Bethe-Peierls Approximation for Linear Monodisperse Polymers Re-examined

Bethe-Peierls approximation, as it applies to the thermodynamics of polymer melts, is reviewed. We compare the computed configurational entropy of monodisperse linear polymer melt with Monte Carlo data available in literature. An estimation of the configurational contribution to the total liquid's Cp is presented. We also discuss the relation between Kauzmann paradox and polymer semiflexibility.Comment: 9 pages, 3 figure

Tools for NLO automation: extension of the golem95C integral library

We present an extension of the program golem95C for the numerical evaluation of scalar integrals and tensor form factors entering the calculation of one-loop amplitudes, which supports tensor ranks exceeding the number of propagators. This extension allows various applications in Beyond the Standard Model physics and effective theories, for example higher ranks due to propagators of spin two particles, or due to effective vertices. Complex masses are also supported. The program is not restricted to the Feynman diagrammatic approach, as it also contains routines to interface to unitarity-inspired numerical reconstruction of the integrand at the tensorial level. Therefore it can serve as a general integral library in automated programs to calculate one-loop amplitudes.Comment: 17 pages, 1 figure, the program can be downloaded from http://golem.hepforge.org/95/. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1101.559

Import pathways of precursor proteins into mitochondria

The precursor of porin, a mitochondrial outer membrane protein, competes for the import of precursors destined for the three other mitochondrial compartments, including the Fe/S protein of the bc1- complex (intermembrane space), the ADP/ATP carrier (inner membrane), subunit 9 of the F0-ATPase (inner membrane), and subunit beta of the F1- ATPase (matrix). Competition occurs at the level of a common site at which precursors are inserted into the outer membrane. Protease- sensitive binding sites, which act before the common insertion site, appear to be responsible for the specificity and selectivity of mitochondrial protein uptake. We suggest that distinct receptor proteins on the mitochondrial surface specifically recognize precursor proteins and transfer them to a general insertion protein component (GIP) in the outer membrane. Beyond GIP, the import pathways diverge, either to the outer membrane or to translocation contact-sites, and then subsequently to the other mitochondrial compartments

Trinification, the Hierarchy Problem and Inverse Seesaw Neutrino Masses

In minimal trinification models light neutrino masses can be generated via a radiative see-saw mechanism, where the masses of the right-handed neutrinos originate from loops involving Higgs and fermion fields at the unification scale. This mechanism is absent in models aiming at solving or ameliorating the hierarchy problem, such as low-energy supersymmetry, since the large seesaw-scale disappears. In this case, neutrino masses need to be generated via a TeV-scale mechanism. In this paper, we investigate an inverse seesaw mechanism and discuss some phenomenological consequences.Comment: 10 pages, 11 figure

The role of gravity on macrosegregation in alloys

During dendritic solidification liquid flow is induced both by buoyancy forces and solidification shrinkage. There is strong evidence that the major reason for the liquid flow is the former, i.e., thermosolutal convection. In the microgravity environment, it is thought that the thermosolutal convection will be greatly diminished so that convection will be confined mainly to the flow of interdendritic liquid required to satisfy the solidification shrinkage. An attempt is made to provide improved models of dendritic solidification with emphasis on convection and macrosegregation. Macrosegregation is an extremely important subject to the commercial casting community. The simulation of thermosolutal convection in directionally solidified (DS) alloys is described. A linear stability analysis was used to predict marginal stability curves for a system that comprises a mushy zone underlying an all-liquid zone. The supercritical thermosolutal convection in directionally solidified dendritic alloys was also modeled. The model assumes a nonconvective initial state with planar and horizontal isotherms and isoconcentration that move upward at a constant solidification velocity. Results are presented for systems involving lead-tin alloys and show significant differences with results of plane-front solidification

Unconventional Uses of Microcantilevers as Chemical Sensors in Gas and Liquid Media

The use of microcantilevers as (bio)chemical sensors usually involves the application of a chemically sensitive layer. The coated device operates either in a static bending regime or in a dynamic flexural mode. While some of these coated devices may be operated successfully in both the static and the dynamic modes, others may suffer from certain shortcomings depending on the type of coating, the medium of operation and the sensing application. Such shortcomings include lack of selectivity and reversibility of the sensitive coating and a reduced quality factor due to the surrounding medium. In particular, the performance of microcantilevers excited in their standard out-of-plane dynamic mode drastically decreases in viscous liquid media. Moreover, the responses of coated cantilevers operating in the static bending mode are often difficult to interpret. To resolve these performance issues, the following emerging unconventional uses of microcantilevers are reviewed in this paper: (1) dynamic-mode operation without using a sensitive coating, (2) the use of in-plane vibration modes (both flexural and longitudinal) in liquid media, and (3) incorporation of viscoelastic effects in the coatings in the static mode of operation. The advantages and drawbacks of these atypical uses of microcantilevers for chemical sensing in gas and liquid environments are discussed