6,066 research outputs found
The blocks of the Brauer algebra in characteristic zero
We determine the blocks of the Brauer algebra in characteristic zero. We also give information on the submodule structure of standard modules for this algebra
Domain wall switching: optimizing the energy landscape
It has recently been suggested that exchange spring media offer a way to
increase media density without causing thermal instability
(superparamagnetism), by using a hard and a soft layer coupled by exchange.
Victora has suggested a figure of merit xi = 2 E_b/mu_0 m_s H_sw, the ratio of
the energy barrier to that of a Stoner-Wohlfarth system with the same switching
field, which is 1 for a Stoner-Wohlfarth (coherently switching) particle and 2
for an optimal two-layer composite medium. A number of theoretical approaches
have been used for this problem (e.g., various numbers of coupled
Stoner-Wohlfarth layers and continuum micromagnetics). In this paper we show
that many of these approaches can be regarded as special cases or
approximations to a variational formulation of the problem, in which the energy
is minimized for fixed magnetization. The results can be easily visualized in
terms of a plot of the energy as a function of magnetic moment m_z, in which
both the switching field [the maximum slope of E(m_z)] and the stability
(determined by the energy barrier E_b) are geometrically visible. In this
formulation we can prove a rigorous limit on the figure of merit xi, which can
be no higher than 4. We also show that a quadratic anistropy suggested by Suess
et al comes very close to this limit.Comment: Acccepted for proceedings of Jan. 2007 MMM Meeting, paper BE-0
Two-Particle Schroedinger Equation Animations of Wavepacket-Wavepacket Scattering (revised)
A simple and explicit technique for the numerical solution of the
two-particle, time-dependent Schr\"{o}dinger equation is assembled and tested.
The technique can handle interparticle potentials that are arbitrary functions
of the coordinates of each particle, arbitrary initial and boundary conditions,
and multi-dimensional equations. Plots and animations are given here and on the
World Wide Web of the scattering of two wavepackets in one dimension.Comment: 13 pages, 8 figures, animations at
http://nacphy.physics.orst.edu/ComPhys/PACKETS
Exopolymeric substances (EPS) from Bacillus subtilis: polymers and genes encoding their synthesis
Bacterial exopolymeric substances (EPS) are molecules released in response to the physiological stress encountered in the natural environment. EPS are structural components of the extracellular matrix in which cells are embedded during biofilm development. The chemical nature and functions of these EPS are dependent on the genetic expression of the cells within each biofilm. Although some bacterial matrices have been characterized, understanding of the function of the EPS is relatively limited, particularly within the Bacillus genus. Similar gaps of knowledge exist with respect to the chemical composition and specific roles of the macromolecules secreted by Bacillus subtilis in its natural environment. In this review, the different EPS from B. subtilis were classified into four main functional categories: structural (neutral polymers), sorptive (charged polymers), surface-active and active polymers. In addition, current information regarding the genetic expression, production and function of the main polymers secreted by B. subtilis strains, particularly those related to biofilm formation and its architecture, has been compiled. Further characterization of these EPS from B. subtilis remains a challenge
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