Sequence‐Specific Molecular Lithography Towards DNA‐Templated Electronics

Recent advances in the realization of individual molecular‐scale devices [1,2] highlight the integration of individual devices into large‐scale functional circuits as the major challenge. DNA‐programmed assembly is a promising avenue in that direction due to the large amount of information that can be coded into the molecules and the ability to translate that information into physical constructs [3]. Large‐scale DNA‐templated electronics require, however, complex manipulation of double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) molecules, as well as patterning of the electrical properties instilled to them by, e.g., metallization. To that end, sequence‐specific molecular lithography on single DNA molecules has been developed [4]. This was achieved by harnessing the exquisite homologous recombination process of the RecA protein. Sequence‐specific patterning of the metal coating of DNA molecules, localization of arbitrary labeled molecular objects at any desired dsDNA address without prior modifications, and generation of molecularly accurate stable dsDNA‐dsDNA junctions are demonstrated. The information encoded in the DNA molecules directs the lithographic process in analogy to the masks used in conventional microelectronics. The RecA protein provides the assembling capabilities, as well as the resist function.     

Statistical model of an undermoded reverberation chamber

Weibull distribution is adopted to model the electric field component of a Reverberation Chamber (RC). Its first property is to include the asymptotic laws, such as Rayleigh and exponential, and its main advantage lies in the fact that the Weibull shape parameter enables a model of the departure from overmoded to undermoded RC regime. Applications are given, such as an RC modal finite element modeling and a Monte Carlo simulation: they prove that the Weibull two-parameter distribution correctly models the quality factor influence. Moreover, the relevance of the use of this extreme value distribution is illustrated.     

Determinants of health knowledge: An investigation of age, gender, abilities, personality, and interests.

Ten areas of health knowledge were investigated in 2 studies, 1 of college students (N=169) and 1 of adults from the community (ages 19-70; N=176). Measures assessed knowledge of aging, orthopedic/ dermatological concerns, common illnesses, childhood/early life, serious illnesses, mental health, nutrition, reproduction, safety, and treatment of illness/disease. Significant gender differences favoring women were found for most areas of health knowledge, especially reproduction and early life. Results showed that cognitive ability accounted for the most variance in health knowledge with nonability (personality and interest traits) and demographic variables accounting for smaller but significant amounts of variance across most knowledge domains. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Nonequilibrium nonstoichiometry in ionic compounds

Ionic substances under normal conditions are stoichiometric compounds with phase diagrams featuring no homogeneity regions. Crystals grown under nonequilibrium conditions, in particular, under significant centrifugal acceleration, are characterized by nonstoichiometric compositions (e.g., K_2−x Br_1.07). In this way, it is possible to obtain nonequilibrium nonstoichiometric ionic compounds possessing certain homogeneity regions. Nonstoichiometric crystals of KCl, KBr, and KI grown under various accelerations ranging within (1.3–100.0)×10³ g exhibit insignificant variations in the lattice constants and a significant increase in micro-hardness with acceleration.     

Linear and nonlinear methods for brain-computer interfaces

At the recent Second International Meeting on Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) held in June 2002 in Rensselaerville, NY, a formal debate was held on the pros and cons of linear and nonlinear methods in BCI research. Specific examples applying EEG data sets to linear and nonlinear methods are given and an overview of the various pros and cons of each approach is summarized. Overall, it was agreed that simplicity is generally best and, therefore, the use of linear methods is recommended wherever possible. It was also agreed that nonlinear methods in some applications can provide better results, particularly with complex and/or other very large data sets.     

Fuel‐Consumption‐Minimum‐Based Selection of the Regime of Heating of a Metal by the Main Optimization Method

Consideration is given to the solution of the problem of minimization of fuel consumption in heating a rectangular prism in a continuous furnace.     

Finite element simulation of the mechanics of flat contact pad fretting fatigue tests

An understanding into the macro kinetic and kinematic behaviour of fretted surfaces is provided. Making use of a modified version of a previously developed in‐house two‐dimensional elastic–plastic finite element analysis numerically simulates flat contact pad fretting fatigue tests. Basic macro mechanics concepts are adopted to idealise two bodies with rough contact surfaces and loaded at two different sites with arbitrary axial loading profiles. A time scale factor is devised to recognise the earliest candidate out of the events possibly accommodated at each loading increment. The present analysis utilises a relevant experimental set up developed in the Structural Integrity Research Institute of the University of Sheffield as an application. Computational results accurate to within 1.2% and corresponding to one contact pad span and six constant normal loads acting individually with four amplitudes of two sinusoidal axial load cycles are presented. The present computations include (1) the development of the global and local normal and tangential reactions and relative sliding displacement acting along the fretting surfaces and (2) contact pad deformation, generated stress fields and plasticity development within the neighbouring region of the fretted area.     

Mechanochemical modification of the phase diagrams of hexagonal oxide ferrimagnets

Mechanical activation and fine comminution of hexagonal oxide ferrimagnets by milling to a nanocrystalline state (ultradisperse powder), followed by sintering, leads to significant changes in the phase diagram, the temperature of synthesis, and the magnetic properties as compared to those of the materials obtained by traditional ceramic technology. The final material structure is formed through “chemical assembly”—sequential consolidation of nanodimensional particles (structure-forming blocks)—rather than through the formation of low-temperature phases and their decomposition with increasing temperature.     

Dissolution of U,Np, Pu,and Am Oxides and Their Mixtures in Tributyl Phosphate Saturated with HNO3

It was shown for the first time that weighable amounts of uranium dioxide and its mixtures with Np, Pu, and Am in the form of solid solutions can be efficiently and quantitatively dissolved in the presence of tributyl phosphate saturated with HNO₃. Individual PuO₂ and NpO₂ are not dissolved under these conditions. In treatment of a mechanical mixture of UO₂ with PuO₂ or NpO₂, uranium is completely dissolved, while plutonium and neptunium remain in the precipitate.