Atomic force microscopic study on DNA-wrapping for different diameter single-wall carbon nanotubes

DNA-wrapped single-wall carbon nanotubes (DNA-SWNT hybrids) prepared from different diameter HiPco- and Arc-SWNTs were investigated by atomic force microscopy. The mean diameter of DNA-HiPco-SWNT hybrids is 1.94 nm that is consistent with one HiPco-SWNT (~ 0.9 nm) wrapped by DNA (~ 1 nm). On the other hand, the mean diameter of DNA-Arc-SWNT hybrids is 3.74 nm that can correspond to one Arc-SWNT (~ 1.4 nm) wrapped by several layers of DNA. It is suggested that the DNA-wrapping mechanism for large diameter Arc-SWNTs is different from that for small diameter HiPco-SWNTs.     

Performance Metrics for Information Security Risk Management

Qualitative methods are available for risk management, but better practice would use quantitative risk management based on expected losses and related metrics. Measuring the success of information security investments is best accomplished by measuring reductions in expected loss.     

Self-stabilizing somersaults

We investigate the open-loop stability of a planar biped robot performing a periodic motion of forward somersaults with alternating single-leg contacts. The robot has a trunk and two actuated telescopic legs with point feet which are coupled to the trunk by actuated hinges. There is compliance and damping in the hip and in the legs. The concept of open-loop control implies that all actuators of the system receive predetermined inputs that are never altered by any feedback interference. Only with the right choice of model parameters and actuator inputs is it possible to create such self-stabilizing motions exploiting the natural stability properties of the system. These unknowns have been determined using special-purpose stability-optimization methods. The resulting motion is not only stable, but also a more efficient form of forward motion than running for the investigated robot.     

Self-excitation and synchronization in a multibeam microwave generator with electron-oscillator flows

Self-excitation and radiation of a multibeam spatially distributed microwave generator with centrifugal electrostatic focusing are considered. The transition to equivalent self-oscillators with slowly varying amplitudes and phases is substantiated. Examples of the directivity patterns and level lines of the field radiated in the master-slave and mutual synchronization modes and observed in a given section are presented.     

Kinetic modelling of textural changes in ready-to-eat breakfast cereals during soaking in semi-skimmed milk

Summary Ready‐to‐eat breakfast cereals immersed in milk undergo undesirable changes in texture because of sudden moisture uptake. The textural changes are ascribable to a plasticizing effect of water, which modifies the mechanical strength of products by softening the starch/protein matrix. In this work, some textural parameters of different cereal flakes were derived from the force–displacement curves monitored during 300 s of immersion in milk. Hardness loss, deformability increment and changes in the force–displacement curve profile were calculated and plotted against soaking time. The application of a sugar coating process to a model cereal flake increased the initial product hardness and improved the preservation of the textural parameters during immersion. The Peleg model closely fitted the experimental data, with regression coefficients from 0.967 to 0.999.     

On the Use of the Flickermeter to Limit Low-Frequency Interharmonic Voltages

The possibility of using the IEC flickermeter for the assessment of the limits of low frequency interharmonic voltages is critically analyzed. The response of flickermeters to interharmonic components is analytically investigated, obtaining approximation formulas for the calculation of Pst in the presence of couples of components at frequencies that are symmetric with reference to the fundamental and in the presence of one or more single components. The instrument characteristics and limitations are also highlighted, using the results obtained from a numerical implementation of the IEC flickermeter. Finally, the general problem of the limits of low frequency interharmonic voltages is discussed and practical solutions are proposed.     

Stability of Periodically Unsteady Axisymmetric Jet

To date, the majority of studies on stability of axisymmetric jets have been completed under the assumption of steady mean flow. Yet, many of the natural and man-made flows that are modeled by these jets can have an inherent unsteadiness; the effects of which on the stability and transition have not been determined. Moreover, controlled unsteadiness can be used to control stability and possibly the transition to turbulence. In this note, the effects of periodic variations of the mean flow on the stability of axisymmetric jets are examined. The problem is treated analytically. The results show that the governing equations and dispersion relation for the unsteady jet can be reduced to those governing the steady jet with a time transformation. It is shown that the periodic variations in the mean flow cause amplitude and phase modulations of the unstable modes. The implications of the modulations on the subsequent transition stages are discussed.