607 research outputs found
Dynamical Renormalization Group Study for a Class of Non-local Interface Equations
We provide a detailed Dynamic Renormalization Group study for a class of
stochastic equations that describe non-conserved interface growth mediated by
non-local interactions. We consider explicitly both the morphologically stable
case, and the less studied case in which pattern formation occurs, for which
flat surfaces are linearly unstable to periodic perturbations. We show that the
latter leads to non-trivial scaling behavior in an appropriate parameter range
when combined with the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) non-linearity, that
nevertheless does not correspond to the KPZ universality class. This novel
asymptotic behavior is characterized by two scaling laws that fix the critical
exponents to dimension-independent values, that agree with previous reports
from numerical simulations and experimental systems. We show that the precise
form of the linear stabilizing terms does not modify the hydrodynamic behavior
of these equations. One of the scaling laws, usually associated with Galilean
invariance, is shown to derive from a vertex cancellation that occurs (at least
to one loop order) for any choice of linear terms in the equation of motion and
is independent on the morphological stability of the surface, hence
generalizing this well-known property of the KPZ equation. Moreover, the
argument carries over to other systems like the Lai-Das Sarma-Villain equation,
in which vertex cancellation is known {\em not to} imply an associated symmetry
of the equation.Comment: 34 pages, 9 figures. Journal of Statistical Mechanics: Theory and
Experiments (in press
Analytical approximation for the sphere-sphere Coulomb potential
A simple analytical expression, which closely approximates the Coulomb
potential between two uniformly charged spheres, is presented. This expression
can be used in the optical potential semiclassical analyses which require that
the interaction be analytic on and near the real r-axis.Comment: 4 pages including 3 figures and 1 tabl
Refractive elastic scattering of carbon and oxygen nuclei: The mean field analysis and Airy structures
The experimental data on the OC and OC elastic
scatterings and their optical model analysis are presented. Detailed and
complete elastic angular distributions have been measured at the Strasbourg
Vivitron accelerator at several energies covering the energy range between 5
and 10 MeV per nucleon. The elastic scattering angular distributions show the
usual diffraction pattern and also, at larger angles, refractive effects in the
form of nuclear rainbow and associated Airy structures. The optical model
analysis unambiguously shows the evolution of the refractive scattering
pattern. The observed structure, namely the Airy minima, can be consistently
described by a nucleus-nucleus potential with a deep real part and a weakly
absorptive imaginary part. The difference in absorption in the two systems is
explained by an increased imaginary (mostly surface) part of the potential in
the OC system. The relation between the obtained potentials and
those reported for the symmetrical OO and CC
systems is drawn.Comment: 10 pages, 9 figures, Phys. rev. C in pres
Self-tuning of the cosmological constant
Here, I discuss the cosmological constant (CC) problems, in particular paying
attention to the vanishing cosmological constant. There are three cosmological
constant problems in particle physics. Hawking's idea of calculating the
probability amplitude for our Universe is peaked at CC = 0 which I try to
obtain after the initial inflationary period using a self-tuning model. I
review what has been discussed on the Hawking type calculation, and present a
(probably) correct way to calculate the amplitude, and show that the
Kim-Kyae-Lee self-tuning model allows a finite range of parameters for the CC =
0 to have a singularly large probability, approached from the AdS side.Comment: 12 pages with 8 figure
Secondary metabolites in xylella fastidiosa-plant interaction
During their evolutionary history, plants have evolved the ability to synthesize and accumulate small molecules known as secondary metabolites. These compounds are not essential in the primary cell functions but play a significant role in the plantsâ adaptation to environmental changes and in overcoming stress. Their high concentrations may contribute to the resistance of the plants to the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which has recently reâemerged as a plant pathogen of global importance. Although it is established in several areas globally and is considered one of the most dangerous plant pathogens, no cure has been developed due to the lack of effective bactericides and the difficulties in accessing the xylem vessels where the pathogen grows and produces cell aggregates and biofilm. This review highlights the role of secondary metabolites in the defense of the main economic hosts of X. fastidiosa and identifies how knowledge about biosynthetic pathways could improve our understanding of disease resistance. In addition, current developments in non-invasive techniques and strategies of combining molecular and physiological techniques are examined, in an attempt to identify new metabolic engineering options for plant defense
Chemically Induced Mismatch of Rings and Stations in [3]Rotaxanes
The mechanical interlocking of molecular components can lead to the appearance of novel and unconventional properties and processes, with potential relevance for applications in nanoscience, sensing, catalysis, and materials science. We describe a [3]rotaxane in which the number of recognition sites available on the axle component can be changed by acid-base inputs, encompassing cases in which this number is larger, equal to, or smaller than the number of interlocked macrocycles. These species exhibit very different properties and give rise to a unique network of acid-base reactions that leads to a fine pKa tuning of chemically equivalent acidic sites. The rotaxane where only one station is available for two rings exhibits a rich coconformational dynamics, unveiled by an integrated experimental and computational approach. In this compound, the two crown ethers compete for the sole recognition site, but can also come together to share it, driven by the need to minimize free energy without evident inter-ring interactions
Polymeric micelles in drug delivery: An insight of the techniques for their characterization and assessment in biorelevant conditions
Polymeric micelles, i.e. aggregation colloids formed in solution by self-assembling of amphiphilic polymers, represent an innovative tool to overcome several issues related to drug administration, from the low water-solubility to the poor drug permeability across biological barriers. With respect to other nanocarriers, polymeric micelles generally display smaller size, easier preparation and sterilization processes, and good solubilization properties, unfortunately associated with a lower stability in biological fluids and a more complicated characterization. Particularly challenging is the study of their interaction with the biological environment, essential to predict the real in vivo behavior after administration. In this review, after a general presentation on micelles features and properties, different characterization techniques are discussed, from the ones used for the determination of micelles basic characteristics (critical micellar concentration, size, surface charge, morphology) to the more complex approaches used to figure out micelles kinetic stability, drug release and behavior in the presence of biological substrates (fluids, cells and tissues). The techniques presented (such as dynamic light scattering, AFM, cryo-TEM, X-ray scattering, FRET, symmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) and density ultracentrifugation), each one with their own advantages and limitations, can be combined to achieve a deeper comprehension of polymeric micelles in vivo behavior. The set-up and validation of adequate methods for micelles description represent the essential starting point for their development and clinical success
Effect of moderate hydrostatic pressure on crystallization of palm kernel stearin-sunflower oil model systems
Lipid crystallization under moderate hydrostatic pressure treatments (200 MPa, 20 °C, 1â24 h) was studied in palm kernel stearin (PS 100%) and its blends with sunflower oil (PS 80, 90 % w/w). Hyperbarically-crystallized samples exhibited significantly higher firmness, elastic modulus and critical stress values as compared to those of the samples crystallized at atmospheric pressure. These data indicate that moderate hydrostatic pressure favored the formation of a higher amount of small palm kernel stearin crystals as compared to those formed at atmospheric pressure. Pressurization did not affect fat polymorphism, but was able to enhance nucleation instead of crystal growth. This work clearly demonstrated the efficacy of moderate hydrostatic pressure in steering lipid crystallization, opening interesting possible applications of high-pressure processing technology in the fat manufacturing sector
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