre mats, filters, various paper products and structural components of cells and tissues. The mechanical properties of these kinds of networks have been studied extensively for many decades. As many of such networks form more or less two-dimensional structures, they can, to a good approximation, be considered to consist of randomly distributed fibres or filaments connected at their crossings points. Recent development of the resolution of X-ray computed tomography have enabled imaging of the three dimensional structure of such materials with a resolution sufficient…

Evaluating pulp stiffness from fibre bundles by ultrasound

A non-destructive ultrasonic tester was developed to measure the stiffness of pulp bundles. The mechanical properties of pulp are important when estimating the behaviour of paper under stress. Currently available pulp tests are tedious and alter the fibres structurally and mechanically. The developed tester employs (933 ± 15) kHz tweezer-like ultrasonic transducers and time-of-flight measurement through (9.0 ± 2.5) mm long and (0.8 ± 0.1) mm thick fibre bundles kept at (19.1 ± 0.4) °C and (62 ± 1)% RH. We determined the stiffness of soft wood pulps produced by three kraft pulping modifications: standard kraft pulp, (5.2 ± 0.4) GPa, prehydrolysis kraft pulp, (4.3 ± 0.4) GPa, and alkali extra…

Microstructure, porosity and mineralogy around fractures in Olkiluoto bedrock

3D distributions of minerals and porosities were determined for rock-core samples that included water-conducting fractures. The analysis of these samples was performed using conventional petrography methods, C-14-PMMA porosity analysis and X-ray tomography. It seems that the properties of rock around a water-conducting fracture depend on so many uncorrelated factors that no clear pattern emerged even for rock samples with a given type of fracture. We can conclude, however, that the present combination of methods can be used to infer novel structural information about alteration zones adjacent to fracture surfaces.

Phase-delayed laser diode array allows ultrasonic guided wave mode selection and tuning

Selecting and tuning modes are useful in ultrasonic guided wave non-destructive testing (NDT) since certain modes at various center frequencies are sensitive to specific types of defects. Ideally one should be able to select both the mode and the center frequency of the launched waves. We demonstrated that an affordable laser diode array can selectively launch either the S0 or A0 ultrasonic wave mode at a chosen center frequency into a polymer plate. A fiber-coupled diode array (4 elements) illuminated a 2 mm thick acrylic plate. A predetermined time delay matching the selected mode and frequency was employed between the output of the elements. The generated ultrasound was detected by a 215…

Quantum repulsive Nonlinear Schrödinger models and their ‘Superconductivity’

Abstract The fundamental role played by the quantum repulsive Nonlinear Schrodinger (NLS) equation in the evolution of our understanding of the phenomenon of superconductivity in appropriate metals at very low temperatures is surveyed. The first major work was that in 1947 by N. N. Bogoliubov, who studied the very physical 3-space-dimensions problem and super fluidity; and the survey takes the form of an actual dedication to that outstanding scientist who died four years ago. The 3-space-dimensions NLS equation is not integrable either classically or quantum mechanically. But a number of recently discovered closely related lattices in one space dimension (one space plus one time dimension) …

Sine-Gordon Statistical Mechanics

The Classical partition-function $$ Z = \int {D\Pi {\text{ }}D\phi {\text{ }}\exp - } \beta H\left[ \phi \right]$$ (1) in which \( {\beta ^{{ - 1}}} = {k_{B}}T{\text{ and }}H\left[ \phi \right]\) is the sine-Gordon (s-G) Hamiltonian $$ H\left[ \phi \right] = {\Upsilon _{0}}^{{ - 1}}\int {\left[ {\frac{1}{2}{\Upsilon _{0}}^{2}{\Pi ^{2}} + \frac{1}{2}{\phi _{z}}^{2} + {m^{2}}\left( {1 - \cos \phi } \right)} \right]} dz $$ (2) has been evaluated by transfer integral methods [1,2].

Correlation of Tibial Low-Frequency Ultrasound Velocity with Femoral Radiographic Measurements and BMD in Elderly Women

The ultrasonic axial transmission technique has been proposed as a method for cortical bone characterization. Using a low enough center frequency, Lamb modes can be excited in long bones. Lamb waves propagate throughout the cortical bone layer, which makes them appealing for characterizing bone material and geometrical properties. In the present study, a prototype low-frequency quantitative ultrasonic axial transmission device was used on elderly women (n = 132) to investigate the relationships between upper femur geometry and bone mineral density (BMD) and tibial speed of sound. Ultrasonic velocities (V) were recorded using a two-directional measurement set-up on the midtibia and compared …

Queuing transitions in the asymmetric simple exclusion process

Stochastic driven flow along a channel can be modeled by the asymmetric simple exclusion process. We confirm numerically the presence of a dynamic queuing phase transition at a nonzero obstruction strength, and establish its scaling properties. Below the transition, the traffic jam is macroscopic in the sense that the length of the queue scales linearly with system size. Above the transition, only a power-law shaped queue remains. Its density profile scales as $\delta \rho\sim x^{-\nu}$ with $\nu={1/3}$, and $x$ is the distance from the obstacle. We construct a heuristic argument, indicating that the exponent $\nu={1/3}$ is universal and independent of the dynamic exponent of the underlying…

Finite-temperature correlations in the trapped Bose-Einstein gas

There is a large literature (cf. eg. [1, 2]) which, under conditions of translational invariance, has used functional integral methods to calculate, ab initio, the equilibrium finite temperature 2-point correlation functions (Green ’s functions) \[\left\langle {\hat \psi (r,\tau ){{\hat \psi }^\dag }(r',\tau ')} \right\rangle \] \(G\left( {r,r'} \right) \equiv \left\langle {\psi \left( {r,\tau } \right){{{\hat{\psi }}}^{\dag }}\left( {r',\tau '} \right)} \right\rangle \) for a Bose gas in each of d=3, d=2, d=1 space dimensions: (…) means thermal average and τ, τ′ are ‘thermal times’ for which 0<τ,<τ′β and β−1=k B T, T the temperature. These functional integral methods [1, 2] solve the many-…

Kardar–Parisi–Zhang scaling in kinetic roughening of fire fronts

Abstract We show that the roughening of fire fronts in slow combustion of paper [7] follows the scaling predictions of the Kardar–Parisi–Zhang equation with thermal noise. By improved experimental accuracy it is now possible to observe the short-time and short-range correlations of the interfaces. These do not adhere to any standard picture, and in particular, do not seem to be related to any of the existing models of front propagation in the presence of quenched disorder.

Dynamics and interactions of parvoviral NS1 protein in the nucleus

Summary Nuclear positioning and dynamic interactions of viral proteins with nuclear substructures play essen- tial roles during infection with DNA viruses. Visual- ization of the intranuclear interactions and motility of the parvovirus replication protein (NS1) in living cells gives insight into specific parvovirus protein- cellular structure interactions. Confocal analysis of highly synchronized infected Norden Laboratory Feline Kidney cells showed accumulation of nuclear NS1 in discrete interchromosomal foci. NS1 fused with enhanced yellow fluorescence protein (NS1- EYFP) provided a marker in live cells for dynamics of NS1 traced by photobleaching techniques. Fluo- rescence Recovery after…

Critical behavior in quantum spin chains with composite spin

Composite spin models are constructed such that, by varying two parameters, they interpolate between the spin-(1/2 antiferromagnetic Heisenberg chain and a number of spin-1 models. These include the usual Heisenberg model, the integrable spin-1 model, and the model with an exact valence-bond ground state. Finite-chain calculations are performed on the composite spin model to study its criticality, and to find if the integrable spin-1 model is a multicritical point with a finite gap generated away from it. We find indications for an extended gapless region.

Deteriorated stabilization of walking in individuals with spastic cerebral palsy revealed by a simulated tripping perturbation

Abstract. The aim of this study was to make use of a pr eviously introduced method of a simulated tripping perturbation to examine stability of walking in individuals with and with out cerebral palsy. This tripping perturbation is a forward-dynamics analys is, and it works so that in a subjec t-specific muscle-driven simulation of walking, created from experimental gait data, a force is applied to the swin g-foot, and resulting changes in the kinematics are observed. Here, changes in the fore-aft position of the trunk were analyzed. Subjects were 10 children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy and eight un impaired children walking at their self-sel ected speed. Several tripping perturbati…

Critical Behavior for Correlated Strongly Coupled Boson Systems in 1 + 1 Dimensions

The natural integrable correlated strongly coupled boson system in 1 + 1 dimensions is the $q$-boson hopping model; we calculate its critical exponent $\ensuremath{\theta}$ and determine its correlation functions. For small couplings the $q$-boson model has natural connections with the Bose gas and the $\mathrm{XY}$ models of very large spin for which $\ensuremath{\theta}'\mathrm{s}$ and correlators are reported. For large couplings the hopping model is a new phase of interacting bosons substantially different from the impenetrable Bose gas.

"Towards a "fingerprint" of paper network; separating forgeries from genuine by the properties of fibre structure"

A novel method is introduced for distinguishing counterfeit banknotes from genuine samples. The method is based on analyzing differences in the networks of paper fibers. The main tool is a curvelet-based algorithm for measuring the distribution of overall fiber orientation and quantifying its anisotropy. The use of a couple or more appropriate parameters makes it possible to distinguish forgeries from genuine samples as concentrated point clouds in a two- or three-dimensional parameter space. Furthermore, the techniques of making watermarks is investigated by comparing genuine and counterfeit €50 banknotes. In addition, the so-called wire markings are shown to differ significantly from each…

Interface Detection Using a Quenched-Noise Version of the Edwards-Wilkinson Equation

We report here a multipurpose dynamic-interface-based segmentation tool, suitable for segmenting planar, cylindrical, and spherical surfaces in 3D. The method is fast enough to be used conveniently even for large images. Its implementation is straightforward and can be easily realized in many environments. Its memory consumption is low, and the set of parameters is small and easy to understand. The method is based on the Edwards-Wilkinson equation, which is traditionally used to model the equilibrium fluctuations of a propagating interface under the influence of temporally and spatially varying noise. We report here an adaptation of this equation into multidimensional image segmentation, an…

Promoter-Targeted Histone Acetylation of Chromatinized Parvoviral Genome Is Essential for the Progress of Infection

ABSTRACT The association of host histones with parvoviral DNA is poorly understood. We analyzed the chromatinization and histone acetylation of canine parvovirus DNA during infection by confocal imaging and in situ proximity ligation assay combined with chromatin immunoprecipitation and high-throughput sequencing. We found that during late infection, parvovirus replication bodies were rich in histones bearing modifications characteristic of transcriptionally active chromatin, i.e., histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac). H3K27ac, in particular, was located in close proximity to the viral DNA-binding protein NS1. Importantly, our results show for the first time that in the chromatinized …

SOLITON STATISTICAL MECHANICS AND THE THERMALISATION OF BIOLOGICAL SOLITONS

Photo-acoustic excitation and detection of guided ultrasonic waves in bone samples covered by a soft coating layer

Photo-acoustic (PA) excitation was combined with skeletal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) for multi-mode ultrasonic assessment of human long bones. This approach permits tailoring of the ultrasonic excitation and detection so as to efficiently detect the fundamental flexural guided wave (FFGW) through a coating of soft tissue. FFGW is a clinically relevant indicator of cortical thickness. An OPO laser with tunable optical wavelength, was used to excite a photo-acoustic source in the shaft of a porcine femur. Ultrasonic signals were detected by a piezoelectric transducer, scanning along the long axis of the bone, 20-50 mm away from the source. Five femurs were measured without and with a soft …

Measuring guided waves in long bones: Modeling and experiments in free and immersed plates

Guided waves, consistent with the A0 Lamb mode, have previously been observed in bone phantoms and human long bones. Reported velocity measurements relied on line fitting of the observed wave fronts. Such an approach has limited ability to assess dispersion and is affected by interference by other wave modes. For a more robust identification of modes and determination of phase velocities, signal processing techniques using the fast Fourier transform (FFT) were investigated. The limitations of FFT because of spatial resolution were addressed to improve the precision of the measured modes. An inversion scheme was developed for determining the plate thickness from the measured velocity. Experi…

Determination of the stochastic evolution equation from noisy experimental data

We have determined the coefficients of the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang equation as functions of coarse graining, which best describe the time evolution and spatial behavior observed for slow-combustion fronts in sheets of paper and magnetic flux fronts in a thin-film high-Tc superconductor. Reconstruction of the relevant equation of motion and its coefficients was mainly based on the inverse method proposed by Lam and Sander [Phys. Rev. Lett. 71, 561 (1993)]. The coefficient of the nonlinear term was also determined from the local slope-dependence of the front velocity.

Antiferromagnetic order and frustration in small clusters

Towards a "fingerprint" of paper network; separating forgeries from genuine by the properties of fibre structure

A novel method is introduced for distinguishing counterfeit banknotes from genuine samples. The method is based on analyzing differences in the networks of paper fibers. The main tool is a curvelet-based algorithm for measuring the distribution of overall fiber orientation and quantifying its anisotropy. The use of a couple or more appropriate parameters makes it possible to distinguish forgeries from genuine samples as concentrated point clouds in a two- or three-dimensional parameter space. Furthermore, the techniques of making watermarks is investigated by comparing genuine and counterfeit e50 banknotes. In addition, the so-called wire markings are shown to differ significantly from each…

Exact Bethe-ansatz thermodynamics for the sine-Gordon model in the classical limit: Effect of long strings.

Dependence of thermal conductivity on structural parameters in porous samples

The in-plane thermal conductivity of porous sintered bronze plates was studied both experimentally and numerically. We developed and validated an experimental setup, where the sample was placed in vacuum and heated while its time-dependent temperature field was measured with an infrared camera. The porosity and detailed three-dimensional structure of the samples were determined by X-ray microtomography. Lattice-Boltzmann simulations of thermal conductivity in the tomographic reconstructions of the samples were used to correct the contact area between bronze particles as determined by image analysis from the tomographic reconstructions. Small openings in the apparent contacts could not be de…

Parvovirus induced alterations in nuclear architecture and dynamics.

The nucleus of interphase eukaryotic cell is a highly compartmentalized structure containing the three-dimensional network of chromatin and numerous proteinaceous subcompartments. DNA viruses induce profound changes in the intranuclear structures of their host cells. We are applying a combination of confocal imaging including photobleaching microscopy and computational methods to analyze the modifications of nuclear architecture and dynamics in parvovirus infected cells. Upon canine parvovirus infection, expansion of the viral replication compartment is accompanied by chromatin marginalization to the vicinity of the nuclear membrane. Dextran microinjection and fluorescence recovery after ph…

Neural network prediction of AE data

Neural network (NN) models were constructed to study prediction of the AE index. Both solar wind (vBz) and previous observed AE inputs were used to predict AE data for different numbers of time steps ahead. It seems that prediction of the original unsmoothed AE data is possible only for 10 time steps (25 min) ahead. The predicted time series of the AE data for 50 time steps (125 min) ahead was found to be dynamically different from the original time series. It is possible that the NN model cannot reproduce the turbulent part of the power spectrum of the AE data. However, when using smoothed AE data the prediction for 10 time steps ahead gave an NMSE of 0.0438, and a correlation coefficient …

A stochastic shape and orientation model for fibres with an application to carbon nanotubes

Methods are introduced for analysing the shape and orientation of planar fibres from greyscale images of fibrous systems. The sequence of image processing techniques needed for segmentation of fibres is described. The identified fibres were interpreted as deformed line segments for which two shape and two orientation parameters are estimated by the maximum likelihood method. The methods introduced are shown to perform quite well for simulated systems of deformed line segments with known properties. They were applied to TEM images of carbon nanotubes embedded in polycarbonate.

Roughening of the Cu(110) surface

The structure of the Cu(110) surface is studied at high temperatures using a combination of lattice-gas Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics methods with identical many-atom interactions derived from the effective medium theory. The anisotropic six-vertex model is used in the interpretation of the lattice-gas results. We find a clear roughening transition around T_R=1000K and T_R/T_M=0.81. Molecular dynamics reveals the clustering of surface defects as the atomistic mechanism of the transition and allows us to estimate characteristic time scales. For the system of size 50x50, the time scale of the local roughening at 1150 K of an initially smooth surface is of the order of 100 ps.

Contact formation in random networks of elongated objects

The effect of steric hindrance is an important aspect of granular packings as it gives rise to, e.g., limitations on the densities of ordered and disordered packings, both of which are essentially defined by the geometry of the constituents. Here we focus on the random packing of rods via deposition and their distributions of contact number and segment length. Such statistical properties are relevant for mechanical properties of the structures, but the (quite large) steric effects on them have not been addressed in previous studies. We therefore develop a theory that describes the statistical properties of rod packings, while taking into account that the deposited rods cannot overlap and th…

Compression forces of haptics of selected posterior chamber lenses

Abstract Purpose: To compare the compressive forces of the haptics of different intraocular lens (IOL) models and analyze the observed differences. Setting: Central Hospital of Central Finland and University of Jyvaskyla, Jyvaskyla, Finland. Methods: The haptics of 28 IOL models were compressed to a diameter of 9.0 mm. The compression forces were measured at 0.5 mm intervals. The conclusions were verified by numerical simulations of mechanical models of the lenses. Results: The measured forces varied between 100 and 601 mg at a diameter of 11.0 mm, 206 and 1057 mg at a diameter of 10.0 mm, and 315 and 2094 mg at a diameter of 9.0 mm. The slopes of the force curves of the three-piece lenses …

Diffusion through thin membranes: Modeling across scales

From macroscopic to microscopic scales it is demonstrated that diffusion through membranes can be modeled using specific boundary conditions across them. The membranes are here considered thin in comparison to the overall size of the system. In a macroscopic scale the membrane is introduced as a transmission boundary condition, which enables an effective modeling of systems that involve multiple scales. In a mesoscopic scale, a numerical lattice-Boltzmann scheme with a partial-bounceback condition at the membrane is proposed and analyzed. It is shown that this mesoscopic approach provides a consistent approximation of the transmission boundary condition. Furthermore, analysis of the mesosco…

Excitation Transport in Helical Proteins

Recent results for excitation dynamics in and IR-absorption spectrum of helical polypeptides are briefly reviewed.

Association between low-frequency ultrasound and hip fractures - comparison with DXA-based BMD

Background: New methods for diagnosing osteoporosis and evaluating fracture risk are being developed. We aim to study the association between low-frequency (LF) axial transmission ultrasound and hip fracture risk in a population-based sample of older women. Methods: The study population consisted of 490 community-dwelling women (78 – 82 years). Ultrasound velocity (V LF ) at mid-tibia was measured in 2006 using a low-frequency scanning axial transmission device. Bone mineral density (BMD) at proximal femur measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used as the reference method. The fracture history of the participants was collected from December 1997 until the end of 2010. Li…

Thermodynamics of Toda lattice models: application to DNA

Abstract Our generalised Bethe ansatz method is used to formulate the statistical mechanics of the classical Toda lattice in terms of a set of coupled integral equations expressed in terms of appropriate action-angle variables. The phase space as coordinatised by these action-angle variables is constrained; and both the soliton number density and the soliton contribution to the free energy density can be shown to decouple from the phonon degrees of freedom and to depend only on soliton-soliton interactions. This makes it possible to evaluate the temperature dependence of the soliton number density which, to leading order, is found to be proportional to T 1 3 .

Dynamic rigidity transition.

An inflated closed loop (or membrane) is used to demonstrate a dynamic rigidity transition that occurs when impact energy is added to the loop in static equilibrium at zero temperature. The only relevant parameter in this transition is the ratio of the energy needed to collapse the loop and the impact energy. When this ratio is below a threshold value close to unity, the loop collapses into a high-entropy floppy state, and it does not return to the rigid state unless the impact energy can escape. The internal oscillations are in the floppy state dominated by 1/f(2) noise. When the ratio is above the threshold, the loop does not collapse, and the internal oscillations resulting from the impa…

Elastic wave propagation in bone in vivo: methodology.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of elastic wave propagation (EWP) in estimating the mechanical properties (elasticity) of human tibia. The test group was composed of 78-yr-old women assigned to high (n = 19) and low (n = 17) bone mineral density (BMD) groups as measured at the calcaneus by the 125I-photon absorption method. The EWP apparatus consisted of an impact-producing hammer with a force strain gauge and two accelerometers positioned on the bone. Results for nylon and acrylic were used to calibrate the apparatus. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) solid rods and tubes of various diameters were used to evaluate the relationship between the elastic wave velocity and cr…

Modeling of Particle Number Fluctuations in Entire Cells

In a recent study we developed a method to model protein diffusion in cells [1], where special attention was given to generating from image data of the measured cell a realistic digital model cell in which protein dynamics were simulated. The method was shown to be well suited for modeling non-equilibrium situations that arise, e.g., in photobleaching experiments, and to be capable of producing more detailed information about protein motion than traditional modeling.Another experimental way to assess protein dynamics is to study fluctuations in the local protein number, as it is done, e.g., in fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), or in similar measurements that apply single-plane il…

Effects of gait speed on stability of walking revealed by simulated response to tripping perturbation

The objective of this work was to study stability of walking over a range of gait speeds by means of muscle-driven simulations. Fast walking has previously been related to high likelihood of falling due to tripping. Various measures of stability have shown different relationships between walking speed and stability. These measures may not be associated with tripping, so it is unclear whether the increase in likelihood of falling is explicable by an increase in instability. Here, stability with respect to a constant tripping perturbation was quantified as the immediate passive response of torso to the perturbation. Subject-specific muscle-driven simulations of eight young healthy subjects wa…

Discrete element simulations of crumpling of thin sheets

Forced crumpling of stiff self-avoiding sheets is studied by discrete element simulations. Simulations display stress condensation and scaling of ridge energy in agreement with theoretical expectations for elastic and frictionless sheets, and extends such behavior to elasto-plastic sheets. Crumpling of ideally elastic and frictionless sheets is compared to that of elasto-plastic sheets and sheets with friction.

Simulation of liquid penetration in paper

Capillary penetration of a wetting liquid in a microtomographic image of paper board, whose linear dimension was close to the average length of wood fibers, was simulated by the lattice-Boltzmann method. In spite of the size of the system not being large with respect to the size of structural inhomogeneities in the sample, for unidirectional penetration the simulated behavior was described well by that of the Lucas-Washburn equation, while for radial penetration a radial capillary equation described the behavior. In both cases the average penetration depth of the liquid front as a function of time followed a power law over many orders of magnitude. Capillary penetration of small droplets of…

A particle based simulation model for glacier dynamics

This publication is contribution number 22 of the Nordic Centre of Excellence SVALI, “Stability and Variations of Arctic Land Ice”, funded by the Nordic Top-level Research Initiative (TRI). The work has been supported by the SVALI project through the University of Lapland, Arctic Centre, and through the University Centre in Svalbard. Funding was also provided by the Conoco-Phillips and Lunding High North Research Program (CRIOS: Calving Rates and Impact on Society). A particle-based computer simulation model was developed for investigating the dynamics of glaciers. In the model, large ice bodies are made of discrete elastic particles which are bound together by massless elastic beams. These…

Neural network prediction of the AE index from the PC index

Abstract It is shown that although the power spectra of the AE and PC data are quite similar they show differencies in structure function analysis. While the AE time series has a clear drop in the slope of the structure function (SF) after the first 2 hours, the slope of the SF of the PC data decreases gradually and at a little longer time scale. It is also shown by using 15-min averaged data, that both SFs are periodic with a clear diurnal variation. The PC time series seems to have a more pronounced periodicity, probably because it is measured at a single station at Thule. The AE index has been derived from the PC index for 7.5 minutes ahead by different methods. All these predictions gav…

Nonlinear energy dissipation in a cellular automaton magnetotail field model

A magnetic field model of the magnetotail current sheet based on cellular automaton (CA) is presented. The present isotropic model is a continuously driven, two-dimensional running CA. The model has a physical interpretation in terms of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations, and features self-organized critical (SOC) behavior with power-law scalings both in durations and sizes of instabilities (avalanches). The model has nonlinear energy dissipation, and shows avalanches with and without an external trigger. Thus the model reproduces some of the statistical features recently observed in the magnetotail.

&lt;title&gt;Multiatom microlaser: a stable source of photons with subpoissonian statistics&lt;/title&gt;

We studied a multi-atom model of microlaser. As initial conditions we took diagonal density matrix of atoms in the basis of symmetrized collective states. Under diagnonal invariance taking a place for such initial conditions, we considered peculiarities of dynamics of the field reduced density matrix comparing it with the one-atom case. The field possesses subpoissonian distributions in a quasistationare, which are stable with respect to relaxation and number of atoms fluctuations in a packet. When one does not measure the atomic state on output of the cavity, it is possible to observe a macroscopic superposition of few such subpoissonian distributions. Simulating a measuring process of the…

A coupled map as a model of the dynamics of the magnetotail current sheet

Abstract A magnetic field model of the magnetotail current sheet in the form of a coupled-map lattice (CML) is presented. It is continuously driven (“running”) and based on the MHD diffusion equation. Solar wind vBS data (solar wind speed multiplied by the southward component of IMF) are used for driving the model, and it is shown to exhibit perturbations (avalanches) with power-law scalings in their distributions of duration and size. Such distributions may indicate self-organized critical (SOC) behavior. Furthermore, it is shown that the power spectra of the model outputs are of bicolor power-law form with different slopes for high and low frequencies. Although the “running” model gives p…

Effects of diet-induced obesity and voluntary wheel running on the microstructure of the murine distal femur

Abstract Background Obesity and osteoporosis, two possibly related conditions, are rapidly expanding health concerns in modern society. Both of them are associated with sedentary life style and nutrition. To investigate the effects of diet-induced obesity and voluntary physical activity we used high resolution micro-computed tomography (μCT) together with peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) to examine the microstructure of the distal femoral metaphysis in mice. Methods Forty 7-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to 4 groups: control (C), control + running (CR), high-fat diet (HF), and high-fat diet + running (HFR). After a 21-week intervention, all the mice were sacrifi…

Quantum Dynamics of Strongly Interacting Boson Systems: Atomic Beam Splitters and Coupled Bose-Einstein Condensates

An effective boson Hamiltonian applicable to atomic beam splitters, coupled Bose-Einstein condensates, and optical lattices can be made exactly solvable by including all $n$-body interactions. The model can include an arbitrary number of boson components. In the strong interaction limit the model becomes a quantum phase model, which also describes a tight-binding lattice particle. Through exact results for dynamic correlation functions, it is shown how the previous weak interaction dynamics of these systems are extended to strong interactions, now becoming relevant in the experiments. The effect of the number of boson components is also analyzed.

Contributions of individual muscles to the sagittal- and frontal-plane angular accelerations of the trunk in walking.

This study was conducted to analyze the unimpaired control of the trunk during walking. Studying the unimpaired control of the trunk reveals characteristics of good control. These characteristics can be pursued in the rehabilitation of impaired control. Impaired control of the trunk during walking is associated with aging and many movement disorders. This is a concern as it is considered to increase fall risk. Muscles that contribute to the trunk control in normal walking may also contribute to it under perturbation circumstances, attempting to prevent an impending fall. Knowledge of such muscles can be used to rehabilitate impaired control of the trunk. Here, angular accelerations of the t…

Intrusion of nonwetting liquid in paper

The saturation curve of a sample of paper board was measured with mercury-intrusion porosimetry, and the three-dimensional structure of its pore space was determined by x-ray tomographic imaging. Ab initio numerical simulation of intrusion on the tomographic reconstruction, based on the lattice-Boltzmann method, was in excellent agreement with the measured saturation curve. A numerical invasion-percolation simulation in the same tomographic reconstruction showed good agreement with the lattice-Boltzmann simulation. The access function of the sample, determined from the saturation curve and the pore-throat distribution determined from the tomographic reconstruction, indicated that the ink-bo…

Imaging connected porosity of crystalline rock by contrast agent-aided X-ray microtomography and scanning electron microscopy

We set out to study connected porosity of crystalline rock using X‐ray microtomography and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) with caesium chloride as a contrast agent. Caesium is an important radionuclide regarding the final deposition of nuclear waste and also forms dense phases that can be readily distinguished by X‐ray microtomography and SEM‐EDS. Six samples from two sites, Olkiluoto (Finland) and Grimsel (Switzerland), where transport properties of crystalline rock are being studied in situ, were investigated using X‐ray microtomography and SEM‐EDS. The samples were imaged with X‐ray microtomography, immersed in a saturated caesium chlorid…

Fouling dynamics in suspension flows

A particle suspension flowing in a channel in which fouling layers are allowed to form on the channel walls is investigated by numerical simulation. A two-dimensional phase diagram with at least four different behaviors is constructed. The fouling is modeled by attachment during collision with the deposits and by detachment caused by large enough hydrodynamic drag. For fixed total number of particles and small Reynolds numbers, the relevant parameters governing the fouling dynamics are the solid volume fraction of the suspension and the detachment drag force threshold. Below a critical curve in this 2D phase space only transient fouling takes place when the suspension is accelerated from re…

Using the fibre structure of paper to determine authenticity of the documents: analysis of transmitted light images of stamps and banknotes.

A novel method is presented for distinguishing postal stamp forgeries and counterfeit banknotes from genuine samples. The method is based on analyzing differences in paper fibre networks. The main tool is a curvelet-based algorithm for measuring overall fibre orientation distribution and quantifying anisotropy. Using a couple of more appropriate parameters makes it possible to distinguish forgeries from genuine originals as concentrated point clouds in two- or three-dimensional parameter space.

Pore-space characterization of an altered tonalite by X-ray computed microtomography and the14C-labeled-polymethylmethacrylate method

[1] The structure of geological materials strongly affects migration processes that take place in them and are also important in their weathering and alteration processes. Further information of that structure will also be important for many applications that involve geological materials. The emphasis of this study was thus to characterize the pore structure and porosity of altered tonalite by combining different measuring techniques: X-ray tomography, the14C-polymethylmethacrylate method, electron microscopy, and argon pycnometry. Intragranular porosities were determined using chemical staining of rock surfaces. Three-dimensional distributions of minerals and porosities were evaluated with…

Anomalous temperature dependence of the IR spectrum of polyalanine

Abstract We have studied the temperature dependence of the infrared spectra of acetanilide (ACN), tryptophan–(alanine) 15 , and tyrosine–(alanine) 15 . No sidebands of the amide-I vibration were observed in the polypeptides, but two anomalous sidebands of the NH stretch with a similar temperature dependence as that of the anomalous amide-I vibrational mode at 1650 cm −1 of crystalline ACN were detected. Fermi resonance combined with the appearance of a red-shifted sideband of NH stretch through coupling to lattice modes seems to explain this band structure. Observations are indicative of excitons that may occur in polypeptides as well as in single crystals of ACN.

Fracture of a Brittle Membrane

Evaluation of a lattice-Boltzmann method for mercury intrusion porosimetry simulations

We have simulated intrusion of a non-wetting liquid into pores of varying shape and size. Simulations were based on the lattice-Boltzmann method and the Shan–Chen multiphase model. The liquid–solid contact angle for pores with circular cross-section was found to be equal to that for pores with square cross-section, and constant even for small pore sizes if the discretised shape of the circular cross-section was taken into account. For comparison, contact angle was also determined for a liquid column descending in a capillary tube, and the results were found to be consistent. Application of the method to mercury intrusion porosimetry is discussed.

103 Tibial Guided Wave Ultrasound in the Assessment of Osteoporosis in Elderly Women

Comparison of the dynamics of the AU and PC indices

The properties of AU and PC data were analyzed with different methods. It is shown that the dynamical behavior of the AU and PC time series, as analyzed by the structure function (SF), are very similar, while the SF of the AL time series shows different behavior. The SF of the AL data has a slope of 0.5 up to about 2 hours, after which it quickly decreases to about 0.1. On the other hand the slope of the SFs of AU and PC data continuously decreases to about 0.2, and in a longer time scale. It is suggested that the dissipative auroral electrojet currents have a characteristic time scale of 2 hours, and this underlies the AL dynamics. In contrast with this, the nondissipative Hall currents th…

Curvelet-based method for orientation estimation of particles from optical images

A method based on the curvelet transform is introduced to estimate the orientation distribution from two-dimensional images of small anisotropic particles. Orientation of fibers in paper is considered as a particular application of the method. Theoretical aspects of the suitability of this method are discussed and its efficiency is demonstrated with simulated and real images of fibrous systems. Comparison is made with two traditionally used methods of orientation analysis, and the new curvelet-based method is shown to perform better than these tradi- tional methods. © The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. Distribution or reproduction of th…

Rigidity transition in two-dimensional random fiber networks

Rigidity percolation is analyzed in two-dimensional random fibrous networks. The model consists of central forces between the adjacent crossing points of the fibers. Two strategies are used to incorporate rigidity: adding extra constraints between second-nearest crossing points with a probability p(sn), and "welding" individual crossing points by adding there four additional constraints with a probability p(weld), and thus fixing the angles between the fibers. These additional constraints will make the model rigid at a critical probability p(sn)=p(sn)(c) and p(weld)=p(weld)(c), respectively. Accurate estimates are given for the transition thresholds and for some of the associated critical e…

Statistical Mechanics of the Integrable Models

There is an infinity of classically integrable models. The only ones we can consider here, and these only briefly, are: the sine-Gordon (s-G) model $${\phi _{{\rm{xx}}}}{}^ - {\phi _{{\rm{tt}}}} = {{\rm{m}}^2}\sin \phi ,$$ (1.1) the sinh-Gordon (sinh-G) model $${\phi _{{\rm{xx}}}}{}^ - {\phi _{{\rm{tt}}}} = {{\rm{m}}^2}\sinh \phi ,$$ (1.2) and the repulsive and attractive non-linear Schrodinger (NLS) models $${}^ - {\rm{i}}{\phi _{\rm{t}}} = {\phi _{{\rm{xx}}}}{}^ - 2{\rm{c}}\phi {\left| \phi \right|^2}.$$ (1.3) The “attractive” NLS has real coupling constant c 0; φ is complex. In (1.1) and (1.2) m is a mass (ħ = c = 1) and φ is real. These 4 integrable models are in one space and one time …

Evaluation of the orientation distribution of fibers from reflection images of fibrous samples

We consider illumination systems and mathematical algorithms for determination of the anisotropy and topographical features of an illuminated surface from its reflection images. As a particular example we study determination of the fiber orientation of paper surface. We also consider illumination systems with multiple light sources, and introduce optimization algorithms that exploit different spectral bands of these light sources. We show that a system of three light sources, e.g., a blue, green and red LED placed in a regular triangular form, efficiently prevents distortion of the above features. It is also easy to implement in applications, e.g., of the paper industry. We furthermore show…

A free plate model can predict guided modes propagating in tubular bone-mimicking phantoms

The goal of this work was to show that a non-absorbing free plate model can predict with a reasonable accuracy guided modes measured in bone-mimicking phantoms that have circular cross-section. Experiments were carried out on uncoated and coated phantoms using a clinical axial transmission setup. Adjustment of the plate model to the experimental data yielded estimates for the waveguide characteristics (thickness, bulk wave velocities). Fair agreement was achieved over a frequency range of 0.4 to 1.6 MHz. A lower accuracy observed for the thinnest bone-mimicking phantoms was caused by limitations in the wave number measurements rather than by the model itself.

Selective Excitation of Guided Waves into Bone Phantoms by a Time-Delayed Laser Diode Array

We excite selectively the Ao and So plate mode into an acrylic bone phantom using a laser diode array. This is done by controlling the time delay between the signals driving the array elements. Selective mode generation is important because it can potentially increase the sensitivity of in vivo osteoporosis screening.

Simulations of non-spherical particles suspended in a shear flow

The lattice-Boltzmann method was used to investigate the effects of the shape and concentration of the particles on the rheological properties of non-Brownian suspensions for non-zero Reynolds numbers. Several case studies were analyzed and the methods used were found to give accurate predictions for these systems. The viscosity of suspensions of both spherical and non-spherical particles was determined as functions of shear rate and concentration of particles. It was shown that, for high shear rates, shear thickening appears. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced for particles of irregular shape.

Finite-temperature correlations in the one-dimensional trapped and untrapped Bose gases

We calculate the dynamic single-particle and many-particle correlation functions at non-zero temperature in one-dimensional trapped repulsive Bose gases. The decay for increasing distance between the points of these correlation functions is governed by a scaling exponent that has a universal expression in terms of observed quantities. This expression is valid in the weak-interaction Gross-Pitaevskii as well as in the strong-interaction Girardeau-Tonks limit, but the observed quantities involved depend on the interaction strength. The confining trap introduces a weak center-of-mass dependence in the scaling exponent. We also conjecture results for the density-density correlation function.

Hydrostatic and structural pressure in compressed paper webs and press felts

Implementation Aspects of 3D Lattice-BGK: Boundaries, Accuracy, and a New Fast Relaxation Method

In many realistic fluid-dynamical simulations the specification of the boundary conditions, the error sources, and the number of time steps to reach a steady state are important practical considerations. In this paper we study these issues in the case of the lattice-BGK model. The objective is to present a comprehensive overview of some pitfalls and shortcomings of the lattice-BGK method and to introduce some new ideas useful in practical simulations. We begin with an evaluation of the widely used bounce-back boundary condition in staircase geometries by simulating flow in an inclined tube. It is shown that the bounce-back scheme is first-order accurate in space when the location of the non…

Simulations of single-fluid flow in porous media

Several results of lattice-gas and lattice-Boltzmann simulations of single-fluid flow in 2D and 3D porous media are discussed. Simulation results for the tortuosity, effective porosity and permeability of a 2D random porous medium are reported. A modified Kozeny–Carman law is suggested, which includes the concept of effective porosity. This law is found to fit well the simulated 2D permeabilities. The results for fluid flow through large 3D random fibre webs are also presented. The simulated permeabilities of these webs are found to be in good agreement with experimental data. The simulations also confirm that, for this kind of materials, permeability depends exponentially on porosity over…

Anisotropic Heisenberg chain with composite spin

A family of one-dimensional magnetic Hamiltonians is introduced, where at each site there are $n$ spin-$S$ operators. It is shown that, for special couplings between spins and for $S=\frac{1}{2}$, the model contains the complete spectrum of the Heisenberg chain with spins \textonehalf{}, 1, frac32;, etc., and the ground state is that of the corresponding Heisenberg chain. By the varying of a single parameter the model allows continuous transitions between chains with different spin. We map the spin-($S+S$) model onto the nonlinear $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ model and discuss the possibility of a finite gap in the spin-(\textonehalf{}+\textonehalf{}) model.

Evaluation of the areal material distribution of paper from its optical transmission image

International audience; The goal of this study was to evaluate the areal mass distribution (defined as the X-ray transmission image) of paper from its optical transmission image. A Bayesian inversion framework was used in the related deconvolution process so as to combine indirect optical information with a priori knowledge about the type of paper imaged. The a priori knowledge was expressed in the form of an empirical Besov space prior distribution constructed in a computationally effective way using the wavelet transform. The estimation process took the form of a large-scale optimization problem, which was in turn solved using the gradient descent method of Barzilai and Borwein. It was de…

Nonlinear theory of slow light.

In the framework of the nonlinear Λ model, propagation of solitons was analysed in atomic vapours and Bose–Einstein condensates. The complicated nonlinear interplay between fast and slow-light solitons in a Λ -type medium was shown to facilitate control of its optical transparency and formation of optical gates. An exact analytical description was given for the deceleration, stopping and revival of slow-light solitons in the experimentally relevant non-adiabatic regime. A stopping slow-light soliton imprints a localized immobile polarization pattern in the medium, which, as explicitly demonstrated here, can be used as a bit of readable optical memory. The whole process can be controlled wi…

Quantum dynamics of the intensity-dependent Tavis-Cummings model

An exactly solvable generalization of the intensity-dependent Jaynes-Cummings model to the case of N0 atoms is introduced together with its solution. The quantum dynamics of the model including the squeezing properties of the su(1,1) Perelomov and Glauber coherent states is investigated. The cases of one and two atoms present in the cavity are analysed in detail. These two cases are compared in the situation when the atomic subsystem is initially prepared in the ground state, the Dicke state and the state of thermal equilibrium.

Molecular dynamics simulation of single DNA stretching reveals a novel structure

Abstract MD simulation, to closely mimic a torsionally unconstrained single-molecule stretching experiment of dsDNA, uncovers three distinct force regimes, characterized by fast and slow elongation regions with a transition regime in between, where the α and γ backbone torsion angles of the elongated double-stranded DNA find rapidly new stationary values. In the slow elongation regime DNA gradually looses its twist, collectively breaks all base-pair H-bonds and develops a remarkable base-stacked structure with the bases strongly tilted, forming a zipper-like stack on the major groove side, stabilized by the narrowing distance between the elongated strands, and by specific water interactions.

Tailoring the excitation of fundamental flexural guide waves in coated bone by phase-delayed array: Two-dimensional simulations

The fundamental flexural guided wave (FFGW) enables ultrasonic assessment of cortical bone thickness. In vivo, it is challenging to detect this mode, as its power ratio with respect to disturbing ultrasound is reduced by soft tissue covering the bone. A phase-delayed ultrasound source is proposed to tailor the FFGW excitation in order to improve its power ratio. This situation is analyzed by 2D finite-element simulations. The soft tissue coating (7-mm thick) was simulated as a fluid covering an elastic plate (bone, 2–6 mm thick). A six-element array of emitters on top of the coating was excited by 50-kHz tone bursts so that each emitter was appropriately delayed from the previous one. Respo…

Rigidity of random networks of stiff fibers in the low-density limit.

Rigidity percolation is analyzed in two-dimensional random networks of stiff fibers. As fibers are randomly added to the system there exists a density threshold ${q=q}_{\mathrm{min}}$ above which a rigid stress-bearing percolation cluster appears. This threshold is found to be above the connectivity percolation threshold ${q=q}_{c}$ such that ${q}_{\mathrm{min}}=(1.1698\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}{0.0004)q}_{c}.$ The transition is found to be continuous, and in the universality class of the two-dimensional central-force rigidity percolation on lattices. At percolation threshold the rigid backbone of the percolating cluster was found to break into rigid clusters, whose number diverges in the…

Thickness sensitivity of ultrasound velocity in long bone phantoms

One approach to bone disease diagnosis such as osteoporosis is to measure the velocity of ultrasound propagating axially along long bones. In this study, the variation in velocity as a function of radial position was assessed using two polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bone phantoms with cross-sectional geometry similar to the human tibia but differing in medullary cavity diameter. Two ultrasonometers were used: these were a commercial device operating at a relatively high frequency (HF) of 1.25 MHz and a prototype low frequency (LF) device operating at approximately 200 kHz. The LF measurements showed a larger variation with radial position, with changes in velocity of up to 20% occurring around th…

Ground-state properties of generalized Heisenberg chains with composite spin.

We consider in detail the ground-state properties of recently introduced generalized Heisenberg models which can have several spin operators at each site and which interpolate smoothly between Heisenberg chains of different spin lengths. We show that the mappings to field-theoretical models used to describe the critical properties of the Heisenberg model remain valid in the composite-spin model. In models which interpolate between the spin-(1/2 and the spin-1 behavior, these mappings predict an extended singlet phase around the isotropic antiferromagnetic point whenever the models move away from the spin-(1/2 point. Numerical calculations on finite chains seem to confirm the existence of th…

An algebraic approach to the Tavis-Cummings problem

An algebraic method is introduced for an analytical solution of the eigenvalue problem of the Tavis-Cummings (TC) Hamiltonian, based on polynomially deformed su(2), i.e. su_n(2), algebras. In this method the eigenvalue problem is solved in terms of a specific perturbation theory, developed here up to third order. Generalization to the N-atom case of the Rabi frequency and dressed states is also provided. A remarkable enhancement of spontaneous emission of N atoms in a resonator is found to result from collective effects.

Clustering and viscosity in a shear flow of a particulate suspension

A shear flow of particulate suspension is analyzed for the qualitative effect of particle clustering on viscosity using a simple kinetic clustering model and direct numerical simulations. The clusters formed in a Couette flow can be divided into rotating chainlike clusters and layers of particles at the channel walls. The size distribution of the rotating clusters is scale invariant in the small-cluster regime and decreases rapidly above a characteristic length scale that diverges at a jamming transition. The behavior of the suspension can qualitatively be divided into three regimes. For particle Reynolds number Re(p) less than or approximately equal 0.1, viscosity is controlled by the char…

Modelling and analysing oriented fibrous structures

Abstract. A mathematical model for fibrous structures using a direction dependent scaling law is presented. The orientation of fibrous nets (e.g. paper) is analysed with a method based on the curvelet transform. The curvelet-based orientation analysis has been tested successfully on real data from paper samples: the major directions of fibrefibre orientation can apparently be recovered. Similar results are achieved in tests on data simulated by the new model, allowing a comparison with ground truth. peerReviewed

Diffusion Measurements on Crystalline Rock Matrix

AbstractA new gas flow technique is introduced such that experiments on very long samples are possible. This new technique together with increased accuracy of the measurements, allows the observation of power law tails in the break-through curves. Dispersion in these experiments can be controlled in great detail, and therefore the power law tails can be used to determine very accurately the parameters relevant in matrix diffusion. Results for rock and metal samples are shown, and they are fitted with model calculations which include both dispersion and matrix diffusion. The introduced technique, which is designed for ordinary drill cores, is suitable for scanning a large number of samples i…

Sorption-Caused Attenuation and Delay of Water Vapor Signals in Eddy-Covariance Sampling Tubes and Filters

AbstractAdsorption and desorption (together called sorption) processes in sampling tubes and filters of eddy-covariance stations cause attenuation and delay of water vapor signals, leading to an underestimation of water vapor fluxes by tens of percent. The aim of this work was (i) to quantify the effects on sorption in filters and tubes of humidity, flow rate, and dirtiness and (ii) to test a recently introduced sorption model that facilitates correction of fluxes. Laboratory measurements on the transport of water vapor pulses through tubes and filters were carried out, and eddy-covariance field measurements were also used.In the laboratory measurements, the effects of sorption processes we…

Rigidity and Dynamics of Random Spring Networks

The static and dynamic elastic properties of two-dimensional random networks composed of Hookean springs are analyzed. These networks are proved to be nonrigid with respect to small deformations, and the floppy mode ratio is calculated exactly. The vibrational spectrum is shown to consist only of zero-frequency and localized modes. The exponential decay of the amplitude and velocity of the transient wave front are shown to be exactly described by a quasi-one-dimensional model of noninteracting paths of propagation.

Dimensional effects in dynamic fragmentation of brittle materials.

It has been shown previously that dynamic fragmentation of brittle $D$-dimensional objects in a $D$-dimensional space gives rise to a power-law contribution to the fragment-size distribution with a universal scaling exponent $2\ensuremath{-}1∕D$. We demonstrate that in fragmentation of two-dimensional brittle objects in three-dimensional space, an additional fragmentation mechanism appears, which causes scale-invariant secondary breaking of existing fragments. Due to this mechanism, the power law in the fragment-size distribution has now a scaling exponent of $\ensuremath{\sim}1.17$.

Determination of the Porosity, Permeability and Diffusivity of Rock in the Excavation-Disturbed Zone Around Full-Scale Deposition Holes Using the He-Gas Method

AbstractIn a nuclear waste repository, rock in the excavation-disturbed zone adjacent to the walls of deposition holes for waste canisters is a potential pathway for the transport of corrosive agents and radionuclides. Three experimental holes the size of deposition holes in a KBS-3 type repository (depth 7.5 m and diameter 1.5 m) were bored in hard granitic rock in the Research Tunnel at Olkiluoto and the porosities, effective diffusivities and permeabilities of rock in the excavation-disturbed zone were determined in a direction parallel to the disturbed surface using He-gas methods. Permeability and diffusivity in a direction parallel to the rock schistosity was found to be clearly large…

Effects of diet-induced obesity and voluntary wheel running on the microstructure of the murine distal femur

Background. Obesity and osteoporosis, two possibly related conditions, are rapidly expanding health concerns in modern society. Both of them are associated with sedentary life style and nutrition. To investigate the effects of diet-induced obesity and voluntary physical activity we used high resolution micro-computed tomography (μCT) together with peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) to examine the microstructure of the distal femoral metaphysis in mice. Methods. Forty 7-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to 4 groups: control (C), control + running (CR), high-fat diet (HF), and high-fat diet + running (HFR). After a 21-week intervention, all the mice were sacrificed and…