1,629 research outputs found
One-parameter scaling theory for DNA extension in a nanochannel
Experiments measuring DNA extension in nanochannels are at odds with even the
most basic predictions of current scaling arguments for the conformations of
confined semiflexible polymers such as DNA. We show that a theory based on a
weakly self-avoiding, one-dimensional "telegraph" process collapses
experimental data and simulation results onto a single master curve throughout
the experimentally relevant region of parameter space and explains the
mechanisms at play.Comment: Revised version. 5 pages, 4 figures, revised version, supplementary
informatio
Distribution of label spacings for genome mapping in nanochannels
In genome mapping experiments, long DNA molecules are stretched by confining
them to very narrow channels, so that the locations of sequence-specific
fluorescent labels along the channel axis provide large-scale genomic
information. It is difficult, however, to make the channels narrow enough so
that the DNA molecule is fully stretched. In practice its conformations may
form hairpins that change the spacings between internal segments of the DNA
molecule, and thus the label locations along the channel axis. Here we describe
a theory for the distribution of label spacings that explains the heavy tails
observed in distributions of label spacings in genome mapping experiments.Comment: 18 pages, 4 figures, 1 tabl
Hairpins in the conformations of a confined polymer
If a semiflexible polymer confined to a narrow channel bends around by 180
degrees, the polymer is said to exhibit a hairpin. The equilibrium extension
statistics of the confined polymer are well understood when hairpins are
vanishingly rare or when they are plentiful. Here we analyze the extension
statistics in the intermediate situation via experiments with DNA coated by the
protein RecA, which enhances the stiffness of the DNA molecule by approximately
one order of magnitude. We find that the extension distribution is highly
non-Gaussian, in good agreement with Monte Carlo simulations of confined
discrete wormlike chains. We develop a simple model that qualitatively explains
the form of the extension distribution. The model shows that the tail of the
distribution at short extensions is determined by conformations with one
hairpin.Comment: Revised version. 22 pages, 7 figures, 2 tables, supplementary
materia
Photosynthetic reaction center as a quantum heat engine
Two seemingly unrelated effects attributed to quantum coherence have been reported recently in natural and artificial light-harvesting systems. First, an enhanced solar cell efficiency was predicted and second, population oscillations were measured in photosynthetic antennae excited by sequences of coherent ultrashort laser pulses. Because both systems operate as quantum heat engines (QHEs) that convert the solar photon energy to useful work (electric currents or chemical energy, respectively), the question arises whether coherence could also enhance the photosynthetic yield. Here, we show that both effects arise from the same population–coherence coupling term which is induced by noise, does not require coherent light, and will therefore work for incoherent excitation under natural conditions of solar excitation. Charge separation in light-harvesting complexes occurs in a pair of tightly coupled chlorophylls (the special pair) at the heart of photosynthetic reaction centers of both plants and bacteria. We show the analogy between the energy level schemes of the special pair and of the laser/photocell QHEs, and that both population oscillations and enhanced yield have a common origin and are expected to coexist for typical parameters. We predict an enhanced yield of 27% in a QHE motivated by the reaction center. This suggests nature-mimicking architectures for artificial solar energy devices
Free Boundary Poisson Bracket Algebra in Ashtekar's Formalism
We consider the algebra of spatial diffeomorphisms and gauge transformations
in the canonical formalism of General Relativity in the Ashtekar and ADM
variables. Modifying the Poisson bracket by including surface terms in
accordance with our previous proposal allows us to consider all local
functionals as differentiable. We show that closure of the algebra under
consideration can be achieved by choosing surface terms in the expressions for
the generators prior to imposing any boundary conditions. An essential point is
that the Poisson structure in the Ashtekar formalism differs from the canonical
one by boundary terms.Comment: 19 pages, Latex, amsfonts.sty, amssymb.st
Hierarchy of piecewise non-linear maps with non-ergodicity behavior
We study the dynamics of hierarchy of piecewise maps generated by
one-parameter families of trigonometric chaotic maps and one-parameter families
of elliptic chaotic maps of and types, in detail.
We calculate the Lyapunov exponent and Kolmogorov-Sinai entropy of the these
maps with respect to control parameter. Non-ergodicity of these piecewise maps
is proven analytically and investigated numerically . The invariant measure of
these maps which are not equal to one or zero, appears to be characteristic of
non-ergodicity behavior. A quantity of interest is the Kolmogorov-Sinai
entropy, where for these maps are smaller than the sum of positive Lyapunov
exponents and it confirms the non-ergodicity of the maps.Comment: 18 pages, 8 figure
Theory of Disordered Itinerant Ferromagnets I: Metallic Phase
A comprehensive theory for electronic transport in itinerant ferromagnets is
developed. We first show that the Q-field theory used previously to describe a
disordered Fermi liquid also has a saddle-point solution that describes a
ferromagnet in a disordered Stoner approximation. We calculate transport
coefficients and thermodynamic susceptibilities by expanding about the saddle
point to Gaussian order. At this level, the theory generalizes previous
RPA-type theories by including quenched disorder. We then study soft-mode
effects in the ferromagnetic state in a one-loop approximation. In
three-dimensions, we find that the spin waves induce a square-root frequency
dependence of the conductivity, but not of the density of states, that is
qualitatively the same as the usual weak-localization effect induced by the
diffusive soft modes. In contrast to the weak-localization anomaly, this effect
persists also at nonzero temperatures. In two-dimensions, however, the spin
waves do not lead to a logarithmic frequency dependence. This explains
experimental observations in thin ferromagnetic films, and it provides a basis
for the construction of a simple effective field theory for the transition from
a ferromagnetic metal to a ferromagnetic insulator.Comment: 15pp., REVTeX, 2 eps figs, final version as publishe
Environmental management decision-making in certified hotels
This paper analyses environmental decision-making against two axes, motivations and decision-making processes, to understand the reasons for pro-environmental behaviour by the managements of Spanish Eco-management and Audit Scheme (EMAS)-certified hotels. Mixed methods were used to study perceptions of EMAS and reasons for being certified, with current and lapsed EMAS-certified firms triangulated against expert interviews and documentary evidence. Four groups of hotels were differentiated: Strategic hotels (22%) (with high levels of integrated environmental management), Followers (48%), Greenwashers (11%) and Laggers (19%) (with low levels of integrated environmental management). Most hotels were found to be internally driven in their purpose and ad hoc in their decision-making, with limited understanding of externally driven benefits and motivation for more systematic management systems. This questions the success of EMAS as both a continuous improvement management and as a market-based regulation tool for hotels. Few hotels overall related high environmental standards to the possibilities of gaining market advantage: most wished to avoid legal challenges. The paper also illustrates the ways in which hotels opportunistically switch certification systems to get what they see as a better deal. © 2011 Taylor & Francis
Going to the exclusive show : exhibition strategies and moviegoing memories of Disneys animated feature films in Ghent (1937-1982)
This is a case study of the exploitation and experience of Disney's animated feature films from the 1930s to the 1980s in Ghent (Belgium). It is a historical study of programming practices and financial strategies which constructed childhood memories on watching Disney. The study is a contribution to a historical understanding of the implications of global distribution of film as cultural products and the counter pull of localism. Using a multi-method approach, the argument is made that the scarce screenings were strategically programmed to uplift the moviegoing experience into something out of the ordinary in everyday life. Programming and revenue data characterize the screenings as exclusive and generating high intakes. Consequently, the remembered screenings did not exhale an easy accessible social status nor an image of pervasiveness of popular childhood film, contradictory to conventional accounts of Disney's ubiquity in popular culture
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