Self-Similar Random Processes and Infinite-Dimensional Configuration Spaces

We discuss various infinite-dimensional configuration spaces that carry measures quasiinvariant under compactly-supported diffeomorphisms of a manifold M corresponding to a physical space. Such measures allow the construction of unitary representations of the diffeomorphism group, which are important to nonrelativistic quantum statistical physics and to the quantum theory of extended objects in d-dimensional Euclidean space. Special attention is given to measurable structure and topology underlying measures on generalized configuration spaces obtained from self-similar random processes (both for d = 1 and d > 1), which describe infinite point configurations having accumulation points

Lack of correlation between reaction speed and analytical sensitivity in isothermal amplification reveals the value of digital methods for optimization: validation using digital real-time RT-LAMP

In this paper, we asked if it is possible to identify the best primers and reaction conditions based on improvements in reaction speed when optimizing isothermal reactions. We used digital single-molecule, real-time analyses of both speed and efficiency of isothermal amplification reactions, which revealed that improvements in the speed of isothermal amplification reactions did not always correlate with improvements in digital efficiency (the fraction of molecules that amplify) or with analytical sensitivity. However, we observed that the speeds of amplification for single-molecule (in a digital device) and multi-molecule (e.g. in a PCR well plate) formats always correlated for the same conditions. Also, digital efficiency correlated with the analytical sensitivity of the same reaction performed in a multi-molecule format. Our finding was supported experimentally with examples of primer design, the use or exclusion of loop primers in different combinations, and the use of different enzyme mixtures in one-step reverse-transcription loop-mediated amplification (RT-LAMP). Our results show that measuring the digital efficiency of amplification of single-template molecules allows quick, reliable comparisons of the analytical sensitivity of reactions under any two tested conditions, independent of the speeds of the isothermal amplification reactions

Microfabrication inside capillaries using multiphase laminar flow patterning

The reaction of species in solutions flowing laminarly (without turbulent mixing) inside capillaries was used as the basis for a broadly applicable method of microfabrication. In this method, patterning occurs as a result of transport of reactive species to interfaces within the capillary by laminar flow. A wide range of chemistries can be used to generate structures with feature sizes of less than 5 micrometers and with spatial localization to within 5 micrometers. The method is applicable to the patterning of metals, organic polymers, inorganic crystals, and ceramics on the inner walls of preformed capillaries, using both additive and subtractive processes

The development of purifying technology of process waters of gas condensate field from methanol

The possibility in principle of methanol deep catalytic oxidation in water up to MPC has been confirmed by gas chromatography method. Oxidation process of methanol contained in vat residue after regeneration stage in concentrations of 1, 5 wt. % and less, at metal oxide catalysts at Al2O3 is considered. The basic flow diagram of closed technological cycle of methanol extraction from process waters of gas condensate fields is proposed. It consists in methanol regeneration with further deep catalytic oxidation of methanol residue quantit

Dynamics of Drosophila embryonic patterning network perturbed in space and time using microfluidics

Biochemical networks are perturbed both by fluctuations in environmental conditions and genetic variation. These perturbations must be compensated for, especially when they occur during embryonic pattern formation. Complex chemical reaction networks displaying spatiotemporal dynamics have been controlled and understood by perturbing their environment in space and time. Here, we apply this approach using microfluidics to investigate the robust network in Drosophila melanogaster that compensates for variation in the Bicoid morphogen gradient. We show that the compensation system can counteract the effects of extremely unnatural environmental conditions-a temperature step-in which the anterior and posterior halves of the embryo are developing at different temperatures and thus at different rates. Embryonic patterning was normal under this condition, suggesting that a simple reciprocal gradient system is not the mechanism of compensation. Time-specific reversals of the temperature step narrowed down the critical period for compensation to between 65 and 100 min after onset of embryonic development. The microfluidic technology used here may prove useful to future studies, as it allows spatial and temporal regulation of embryonic development

Reaction-diffusion dynamics: confrontation between theory and experiment in a microfluidic reactor

We confront, quantitatively, the theoretical description of the reaction-diffusion of a second order reaction to experiment. The reaction at work is \ca/CaGreen, and the reactor is a T-shaped microchannel, 10 $\mu$m deep, 200 $\mu$m wide, and 2 cm long. The experimental measurements are compared with the two-dimensional numerical simulation of the reaction-diffusion equations. We find good agreement between theory and experiment. From this study, one may propose a method of measurement of various quantities, such as the kinetic rate of the reaction, in conditions yet inaccessible to conventional methods

Control of Ni/Ce1-xMxOy Catalyst Properties Via the Selection of Dopant M = Gd, La, Mg. Part 2. Catalytic Activity

To elucidate the role of support composition in autothermal reforming of ethanol (ATR of C2H5OH), a series of Ni catalysts (Ni content 2–15 wt.%) supported on different ceria-based oxides (Ce1-xGdxOy, Ce1-xLaxOy and Ce1-xMgxOy; x = 0.1–0.9) were prepared. The synthetized materials were tested in ATR of ethanol at 200–700 °C. It was established that supports themselves show catalytic activity in ATR of C2H5OH and provide 10–15% yield of H2 at 700 °C. Upon the increase of Ni content from 2 to 15 wt.% the temperature of 100% ethanol conversion decreases from 700 tо 300 °С, hydrogen yield increases from 25 to 60%, the inhibition of С2-С3 by-products formation, as well as the promotion of decomposition of acetaldehyde occur. The enhancement of catalyst performance in ATR of C2H5OH has been observed in the next series of supports: Ce1-xMgxOy < Ce1-xGdxOy < Ce1-xLaxOy and with a decrease of x to an optimal value that correlates with the improvement of Ni active component reducibility. At 600 °C on 10Ni/Ce0.8La0.2O1.9 catalyst the H2 yield of 50% was achieved at C2H5OH conversion of 100%. Stable and high performance of developed catalysts in ATR of C2H5OH indicates the promise of their use in the production of hydrogen

Mesoporous Carbon-Based Rhodium Catalysts for Benzene Hydrogenation

Two different carbons, namely CAS-P-500 and CRH-P-500, were prepared from apricot stones and rice husk by H3PO4-activation at 500 ºC and H3PO4/precursor (wt/wt) impregnation ratio of 2:1 followed by water washing and desilication by NaOH solution respectively. Elemental analyses of both samples using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and VARIO ELEMENTAR III elemental analyzer detected up to 1% of remained phosphorus and about 88% of carbon. SEM characterization and nitrogen adsorption data revealed that highly mesoporous materials were obtained. According to BJH scheme calculations, N2 BET-surface area and pore volume for CAS-P-500 reached the values of 2030 m2/g and 1.64 cm3/g, while for CRH-P-500: 1690 m2/g and 1.95 cm3/g respectively. Activated carbons CAS-P-500 and CRH-P-500 were used as catalyst supports for the conversion of small amounts of benzene into cyclohexane to obtain cleaner gasoline. According to Euro-3 standards, gasoline should contain less than 1% of benzene, since the incomplete combustion of gasoline, which contains benzene, leads to formation of benzopyrene- a powerful carcinogen in exhaust gases. The activity of rhodium catalysts based on the CAS-P-500 and CRH-P-500 allow complete conversion of benzene into cyclohexane at 40 atm and 80oC temperature and is comparable to those of based on conventional carbons: “Sibunit”, etc

Structural Changes of Mo/ZSM-5 Catalysts During the Methane Dehydroaromatization

The structure changes of Mo/ZSM-5 catalysts with different Mo content (2 and 10 wt. % Mo) and Si/Al atomic ratio (17, 30 and 45) during the methane dehydroaromatization have been investigated by X-ray powder diffractometry, N2 adsorption and transmission electron microscopy. The treatment of Mo/ZSM-5 catalysts in reducing atmosphere (CH4 or H2) at about 700 oC promotes development of mesoporous system. The pores are open to the exterior of the zeolite grain and have an entrance diameter of ~ 4-10 nm. It is proposed that mesopore formation in Mo/ZSM-5 catalyst is connected with the dealumination of zeolite. The mesopore formation in the parent H-ZSM-5 zeolite by NaOH treatment does not improve the activity of /ZSM-5 catalyst

Interface and Visualization Metaphors

The paper is devoted to problems of computer metaphors, such as Interface metaphor and Visualization metaphor. Interface metaphor is considered as the basic idea of likening between interactive objects and model objects of the application domain. A visualization metaphor is defined as a map establishing the correspondence between concepts and objects of the application domain under modeling and a system of some similarities and analogies. This map generates a set of views and a set of methods for communication with visual objects. Some positions of the metaphor theory are discussed. Concept of metaphor action is suggested.. "Formula" of metaphor is constructed. A set of examples of metaphor was analyzed. Aprioristic quality criteria of interface and visualization metaphors are suggested. These criteria allow evaluating as existing metaphors and to search for adequate metaphors for designing new specialized systems. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007