Search results for "THERMODYNAMICS"
showing 10 items of 2774 documents
Voltage drop across Josephson junctions for L\'evy noise detection
2020
We propose to characterize L\'evy-distributed stochastic fluctuations through the measurement of the average voltage drop across a current-biased Josephson junction. We show that the noise induced switching process in the Josephson washboard potential can be exploited to reveal and characterize L\'evy fluctuations, also if embedded in a thermal noisy background. The measurement of the average voltage drop as a function of the noise intensity allows to infer the value of the stability index that characterizes L\'evy-distributed fluctuations. An analytical estimate of the average velocity in the case of a L\'evy-driven escape process from a metastable state well agrees with the numerical calc…
Induced unconventional superconductivity on the surface states of Bi2Te3 topological insulator
2017
Topological superconductivity is central to a variety of novel phenomena involving the interplay between topologically ordered phases and broken-symmetry states. The key ingredient is an unconventional order parameter, with an orbital component containing a chiral $p_x$ + i$p_y$ wave term. Here we present phase-sensitive measurements, based on the quantum interference in nanoscale Josephson junctions, realized by using Bi$_2$Te$_3$ topological insulator. We demonstrate that the induced superconductivity is unconventional and consistent with a sign-changing order parameter, such as a chiral $p_x$ + i$p_y$ component. The magnetic field pattern of the junctions shows a dip at zero externally a…
Thermodynamics of a Phase-Driven Proximity Josephson Junction
2019
We study the thermodynamic properties of a superconductor/normal metal/superconductor Josephson junction {in the short limit}. Owing to the proximity effect, such a junction constitutes a thermodynamic system where {phase difference}, supercurrent, temperature and entropy are thermodynamical variables connected by equations of state. These allow conceiving quasi-static processes that we characterize in terms of heat and work exchanged. Finally, we combine such processes to construct a Josephson-based Otto and Stirling cycles. We study the related performance in both engine and refrigerator operating mode.
Inhibition Mechanism of SARS‐CoV‐2 Main Protease with Ketone‐Based Inhibitors Unveiled by Multiscale Simulations: Insights for Improved Designs**
2021
Abstract We present the results of classical and QM/MM simulations for the inhibition of SARS‐CoV‐2 3CL protease by a hydroxymethylketone inhibitor, PF‐00835231. In the noncovalent complex the carbonyl oxygen atom of the warhead is placed in the oxyanion hole formed by residues 143 to 145, while P1–P3 groups are accommodated in the active site with interactions similar to those observed for the peptide substrate. According to alchemical free energy calculations, the P1′ hydroxymethyl group also contributes to the binding free energy. Covalent inhibition of the enzyme is triggered by the proton transfer from Cys145 to His41. This step is followed by the nucleophilic attack of the Sγ atom on …
The calculation of the number-average degree of polymerization starting from intrinsic viscosity and overall rate
1962
The relation between the intrinsic viscosity [η] and the number-average degree of polymerization Pn is a function of the molecular weight distribution of the polymer. In a polymer in which the termination of polymer radicals occurs partly by combination of two growing chains, this molecular weight distribution depends on number and extent of additional reactions such as chain transfer; i.e., it is variable. Therefore Pn of such polymers cannot be obtained from intrinsic viscosity measurements by means of an equation of the type [η] = KPna. A new method is proposed which allows the evaluation of Pn in these cases, without necessity of osmotic (or related) measurements or fractionation. The v…
Comparison of two melting range analysis methods with lactitol monohydrate
2001
Abstract In pharmacopoeia, the melting point is determined by a standard method with a melting point instrument. The melting point can also be determined with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In this study, the standard method and DSC method are compared for determining the melting range of lactitol monohydrate. The effect of initial temperature, grinding, and drying on the melting range of different lactitol monohydrate samples was studied by a melting point instrument. The melting point and melting enthalpy of the stable form of lactitol monohydrate was identified by DSC. The statistical analysis of the results is based on a t-test. All studied variables had a small effect on the …
Strain Measurement on Composites: Effects due to Strain Gauge Misalignment
2008
: The present work analyses the errors affecting the strains measured by misaligned strain gauges installed on orthotropic-composite laminae. Various analytical relationships are derived showing that, besides the fibre and strain gauge orientations, the misalignment error in unidirectional off-axis orthotropic composite samples depends also on the lamina stiffness properties (E1, E2, ν12, G12). If the fibres are aligned with the loading axis, it is found that the higher Poisson's ratio ν12 is the only elastic property influencing the misalignment error. Experimental results are shown confirming the theoretical predictions.
Stochastic approach to highway traffic
2004
We analyze the characteristic features of jam formation on a circular one-lane road. We have applied an optimal velocity model including stochastic noise, where cars are treated as moving and interacting particles. The motion of N cars is described by the system of 2 N stochastic differential equations with multiplicative white noise. Our system of cars behaves in qualitatively different ways depending on the values of control parameters c (dimensionless density), b (sensitivity parameter characterising the fastness of relaxation), and α (dimensionless noise intensity). In analogy to the gas-liquid phase transition in supersaturated vapour at low enough temperatures, we observe three differ…
Sorption of copper(II) ions in the biomass of alga Spirogyra sp.
2012
Abstract Sorption of copper ions by the alga Spirogyra sp. was investigated to determine the influence of experimental conditions and the methods of sample preparation on the process. The experiments were carried out both under the static and the dynamic conditions. Kinetics and equilibrium parameters of the sorption were evaluated. In addition, the influence was studied of the algae preparation methods on the conductivity of demineralized water in which the algae samples were immersed. The static experiments showed that the sorption of Cu2+ ions reached equilibrium in about 30 min, with approximately 90% of the ions adsorbed in the initial 15 min. The sorption capacity determined from the …
Succinate-bonded pullulan: An efficient and reusable super-sorbent for cadmium-uptake from spiked high-hardness groundwater.
2015
Abstract Chemically modified pullulan was evaluated for its sorption efficiency and selectivity to remove cadmium (Cd) from spiked high-hardness groundwater (GW). Pullulan esterified with succinic anhydride using dimethylaminopyridine showed a fairly high degree of substitution value as confirmed by 1 H NMR spectroscopy. Pullulan succinate (Pull-Suc) was converted into the sodium salt (Pull-Suc-Na). The effect of contact time (5–200 min) and pH (2–8) on Cd-uptake by the sorbent (Pull-Suc-Na) was investigated. The sorbent showed more than 90% Cd-removal in first 15 min from distilled water (DW) and GW solution, respectively. Comparison of Pull-Suc-Na with other polysaccharidal sorbents sugge…